- The seven founding members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. - The SAARC Charter outlines the objectives, principles, and institutional framework of the association. - Financial contributions from member states for SAARC activities are voluntary. 180. Which of the following areas covered under newly Notified "Electricity" (Rights of Consumers) rules by Government of India? 1. Metering arrangement 2. Billing and payment 3. Immediate and urgent connections without meter 4. Multiple connections at a time

- Statement 1 is correct: The rules cover various aspects of metering arrangements, including provisions for smart meters, prepaid meters, and meter testing. - Statement 2 is correct: The rules extensively cover billing and payment procedures, including billing cycles, modes of payment, and addressing bill disputes. - Statement 3 is correct: The rules specify defined time limits for providing new connections, including immediate/urgent connections within stipulated periods depending on load and location. While standard connections are metered, there can be provisions for temporary supply arrangements where initial metering might differ or be estimated in certain urgent scenarios, or the statement might be broadly interpreted to mean rules addressing urgent connections are included. - Statement 4 is correct: The rules regarding obtaining new connections apply equally to single or multiple connections at a premise, covering the procedures for consumers seeking multiple points of supply simultaneously or over time. This is an area covered under the scope of new connections.