Experts predict several key reasons for a 20% decline in the Indian market by the end of 2024. Understanding job market factors is crucial for students, especially those about to graduate and start internships. This blog explores the potential impact of the market downturn and its impact on future students and offers strategies to navigate this challenging environment. Read more, 10 Hottest New Jobs to Grab in 2024

1. High Possibility of a Global Recession

A high possibility of a global recession starting in the second half of 2024 is a critical factor. The interconnected nature of the global economy means that a recession in major economies will likely have a cascading effect on emerging markets, including India. For students, this could lead to job losses in the sector as companies may cut staff to control costs. Understanding these possibilities can help students prepare by diversifying their skills and remaining compatible with different roles.

3. Best Profit Booking Opportunity for Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)

The recent run-up in the Indian markets presents an attractive profit booking opportunity for Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). Given the high prices, financial institutions may choose to hedge their profits, especially if they see well-adjusted profits elsewhere or anticipate future market volatility. Excessive withdrawals by FII funds could lead to a sharp decline in market indices, adding pressure on stock prices. For students, this could prompt companies to pay attention to their hiring processes and highlight the importance of proving yourself through exceptional academic performance, relevant experience, and strong interview skills.

4. Extremely High Valuations

Indian markets is currently very highly valued and is likely to be unaffordable. Higher cost of earnings and other valuation indicators indicate that the market is vulnerable to disappointing corporate earnings or economic performance. Companies can be heavily criticized if they fail to meet the market’s high expectations. For students, this can mean fewer job opportunities and more competition. To mitigate this, students should focus on developing diverse skills that will appeal to different industries and help them remain competitive even in a tough job market.

5. Global Risk-Off Sentiment

The global wave of sentiment that has emerged as international investors withdraw from safe havens in their home markets could affect Indian markets. The shift in sentiment could be caused by a variety of factors, including political unrest around the world, financial turmoil, or political changes in major economies. When global companies withdraw money from emerging markets like India, it can create underwriting problems and increase volatility, causing the market to contract. For students, this means preparing for the ever-changing job market by developing a strong career network, seeking guidance from career counsellors, and remaining flexible about jobs and responsibilities.

Job Market Strategies for Students to Navigate the Downturn

Understanding that the market could contract is important for students preparing for the job market. Here are some strategies for getting through these uncertain times:

1. Diversify Skills: Acquiring a mix of technical and soft skills can make students more attractive to a broader range of employers. Consider certifications, online courses, and workshops to enhance your resume.
2. Internships and Practical Experience: Gaining real-world experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work can provide a competitive edge. These opportunities can also help build a professional network and offer insights into different industries.
3. Leverage Campus Resources: Use campus placement services, career guidance, and student networks. The tools can provide useful support from building to planning presentations.
4. Stay Informed: Staying informed about industry and economic developments can help students better understand the job market and identify opportunities and challenges.
5. Networking: Building a strong professional network can open career doors and provide valuable tips and advice. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals on sites like LinkedIn.

Conclusion

Market volatility can reinforce the importance of economic preparation. For students, understanding these factors and taking proactive steps toward career planning can make a big difference. By diversifying their knowledge, gaining practical experience, leveraging campus resources, staying informed and networking effectively, students can meet the challenges of the job market and position themselves for success in 2024 and beyond.

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Designed to monitor the freshness of seafood in real-time by responding to pH changes, the film offers a practical solution for improving food safety and reducing waste.

This film detects the release of volatile amines, compounds typically associated with spoilage, and indicates food quality through visible color changes, say sources from NIT Rourkela.

These natural components make the film biodegradable, safe, and responsive, aligning with sustainability goals and offering a non-invasive way to assess seafood freshness.

Findings

The findings of this research have been published in the journal Food Packaging and Shelf Life in a paper co-authored by Prof. Preetam Sarkar (as the lead corresponding author), along with his research scholars, Mr. Rahul Thakur, Miss Harshi Singhi, Mr. Vedsagar Rajesh Suryavanshi, and Dr. Ravichandran Santhosh.

Other co-authors in this work include Dr. Khalid Gul from NIT Rourkela, Dr. Swarup Roy from Lovely Professional University, Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy from South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA and Dr. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad from IIT Roorkee.

Fishing

India is the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing approximately 8% of global fish production, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

It also holds the distinction of being the top five producer of shrimp globally, with frozen shrimp being the top export commodity.

Given the scale and importance of seafood production, innovations that ensure freshness and reduce spoilage are of immense value, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

In this context, intelligent packaging systems, which preserve food while monitoring its quality, are rapidly gaining global interest.

Unlike conventional packaging that serves merely as a protective barrier, the intelligent packaging film developed by NIT Rourkela team offers visual cues about the product’s condition, making it a promising solution for enhancing food safety and reducing waste.

The beetroot peel extract was prepared separately, and then combined with the starch, gum tragacanth, and a small amount of glycerol to cast the films.

These were dried and tested for their pH-sensitivity and effectiveness in monitoring seafood freshness, said Prof Preetam of NIT Rourkela.

Pigments

Beetroot peels contain betalains, a group of pigments known for their bright colours and pH sensitivity, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

These pigments also offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, making them suitable for food-related applications.

Incorporating these natural compounds into the starch-based film creates a biodegradable, safe, and responsive packaging material.

When the seafood begins to spoil and pH levels rise, the film changes colour, providing a clear visual indicator of freshness.

Starch

The choice of Kodo millet starch and gum tragacanth contributes to the film’s biodegradable and eco-friendly profile.

Kodo millet is an underutilised grain with excellent film-forming properties, while gum tragacanth enhances the mechanical strength and flexibility of the material.

The researchers believe that using such agricultural by-products not only supports sustainability but also adds value to food processing waste, such as beetroot peels.

At the laboratory scale, the cost of producing the film was estimated approximately Rs. 900 per kilogram.

When scaled up for industrial production, the cost is projected to range between Rs. 400 and Rs. 600 per kilogram, making it a potentially viable option for commercial use.

Also Read – NIT Rourkela develops great AI powered model