UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 39 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Eight Core Industries

In India, in the overall index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?

1. Cement

2. Fertilizers

3. Natural Gas

4. Refinery products

5. Textiles

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  1. 1 and 5 only
  2. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show answer

Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

Analysis

The Eight Core Industries are key infrastructure-related sectors used to measure the core strength of India’s industrial economy.

Textiles is important for GDP, exports and employment, but it is not part of the Eight Core Industries.

1. Cement — Correct

Cement is included in the Eight Core Industries.

It is a key input for construction, housing and infrastructure development.

2. Fertilizers — Correct

Fertilizers are included in the Eight Core Industries.

They are directly linked to agricultural productivity and rural economy.

3. Natural Gas — Correct

Natural Gas is included in the Eight Core Industries.

It is used in power generation and also as an input in the fertilizer industry.

4. Refinery Products — Correct

Refinery Products are included in the Eight Core Industries.

They have the highest weightage among the eight core industries.

5. Textiles — Incorrect

Textiles is not included in the Eight Core Industries.

Do not confuse textiles with the broader Index of Industrial Production, where manufacturing sectors are covered separately.

Extra UPSC info

* The Eight Core Industries are: Refinery Products, Electricity, Steel, Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Cement and Fertilizers.

* They together account for 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production.

* Base year of the current IIP series is 2011-12.

* The Index of Eight Core Industries is released monthly.

* It is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

* Refinery Products have the highest weightage, while Fertilizers have the lowest weightage.

How to crack it

Cement, Fertilizers, Natural Gas and Refinery Products are core industries, but Textiles is not included in the Eight Core Industries.

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