Question : Statement 1: Power shortages and blackouts hamper industrial productivity and economic growth.

Statement 2: Insufficient power generation capacity, transmission constraints, and distribution losses contribute to power shortages.

Option 1: Both statements are true.
 

Option 2: Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false.
   

Option 3: Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.

   

Option 4: Both statements are false.

Correct Answer: Both statements are true.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both statements are true.

Statement 1 accurately states that power shortages and blackouts hamper industrial productivity and economic growth. When there is a lack of sufficient electricity supply, industries face challenges in maintaining their operations, leading to reduced productivity. Blackouts, which refer to the sudden loss of electricity supply, disrupt economic activities and can have significant negative impacts on businesses and overall economic growth.

Statement 2 is also correct as it explains that insufficient power generation capacity, transmission constraints, and distribution losses contribute to power shortages. If the generation capacity of power plants is not enough to meet the demand, it can result in power shortages. Additionally, transmission constraints, such as inadequate infrastructure or bottlenecks in the transmission network, can further contribute to power shortages. Distribution losses, which occur during the distribution of electricity from power plants to consumers, also play a role in reducing the available power supply.

Both statements provide accurate information about the impact of power shortages and the factors contributing to them.