2021 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I

Question 56: International Relations and Current Affairs

Consider the following statements :

  1. 1.The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
  2. 2.India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
  3. 3.‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a1 and 2 only
b2 and 3 only
c1 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters are granted by the International Seabed Authority, set up under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Global Ocean Commission was an independent advocacy body and does not grant licences. India holds ISA exploration contracts, for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and polymetallic sulphides on the Indian Ocean ridges. Rare earth minerals occur in seafloor deposits such as deep-sea muds and nodules. Remember: ISA licenses; India has two.

  • 1. The International Seabed Authority grants such licences, not the Global Ocean Commission.
  • 2. India holds ISA contracts for exploring polymetallic nodules and sulphides.
  • 3. Rare earth elements occur in seafloor deposits in international waters.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.

    What you needed to know: The International Seabed Authority grants such licences, not the Global Ocean Commission.

Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: statement 1 is false, since the ISA, not the Global Ocean Commission, grants licences.
  • (b) Right: statements 2 and 3 are correct.
  • (c) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 1 is false.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.