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    "headline": "India Services Sector Growth Accelerates in August Amid Weakness",
    "dek": "India's services sector expanded faster in August, though growth remains weak compared to historical averages.",
    "prose": "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]\n\nEmployment in the services sector increased at the fastest pace in 15 months, with around 11% of survey participants reporting higher staffing levels. [^2]\n\nNew business orders increased at a faster pace compared to July, supported by stronger customer demand and marketing initiatives. [^3]\n\nThe index remained below its long-term average of 54.5, marking the second-weakest growth rate since March 2022. [^4]\n\nJob 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]\n\nPranjul 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]\n\nThe rate of expansion recorded in August was the second-weakest since March 2022, amid subdued bookings, strong competition, and reduced transport operations. [^7]",
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      "statement": "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.",
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