Why in News?
Recently a landmark MoU was signed between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Prasar Bharati to host exclusive international cultural festivals and performances on WAVES.
About
- Expansion Phase: In April 2026, Prasar Bharati announced a major library expansion, adding over 5,000 hours of archival content from the 1980s and 90s (including Ramayan and Mahabharat) in 4K resolution.
- IPL 2026 Integration: The platform made headlines for offering free-to-stream regional commentary for the ongoing 2026 IPL season in 12 Indian languages.
- Cybersecurity Milestone: WAVES became the first Indian OTT platform to be certified with Tier-4 Data Security standards to protect user privacy.
Vision and Objective
- WAVES (an acronym for World of Authentic Voices and Engaging Stories) is the digital face of Prasar Bharati (DD and Akashvani).
- Digital Sovereignty: Aimed at providing a "sovereign" digital space for Indian content creators.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Acts as a global window into Indian heritage, arts, and democratic values.
- Accessibility: Designed to work on low-bandwidth networks to reach rural "Media Dark" zones in India.
Content Categories
The platform follows a "Super-App" model offering:
- Live TV: Access to all Doordarshan (DD) national and regional channels.
- Nostalgia Library: Restored classics like Malgudi Days, Byomkesh Bakshi, and Hum Log.
- News: Real-time updates from DD News and Akashvani (All India Radio).
- Educational Content: Integration with Swayam Prabha channels for students (Class 1-12 and Higher Ed).
- Originals: New web series funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) focusing on unsung heroes of India.
Technical Features
- Multi-Lingual: Supports UI and subtitles in 22 official Indian languages and 5 foreign languages.
- Hybrid Model: Uses a Freemium model—basic public service content is free, while premium originals and ad-free viewing require a low-cost subscription.
- Device Support: Available on Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV, and via web browsers.
Strategic Partnerships
- ONDC Integration: WAVES is testing an integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to allow users to buy merchandise or "One District One Product" (ODOP) items directly while watching shows.
- Space Tech: Utilizes GSAT-24 satellite capacity to ensure high-speed streaming even in remote Himalayan and North-Eastern regions.
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