Which of the following is not an aromatic species?

Identify correct statement/s :
$(A)$ $-OCH_3$ and $-NHCOCH_3$ are activating groups
$(B)$ $-CN$ and $-OH$ are meta directing groups
$(C)$ $-CN$ and $-SO_3H$ are meta directing groups
$(D)$ Activating groups act as ortho- and para-directing groups
$(E)$ Halides are activating groups
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Which order is correct for the decreasing reactivity to ring monobromination of the following compounds: $C_6H_5CH_3$ $(I)$,$C_6H_5COOH$ $(II)$,$C_6H_6$ $(III)$,and $C_6H_5NO_2$ $(IV)$?

Given below are two statements:
Statement $I$: Tropolone is an aromatic compound and has $8 \pi$ electrons.
Statement $II$: $\pi$ electrons of $ > C = O $ group in tropolone is involved in aromaticity.
In the light of the above statements,choose the correct answer from the options given below:

What is meant by activating groups? Explain with suitable examples.

Correctly matched products are