Q. Consider the following statements regarding the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):

1. The IBCA came into force as a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation only after five countries, including India, ratified the framework agreement.
2. The alliance focuses on the conservation of six big cats—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
3. India will provide Rs 150 crore as budgetary support to IBCA over a period of five years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 3
Notes: Statement 1 is correct. IBCA became a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation after ratification by five countries: India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua. Statement 2 is incorrect. IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cats, not six — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah. Statement 3 is correct. India has committed Rs 150 crore from 2023–24 to 2028–29 to support the IBCA’s functioning.