Explanation: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of India to become a member country of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by signing and ratification of the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

• On the occasion of Commemorating 50 years of India’s Project Tiger on April 9, 2023, the Prime Minister launched an International Big Cat Alliance aiming at securing the future of big cats and landscapes they thrive.
• Seven big cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and the Cheetah. Out of these five big cats viz. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah are found in India.
• The Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 29.02.2024 approved the establishment of International Big Cat Alliance with Headquarters in India with a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crores for a period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
• All UN member countries are eligible to become member of IBCA. Twenty-four (24) countries (including India) have consented to be members of IBCA.
• Nine International Organizations have also consented to be partner organizations of IBCA. Framework Agreement has been approved by the Cabinet recently and India became a member of IBCA.
• So far 4 countries have become member of IBCA including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057120