Assertion (A): Information technology is fast becoming a very important field of activity in India.
Reason (R): Software is one of the major exports of the country and India has a very strong base in hardware.
A
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
C
A is true, but R is false
D
A is false, but R is true
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Assertion (A): States that Information technology (IT) is fast becoming a very important field of activity in India. By 1999, the IT sector in India, particularly software and services, was already experiencing significant growth and recognition globally. Assertion (A) is true.
2. Reason (R): Claims that Software is one of the major exports of the country AND India has a very strong base in hardware. While software export was indeed becoming a major strength for India, the country's base in hardware manufacturing and development was comparatively weak, especially relative to its software prowess. So, the second part of the reason ('strong base in hardware') is false.
3. Conclusion: Since Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false (due to the incorrect claim about hardware), the correct option is (C).