Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: One of the four core components of the ₹92,000-crore project is an International Container Transshipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, which leverages the island's natural water depth of over 20 meters.

Statement 2 is correct: Great Nicobar is strategically located just 40 nautical miles from the main East-West international shipping route near the Strait of Malacca. This is a vital chokepoint where a significant portion of global trade and Chinese energy imports pass.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While there are significant environmental and tribal concerns, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the project, though it is subject to strict compliance with environmental conditions and safeguards. It has not been "completely stalled."

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, which replaces the MGNREGA, officially increases the guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household per financial year.

Statement 2 is correct: To balance the rural labor market and prevent shortages during critical farming periods, the Act allows States to implement a seasonal pause of up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons.

Statement 3 is correct: Ensuring worker welfare, the Act stipulates that wages must be paid within 15 days. If delayed beyond this period, workers are entitled to a compensation of 0.05% of the unpaid wages for every day of delay starting from the sixteenth day.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Act represents a structural shift from a purely demand-driven welfare model to a productivity-oriented model. It integrates jobs with the creation of durable infrastructure through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Act emphasizes decentralised planning, the VGPPs (Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans) are prepared locally by Gram Panchayats through Gram Sabhas, not the Central Government. This ensures that development is community-driven and tailored to local needs.

Statement 3 is correct: Unlike MGNREGA, which featured 100% Central funding for unskilled wages, the VB-G RAM G Act transitions to a Centrally Sponsored Scheme framework. This involves a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio for most states and a 90:10 ratio for Northeastern and Himalayan states, aimed at increasing State accountability and ownership.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The IBCA and its Secretariat officially became a full-fledged treaty-based intergovernmental international organization in January 2025 after the framework agreement was ratified by five nations.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Membership is open to all United Nations member states, including both range countries (where big cats are naturally found) and non-range countries interested in supporting global big cat conservation.

Statement 3 is correct: The initiative is implemented domestically through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Statement 4 is correct: The institutional framework of IBCA is broadly modeled on the International Solar Alliance (ISA), comprising an Assembly of Members, a Standing Committee, and a Secretariat.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is an India-led global initiative launched to conserve seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. While tigers, lions, leopards, and snow leopards are naturally found in India, the cheetah was reintroduced in 2022, and the Jaguar and Puma are native to the Americas. The Caracal is a smaller wild cat and is not included in the IBCA’s scope of seven species.