The Central Board of Information was the forerunner of: (A) Press Information Bureau (B) Directorate of Information and Broadcasting (C) War Publicity Board (D) FICCI Correct Ans: (B) Explanation:The Central Board of Information acted as the precursor to the Directorate of Information and Broadcasting. Established during the British colonial era, its purpose was to manage and control public communication. Over time, the board evolved into a more structured government body, especially after India’s independence. Initially, the British government used the board to disseminate official information and manage propaganda. Its primary goal was to influence public opinion during times of unrest and war. However, as the need for organized communication grew, so did the structure and scope of the institution. Eventually, this evolution led to the formation of the Directorate of Information and Broadcasting. This new body carried forward the responsibilities of its predecessor while expanding its role. It began overseeing news distribution, publicity campaigns, and government messaging in a more formalized manner. Furthermore, the Directorate played a key role in shaping public information policy. It handled media relations, press releases, and outreach during both peacetime and emergencies. Its formation marked the beginning of a more centralized and professional approach to information management in India. In contrast, the Press Information Bureau serves as a separate entity focused on media liaison. The War Publicity Board functioned only during wartime, and FICCI, a business federation, had no connection to government media work. Thus, the Central Board of Information laid the institutional groundwork. It transitioned from colonial control to national service, paving the way for a more strategic and structured communication apparatus under the Directorate of Information and Broadcasting.