Moreover, the drop in food prices may have a disproportionate impact on certain segments of the population, particularly low-income households. While a temporary reduction in food prices may provide some relief, persistent deflation could exacerbate income inequality and financial instability for vulnerable groups.

OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday.

The appointment of Xiao Zhengyan as an independent director not only demonstrates the company's dedication to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance but also reflects its commitment to serving the best interests of its stakeholders. Independent directors play a crucial role in overseeing the company's operations, protecting shareholder interests, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Xiao Zhengyan's appointment underscores the company's commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in all its business activities.Lando Norris dominates Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to secure McLaren’s constructors’ title

Excitement is in the air as the highly anticipated new game, "Fading Light," has been confirmed to make its debut at The Game Awards (TGA) this year. Gaming enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the showcase of this mysterious and intriguing title, with expectations soaring to unprecedented heights.Trending News Today Live Updates: In today's fast-paced world, staying informed about the latest developments is more important than ever. Trending News Today brings you the most current and impactful stories from across the globe, covering a wide range of topics including politics, technology, entertainment, sports, and social issues. Whether it's a significant political event, a groundbreaking technological innovation, or the latest in pop culture, we provide you with up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis. Our goal is to ensure that you're always in the loop, aware of the trends that are shaping the world around us. Stay tuned for the latest news that matters. Trends News Today Live: You won’t believe who made a surprise appearance at Kate Middleton’s Christmas Carol Service

Bond with Kashmir unbreakable: MuqamIn the midst of this crisis, the resilience and strength of the Filipino people shine through. Communities come together to support one another, volunteers and aid workers offer their assistance, and solidarity prevails in the face of adversity. As the journey to recovery begins, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work hand in hand to ensure the safety, well-being, and resilience of those affected by the eruption of Mount Taal.

Srinagar, Dec 28: In order to take stock of the ground situation in the wake of incessant snowfall in the District, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today morning toured various areas of the Srinagar City to inspect snow-clearance operations and take first-hand appraisal about functioning of essential supplies. The DC visited various areas of the City including Lal Chowk, Ghanta Ghar, Residency Road, Polo-view, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar, Gogjibagh, Rambagh, Barzulla, Hyderpora, Bemina and other adjoining areas, and took stock of the ongoing snow clearance measures. During the tour, the DC took onsite inspection of the ongoing snow clearance measures and stressed the Officers and officials to ensure that snow is cleared from all main roads to pave ways for smooth vehicular movement, particularly of ambulances ferrying patients. He also stressed on prioritising snow clearance on roads leading to vital installations including hospitals ensuring unhindered access for medical emergencies, as well as facilitating the smooth flow of essential services amidst the challenging weather conditions. The DC also laid emphasis on snow clearance from inner lanes and by-lanes to make sure people do not face any inconvenience. He underscored the importance of making other necessary facilities available to residents to minimize the impact of severe weather events on the people. Dr Bilal stressed on ensuring free Ambulance movement enroute all City Hospitals and emphasised on snow clearance from remote Srinagar areas like Harwan, Dara, Fakir Gujri, Khanmoh, Balhama, Soiteng, Panzinara, etc. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Officers of R&B, MED, SMC, PDD, PHE and other line Departments.

The United Nations, European Union, and United States have all issued statements expressing support for the peaceful transfer of power in Syria. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the development "a critical step towards ending the conflict and achieving a political solution," while EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell hailed it as "a positive sign of progress towards a lasting peace."

Manchester United favourite Nani issues emotional statement and says 'the time has come'Ultimately, Liverpool's big win serves as a valuable lesson for football clubs everywhere. In a sport where loyalty and tradition often clash with financial realities and competitive demands, knowing when to let go of a beloved player can sometimes be the key to unlocking future success. As the 32-year-old veteran fades into obscurity, Liverpool can look back on this chapter in their history with pride and gratitude for a decision that ultimately paid off in ways they could have never imagined.

Stocks likely to keep up positive momentum on strong valuations Pakistani stockbroker monitors the share prices during a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on November 7, 2023. — Online KARACHI: Stocks recovered during the outgoing week and closed the week upwards. The market is expected to keep up the positive momentum next week on strong valuations. Besides, the pressure of the closing will end, which would likely generate positive activity. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); “We expect the stock market to sustain its positive momentum, supported by an influx of fresh liquidity driven by the ‘January effect’. Furthermore, the attractive valuations of scrips are likely to strengthen investor confidence, providing additional support to the market’s upward trend,” stated brokerage Arif Habib Ltd. The week began with a remarkable recovery, as the KSE-100 index surged by 4,411.3 points on Monday, marking the second-highest single-day gain in the index’s history. This rally was primarily driven by fresh inflows following the steep correction in the previous week. As the week progressed, the market sentiments remained mixed. The market concluded the week on a positive note, closing at 111,351 points, reflecting a weekly gain of 1,838 points or 1.68 percent week-on-week. Average volumes arrived at 796 million shares (down 31 per cent WoW), while the average value traded settled at $154 million (down by 25 per cent WoW). Foreigner selling continued during this week and clocked in at $6.8 million compared to a net sell of $11.6 million last week. Major selling was witnessed in banks ($4.7 million) followed by all other sectors ($2.0 million). On the local front, buying was reported by individuals ($14.9 million) and banks/DFIs ($4.8 million). Sector-wise positive contributions came from commercial banks (781 points), fertilizer (456 points), OMCs (337 points), technology & communication (228 points) and oil & gas exploration (54 points). Scrip-wise positive contributors were UBL (439 points), DAWH (314 points), Engro (262 points), TRG (226 points) and PSO (213 points). Negatively contributing sectors included cement (188 points), power (102 points) and textile composite (33 points). Scrip-wise negative contributions came from FFC (252 points), LUCK (105 points), SYS (92 points), CHCC (74 points) and ATRL (62 points). Analyst Nabeel Haroon at Topline Securities said the market returned to its positive course after the negative weekly closing for the week ended December 20, 2024, as the low-interest-rate environment and lack of investment avenues continue to attract investor interest in the market. Abdul Basit, an analyst at JS Research, said the week commenced in green, followed by two corrective sessions and finally closing on a positive note on Friday. Local selling continued throughout the week mainly by mutual funds. During the week, the government raised Rs827 billion through the T-bill auction, where yields remained flat compared to previous cut-offs. Notably, the government is in the process of presenting the tax law amendment bill, aiming for stricter measures for non-filers to improve tax collection. The cabinet also took into consideration the lack of uniformity in gas pricing for fertiliser plants. In other news, according to banking industry data, banks have almost reached the 50 percent advance-to-deposit ratio needed to avoid the imposition of additional taxes. Moreover, auto-financing, after posting two consecutive months of MoM growth, witnessed a marginal decline during November 2024 arriving at a negative growth owing to seasonal fluctuations. State Bank of Pakistan reserves witnessed a decline of $228 million to $11.85 billion due to external debt repayments. The PKR depreciated by 0.22 per cent WoW, ending the week at 278.47 against the greenback. Weekly SPI increased by 0.8 per cent WoW for the week ending Dec 26, 2024, marking the highest level in 25 weeks.It seems that the internet never fails to surprise us with new trends and phenomena that quickly capture the attention of the younger generation. The latest craze to take the online world by storm is the emergence of 'Sleepgate,' a term that has become a buzzing hot topic among millennials. With more and more young people expressing a desire to join the ranks of 'Sleepgate,' it's clear that this phenomenon is here to stay.

Shopping on Temu can feel like playing an arcade game. Instead of using a joystick-controlled claw to grab a toy, visitors to the online marketplace maneuver their computer mouses or cellphone screens to browse colorful gadgets, accessories and trinkets with prices that look too good to refuse. A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than $2 camouflage print balaclava and a $1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are “Almost sold out.” A flame symbol indicates a $9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency. Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit is always just a click away. By all accounts, we’re living in an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival , supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand. The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season. Software company Salesforce said it expects roughly one in five online purchases in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to be made through four online marketplaces based or founded in Asia: Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop — the e-commerce arm of video-sharing platform TikTok — and AliExpress. Analysts with Salesforce said they are expected to pull in roughly $160 billion in global sales outside of China. Most of the sales will go to Temu and Shein, a privately held company which is thought to lead the worldwide fast fashion market in revenue. Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to buy a $2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad. Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least $75 a month on products from Shein. A $2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer, both costing less than $5, are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn’t need them because she “doesn’t even cook like that.” Plus, she’s allergic to apples. “I won’t eat apples. It will kill me,” Neville said, laughing. “But I still want the coring thing.” Shein, now based in Singapore, uses some of the same web design features as Temu’s, such as pop-up coupons and ads, to persuade shoppers to keep clicking, but it appears a bit more restrained in its approach. Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. Searching the company's name on video platforms turns up creators promoting Shein's Black Friday sales event and displaying the dozens of of trendy clothes and accessories they got for comparatively little money. But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they're embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace. Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under $10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about $200 on gifts, significantly less than $500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years. “The visuals just make you want to spend more money,” she said, referring to the clothes on Shein's site. “They're very cheap and everything is just so cute.” Unlike Shein, Temu's appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world’s second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported in September. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s. Temu advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upwards of 70% off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of emails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products. Despite their rise, Temu and Shein have proven particularly ripe for pushback. Last year, a coalition of unnamed brands and organizations launched a campaign to oppose Shein in Washington. U.S. lawmakers also have raised the possibility that Temu is allowing goods made with forced labor to enter the country. More recently, the Biden administration put forward rules that would crack down on a trade rule known as the de minimis exception, which has allowed a lot of cheap products to come into the U.S. duty-free. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to slap high tariffs on goods from China, a move that would likely raise prices across the retail world. Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the U.S. to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China.The incident at the bathhouse has raised concerns among the public regarding health and safety standards at such facilities. Reports of multiple individuals falling ill and fainting while using the services provided by the bathhouse have sparked alarm and prompted swift action from regulatory authorities. The decision to suspend operations at the establishment underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the health issues experienced by patrons.

In the world of football, change is inevitable. Whether it is in the form of transfers, tactics, or management, clubs are constantly evolving in their quest for success. However, sometimes change can bring about unexpected consequences, as evidenced by Manchester United's current predicament in the Premier League.

Eriksen, a Danish international with a wealth of experience in top European leagues, joined Manchester United in a high-profile transfer a few seasons ago. Hailed as a creative playmaker with an eye for goal, Eriksen was seen as a key signing for the club, expected to bolster their midfield and provide an added dimension to their attacking play. However, things haven't gone as smoothly as expected for the talented midfielder at Old Trafford.Amorim, who is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talents, spoke highly of Rashford's skill, versatility, and potential. In an interview with a leading English newspaper, Amorim praised Rashford's speed, intelligence on the field, and his ability to make a difference in games. The Sporting CP coach also highlighted Rashford's off-field contributions, particularly his charity work and efforts to help disadvantaged children.