Consider the following statements: Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis. Statement II: Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy. Statement III: As the Earth's polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Statement I: Correct. Recent studies/news reports discussed a slight shift in Earth’s rotation/axis, mainly linked to redistribution of mass on Earth.

Statement II: Correct as a standalone fact. Solar flares and CMEs do bombard the upper atmosphere with large energy, but this is not the accepted explanation for the reported shift in Earth’s rotation/axis in this context. Verdict: Correct, but does not explain Statement I.

Statement III: Correct. Melting polar ice redistributes mass from high latitudes toward the oceans/lower latitudes, changing Earth’s moment of inertia and contributing to polar motion/axis shift. Verdict: Correct and explains Statement I.

Option check: Both II and III are correct, but only III explains I. Hence (b) is correct.