Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions 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.)
What is the central theme of the editorial?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer: The urgent need to modernise grids for climate resilience.
Explanation
• The entire passage centres on the vulnerability of the current power infrastructure during extreme weather events caused by climate change.
• The author emphasises that mere power generation is insufficient and urges authorities to overhaul distribution networks, adopt smart-grid technology, and invest in large-scale energy storage to withstand climate volatility.
• Other options address peripheral points or are not mentioned in the passage, making the requirement for an upgraded, climate-resilient grid the primary focus.