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Question

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 a 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:

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

1, 2 and 3

Understanding India’s Scientific Missions in Antarctica

India has a significant presence in Antarctica, marked by its scientific research stations. These stations are crucial for conducting various studies on glaciology, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and other related fields under the Antarctic Treaty System.

Analyzing the Statements about India's Antarctic Bases

Let's examine each statement given in the question regarding India's scientific and research mission in Antarctica.

Statement 1: The first scientific base station in Antarctica was Dakshin Gangotri.

This statement is correct. India's first scientific expedition to Antarctica was in 1981. Following this, the first permanent base station, named Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983.

Statement 2: Dakshin Gangotri is now being used as a supply base and transit camp.

This statement is also correct. Dakshin Gangotri was fully commissioned in 1984 but had to be abandoned in 1988-89 due to its location being buried under ice. While the main structure is no longer operational as a primary research station, parts of it, particularly components related to logistics and supplies, are still used as a transit camp and supply depot for expeditions and personnel heading to or from the operational bases like Maitri.

Statement 3: The Maitri station is manned throughout the year for scientific activities.

This statement is correct. Maitri is India's second permanent research station in Antarctica, established in 1989. Unlike Dakshin Gangotri's original fate, Maitri was built on a rocky area to avoid the issues faced by the first station. It is a fully functional, modern research station that supports various scientific disciplines and is indeed manned throughout the year by scientists and support staff, enabling continuous research activities even during the harsh Antarctic winters.

Conclusion on the Correctness of Statements

Based on the analysis:

  • Statement 1 is correct.
  • Statement 2 is correct.
  • Statement 3 is correct.

All three statements accurately describe aspects of India's scientific presence and activities in Antarctica.

Revision Table: India's Antarctic Stations

Station Established Status / Role
Dakshin Gangotri 1983 First base, decommissioned as primary research station due to ice; now used as a supply base/transit camp.
Maitri 1989 Second permanent station, built on rock; fully operational year-round research station.
Bharati 2012 Third permanent station, built on rock; modern, operational research station focusing on oceanography and polar sciences.

Additional Information on India’s Antarctic Program

India's Antarctic research program is managed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. India holds consultative status in the Antarctic Treaty System, which was obtained in 1983.

  • National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): This autonomous body plans, promotes, coordinates, and executes the entire gamut of polar and southern ocean scientific research activities of the country.
  • Bharati Station: India commissioned its third research station, Bharati, in 2012. Located further east on the Antarctic coastline compared to Maitri, Bharati is a state-of-the-art facility supporting research, particularly in the fields of oceanography and the dynamics of the Antarctic ice sheet.
  • Significance: India's scientific presence in Antarctica allows it to contribute to global research on climate change, biodiversity, geological history, and atmospheric sciences. It also strengthens India's strategic position in international polar research efforts.
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