Centre launches AI skilling drive with Google, YouTube, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The National AI Skilling Initiative was launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in partnership with Google and YouTube through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT).
• MyWAVES, a citizen creator platform on WAVES OTT, was also launched to empower content creators.
• Advanced Electronic Programme Guide and in-built satellite tuners in television sets were rolled out to enhance access to DD Free Dish services.
• The AI skilling program aims to train 15,000 youth free of charge and will be conducted in two phases from March 23 to December 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The initiatives aim to strengthen India’s media, broadcasting, and digital sector and promote the "orange economy", which includes industries where economic value is generated primarily from creativity, culture, technology, and intellectual property.
• The National AI Skilling Initiative will equip creators and professionals with the skills required to master AI tools, tell compelling stories, and expand their reach to new audiences.
• Phase I of the AI skilling program focuses on foundational AI learning through Google Career Certificates and Google Cloud Generative AI learning paths, while Phase II involves advanced, project-based specialization for the creative industry.
• The government is committed to promoting the "orange economy" and supporting the creative sector, urging content creators to use Doordarshan and platforms such as MyWAVES to showcase India’s rich culture and regional diversity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Orange Economy: Industries where economic value is generated primarily from creativity, culture, technology, and intellectual property.
• AI (Artificial Intelligence): The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems.
• OTT (Over-The-Top): A service that delivers film and TV content via the internet, without requiring users to subscribe to a traditional cable or satellite pay-TV service.