As the world reels under the effects of some form of lockdown due to coronavirus, a new way of life has opened up for citizens. Here's a look at how life has changed for the better or for worse for people in India and across the world.
Work-from-home becomes the new normal
Work-from-home has become a reality for organisations across the world. While some companies were always open to the concept, COVID-19 and lockdowns have pushed organisations to come up with innovative methods to let employees work from the comfort of their homes. Businessman Anand Mahindra pointed out the silver lining in the coronavirus outbreak, saying that it will press a 'permanent reset button' for the world. When the world emerges from the pandemic many organisations may continue these new practices which have proved cost-effective for them.
Schools go digital
Classes have shifted online for school and college students in lockdown. More than 157 crore students worldwide are affected due to educational institutes being closed, according to UNESCO. In India, more than 32 crore students have been affected due to closure of schools as a fallout of the India lockdown.
Kirana stores get a push
Lockdown has proved to be profitable for small kirana stores. Groceries purchased from these stores has gone up by 53% according to a report by McKinsey. E-commerce grocers have not been able to meet the rising demands of shoppers in lockdown.The local kirana stores, once scrambling to compete with Amazon, Big Basket and others in India, are now re-emerging as dependable solutions.
Migrant labour in distress
Thousands of migrant labourers living in India's cities found themselves without any source of income and started leaving towns when Modi imposed the lockdown on March 25. With nothing to survive on, these people have been pushed into severe poverty, hunger and homelessness. Unable to pay for rent or food, they were forced to leave their homes. UN Human Rights Chief also expressed anguish. Michelle Bachelet said that measures applied due to COVID-19 should "neither be applied in a discriminatory manner nor exacerbate existing inequalities and vulnerabilities." UN emphasised the need to show respect towards them and treat them with compassion. The India Lockdown just highlighted challenges thousands of migrant workers face in the country.
Over-dependence on technology
Our dependence on technology has come into sharp focus with more than half the world in lockdown. Home entertainment and video conferencing are the two main areas where tech is being used. Video-conferencing softwares are booming and human resource departments are getting more innovative in making use of technology to streamline work. Internet usage has exploded but networks are holding up so far. Remote learning is seeing an upswing too, which means more use of technology by people of all age groups. It has been a steep learning curve for some while others are totally at ease. Coronavirus tracing apps have become sought-after.
Travel plans at a standstill
Tourism industry accounts for 10 percent of the total global GDP. The sector has been decimated by the COVID-19 crisis. With airlines suspended, borders sealed, flights and trains suspended, the tourism industry is left gasping for air. The UNWTO has been watching closely and has also predicted that this sector has the potential to lead recovery once the crisis has passed. Going by how tourism recovered after the 2008-2009 crisis and the SARS epidemic, it may just turn out to be the hope economies have been looking for. "Our sector will provide the jobs people need to bounce back and will drive economic growth that will help whole communities and countries to recover", the UNWTO chief Zurab Pololikashvili stated in March. But while everyone remains hopeful about the future, it's a fact that it would be some time before we can plan a holiday like we used to in pre-coronavirus days.