Explanation: To understand the context of the statements provided, it is essential to know the geographical and administrative details of West Bengal and the institutions mentioned.
1. **Kolkata as a Major City of India**: Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is one of the largest and most important cities in India. It is the capital of the state of West Bengal and is known for its rich cultural heritage, educational institutions, and economic significance. Kolkata is a major center for trade, commerce, and industry, and it plays a crucial role in the economic and cultural landscape of India.
2. **Shantiniketan**: Shantiniketan is a town located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. It is not part of the city of Kolkata. Shantiniketan is famous for being the site of Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. The town is known for its cultural and educational significance, but it is not within the city limits of Kolkata.
3. **TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)**: TIFR is a premier research institution in India, known for its contributions to fundamental research in science and mathematics. It is located in Mumbai, not near Kolkata. TIFR has several centers across India, but its main campus is in Mumbai, which is in the state of Maharashtra, not West Bengal.
Given these facts, we can analyze the statements:
- Statement 1: "Kolkata is one of the major cities of India" is true.
- Statement 2: "Shantiniketan is a town in Kolkata" is false, as Shantiniketan is in the Birbhum district, not in Kolkata.
- Statement 3: "The TIFR is located near Kolkata" is false, as TIFR is located in Mumbai.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option A, which states that only statement 1 is true. This option correctly identifies the true statement about Kolkata being a major city of India while correctly rejecting the false statements about Shantiniketan and TIFR.
Understanding the geographical and administrative details of West Bengal and the locations of important institutions is crucial for answering questions related to West Bengal General Knowledge. It is important to verify the exact locations and affiliations of towns and institutions to avoid common misconceptions.