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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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched a new seasonal campaign warning British drivers that spring rainfall poses a hidden danger often overlooked after the harsh winter months. The initiative, named ‘Drip Drip Drop – ‘Little’ April Showers’, focuses on the rising threat of aquaplaning as more vehicles return to roads that remain treacherously slick from sudden downpours.

National data shows that poor tyre maintenance is a leading cause of fatal incidents, with three quarters of car tyre defects linked to neglect. Research further reveals that at 70 miles per hour (approximately 112 kmph), worn tyres add 27 metres to the standard wet stopping distance, an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the Highway Code baseline.

Incorrect tyre pressure compounds the problem significantly. Underinflated tyres struggle to channel water away, overheat more quickly and extend braking distances, while overinflated tyres reduce the tyre’s contact patch and compromise grip. Spring’s fluctuating morning and evening temperatures make pressure changes especially common during April.

Even tyres above the legal minimum tread depth can fail in heavy rain. Continental Tyres’ research found that at 50 miles per hour, tyres with 1.6 mm of tread required 6.9 metres longer to stop than new tyres with 8 mm tread, whereas those with 3 mm added 2.7 metres. Light rain after dry spells mixes with oil and debris, creating conditions where worn or incorrectly inflated tyres lose all steering and braking control.

With bank holidays, leisure travel and outdoor activities increasing during longer daylight hours, TyreSafe urges motorists not to assume the worst weather has passed. April showers arrive without warning, and the combination of winter road grime and sudden rainfall can turn a routine journey into a dangerous aquaplaning event within seconds. TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “April showers might sound harmless, but when they hit busy roads and combine with worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, the consequences can be devastating. Aquaplaning can happen in seconds and without warning. The research is clear – poor tyre maintenance dramatically increases stopping distances in wet conditions. That’s why we’re urging road users to ACT: check your Air pressure, inspect the Condition and monitor your Tread. A few minutes of checks could prevent a lifetime of consequences.”

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Mitas has officially entered a three-year agreement with the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), marking a significant commitment to one of North America’s most extreme motorsports. The partnership, set to run from 2026 through 2028, designates Mitas as the Official Agriculture Tire sponsor of the championship and Title Sponsor of the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off.

Tractor pulling represents a severe test of both raw power and engineering precision. Competitors pilot highly modified machines to drag a heavy sled down a dirt track, with resistance increasing incrementally until only the strongest and best-prepared vehicles remain. Success depends entirely on transferring massive horsepower to the ground under extreme conditions, where tire grip and consistency frequently determine the winner. The NTPA season includes over 60 events across United States, running from spring through early fall, with deep roots in the Midwest. As an official partner, Mitas will gain prominent visibility on and off the track while actively supporting the growth of the sport.

Central to this collaboration is the Mitas PowerPull tyre, a product specifically engineered for tractor pulling to convert raw engine output into winning performance. Designed to manage extreme torque and deliver maximum grip, the PowerPull functions as a slick tyre that permits teams to cut custom tread patterns based on track conditions and individual race strategy, providing a measurable competitive advantage.

The season will conclude with the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off, the championship’s premier event where the year’s top competitors vie for national titles. Scheduled for 18 and 19 September 2026, in Urbana, Ohio, the finals serve as the ultimate showcase of performance, innovation and passion. As title sponsor, Mitas deepens its connection to the pulling community by attaching its name to this marquee competition.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas at Yokohama TWS, said, “The collaboration with NTPA connects Mitas to two worlds where performance truly matters: tough daily work in the field and the most extreme competitive environments. Tractor pulling is the ultimate expression of what farmers face every day – delivering power to the ground, staying consistent under pressure and performing when limits are pushed.

“Performance isn’t just about winning on the track – it’s about delivering results when it counts most, whether in competition or on the farm. In tractor pulling, every component is tested to the extreme, just as it is in real agricultural operations. That’s why we feel a strong connection with this community. The NTPA community embodies passion, resilience and a nonstop drive to push boundaries; values that are core to the Mitas brand. We’re excited to be part of this world, learning from these extreme conditions and turning that knowledge into tyres that perform where it matters most for farmers and pullers alike.”

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Maxxis has officially unveiled the next generation of its widely used MaxxTerra rubber compound, engineered to deliver marked improvements in both durability and traction for performance mountain bike tyres. Responding to rider concerns about rising costs and the desire for longer-lasting equipment, the brand has focused on extending tyre lifespan without compromising the rolling efficiency that its products are known for.

Following extensive laboratory development, Maxxis engineers have achieved a reported 30 percent gain in tread wear and durability compared to the original MaxxTerra, alongside a 15 percent increase in traction. Crucially, these enhancements come without any sacrifice in rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance from the first ride through many subsequent outings, thereby reducing the frequency of tyre changes and maximising trail time.

The updated compound is being introduced across the full range of Maxxis trail tyres in phases, with the first phase available immediately. The new generation is identifiable by packaging marked with a New MaxxTerra graphic, while the tyre’s tech badge now simply reads MaxxTerra, replacing the previous designation of 3C MaxxTerra.

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Tana is poised to deliver a compelling presence at IFAT 2026, scheduled for 4–7 May, where the central invitation for attendees is to Feel the Energy through live displays of high-performance machinery, recent innovations and advanced digital tools. This year’s exhibition focuses on how intelligent technology and powerful waste processing equipment can work together to achieve both efficiency and operational excellence.

Visitors can experience the TANA Hammerhead, a mobile shredder engineered for demanding waste environments with a focus on maximising uptime and productivity. On the first day of the show, Tana will also unveil an exciting new product, representing a major leap in waste management technology through innovative engineering and practical operational benefits. Live demonstrations of the TANA Shark shredder will take place daily at 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:00 at the stand of German distributor VENETO Schwenter GmbH (FS.911/1).

Another highlight is the Tana Wingman, a live digital operator assistant that improves visibility, safety and efficiency. It provides real-time machine data and a live hopper camera view on a tablet interface without needing cloud services or internet, keeping all data secure on site. This system enhances situational awareness during loading and feeding, helping operators react quickly to blockages or irregular material flow while reducing the need to leave the operating area.

Tana is also piloting an AI-driven proof of concept called the TanaConnect Smart Assistant, developed with spogen.ai, which enables hands-free, voice-activated interaction for operators and service teams. This assistant offers intuitive, context-aware access to machine information, reducing time spent searching manuals. At Stand 227 in Hall B5, Tana welcomes IFAT attendees to an interactive space where experts are available to discuss how these solutions can improve productivity and workflows, offering a firsthand look at the future of waste management technology.

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