Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
 

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion that diversification of agricultural activities helps in reducing the risk associated with crop failure is true. By diversifying their activities, farmers reduce their dependency on a single crop and spread their risks across multiple crops or alternative sources of income. This reduces the vulnerability to crop failure caused by factors such as adverse weather conditions, pests, diseases, or market fluctuations.

The reason provided, which states that diversification allows farmers to explore alternative sources of income beyond traditional crops, is indeed the correct explanation for why diversification helps in reducing the risk of crop failure. By engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, agroforestry, horticulture, or value-added processing, farmers can generate income from various sources and mitigate the impact of crop failure on their overall livelihood.

Therefore, both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Correct Answer: Disruption of agricultural practices

Solution : Correct Option: 3
Explanation: A significant consequence of the partition for Punjab's agriculture was the disruption of agricultural practices. The partition led to the division of land, displacement of farmers, and loss of agricultural resources, which had a profound impact on the region's agricultural economy.

Correct Answer: Agricultural products

Solution : The correct option is Agricultural products.

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) operates as an independent entity within India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, tasked with the crucial role of proposing minimum support prices (MSPs) for a range of vital agricultural products. This includes staple crops such as wheat and rice, essential cash crops like sugarcane and cotton, as well as protein-rich pulses like gram, masur, and moong, along with oilseeds including groundnut, mustard, and sunflower. Additionally, CACP extends its recommendations to encompass barley and jute. Through its recommendations, CACP plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the income of farmers and ensuring the availability of these key agricultural products in the market.

Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion is true. Data and studies consistently show that poverty rates are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas in India. Rural areas often face challenges such as limited access to quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities, which contribute to higher poverty rates.

The reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. In India, a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas, and agriculture is a major source of livelihood for many rural households. However, agricultural incomes can be low due to various factors such as fragmented land holdings, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, lack of modern technology and infrastructure, and fluctuating market conditions. These factors contribute to higher poverty rates in rural areas compared to urban areas.

Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Correct Answer: lingering

Solution : The correct choice is the third option.

The term lingering in this context implies that the locust plague threat is persisting or remaining over the economies of India, Pakistan, and Iran. It suggests a continuing and potentially concerning impact on their economic situations.

Therefore, the right answer is lingering.

Correct Answer: Promoting direct farmer-consumer interactions

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Promoting direct farmer-consumer interactions

The mobile application, by connecting farmers directly to consumers and eliminating the need for middlemen, promotes direct interactions between farmers and consumers. This can lead to economic growth by creating more efficient and transparent markets, ensuring fair prices for farmers and providing consumers with affordable produce. The direct interaction facilitated by the app contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Correct Answer: Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
 

Solution : The correct answer is b) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.

Statement 1 is accurate. Successful entrepreneurs often contribute to the economic development of the nation by creating wealth, generating employment, and fostering innovation.

Statement 2, however, is not true. The Make in India initiative primarily focuses on boosting manufacturing and promoting India as a global manufacturing hub. It is not specifically aimed at agricultural activities.

Correct Answer: agricultural sector

Solution : The correct answer is the agricultural sector.

Agriculture is the primary source of disguised unemployment in India. Agriculture employs the most people in India, accounting for more than half of the total. However, agricultural production is low, and there is an excess of labour. Because it is not creating anything, this surplus labour is disguised as jobless. Disguised unemployment occurs when more individuals are employed in a specific activity or sector than are required to generate the output successfully.

Correct Answer: The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities

Solution : The correct answer is (a) The system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities

The 'License Raj' in India refers to the system of obtaining licenses for industrial activities. During the period of economic regulation and control in India, which lasted from the 1950s to the 1990s, the government implemented a complex system of licenses and permits for industrial activities. This system involved extensive government intervention and control over the private sector, including regulations on investment, production, pricing, and capacity expansion. The 'License Raj' created a bureaucratic and restrictive environment for businesses, leading to inefficiencies and hindering economic growth.

Correct Answer: Industrial and commercial hubs

Solution : Correct Option: Option 2
Explanation: Urban settlements are typically found in areas with industrial and commercial hubs, which provide employment and services to the urban population.