India’s core sector posted a 6.1 per cent growth in July 2024. According to data released by the Commerce Ministry today, the combined Index of Eight Core Sector Industries measures the output of key sectors, including cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel, which together have a 40 per cent weight in the Index of Industrial Production. The growth in steel production rose to a three-month high of 7.2 per cent. Cement output reached a four-month high of 5.5 per cent, reflecting a pick-up in construction activity. Petroleum production increased to an eight-month high of 6.6 per cent, while fertilizer output was at a seven-month high of 5.3 per cent as kharif sowing gathered momentum due to a better monsoon this year. The coal industry output increased by 6.8 per cent, while electricity generation rose by 7.0 per cent in July 2024.