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. Akashavani (AIR) is an integral part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India).
2. The new name of IBC is All India Radio(AIR).
3. The ‘Vividh Bharati’ programmes are broadcasted in 24 regional languages and 146 dialects of the Indian languages.
4. The All India Radio was named as ‘Akashvani’ on the basis of the suggestion given by the famous poet Pandit Narendra Sharma. It was renamed as Akashvani in 1957.