Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India:
I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure.
II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings.
III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.
Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?
1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies statement I envisioned in.
2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.
3. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Answer : B

Explanation:

Statement I is correct: Sagarmala seeks to enhance logistics efficiency and boost trade by promoting greater use of coastal shipping and inland waterways.
Statement II is correct: Coastal shipping grew 118%, inland waterway cargo rose 700%, and nine Indian ports rank among the world's top 100 — directly validating Statement I's strategies.
Statement III is correct: Sagarmala 2.0 is anchored in Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047, positioning India as a hub for maritime innovation and sustainability.
Relationship I is correct: II validates I - The growth figures in II are direct outcomes of the strategies in I.
Relationship II is correct: III extends I - Sagarmala 2.0 builds upon the original Sagarmala Scheme with an expanded national vision, advancing the Viksit Bharat Mission through enhanced port capacity.
Relationship III is not correct: Statement I already aims to move away from traditional infrastructure, so it aligns with, not against, Statement III.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2115878®=3&lang=2