In economics and current affairs, which one of the following sectors is most commonly described as a modern "sunrise industry" because of its rapid growth potential?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic economic vocabulary that often appears in newspapers, competitive examinations, and policy discussions. The term "sunrise industry" is a metaphor that compares a rapidly growing and promising sector to the rising sun. Such an industry is at an early stage of its life cycle but shows strong potential for expansion, innovation, and job creation. Understanding why certain sectors are called sunrise industries helps students interpret government policies, budget speeches, and business news more accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question presents four broad sectors and asks which one is generally regarded as a sunrise industry:
- Iron and Steel
- Cotton Textile
- Information Technology
- Tea and Coffee
It is assumed that the learner is aware that the term refers to new or rapidly expanding sectors rather than old, mature industries. No numerical calculation is involved; this is a conceptual and factual recall item from basic economics and business awareness.

Concept / Approach:
A sunrise industry is typically characterised by new technology, high growth rates, strong innovation, and the potential to transform how people live and work. Information Technology (IT) fits this description very well. Over the past few decades, IT services, software development, and digital technologies have grown rapidly in countries like India, creating large numbers of jobs, export earnings, and new business models. By contrast, iron and steel, cotton textiles, and tea and coffee are older, more mature industries that have existed for a very long time, often called traditional or even sunset sectors when they face stagnation. The key approach is to pick the sector that is relatively new and technology driven with strong growth prospects.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of a sunrise industry as a new or emerging industry that shows rapid growth and high potential for future expansion. Step 2: Examine each option and identify which ones are long established and relatively mature. Iron and steel, cotton textiles, and tea and coffee are all traditional sectors that have been part of the economy for many decades or even centuries. Step 3: Consider how Information Technology has expanded in recent decades through computers, software, internet services, mobile applications, and digital platforms. Step 4: Notice that IT is strongly associated with innovation, start ups, venture capital, and new types of employment such as software engineering and digital marketing. Step 5: Conclude that Information Technology is the correct example of a sunrise industry among the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification can be done by remembering how policymakers and business magazines use the term. In many economic surveys and reports, Information Technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy are highlighted as sunrise sectors, while basic manufacturing such as iron and steel is treated as a core but mature industry. Cotton textile mills and tea or coffee plantations are often associated with the early industrial period and colonial trade, not with cutting edge innovation. Therefore, when comparing the nature and growth pattern of the four options, Information Technology stands out as the only one that matches the concept of a sunrise industry.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Iron and Steel: This is a fundamental heavy industry that has existed for many decades and is not considered an emerging sector, even though it remains important.
Cotton Textile: One of the earliest modern industries, especially in countries like Britain and India; it is traditional rather than new.
Tea and Coffee: These are agricultural and plantation based products that have a long history in global trade and are not described as sunrise sectors.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners assume that any important industry can be called a sunrise industry, which is not correct. The term refers specifically to sectors that are relatively new and expanding quickly. Another mistake is to confuse importance with novelty; iron and steel are crucial for infrastructure but not new. To avoid such errors, always associate the term sunrise with high growth, new technology, and emerging opportunities rather than with age old basic industries.

Final Answer:
Among the given options, the sector commonly described as a modern sunrise industry is Information Technology.