India’s Core Sector Growth Declines to 0.5% in May 2026, Marking Second-Lowest Level in 21 Months
Out of the eight key sectors, five experienced a year-on-year contraction: Coal (-9.3%), Refinery Products (-8.7%), Natural Gas (-4.9%), Crude Oil (-4.6%), and Fertilizers (-0.9%).
The remaining three sectors offset complete negative growth by registering positive expansion: Electricity (+8.7%), Cement (+8.4%), and Steel (+5.0%).
The Index of Eight Core Industries comprises over 40% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making its monthly trends a highly scrutinized metric for economic analysis.
Key Facts / Static GK
Eight Core Industries: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity.
Practice Quiz — 23 June 2026
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the law officers of India: 1. The Solicitor General of India is a constitutional post established under Article 76 of the Indian Constitution. 2. Tushar Mehta has been reappointed as the Solicitor General of India for a three-year term starting July 1, 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q2. Which digital auction portal was recently launched by Union Minister Amit Shah to bring transparency and efficiency to agricultural trade within the cooperative sector?
Q3. Which documentary won the prestigious 'Golden Conch' for Best Documentary in the International Competition category at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026)?
Q4. What was the official theme under which India hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers (NSAs) meeting in New Delhi in June 2026?
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Core Sector performance of India in May 2026: 1. The overall core sector growth slowed to 0.5%, the second-lowest in 21 months. 2. Electricity recorded the highest positive growth rate among the eight core industries at +8.7%. 3. Coal production saw the steepest contraction among all declining sectors. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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