International Seabed Authority extends India’s exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Nodules: Polymetallic nodules or manganese nodules are small potato sized lumps of minerals found in deep sea. They contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, cadmium, vanadium, molybdenum, titanium in various proportions of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance. International seabed authority is a UN body to set up to regulate the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of oceans in international waters. It was established under the UNCLOS – United National Convention on Laws of Seas. India actively contributes to the work of ISA and was re-elected as a member of Council of ISA in 2016.
2+2 Mechanism: 2+2 Mechanism is the foreign diplomatic relations where the defence ministers and foreign ministers of two countries hold direct level talks. The mechanism was recently in news as India has established 2+2 mechanism with USA. This is the 2nd time that India has made 2+2 mechanism with a particular country, Japan being the first such country.