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?

Shows that specialised international bodies exist to undertake ocean work (example: International Council for Exploration of the Sea) rather than individual countries acting alone.

A student could check whether the Global Ocean Commission is described as a regulatory body with licensing powers like such international organisations, or if it is advisory/research-focused instead.

States that lands, minerals and other things under waters within territorial waters, continental shelf and EEZ vest in the coastal state, implying a legal distinction between national zones and areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Using this rule and a basic map of maritime zones, a student could identify that licensing for seabed mining in 'international waters' (beyond EEZ/continental shelf) likely falls to a different, specific international mechanism and so check which organisation holds that mandate.

Describes exploitation of mineral wealth from continental shelves by littoral (coastal) countries, indicating that coastal states commonly grant licences for offshore resource extraction within their jurisdiction.

A student could infer that licence-granting for seabed mining is typically a coastal-state function within EEZ/continental shelf and would therefore look for a separate authority for areas beyond these zones to assess the Global Ocean Commission's role.

Discusses national mineral policy reforms and the granting of licences to private sector actors, showing that mining licences are often national policy instruments.

From this pattern, a student could ask whether the Global Ocean Commission issues licences (a national-type function) or instead influences policy—then check the commission's legal/operational remit.

Explains that licences and permissions for sand mining are administered by local/national authorities and subject to environmental clearances, reinforcing that mining licences are typically granted by domestic bodies.

A student could generalise that since resource licences are usually national, they should verify whether any international body explicitly has licensing authority for seabed mining beyond national zones, and whether that is the Global Ocean Commission.