Q21 · UPSC current affairs · 9 September 2026 · PIB · Deep Sea Mining India Critical Minerals

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Consider the following statements regarding deep-sea mining and ocean governance:1.The International Seabed Authority (ISA) grants exploration rights under UNCLOS in international waters beyond national jurisdictions.2.The Deep Ocean Mission is coordinated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti rather than the Ministry of Earth Sciences.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because ISA grants exploration rights under UNCLOS in international waters. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Deep Ocean Mission is coordinated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, not the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

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