Current Affairs - Economy - Discussion

India’s eight core industries recorded a growth rate of 4% in January 2026, reflecting a moderation compared to the revised 4.7% growth in December 2025. The Index of Core Industries, which tracks coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity, serves as a key indicator of industrial momentum. While sectors like steel and cement continued to show strong performance due to sustained infrastructure and construction activities, others experienced slower growth or contraction. Despite the slowdown in core sectors, overall industrial production remained strong during the period.