The beeb announced that its World Service programmes in Hindi and English will now be available to Indian listeners on 576 KHz medium wave, daily from 10 pm to 11:30 pm.

The transmissions will cover North West Bihar and a large area of Uttar Pradesh. BBC Hindi head Achala Sharma welcomed the launch of an additional medium wave frequency for the late evening Hindi programme Aajkal. This is broadcast daily from 10.30 pm to 11 pm.

She added, "During the BBC Hindi service's recent roadshow across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh our listeners voiced the need for better reception. I am glad that we have been able to take a step in this direction.

" I hope that this new strong signal will give our audiences a better listening option and further expand our presence on the Indian airwaves."

As a part of BBC World Service, BBC Hindi benefits from an international network of 50 bureaux and 250 specialist correspondents. BBC Hindi broadcasts four times a day at 6.30 am, 8 am, 7.30 pm and 10.30 pm. It is available on short wave and medium wave radio transmitters and through cable television.