📻 The 2026 Theme: AI as a Tool, Not a Voice
Observed annually on February 13 to commemorate the establishment of UN Radio in 1946, World Radio Day celebrates the medium's ability to reach the widest audience globally. The 2026 theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice,” strikes a critical balance.
It acknowledges AI's role in improving workflows—such as archiving, translation, and audience analytics—while firmly asserting that the core of radio (editorial judgment, human connection, and credibility) cannot be automated.
📡 All India Radio (Akashvani): The Backbone
Functioning under the motto “Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya,” All India Radio (AIR) remains one of the world's largest public broadcasters.
AIR employs a mix of Medium Wave (MW), Short Wave (SW), and FM to ensure that even remote areas without internet access receive vital information, as seen during Cyclone Fani and the COVID-19 pandemic.
🤝 Community & Army Radio Initiatives
Community Radio (CR) acts as the third tier of broadcasting, focusing on hyper-local issues. India currently has 528 operational Community Radio Stations.
- Radio Sangam (88.8 FM): Launched in Jan 2026 in Rajouri (J&K) to counter propaganda along the LoC.
- Ibex Tarana (88.4 FM): Launched in June 2025 in Jyotirmath (Uttarakhand) for disaster preparedness.
Private FM Expansion: To complement public efforts, the Cabinet approved 730 new FM channels in 234 cities in August 2024, aiming to boost local content.
🏆 The 'Radio Man' of India
In a remarkable cultural contribution, Ram Singh Bouddh from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2025.
- Title: Radio Man of India
- Record: Largest collection of radios (1,257 unique sets).
- Significance: His museum preserves the technological evolution of radio receivers in India, from bulky wooden sets to modern transistors.
📝 Prelims Practice Quiz
Q1. What is the theme for World Radio Day 2026?
- A) Radio: A Century of Informing
- B) Radio and Peace
- C) Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice
- D) Diversity and Radio
Answer: C
Q2. Who inaugurated India’s first Community Radio Station in 2004?
- A) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
- B) Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- C) Shri Lal Krishna Advani
- D) Smt. Sushma Swaraj
Answer: C
Q3. Which new Army Radio station was launched along the Line of Control (LoC) in January 2026?
- A) Radio Chinar
- B) Radio Sangam 88.8 FM
- C) Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM
- D) Radio Raabta
Answer: B
Q4. Ram Singh Bouddh, recently seen in the news for a Guinness World Record, is known for:
- A) Longest continuous radio broadcast.
- B) Largest collection of radio sets.
- C) Most languages spoken on air.
- D) Oldest active radio jockey.
Answer: B
Q5. The 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, hosted by the Prime Minister, was first launched in which year?
- A) 2014
- B) 2015
- C) 2016
- D) 2019
Answer: A (October 3, 2014)
PIB Headquarters
