<h1>Core Industries Growth Slows to 1.8% in January 2015; Crude Oil, Natural Gas Drag Performance Down.</h1> The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) recorded a low growth rate of 1.8% in January 2015, down from 2.4% in December 2014, primarily due to negative growth in Crude Oil and Natural Gas. Factors contributing to the decline include operational delays and technical issues. The government aims to boost exports through various schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy, such as the Focus Market Scheme and Duty Drawback Scheme. Export performance is closely monitored, and measures are taken based on economic implications. This information was provided by a government official in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.