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

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

An increase in import payments refers to higher expenses incurred by a country for purchasing goods and services from foreign countries. This increase contributes to a deficit in the current account, which is the part of the balance of payments that records transactions related to trade in goods and services.

The Reason provided is a correct explanation for how an increase in import payments leads to an unfavorable balance of payments. When a country's import payments increase, it means there is a higher outflow of foreign exchange due to the payment for imports. This higher outflow contributes to a deficit in the current account and leads to an unfavorable balance of payments.

Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason provides a correct explanation for the Assertion.