Cause–Effect Pairing:\nI) Attendance at the All-India examination held in July 2006 was poor across centers.\nII) Western states of the country experienced heavy floods during July 2006.

Introduction / Context:
This item checks whether an external disruptive event plausibly explains depressed exam turnout. Natural disasters commonly impede mobility and access to exam centers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I) National exam: poor attendance in July 2006.
• II) Heavy floods in western states during the same period.
• Flooding disrupts transport, electricity, safety, and scheduling.

Concept / Approach:
Align time and geography. If floods coincide with exam dates and affect many centers/regions, attendance suffers. Statement II is a strong environmental cause; Statement I is a plausible effect.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Map the coincidence: July 2006 floods → travel disruption.2) Identify immediate exam-related impacts: delayed trains/buses, blocked roads, center closures.3) Conclude II → I.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical patterns show extreme weather reduces participation in time-bound events.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) reverses direction; (c)/(d) downplay clear linkage; “None” is inapplicable.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking logistical dependencies (transport access) in exam attendance.

Final Answer:
Statement II is the cause; Statement I is its effect.