The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The cement industry is a foundational infrastructure industry. It is raw-material intensive and plays a critical role in national development through the construction sector.
- Statement 1 is Correct: India is the second-largest producer of cement in the world, accounting for a significant share of global capacity, second only to China.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Cement is a primary building material essential for the construction of infrastructure such as houses, factories, bridges, roads, airports, dams, and other commercial establishments.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The cement industry is a weight-losing industry. The raw materials required-primarily limestone, along with silica, alumina, and gypsum-are bulky and heavy. To minimize transportation costs, cement plants are strategically located near the sources of these raw materials, particularly limestone deposits.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Indian cement industry has established a viable export market. India exports cement and clinker to countries in East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (including Bangladesh and Nepal).
Key Takeaway: The cement industry is a raw-material-localized industry due to the bulky nature of limestone. India holds the position of the second-largest cement producer globally and maintains active trade links with Asian and African markets.