Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The first tractor was developed in the USA in 1910.
Reason (R): The DDT and BHC insecticides were discovered in 1939.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Historical Fact: Paul Müller won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for his 1939 discovery of DDT as a contact poison against several arthropods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: This question tests historical milestones in agricultural engineering and plant protection.

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A) regarding tractor history.
The assertion is incorrect. While tractors evolved over decades, the first successful gasoline-powered tractor was developed by John Froelich in 1892 (USA). By 1910, tractors were already being mass-produced by companies like Hart-Parr. Thus, the 1910 date for "development" is historically inaccurate.

Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R) regarding chemical discovery.
The reason is correct. While DDT was first synthesized in 1874, its insecticidal properties were discovered by Paul Hermann Müller in 1939. Similarly, the insecticidal property of BHC (Benzene Hexachloride) was also identified around the same period (early 1940s/late 1930s).

Step 3: Conclusion.
Since the assertion is false and the reason is a true statement (though unrelated to tractors), Option (4) is the correct answer.