COVID-19

COVID-19 led to increased economic distress, which is usually associated with an increased justification of domestic violence. Through causal methods of survey experiments, the reasons for justification of domestic violence are evaluated. The hypotheses are tested using a survey experiment set in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with 500 participants (men and women) around the time of the first wave of the pandemic. The results show that hardships from the COVID-19-related lockdown were associated with increased support for domestic violence across genders. We also find that women justified domestic violence more than men.

There exists almost no information on the dynamics of the economy on a quarterly or monthly basis at the state level. The use of high-frequency indicators opens the door for nowcasting the state economy and would also help to calibrate policy changes in the very short run. This is a pioneering attempt for Haryana, where the HFIs were observed and compared with the gross state domestic product and tax revenue performances and were found to be in sync with each other.

This article examines the livelihood vulnerability experienced by the informal workers in Kerala in terms of employment and income shortfalls during the first three months of the COVID-19 crisis. A discussion on the policy response of the state is also attempted to understand its role in reducing the levels of livelihood vulnerability. Kerala’s policy intervention is a road map for other states to contain the pandemic and its consequences.

International agencies usually make country comparisons based on statistical indicators founded on globally accepted concepts and definitions. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister has questioned the adoption of international standards in three key sectors and has suggested developing standards that produce statistical indicators in tune with the national narrative. This is unlikely to help the country’s statistical system.