Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage:
The recent surge in power demand across North India, driven by record-breaking heatwaves, has brought the fragility of our energy infrastructure into sharp focus. As temperatures soar, the grid faces unprecedented pressure, leading to frequent outages that disrupt essential services. While the government has ramped up coal supply and increased solar energy integration, the underlying issue remains a lack of long-term storage solutions. Reliance on traditional grids, which were designed for more temperate climates, is no longer sufficient to handle the modern reality of extreme weather events.
True energy security in this era of climate volatility requires more than just generation capacity; it demands a radical overhaul of distribution networks and the adoption of smart-grid technology. Relying solely on short-term fixes—like diverting power from industrial sectors to domestic users—is a precarious strategy that hampers economic growth. Authorities must prioritise investment in large-scale battery storage and decentralised power systems to buffer against inevitable supply shocks. If the grid does not evolve to accommodate these shifts, the "cool comfort" of modern life will become an increasingly fragile luxury for millions, turning summer peaks into seasonal crises of public health and economic stability.
(Source: Editorial, "The heat and the grid: Powering through the crisis", published in The Indian Express on June 01, 2026.)
Which statement distinguishes fact from the author's opinion?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer: Heatwaves are driving up power demand (Fact); The grid is fragile (Opinion).
Explanation
• Fact: A statement based on verifiable, objective data or real-world events. That high temperatures and heatwaves increase the consumption of electricity (power demand) is an observable, measurable fact.
• Opinion: A subjective evaluation, judgment, or interpretation made by the author. Describing the entire energy infrastructure as possessing "fragility" is a qualitative assessment and viewpoint rather than a direct empirical measurement.
• In other choices, actions like ramping up coal supply or integrating solar energy are factual measures taken by the authorities, not subjective opinions.