Assertion (A): The transportation industry’s technological advancements have aided in bringing the market closer together.
Reason (R): Manufacturers can now deliver products to retailers and wholesalers more promptly and at a lower cost.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

The answer is: Option 1: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Here's why:

• Assertion (A) is true: Advancements in transportation technology have significantly impacted how goods move around the world. Faster ships, planes, trucks, and improved infrastructure allow for quicker delivery times.
• Reason (R) explains A: When manufacturers can deliver products faster and cheaper, it effectively shrinks the distance between markets. This allows them to reach a wider customer base and retailers to source goods from a broader range of suppliers.

Therefore, both A and R are true, and R directly explains how technological advancements in transportation bring markets closer together.