General Studies · Passage Based Reasoning

Read the passage carefully and review the statement based on it: In 1870, the author Jules Verne imagined the mineral wealth found in the deep sea through his fictional character Captain Nemo. At present, India is moving towards unlocking the hidden wealth beneath the oceans to strengthen its economy. Various minerals, such as copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, and other rare elements present at the bottom of the oceans, can be used in making smartphones and pacemakers. The demand for these resources for technological development and infrastructure has been growing globally, while land-based supply is rapidly declining. According to the International Seabed Authority (ISA), India is receiving the green flag for exploratory mining. The Indian government has approved a budget for the development of deep-sea mining technology and machines. ISA has approved India for exploration in an area of 75,000 square kilometers in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. Statement: India's designated exploration area is around 75,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean. Select the most suitable option below.