> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.upscprep.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # India Elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board (2025) – Explained - URL: https://www.upscprep.com/india-elected-chairman-of-aibd-executive-board-2025-explained/ - Published: 2025-08-24T14:56:46.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-24T14:56:46.000Z - Description: Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development - Author: UPSCprep.com - Tags: Current Affairs, #show-toc ## Context: What Happened? India was elected as the **Chairman of the Executive Board** of the **Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)** during the **23rd AIBD General Conference**, held from **August 19–21, 2025,** in **Phuket, Thailand**. - **India last held this position in 2016** - Currently also serving as **President of AIBD General Conference (2018–2023)** - **Prasar Bharati** is the representative body of India at AIBD ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/08/image-2-1.png) ## What is AIBD? The **Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)** is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in **August 1977** under the auspices of **UNESCO**, aimed at promoting electronic media development across **UN-ESCAP** member nations. It serves as a platform to: - Shape **mass media policy** - Foster **inter-regional cooperation** - Promote **regional programming** aligned with Asia-Pacific values - Support **national media development**, human resource training, and consultative support --- ## About AIBD – Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development | Feature | Details | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Established** | August 1977 | | **Hosted by** | Government of **Malaysia** | | **Headquarters** | **Kuala Lumpur**, Malaysia | | **Founding Bodies** | UNESCO, UNDP, ITU (non-voting members) | | **Membership** | 26 Full Member Countries (49 organisations) 38 Affiliate Members (organisations) | | **Region Served** | Countries of the **UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP)** | | **India’s Nodal Agency** | **Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**, via **Prasar Bharati** | --- ## Mandate and Functions of AIBD AIBD aims to **build a vibrant electronic media ecosystem** in Asia-Pacific by: 1. **Mass Media Policy**: Acts as a think-tank and reference hub 2. **Capacity Building**: Offers training, HR development & consultative support 3. **Regional Cooperation**: Promotes value-based programming and collaboration 4. **Digital Transformation**: Helps members adapt to IT and broadcasting innovation 5. **Inter-Governmental Coordination**: Links broadcasters with NGOs, academia, governments, and private players > 💬 *"AIBD is a window to the world for Asia-Pacific broadcasters."* --- ## India's Role: From Founder to Front-Runner - **India is a founding member** of AIBD. - **Prasar Bharati**, India’s public service broadcaster, represents India at AIBD under the **Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**. - India held the **Chairman** position of the AIBD Executive Board previously in **2016** and has now been elected again during the **23rd General Conference** (Phuket, Thailand, Aug 19–21, 2025). - India also holds the **Presidency of the AIBD General Conference**, having served **two consecutive terms** (2018–2021 and 2021–2023). --- ## Significance for India | Dimension | Value | | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Soft Power** | Enhances India's leadership in **media diplomacy** | | **Digital Media Cooperation** | Promotes India's expertise in **public service broadcasting**, fact-checking, and digitisation | | **Cultural Diplomacy** | Reflects India's push for value-based, inclusive, multilingual broadcasting in the region | | **Strategic Engagement** | Boosts India’s visibility in **multilateral institutions**, aligned with Act East & Indo-Pacific strategies | > 🎙️ *"Media today is the message of diplomacy. India is shaping that message globally."* --- ## PYQ Linkages & UPSC Themes | Relevant UPSC Areas | Relevance | | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Prelims** | International institutions; India’s role; Prasar Bharati | | **GS Paper 2** | Regional & global groupings; India's bilateral & multilateral outreach | | **Interview** | Soft power, UNESCO-related institutions, digital public goods | | **Essay** | "Media as the new diplomacy frontier" or "Global India, Media India" | --- ## UPSC Practice MCQs **Q1\. With reference to AIBD, consider the following:** 1. It is a BRICS initiative to promote regional broadcasting standards. 2. UNESCO is one of its founding organisations. 3. Private broadcasters are allowed as full members. **Which are correct?** (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (b)** --- **Q2\. Consider the following about India's role in AIBD:** 1. Prasar Bharati represents India at AIBD. 2. India hosted the 23rd AIBD General Conference in 2025. 3. India has held the position of AIBD President and Chairman both. **Which are correct?** (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (b)** --- **Q3\. AIBD serves which of the following functions?** 1. Promotes Asia-Pacific programming with traditional values 2. Acts as a training and consultancy hub for broadcasters 3. Facilitates disaster response coordination for ESCAP countries **Select the correct code:** (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (a)** --- ## Final Takeaway > **India’s leadership at AIBD reflects the rise of Indian soft power in global digital diplomacy.** > In a time when narratives are as powerful as policies, **media diplomacy** matters — and India is leading from the front. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com)