The HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rose to 54.1 in August from 53.3 in July, marking the fastest expansion in two months. ^[1] Employment in the services sector increased at the fastest pace in 15 months, with around 11% of survey participants reporting higher staffing levels. ^[2] New business orders increased at a faster pace compared to July, supported by stronger customer demand and marketing initiatives. ^[3] The index remained below its long-term average of 54.5, marking the second-weakest growth rate since March 2022. ^[4] Job creation in the services sector reached a 15-month high, while price pressures picked up only modestly with input cost inflation edging up slightly. ^[5] Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC, stated that India's services activity expanded faster in August, though the overall pace was still among the weakest seen in over four years. ^[6] The rate of expansion recorded in August was the second-weakest since March 2022, amid subdued bookings, strong competition, and reduced transport operations. ^[7]