<h1>Core Industries Index Up 6.8% in November 2017; Steel and Cement Lead Growth with Over 16% Increase.</h1> The Index of Eight Core Industries, which represents 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production, rose by 6.8% in November 2017 compared to November 2016, reaching 123.9. From April to November 2017-18, cumulative growth was 3.9%. Coal production decreased by 0.2%, while crude oil increased by 0.2%. Natural gas and refinery products saw increases of 2.4% and 8.2%, respectively. Fertilizer production slightly rose by 0.3%, while steel and cement experienced significant growth of 16.6% and 17.3%. Electricity generation increased by 1.9% during the same period.