#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 07/04/2025

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

No country will remain untouched 😎
No celebrity or politician will remain safe 😅
Put on the earphones  🔈
Choose your level - Pre-Intermediate or Advanced ⭐️
Press play ▶️
Improve your English 🔥

Ps: Cate rocks 🤘

Transcript

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

In World News…

Myanmar is facing a worsening crisis following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed over 2,700 people and left thousands injured. With hundreds still missing, the death toll is expected to rise. Five days after the quake, unstable buildings continue to collapse, putting both survivors and rescuers in danger.

Despite the devastation, there have been moments of hope. A man was pulled from the rubble after 100 hours, and earlier, a 62-year-old woman and a five-year-old child were rescued. However, many people remain stranded, too afraid to return to their homes due to ongoing tremors.

The earthquake has struck a country already weakened by years of civil war. In affected areas, residents urgently need food, medical supplies, and shelter. Yet aid is slow, with reports of Myanmar’s military restricting access to some regions. Human rights groups have urged the junta to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

International teams, including those from China, Russia, and India, are assisting in rescue efforts, but funding remains a major challenge. The UN has called for urgent global support, warning that Myanmar’s humanitarian response has been severely underfunded for years.

Business News

The US government is expanding its efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives beyond its borders. US embassies have sent letters in their host countries to foreign contractors demanding they certify that they do not run DEI programs that conflict with President Trump’s executive order against race- and sex-based preferences. Contractors must also confirm compliance as a condition of payment.

The move signals an international push against DEI, which the Trump administration has described as “illegal and immoral discrimination.” While DEI efforts aim to improve representation for underrepresented groups, officials have blamed them for issues as extreme as plane crashes and wildfires.

The embassies' letters have already sparked concern in Europe. The Belgian government is investigating whether terminating contracts over DEI commitments violates diplomatic agreements. In Denmark, industry leaders argue that inclusive workplaces are vital for innovation and competitiveness. French companies have also been targeted, with several receiving similar letters warning that US rules apply regardless of nationality.

With European companies now under pressure to align with US policy, tensions are likely to grow. The Trump administration’s stance could challenge existing workplace policies across the continent, leaving businesses to navigate a complex balance between US demands and their own legal and ethical commitments to diversity and inclusion.

Entertainment

The UK Prime Minister has acknowledged the Netflix drama Adolescence as stark and difficult to watch, particularly for parents. The series, which follows a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, has sparked a wider debate on the influence of toxic online content and the growing concerns around social media’s impact on young people.

At a Downing Street meeting with policymakers, charities, and young people, discussions focused on how misogynistic content and online influencers are grooming vulnerable boys—offering them a false sense of belonging while exposing them to harmful ideologies. Some have called for a ban on smartphones in schools, arguing that restricting access could help protect children from these influences. Others believe the focus should be on what children are accessing, not just where, highlighting the need for stronger regulation of online platforms.

The Online Safety Act already places responsibilities on social media companies, but there are calls to go further. While policy changes are important, many argue that education and support networks are equally vital. Young people need alternative role models and a sense of purpose to counteract the appeal of extremist influencers. Restricting access alone won’t solve the problem—there must also be meaningful engagement and guidance.

Sport

Sports and technology have always been linked, but in recent years, innovations have transformed training, performance, and even how games are played. Wearable devices track everything from heart rate to muscle fatigue, helping coaches fine-tune strategies and prevent injuries. AI-driven analytics break down player movements with precision, identifying patterns that give teams a competitive edge.

Refereeing has also changed—Hawk-Eye in tennis and VAR in football reduce human error, though they spark debate over slowing down the game. Even fan engagement has evolved, with augmented reality enhancing live experiences, and streaming services giving unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes data.

Athletes increasingly rely on high-tech gear, from carbon-plated running shoes to aerodynamically optimised swimwear. But where does innovation become unfair advantage? In some cases, governing bodies have banned technological enhancements, as seen with the controversy surrounding Nike’s Vaporfly shoes in marathon running.

As tech advances, the line between natural talent and scientific enhancement is blurring. Whether it’s AI-driven coaching, smart stadiums, or wearable performance trackers, one thing is certain—technology isn’t just influencing sports: it’s redefining them.

Self-development

How often do we hold back an idea in a meeting because we think we’re not good enough? Or avoid speaking in a foreign language for fear of making mistakes? How many times do we delay projects, emails, or important conversations, waiting for everything to be perfect?

The truth is, success isn’t about perfection — it’s about effectiveness. Interestingly, some people with impressive skills often struggle to communicate, paralysed by the fear of getting things wrong. Meanwhile, others with more basic abilities manage to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Imagine you’re in a meeting where two people are contributing ideas in a second language. One speaks flawlessly but rambles, never quite landing the point. The other stumbles through a few sentences, grammar a bit off, but gets straight to the heart of the issue — and everyone immediately understands. Who was more effective?

The difference isn’t skill — it’s mindset. When we focus on perfection, we become wrapped up in how we appear, worrying about mistakes. But when we focus on effectiveness, we shift attention to the message and the people we’re communicating with.

This reflects the contrast between a fixed mindset — where mistakes feel like failure — and a growth mindset, where mistakes are a natural, even necessary, part of learning and improving.

A useful trick to overcome anxiety in these moments is to focus outward, not inward. When you stop thinking about how you sound and start thinking about the people listening — what they need to hear, what you want them to understand — the pressure lifts. Anxiety thrives when we’re stuck in our own heads. By shifting our attention to others, we stop performing and start connecting.

So, here’s a challenge: pick one thing you’ve been avoiding — a tough conversation, a project, or even speaking in a language you’re not fluent in. Do it, but with one rule: focus on the message, not on yourself.

Remember: perfection isolates, effectiveness connects.

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