Can creativity become India’s next economic powerhouse?

Economy

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched three transformative initiatives:

• National AI Skilling Initiative
• MyWAVES Platform
• Advanced EPG with In-built Satellite Tuners

These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s Orange Economy, build a future-ready workforce, and democratize digital access across India.

This move is part of India’s strategy to become a global hub for digital content, innovation, and creative industries.

BACKGROUND

What is the Orange Economy?

Orange Economy, also called Creative Economy, refers to an economic model based on creativity, intellectual property, and cultural content rather than traditional manufacturing.

Key Features

• Value created from ideas and creativity
• Focus on digital content and storytelling
• Growth driven by technology and innovation

Key Sectors of Orange Economy

The Orange Economy includes:

• AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality)
• Film Industry
• Music Industry
• Fashion & Design
• Advertising
• Performing Arts
• Cultural Tourism
• Digital Content Creation

Economic Importance

Global

• Accounts for 3% of global GDP
• Generates 30 million jobs worldwide

India

• Entertainment & Media revenue:
  • USD 35.3 billion (2025)
  • USD 47.2 billion (2029 projection)

This highlights rapid growth potential.

NEWS BREAKDOWN

1. National AI Skilling Initiative

About

A Public-Private Partnership between:

• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Google
• YouTube

Objective:

• Train 15,000 professionals
• Focus on AVGC Sector

Implemented by:

• Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai

Phase-wise Implementation

Phase I (March–June 2026)

Focus:

• Foundational AI learning

Training Includes:

• Google Career Certificates
• Generative AI basics
• Prompt engineering
• AI leadership

Phase II (July–December 2026)

Focus:

• Advanced project-based training

Tools Used:

• Gemini 3
• Nano Banana
• Veo
• Vertex AI

Goal:

• Master Digital Storytelling
• Build Industry-ready professionals

2. MyWAVES Platform

What is MyWAVES?

A new feature on WAVES OTT platform.

Purpose:

• Convert viewers into creators
• Promote User Generated Content (UGC)

Key Features

• Multi-language content support
• Regional storytelling
• Creator-driven ecosystem

Create in India Challenge (CIC)

MyWAVES aligns with Create in India Challenge

Competitions include:

• Anime Challenge
• AI Film Making
• Comics Creator Championship
• Truth Tell Hackathon (Combat misinformation)
• XR Creator Hackathon

Goal:

• Promote India’s creator economy
• Encourage local storytelling

3. Advanced EPG with In-built Satellite Tuners

What is EPG?

EPG (Electronic Program Guide)

Definition:

A digital system that shows:

• TV channels
• Program schedules
• Broadcast information

Key Feature

In-built satellite tuner in TV

Benefits:

• Access DD Free Dish directly
• No need for set-top box
• Reduce hardware costs
• Improve rural connectivity

Importance

This initiative:

• Improves digital inclusion
• Expands public broadcasting reach
• Supports remote area connectivity

Budget 2026–27 Additional Push

Government announced:

• AVGC Content Creator Labs
• 15,000 Schools
• 500 Colleges

Target:

• 2 million professionals by 2030

Why This Matters for India

Employment Generation

• High growth digital jobs
• Youth-focused employment

Digital Economy Expansion

• AI-driven creative industries
• Global content production

Cultural Soft Power

• Regional storytelling
• Indian language content

PRELIMS FOCUS

Key Facts

• Orange Economy = Creative Economy
• AVGC-XR = Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality
• IICT = Indian Institute of Creative Technologies
• MyWAVES = Creator-driven OTT platform
• DD Free Dish = Free satellite TV service
• 15,000 professionals training (AI Initiative)
• 2 million workforce target by 2030
• 15,000 schools + 500 colleges labs

CONCLUSION / WAY FORWARD

Strengthening the Orange Economy can generate jobs, enhance cultural influence, and position India as a global leader in digital creativity.

PRELIMS CHECK

Question 1

With reference to Orange Economy, consider the following statements:

1. It is based primarily on intellectual property and creativity
2. It includes sectors such as animation and gaming
3. It depends mainly on natural resources

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Consider the following initiatives:

1. National AI Skilling Initiative
2. MyWAVES Platform
3. Advanced EPG with in-built satellite tuner

These initiatives aim to promote:

A. Manufacturing sector
B. Orange Economy
C. Agriculture sector
D. Defence industry

Question 3

Which of the following sectors belong to Orange Economy?

1. Animation
2. Gaming
3. Cultural tourism
4. Mining

Select correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATION

Answers:

1 — A
2 — B
3 — B

Explanation

Question 1

• Orange economy based on creativity
• Not dependent on natural resources

Question 2

• All three initiatives promote creative economy

Question 3

• Mining is not part of creative economy

“Creativity is the currency of the future — nations that invest in ideas today will lead the world tomorrow.”