LUCKNOW, July 16 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that the skilled youth are the backbone of a self-reliant India and that the double-engine government is committed to providing jobs and self-employment opportunities to them. He also stressed the importance of equipping them with cutting-edge skills such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy. Yogi expressed these views while inaugurating a two-day skill fair and exhibition marking the World Youth Skills Day at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, said a press note from the state government media cell. It stated that the event showcased the talents of the youth from all 75 districts of UP who are undergoing training at various skill development centres across the state. Extending his best wishes to the youth, the CM highlighted that UP, being the most populous state in the country with a working-age population comprising 56 to 60 percent of its 25 crore residents, holds immense potential. He said the state government is making continuous efforts to match the youth talent with suitable employment opportunities. Yogi lauded the participation of public representatives, industry leaders, and trainees who are shaping the future of a skilled UP. The CM said this year's theme - "Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills"-is particularly significant for the state as it aligns with the government's broader vision of steering the youth toward a tech-driven future. P5...