#News of the world [Pre-intermediate] - By Cate - 13/01/2025

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! Happy New Year!

 In World News…

Elon Musk’s growing influence in politics, especially under Donald Trump’s upcoming administration, is causing concern. Known for bold business moves, Musk’s controversial actions on his platform, X, include supporting far-right groups, criticizing allied leaders, and promoting Trump’s "America First" agenda. European leaders view him as destabilizing and authoritarian, raising worries about his impact on U.S. foreign policy and global alliances. Musk’s attacks on figures like Justin Trudeau and support for Germany’s far-right AfD risk alienating allies, further straining U.S.-Europe relations. His unpredictable behaviour could bring more global tension alongside Trump’s combative approach.

Business News

The U.S. has added Tencent, CATL, and other Chinese firms to its list of Chinese military companies, now totalling 134. This move aims to limit Beijing’s use of civilian tech for military purposes. While it doesn’t impose immediate penalties, it pressures the U.S. Treasury to consider sanctions. Tencent, known for WeChat, and CATL, a key battery supplier, deniedmilitary ties, and China criticized the decision as unfair and damaging to trade. The list’s expansion follows pressure from lawmakers, especially as CATL will partner with Ford on a major U.S. battery project. Shares of Tencent and CATL fell in Hong Kong, reflecting escalating U.S.-China tensions.

Entertainment

Bordeaux’s wine industry is embracing alcohol-free wines, a once-unthinkable concept. Changing tastes, economic challenges, and new technology have made this trend an opportunity. Early attempts failed, but advanced methods like vacuum distillation now create alcohol-free wines with authentic flavours, including bouquet, tannins, and balance. Traditional wine sales are struggling due to declining domestic demand, a weakened Chinese market, and potential U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, health-conscious younger consumers are drinking less alcohol. Though initially controversial, non-alcoholic wines are seen as a way to preserve Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions and adapt to modern preferences, offering help to the region’s vineyards.

Sport

2025 will be packed with major sports events across various disciplines. Key highlights include Euro 2025 in Switzerland, where England's Lionesses will defend their title in July. Cricket fans can enjoy the Ashes series in Australia, with the women’s matches in January and the men’s starting in November. England will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup from August to September, as New Zealand hopes for a record seventh title. Other major events include the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September, Afcon in Morocco, the first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, and Para Championships in Singapore and New Delhi in the autumn.

Self-development

Most New Year’s resolutions fail—less than 10% succeed—but using science can improve your chances. The key lies in two areas: habits and self-stories.

First, habits. Resolutions often fail because they are vague, like “exercise more” or “eat more healthily.” Instead, make them specific and actionable. For example, change “exercise more” to “use the stairs” or “add a 10-minute walk daily.” Link new habits to existing ones—like extending your regular walk or pairing morning coffee with making a healthy breakfast. Start small and make it easy for the first week, such as prepping walking shoes or smoothie ingredients. With consistency, these small steps become automatic habits.

Next, self-stories. Our actions are guided by the stories we tell ourselves, like “I’m always stressed” or “I’m not a gymperson.” To change, rewrite your narrative. Start by identifying your current self-story, noting what holds you back. Then, create a new version reflecting who you want to be—calm, active, or organised. Writing this new story can create lasting change.

Use these science-based strategies to make resolutions stick. For example, I will drink 2 litres of water every day, and walk 7,000 steps between lessons, while Mayel is working on mental discipline. Good luck, Mayel!

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope your 2025 is off to a good start, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!