Answer: (c)

Explanation:

·         Direct Tax Definition:

o   A tax directly imposed on an individual's income, payable to the government without the ability to transfer it to others.

·         Direct Taxes in India:

o   Income Tax:

§  Imposed on individuals based on earnings, with various tax brackets dictating rates.

§  Annual filing required, with potential for payment or refund.

o   Corporate Tax: Applies to companies' profits, with fixed rates set by the government.

o   Securities Transaction Tax (STT): Levied on securities transactions on recognized stock exchanges, increasing transaction costs.

o   Capital Gains Tax: This type of direct tax in India is payable on income earned from the sale of investments or assets.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, this Central Sector Scheme aims to support street vendors by offering working capital loans, encouraging timely repayments, and rewarding digital transactions. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

It introduces a third-term loan of up to ₹50,000 alongside existing loans of ₹10,000 and ₹20,000, all without requiring collateral. Microfinance Institutions, Non-Banking Financial Companies, and Self Help Groups are eligible lending agencies due to their presence among the urban poor. Beneficiaries from states/UTs with enacted schemes under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, including Meghalaya with its own regulations, can participate. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

"SWATI" (Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation) is an interactive database Portal highlighting Indian women's achievements in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine). Developed by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, it addresses the gender gap in these fields. SWATI aims to inspire women in STEMM by showcasing their accomplishments nationally and internationally. It fosters collaboration among scientists, researchers, and startups, promoting knowledge sharing and mentorship. By empowering women in STEMM, SWATI strives to create a more inclusive scientific community, encouraging innovation and advancement in science and technology.

Hence option (b) is correct.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Torpor: A period of reduced activity and metabolic rate, often occurring in response to harsh environmental conditions.

Brumation: Dormancy observed in reptiles and amphibians during colder months to conserve energy due to their dependence on environmental temperature.

Diapause: Interruption of insect development in response to environmental pressures, acting like a pause button on their life cycle to synchronize with favourable conditions.

Aestivation: Dormancy in response to hot and dry conditions, common in summer, aimed at preventing dehydration and involving metabolic slowdown in animals, particularly invertebrates and fish.

Hence option (b) is correct.