In India, the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States is defined by the Constitution. The Constitution contains three distinct lists that outline the subjects on which Parliament (Union Government) and State Legislatures can make laws:
1. Union List:
This list contains subjects on which only the Union Government (Central Government) can legislate. It includes matters of national importance, such as defence, foreign affairs, currency, and interstate trade.
2. State List:
This list contains subjects on which only State Legislatures can legislate. These are typically issues that have a more localized or regional impact, such as agriculture, police, and local government.
3. Concurrent List:
This list contains subjects on which both the Union and State Governments can legislate, such as criminal law, marriage and divorce, and education.
Among the options given:
- Trade (Option A) falls under the Concurrent List.
- Agriculture (Option B) is a subject of the State List.
- Defence (Option C) is a subject of the Union List, as national security and defence are areas of utmost importance to the nation as a whole.
- Education (Option D) is a subject in the Concurrent List, which means both Union and State Governments can legislate on it.
Therefore, the correct answer is
Defence
, as it is a subject on the Union List.