View source for COVID-19's impact on India

{{COVID-19 pandemic sidebar}}
=== Transport ===
[[IndiGo]] cancelled its Delhi-[[Istanbul]] and [[Chennai]] – [[Kuala Lumpur]] flights starting 18 March to prevent international travel from Turkey and Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 March 2020|title=IndiGo cancels flights on Delhi-Istanbul, Chennai-Kuala Lumpur route from March18–31|website=Business Standard|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigo-cancels-flights-on-delhi-istanbul-chennai-kuala-lumpur-route-from-march18-31-120031701637_1.html|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref> This ban will continue till 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|date=17 March 2020|title=Corona Impact: IndiGo to cancel flights to Turkey, Malaysia|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/corona-impact-indigo-to-cancel-flights-to-turkey-malaysia/1771423|access-date=20 March 2020|website=Outlook India}}</ref> On 17 March 2020, [[GoAir|Go Air]] suspended its international flights till further notice.<ref>{{cite web|date=17 March 2020|title=GoAir suspends international operations|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/goair-suspends-international-operations-sends-staff-on-leave-without-pay-11584451946542.html|access-date=18 March 2020|website=Mint}}</ref> On 19 March, the [[Government of India]] announced that no [[international flight]]s will be allowed to land in India from 22 March.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2020|title=No international commercial flight will be allowed to land India from March 22|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/no-international-commercial-flight-will-be-allowed-to-land-india-from-march-22-599644|website=indiatvnews}}</ref> On 23 March, the [[Government of India|union government]] announced the suspension of all [[domestic flight]]s in the country starting 25 March.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coronavirus: India suspends domestic flights from 25 March|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-india-suspends-domestic-flights-from-25-march-11584962827845.html}}</ref>

On 7 August, [[Air India Express Flight 1344]], a repatriation flight, crashed while landing at [[Calicut International Airport]] in Kozikhode, killing 18 of the 190 people on board.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 August 2020|title=Air India Express plane skids off runway, killing at least 18 and injuring more than 100|work=[[CBS News]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-india-plane-crash-dubai-calicut-passengers/|access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> Two of the survivors tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 August 2020|title=Kozhikode Air India Express crash: CISF personnel quarantined after passengers test positive for coronavirus|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-kozhikode-air-india-express-crash-coronavirus-quarantine-6545458/|access-date=8 August 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=8 August 2020|title=Kozhikode Air India Express crash: CISF personnel quarantined after passengers test positive for coronavirus|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-kozhikode-air-india-express-crash-coronavirus-quarantine-6545458/|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>

'''Railways'''

On 14 March, [[Western Railway (India)|Western]] and [[Central Railways]] removed curtains and blankets from AC coaches.<ref>{{cite news|last1=India|first1=Press Trust of|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Central, Western Railway withdraw curtains, blankets from AC coaches|newspaper=Business Standard India|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/coronavirus-central-western-railway-withdraw-curtains-blankets-from-ac-coaches-120031401174_1.html}}</ref> On 17 March, [[Western Railway (India)|Western Railways]] hiked platform ticket charges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 across 250 stations.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coronavirus impact: Railway platform ticket price hiked to Rs 50 in 250 stations|work=CNBC TV18|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/coronavirus-impact-railway-platform-ticket-price-hiked-to-rs-50-in-250-stations-5501061.htm}}</ref> [[Central Railway zone|Central Railways]] cancelled 23 trains.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Live: Central Railways cancel 23 trains amid coronavirus scare|work=Zee News|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/live-updates/breaking-news-march-17-latest-updates-2269902}}</ref> On 19 March, [[Tejas Express]] running between [[Lucknow]] Junction to New Delhi and [[Varanasi]] to [[Indore]] will remain cancelled till 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tejas Express cancelled|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/lucknow/tejas-express-cancelled-due-to-low-occupancy-and-mass-cancellations/amp_articleshow/74696379.cms|website=timesofinfia}}</ref> On 20 March, [[Delhi Metro]] was scheduled to remain closed on 22 March due to [[Janata Curfew]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Delhi Metro To Be Closed On Sunday As Part Of PM's "Janata Curfew" Move|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-metro-to-remain-closed-on-sunday-as-part-of-pms-janta-curfew-move-to-fight-coronavirus-2197994|website=ndtv}}</ref> On 22 March, metro services across India were suspended till 31 March.<ref>{{cite news|date=22 March 2020|title=Metro services shut across India till March 31|work=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/metro-services-shut-across-india-till-march-31/articleshow/74760183.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> On 21 March, in view of [[Janata curfew]], Indian Railways announced the cancellation of 3,700 trains across the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Janata curfew: 3,700 trains cancelled on Sunday|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/janata-curfew-3700-trains-cancelled-on-sunday/articleshow/74740006.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 March 2020|title=COVID-19 Janta curfew: Railways cancels 3700 trains on Sunday|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-janta-curfew-railways-cancels-3700-trains-on-sunday-11584723537011.html|website=Livemint}}</ref> On 22 March, the [[Government of India|union government]] cancelled all train services in the country baring goods trains, that is around 12,500 trains, and all non-essential passenger transport including interstate transport buses.<ref>{{Cite news|title=After trains, interstate bus services suspended till 31st March|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/after-trains-interstate-bus-services-suspended-till-31st-march/articleshow/74758323.cms}}</ref> [[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation|IRCTC]] suspended the bookings for 3 private trains till 30 April.<ref>{{Cite news|title=IRCTC suspends bookings for its 3 private trains till April 30, amid nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus COVID-19|work=sarkaripaper.co,in|url=https://sarkaripaper.co.in/irctc-suspends-bookings-for-its-3-private-trains-till-april-30-amid-nationwide-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19/|url-status=dead|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407135459/https://sarkaripaper.co.in/irctc-suspends-bookings-for-its-3-private-trains-till-april-30-amid-nationwide-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19/|archive-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> After the Prime Minister Modi extended the nationwide lockdown till 3 May. the [[Indian Railways]] not only extended the suspension of all its passenger trains during the period but also suspended all ticket bookings till further notice.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 April 2020|title=Train services suspended till May 3, no ticket booking till further orders|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lockdown-extension-train-services-suspended-till-may-3-11586844695457.html|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref>

On 8 May, the [[Aurangabad railway accident]] occurred due to confusion related to the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-09|title=Aurangabad train accident: They thought no trains were running, loco driver spotted them too late to stop|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-they-thought-no-trains-were-running-loco-driver-spotted-them-too-late-to-stop-6400947/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-08|title=Aurangabad train accident: 16 migrant workers run over, probe ordered|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-lockdown-maharashtra-aurangabad-migrant-workers-killed-train-6399556/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

'''Road'''

On 19 March, bus services between the cities of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] have been postponed from 21 to 31 March 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bus services between Indore and Maharashtra to be suspended|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bus-services-between-indore-and-maharashtra-to-be-suspended-1657078-2020-03-18|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bus services between Indore and Maharashtra to be suspended|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/bus-services-between-indore-and-maharashtra-to-be-suspended/1772086|website=outlookindia}}</ref> [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] government imposed a ban on public transport including [[buses]], [[auto rickshaws]] and [[tempos]] from 21 March.<ref>{{cite web|title=Punjab to ban public transport from March 21|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/punjab-to-ban-public-transport-from-march-21/|access-date=19 March 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> Public transport including buses, mini buses, maxi cabs and auto services were banned in [[Srinagar]].<ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2020|title=Govt bans public transport in Srinagar to prevent spread of Coronavirus|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/srinagar/govt-bans-public-transport-in-srinagar-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/|access-date=19 March 2020|website=Greater Kashmir}}</ref>

===Exodus of migrant workers===
{{Main|Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic}}
[[File:Migrant workers stand in a queue for food at Delhi Govt school during COVID-19 Lockdown at Delhi IMG 20200331 132400.jpg|thumb|Migrant workers stand in a queue for food at Delhi Govt school during COVID-19 Lockdown at Delhi]]

The lockdown left tens of millions of [[migrant worker]]s unemployed.<ref>{{cite news|date=30 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India's pandemic lockdown turns into a human tragedy|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52086274}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=2 April 2020|title=Hungry, desperate: India virus controls trap its migrant workers|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/hungry-desperate-india-virus-controls-trap-migrant-workers-200402031123631.html}}</ref> With factories and workplaces shut down, many migrant workers were left with no livelihood.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Slater|first1=Joanna|last2=Masih|first2=Niha|date=28 March 2020|title=In India, the world's biggest lockdown has forced migrants to walk hundreds of miles home|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-coronavirus-lockdown-migrant-workers/2020/03/27/a62df166-6f7d-11ea-a156-0048b62cdb51_story.html|access-date=13 May 2020|website=The Washington Post}}</ref> They thus decided to walk hundreds of kilometres to go back to their native villages, accompanied by their families in many cases.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Borbon|first1=Christian|date=28 March 2020|title=Indian migrants forced to walk home amid COVID-19 lockdown|url=https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/indian-migrants-forced-to-walk-home-amid-covid-19-lockdown-1.1585394226024|access-date=13 May 2020|website=Gulf News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ara|first1=Ismat|date=29 March 2020|title='No Work, No Money': Thousands Stranded on Anand Vihar Bus Stand|work=The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/labour/watch-no-work-no-money-thousands-stranded-on-anand-vihar-bus-stand}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Team|first=N. L.|title=NL Interview: Barkha Dutt on covering migrant crisis, the media economy, and falling out with promoters|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/08/25/nl-interview-barkha-dutt-on-covering-migrant-crisis-the-media-economy-and-falling-out-with-promoters|access-date=2020-10-21|website=Newslaundry|language=en}}</ref>  In response, the Central and State governments took various measures to help them.<ref name="21000camps">{{Cite news|date=1 April 2020|title=More than 21,000 camps set up for over 6,60,000 migrants: State governments|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/more-than-21000-camps-set-up-for-over-660000-migrants-state-governments/articleshow/74920798.cms|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=15 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Over 60,000 people have registered on Delhi govt portal to go back home|work=The Hindu|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/over-60000-people-have-registered-on-delhi-govt-portal-to-go-back-home/article31586991.ece|access-date=18 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The Central Government then announced that it had asked state governments to set up immediate relief camps for the migrant workers returning to their native states,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Somesh|date=29 March 2020|title=Fighting Covid-19: After the long walk, jobless migrants head home by bus|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fighting-covid-19-after-the-long-walk-jobless-migrants-head-home-by-bus-120032900041_1.html}}</ref> and later issued orders protecting the rights of the migrants.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Pandey|first1=Devesh K.|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Migrant workers to be stopped, quarantined at borders, says Centre|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-warns-lockdown-violators-of-14-day-quarantine/article31198038.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus crisis: Landlords can't ask rent from students, workers for 1 month|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/coronavirus-crisis-landlords-can-not-ask-rent-from-students-workers-for-1-month/story/399551.html|website=Business Today}}</ref> 

In its report to the [[Supreme Court of India]] on 30 March 2020, the Central Government stated that the migrant workers, apprehensive about their survival, moved in the panic created by fake news that the lockdown would last for more than three months.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chaturvedi|first1=Arpan|date=1 April 2020|title=Government Effort To Restrain Media Coverage Of Pandemic Met With Supreme Court Caution|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/government-effort-to-restrain-media-coverage-of-pandemic-met-with-supreme-court-caution|access-date=10 May 2020|website=BloombergQuint}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Rajalakshmi|first1=T. K.|date=1 April 2020|title=Centre blames media 'fake news' for mass migration during lockdown|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31228357.ece|access-date=10 May 2020|website=The Hindu Frontline}}</ref> In early May, the Central Government finally permitted the Indian Railways to launch "Shramik Special" trains for the migrant workers and others stranded,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bhargava|first1=Yuthika|date=1 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Railways to run 'Shramik Special' trains to move migrant workers, other stranded persons|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railways-to-run-shramik-special-trains-to-move-migrant-workers-other-stranded-persons/article31481996.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> but this move had a few complications.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 May 2020|title=Shramik special trains {{!}} Migrant workers, other stranded people to pay ₹50 more to get home|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shramik-special-trains-migrant-workers-other-stranded-people-to-pay-50-more-to-get-home/article31487251.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Anuja|last2=Varma|first2=Gyan|date=4 May 2020|title=Congress' move to sponsor rail fare for migrants sparks political tussle|website=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/congress-will-pay-for-rail-travel-of-needy-and-migrants-sonia-gandhi-11588564839050.html|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 May 2020|title=Government can't tell Supreme Court if it is paying 85% rail fare|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/coronavirus-lockdown-government-cant-tell-supreme-court-if-it-is-paying-85-rail-fare/cid/1770636|access-date=23 May 2020|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota}}</ref> On 26 May, the Supreme Court admitted that the problems of the migrants had still not been solved and ordered the Centre and States to provide free food, shelter and transport to stranded migrant workers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|date=26 May 2020|title=Supreme Court orders Centre and States to immediately provide transport, food and shelter free of cost to stranded migrant workers|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-takes-suo-motu-cognisance-of-migrant-workers-issue/article31679389.ece|access-date=27 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
===Panic buying and food security===
There have been several incidents of panic buying in India related to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nanisetti|first1=Serish|date=22 March 2020|title=Panicky shoppers clear out grocery shops|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/panicked-shoppers-clear-out-grocery-shops/article31131827.ece|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=22 March 2020|title=No need for panic buying of milk|work=Ahmedabad Mirror|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/no-need-for-panic-buying-of-milk/articleshow/74754049.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> Retailers and consumer goods firms saw their average daily sales more than double on 19 March as consumers rushed to buy essentials ahead of PM [[Narendra Modi]]'s address to the nation.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Panic buying goes a notch up ahead of PM Modi's address|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/panic-buying-goes-a-notch-up-ahead-of-pm-modis-address/articleshow/74721852.cms}}</ref> Modi assured the citizens that there was enough food and ration supplies and advised them against panic buying.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Janata curfew, avoid panic buying, stay at home: PM Modi's 9 key messages for Indians|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.com/india/coronavirus-outbreak-pm-modis-9-key-messages-for-indians/articleshow/74716261.cms}}</ref> The lockdown disrupted [[Food security|food supplies]] and threatened to trigger a [[food crisis]].<ref>{{cite news|date=7 April 2020|title=Will coronavirus lockdown cause food shortages in India?|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52176564}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Yadav|first1=Anumeha|date=19 April 2020|title=India: Hunger and uncertainty under Delhi's coronavirus lockdown|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/india-hunger-uncertainty-delhi-coronavirus-lockdown-200418095253032.html}}</ref> By the first week of April, essential industries such as growing, harvesting and food deliveries were allowed to operate.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 April 2020|title=India's Food Supply Chain Frays as People Stay Home|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/indias-food-supply-chain-frays-as-people-stay-home-11586343607}}</ref>

===Misinformation and discrimination===
{{see also|Misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic by governments#India|Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

=== Drug shortages ===
{{See also|Shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}There were severe shortages of the drug [[Remdesivir|Remdesvir]] in India during the second wave of the pandemic. Some COVID-19 patients even relied on the [[black market]] to purchase the anti-viral drug.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-04-15|title=India coronavirus: Desperate Covid-19 patients turn to black market for drugs|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56757405|access-date=2021-04-17}}</ref> In view of these shortages, the government banned exports of the drug to other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-11|title=India bans export of Remdesivir drug, injection till Covid situation improves|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-bans-export-of-remdesivir-drug-injection-till-covid-situation-improves-11618141944273.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=mint|language=en}}</ref>

=== Censorship ===
{{Main|Censorship in India}}
On 25 April 2021 the government confirmed that it had made an emergency order requiring at least 100 social media posts to be removed by [[Facebook]], [[Instagram]], and [[Twitter]], which included posts that it believed were misinformation, inducing panic among the public, or obstructing the response to the pandemic. The social media services compiled by withholding the posts from users within India. This included tweets critical of the response by West Bengal Minister of Labour and Law [[Moloy Ghatak]], filmmaker and journalist [[Vinod Kapri]], MP [[Revanth Reddy]], and actor [[Viineet Kumar]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lyons|first=Kim|date=2021-04-24|title=Twitter censored tweets critical of India’s handling of the pandemic at its government’s request|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/24/22400976/twitter-removed-tweets-critical-india-censor-coronavirus|access-date=2021-04-24|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Deep|first=Aroon|date=2021-04-24|title=Twitter censors tweets from MP, MLA, editor criticising pandemic handling|url=https://www.medianama.com/2021/04/223-twitter-mp-minister-censor/|access-date=2021-04-24|website=MediaNama|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Karan Deep|last2=Mozur|first2=Paul|date=2021-04-25|title=As Outbreak Rages, India Orders Critical Social Media Posts to Be Taken Down|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/25/business/india-covid19-twitter-facebook.html|access-date=2021-04-26|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India orders Facebook and Twitter to take down posts critical of coronavirus handling|url=https://social.techcrunch.com/2021/04/24/india-orders-twitter-to-take-down-tweets-critical-of-its-coronavirus-handling/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Education===
On 16 March 2020, the union government ordered the closure of schools and colleges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools Closed, Travel To Be Avoided, Says Centre On Coronavirus: 10 Points|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-s-siddhivinayak-temple-to-close-entry-for-devotees-from-today-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-2195660|access-date=18 March 2020|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 18 March, [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] released revised guidelines for examination centres.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 March 2020|title=CBSE Board advises social distancing, face masks at exam centres to prevent coronavirus|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/education/cbse-board-advises-social-distancing-face-masks-at-exam-centres-to-prevent-coronavirus/story-anUZT6gqcnyyd52l1QZjYL.html|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> This includes maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre between the students taking the exam with a class not having more than 24 students. If the rooms of the examination centres are small, divide the students and make them sit in different rooms. On 19 March, [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] and [[Joint Entrance Examination|JEE]] main examinations were postponed till 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|title=CBSE 10th and 12th Board exams postponed due to coronavirus epidemic|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/cbse-10th-and-12th-board-exams-rescheduled-due-to-coronavirus-epidemic/articleshow/74698356.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=18 March 2020|title=CBSE Class 10, 12 Board exams postponed due to coronavirus; to be rescheduled after March 31|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/breaking-coronavirus-outbreak-cbse-class-10-12-board-exams-postponed-599404|website=indiatv}}</ref>

On 20 March, the [[Maharashtra]] government cancelled examinations for class 1 to 8 and promoted the students to the next classes, whereas examinations for class 9 and 11 were postponed till 15 April.<ref>{{Cite news|title=COVID-19: Maharashtra govt cancels Classes 1 to 8 exam; Class 9th, 11th exams to be conducted post April 15|publisher=India TV|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/covid-19-mumbai-maharashtra-class-1-to-8-exams-cancelled-students-promoted-next-classes-coronavirus-599929}}</ref> The [[Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education]] postponed board exams for class 10 and 12 and asked school principals to promote or detain students of class 5 to 8 based on their performance in previous terms.<ref>{{Cite news|title=MP Board 10th & 12th exams postponed due to Coronavirus|work=The Times of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/mp-board-10th-12th-exams-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-exams-of-classes-5-8-cancelled/articleshow/74715064.cms}}</ref> Board exams of class 10 and 12 were postponed in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=COVID-19: Kerala postpones Class 10, Class 12 board exams, a first for the state|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-kerala-postpones-class-10-class-12-board-exams-a-first-for-the-state-11584692189302.html}}</ref> [[Assam]] government cancelled all exams till 31 March.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Assam Government cancels all exams till March 31 due to COVID19, new dates to be out soon|work=Times Now News|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/assam-government-cancels-all-exams-till-march-31-due-to-covid19-new-dates-to-be-out-soon/567181}}</ref> The [[Union Public Service Commission]] also postponed the interview for the [[Civil Services Examination]] 2019 to be held from 23 March to 3 April.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coronavirus outbreak: UPSC defers civil services interviews|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-outbreak-upsc-defers-civil-services-interviews/amp_articleshow/74732283.cms|website=Economic}}</ref> The [[Secondary School Certificate|SSC]] exams in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were postponed to 15 April.<ref>{{cite web|date=21 March 2020|title=TN SSC 10th board exams postponed in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry due to coronavirus|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/tn-ssc-10th-board-exams-postponed-in-tamil-nadu-puducherry-due-to-coronavirus/story-m5Q0J50KHnlM40bJ88eS4O.html|access-date=23 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

===Economy===
{{main|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
{{see also|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic}}
On 2 March, the [[BSE SENSEX]] witnessed a [[flash crash]] on the back of Union Health Ministry's announcement of two new confirmed cases.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sensex witnesses flash crash on 2 new coronavirus cases in India; over 340 stocks hit 52-week low|work=Moneycontrol|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sensex-witnesses-flash-crash-on-2-new-coronavirus-cases-in-india-over-340-stocks-hit-52-week-low-4993351.html|access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> A UN report estimated a trade impact of {{USD|348 million}} on India due to the outbreak, making India one of the 15 worst affected economies across the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trade impact of Coronavirus epidemic for India estimated at 348 million dollars: UN report|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/trade-impact-of-coronavirus-epidemic-for-india-estimated-at-348-million-dollars-un-report/articleshow/74487020.cms|access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref> [[Asian Development Bank]] estimated that the outbreak could cause losses of up to {{USD|29.9 billion}} to India's economy.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mishra|first1=Asit Ranjan|date=6 March 2020|title=Coronavirus outbreak may cost Indian economy $29.9 bn: ADB|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-outbreak-in-india-could-cost-the-economy-29-9-billion-adb-11583480504316.html}}</ref> On 9 March, The [[BSE SENSEX]] closed 1,942 points lower at 35,635 while the [[National Stock Exchange of India|NSE]] [[NIFTY 50]] was down by 538 points to 10,451.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Raj|first1=Shubham|date=9 March 2020|title=Monday mayhem marks worst day for Sensex: 5 factors causing this crash|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/monday-mayhem-may-mark-worst-day-for-sensex-5-factors-causing-this-crash/articleshow/74547106.cms|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Indices S&P BSE 500 (2015 to 2020).png|thumb|Indices: S&P [[Bombay Stock Exchange]] (BSE) 500 (1 January 2015 to 1 September 2020)]]
On 12 March, Indian stock markets suffered their worst crash since June 2017 after WHO's declaration of the outbreak as a pandemic. The BSE SENSEX dropped 8.18 per cent or 2,919 points which was its lowest in 23 months while the NIFTY dropped 9 per cent or 950 points.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sensex Crashes 2,919 Points, Nifty Ends at 9,590 In Worst Day For Markets Ever|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/bse-sensex-today-live-market-news-sensex-ends-2919-points-lower-nifty-at-9590-amid-coronavirus-fear-2193751|access-date=13 March 2020|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

The Indian Space Research Organisation's [[GEO Imaging Satellite|GISAT-1]] mission onboard [[Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle|GSLV]] which was scheduled for its launch in April was postponed due to the lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISRO Said to Postpone Launch of GISAT-1 Imaging Satellite Further|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/science/news/isro-said-to-postpones-launch-of-gisat-1-imaging-satellite-further-2208309|access-date=27 April 2020|website=NDTV Gadgets 360}}</ref>

On 1 April, the coal mining operations of [[Singareni Collieries Company]] in Telangana were halted due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nagaraja|first1=Gali|date=2 April 2020|title=COVID-19 Threat: Underground Operations at Singareni Coal Mines Come to a Halt|work=The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/rights/covid-19-singareni-underground-opearations-halt}}</ref>

=== Entertainment ===
{{see also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema}}
The [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]], scheduled to take place on 27 March, was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 March 2020|title=IIFA 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus scare, fresh date to be announced soon|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/iifa-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-scare-fresh-date-to-be-announced-soon/story-QtJSVSQyxqYIC1qIEVTvPN.html|access-date=6 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Cinema halls were shut down by most state governments. Film bodies decided to stop the production of films, TV shows and web series till 31 March.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Lata|date=15 March 2020|title=Coronavirus scare in India: All film, TV, web shoots cancelled|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/coronavirus-scare-in-india-all-film-tv-web-shoots-cancelled-11584279151544.html|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> 

On 25 March, all major video streaming services in the country jointly announced that they would restrict streaming of [[High-definition video|high definition]] video on cellular networks during the 21-day lockdown, in order to preserve network capacity and infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Video streaming services like Netflix, Hotstar suspend HD streaming on cellular networks|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/video-streaming-services-like-netflix-hotstar-suspend-hd-service-on-cellular-networks/articleshow/74807392.cms}}</ref>

On 28 March, the [[Indian Broadcasting Foundation]] announced that [[Colors Rishtey]], [[Sony Pal]], [[Star Utsav]], and [[Zee Anmol]] would be available for free on cable and DTH satellite providers for two months in order to provide entertainment during lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus Impact: IBF members waive all charges of four pay channels for two months|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/brandwagon/coronavirus-impact-ibf-members-waives-all-charges-of-four-pay-channels-for-two-months/1912071/|access-date=29 March 2020|website=The Financial Express}}</ref>

=== Deaths of doctors due to COVID-19 ===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers}}
On 8 August 2020, [[Indian Medical Association]] announced that 198 doctors have died due to COVID.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 August 2020|title=IMA says nearly 200 doctors in India have succumbed to COVID-19 so far; requests PM's attention|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ima-says-nearly-200-doctors-in-india-have-succumbed-to-covid-19-so-far-requests-pms-attention/articleshow/77430706.cms|access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> This number was increased to 515 by October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=The Wire|date=2020-10-02|title=IMA Says At Least 515 Doctors Have Died of COVID-19|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/ima-515-doctors-covid-19-deaths-india-health-workers/|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Wire Science|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-09-16|others=PTI|title=IMA publishes list of 382 doctors who died due to Covid-19, demands they be treated as martyrs|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-publishes-list-of-382-doctors-who-died-due-to-covid-19-demands-they-be-treated-as-martyrs/story-hX0ELsr0LXk8UnBFQ0kIvJ.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-13|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> By 3 February 2021, the Indian Medical Association announced that 734 doctors died due to COVID-19.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-02-03|others=ANI|title=IMA refutes govts data, says 734 doctors died due to Covid-19, condemns Centres apathy|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-refutes-govt-s-data-says-734-doctors-died-due-to-covid-19-condemns-centre-s-apathy-101612365469868.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-13|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> However just a day before the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]] announced in the [[Rajya Sabha]] that 162 doctors had died due to COVID-19.<ref name=":1" />

===Tourism and events===
{{see also|List of events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic}}
Since 7 March, the [[Border Security Force|BSF]] has decided to conduct [[Wagah-Attari border ceremony]] without any spectators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coronavirus: Attari border ceremony to be conducted without public presence|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-attari-border-ceremony-to-be-conducted-without-public-presence/amp-11583503640550.html|access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref> [[Orders, decorations, and medals of India|Padma Awards]] ceremony, scheduled for 3 April, stoods postponed.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Singh|first1=Jitendra Bahadur|date=14 March 2020|title=Upcoming Padma Awards ceremony postponed in wake of coronavirus outbreak|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rashtrapati-bhavan-padma-awards-postponed-coronavirus-outbreak-1655564-2020-03-14|access-date=14 March 2020|website=India Today}}</ref>

On 17 March, it was announced that all the historic buildings in the country would remain closed till 31 March. According to Union Tourism Minister [[Prahlad Patel]], the [[Taj Mahal]], [[Red Fort]] and [[Qutub Minar]] and all the National Monuments and Museums under the Archaeological Department of India were to remain closed till 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|date=17 March 2020|title=Coronavirus Outbreak: ASI shuts monuments; Taj Mahal, Hampi, Ajanta closed|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/coronavirus-outbreak-asi-shuts-monuments-taj-mahal-hampi-ajanta-closed/1900158/lite/|website=The Financial Express}}</ref> The [[Statue of Unity]] was to be closed to visitors till 25 March.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coronavirus scare in Gujarat: Sardar Patel's Statue Of Unity|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/vadodara/coronavirus-scare-in-gujarat-worlds-tallest-statue-closes/articleshow/74665311.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Coronavirus impact: Statue of Unity closed for public; ASI shuts all monuments|url=https://m.businesstoday.in/story/coronavirus-impact-statue-of-unity-closed-for-public-asi-shuts-all-monuments/1/398477.html|website=Business Standard}}</ref> However, the monuments were opened to the public only on 6 July.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 July 2020|title=ASI monuments, including Red Fort and Qutub Minar, opened for public; footfalls barely touch 100|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/asi-monuments-including-red-fort-and-qutub-minar-opened-for-public-footfalls-barely-touch/617922|access-date=8 July 2020|website=Times Now}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion}}

During the lockdown, many religious institutions started live-streaming to help devotees worship from home.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Menon|first=Shailesh|date=2 April 2020|title=God goes online as places of worship shut doors to save people|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/god-goes-online-as-places-of-worship-shut-doors-to-save-people/articleshow/74935115.cms|access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

However, many revered temples and shrines, but Maharashtra, started imposing entry restrictions as the infection rates increased. Many Christian churches suspended in-person [[Mass (liturgy)|mass]] and offered worship for their congregants through livestreaming, radio and television.<ref name="Sharad2020">{{cite web|last1=Sharad|first1=Arpita|title=Followers catch up on church service streaming live on various platforms|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/followers-catch-up-on-church-service-streaming-live-on-various-platforms/articleshow/74764511.cms|access-date=30 March 2020|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

The Government announced the opening of religious places beginning 8 June under "Unlock 1" and also released detailed guidelines for subsequent operations on 4 June.<ref>{{Cite report|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/2SoPstobefollowedinReligiousPlaces.pdf|title=SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious places/places of worship|date=4 June 2020|publisher=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

===Sports===
{{see also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports}}
The 2020 [[ISSF World Cup]], which was to commence on 15 March in New Delhi, was postponed.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 March 2020|title=Virus hits Indian sports|work=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/virus-hits-indian-sports/articleshow/74519560.cms|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> The [[India Open|Indian Open]] badminton tournament which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 24 to 29 March was suspended until 12 April.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India Open Badminton Tournament Cancelled|website=Outlook|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sports-news-coronavirus-india-open-badminton-tournament-cancelled/348760|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref>

India's [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC Second Round|FIFA World Cup qualification]] match on 26 March against Qatar in [[Bhubaneswar]] was postponed.<ref>{{cite news|title=India's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Qatar postponed due to coronavirus outbreak|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/india-vs-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2020-qualifiers-coronavirus-bhubaneswar-postponed-1653414-2020-03-07|url-status=live|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308222645/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/india-vs-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2020-qualifiers-coronavirus-bhubaneswar-postponed-1653414-2020-03-07|archive-date=8 March 2020}}</ref> The [[All India Football Federation]] suspended all matches of [[I-League]] and [[I-League 2nd Division]] from 15 March.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mukherjee|first1=Soham|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: I-League matches suspended from March 15|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/coronavirus-i-league-matches-suspended-from-march-15/1ujkopnrik7ww11yarhfvjhxxj|access-date=18 March 2020|website=Goal.com}}</ref> On 14 March, the [[2020 Indian Super League Final]] was played [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Refund process for Hero ISL 2019–20 final ticket holders|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/refund-process-for-hero-isl-2019-20-final-ticket-holders|access-date=13 March 2020|website=Indian Super League}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Coronavirus: ISL final to be held behind closed doors|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/coronavirus-isl-final-to-be-held-behind-closed-doors/articleshow/74605305.cms|access-date=13 March 2020|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

On 13 March, the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] announced that the opening of the [[2020 Indian Premier League]] was postponed from 29 March to 15 April. On 16 April, BCCI suspended the tournament indefinitely due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 April 2020|title=With India in lockdown, IPL 2020 suspended indefinitely|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29034887/bcci-set-defer-ipl-indefinitely-india-lockdown|access-date=15 April 2020|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=It's official: IPL 2020 postponed to April 15 due to coronavirus|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/its-official-ipl-2020-postponed-to-mid-april-due-to-coronavirus/articleshow/74609776.cms|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> The same day, BCCI cancelled the [[South African cricket team in India in 2019–20|ODI matches between India and South Africa]] on 15 and 18 March, which were originally announced to be played without spectators.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rao|first1=Rakesh|date=13 March 2020|title=India-South Africa series called off due to COVID-19 threat|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/coronavirus-india-south-africa-series-called-off-due-to-covid-19-threat/article31061061.ece|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> The IPL would instead be played at sites in the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian government gives IPL 2020 the green signal|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29583375/ipl-2020-uae-indian-government-gives-green-signal|access-date=2 August 2020|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>

[[World 10K Bangalore|TCS World 10 Bengaluru]], the [[IAAF Road Race Label Events|IAAF Gold Label Road Race]] scheduled to be held on 17 May 2020, was postponed to 13 September.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Biji Babu Cyriac|date=26 March 2020|title=TCS World 10K Bengaluru postponed|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/tcs-world-10k-bengaluru-postponed/articleshow/74831080.cms|access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[COVID-19 vaccination in India]]
* [[Vaccine Maitri]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.mygov.in/covid-19|COVID-19}} on [[MyGov.in]] – Government's portal for COVID-19
* {{cite web|title=District Map of CoViD-19 in India|url=https://fieldmaps.in/covid19/|website=fieldmaps.in|access-date=2 May 2020}}
* {{YouTube|playlist=PL1a9DHjZmejE-Ep2PAu2OR8HBfLP0BLIk|title=}} – COVID-19 Management videos by the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]]
* {{Cite book|last1=Prasad|first1=R.|url=https://creatives.thehindu.com/covid_19_ebook.pdf|title=The Pandemic Notebook|last2=Perappadan|first2=Bindu Shajan|last3=Shelar|first3=Jyoti|work=The Hindu|year=2020|editor-last=George|editor-first=P.J.|quote=A handy guide from The Hindu on understanding the coronavirus pandemic and staying protected against COVID-19|ref=none}}
* {{cite web |last1=Khaiwal |first1=Ravindra |last2=Mor |first2=Suman |title=Kids, Vaayu & Corona: Who wins the fights (A comic series for COVID-19 awareness) |url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Corona_comic_PGI.pdf |website=www.mohfw.gov.in |publisher=MoHFW, Government of India}}
* {{cite web |title=Coronavirus in India: Latest Map and Case Count |url=https://www.covid19india.org |website=www.covid19india.org |publisher=A crowdsourced initiative. |language=en}} (javascript required)
* {{cite web |url=https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/countries-and-territories/india/ |publisher=Reuters.com |title=Reuters Covid-19 Tracker India. Current charts of infections, deaths, vaccinations}}

[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in India| ]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|India]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic by country|India]]
[[Category:2020 in India|coronavirus pandemic]]
[[Category:2021 in India|coronavirus pandemic]]
[[Category:Disease outbreaks in India]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}