Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 & 2 are correct: Spearheaded by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, Operation Hardball is a sweeping transnational investigation targeting three India-based organized crime syndicates operating across the US, Canada, and Europe. The operation led to charges against 37 defendants, including prominent figures like Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar.

Statement 3 is correct: The sweeping investigation involved extensive intelligence-sharing and law enforcement coordination. Indian security and central agencies shared vital evidence and verified information on criminal networks to facilitate the crackdown.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Canadian and US authorities explicitly noted that the investigation yielded no evidence indicating that Indian government officials were involved in or directing the alleged crimes.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: India's extradition process with the US is governed by the Extradition Treaty signed in 1997 and the parent legislation, the Extradition Act, 1962.

Statement 2 is correct: The framework strictly adheres to the "principle of dual criminality". This means that the act for which the person is being sought must constitute a punishable offense under the criminal laws of both the requesting state (e.g., US) and the requested state (e.g., India).

Statement 3 is correct: While the judicial process evaluates the legal grounds and evidence for extradition, the final executive decision to extradite or surrender the fugitive rests with the respective central governments after rigorous legal examination.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is indeed the first major river interlinking project in India under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Both the Ken and Betwa rivers are tributaries of the Yamuna River, not the Ganga River directly. (The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga, making them part of the greater Ganga basin, but geographically the project transfers water within the Yamuna sub-basin).

Statement 3 is correct: A major ecological concern regarding the KBLP is that the construction of the Daudhan Dam will result in the submergence of nearly 6,000 hectares of critical wildlife habitat within the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, affecting species like tigers, vultures, and gharials.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Under the Roadmap to 2030 adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland, both countries have agreed to double bilateral trade in goods and services by the year 2030.
Statement 2 is correct. The partnership heavily emphasizes defense and maritime security, and both nations agreed to enhance cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While trade and investment ties are scaling up, the $20 billion investment figure was not a component of this recent declaration.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The relationship is significantly supported by a strong Indian diaspora of around 2.9 lakh people, which accounts for nearly 6% of New Zealand’s population.
Statement 2 is correct. As a core element of their global cooperation under the newly adopted Strategic Partnership, New Zealand officially reaffirmed its support for India’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat in the UNSC.
Statement 3 is correct. Both countries agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in clean energy, biofuels, and sustainable energy transitions to meet low-carbon development goals.