crore including rs 614 crore collected on import of goodsfor octoberdecember quarter the centre recorded the highest gst collections of rs 39 lakh crore since its inceptionthis is an outcome of various policy and administrative measures to improve compliance and would perhaps demonstrate the inherent advantages of having a gstforex reservesforeign exchange reserves stood at 634287 billion on january 21 providing a cover equivalent to 13 months of imports projected for 202122expressed in dollar terms the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of nonus units like the euro pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reservesgold reserves increased by 567 million to 40337 billion in the reporting week rbi data showedmanufacturingmanufacturing activity in the country remained robust in december on the back of new orders despite moderating from the 10month high outcome in novemberat 555 in december the ihs markit india manufacturing purchasing managers index pmi pointed to a strong improvement in overall operating conditions this was despite the headline figure slipping from novembers 10month high of 576 the latest quarterly reading was at 563 its highest since the final quarter of fiscal year 202021 the survey showed the 50point mark separates expansion from contractionservices indias services sector expanded for a fifth straight month in december albeit at a slower pace than in the previous month as demand rose but concerns over another wave of covid19 and inflationary pressures cast a shadow over the outlook a survey showedservices sector pmi eased to 555 in december from 581 in november the lowest since september but still well above the 50mark that separates growth from contractionrecommended reads union budget how india earns moneystate of the indian economyunion budget of india how government allocates funds