New Delhi, Feb. 4 -- Amid signs of India's economy losing steam, sighs of relief have been evoked by purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey findings and car sales in January.

Manufacturing orders last month were the strongest in six months, with the PMI climbing notably to 57.7 from 56.4 in December and a similar 56.5 in November. A reading above 50 denotes expansion, while one below indicates contraction. Job creation was at record levels too, the survey found.

Meanwhile, automobile sales picked up slightly, with manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra and Mahindra posting healthy increases last month. Some of that offtake may be thanks to purchase incentives that carmakers tend to offer early in the calendar year to help cle...