Correct Answer: It facilitated the import of machinery and raw materials  

Solution : The development of the Mumbai Port facilitated the import of machinery and raw materials, which was crucial for the growth of industries such as textiles in the city during the 19th century.

Correct Answer: Dispersion due to agricultural land use

Solution : Correct Option: Option 3
Explanation: Rural settlements are often dispersed due to agricultural land use, as they are spread out to accommodate farming activities and access to arable land.

Correct Answer: Manufacturing plastics and synthetic materials

Solution : Petrochemicals are used primarily in the manufacturing of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other materials derived from petroleum and natural gas.

Correct Answer: Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in India primarily focuses on promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas. It aims to alleviate rural poverty and improve livelihoods by organizing rural poor households into self-help groups (SHGs) and supporting them in developing sustainable livelihoods. NRLM provides various interventions such as access to credit, skill development, capacity building, market linkages, and social security to empower rural households and enable them to generate income and become self-reliant. The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Correct Answer: Centered around agricultural activities

Solution : Correct Option: Option 4
Explanation: The social structure in rural settlements is often centered around agricultural activities, with social interactions and community life revolving around farming and related tasks.

Correct Answer: Forced migration to urban areas

Solution : A significant impact of high taxation on peasants in the late 18th century was forced migration to urban areas, as many peasants were unable to meet the tax demands and had to leave their rural homes in search of better opportunities.

Correct Answer: Agricultural reforms
 

Solution : The economic reforms taken by government under liberalisation involves-

1. Industrial reforms
2. Financial sector reforms
3. Tax reforms
4. Foreign exchange reforms
5. Trade and Investment policy reforms.

Hence, Option B is correct.

Correct Answer: Pulses and oilseeds

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Pulses and oilseeds, as well as various other agricultural commodities such as cereals, paddy, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and others.

The MSP is a part of the agricultural price support policy of the Indian government. It is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to farmers for their produce and providing them with a safety net against any sharp fall in market prices.

The government announces MSPs for various crops based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The MSP is determined considering factors such as production costs, market trends, demand and supply dynamics, and the overall goal of supporting farmers' incomes.

Farmers have the option to sell their crops to government agencies at the MSP or to private buyers in the open market. The MSP serves as a benchmark price to protect farmers' interests and stabilize agricultural prices.

While the MSP primarily covers major agricultural commodities like cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, there are separate schemes and policies in place for other agricultural sectors such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, poultry, and meat products.

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.

Diversification of agricultural activities does promote sustainable income generation, and the reason for this is that it reduces dependency on a single crop and provides income throughout the year.

When farmers engage in diversified agricultural activities, such as growing different crops, raising multiple types of livestock, or incorporating non-farm activities, they reduce their reliance on a single crop or product. This diversification spreads the income potential across different sources, reducing the risks associated with market fluctuations, price volatility, and crop failures.

By having a mix of crops or activities, farmers can have income-generating opportunities throughout the year. Different crops have different growing seasons, and by strategically planning their agricultural activities, farmers can ensure a continuous flow of income. For example, while one crop is being harvested, another may be in its growing phase, and another may be in the preparation stage. This sequential arrangement provides a more consistent income stream compared to relying on a single crop with a limited harvest period.

Diversification also helps in managing risks associated with climatic variations, pests, and diseases. If one crop is affected by adverse conditions, farmers with diversified activities may have other crops or livestock that can offset the losses and maintain income stability.

Overall, diversification of agricultural activities promotes sustainable income generation by reducing dependency on a single crop, providing income throughout the year, and mitigating risks associated with market and production uncertainties.

Therefore, the assertion that diversification of agricultural activities promotes sustainable income generation is true, and the reason that it reduces dependency on a single crop and provides income throughout the year is the correct explanation for this assertion.

Correct Answer: Cash crop cultivation  
 

Solution : The Farmers' Movement in India has been particularly active in issues related to cash crop cultivation, such as the demand for fair prices and subsidies for crops like cotton and sugarcane.