Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below, choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): In India, females have higher life expectancy than males. Reason (R): Females receive a better diet than males.

Introduction / Context:
This question touches basic demographic facts and common misconceptions about gender and nutrition in India. It uses assertion–reason format to see whether students recognise that women tend to live longer on average, and whether they can challenge a simplistic and inaccurate explanation related to diet quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion (A): In India, females have higher life expectancy than males.
• Reason (R): Females receive a better diet than males.
• We assume knowledge of typical life expectancy trends and social conditions.
• The question asks about the truth of both statements and whether R explains A.

Concept / Approach:
Globally and in India, it is common for female life expectancy at birth to be slightly higher than male life expectancy. This is influenced by biological and social factors. However, the claim that this is because females receive a better diet is doubtful, especially when we consider issues like gender bias in food distribution in many households. Proper reasoning requires separating actual demographic data from incorrect assumptions about social practices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). National statistics and reports generally show that female life expectancy in India is somewhat greater than male life expectancy, although the gap and exact numbers can vary with time and region. Therefore, it is correct to say that females have a higher life expectancy on average.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). The statement claims that females receive a better diet than males. In many parts of India, especially in traditional or economically stressed households, there is concern that women and girls may actually receive less nutritious food than men and boys. Social preference for sons and other factors can lead to disadvantage for females in nutrition.Step 3: Because of these realities, it is not correct to claim as a general rule that females receive a better diet. Thus R is false as a broad explanation for life expectancy differences.Step 4: Since A is true and R is false, R cannot be a correct explanation for A. In reality, higher life expectancy for females is influenced by a mix of biological robustness and complex social factors, not simply by better diet.

Verification / Alternative check:
If the reason were correct, we would expect clear evidence that girls and women are usually given priority in household food distribution and nutrition, which contradicts many social studies and health reports. On the other hand, the demographic data showing higher female life expectancy is well documented. This mismatch confirms that the asserted explanation in R is wrong.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a and option b assume R is true, which is not supported by social reality. Option d claims that both A and R are false, but A relies on established demographic facts and therefore cannot be rejected in this way.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might assume that because women live longer, they must be receiving better care or diet, and quickly accept R without thinking about actual gender bias issues. It is important to question such assumptions and recall that higher life expectancy is not simply a reflection of receiving better resources in all contexts.

Final Answer:
The correct evaluation is that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.