Sales jumped 10.1% last year; the first double-digit growth in two years. Manufacturing led the charge (10.8% growth), especially autos, food, and chemicals. Even with rising raw material costs, profits grew too. Why does this matter? Because when private businesses thrive, they hire more; and that’s good news for job seekers. If you’re preparing for government exams, this could mean more private sector opportunities too. Watch this space; things are picking up faster than the headlines suggest.