India’s right for exploring Polymetallic Nodules gets extension by 5 years.

TNPSC Current Affairs - August 2017 by TNPSC Guru 

 India gets extension of 5 more years for exploring Polymetallic nodules from seabed in Central Indian Ocean Basin. International Seabed Authority has allocated the 75000 sq.km to India for development activities for polymetallic nodules.

The right was approved in 23^rd session of International Seabed Authority held at Kingston, Jamaica. The 75000sq.km which was allocated is located 2000 Km off  Kanya Kumari shore .

About Polymetallic Nodules: 

• Polymetallic Nodules are also called manganese nodules , found abundance in sea floor of deep sea which is made of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxide.
• It also contains nickel, lead, copper, titanium, cobalt , cadmium and more, among this copper, cobalt and nickel has more demand in India and Abroad.
• Currently India is depending on imports to meet its requirement of these metals. Once these exploration gets successful, it will help in developing Indian Economy.

About International Seabed Authority: 

International Seabed Authority (ISA) is a United Nation Body formed in 16^th November 1994 with the headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica.

It objective is to regulate the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of Oceans in International waters (beyond the limit of country’s jurisdiction ).