English Time with Yves

At the World Economic Forum in Davos this past week, the Canadian Prime Minister gave a speech about how the world is changing. He explained that the global system we have known for many years is no longer stable. Countries are facing new political and economic challenges, and they must adapt to survive in this new situation. A key point in the speech was Canada’s plan to expand its trade relationships , especially with China. For a long time, Canada has depended heavily on the United States for trade and security. However, political uncertainty in the U.S., especially during Donald Trump’s presidency, made Canada realize that relying too much on one country can be risky. Because of this, Canada is now looking for new partners. China was presented as an increasingly important global power. Over the last few decades, China has grown into a major economic force. It plays a central role in global manufacturing, trade, and investment. Many countries now depend on China for goods, infrast...

The current uprising in Iran is not an isolated event, but the result of decades of political repression, social control, and unresolved tensions between the state and society. Although protests have occurred periodically since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the movement that intensified after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 marked a profound shift. Her death, following her arrest by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating hijab rules, exposed the daily realities faced by Iranian women and became a catalyst for nationwide resistance. The slogan  “Woman, Life, Freedom”  quickly transformed into a unifying political and cultural statement.  Iran is facing  massive, widespread protests  that began in late December 2025 largely over a  deepening economic crisis  marked by rampant inflation, a collapsing rial, and high living costs, but quickly morphed into  broader anti-government demonstrations  demanding political change. The government h...

 Barcelona is one of the most attractive cities in Europe for people who want to buy property. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city offers a mix of culture, history, beaches, and strong international demand. Over the past decade, Barcelona has become especially popular with foreign investors, digital nomads, and professionals looking for long-term value. The usual price range for apartments in Barcelona depends heavily on the neighborhood. On average, prices range from €3,500 to €6,500 per square meter . In central or luxury areas such as Eixample, Gràcia, or Sarrià-Sant Gervasi , prices can easily exceed €7,000 per square meter . More affordable neighborhoods like Sant Andreu, Nou Barris, or parts of Sants-Montjuïc still offer prices closer to €3,000–€4,000 per square meter , making them attractive for first-time buyers and investors. Barcelona is often considered a great investment because of its strong rental market. The city attracts millions of tourists every year...

 The Armenian Genocide refers to the mass deportations and killings of Armenians that took place in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, beginning in 1915. Armenians were an ethnic and religious minority living mainly in Anatolia. During the war, many Armenian families were forced to leave their homes. People were separated from their relatives and sent on long marches through the desert, where many died from hunger, disease, and exhaustion. Historians estimate that around 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives, and entire communities disappeared. Today, Armenia and many historians, countries, and international organizations describe these events as genocide. They believe the killings were planned and carried out by the Ottoman authorities. For them, recognizing the genocide is important for justice, memory, and historical truth. However, the Turkish government does not accept the term “genocide.” Turkey argues that the deaths happened during war and civil conflict, not as part ...

Despite some challenges,  t he American singer Akon has said his plans to build a city  from scratch   will go ahead. Akon has   raised   funds for a futuristic  metropolis  with a population of 300,000 people. It will be called Akon City and be built on the  coast  of Senegal on Africa's west coast. Akon has Senegalese   roots .  He was born in the USA to Senegalese parents and spent much of his childhood in Africa. He described his city as a "real-life Wakanda," in reference to the city in the movie "Black Panther". He announced that construction on the $6 billion project will  commence  next year and is expected to take three years to complete. He hopes his  undertaking  will provide much-needed employment for the Senegalese. Blueprints  on the akoncity.com website show a cityscape of  surreal -looking  gleaming   glass and steel high-rises. The designs of the towering were   inspired...