As India's defence forces opened the recruitment drive for the 'Agnipath' scheme, the Indian Air Force(IAF) said it has received 56,960 applications until Sunday.

Agnipath: IAF receives over 56,000 applications; Congress continues protests

Agnipath protest: Similar military recruitment scheme followed by other countries- See pics

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states.

Rahul Gandhi appeals Congress workers to not celebrate his birthday amid Agnipath protests

The Indian government has tweaked the Agneepath scheme following massive protests all across the country. After completion of the four-year service tenure, there will be 10 per cent reservations for the ‘Agniveers’ in central government jobs.

Agneepath scheme protest: Indian government introduces four big changes in recruitment process