A female teacher died on Thursday (February 12, 2026) in southern Thailand's Hat Yai district after a gunman opened fire at a school where she worked, the provincial administration said on social media. A 17-year-old used a firearm stolen from a police officer to shoot the teacher
Charlie Puth and his wife Brooke announced pregnancy on instagram. The couple shared pictures from a heartfelt maternity shoot. Washington: Singer Charlie Puth and his wife Brooke Puth are counting down to parenthood. The couple shared pictures from a heartfelt maternity shoot on Instagram
MG Majestor: JSW MG Motor India today unveiled its all-new Majestor SUV at an event in Gurugram. Pre-bookings open today at a token amount of Rs 41,000. MG Majestor: JSW MG Motor India today unveiled its all-new Majestor SUV at an event in Gurugram
Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on messaging apps. Meta-owned WhatsApp said the move aimed to push more than 100 million of its app users in Russia to a "state-owned surveillance app". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC that the
The State of Tamil Nadu is establishing “knowledge city” in Chennai’s northern outskirts with industry encircling the framework and universities and research at its center, not the other way around. Tamil Nadu Knowledge City (TNKC), if successful
Orange economy enters formal education as Budget backs large-scale AVGC training in schools and colleges
Orange economy enters formal education as Budget backs large-scale AVGC training in schools and colleges Premium
Presenting the Union Budget in Parliament on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a push to strengthen India’s orange economy by integrating creative skills into the education system. Citing the rapid expansion of the animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector projected to require nearly two million professionals by 2030.
As part of this effort, the government plans to set up content creation labs in around 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. These labs are meant to provide students with hands-on exposure to AVGC-related tools and workflows rather than treating content creation as an extracurricular activity.
Support for setting up these labs will be extended through Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, which will help design infrastructure, curriculum frameworks, and training modules.
Welcoming the move, Professor Raja Ravi Chandra Prasad Kanakamedala, an Unreal Authorised Instructor, with over a decade of experience in game development, said, the announcement marks an important recognition of creative industries within formal education. “For long, art and media have existed outside mainstream career pathways. This is a step towards acknowledging them as viable alternatives to engineering and medicine within schools,” he said.
Globally, AVGC industries as well as digital storytelling have expanded rapidly with the rise of streaming platforms, social media, mobile gaming, and digital entertainment. In India, now it is increasingly being positioned as a strategic industry, for large-scale job creation and global competitiveness.
Speaking to The Hindu, Professor Sandesh Deepak Pawar, Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, with over 19 years of experience in animation, visual effects, and game art, said, “Once there is clarity on the proper streamlining of the programme, something that is still being discussed in internal meetings with departments in Delhi; we will be able to speak in detail on this aspect.”
Prof. Raja highlighted the infrastructural requirements and said that AVGC labs would need high-configuration computers capable of handling tools and software used for visual effects and animation. “Setting up such labs would also require personnel who at least know how to operate and manage these systems,” he said.
He added that India’s content industry is expanding rapidly and has begun to establish a global presence, particularly in gaming and visual effects, with several ambitious studios operating in the space. However, the pool of skilled professionals remains limited. Against this backdrop, he said the government’s decision to introduce AVGC skills at the school level could help build a stronger talent pipeline and open up clearer career pathways for students. “There is no need to fear while choosing this field as a career option.”
One of the key questions surrounding the rollout is staffing; Professor Raja spoke about the possibilities of the structure ‘labs’ and feasibility of infrastructure and manpower in schools. As per the proposed framework, instructors may not necessarily follow traditional subject-teaching pathways. Instead, teachers are expected to be drawn from a mix of trained educators and industry professionals, depending on availability.
“We are still figuring out who will teach these courses, whether it will be school teachers or industry professionals and how the training will be structured….professionals from the industry can be brought in as trainers. A lab, per se, cannot be treated as a subject. Instead, it can function through activities, webinars, excursions, and project-based work, without the need for a subject framework or an expert to be present at all times,” Raja said.
Mustafa who has 12 years of experience in the field said, “There needs to be some clarity on whether the government is also looking at new teaching vacancies specific to AVGC subjects, or short-term training and re-skilling programmes for existing teachers. There should be a structure etched in policy documents or guidelines released to clearly define eligibility criteria for appointments. There should be standardised lab structures and equipment norms to ensure uniformity”.
Speaking on infrastructure requirements, Mr. Mustafa said that computer systems capable of handling visual effects software typically cost between ₹1.25 lakh and ₹2 lakh per unit, and would require adequate security to prevent theft, regardless of whether the institution is public or private. He added that such labs would also need a full-time operator trained in the relevant software.
Prof. Sandesh Deepak Pawar of IICT, Mumbai, said discussions on the framework were still ongoing and that more clarity would emerge once the programme is formally streamlined.
These labs are expected to focus on practical training, allowing students to work directly with animation software, basic visual effects tools, game design platforms and digital storytelling formats.
Prof. Raja and Prof. Sandesh, said that the field was not recognised 15 years ago and there was an ambiguity around the profession with no specified courses and training. It was and and still is a mix of courses and skills that lands a person in a specification after a while.
Sharing his own journey, Prof. Raja said that when he was a student in Hyderabad, formal courses in game development and animation were not available. Though he pursued electrical engineering, his interest lay in game development. “I eventually found a professor working in this field and learned skills alongside completing my degree,” he said, adding that he had to combine learning from different disciplines while still securing a formal qualification.
Reflecting on generational change, Prof. Sandesh said that when he was choosing a career, the range of options available today simply did not exist. “There were neither so many specialised courses nor the kind of start-up ecosystem we see now,” he said.
According to government estimates, the AVGC sector could generate nearly two million jobs by 2030, with a significant portion coming from new-age digital roles that did not exist a decade ago. The broader aim is to strengthen India’s international competitiveness.
Offering a more cautious perspective, Mr. Mustafa pointed out that although skilled video game developers exist globally, many have been rendered unemployed following layoffs. He said the industry has also been affected by changing consumption patterns, including the dominance of short-form social media and reel-based content.
At the same time, he noted that studios in Mumbai and Hyderabad regularly execute visual effects work for international films at relatively low costs. “If such work can be done in Indian cities, there is no reason why our own industry cannot flourish by producing more content in-house,” he said. A stronger domestic ecosystem, he added, would require a larger and better-trained talent pool.
Speaking about career prospects, Mr. Mustafa said India still has a relatively small market for video game development companies compared to software services firms. “There are already instances where over 100 applicants compete for a single game development role,” he said, pointing to the mismatch between aspirations and available opportunities. However, he added that with the right skills, students and existing professionals could also explore independent production and entrepreneurial ventures.
(Mantasha Ahmed is an independent journalist based in Indore with five years of experience. She reports on the critical intersections of education, civil rights, social issues, and culture.)
(Sign up for THEdge, The Hindu’s weekly education newsletter.)
Published - February 10, 2026 07:19 pm IST
education / careers / employment / gaming and lottery
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Man wearing burqa enters local train's ladies' coach Krrish 4 delayed over Rs 500 crore vs Rs 350 crore budget conflict between Hrithik Roshan and Aditya Chopra – report Sattva Group enters Mumbai market with ₹11 How an education activist made over two million girls return to school in more than 30 Education Ministry's Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 Scheduled For February 12-13 Vocational Education Now Mandatory In UP Schools Seychelles backs open Indo-Pacific Deloitte to unveil fully India-developed AI platform that offers scale Rajya Sabha Budget debate Education Ministry To Launch IIT Madras
New Delhi, Feb 12 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Thursday permitted AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to withdraw his petition challenging the summonses issued to him by the ED in connection with its probe into an excise policy-linked money laundering case
1 minutes ago
The next time you book your air tickets or ask your travel agents to do so, providing your valid mobile number and email ID is mandatory to proceed with the booking, and airlines will conduct periodic checks to check the authenticity of passenger contact information
1 minutes ago
Valentine’s Day celebrations are evolving. For many young couples today, especially Gen Z, the occasion is no longer defined by extravagant dinners or grand gestures. Instead, the focus has shifted toward meaningful, intimate experiences, shared moments at home, thoughtful conversations
1 minutes ago
Sensex closed at 83,674.92 points, down 558.72 points or 0.66 per cent, while Nifty closed at 25,807.20 points, down 146.65 points or 0.57 per cent. New Delhi: Indian stock indices dipped Thursday, weighed down by a nosedive in IT counters, with analysts attributing it to mounting concerns over
1 minutes ago
A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report has flagged continued activity by South Asia-based jihadist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), despite years of sanctions, financial curbs and international pressure. The Thirty-Seventh Report submitted to the UNSC on February 4
1 minutes ago
Namibia will host the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup games. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is credited for the construction of a new stadium. Cricket Namibia president Rudie van Vuuren praised Shah for empowering associate nations and improving cricket infrastructure
1 minutes ago
Votes are being counted in Bangladesh after its first election since student-led protests ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. More than 2,000 candidates are vying for 350 seats in parliament, though none from the banned Awami League of Hasina
1 minutes ago
Commuting in Mumbai largely depends on one single mode of transport: trains. But the type of train is what makes the difference. Some people prefer the Metro for its comfort and air-conditioned coaches while others rely on local trains, often called the lifeline of the financial capital
1 minutes ago
Minneapolis, Feb 12 (AP) The immigration crackdown in Minnesota that led to mass detentions, protests and two deaths is coming to an end, border czar Tom Homan said Thursday. “As a result of our efforts here Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals
1 minutes ago
Rahul Gandhi has declared he will continue to advocate for farmers. This comes amid reports of a potential privilege motion against him. Gandhi stated he will fight for farmers regardless of any legal action. He criticized trade deals he believes harm farmers and food security
1 minutes ago
Shillong Teer Result Tuesday 12.02.2026: On February 11 the first and second round Shillong Teer numbers will be announced on 4 PM. The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association runs Shillong Teer, a one-of-a-kind lottery game centered on archery, scroll down for the result update
1 minutes ago
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi will convene globally recognised leaders including Prof. Yoshua Bengio, Founder & Chair, Mila Institute; Prativa Mohapatra, Managing Director, Adobe India; Alexandr Wang, Chief AI Officer, Meta; and Aparna Bawa, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Zoom
1 minutes ago
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych’s battle against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ends in defeat. The IOC has officially disqualified Heraskevych from the ongoing 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics for his act of wearing a helmet bearing images of Ukrainian athletes killed
1 minutes ago
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 reported consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at ₹6,603 crore, which grew by 121% Year on Year (YoY) primarily driven by one-off positive impact arising from Ice Cream demerger accounted for in accordance with the approved scheme
1 minutes ago
2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Toyota, the Japanese car manufacturer, recently revealed the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV. This marks the debut of the brand’s first-ever all-electric 7-seater SUV. The all-electric Highlander will be manufactured at the brand’s Kentucky-based facility in the US
1 minutes ago
Actor Rajpal Yadav’s legal representative, Bhaskar Upadhyay, has said that half the amount in the financial insolvency case of the actor has been paid off. The lawyer has said that they had sought adjournment of the hearing on Thursday because the bail they have filed is answerable to the other
1 minutes ago
The long-standing craze among Indian students to study abroad has begun to wane, as evidenced by recent statistics presented by the central government in the Parliament. Over the past three years, there has been a significant drop in the number of Indian students seeking higher education overseas
1 minutes ago
Lava Yuva Star 3 is now official. Lava has expanded its entry-level Android smartphone lineup with the launch of Lava Yuva Star 3. The company claims that the Lava Yuva Star 3 is a stylish and durable smartphone which is designed for first-time smartphone users
1 minutes ago
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday shared a video from inside the Chamber of the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that a large group of Congress MPs abused him and threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the face-off between the Opposition and the government in Parliament on
1 minutes ago
Bangladesh election: Bangladesh is voting today, almost close to two years after the exit of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. In many ways, this Bangladesh election is unlike the previous polls that the country has seen. From the absence of its tall women leaders to newer alliances and the rise
1 minutes ago
Voting in Bangladesh’s national election was held on Thursday, the first since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted following widespread protests in 2024. A turnout of 47.9% was recorded till 2 pm, The Daily Star quoted the country’s Election Commission as saying
1 minutes ago
China has stepped up efforts to consolidate its monopoly over rare earth metals to counter the United States move to form an international alliance with over 50 nations, including India, to secure the supply chains of the precious metals to reduce reliance on Beijing.Early this week
1 minutes ago
If you’re planning to file your 2025 federal tax return, mark your calendar, the deadline this year is April 15. This date officially wraps up the 2026 tax filing season in the United States and is widely known as Tax Day. New Delhi: As the 2026 tax filing season gets underway
1 minutes ago
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey said that he has submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha to initiate proceedings for cancelling Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s membership of the Lower House. He alleged that Gandhi was “fomenting public sentiments” in Parliament through foreign
1 minutes ago
Many people tend to ignore health issues they consider minor because they do not feel urgent or serious enough. However, overlooking such symptoms can lead to individuals living with urinary problems without realising they may signal a more serious underlying condition
1 minutes ago
A timely response and awareness of early warning signs can save lives and prevent lifelong disability in cases of brain stroke, a senior neurologist has said, urging people to remember the simple ‘BE FAST’ formula in emergencies. Speaking to News18
1 minutes ago
The 70th Filmfare Awards South nominations for 2024 have been announced, celebrating top talent across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. New Delhi: The nominations for the 70th Filmfare Awards South have been officially announced, honouring the best films from Telugu, Tamil
1 minutes ago
