New Delhi, Nov 3: India’s manufacturing sector growth surged in the month of October, fuelled by strong domestic demand, GST 2.0 reforms, productivity gains and increased technology investments, a report said on Monday.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 59.2 in October from 57.7 in September, according to data compiled by US-based financial intelligence provider S&P Global.

The increase stemmed from quicker growth in new orders and factory output at the beginning of the third financial quarter, driven by boost in advertising and recent GST reforms, the report said.

The expansion rate matched levels seen in August, which was one of the strongest in the last five years, it indicated.

A reading above 50 indicates economic expansion, while one below 50 shows contraction in the manufacturing, services, or construction sectors. A reading of exactly 50 signifies flat activity.

The manufacturing PMI acceleration comes from robust end-demand fuelled expansions in output, new orders, and job creation, said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC.

Meanwhile, input prices moderated in October while average selling prices increased as some manufacturers passed on additional cost burdens to end-consumers, Bhandari added.

Despite input cost inflation easing to an eight-month low, output charge inflation remained at its highest level in 12 years for the second consecutive month.

Companies reported passing on higher freight and labour costs to customers, while strong demand allowed them to maintain elevated prices.

Domestic sales growth outpaced export orders, which grew more slowly even with some improvement in overseas demand. Employment creation continued for the twentieth straight month in October, with hiring remaining moderate and largely consistent with September’s levels, it noted.

Manufacturers remain optimistic about future business conditions, crediting their optimism to GST reforms, capacity expansion, and stronger marketing efforts, the report noted.

Mumbai: The L.T. Marg Police have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly assaulting a BEST bus conductor while he was on official duty in South Mumbai. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near Vinay Hotel, Thakurdwar Road, Phanaswadi.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered under Sections 121(1), 132, 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the complainant, Keshav Ranganath Lokhande (41), a BEST bus conductor residing at Ambika Nivas, Girgaum, was performing his duty on bus number MH01-DR-3927 between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm when the accused confronted him.

Police said the accused, identified as Rahul Chetan Kachhar (29), obstructed Lokhande, a public servant on duty, argued with him, and in a fit of rage, tore his khaki uniform and inner T-shirt. He also abused and physically assaulted the conductor during the altercation.

The accused, Rahul Kachhar, has been arrested, and a detailed investigation is underway, said an official from L.T. Marg Police Station.

Mumbai: Mumbai began its Monday under overcast skies and light showers, following a spell of moderate rain on Sunday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the city would continue to witness partly cloudy conditions throughout the day, with a chance of light to moderate rainfall or isolated thunderstorms. These intermittent, unseasonal showers have been a recurring feature in recent days, bringing much-needed respite from the lingering heat and humidity that had gripped the region.

According to the IMD’s latest forecast, temperatures in Mumbai are expected to remain moderate, with the maximum around 33°C and the minimum likely to dip to about 25°C. The showers have not only cooled the city but also majorly improved its air quality, which had deteriorated over the past few weeks due to stagnant atmospheric conditions and rising pollution levels. The cleansing effect of the rain has helped wash away dust and particulate matter, leaving behind clearer skies and better visibility across several neighbourhoods.

Data from AQI.in recorded on Monday morning showed a marked improvement in Mumbai’s air quality. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 46, categorised as good, a substantial recovery from the unhealthy levels seen earlier in October. This improvement was evident across most parts of the metropolis, with reports of reduced haze and fresher air.

Among the city’s various monitoring stations, Mankhurd registered the highest AQI reading at 58, placing it in the moderate category. Other areas with moderate levels included Jogeshwari (53), Borivali (52), Deonar (52) and Sion (52).

In contrast, several localities recorded much cleaner air. Chembur (30), Kandivali East (33), Wadala Truck Terminal (38), Worli (40) and Mumbai Airport (42) all reported AQI values within the Good range, reflecting the widespread improvement in air quality across the city.

According to AQI.in’s classification system, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and readings above 200 fall into the “Severe” or “Hazardous” categories.