While recommending the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, the Finance Commission considers only those taxes that form part of the divisible pool. Which of the following is excluded from this divisible pool, even though it is collected by the Union Government ? 

Under Article 270 of the Constitution, all taxes collected by the Union are shared with the States except those specifically excluded from the divisible pool. Cesses and surcharges are levied for earmarked purposes and are retained entirely by the Union Government. Hence, they do not form part of the divisible pool considered by the Finance Commission while recommending tax devolution. Cesses are levied for specific goals (e.g., education, health), while surcharges are extra levies on existing taxes, both going to the Consolidated Fund of India.