AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
The passage states that advancement of international trade is an index of economic prosperity; the nature of exports and imports directly reflects a country's economic maturity and development, so R correctly explains A.
The source passage says "Advancement of international trade of a country is an index to its economic prosperity" — confirming A is true. R is also true because the composition of exports/imports (raw materials vs. manufactured goods, etc.) reveals industrial strength and resource use. Since R directly explains why trade is an economic index, option (a) is correct. Examiners expect you to pick (a) and optionally give a one-line justification.