9th January 2026

Explanation - The Gadgil Formula, named after D.R. Gadgil, was indeed developed in 1969 to determine the allocation of central assistance for state plans, aiming at balanced regional development (Statement 1 is correct). Special Category Status (SCS) is granted to states based on specific criteria including hilly terrain, low population density, and strategic location along international borders, among others (Statement 2 is correct). States with Special Category Status receive a significant proportion (90%) of plan assistance as grants, which is non-repayable, and the remaining 10% as loans (Statement 3 is correct). The Gadgil Formula is used for the allocation of plan assistance, not revenue from central taxes (which is the domain of the Finance Commission), making Statement 4 incorrect.

Explanation - What did the Gadgil Committee say? - It defined the boundaries of the Western Ghats for the purposes of ecological management. It proposed that this entire area be designated as ecologically sensitive area (ESA) (Statement 1 is correct). - Within this area, smaller regions were to be identified as ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) I, II or III based on their existing condition and nature of threat (Statement 2 is correct). - It proposed to divide the area into about 2,200 grids, of which 75 per cent would fall under ESZ I or II or under already existing protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries or natural parks. - The committee proposed a Western Ghats Ecology Authority to regulate these activities in the area.

Explanation - CRZ I - Ecologically sensitive areas. No new construction shall be permitted in CRZ-I except Projects relating to the Department of Atomic Energy; Construction of trans-harbour sea link and roads without affecting the tidal flow of water, between LTL and HTL etc. (Statement 1 is incorrect because "all construction activities... strictly prohibited" ignores the exceptions). CRZ II - Shore Line Areas. Buildings are permissible on the landward side of the hazardous line (Statement 2 is correct). CRZ IV - Territorial Area. No untreated sewage or solid waste shall be let off or dumped in these areas (Statement 3 implies "all human activities are permitted", which is too broad and incorrect as there are restrictions like waste dumping, and traditional fishing is allowed without restriction, not necessarily with MoEFCC approval for all activities). Thus, only Statement 2 is correct.

Explanation - It is located atop the Cerro Pachón mountain in the Chilean Andes, where dry air and dark skies provide one of the world's best observing locations. It is named after American astronomer Vera C. Rubin, who provided evidence about dark matter for the first time in the 1970s (not dark energy, making Statement 2 incorrect). It is jointly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science (Statement 1 is correct). The observatory has four main scientific goals — Understand the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Create an inventory of the asteroids, comets, and other objects in the solar system (Statement 4 is correct). Map the Milky Way and help reconstruct its history. Explore objects — like exploding stars and black holes — that change position or brightness over time. The centrepiece of the observatory is the Simonyi Survey Telescope. It has the world’s largest digital camera. It is the fastest-slewing telescope in the world and takes just five seconds to move and settle from one target to another. This speed is due to the telescope’s compact structure (owing to the three-mirror design) and its mount, which floats on a film of oil (Statement 3 is correct).

Explanation - It is a regional political grouping of France, Germany and Poland (Statement 1 is correct). It was formed by a joint declaration issued in Weimar, Germany, by the Foreign Ministers of the three countries. It had three objectives — To involve France in German-Polish reconciliation by building on the Franco-German experience; To strengthen dialogue and political cooperation between the three countries. To support Poland in its process of integration into NATO and the European Union (EU) (Statement 3 is correct). It was not established "specifically to coordinate military strategies" as its primary or sole purpose, but rather political cooperation and reconciliation (making Statement 2 incorrect). Although the Weimar Triangle still has no institutional structure (no permanent secretariat or formal charter, making Statement 4 incorrect), it remains a framework of reference at the political level.