Consider the following statements : ​ 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. ​ 2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. ​ 3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters. ​ Which of the statements given above are correct? ​

The correct answer is B, meaning statements 2 and 3 are correct and statement 1 is wrong.

• Statement 1 is wrong. The Global Ocean Commission is an independent body that works on high-seas governance and advocacy. It does not grant any licence. Exploration and mining rights in the 'Area' (the seabed beyond national jurisdiction) are granted by the International Seabed Authority, set up under UNCLOS 1982 and headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica. The ISA calls these exploration contracts, not licences.
• Statement 2 is correct. India holds ISA exploration contracts for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, and for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts in the Indian Ocean. These are backed by the Deep Ocean Mission, approved by the Cabinet in 2021.
• Statement 3 is correct. Polymetallic nodules and deep-sea muds on the Pacific and Indian Ocean floors contain rare earth elements, along with cobalt, nickel and manganese.

Core concept: the common heritage of mankind principle governs the Area, so exploration there is regulated through ISA contracts, not by national or advisory bodies. This links to the Mains theme of critical minerals and India's energy security.

Trap: assuming that any well-known ocean body grants seabed licences. Only the ISA does.