A mixed set of data points for some high-frequency indicators have pointed to the challenges the economy may face as it looks to quickly regain normalcy from the ravages of the pandemic amid fears over a fresh wave of infections.

A key index of manufacturing has dipped to a to 3-month low, while GST collections grew for the third month in a row. Diesel sales fell 7 per cent on an annual basis, while the country's top car maker also reported a dip in sales a possible sign of the festive season fizzling out.

Manufacturing activity failed to pick up pace and dropped to a three-month low of 56.3 in November because of slower increases in factory orders, exports and buying levels, prompting firms to cut jobs for the eighth month in a row, a survey showed.

The IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell from over a decade high of 58.9 in October to a three-month low of 56.3 in November.

GST mop-up

GST collections crossed the Rs 1-lakh-crore mark for the second month running at Rs 1.04 lakh crore in November. Collections were higher than Rs 1.03 lakh crore reported a year ago but marginally lower than Rs 1.05 lakh crore collected last month.

Diesel sales fall

India’s diesel sales fell 7 per cent year-on-year in November after rising for the first time in eight months in October, industry data showed on Tuesday. Sale of diesel, the most used fuel in the country, was, however, 8 per cent higher month-on-month.

Maruti in reverse gear

Maruti Suzuki suffered a 4.7 per cent fall in car sales in November but the other players in the industry fared well.

The mini-segment cars of Maruti, comprising the Alto and S-Presso, reported a 15 per cent fall in sales, while compact segment cars comprising Swift, Baleno, Celerio, Dzire and Wagon R reported a decline of 1.8 percent.