Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: “There has been a remarkable increase in air traffic in India during the past few years.” Which assumptions are implicit in this observation?

Introduction / Context:
The statement notes a strong rise in air traffic. We must identify what underlying belief supports this trend description.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• I: Travelling by air has become a status symbol now.
• II: Large numbers of people are able to afford air travel now.

Concept / Approach:
Traffic volume generally grows when more people can afford the service and when access has expanded (routes, capacity). “Status symbol” is neither necessary nor sufficient to explain widespread growth.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) A “remarkable increase” implies demand-side expansion. Affordability (II) is a straightforward driver and thus a reasonable assumption.2) Even if air travel were a status symbol (I), that alone would not ensure mass growth; status signaling can be limited to few.3) Negate II: If few can afford flights, large growth is unlikely. Negate I: If air travel is not a status symbol, growth can still occur due to affordability and connectivity.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider price drops, low-cost carriers, and rising incomes—each bolsters II without requiring I.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I / Both / Either: I is optional and not essential.
• Neither: II is necessary for the plausible explanation of growth.

Common Pitfalls:
Beware of attributing mass phenomena to prestige motives; economics of affordability is the core driver here.

Final Answer:
Only assumption II is implicit