UPSC Prelims 2009 Q108: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Consider the following pairs :
1. Ashok Leyland : Hinduja Group
2. Hindalco Industries : A.V. Birla Group
3. Suzlon Energy : Punj Lloyd Group
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Checking three company-group ownership pairs
These Indian corporate entities are matched here to the business groups that own/control them.
| Pair | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ashok Leyland : Hinduja Group | Correct | Ashok Leyland, a major commercial vehicle maker, is indeed part of the Hinduja Group |
| 2. Hindalco Industries : A.V. Birla Group | Correct | Hindalco, an aluminium major, is indeed part of the Aditya Birla Group |
| 3. Suzlon Energy : Punj Lloyd Group | Incorrect | Suzlon Energy, a wind-energy company, is not part of the Punj Lloyd Group; it was founded and led by the Tanti family, independently |
Correct company-group pairs:
| Company | Actual parent group |
|---|---|
| Ashok Leyland | Hinduja Group |
| Hindalco Industries | Aditya Birla Group |
| Suzlon Energy | Independent (Tanti family), NOT Punj Lloyd |
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Ashok Leyland-Hinduja and Hindalco-Birla are both accurately matched; Suzlon is not part of Punj Lloyd.
- (b) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Ashok Leyland-Hinduja) is also correct, so '2 only' is incomplete.
- (c) Incorrect. Pair 3 (Suzlon-Punj Lloyd) is wrong, so '1 and 3 only' is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Pair 3 is inaccurate, so 'all three' cannot be correct.
Key point
Ashok Leyland is part of the Hinduja Group, and Hindalco Industries is part of the Aditya Birla Group — both correctly matched. Suzlon Energy is NOT part of the Punj Lloyd Group; it is independently led by the Tanti family.
Remember
Correctly matched pairs: Ashok Leyland-Hinduja Group and Hindalco-Aditya Birla Group; Suzlon Energy is NOT part of Punj Lloyd Group.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Suzlon Energy, as a major energy company, must belong to another well-known conglomerate like Punj Lloyd.
- Not knowing the Hinduja Group's ownership of Ashok Leyland.
- Confusing the Aditya Birla Group's various subsidiaries, including Hindalco.
Exam tip
Ashok Leyland = Hinduja Group. Hindalco = Aditya Birla Group. Suzlon = independent (Tanti family), NOT Punj Lloyd.
Sources
- Ashok Leyland Limited — Annual Report 2008–09 (Hinduja Group)
- Hindalco Industries Limited — Annual Report 2008–09 (Aditya Birla Group)
- Suzlon Energy Limited — Annual Report 2008–09