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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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) has secured Platinum recognition from EcoVadis, the highest distinction awarded by the sustainability ratings provider, placing the natural rubber leader among the top one percent of assessed companies globally. The accolade reflects STA's exceptional management standards and its dedication to pursuing business growth alongside environmental and social responsibility across its entire value chain.

The recognition was addressed by Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul, who characterised Platinum as a significant milestone in STA's drive to embed sustainable practices throughout its operations. He noted that the company's efforts span continuous improvements in corporate governance, ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, respect for labour and human rights and responsible procurement and supply chain development, all aimed at creating shared value and fostering long-term stakeholder confidence.

EcoVadis, an internationally recognised provider of business sustainability assessments, evaluates management performance across four themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. STA's top-tier result underscores its progress in integrating sustainability into operations and reinforces its role as a responsible business partner, while the company remains focused on raising operational standards, strengthening its value chain, supporting quality of life and safeguarding natural resources to build a foundation for lasting growth and a sustainable future for the natural rubber industry.

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Pirelli has entered a three-year agreement with Netcompany INEOS, beginning in 2027, that will make the Milan-based manufacturer the Official Tyre Partner of one of professional cycling’s most prestigious teams. The partnership rests on a shared commitment to performance through innovation, technological progress and close attention to details capable of influencing final results.

Ahead of the collaboration, two Pirelli tyres underwent technical assessment. The PZERO RACE SL-R is a road tyre focused on aerodynamics and rolling efficiency, engineered to reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance in fast racing and high-speed conditions. The PZERO RACE RS was developed to balance rolling efficiency, grip, protection and predictable cornering, giving riders confidence and stability across varied road surfaces, racing situations and weather.

The team’s bike, fitted with Pirelli tyres, is being displayed at the Pirelli stand during Rouleur Live in London from today until Saturday 14 November. The partnership will centre on developing and evaluating technical solutions suited to WorldTour cycling, where efficiency, reliability and performance must work together across conditions ranging from Grand Tours to the five Monuments.

Netcompany INEOS riders’ technical feedback will support product development and validation, with Pirelli technicians working alongside the team’s engineers and research and development management and integrating road data into outdoor testing protocols. The collaboration also reflects both organisations’ focus on marginal gains, with the tyre treated as a key part of the rider-and-bike system. Pirelli’s patented PAAS technologies are cited as helping address trade-offs such as rolling resistance versus grip. Pirelli tyres are due to race on the team’s Pinarello bikes at the Santos Tour Down Under from 16 January 2027.

Aldo Nicotera, Head of Moto & Cycling Business, Pirelli, said, “At the highest level of sport, success depends on a constant search for technological solutions that can deliver ever-greater performance. This is an approach we know well and one we are now bringing to our collaboration with Netcompany INEOS. We share the belief that optimising every detail can make a difference and contribute to outstanding results, together with an unwavering focus on innovation, quality and precision. We will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class technical staff and athletes, making the most of this exchange and gathering valuable insights to drive the ongoing development of increasingly advanced tyres that meet the needs of both professional riders and cycling enthusiasts.”

Geraint Thomas, Director of Racing, said, “Pirelli bring a huge amount of technical expertise and a real commitment to innovation, so it's exciting to have them working closely with our riders and performance team. It's not just about the equipment we race on, but how we can work together to keep developing. So, we're really looking forward to building that relationship and seeing what we can achieve together.”

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Plaza Tire Service, a prominent tyre and automotive service provider across the Midwest and a member of the Sun Auto Network, has expanded its footprint in central Missouri with a newly opened store in St. Robert. The location sits along the historic Route 66 corridor, offering local motorists a dependable option for tyres, preventive maintenance and vehicle repair.

The St. Robert facility stocks a broad selection of leading tyre brands and provides a comprehensive range of services, from oil changes and brake work to batteries, alignments, steering and suspension repair and other routine maintenance. Customers also benefit from the company's Price Match Guarantee and its signature 4 Tires in 1 Hour Guarantee, with same-day installation available on many purchases, allowing drivers to minimise downtime and get back on the road quickly.

Founded in Missouri in 1963, Plaza Tire Service has become one of the Midwest's largest tyre and automotive service providers, operating locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Indiana. The company pairs its regional heritage with the resources and scale of the more than 600-location Sun Auto Network, reinforcing its presence in central Missouri through the new St. Robert store.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "For more than 60 years, Plaza Tire Service has focused on making tyre and automotive care easy for our customers. We're proud to bring that commitment to St. Robert and support drivers with fast service, trusted expertise and a team dedicated to keeping vehicles road-ready."

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TyreSafe has entered an official partnership with BLT Driver Training, the driver training division of the Blue Lamp Trust. The UK charity, which works to raise awareness of tyre safety, said the collaboration reflects a joint commitment to road safety and to helping motorists make better-informed decisions. The tie-up connects BLT Driver Training's work with TyreSafe's broader mission and impact.

The new partner delivers professional driver education, training and assessments intended to raise driving standards and protect passengers, drivers and other road users. Its services span taxi and private hire training, fleet driver development, safeguarding and disability awareness courses and a Mature Drivers Confidence Builder Course. It works with licensing authorities, businesses, fleet operators and individual drivers; as a not-for-profit, it supports the Blue Lamp Trust's charitable work helping older and vulnerable people stay safe.

Collaboration will initially concentrate on three areas: taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs), mature drivers and fleet safety. Drivers in the taxi and PHV sector cover high mileages on demanding schedules, and the partners will examine ways to embed TyreSafe's taxi-focused campaign materials into training and communications so that pressures, condition and tread depth receive greater attention. For mature motorists and their families, the organisations hope to develop accessible, practical resources that prompt regular tyre checks and informed choices supporting safe driving and independence. Fleet safety will be pursued through TyreSafe's November campaign, with both parties looking at how to share guidance on maintenance, inspection procedures and safety-conscious fleet management.

Bringing together BLT Driver Training's educational expertise and TyreSafe's specialist tyre knowledge, the partnership aims to put practical road safety advice within reach of more people and build safer habits across a range of road users. The two organisations believe the collaboration will help drivers and operators treat vehicle safety as a routine priority while supporting the Blue Lamp Trust's wider charitable mission.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We warmly welcome BLT Driver Training as a TyreSafe partner. Improving road safety requires a joined-up approach, combining driver skills and awareness with the condition and maintenance of the vehicles they use every day. By working with an organisation that shares our commitment to practical education and safer journeys, we have a real opportunity to reach more drivers, support fleet operators and help people understand the simple checks that can make a difference. We’re particularly excited about exploring resources for mature drivers and their families, as well as working together to promote tyre safety among taxi and private hire drivers and across the wider fleet sector.”

Emma Burt, CEO, Blue Lamp Trust, said, “We’re delighted to be working with TyreSafe to help improve road safety and driving standards. At BLT Driver Training, we believe that effective education gives drivers the knowledge, skills and confidence to make safer decisions, and vehicle maintenance is an essential part of that picture. This partnership offers exciting opportunities to bring practical tyre safety advice into our training and communications, from supporting taxi and private hire drivers to helping mature motorists and their families have constructive conversations about vehicle safety and maintenance. We look forward to working with TyreSafe to develop useful resources and initiatives that help protect drivers, passengers and the wider community.”

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