Given below are two statements, one is labelled asAssertion (A) :and the other as Reason (R).Assertion (A):There is a positive relationship between Human Development Index (HDI) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranking of Indian States.Reason (R):The underlying dimensions of SDG targets are closely related to education and health aspects.Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. A

   Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

   This option claims that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, yet (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). However, since health and education are core pillars of both HDI and SDGs, Reason (R) directly explains the positive correlation stated in Assertion (A). Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. B

   (A) is false, but (R) is true.

   This option claims that Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is true. This contradicts empirical findings that Indian states performing better in human development also rank higher on sustainable development goals. Thus, this option is wrong.

3. C

   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

   This option claims that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and that Reason (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The Human Development Index measures achievements in health, education, and standard of living, which heavily overlap with the foundational targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Since the underlying dimensions of SDG targets are intimately tied to these health and education aspects, higher achievements naturally generate a positive relationship between state rankings in both indices, making this comprehensive reasoning the correct key.

4. D

   (A) is true, but (R) is false.

   This option asserts that Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false. Given that SDG frameworks globally and nationally heavily incorporate health, education, and social infrastructure as primary metrics, Reason (R) is undeniably true. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Summary. Official key is (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The question tests the analytical linkage between the Human Development Index and Sustainable Development Goals for Indian states. Both statements stand factually robust because health and education form the bedrock of sustainable development metrics. Since these shared foundational dimensions drive parallel outcomes, Reason (R) accurately explains Assertion (A).