Ashwini Vaishnaw launches National AI Skilling, MyWAV & DD Free Dish EPG initiatives

Key facts

• Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ashwwa Vaishnaw unveiled three inter-linked measures to boost India’s media and creative economy.
• National AI Skilling initiative, implemented by Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) with Google and YouTube, will train 15,000 youths at zero fee.
• Phase-I of the AI programme runs 23 March-30 June 2026, covering Google Career Certificates and Cloud Generative AI paths; completion is mandatory for Phase-II.
• Phase-II (July-December 2026) offers advanced, project-based specialisation for the creative industry using Gemini 3, Nano Banana, Veo and Vertex AI tools.
• MyWAVES, a citizen-creator platform on WAVES OTT, enables users to create, upload and share content and is positioned to strengthen the digital ecosystem.
• Advanced Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and in-built satellite tuners in TV sets expand DD Free Dish access without set-top boxes, improving reach in remote areas.
• All three initiatives aim to build capabilities, widen opportunities and ensure access to content, supporting the ‘Orange Economy’ as highlighted in the Union Budget.
• Gunjan Soni, Managing Director, YouTube India, stated the partnership seeks to make India a global hub for digital content and innovation.