Q.1) In the light of a recently released report by the World Bank titled “Beaten or broken: Informality and COVID-19”, analyze the impact of COVID-19 on learning outcomes.
Why this question?
World Bank has recently released a latest South Asia report titled “Beaten or broken: Informality and COVID-19
Intro:
Mention the unprecedented threat of COVID-19 in various sectors brief.
Body:
- Key findings of the report
- As many as 5.5 million students could drop out of schools across South Asia.
- Dropouts, combined with substantial learning losses for those who remain enrolled in schools, would cost the South Asia region as much as $622 billion in future earnings.
- The average child in South Asia may lose $4,400 in lifetime earnings once having entered the labour market.
- The extended closure of schools amid the coronavirus pandemic could dent India’s future earnings by anywhere between $420 billion and $600 billion.
- Impact of COVID-19 has kept 391 million students out of school in primary and secondary education.
- The projected learning loss for the South Asia region is 0.5 years of learning-adjusted year.
- The interrelation between other sectors of the economy
- Increased integration of the global economy will amplify the adverse impact
- The efforts of contagion prevention and physical distancing may render some activities, for example the hospitality sector, unviable.
- Adverse impact of lower human capital and labour productivity over the long term.
- Mention few suggestions to reduce the impact
Conclusion:
Steps taken by India and the proper implementation
Q.2) Discuss the key features of US–India Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP). (150 words)
Why this question?
- NITI Aayog announced the governing structure of the India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF). Thus the question.
Introduction: The SEP recognizes the strategic importance of energy to the U.S.-India bilateral relationship. The SEP builds upon long standing energy partnership and sets the stage for meaningful engagements through robust government-to-government cooperation and industry engagement.
Body: Key features of SEP
- Four primary pillars of cooperation: (1) Power and Energy Efficiency; (2) Oil and Gas; (3) Renewable Energy; and (4) Sustainable Growth.
- AsiaEDGE initiative, which establishes India as a strong energy partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Research and development (R&D) through the U.S.-India Partnership on smart grids and energy storage to increase resilience and reliability of the electric grid
- Renewable energy
- India Energy Modeling Forum
Conclusion: In the midst of a global pandemic with an enormous human toll that is also affecting energy demand, global energy markets, and sustainable energy growth, the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership has never been more vital.
