Correct Answer: Markets fail to allocate resources efficiently

Solution : The correct answer is (c) markets fail to allocate resources efficiently.

Market failure refers to situations in which the free market mechanism, driven by supply and demand, fails to allocate resources efficiently to maximize societal welfare. In such cases, the allocation of goods, services, or resources by markets does not lead to the most desirable or optimal outcomes from an economic or social perspective.

In the presence of market failures, interventions such as government regulations, taxes, subsidies, public provision of goods, and other policy measures may be necessary to correct the inefficiencies and promote the well-being of society.