Reports show an impressive recovery for the Indian economy in the July-September quarter (Q2) from the record decline of the first quarter, indicating that the economic activity has been gathering pace. The economy in Q2 however continues to be contracted.

According to CARE Ratings report, the GDP growth in Q2 FY21 at -7.5 per cent was sharply lower compared to the 4.4 per cent growth in Q2 FY20. At the same time, the contraction was less severe than the -24 per cent fall in Q1 FY21. While agriculture sector witnessed almost stable growth at 3.4 per cent, the construction sector improved from -50.3 per cent in Q1 FY20 to -8.6 per cent in Q2 FY21. Manufacturing sector witnessed positive growth of 0.6 per cent in Q2 FY21 against the -0.6 per cent growth in Q2 FY20. With the Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme announced by the government for 10 manufacturing sectors and the other government initiatives under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0’ package are expected to catalyse the performance of the Indian industry and economy in the coming quarters.

In these challenging times, mining is doing a better job compared to last year. Coal which makes the lion’s share of Indian mining industry has done well in the first two quarters of this financial year. As per reports, coal production grew by 11.6 per cent in October 2020, its second consecutive month of double-digit growth compared with a sharp decline of -17.5 per cent registered in the corresponding month last year. This indicates a revival in demand for coal amidst resumption of industrial activities and higher thermal power demand. Policy revivals in mining and commercial coal mining auctions started recently have created momentum in the mining activities in the country. With the government planning to announce more reforms in a month, the mining sector is expected to gain in a big way. The government is preparing a framework to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact with a specific focus on sustainability in mining operations. All these will boost the prospects of mining equipment market. The Cover Story elaborates on the developments in the Indian mining space and the opportunities for mining equipment and technology providers in the country.

The post-Covid scenario demands more technology and remote operations in every operational space and construction is no exception. Use of automation, remote monitoring and control technologies will increase in the coming days as more contractors are now open for use of such technologies. Technology providers are also working on updating the automation and control solutions in construction equipment and they are working closely with OEMs and end-users to offer such solutions standard with the equipment and also optional as retrofits. The CASH Feature explains the gaining importance of automation and control technologies in construction equipment in the current scenario. There are also many interesting columns to have complete information on the developments in the Indian and global infrastructure equipment space. Do visit www.EquipmentIndia.com for the latest updates and stay connected.