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  • Market Outlook: PMI, auto sales and global economic cues key triggers for next week

    Sensex

    IANS

    The market outlook for next week will be guided by the major domestic and global economic data such as India’s Current Account Q3, India Bank Loan Growth, HSBC Manufacturing PMI of India (Dec), India’s Infrastructure Output, US Fed Balance Sheet, US Initial Jobless Claims, and US ISM Manufacturing PMI.

    Last week, the market’s benchmark indices closed with gains. During this period, the Sensex closed at 78,699 with a gain of 657 points or 0.84 per cent, and the Nifty closed at 23,813 with a gain of 225 points or 0.96 per cent.

    Pharma and healthcare were the top gainers last week. The benchmark indices rose due to the rise in banking stocks.

    In the trading session from December 23 to December 27 (excluding the Christmas holiday on 25 December), foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have sold Rs 6,322 crore in the stock market. At the same time, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have invested Rs 10,927 crore in the cash market.

    Indian stock market

    IANS

    Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart said, “On the currency front, the rupee faced significant weakness last week, drawing attention to upcoming developments. The current account deficit numbers, scheduled for release on December 31, could influence rupee movements.”

    “Monthly auto sales data will also be closely watched. The auto sector has been under a cloud of pessimism recently, and any positive surprise could bolster market sentiment,” He added.

    Puneet Singhania, Director at Master Trust Group said, “Nifty has been consistently taking support near the 23,650 level on the daily chart and ended the week with an inside candle on the weekly chart, following heavy selling in the previous week. The support is further reinforced by an ascending trendline on the weekly chart.”

    Singhania further said, “A breach below this support could intensify selling, potentially pushing the index towards the 23,200 level. On the upside, sustaining above 23,950 could trigger fresh buying towards 24,200.”

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Jasprit Bumrah completes 200 wickets in Test during ongoing fourth match against Australia 

    Jasprit Bumrah picks up 200 wickets in Test match
    Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah picks up 200 wickets in Test match. Photo Courtesy: BCCI X page

    Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday completed 200 wickets in Test cricket, touching yet another shining milestone in his career.

    He reached a glorious moment in his cricket career on the fourth day of the ongoing Test match against Australia.

    Bumrah completed picking up the 200th wicket of his career when he dismissed Australian batsman Travis Head on Day 4 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

    With an average of 19.5 in Test cricket, he is ahead of legends like Malcolm Marshall (20.9), Joel Garner (21.0), and Curtly Ambrose (21.0).

    Bumrah touched a 200-wicket landmark while playing his 44th Test match.

    In terms of balls bowled, Bumran reached the mark by bowling 8484th legal delivery in Test cricket, the fastest among Indians.

    Internationally, he is just behind Waqar Younis (7725 balls), Dale Steyn (7848 balls), and Kagiso Rabada (8154 balls) in the elite list.

    He also became the first bowler in the world to take 200 Test wickets with a sub-20 average.

    India and Australia are fighting to take lead in the series which is evenly balanced at 1-1.

    India won the first Test match of the series under Bumrah’s leadership.

    He was serving as the temporary skipper in Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first Test.

  • Trudeau govt announced ‘Canada First’ policy, what will be the impact on Indian diaspora?


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    Amid the deteriorating relations between India and Canada, Canadian PM Trudeau has announced the Canada First policy. According to reports, the biggest impact of this policy in Canada will be on the Indians living there.

    Announcing this policy on the social media platform, Trudeau wrote that companies will now have to give priority to Canadian citizens in jobs. When a company hires a foreign citizen, it will first have to tell that they did not find any suitable Canadian citizen for that job.

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    The biggest impact of this policy of the Canadian government will be on the Indians settled there. Because due to the leniency given by the Trudeau government to foreign workers during Corona, many Indian students who went to study there started working in shopping malls, restaurants, food stores, due to which they started earning some income along with their studies. According to a report, in 2023, the number of Indians was the highest among foreign temporary workers working in Canada.

    The Trudeau government of Canada had made new rules for the recruitment of temporary workers to improve and stabilize its economy during the Corona epidemic. Under this, foreign nationals were given the facility to work in Canada. Indian students and people working there benefited greatly from this initiative of the Canadian government. After the decision of the Canadian government, the interest of Indian students towards Canadian universities increased even more. In 2024, about 4.26 lakh Indian students went to Canada to study.

    Apart from reducing the role of foreigners in temporary workers, the Canadian government has also announced a reduction in the number of permanent citizenships granted. Mark Mill, who holds the post of Immigration Minister in the Canadian government, said that a year ago our government had decided to grant citizenship to 5 lakh people every year, but now we have to change it according to the circumstances. He said that now we will give citizenship to 3.95 lakh people next year, 3.80 lakh in 2026 and then 3.65 lakh people in 2027.

    The Trudeau government’s decision to grant permanent citizenship to 5 lakh people every year faced a lot of criticism.

    On this decision of the government, Trudeau said that immigrants have played a very important role in reviving Canada’s economy from the pandemic but now we have recovered from it. Now we have to look towards policies that provide stability for Canada’s future.

    Canada has always been a country with open doors for immigrants. According to the 2021 census, about 24 percent of Canada’s population was born outside Canada. There is also a significant number of Indian immigrants in Canada. Two out of every 10 people living in Canada are Indian immigrants.

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  • 2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    IANS

    2024 has certainly become the year of Apple in India where the tech giant made new exports as well as domestic sale records, driven by the rising trend of premiumisation, the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and aggressive retail expansion.

    According to industry experts, Apple’s strategic approach in India over the past year has resulted in significant achievements and increased market importance.

    Within the electronics sector, smartphone exports have recorded a 45 per cent increase in exports as leading players such as Apple expand production in the country. Apple’s entry into India, supported by its vendors Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, has boosted smartphone exports this year.

    Apple’s iPhone production reached $10 billion in the seven months of this fiscal (FY25), with $7 billion in exports alone which is a record. In the April-October period, the company exported iPhones at almost Rs 8,450 crore (nearly $1 billion) each month, as per industry data.

    According to Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems at Counterpoint Research, Apple has gained a share in India due to highly aspirational youth appeal, strong consumer connect, chanel and manufacturing expansion along with solid marketing campaigns.

    2024 becomes year of Apple in India amid premiumisation, PLI push, retail expansion

    IANS

    “Apple has successfully tapped into the rising trend of premiumization in the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The ultra- premiumisation trend is steadily gaining momentum with each passing quarter,” Pathak told IANS.

    India’s strategic significance for Apple is underscored by its three-dimensional (3D) strategy — focusing on domestic manufacturing, distribution and driving premiumisation.

    The country is likely to surpass Japan and UK to become the third largest market for Apple in terms of shipments in 2026, according to Counterpoint Research Market Outlook.

    “Premiumisation in India, with readily available financing, boosts affordability for premium smartphones, benefiting Apple’s exclusive focus on this segment,” Pathak noted.

    Apple’s India shipments are set to cross 11 million marks in 2024 with 10 per cent year-on-year growth and estimating a similar growth in 2025 as well, according to market watchers.

    Amid the growing demand for its iPhones in aspirational Bharat, Apple clocked a 36 per cent increase in its operating revenue in India, surpassing Rs 66,700 crore (about $8 billion) in FY24. The tech giant also posted Rs 2,746 crore ($330 million) in profit last fiscal.

    The company‘s profit increased by 23 per cent in FY24 against Rs 2,229.6 crore ($268 million) in FY23.

    Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group, CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS that Apple’s growth in India is expected to continue with significant momentum in the coming year, driven by aggressive retail expansion, targeted marketing strategies, and a deeper penetration into the aspirational Indian market.

    “This growth is fuelled by the strong demand for both the latest and previous generation iPhones,” Ram noted.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • 5 ways to safeguard against New Year scams


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    5 ways to protect yourself from New Year scams: 2024 is just about to come and with it scammers and fraudsters are also busy in new preparations to steal the hard-earned money and personal information of common internet users.

    From fake holiday gift vouchers to discount coupons of popular e-commerce websites, cybercriminals are getting smarter every year. Today we are telling you about the ways in which online scammers are preparing to trap people in their net on the occasion of New Year, know how to avoid them…

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    Check website reviews

    On the occasion of New Year, everyone is busy celebrating and fraudsters are ready to divert the attention of the users and trap them in online scams. If you often wait for a good deal online, then this can also be a way of online fraud.

    Many times these fraudsters try to lure people by offering travel offers and discount deals on electronics like smartphones . So always ensure that the website from which you are buying goods is legitimate and not fake. To check the authenticity of an e-commerce platform, go to Google and write a review with the name of the website or use third-party services like Trustpilot.

    Avoid clicking on any links

    If you receive a link to a website in a message from your friend or family, think several times before clicking on it because one click of yours can cost you all your hard earned money. Apart from this, you can become a victim of ‘Digital Arrest’ just because of a link. These fraudsters also send links to fake websites in emails to users on the occasion of New Year. Avoid clicking on any link received from unknown users, especially if the email is sent by an unknown person.

    If you see a product on social media websites like Instagram and Facebook, check its authenticity before clicking. If you get a message or link from your friend offering a product at a discount, it is better to first check whether it is true or not and it is better to call them and ask about it.

    Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts

    Most social media platforms, email services, and banks now offer two-factor authentication for added security. But there are some services that do not offer this kind of security feature.

    If you are logging in to an unknown and new website or entering confidential information like password or card information, then check it not once but twice that the website is not fake. Avoid entering passwords on third-party services and websites whose names you have not heard. It is possible that scammers may steal your login details through these fake websites.

    Fraud in the name of call from bank

    Scammers are now using artificial and human intelligence together and are trapping people by using phone numbers and posing as representatives of well-known banks. Be extremely cautious while sharing your personal information with any bank representative or any other person online or on a phone call.

    Indian banks repeatedly inform their customers that bank representatives never ask for sensitive information like card number or PIN. And if they receive a call from an unknown or official looking number, then understand that some scammers are plotting to loot your money.

    The lure of getting free stuff

    One of the most common ways scammers trap people is by luring them into participating in contests that offer free stuff. Keep in mind that if you have received such an offer that you or people close to you do not know about, then it is definitely a scam.

    It is worth noting that in every scam it is not necessary that your money is the target, many times fake giveaway offers are made to obtain sensitive information of the users such as email address, phone number and date of birth. And this private information is bought and sold by scammers on the dark web.

    Many times these scammers also ask the user for important details like credit or debit card details by luring them with free cash prize or gifts. If you ever get stuck in such a situation, disconnect the call immediately or stop the text messages.

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  • At least 85 dead as Jeju Air flight crash-lands in South Korea

    At least 85 people were killed after a plane with 181 people on board crashed at South Korea’s Muan airport as it skidded off the runway while landing and burst into a fireball on Sunday, media reports said.

    According to the Yonhap news agency, the crash was reported in the South Jeolla province when the Jeju Air flight 2216 was arriving from Thailand.

    Jeju Air flight crashes in South Korea airport killing 85. Photo courtesy: Videograb from X

    Among the 181 on board, 175 were passengers and six were flight crew. 

    Emergency services were pressed into action at the airport around 9 am after the aircraft crashed into a fence and burst into flames following a failed belly landing attempt.

    Authorities rescued two people and continued evacuating passengers from the Boeing 737-800’s rear section.

    Captured footage showed the plane hurtling into the wall and then erupting. Visuals showed black smoke rising above the crash site.

    The crash is believed to have been caused by “contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear”, said reports.

    Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers. “All related agencies must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,” he instructed officials in a statement.

    Jeju Air in a statement said: “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.
    We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.”

    This is the second air crash within a week after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed on Wednesday in Kazakhstan, claiming 38 lives.

    Azerbaijan Airlines’ Flight J2-8243 crashed and caught fire near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities.

  • Cloud Databases Reshape the Future of Enterprise Data Management

    cloud-based database management

    In this era of digital transformation, the way organizations manage and process data is undergoing a seismic shift. Traditional database systems are making way for more agile, scalable cloud-based solutions that promise enhanced efficiency and innovation. A groundbreaking research paper by Prashanth Reddy Kora, a computer engineering professor from the United States, reveals how cloud-based database management systems (DBMS) are revolutionizing enterprise data handling and storage solutions, offering unprecedented opportunities for business growth and technological advancement.

    The Digital Transformation Wave
    The landscape of database management has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, fundamentally altering how organizations handle their digital assets. Cloud adoption rates have experienced unprecedented growth, surging from a modest 20% in 2010 to a commanding 75% in 2020. This dramatic shift represents more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a complete reimagining of data management strategies. The momentum continues, with projections indicating that by 2025, over 90% of enterprises will embrace cloud database technology, marking a decisive turning point in enterprise data management.

    Cost-Efficiency Meets Innovation
    Cloud databases have revolutionized the economics of data management through their innovative pay-as-you-go model. This transformative approach enables organizations to achieve remarkable cost savings, with up to 62% reduction in expenses over three years after cloud migration. Organizations also eliminate substantial overhead costs of maintaining on-site IT teams and hardware infrastructure, making cloud adoption financially compelling.

    Performance that Powers Progress
    The marriage of distributed architectures and advanced caching mechanisms in cloud databases has yielded impressive results. Performance improvements of up to 300% for certain workloads compared to traditional DBMS showcase the technical superiority of cloud solutions. Additionally, availability rates of 99.99% ensure business continuity and reduced downtime risks.

    Security in the Digital Age
    Cloud providers have made substantial investments in security infrastructure, offering robust encryption, sophisticated access controls, and comprehensive compliance certifications. This focus on security has led to widespread adoption, with 95% of major corporations now trusting cloud platforms with their sensitive data, up from 65% in 2015.

    The Evolution of Database Administration
    The role of database administrators has evolved with the advent of cloud DBMS. Automated updates, performance optimization tools, and simplified disaster recovery processes have transformed how organizations manage their data. This automation has significantly reduced security vulnerabilities and improved overall system reliability.

    Challenges on the Horizon
    Despite the advantages, organizations must navigate challenges such as data migration complexities and vendor lock-in concerns. The transition requires careful planning, with data migration costs averaging $125,000 for large datasets. However, the benefits continue to drive adoption, with the global cloud database market projected to reach $68.94 billion by 2028.

    Skills for Tomorrow
    The rapid evolution of cloud technologies has created a significant demand for specialized expertise. Cloud database administrators now command a 25% premium over their traditional counterparts, reflecting the value of cloud-specific skills in today’s job market. Organizations are responding by increasing their investment in cloud skills training, with an average annual spend of $24,000 per IT employee.

    Multi-Tenant Architecture
    Modern cloud databases leverage multi-tenancy to optimize resource utilization while maintaining strict data isolation. This approach has led to infrastructure cost reductions of up to 65% compared to single-tenant solutions, while maintaining robust security measures that prevent cross-tenant data access.

    In conclusion, Professor Prashanth Reddy Kora emphasizes that the transition to cloud-based database management systems marks a pivotal moment in enterprise technology. As organizations increasingly embrace these innovations, we’re witnessing not just a technological upgrade but a complete reimagining of data management. The future promises enhanced efficiency, unprecedented scalability, and transformative potential that will reshape how businesses leverage their data assets in an increasingly digital world.

  • EPFO’s these 5 New rules of will be Implemented in the New Year, What will be the benefit of these rules


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    EPFO New Rules 2025: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced some major changes in guidelines and policies for its crores of subscribers. Most of these changes are likely to be implemented from the new year. The retirement fund body is preparing to launch many new facilities for its subscribers.

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    The purpose of these new rules is to provide more convenience to PF account holders and help them manage their retirement funds in a better way. These changes will benefit both private sector employees and government employees. Let us know about these new rules.

    5 new rules for PF account (EPFO New Rules 2025):

    Facility to withdraw PF money from ATM (withdraw PF money from ATM)

    To provide more convenience to the members, EPFO ​​has decided to issue an ATM card which will provide 24/7 fund withdrawal facility to the subscribers. This ATM withdrawal facility is expected to start in the financial year 2025-26.

    With the implementation of the new guidelines, subscribers will be able to easily withdraw funds anytime in 24 hours. This will also save a lot of time of the subscribers. Currently, they have to wait for about 7 to 10 days to receive PF money in their bank account.

    There may be a change in the employee’s contribution limit

    Another big change coming next year is the change in the EPF contribution limit for employees. Currently, employees contribute 12% of their basic salary to the EPF account every month. However, the government is considering allowing employees to contribute based on their actual salary instead of the Rs 15,000 set by the EPFO.

    After the implementation of this policy, employees will be able to accumulate a large fund till their retirement and get higher pension every month.

    EPFO IT system upgrade

    EPFO is upgrading its IT infrastructure, which will allow PF claimants and beneficiaries to easily withdraw their deposits. It is expected that this upgrade will be completed by June 2025. Once the IT infrastructure is upgraded, members’ claims will be settled faster than before. Also, this will increase transparency and reduce cases of fraud.

    Facility to invest in equity

    EPFO is considering allowing its members to invest in equities. This will give PF account holders the option to manage their funds more effectively. If the retirement fund body allows direct equity investment, members can expect high returns.

    Easy pension withdrawal

    EPFO is making an important change for pensioners. Under the new rule, pensioners will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank in the country without any additional verification. This step will be very convenient for the members and will also save a lot of their time as they will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank.

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  • A Year-End Quote on India’s Education Sector

    Reflecting on Growth: Year-End Insights into India’s Education SectorDr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University

    “The Indian education sector in 2024 witnessed a significant evolution, characterized by technological integration, an emphasis on inclusivity, and the fostering of global partnerships. The implementation of hybrid learning models has facilitated enhanced connectivity between students and educators, thereby expanding access to quality educational resources across diverse geographical locations. AI-powered tools and data analytics have personalized learning pathways, helping students achieve their full potential while bridging learning gaps. Moreover, the growing emphasis on skill-based education has aligned academic curricula with industry demands, fostering employability and entrepreneurship. As we move toward 2025, the outlook for education in India is promising. We anticipate a stronger integration of emerging technologies such as AR, VR, among others for creating immersive and secure learning experiences. Sustainability and social impact will increasingly influence curriculum design, reflecting the global call for responsible innovation. Collaboration between academia and industry will deepen, fostering research, internships, and real-world exposure for students. Furthermore, initiatives to internationalize Indian education will gain momentum, attracting global talent and building world-class institutions. Mahindra University is embracing these trends, ensuring our students are equipped to excel in a dynamic, interconnected world. Our focus remains on nurturing a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning to drive India’s progress in education and beyond.”

    About Mahindra University:

    Mahindra University, Hyderabad (India), is a multi-disciplinary university. It works towards “Educating future citizens for and of a better world”. It is envisioned to be a private University that will play a significant role in driving quality improvements and innovation in higher education in the coming years. Mahindra University will focus on generating new knowledge through engagement in cutting-edge research, creating a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and undertaking collaborative projects with industry and other academic institutions. The University is backed by Mahindra Educational Institutions (MEI), a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra Ltd., the flagship IT company of the Mahindra Group, a US $19.4 billion industrial entity that employs more than 2,56,000 employees across 100 countries.

    Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice-Chancellor of World University of Design

    “In India’s dynamic educational landscape, 2024 has been a year of profound transformation, defined by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future. Emerging disciplines such as Digital Product Design, Interior Architecture, Communication Design, Gaming, Fashion, Films and Performing Arts have captured the imagination of students, signaling a shift toward non-traditional courses that align with evolving industry demands and creative aspirations. Technological advancements in AI, VR, and AR have opened new frontiers, enabling us to redefine education for the modern era and create career opportunities in cutting-edge domains. At WUD, our QS Platinum rank in design education and innovative initiatives, like the introduction of B.Tech programs in Design and Computer Science, and a M.Des program in Game Development have positioned us as leaders in interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

    Looking ahead to 2025, we foresee a continued surge in demand for high quality design education across diverse sectors, driven by global trends and the need for adaptable, creative thinkers. Personalized learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and global collaborations will reshape traditional paradigms, bridging cultural and academic gaps. At the World University of Design, we remain steadfast in our mission to sculpt future leaders, making education a dynamic and transformative force in an ever-changing world.”

    About World University of Design

    The World University of Design (WUD), founded in 2018, is a prominent institution and among India’s leading emerging universities, holding a QS I-Gauge Platinum Rating in Design education and an A+ Grade in Outcome-Based Education by World Institutional Ranking. Dedicated to creative education, WUD has the largest portfolio of design courses in India. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields like Architecture, Design, Fashion, Communication, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Management.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • UNICEF assessment shows 2024 was one of the worst years in history for children in conflict

    UNICEF assessment shows 2024 was one of the worst years in history for children in conflict areas
     9-year-old Farzan in the ruins of his house in Ghor province, western Afghanistan (May 2024). Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Naftalin

    The impact of armed conflicts on children around the world reached devastating and likely record levels in 2024, as per an assessment by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    The study, released on Friday, found that the rights of a record number of children were being violated, including by being killed and injured, missing out of school and life-saving vaccines, and being critically malnourished; the number was expected to grow.

    From Palestine to Myanmar, Haiti to Sudan, the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since World War II. Almost 19 percent of the world’s children – over 473 million – now live in conflict zones, and 47.2 million have been displaced by conflict and violence.

    Thousands of children have been killed and injured in Gaza, and in Ukraine, the UN verified more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than during all of 2023.

    There have been widespread reports of rape and sexual violence against women and girls in conflict settings.

    In Haiti, so far this year, there has been a 1,000 percent increase in reported incidents of sexual violence against children. In situations of armed conflict, children with disabilities also tend to be disproportionately exposed to violence and rights violations.

    Education severely disrupted

    More than 52 million children in countries affected by conflict are estimated to be out of school.

    Children in the Gaza Strip, and a significant portion of children in Sudan, have missed out on more than a year of education, while in countries such as Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Syria, schools have been damaged, destroyed or repurposed, leaving millions of children without access to learning.

    The destruction of educational infrastructure and insecurity near schools have exacerbated an already dire situation for children’s education in these regions.

    Malnutrition and famine

    Malnutrition among children in conflict zones has also risen to alarming levels, as conflict and armed violence continue to be the primary drivers of hunger in numerous hotspots, disrupting food systems, displacing populations, and obstructing humanitarian access.

    For example, in Sudan, famine was declared in North Darfur, the first famine determination since 2017. In 2024, more than half a million people in five conflict-affected countries are estimated to be living in the most extreme food insecurity situations.

    Healthcare threatened

    Conflicts are also having a devastating effect on children’s access to critical healthcare.

    Around 40 percent of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children live in countries that are either partially or entirely affected by conflict.

    These children are often the most vulnerable to disease outbreaks like measles and polio, because of disruptions and lack of access to security, nutrition, and health services.

    The impact on children’s mental health is also huge; exposure to violence, destruction and the loss of loved ones can result in reactions such as depression, nightmares and difficulty sleeping, aggressive or withdrawn behaviour, sadness and fear, among others.

    This must not be the new normal

    “By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict in UNICEF’s history – both in terms of the number of children affected and the level of impact on their lives,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    “A child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home – too often repeatedly – compared to a child living in places of peace. This must not be the new normal. We cannot allow a generation of children to become collateral damage to the world’s unchecked wars.”