Which of the following statements about India’s scientific and research mission in Antarctica is / are correct? 1. The first scientific base station in Antarctica was Dakshin Gangotri 2. Dakshin Gangotri is now being used as supply base and transit camp 3. The Maitri station is manned throughout the year for scientific activities Select the correct answer using the code given below:

India's scientific engagement with Antarctica began in 1981, leading to the establishment of Dakshin Gangotri in 1983 as the country's first permanent scientific base station [2]. However, due to constant snow drifts and ice submergence, the station had to be abandoned in 1990-91. Following its decommissioning, Dakshin Gangotri has been utilized as a supply base and transit camp for subsequent expeditions. To ensure continued research, India established Maitri in 1989 as its second permanent station. Maitri is located in the Schirmacher Oasis and is manned throughout the year, supporting multidisciplinary scientific activities in fields such as biology, earth sciences, and glaciology [3]. Currently, India actively operates two year-round stations: Maitri and Bharati [3]. Since all three statements regarding the first base, its current status, and Maitri's year-round operations are accurate, option 4 is correct.

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Oceans and Continents > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 37
2. [2] https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-india-established-its-first-research-station-in-antarctica/article70403084.ece
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1477893913000161