Numbers of note

43 billion: The number of text messages sent by mobile phone users around the world on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in 2007, 30 per cent more than the previous year.

35-82%: The percentage cut in Air India’s basic air fares on the domestic sector. The maximum reduction in fares is on the Chennai-Bangalore route at 82 per cent.

£16.7 billion (Rs 1,16,900 crore): The loss suffered by ArcelorMittal’s L.N. Mittal during the credit crunch.

10,037: The number of branches of life insurance companies across India.

Rs 45,000 crore: Shortfall in the funds raised by India Inc. through debt and equity in 2008 when compared to last year. It could mobilise only Rs 3,05,377 crore as of December 23,2008 compared to Rs 3,51,316 crore last year