In industrial and economic geography, which of the following is often described as a sunrise industry because it is relatively new and rapidly growing?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to economic and industrial geography. It asks you to identify which industry is typically referred to as a sunrise industry. A sunrise industry is generally a relatively new, fast growing sector that uses modern technology and is expected to contribute significantly to future economic growth and employment. Recognising examples of such industries helps you connect theory with real world economic development.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options mention the petrochemical industry, steel industry, rice milling, and all of the above.
• The term sunrise industry refers to emerging, technology intensive, and rapidly expanding sectors.
• Heavy traditional industries and old agro processing sectors are usually not categorised as sunrise industries.

Concept / Approach:
Sunrise industries are typically characterised by high growth rates, modern technology, strong export potential, and the ability to create new markets and jobs. Examples include information technology, biotechnology, renewable energy, and many advanced material industries. The petrochemical industry, which produces plastics, synthetic fibres, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals, expanded rapidly in the late 20th century and is often cited as a sunrise industry in exam oriented geography because of its technological intensity and linkages to other modern sectors. In contrast, the steel industry is a classic example of an old heavy industry and, although still important, is no longer considered a new or emerging sector. Rice milling is a traditional agro based industry that has existed for a long time and mainly uses well established processing methods. Therefore, among the given options, the petrochemical industry best fits the description of a sunrise industry.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Exam preparation books and economic geography notes often list petrochemicals, electronics, information technology, and biotechnology as examples of sunrise industries. They highlight features such as rapid growth, high value addition, and strong forward and backward linkages. In contrast, they describe steel as a core, traditional heavy industry and rice milling as a conventional agro processing sector. Many national development plans also identify petrochemicals as a thrust area for industrial diversification and export growth. These consistent descriptions support choosing the petrochemical industry as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

The steel industry, a long established heavy industry, is wrong because it is an older, mature sector, not a relatively new fast growing sunrise industry.

Rice milling, a traditional agro based processing activity, is incorrect because it has existed for centuries and mainly serves local and regional food supply, not a new high technology growth sector.

All of the above industries equally is wrong because steel and rice milling clearly do not meet the definition of sunrise industries, even though they are important economically.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose All of the above when they see familiar industries listed, or they may think that any important industry is a sunrise industry. Another pitfall is ignoring the key words relatively new and rapidly growing when selecting the answer. To avoid these errors, focus on the definition: a sunrise industry is a newer, technology intensive, high growth sector. Among the options, the petrochemical industry best matches this description, making it the correct choice.