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?

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The authority that regulates and grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters (the 'Area' beyond national jurisdiction) is the International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Global Ocean Commission was an independent initiative focused on ocean governance recommendations, not a licensing body. 2. Statement 2 is correct. India has been allocated sites and has received licences (contracts) from the ISA for seabed mineral exploration, specifically for polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and for polymetallic sulphides on the Indian Ocean Ridge, both located in international waters. 3. Statement 3 is correct. Deep-seafloor deposits in international waters, such as polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, are known to contain significant concentrations of various metals, including 'rare earth minerals' (Rare Earth Elements - REEs). Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.