#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 16/12/2024

A quick glance at what's happening on Mother Earth 🌍

No country will remain untouched 😎
No celebrity or politician will remain safe 😅
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Transcript

Hello, Cate here and welcome back to NEWS OF THE WORLD!

In World News…

Syrian rebels have torn down the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the late president and father of Bashar al-Assad. Videos showed armed fighters from Islamic group HTS marching around the burning mausoleum. Their offensive swept away the Assad family’s 54-year reign, forcing the ex-president to flee to Russia, where he has been granted asylum, although if I were him, I wouldn’t drink Putin’s tea and I’d stay away from upper floor balconies!

Statues and posters of the Assads have been brought down across Syria, marking the end of their rule. Syrians have spoken out in celebration, recalling the civil war sparked by Assad’s brutal crackdown on a 2011 pro-democracy uprising. Over half a million lives were lost, and millions were driven out of their homes.

HTS, along with allies like the Free Syrian Army, have taken over Damascus and set up a transitional government led by Mohammed al-Bashir. The group’s leader, al-Sharaa (formerly linked to al-Qaeda), has promised to back up calls for religious tolerance with action and rebels are reaching out to unite Syria.

Global leaders have weighed in, with the U.S. pledging support for a new Syrian government that respects minorities and ensures inclusivity. A transition of power is now underway.

Business News

Coffee prices have shot up to record highs, causing coffee drinkers to brace for potential price hikes. Arabica beans, the dominant coffee type, have climbed above $3.44 per pound, marking an 80% surge this year. Robusta bean prices have also gone up, as bad weather has taken a toll on crops in Brazil and Vietnam, the top coffee producers. Coffee brands are now gearing up to pass on these rising costs to consumers, possibly by early 2025.

Brands like Nestlé and Lavazza, which had previously absorbed price increases to hold onto market share, are now running out of options. Lavazza said it had to raise prices so it could stick to its commitment to quality. Nestlé has also spoken about challenges, signalling adjustments to prices and pack sizes in response to climbing costs, as shrinkflation offers an alternative to price hikes.

The coffee market has been hit hard by Brazil’s worst drought in 70 years, followed by heavy rains that disrupted flowering crops. Vietnam’s plantations have also faced extreme weather, squeezing global supplies. As demand continues to pick up, particularly in growing markets like China, low inventories and shrinking harvests are pushing prices higher. Analysts warn that this upward trend is unlikely to ease off anytime soon. I’m glad I’m a tea lover!

Entertainment

Wildfires have swept through Malibu, forcing thousands, including celebrities, to pack up and evacuate. The fast-moving Franklin Fire broke out last Monday, scorching over 3,000 acres and torching several homes. Firefighters have stepped upefforts, but the blaze remains uncontained. This area of California, home to stars such as Lady Gaga and actor Mark Hamill, has been hit hard, with schools shutting down, roads closing, and power being cut to prevent further damage.

The fire, fuelled by the seasonal Santa Ana winds, has torn through cars, homes, and vegetation. Evacuation orders have gone out across Malibu, including oceanfront homes. Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke, days before his 99th birthday, spoke out about leaving behind a missing cat. Cher also had to flee her home, while Mark Hamill has decided to stay put.

Fire crews have fought to hold back the flames near Pepperdine University, where students initially hunkered down in the library. Officials warn the region’s red-flag weather has set up conditions for extreme fires. While some blame climate change for worsening wildfires, human land management is also a factor. California’s wildfire risk continues to grow, with this blaze just the latest in a series of devastating events.

Sport

The 2034 men’s World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia, bringing promises of "one-of-a-kind" stadiums, but the decision has stirred up controversy. With 11 new stadiums planned, including one in Neom, a futuristic city yet to be built, Saudi officials are looking to transform the football experience. They’ve laid out ambitious plans, but critics have called out the country’s human rights record and accused it of sportswashing to clean up its global image.

Saudi Arabia has poured billions of dollars into sports since 2021, snapping up global events, football stars like Ronaldo, and even launching the LIV golf series. FIFA gave the bid a glowing review, but groups like Amnesty International have spoken out, urging reforms before the event kicks off. Also, fans will likely need to rely on polluting air travel to get around, given the vast distances between cities.

Cultural differences may trip up some visitors. Alcohol remains illegal, punishable by fines or jail, and same-sex relations are criminalised. Officials insist Saudi can pull off the World Cup without compromising its laws, as it has successfully hosted alcohol-free events before. This might even deter hooliganism. Whether held in summer or winter due to boiling temperatures, the tournament will expand to 48 teams, marking a major moment for both football and Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions.

Self-development

Christmas is coming around, and it’s easy to let stress build up instead of soaking up the joy. To lighten the load, here are some ways to shake off the pressure and bring back the magic.

·       First of all, decide what really matters to you - The constant push to do more, buy more, decorate more, is constant. Instead of chasing an ideal, pin down what feels right for you. Whether it’s taking it slowly with family or asking others to pitch in, don’t let outside pressures weigh you down.

·       Next, cut back on what you don’t enjoy - If certain traditions stress you out, step away from them. Host duties, gift-giving, or cooking don’t have to swallow up all your time and energy. Talk things through with loved ones—perhaps suggest Secret Santa or set a smaller budget. Cooking can also be dialed back. Swap out complicated recipes for easier alternatives or divvy up the tasks.

·       Draw up fun lists - Write down films you want to watch, festive books to read, or treats you feel like trying. Make the season about joy, not just ticking off errands.

·       Make gift wrapping enjoyable - Pick a comfy spot and put on a Christmas movie or playlist. Ditch the bows and ribbons and do your bit for the environment.

·       Finally, let go of perfection - Stop chasing a picture-perfect Christmas. Trees don’t need to be flawless, and desserts don’t have to look like they’re out of a magazine. Dropping perfection frees you up to soak up the real fun.

Take what works, leave the rest, and enjoy a relaxed, meaningful holiday!

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!