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

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) (i), (ii) and (iii)

Explanation:

All three statements about India's scientific and research mission in Antarctica are correct:

• Dakshin Gangotri was indeed India's first scientific base station in Antarctica. It was established in 1984.

• Dakshin Gangotri is no longer in use as a research station but is now being used as a supply base and transit camp. Over time, it was abandoned due to the harsh conditions, but its infrastructure still serves logistical purposes.

• The Maitri station is manned throughout the year for scientific activities. It has been operational since 1989 and serves as a key research base in Antarctica.

Information Booster:

• India's Antarctic Program is managed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).

• The main purpose of these missions is to conduct scientific research on climate change, geology, glaciology, and marine ecosystems.

• Maitri station provides valuable data on weather patterns, environmental changes, and biological studies in the extreme polar region.

• India has also conducted missions to establish more stations, like Biosat and JRM (Joint Research Missions).