#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 24/02/2025

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

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Transcript

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

 In World News…

The relationship between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky has completely broken down, and the big question is—what does this mean for the war in Ukraine?

Trump recently attacked Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and accusing him of forcing the U.S. into a war it “couldn’t win.” These comments closely echo Russia’s messaging and have left many wondering if Trump is shifting U.S. policy away from its European allies and toward the Kremlin.

Zelensky, on the other hand, hasn’t backed down. He recently called out Trump for being trapped in a “web of disinformation,” which reportedly infuriated the U.S. president. Trump responded aggressively, warning that Ukraine could cease to exist if Zelensky doesn’t “move faster.”

While Trump claims his only goal is to end the war, his Republican allies suggest he’s using tough rhetoric as a strategy to pressure Europe into increasing military support for Ukraine. Some believe this could push allies like France and the UK to take on more responsibility.

So, is this the start of a major policy shift, or just another round of Trump-style negotiating? Either way, it’s clear the stakesfor Ukraine—and the world—are higher than ever.

Business News

The battle between AI and copyright law in the EU is heating up, and creatives are sounding the alarm. Writers, musicians, and artists say they’re being left unprotected by a major legal loophole in the EU’s AI Act.

Axel Voss, one of the architects of EU copyright law, says the current rules are “irresponsible” because they don’t properly regulate AI models that use copyrighted content. Big tech companies can train their AI systems on books, songs, and images without asking permission or compensating the original creators. And while the AI Act requires companies to disclose what data they’ve used, the details are vague.

Artists call this “devastating,” arguing that copyright was always meant to balance public interest with creator rights—now, businesses are the ones benefiting. Musicians say they too have no practical way to stop AI from using their work.

The European Commission insists it’s monitoring the situation, but creatives feel ignored. With lawsuits piling up and 15 cultural organizations demanding action, the pressure is on. Will the EU step in to protect its artists, or will big tech keep winning?

Entertainment

Today, we’re looking at how travel is changing in 2025—in a nutshell we’ll see longer trips, fewer destinations, and a focus on depth over breadth.

Last summer saw a surge in tourism, but with it came overtourism and bad traveller behaviour. Now, people are rethinking how they travel. Industry experts predict a 24% rise in trips this year, with a clear preference for extended stays in a single location rather than rushed itineraries. Travellers are averaging nearly two-week trips, and more people are prioritising cultural immersion over sightseeing checklists.

Another big change is ‘blended travel’—combining work and leisure, also known as bleisure. In countries like India and China, the majority of travellers plan to mix remote work with their holidays, making it easier to extend their time away. This trend is growing in Germany, the US, and the UK as well, as more people take advantage of flexible working arrangements.

It’s a shift away from the post-covid hasty getaways towards more meaningful, considered travel.

If you could stay somewhere longer, where would it be?

 Sport

The world of tennis is buzzing after Jannik Sinner’s doping ban, and it’s raising serious questions about fairness in the sport. The world number one was given a three-month suspension after anti-doping authorities ruled that he unknowinglyconsumed a banned substance. Initially, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wanted a two-year ban, but a deal was reached, allowing Sinner to return in time for the French Open.

Daniil Medvedev, world number eight, believes this case should set a precedent, allowing all players better access to legal defence. Right now, he says, only wealthier athletes can afford top lawyers, which puts lower-ranked players at a disadvantage. In response, the Professional Tennis Players Association is launching a program to provide free legal help to players facing doping or corruption charges.

American star Jessica Pegula also slammed the system, calling it "completely broken." She pointed out inconsistencies, saying players no longer trust the process.

So, is this a step toward a fairer system, or does it expose deep flaws in tennis’ anti-doping policies? Either way, this controversy isn’t going away anytime soon.

 Self-development

Today we’re exploring the power of self-understanding, because let’s be honest—how can you grow, make the right decisions, or find fulfilment if you don’t truly know yourself?

Self-understanding goes beyond identifying strengths and weaknesses; it’s about uncovering your motivations, values, fears, and desires. And the best way to do that? Through intentional practice. Here are a few powerful exercises to deepenyour self-awareness:

1. Journaling for clarity

Set aside 10–15 minutes daily to write freely. Answer questions like: What emotions did I experience today and why? What patterns do I notice in my thoughts? What truly excites or drains me? And you can even highlight on your calendar which activities motivate you and which don’t. Writing helps untangle thoughts and reveal underlying beliefs.

2. The ‘Why’ Exercise

Take a goal, a reaction, or a belief and ask yourself “Why?” at least five times. For example, if you’re feeling stuck in your job, ask: Why do I feel this way? Why does this matter to me? By peeling back the layers, you uncover your core drivers and hidden fears.

3. Personality & Strengths Assessments

Tools like the Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, or StrengthsFinder can provide insights into how you process the world, what energizes you, and where you thrive. But don’t just take the results at face value—reflect on how they apply to your real-life experiences.

4. Mirror Talk

Stand in front of a mirror, look into your own eyes, and say aloud what you love about yourself, what you struggle with, and what you truly want. It might feel awkward at first and it’s incredibly cheesy, but this exercise builds self-acceptance and emotional clarity.

5. Seek Honest Feedback

Ask close friends or mentors: What do you think are my biggest strengths? Where do I hold myself back? Their insights may reveal blind spots that help you grow.

Self-understanding isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a lifelong practice, especially as we change, we don’t stay the same. The more you invest in knowing yourself, the clearer your path becomes.

 Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you appreciate yourself today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!