UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 29

Correct answer: Option C. The Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers is compiled and released by the Labour Bureau, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It measures changes in retail prices relevant to a specified basket consumed by industrial workers and has historically been important for dearness allowance and economic analysis. RBI and the other listed departments do not publish this index. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “The Reserve Bank of India” 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: “The Department of Economic Affairs” 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 C: “The Labour Bureau” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option D: “The Department of Personnel and Training” 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.