Correct Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true and correct explanation

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both the Assertion and the Reason are true and provide a correct explanation.

The Assertion states that a decrease in tourism receipts can lead to an unfavorable balance of payments, which is true. Tourism receipts represent the inflow of foreign currency earned from visitors to the country. A decrease in tourism receipts means a reduction in the inflow of foreign currency, which can have a negative impact on the current account balance.

The Reason states that tourism receipts are considered as invisible exports and contribute to the current account surplus, which is also true. Tourism is often categorized as an invisible export because it involves the provision of services to foreign visitors. The earnings from tourism contribute to the current account surplus by increasing the inflow of funds from abroad.

Therefore, Both Assertion and Reason are true and provide a correct explanation.