#News of the world [Pre-intermediate] - 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 😅
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Choose your level - Pre-Intermediate or Advanced ⭐️
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Improve your English 🔥

Ps: Cate rocks 🤘

Transcript

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

In World News…

Myanmar is in crisis after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people and injured thousands. Many remain missing, and collapsing buildings continue to put lives at risk.

Despite the destruction, there have been some rescues, including a man pulled from the rubble after 100 hours. But many people are still stranded, afraid to return home due to ongoing tremors.

The country was already struggling from years of civil war, and now survivors desperately need food, medical supplies, and shelter. Aid is slow, with reports that the military is blocking access. The UN is asking for urgent international help.

Business News

The US government is pressuring foreign businesses to follow its rules on diversity, equity and inclusion. US embassies have told contractors in Europe to confirm they do not run DEI programs that go against President Trump’s order banningrace- and sex-based preferences. Companies must agree or risk losing contracts.

This has caused concern in Europe. Belgium is checking if this violates diplomatic rules, while Danish business leaders defend diversity as important for innovation. French companies have also been contacted. As US policies conflict with European values, businesses may struggle to balance American demands with their own commitments to inclusion.

Entertainment

The UK Prime Minister says the Netflix drama Adolescence is difficult to watch but highlights real issues. The show, about a 13-year-old accused of murder, has created debate about harmful online content and social media’s effect on young people.

At a Downing Street meeting, experts warned that toxic influencers are targeting vulnerable boys, offering them a false sense of belonging. Some suggest banning smartphones in schools, while others argue that regulating online content is more important.

While laws exist, many believe education and support are key. Young people need positive role models—not just restrictions—to resist harmful influences.

Sport

Sports and technology have always been connected, but recent innovations are changing the game. Wearable devices track heart rate and fatigue, helping coaches improve training and prevent injuries. AI analyses player movements to recognisepatterns and boost performance.

Refereeing has also evolved—Hawk-Eye in tennis and VAR in football reduce mistakes but initiate debates about slowing the game. Fans now enjoy augmented reality and detailed streaming data.

High-tech gear, like carbon-plated running shoes, raises questions about fairness. As technology advances, the line between skill and science is becoming less clear, redefining how sports are played, trained for, and experienced.

Self-development

We often hold back ideas or avoid speaking up because we fear making mistakes. But success isn’t about perfection—it’s about getting the message across effectively. Many highly skilled people find it difficult to communicate because they worry too much about being perfect, while others with less expertise speak confidently and make an impact.

Imagine a meeting where two people speak in a foreign language. One is fluent but rambles without a clear point. The other makes grammar mistakes but gives a direct, understandable message. Who was more effective?

The key difference isn’t skill but mindset. A fixed mindset fears mistakes, while a growth mindset sees them as part of learning. Anxiety often comes from focusing too much on ourselves—how we sound, whether we will get it wrong. The secret is to shift focus outward. Instead of worrying about yourself, think about what your audience needs to hear.

So, here is a challenge: confront something you have been avoiding, whether it’s a difficult conversation or speaking in another language. But this time, focus on clarity, not perfection. Because perfection isolates us—but effectiveness connects us.

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!