Identify the sector(s) of the Indian Economy which are the most affected by the Covid Pandemic:

(a) MSME sector

(b) Aviation sector

(c) Tourism and Hospitality sector

(d) Telecommunication sector

The correct answer is (a), (b) and (c).

Key Points

Impact of Covid Pandemic on sectors:

Tourism and hospitality sector:

• The COVID-19 outbreak has presented unprecedented circumstances to the fragile tourism and hospitality industry.
• Several countries are majorly dependent on tourists to drive their economy.
• It's one of the most labor-intensive industries in the world and over 100 million jobs are at risk right now. 
• The travel bans, border closures, events cancellations, quarantine requirements, and fear of spread, have placed extreme challenges on the tourism and hospitality sectors. Hence, statement (c) is correct.

Aviation sector:

• After nearly two-thirds of the world went into lockdown to contain the spread of the virus, the aviation sector was affected the most. 
• The coronavirus outbreak has caused excessive damage to the aviation sector, threatening the survival and sustainability of airlines around the globe as most countries canceled domestic and international flights on account of lockdown. Hence, statement (b) is correct.

MSME Sector: 

• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are literally the backbone of all Indian sectors and are often engaged in manufacturing and export activities — two key drivers of the Indian economy. 
• Today, almost all MSMEs are out of action due to the lockdown, choking all production activities at major firms across sectors.
• There are several reports that indicate how MSMEs are reeling under crisis and have no money to pay their employees. Hence, statement (a) is correct.

Telecommunication sector:

• Remote working, video conferencing, and telecommunications technology have quickly emerged as key enablers for business operations during this lockdown, and streaming services such as Netflix have become the go-to source for entertainment, putting the telecom sector in the spotlight today.
• Several analysts now believe that unlike the manufacturing and other sectors that have come to a near standstill, the telecom industry might emerge as the golden child of this economic slowdown. Hence, statement (d) is incorrect.