20th February 2026

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect:CHEOPS is not dedicated to finding new It is the first space mission dedicated to studying bright, nearby stars already known to host exoplanets, making high-precision observations of planet size during transits.
• Statement 2 is correct:The spacecraft has a single science instrument — a specialised camera called a photometer.
• Statement 3 is correct:CHEOPS measures exoplanet diameters during transits; when combined with mass data from ground-based telescopes, scientists can calculate planet density, providing clues about composition (rocky, gassy, or oceanic).

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect:The WFP was established in 1961 at the behest of US President Dwight Eisenhower, who proposed it to the UN General Assembly on September 1, 1960. It was not founded in 1948.
• Statement 2 is correct:WFP provides food assistance in two ways — either by providing food directly or by providing cash-based transfers (launched first in 2005 in response to the Sri Lanka tsunami).
• Statement 3 is correct:WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. Its headquarters is located at Rome, Italy.

Explanation:

• Devotees observe a strict 41-day penance called Vrathambefore the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, during which they renounce worldly comforts and follow strict spiritual discipline.
• Mandala Kalamrefers to a specific festival period at the temple, Makaravilakku is the celestial star sighting festival, and Puja is a general term for worship — none of these refer to the 41-day penance.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct:Sabarimala Temple is situated within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
• Statement 2 is correct:The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, worshipped as a celibate (Naishtika Brahmachari) deity, believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (the female avatar of Lord Vishnu).
• Statement 3 is correct:Traditionally, women between 10 and 50 years (considered menstruating age) were barred from entry, citing the belief in preserving the deity's celibacy.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct:The Integrated Township covers around 149 sq km — the largest component — and will include residential, commercial, tourism, logistics, and defence facilities.
• Statement 2 is correct:The proposed transshipment port at Galathea Bay is located in an ecologically sensitive area, known for Leatherback turtle nesting sites and the Galathea River outflow.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:The power plant is a 450-MVA gas and solar-based plant — it is not entirely renewable, as it combines gas and solar sources.