Liverpool shines in Champions League, dumping Real Madrid down the table. Dortmund rises to 4th Liverpool stayed perfect in the Champions League. A 2-0 win at Anfield dumped title holder Real Madrid into an almost unbelievable 24th place in the 36-team standings. Liverpool's second half ghoals came from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, either side of Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé having a penalty saved. Borussia Dortmund, is up to fourth place after beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Monaco missed a chance to go second losing 3-2 at home to Benfica. The best comeback was at PSV Eindhoven. Te home team trailed Shakhtar Donetsk by two goals in the 87th minute of a 3-2 win. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Influencer girl blogger talking smartphone,live recording video blog on social network at ... [+] home.Social media live streaming concept.Focus on the phone, the girl in the background in a blur. As we end 2024 and enter a new year, the creator economy is projected to grow. As stated in Deloitte’s Creator Economy in 3D report, the creator economy is now projected to represent a $250 billion opportunity. The creator economy encompasses influencers, content creators, celebrities, musicians, chefs, and anyone who creates content online and shares it on digital platforms. Here are a 5 key insights about the creator economy in 2025: 1. Creator Marketing Is A Top Marketing Investment In 2025 A recent study conducted by LTK x Northwestern University found that 93% of brands reported that they’ll either increase their creator budgets or increase the role of creators in their overall strategy. The surveyed brands also shared that 41% are investing at least half their digital marketing budget on creators and influencers. 2. 43% Of Brands Shared They Plan To Use Creator Content In connective TV While boosting creator content on social media has continued to be a part of the brand’s creator/influencer strategy, creator content will start to be leveraged outside of social media platforms. Creator content is used and repurposed across at least four channels within and outside digital media. About 43% of the brands surveyed in the LTK x Northwestern University study shared that they plan to use creator content in connective TV (CTV) ads. The 85 Best Black Friday Deals So Far, According To Our Editors 60+ Early Black Friday Deals Worth Shopping Right Now A few other ways brands plan to use creator content include: - Content marketing (56%) - Sponsorships (44%) - Television Advertising (39%) - Affiliate Marketing (31%) 3. News Influencers Are Rising In Popularity . People may have their favorite beauty or fashion influencers. Still, one type of influencer on the rise is a “news influencer,” as described in a Pews Research Center . News influencers are individuals who share current news, issues, political events, and more on social media. While a news influencer may be a journalist, they may also be an independent content creator without a news organization affiliation. 4. Gen-Z and Millennial Consumers Reported Having 5-10 Favored Creators. Gen-Z and millennials consume more time on social media, about 26%-37% more than other generations, as Deloitte’s Creator Economy in 3D report reported. The two generations shared that there are creators on social media they catch up with, like a favorite TV show. The average Gen-Z consumer reported having 10 favored creators that they actively seek out for new content and updates, while the average millennial consumer reported having 5 favored creators they engage with. Some Gen-Z and millennial consumers (45%) report admiring these creators for their lifestyles. These generations shared that these favored creators provide more relatable and personable content on digital platforms compared to what they see in traditional media. 5. Creators Are Helping Brands Solve Marketing Challenges Like Increasing Brand Awareness. Brands reported that awareness is one of the most important metrics for creator campaigns. 58% of the brands surveyed in the LTK x Northwestern University study shared that creators helped increase brand or product awareness and higher in categories like beauty (72%) and fashion (67%). Other brand priorities for in working with creators include:
Patna: The NDA's victory in all four assembly seats in the Bihar byelections on Saturday dealt a major blow to Prashant Kishor (PK), who launched his political party, Jan Suraaj, on October 2. Despite fielding candidates in all four seats, Jan Suraaj finished third in three constituencies and fourth in Ramgarh. For PK, who earlier said the 2025 Bihar assembly poll results would be settled in the byelection itself, the results may be a learning lesson, metaphorically, as a political outfit as the poll panel had allotted him ‘schoolbag' as the election symbol. Assembly Election Results Spot the difference: Shinde, Fadnavis and 'kissa kursi ka' How BJP bounced back from LS setback to achieve historic assembly wins 'Maha' saffron wave, spectacular Soren show: 10 key takeaways After the declaration of results on Saturday, PK said, "No new political party has ever secured over 10% votes within a month of its formation in a state like Bihar. We are committed to reform. I own the outcome and will focus on strengthening the party organization in the next six months. We will contest all 243 seats in 2025. In democracy, six months is a long time. I am not backing out." Jan Suraaj faced criticism for strategic missteps, such as announcing the candidature of Lt Gen (retd) S K Singh in Tarari without verifying his voter eligibility and last-minute candidate changes in Belaganj. In Tarari, Jan Suraaj's Kiran Singh managed only 5,622 votes while BJP's Vishal Prashant defeated CPI(ML)'s Raju Yadav by over 10,500 votes. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 L + W Majority: 145 BJP+ 227 MVA 49 OTH 12 Leads + Wins : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 L + W Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Leads + Wins : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue Commenting on the results, senior JD(U) functionary and minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said, "It is for PK to analyse and assess the political scenario in Bihar." JD(U) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad added, "PK is a great poll strategist for leaders like PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, but strategizing for oneself is a different game. The results reaffirm people's trust in Nitish's leadership and pave the way for our 2025 goal of 225+ seats." Senior BJP leader Devesh Kumar echoed the sentiment. "The results reflect people's support for the developmental road map of PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish. The claim that Jan Suraaj would cut into NDA votes has been proven wrong," he said. The results were also a setback for RJD as Jan Suraaj's Amjad in Belaganj indirectly contributed to JD(U)'s Manorama Devi defeating RJD's Vishwanath Singh Yadav by over 21,000 votes. However, RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan dismissed PK's impact. "His candidates received votes based on their personalities, not policies," he said. While Jan Suraaj's Jitendra Paswan garnered 37,103 votes in Imamganj, the highest among PK's candidates, he failed to overcome the dynasty politics of HAM(S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose daughter-in-law Deepa Kumari secured the seat.
The global economy is navigating uncharted waters. Geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions and political uncertainties dominate headlines, casting a shadow over economic growth and stability. As policy-makers worldwide grapple with these challenges, a Donald Trump has re-entered the global stage as US president-elect. However, it would be short sighted to believe that the geopolitical landscape is being shaped by one leader. Across continents, governments are responding to their electorates’ concerns by embracing strategies like friendshoring and nearshoring. While these approaches address local anxieties about globalization, they also raise the spectre of trade wars, an often-ineffective solution to deeply rooted challenges. Local anxiety driving global decisions Globalization, once seen as a driver of prosperity, is increasingly viewed with suspicion by many, with electorates becoming more vocal about job security, fair trade and national sovereignty. These concerns have prompted leaders to pivot towards more domestically-oriented economic strategies. Policies encouraging companies to move production closer to home or to allied nations reflect this shift. While such moves may alleviate voter concerns in the short term, they often come at a high cost. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that increasing trade restrictions could reduce global economic output by a staggering $7.4 trillion. The stakes are too high to let reactionary policies undermine long-term global growth. Trade wars: A misguided solution Trump’s imminent return to the White House now brings renewed attention to the topics of tariffs and trade wars as policy tools. Trump’s rhetoric on tariffs as a panacea for economic disparities resonates with segments of the electorate, but risks igniting economic conflicts that hurt all parties involved. During his first term as president, the US-China trade war disrupted supply chains, raised costs for businesses and imposed billions of dollars in economic damage on both sides. US farmers alone faced estimated losses exceeding $12 billion annually, prompting federal subsidies to offset the impact. Meanwhile, tariffs on Chinese goods drove up production costs for US manufacturers and consumer prices. The US Federal Reserve estimated the trade war reduced US GDP by 0.3% – equivalent to $62 billion – while global supply chain networks struggled to adapt, leading to higher prices and market volatility. Trump’s proposed trade policies for his second term, including broad tariffs on imports, could amplify these effects. While intended to protect US industries, such measures risk increasing inflation and hurting consumer spending power. The broader economic implications include heightened tensions with trade partners and potential retaliatory measures, exacerbating further global economic fragmentation. The question we face is this: Can we establish stronger frameworks to promote stability and sustainable growth in an era of rising protectionism? The answer lies in balance. We must heed the electorate’s concerns without dismantling the systems that underpin global prosperity. If we fail to address these issues, the consequences will be severe. Rising trade barriers and economic fragmentation could lead to a prolonged global recession. The IMF warns that reduced trade opportunities could hinder productivity, suppress wages and stifle technological advancement. For emerging economies, the impacts would be particularly devastating. Reduced trade opportunities could undermine industrialization efforts, exacerbate inequality and slow poverty reduction. Many developing nations rely heavily on export-led growth; disruptions to global supply chains would compromise their access to critical markets, increasing unemployment and social unrest. The broader implications are geopolitical as well as economic. Fragmented trade relationships risk deepening divides between nations, fostering mistrust and competition. In an interconnected world, such outcomes threaten the collective ability to address global challenges like climate change and energy transitions. To chart a sustainable path forward, we must embrace policies that strike a balance between local and global interests. Friendshoring and nearshoring can coexist with global cooperation if implemented thoughtfully. The goal should not be to isolate but to adapt – reshaping globalization to meet the needs of today’s interconnected world. Policy-makers must resist the allure of quick fixes. Instead, they should pursue policies that promote inclusivity, resilience and innovation. The global economy’s momentum can only be maintained through collaboration and shared responsibility. The current landscape is fraught with challenges, but it is also an opportunity to redefine the rules of engagement in the global economy. By addressing the root causes of voter anxieties and fostering international cooperation, we can build a more resilient and equitable system. As we navigate this era of uncertainty, let us remember that long-term growth is the ultimate prize. To secure it, we must better understand and navigate the interconnected nature of global shocks, electorate concerns and the need for cooperation. The path forward is complex, but with pragmatic leadership and a commitment to shared prosperity, it is within reach. Source: World Economic ForumPet passports for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel within UK ‘an outrage’
Leader of the Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre walks with new Member of Parliament for Durham Jamil Jivani as he takes his place in the House of Commons before Question Period, Monday, April 8, in Ottawa. A Conservative member of parliament has tapped a longtime friendship to connect with Donald Trump's inner circle as Canada prepares for the president-elect’s return to the White House next month amid threats of devastating tariffs. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press A Conservative member of Parliament met with Donald Trump’s second-in-command over the weekend as Canada prepares for the U.S. president-elect’s return to the White House next month amid threats of devastating tariffs. Jamil Jivani said he had dinner with vice-president-elect JD Vance and British Conservative Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch on Saturday in Arlington, Va., not far from Washington. “The dinner was a good opportunity to catch up with my longtime friend, the vice president-elect, and also meet the new leader of the U.K. Conservative party,” Jivani, the MP for Durham, said Sunday in a phone interview. “I think it’s pretty clear right now that for the good of Canada we need to be able to build strong relationships with our allies. I felt like the dinner we had was good for that purpose.” A source with knowledge of the gathering said they discussed the importance of building strong relationships between all three countries. The source said Jivani invited the vice president-elect to come to Bowmanville, in his Ontario riding, in the new year. Jivani expressed to Vance how “Canada is America’s best friend and ally, and a reliable trade and security partner,” the MP said in a follow-up emailed statement. “I've shared feedback from Canadian businesses and workers, including those in my constituency, about the impact tariffs would have on our economy,” Jivani said. “I have also expressed to him things that I have heard from constituents about the Canada-U.S. border and the need to work together to protect our collective security.” Jivani has been friends with the U.S. senator for Ohio since they both attended Yale University. Jivani has written about their close relationship and spoke at Vance’s wedding. Jivani shared a picture after Saturday’s dinner on social media, marking the first time he has publicly posted about meeting with his friend since the November election. The display of cross-border camaraderie comes as Trump lobs tariff threats against America’s closest neighbours and ahead of a review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. A Team Canada approach was quickly formed following Trump’s first win in 2016, when the Republican promised to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement and impose tariffs. At that time, Trudeau reached out to former Tory prime minister Brian Mulroney to be an adviser. Former Conservative ministers Rona Ambrose and James Moore also joined the effort. The Canadian approach has appeared less unified this time around. Provincial leaders, particularly Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have called on Ottawa to do more to avoid threatened duties. Jivani confirmed that despite his close relationship with the incoming vice-president, he has not been contacted by anyone in the governing Liberals “in relation to things concerning the United States.” He also has not been contacted by anyone in the Ontario government. Trudeau met with other federal party leaders after his unprecedented surprise dinner with Trump at the Republican’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. The prime minister asked the other leaders not to negotiate against Canada in public by saying things like the border is broken, and that they impart the message that Trump’s tariffs would harm the American economy, too. But, in response, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Trudeau had lost control of crucial government files, like the budget and the border, and put Canada in a weak position. Poilievre said Sunday he could not speak to what his Conservative MP and the vice president-elect discussed because he was not at the dinner. “Every single Conservative would tell every single American that a tariff on Canada is a bad idea,” Poilievre said. “We need to put Canada first and that’s what we will do. We will fight these tariffs from a position of strength.” A general election must be held by October next year, but it could come sooner if the Liberals lose the confidence of the House. Whoever wins will be in charge of the 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Polling has long shown the Conservatives leading against Trudeau’s governing Liberals. Poilievre initially described the threatened duties as “unjustified.” He later criticized Trudeau for being weak. Trudeau accused Poilievre of being unhelpful in his criticisms and said there’s a long-standing tradition of all political stripes pulling together when the country comes under threat.