As of August 2018, which portfolio was held by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Government of India?

Introduction / Context:
Union ministers in India often handle important portfolios that influence law, technology, education, or economic sectors. Ravi Shankar Prasad has served in several key roles. Around August 2018, he was known for holding portfolios connected to law and information technology or communications. This question checks whether you can correctly associate him with the law and telecommunications area at that time rather than mistakenly linking him with unrelated ministries.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The timeframe is August 2018.
• The person is Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
• The options list ministries such as Human Resource Development, Petroleum, Law and Telecommunications, and Coal.
• We assume familiarity with major ministerial allocations during that period.

Concept / Approach:
Ravi Shankar Prasad has been associated with legal and technology related portfolios, including Law and Justice, and Electronics and Information Technology or Communications. The option that combines law and telecommunications best represents his responsibilities during this period. The other ministries listed are handled by different ministers and sectors, not primarily linked to his public profile in 2018.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Ravi Shankar Prasad is a senior leader who has served as Minister for Law and Justice and for information technology or communications. Step 2: Examine option C, which states Law and Telecommunications, capturing his combined legal and technology role. Step 3: Recognise that Human Resource Development, Petroleum, and Coal have been handled by other ministers in recent years. Step 4: Given the time frame and his known portfolios, Law and Telecommunications is the best match. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Law and Telecommunications.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of major policy announcements around that time, such as digital initiatives, telecom regulation, and legal reforms. Media coverage frequently mentioned Ravi Shankar Prasad as the face of legal and digital governance issues, not as a minister of petroleum or coal. This consistent association with law and technology confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Human Resource Development is usually linked with education and has been managed by different ministers. Petroleum is part of the energy sector and is not the prominent portfolio connected to Ravi Shankar Prasad during the given period. Coal is an energy and resource portfolio, and again is not his known assignment at that time.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to rely only on very recent cabinet changes and forget what portfolios particular ministers held in earlier years. Another pitfall is confusing ministers who handle infrastructure or energy with those focused on law and technology. To avoid this, maintain updated notes that link each prominent minister with one or two key portfolios and update them as changes occur.

Final Answer:
As of August 2018, Ravi Shankar Prasad held the portfolio related to Law and Telecommunications in the Union Government.