Question 20: In November, when the government’s online monitoring sys…

Read the following passage and answer the given subquestions.
After a month’s gap, the import of personal computers from China, including laptops and tablets, surged [1] _____ to $276 million in December. This occurred when total imports of such items contracted by 0.8 percent, according to the latest data from the commerce department. The same month witnessed a decline in the import of personal computers from countries/regions like Singapore and Hong Kong, which saw a decrease of [2] _____. These marginal players accounted for [3] _____ worth of shipments to India in December.  China’s share in total shipments of these items to India [4] _____ in December. It was 76.4 percent for the April-December period of FY24. In November, when the government’s online monitoring system for the import of electronic hardware items became operational, imports from China contracted by 14 percent, while the [5] _____.  Last year, on the third of August, the central government announced plans to categorise products in the information technology hardware segment, such as laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers, under the “restricted” level.  This announcement led to a surge in the import of laptops and tablets in September (by 41.8 percent) and October (by 29.7 percent), amid fears of licensing requirements. However, after the industry expressed serious concerns over the decision– which was originally aimed at reducing import dependence on China and ensuring a trusted supply chain– the government deferred the implementation until November 1.  In a further step-down, the government announced that it would not restrict the import of such electronic products from any territory, while also introducing a new contactless import authorisation system. Excerpted from: Mishra, Ranjan Asit. “PC Imports from China up over 11%.” *Business Standard*, Mumbai, 29 Feb 2024, p. 1.

In November, when the government’s online monitoring system for the import of electronic hardware items became operational, imports from China contracted by 14 percent, while the _____.