UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 8

Correct answer: Option B. The Index of Eight Core Industries tracks major infrastructure-related sectors that have a substantial influence on industrial performance. Electricity carries the highest weight in the index, followed by refinery products, coal, crude oil, natural gas, steel, cement and fertilizers. The question therefore tests the relative weighting of electricity within this composite index. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Coal production” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Electricity generation” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “Fertilizer production” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Steel production” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.