However, as is evident now, we were caught unawares. Mutated strain of the virus took India in its stride as we were yet to work out a robust vaccination strategy. To curb the spread and manage the health emergency getting out of control in view of paucity of beds, oxygen and ventilators, a large number of states-imposed lockdowns and other restrictions which continue till date. 

As is normal under such circumstances, the economy bears the brunt and that is what seems to have happened. The fragile economic recovery seen in the second half of FY21 seems to have gone derailed. Consumer confidence has hit a new low as shown in a recent survey. Different rating agencies and multilateral organizations have downwardly revised the growth projections for the current fiscal year. From a bullish 11-13% growth (in view of base effect), the projections are now for growths in single digits only.

Needless to say, the pitch for economic revival is queered.  But, curiously, as Covid infections come off from the peak levels and the recovery rates go up, a new kind of confidence is building up. The infection rates are coming down with as much alacrity as they had peaked.

Certainly, there is no room for any complacency as premonitions of a third wave have already been made. However, the vaccination strategy to inoculate a large number of Indians by the end of the year holds much hope. It has been observed that those countries that have already inoculated over 50% of their population have witnessed much less morbidity and mortality rates.

What also holds out hope are a range of high frequency indicators which show the resilience of the Indian economy and the entrepreneurship that shines through whenever an opportunity is provided. The economic growth in the fourth quarter of last fiscal has been better than expected. From a contraction of 24.4% and 7.4% in the first and second quarters, the economy turned around in the third one with 0.5% growth and ended the year with 1.6% growth in Q4.

There are a range of other indicators too. Industrial performance measured by IIP grew by 22.3 percent in March. Merchandise exports grew by 197 percent in April. The output of eight core infrastructure sectors grew by robust 7% in March. Manufacturing PMI has remained at a high of over 55 in March and April. GST revenue collection set a new record of Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in April.

If the tyre  production data for FY21, as released recently, is anything to go by, Tyre Industry will continue to put the wheels of economy in motion against all odds. No doubt, Tyre Industry's overall numbers are down in FY21. However when looked closely, there is ample evidence that points to the resilience  in the sector. Truck & Bus (T&B) tyre production, the bellwether of economy has turned in better performance in FY21 over FY20. And this despite the fact that April’20 was a washout in view of nationwide lockdown. Both T&B and Passenger Car tyre production touched significantly higher figures in March this year with T&B tyre production crossing 20 lakh numbers, a historic high.

FY21 will also go down as a landmark year when Radial Truck & Bus tyre production equalled that of Bias tyre production. Tyre exports from India have charted an upward trajectory in the second half of previous fiscal as the stability was achieved in the exports markets.

Forecast of a normal monsoon (third in a row) and the upcoming festive season can provide much-needed impetus to the economy if vaccination drive accelerates and Covid appropriate measures are followed strictly.

No doubt, the situation is still in a flux, and it is too nascent to gauge the true impact of the second wave on economic growth.  But ramping up the vaccination drive and inoculating the entire adult population as early as possible will help.

And there is a major shift again in the vaccination policy. As this column gets on the editor’s desk, the federal government has decided to provide free coronavirus vaccines to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18.

FY 21 could not live up to the expectations that most Indians had. Hope the next year will. (TT)

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Linglong Tire has confirmed its continued role as the Official Tyre Partner of Chelsea Football Club for the 2026/2027 campaign, a season that commenced with a 3-2 away victory for the Blues over Fulham FC. The renewed agreement ensures the brand’s prominent visibility throughout the upcoming fixtures.

As a Global Tyre Partner, Linglong’s branding will feature extensively on digital perimeter boards at Stamford Bridge during all Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup home matches, alongside additional placements on static partner boards and the club’s official website. The comprehensive sponsorship package also includes regular match tickets, VIP hospitality allocations, co-branding rights and deep integration into club media content. Furthermore, the partnership extends to Chelsea Women’s home games, with joint digital activations designed to strengthen fan engagement.

Initial social media contests on Linglong’s European channels have already launched, with winners set to attend the upcoming home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. Founded in 1905, Chelsea stands as one of England’s most historic and decorated clubs, boasting over 30 major trophies, including six league titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns and a FIFA Club World Cup victory, underscoring the prestige of Linglong’s ongoing association.

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Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has solidified its prominent status in mountain biking by securing a role as an Official Partner of Val di Sole Bikeland for the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The prestigious five-day competition is being held from 26 to 30 August 2026 at the Daolasa Arena in Commezzadura, a venue renowned as one of the sport’s most iconic global destinations.

The world championships will feature a comprehensive programme of elite racing, with world titles and the coveted rainbow jerseys on the line across multiple disciplines. Events will include Cross-country Olympic, Cross-country Short Track, the Team Relay, Downhill and E-MTB Cross-country, drawing the planet’s top riders to the Trentino valley for a week of high-stakes competition.

Beyond its partnership with the event, Vittoria’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport is evidenced by its long-term support of prominent national cycling federations. The brand currently backs the Italian Cycling Federation, USA Cycling, the Royal Dutch Cycling Union and the Japan Professional Cyclist Association, underlining its dedication to fostering mountain biking at the elite level. With these four national bodies and a roster of world-class athletes relying on its products, Vittoria is poised to be a central figure throughout the championships.

At the venue, Vittoria will operate a dedicated exhibition space in the heart of the action, offering athletes, media, industry insiders and fans a chance to explore its latest technological innovations and view the equipment used by top competitors. This presence reflects Vittoria’s enduring history in international racing and its ongoing investment in developing high-performance tyres and accessories for cyclists of all levels, from professional racers to dedicated amateurs across every cycling discipline.

Stijn Vriends, Chairman & CEO, Vittoria, said, "Being part of the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships while also supporting some of the world's leading national cycling federations is a tremendous source of pride for us. Val di Sole is one of the true landmarks of international mountain biking and the perfect stage to celebrate our passion for this sport together with athletes, partners and fans from around the world."

Fabio Sacco, General Manager of Apt Val di Sole and Grandi Eventi Val di Sole, said, “The presence of an international brand such as Vittoria alongside the World Championships represents an important recognition for Val di Sole and for the work we have been carrying out for many years to promote and develop mountain biking. Collaborating with leading companies in the industry that share our vision and passion for this sport further strengthens the value of an event that will put Val di Sole and Trentino in the global spotlight. We are proud to welcome Vittoria to Daolasa di Commezzadura and to offer athletes, teams and fans an unforgettable experience in a region where mountain biking has become a fundamental part of its identity.”

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DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries) has formalised a collaborative research initiative in Bangkok, Thailand, under the Hevea Research Platform in Partnership. Signed on 7 August 2026, the joint agreement brings together the Rubber Authority of Thailand, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and two Thai academic institutions, Khon Kaen University and Kasetsart University.

The project will examine the impact of reduced-frequency latex collection, known as low-frequency tapping systems, on the material properties and internal structural integrity of natural rubber. The research will also evaluate practical obstacles farmers encounter when transitioning to these methods, alongside enabling factors for broader uptake. The goal is to accelerate the company's commitment to sustainable raw material sourcing.

Southeast Asian rubber producers face volatile prices, climatic shifts and a critical deficit of plantation labour. Thailand, in particular, suffers from an acute shortage of skilled tappers, forcing smallholders to rely on an ageing workforce and migrant labourers. The low-frequency approach directly addresses this constraint by reducing collection frequency, offering a potential solution to a regional challenge.

Prior investigations have shown that tapping every three days, combined with a plant growth regulator, can maintain productivity and quality comparable to the conventional two-day interval. However, extended cycles of 4, 6 or 10 days remain poorly understood regarding rubber characteristics. Socioeconomic ramifications, including cost structures and physical workload, also require deeper exploration.

This project will systematically assess technical outcomes of various tapping frequencies and human dimensions of their implementation. Insights will support Sumitomo Rubber Industries' broader strategy, which pursues productivity gains through tissue culture technology for seedlings and improvements in processing facility conditions, ensuring a resilient and responsible supply chain.

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Radar Tires introduced its newest all-terrain offerings, the Renegade A/T and Renegade A/T Trail, during an exclusive gathering held from 24th to 27th June 2026 in northern Portugal’s Gerês region, near Peneda-Gerês National Park. The event united distributors from North and South America for an immersive introduction to the flagship products against a landscape blending performance driving with scenic exploration.

Across four days, participants navigated mountain roads, rocky sections, gravel paths and shifting terrain, evaluating on-road composure and off-road resilience. The location carries deep motorsport significance, hosting historic Rally de Portugal stages like Vieira do Minho and Fafe, providing a fitting atmosphere for an event centred on capability and partnership.

Technical seminars led by R&D head Olli Seppälä offered distributors insight into the engineering behind the new models. President and CEO G S Sareen outlined the company’s strategic vision, while recreational activities reinforced the organisation’s commitment to strong relationships alongside product excellence.

The Radar Renegade A/T is a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tyre for SUVs and light trucks, combining aggressive traction with stable road manners. Dense siping, stone ejectors, side lugs and a fortified sidewall deliver wet grip and resistance to cuts and chips while minimising puncture risks. It will be offered in 89 sizes from 15- to 24-inch rims, with 44 currently available and 45 more in Q3 2026.

The Renegade A/T Trail is engineered for crossovers and SUVs, blending off-road capability with everyday comfort. It features a Trail King tread, temperature-adaptive compound, and Tri-Armor System with stone ejectors and tie bars. It comes in 42 sizes from 15 to 22 inches, with 19 ready now and 23 debuting in Q3 2026.

Both ranges include a Road Hazard Warranty and 30-Day Guarantee. P-metric sizes carry a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty, while LT sizes have 50,000 miles. Shared technologies like the Circle of Tread Life indicator and reinforced sidewalls enhance durability and personalisation, underscoring Radar Tires’ commitment to innovation and partnership.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Radar Tires, said, "We are very confident in our new flagship range of products. We've tested them rigorously against leading premium brands, and the results speak for themselves. The Renegade A/T and A/T Trail deliver top-tier performance and durability but come without the hefty price tag, reinforcing our mission of providing premium accessibility to drivers the world over."

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