Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given questions:

Recently, India witnessed a severe power shortage due to high demand and the non-availability of adequate coal supply. An energy deficit of more than 100 million units has been recorded during the month of April 2022. Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, UP, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh were the most affected states. India is the second largest country in terms of population, and the usage of electricity is increasing day by day. In today's India, electricity has reached even the remotest areas, and people are reaping its benefits. Electricity is critical to the overall development of society and the country, including technological development. However, technological advances require more electricity. The power requirement of many industries, such as railroads, agriculture, and domestic use, is increasing day by day. 
 
The advancement of technology and the resurgence of economic activity following the COVID-19 disruptions increased the demand for power. In April 2022, the average daily energy requirement increased to 4,512 million units, as opposed to 3,941 million units in April 2021, registering a growth of 14.5%. The use of electricity has increased in many industries, including railways, agriculture, and households. India's thermal power plants are also running well below their capacity, which could have managed this demand increase by increasing thermal generation. To address the problem of the power crisis in India, there is a need to change our planning and policies from ones that mainly manage shortages to ones that are flexible. Policies should be formulated with a focus on long-term structural solutions that address delivery, financial viability, and a robust mechanism for resource planning. The focus should be on ensuring that power plants operate efficiently. To address power shortages, a strategic approach to the low-cost energy transition, such as renewable energy and opportunities for diversification in the energy mix, is critical. For long-term power security, greater attention should be paid to accelerating generation from renewable energy sources.