Coronavirus updates for May 20
Here's a roundup of YourStory's coverage today of how India and the world are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
India recorded its highest jump in new coronavirus cases as the country witnessed a spike of more than 5,600 cases, with the total number of cases crossing 107,000, according to Worldometer.
The Centre announced that it will start domestic flights in a calibrated manner from May 25, two months after it was halted due to the lockdown. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted that all airports and air carriers have been informed to be ready to restart operations, while Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for passenger movement will be issued separately.
Ministry of Home Affairs has granted exemptions for Board examinations for Class X and Class XII students, while emphasising that no exam centres will be permitted in containment zones. According to the HRD Ministry, students will appear for exams in their own schools instead of an external test centre, while the exam results will be declared by the end of July.
India Inc continues to see layoffs as the economy struggles to recover from the nationwide lockdown. Cab aggregator Ola stated that it was laying off 1,400 staff from rides, financial services, and food business as revenues declined by 95 percent in the last two months. Bengaluru-based ShareChat laid off a fourth of its workforce as advertising revenues dropped for the regional social media firm. Meanwhile, foreign investors have pulled out an estimate $16 billion according to a US Congressional report as the global economy suffers contraction.
Here's a roundup of YourStory's coverage today of how India and the world are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 impact: Survival of Indian startup ecosystem at stake due to crisis, says Nasscom
A Nasscom survey, which was conducted to study the impact of COVID-19 on Indian startups, found that around 40 pc of startups have either temporarily shut down or are on the verge of closing.
Ola culls 1,400 jobs after revenue slumped 95 pc following coronavirus pandemic
In an email to employees, Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder of Bengaluru-based ride-hailing unicorn, said no more COVID-19-related cuts would happen after this.
[Startup Bharat] What does Lockdown 4.0 mean for small-town startups
With Prime Minister stressing on becoming “vocal for local”, small-town startups say that while the challenges are considerable, they have got used to dealing with them for some time now.
Coronavirus: These Indian startups have raised funds despite the hardships of the pandemic
Here is a list of startups that have managed to thrive in the current COVID-19 pandemic by raising funds from several investors.
Coronavirus: Why contactless dining is the new normal, explains Ankit Mehrotra of Dineout
In a conversation with YourStory, Dineout Founder and CEO Ankit Mehrotra discusses the future of restaurants and how contactless dining will be the new normal after coronavirus.
Pune-based auto-rickshaw driver foregoes wedding expenditure to provide meals to migrant labourers
Akshay Kothawale is utilising his marriage fund of Rs 2 lakh to provide meals to those in need.
This dhaba in Bihar provides free meals to returning migrant labourers
Having been transformed into a langar, Aditya Raj Dhaba is feeding 500 to 700 people daily.
Juicy Chemistry is 100 percent organic, nutrient-rich and uses natural ingredients. With products like Tuscany Lemon and Green Apple wash, Blood Orange and Rosehip Lip balm on offer, it's time to feel good amid COVID-19.
These 3 ways can help companies improve agility in a post-COVID-19 world
Every organisation must focus on injecting agility into their transformation efforts so that they are ready for the next disruption.
Guide to Conducting Contactless CX Surveys During the COVID-19 Pandemic
There are many ways in which businesses can run contactless customer experience surveys even during the lockdown with the help of the software piHappiness.
The Mental Health Pandemic created by COVID-19
As we all know, COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in our lives. It is something that we have never experienced before in our life.
Home appliances repair industry and the role of startups in the COVID-19 world
Here are some key factors slated to have a long-term deterring effect on the servicing sector.
Lockdown impact: WeWork India to lay off around 100 employees
Karan Virwani, the CEO of WeWork India, informed this decision through internal communication to company employees. Around 100 workers would be affected by the decision, sources said.
From difficulty in starting cars to fewer passengers, cab drivers face issues as they resume work
Ride-hailing platforms Ola and Uber on Monday announced resuming operations in more cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, after various states brought in their guidelines for the fourth phase of lockdown that ends on May 31.
Recession, job losses, another pandemic and protectionism top worries: WEF study
The study also flagged that the world is not ready for the knock-on effect of far-reaching environmental, societal, and technological risks.
Coronavirus: Ecommerce players see strong demand for non-essential goods from red zones
After more than 50 days, ecommerce companies like Flipkart, Amazon, and Snapdeal were allowed to ship all items across the country (except containment zones).
COVID-19: Qualcomm India commits $1.5M to support India's efforts against pandemic
In addition, Qualcomm India employees, in their individual capacity, have been active contributors towards various community outreach and relief efforts, including personal contributions.
COVID-19: Karnataka to postpone Global Investors Meet
Jagadish Shettar, Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister, said the Karnataka government will postpone the GIM, planned in November this year, by a few months following inadequate preparations due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Over 70 pc companies likely to continue work-from-home policy for next 6 months: Survey
Most respondents to the survey said that their company productivity was not affected due to the forced work-from-home arrangement since the lockdown.
