Answer: (C)

Explanation: The proposed Mega Science Vision Document-2035, an effort led by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government of India, aims to make students more innovative and creative.

Answer: (D)

Explanation:

• Under SRI paddy fields are not flooded but kept moist during vegetative phase. Later only one inch of water is maintained. SRI requires only about half as much water as normally applied in irrigated rice.
• SRI Paddy Cultivation involves less expenditure and gives more yields. Thus, it is beneficial for small and marginal farmers.
• In SRI paddy cultivation, less quantity of seeds - 2 kg / acre is required. Hence, fewer plants per unit area (25 x 25 cm) whereas in mainstream chemical intensive paddy cultivation requires 20 kg seed per acre. (1 acre= approx 0.4 ha).

Hence, all the statements are correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Article 200 does not lay down any time frame for the Governor to assent, withhold assent, or reserve the bill for the consideration of the president. So, option (d) is correct.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• The World Bank's ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ covers 10 sub-indicators namely-

• Starting a Business, Dealing with Construction Permits, Getting Electricity, Registering Property, Getting Credit, Protecting Minority Investors, Paying Taxes, Trading Across Borders, Enforcing Contracts and Resolving Insolvency.

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Basic Customs Duty

Basic customs duty is the duty imposed on the value of the goods at a specific rate. The duty is fixed at a specified rate of ad-valorem basis. This duty has been imposed from 1962 and was amended from time to time and today is regulated by the Customs Tariff Act of 1975. The Central Government has the right to exempt any goods from the tax.

Countervailing Duty (CVD)

This duty is imposed by the Central Government when a country is paying the subsidy to the exporters who are exporting goods to India. This amount of duty is equivalent to the subsidy paid by them. This duty is applicable under Sec 9 of the Customs Tariff Act. So Statement 1 is incorrect.

Safeguard Duty

In order to make sure that no harm is caused to the domestic industries of India, a safeguard duty is imposed to safeguard the interest of our local domestic industries. It is calculated on the basis of loss suffered by our local industries.

Anti-Dumping Duty

Often, large manufacturers from abroad may export goods at very low prices compared to prices in the domestic market. Such dumping may be with intention to cripple domestic industry or to dispose of their excess stock. This is called ‘dumping’. In order to avoid such dumping, Central Government can impose, under section 9A of Customs Tariff Act, anti-dumping duty up to margin of dumping on such articles, if the goods are being sold at less than their normal value. Levy of such anti-dumping duty is permissible as per WTO agreement. Anti-dumping action can be taken only when there is an Indian industry producing ‘like articles’. So Statement 2 is incorrect.

National Calamity Contingent Duty

This duty is imposed by Sec 129 of the Finance Act. The duty is levied on goods like tobacco, pan masala or any items that are harmful for health. The rate of the tax varies from 10% to 45% and different rates are applied for different reasons. So Statement 3 is correct.

Solution: As only one statement is correct (3rd statement) so correct option is (a).

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. (Statement-1 is correct)
• It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

• National Monuments Authority (NMA)

• Established under the Ministry of Culture in accordance with the requirements of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.
• It compliments ASI in its functions. (Statement-2 is incorrect as NMA is established under AMASR Act)