Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Researc…

Approach: *Focus on the functional mandates of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) institutions to identify the lead agencies for specific research verticals under the NIRANTAR platform.*

- **Correct Answer:** (b) 1 and 3 only
- **Statement 1 is correct:** The 'Ecosystem Survey and Analysis' vertical focuses on biodiversity assessment and mapping. The **Botanical Survey of India (BSI)**, headquartered in Kolkata, is the nodal agency for plant-based taxonomic and ecological surveys.
- **Statement 3 is correct:** 'Capacity Development Support' aims to enhance human resource skills in environmental management. The **Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)**, Bhopal, is the premier institute under the MoEFCC specifically mandated for training and capacity building in forest and environmental administration.
- **Statement 2 is incorrect:** The 'Research and Management of Ecosystem Service' vertical is not led by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The **CZA** is a statutory body primarily responsible for the regulation and management of zoos and captive animal welfare, not for broad-based ecosystem service research. This vertical is typically led by institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) or the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).