(1) Akashavani (AIR) is an integral part of which ministry? (2) What was the new name of IBC?

Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions.

Radio: ‘Indian Broadcasting Company’ (IBC), a private radio company was the first one to broadcast daily programmes. Later the same company was taken over by the British Government and named as, ‘Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS). On 8th June 1936 it was renamed, as ‘All India Radio (AIR)’.

After Independence, AIR became an integral part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India). Initially, it broadcasted Governmental programmes and schemes. It was named as ‘Akashvani’ on the suggestion of the famous poet Pandit Narendra Sharma. Akashvani broadcasts various entertainment, awareness creating and literary programmes. It also broadcasts special programmes for farmers, workers, the youth and women. The ‘Vividh Bharati’ programmes are broadcasted in 24 regional languages as well as 146 dialects of Indian languages. Lately, various new channels like ‘Radio Mirchi’ are providing radio services.

(1) Akashavani (AIR) is an integral part of which ministry?

(2) What was the new name of IBC?

(3) In how many regional languages and local dialects are ‘Vividh Bharati’ programmes broadcasted?

(4) How AIR was named ‘Akashavani’?

Answer 1

(1) 1. Indian Broadcasting Company, a private radio company was taken over by the British Government in 1927 and named ‘Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS)’. On 8th June 1936, it was renamed as ‘All India Radio (AIR)’. 

2. AIR became integral part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after independence. It was renamed Akashvani on the suggestion of Pandit Narendra Sharma. 

3. Initially it used to broadcast Government’s programmes and schemes. Later it started broadcasting various entertainment, awareness creating and literary programmes. 

4. Akashvani started ‘Vividh Bharati1 programmes. It broadcasts special programmes for farmers, workers, the youth and women. 5. Vividh Bharati Programmes are broadcast in 24 regional languages and 146 dialects.

(2) Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was taken over by the British Government. It was named as the Indian State Broadcasting Services. (ISBS). On 8th June 1936, it was renamed as ‘All India Radio’ (AIR).

(3) People get access to news through social media like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and from web news portals, web channels. This information is available in English and many other languages.

(4) AIR was named as Akashvani on the suggestion of the famous poet Pandit Narendra Sharma.