Consider the following statements: 1. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research uses fast reactor technology. 2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration is engaged in heavy water production. 3. Indian Rare Earths Limited is engaged in the manufacture of Zircon for India’s Nuclear Programme beside other rare earth products. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is C because of the following reasons: Statement 1 is correct. The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research located in Kalpakkam is the main center for the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology in India. It operates the Fast Breeder Test Reactor. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration is primarily responsible for identifying and evaluating mineral resources like Uranium and Thorium required for the nuclear power program. Heavy water production is the responsibility of the Heavy Water Board, not this directorate. Statement 3 is correct. Indian Rare Earths Limited processes beach sand minerals to produce various products, including Zircon, which is essential for manufacturing zircaloy used as cladding material in nuclear reactors. Since statements 1 and 3 are correct and statement 2 is wrong, the correct choice is C.