Core industries growth quickens to 6.7% in June 2018

As per the data released by Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, index of eight core industries expanded to 7-month high of 6.7% in June 2018.

• This was due to better performance by cement, refinery and coal sectors of the index.
• The previous high was witnessed in November 2017 at 6.9%. 
• The growth rate in May 2018 was 4.3%.

Details:

• The combined index of eight core industries stands at 129.8 in June 2018 and was 6.7% higher as compared to the index of June 2017.
• Its cumulative growth during April to June 2018-19 was 5.2%. 

This growth in the core industry is considered by two factors:

1. The government's investment in the infrastructure projects is going up, driving industries such as steel.
2. Petroleum products are mainly exported and the drive to increase exports will be pushing this up.

What are Core industries?

• Core industries are the main or key industries of the economy. 
• In most countries, these particular industries are the backbone of all other industries.
• In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.
• The eight infrastructure sectors, constitute 40.27% of the total index of industrial production (IIP).

Revised weightage in core sectors:

• Petroleum Refinery production (28.04%), Electricity generation (19.85%), Steel production (17.92%), Coal production (10.33%), Crude Oil production (8.98%), Natural Gas production (6.88%), Cement production (5.37%), Fertilizers production (2.63%).

Questions:

Q1. Who releases data on Core industries growth?
a. Union Ministry of I.T and Telecommunications
b. Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry
c. Union Ministry of Imports and Exports
d. None of the above

Q2. The index of Core industries is comprised of how many sectors?
a. Eight
b. Nine
c. Two
d. Five