Why in the News?
India’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell sharply to 53.9 in March 2026, the lowest level in nearly 4 years, mainly due to West Asia conflict, rising costs, and weaker demand.
Key Highlights
- March 2026 PMI: 53.9
- February 2026 PMI: 56.9
- Lowest since: June 2022
- Source: HSBC India Manufacturing PMI
What is PMI
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) measures business activity based on:
- New orders
- Output
- Employment
- Supplier delivery times
- Inventory levels
PMI Interpretation
- Above 50 → Expansion
- Below 50 → Contraction
- India’s PMI at 53.9 still indicates growth, but at slower pace.
| [2012] In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP), the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries? 1 Cement 2 Fertilizers 3 Natural 3 Gas 4 Refinery products 5 Textiles Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 5 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
