Step 1: Evaluating the Assertion.
Education is the foundation of human capital. It allows individuals to process new information, innovate, and adopt sophisticated machinery or software in the production process. (A) is true.
Step 2: Evaluating the Reason.
Education shifts the mindset of people toward modern values and scientific inquiry. By creating a skilled and forward-thinking workforce, it drives GDP growth. (R) is true.
Step 3: Finding the connection.
Why does education facilitate knowledge assimilation and technological adoption (as stated in A)? Because it acts as a catalyst that transforms the human mind and cognitive ability (as stated in R). Therefore, (R) explains the mechanism described in (A).
Final Answer: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).