BBC to launch new Indian services

International Desk: The BBC World Service is to begin broadcasting in four new Indian languages.

The launch is part of the World Service's biggest expansion since the 1940s, following a government funding boost announced in 2016.

BBC World Service is now available in 40 languages, including English.

The new Indian languages - Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Punjabi - are among 11 new services launched under the 2020 project.

The new websites will be launched later on Monday.

Here are a few interesting facts about the four regions where these languages are predominantly spoken:

Language: Marathi, spoken by an estimated 73 million people

Located in: Western India

Language: Gujarati, spoken by 50 million people

Located in: Western India

Language: Telugu, spoken by 75 million people

Located in: Southern India

Source: BBC



risingbd/Oct 2, 2017/Mukul