(a) Mining operations by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas

(b) Curbing of tax evasion by multinational companies

(c) Exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies

(d) Lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects

Answer: b

Explanation:

Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS)

Domestic tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) refers to the tax planning strategies employed by multinational enterprises to exploit loopholes in tax regulations, enabling them to minimize their tax liabilities. These multinationals often shift profits to low or no-tax jurisdictions where they have little or no economic presence, or they erode tax bases through deductible payments such as interest or royalties. 

While some BEPS strategies may be illegal, the majority are not, leading to concerns about their impact on the fairness and integrity of tax systems. Such practices give businesses operating across borders an unfair competitive advantage over those engaged solely in domestic operations. In a broader sense, when large corporations are perceived to be avoiding income tax, it undermines the principle of voluntary compliance among all taxpayers.

Although BEPS affects all nations, developing economies are disproportionately impacted due to their heavy reliance on corporate income tax, particularly from multinational enterprises.

Hence, only Statement 1 is correct