Tag: technology

Spain to Boost AI Integration with €150 million Subsidy Programme

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has taken another major step toward digital transformation with the launch of a new national initiative to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government will allocate €150 million in subsidies to help companies develop and integrate AI-based technologies into their operations.

The program aims to accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness across key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. By encouraging the adoption of AI, the government seeks to position Spain as a leader in the global digital economy, fostering sustainable growth and preparing the country for the future of work and technology.

Read the article and learn more about this government project.

https://www.techmonitor.ai/digital-economy/ai-and-automation/spain-boost-ai-integration-e150m-subsidy-programme?cf-view

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “earmark” mean? “On the European Union (EU) front, significant funding has been earmarked to foster AI research and development.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to make strides in something” mean? “In addition, the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has made strides in setting up AI Factories across Europe.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “uptake” mean? “A key initiative under this package, GenAI4EU, aims to stimulate the development and uptake of generative AI across Europe’s strategic industrial sectors.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Spain is investing heavily in artificial intelligence now?
  2. What benefits and challenges might small and medium-sized businesses face when adopting AI?
  3. Do you think government subsidies are the best way to encourage AI adoption? Why or why not?
  4. Do you think your company will benefit from this? Why or why not?

Spain’s Kreios Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain’s Kreios Space, a pioneering SpaceTech startup based in Vigo, has secured €8 million in the largest European investment yet for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellite technology. The funding round, led by the NATO Innovation Fund and JOIN Capital, will accelerate the development of Kreios’ groundbreaking air-breathing plasma propulsion system and support the launch of its first two satellites into orbit.

Founded in 2021, Kreios Space is redefining satellite propulsion with its Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system, which uses atmospheric air instead of traditional onboard fuel. This innovation enables satellites to operate closer to Earth for extended periods, providing sharper imaging, faster broadband connectivity, and new opportunities for defence, climate monitoring, and disaster response — thereby strengthening Europe’s independence and leadership in the global space sector.

Read this article and learn more about the project.

Spain’s Kreios Space secures €8 million to bring satellites closer to Earth and strengthen European strategic autonomy

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “seed round” mean? “The Seed round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Berlin-based JOIN Capital, with participation from Grow Venture Partners, Xesgalicia, and Tasivia Global.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “sovereign broadband communication” mean? “Meanwhile, the potential for resilient, sovereign broadband communications could transform connectivity for remote regions, emergency response, and military operations.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “direct-to-device broadband” mean? “By bringing satellites closer to Earth, they enable high-resolution imaging and direct-to-device broadband at an entirely new level – capabilities vital for European security.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is Kreios Space, and what recent achievement has it made?
  2. How might Kreios Space’s innovation change global space competition?
  3. Do you think VLEO satellites could replace traditional ones in the future? Why or why not?
  4. What risks might investors face when funding new space technologies?
  5. Do you think space innovation should be a priority for governments? Why or why not?

BrainCo Collects Brain Data from Elite Athletes and Schoolchildren

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

An investigation is underway regarding China accessing neural data from BrainCo’s focus-training headband that some top athletes use.

Athletes wear this wearable headband because it helps them get in the zone. It enables them to monitor their brainwaves which could help them optimize their performance.


Read the article to know more about BrainCo and the rise of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

BrainCo: The “Harvard” Startup That Became A “Little Dragon” in China — With Brain Data From U.S. Olympians and Schoolchildren

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “brain-computer interface (BCI) technology” mean? “That was long before Beijing’s announcement of its major goal this year: leading the world in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by 2030.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  2. What does “dual-use potential” mean? “This dual-use potential is why both superpowers are racing to control it. Whoever has the most neural data and best algorithms could gain an unprecedented advantage in medicine, commerce, or warfare.” Use the term in a sentence. 
  3. What does “aggregated data” mean? “BrainCo’s privacy statement explicitly saying it collects brain wave data from users and that aggregated data may be sent to any office worldwide or even third parties.” Use the term in a sentence. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the positives and negatives of BrainCo’s wearable focus-training headband?
  2. Do you believe BrainCo is telling the truth when they say that any brain data collected is “purged from the application at the conclusion of each use”? Share your insights.
  3. Share your opinion about some Democratic U.S. senators’ warning about the potential exploitation of sensitive neural data and that Chinese companies are purportedly developing brain-control weaponry.
  4. Share your thoughts that some companies are promised special government support for technologies deemed critical to military dominance.
  5. “The potential applications of BCI unlocked by AI could be boundless — and dangerous.” Share your opinion.
  6. Share your insights on BCI tech’s dual-use potential.

Amazon Zoox Jumps Into US Robotaxi Race

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Amazon’s Zoox is stepping into the future of transportation, joining a growing movement toward autonomous ride services. This marks a new chapter in how technology is reshaping everyday travel and urban mobility.

Watch the video about how Zoox’s robotaxi is unfolding.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “BOM” stand for and what does the phrase “BOM cost” mean? “This is confidential information that we don’t really disclose. BOM cost is something that we watch and manage very carefully.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does the verb “shoehorn” mean in business context? “
    You can shoehorn a robotaxic into something that used to be a car. It’s just not an ideal solution.    ” Use it in your own sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “retrofit” mean when describing modified vehicles? “Zoox will soon begin testing robotaxis in those markets, and said it’s already driving retrofitted test vehicles in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Seattle.” Use it in a sentence and make two synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your take on Zoox introducing autonomous vehicles to a major tourist hub like Las Vegas?
  2. What’s your experience with autonomous vehicles—have you ever taken a ride in one?
  3. How soon do you think driverless taxis will be a regular part of daily life where you live?
  4. How might self-driving cars change the way we think about road safety?
  5. Describe your daily habits when it comes to using ride-hailing services. How often do you rely on them, and for what kinds of trips?

Robot Companion

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A technological field that is gaining some traction lately is robotics. Tech companies have taken on the challenge of designing and creating robots that look and behave like humans.

They are supposed to help humans do things for them.

All thanks to the continuous developments in AI, these robots have become smart enough to form meaningful relationships with humans. 

People now have their robot therapists to share their secrets with. There are those turn to companion robots to ease feelings of loneliness.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about robot companions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250918

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “taken aback” mean, “And I think when people meet her, they’re always taken aback by Abi.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “to have a mind of its own” mean? “Abi has got a mind of her own.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “endearing” mean? “So, I was very much trying to replicate the qualities of being approachable and endearing of these different Pixar characters that you’d watch in all of these films.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What would you say are the promises and pitfalls of robot companions?
  2. Generally, what are your thoughts on humanoids? How would you feel about having a companion robot?
  3. What are your thoughts on humans forming relationships with robots?
  4. “Elderly residents who regularly chat with Abi say the robot companion brings them joy and a sense of community.” Do you think robots are capable of bringing joy and a sense of community to humans? Share your views.
  5. What ethical guidelines and international treaties should be put in place before the widespread deployment of humanoids? 
  6. How can companion robots be designed to interact with humans in a way that is beneficial and with the least possible disruption? 

Cybersecurity Threats in EU

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The more the digital landscape transforms, the more threats to cybersecurity emerge. 

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity’s (Enisa) “The Threat Landscape 2024 Report” reveals top cyberthreats in the recent years. It also indicates the top sectors that are most vulnerable to these cybersecurity attacks.

Read the article about some main and emerging cybersecurity threats in EU.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20220120STO21428/cybersecurity-main-and-emerging-threats

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define “cyberwarfare”. “Attacks of this type are getting larger, more complex and less expensive to perpetrate and are strongly connected to cyberwarfare.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. Define “ransomware”. “In 2024, ransomware attacks continued to be one of the main cyberthreats.” Use the term in a sentence.
  3. Define “pilfer”. “An especially popular form are information stealers – malware that pilfers sensitive data.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights on this, “The increasing use of social media platforms and online media has led to a rise in campaigns spreading disinformation (purposefully falsified information) and misinformation (sharing wrong data).” Do you think these occur in your country as well? Talk about it in more details.
  2. What is your opinion about public administration being the top sector most affected by cybersecurity threats?
  3. What are your thoughts on Deepfake technology?
  4. Share your opinion about cyber operations being used alongside traditional military action, by Russia, for example.
  5. Do you think “hacktivism” is good or bad? Share your thoughts. 

Cyber Resilience Act in EU

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Every product and software there is in the market today contains a digital component. Unbeknownst to consumers, there are security risks that these products and software pose.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a European Union regulation that aims to improve cybersecurity and cyber resilience within the member states. 

Read the article about Cyber Resilience Act in EU.

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cyber-resilience-act

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “less apparent” mean? “Less apparent to many users is the security risk such products and software may present.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “safeguard” mean? “The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) aims to safeguard consumers and businesses buying software or hardware products with a digital component.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “value chain” mean? “The Cyber Resilience Act introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers and retailers, governing the planning, design, development, and maintenance of such products. These obligations must be met at every stage of the value chain.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cite reasons the Cyber Resilience Act is relevant in EU.
  2. Share your insights, “Manufacturers and retailers should be required to ensure cybersecurity throughout the lifecycle of their products.”
  3. What impact do you think this policy would have on your company/business/sector?
  4. What is your reaction and are your thoughts that there is an “inadequate level of cybersecurity in many products, and the lack of timely security updates for products and software.”
  5. How do you determine which digital products you utilize are cybersecure? How about your company?
  6. Talk about some of the main and emerging cybersecurity threats in EU that you know of.

Data Centres to be Expanded in the UK as Concerns Mount

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

To some extent, large data centres contribute to the drought conditions in the UK. One huge data centre consumes about the same amount of water as 50,000 households.

Amidst growing concerns, the UK is going to go ahead with building additional data centres. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these facilities are necessary in order to continue boosting the country’s economy.

Read the article about the UK’s plans to continue building more data centres despite growing concerns over their environmental impact.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyr9nx0jrzo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “knock-on effect” mean? “But there are concerns about their impact, including the potential knock-on effect on people’s energy bills.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  2. What does “appease” mean? “But he insisted “data centres are fixated with becoming as sustainable as possible”, such as through dry-cooling methods. Such promises of future solutions have failed to appease some.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
  3. What does “offshore” mean? “According to the National Energy System Operator, NESO, the projected growth of data centres in Great Britain could “add up to 71 TWh of electricity demand” in the next 25 years, which it says redoubles the need for clean power – such as offshore wind.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What concerns revolve around building more data centres in the UK?
  2. According to the article, what are some workarounds for this issue? Do you think they are any good? Discuss.
  3. Share your insights on this, “Data centres are central to the UK’s economic future.” 
  4. Do you think more data centres should be built in a country given the environmental and knock-on effects they bring? Share your thoughts.
  5. Do you think that companies should pay the price for extra energy to power data centres – not consumers? Share your opinion.

AI Model in Fashion Magazine

B1 – Intermediate 

We have seen AI being used in various ways. A new addition to it is in modeling.

On its August 2025 edition, the best-selling fashion magazine Vogue features an AI-generated model for the first time. 

Read the article about AI fashion models.

Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250731-ai-fashion-models.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to show off” mean here, “In the August edition of the best-selling “Vogue” magazine, a “perfect-looking” blonde model has been used to show off summer clothes from the lifestyle brand Guess.”? Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “to show off”.
  2. What does “harness” mean?  “The company added that it wanted to harness the incredible power of AI to revolutionize marketing images.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “harness”.
  3. What does “a kick in the teeth” mean? “She called it “akick in the teeth” for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to and opinion about AI fashion models?
  2. What might be the good and bad thing about using AI models?
  3. Should brands use AI models more now? State your opinion.
  4. Share your insights about one model’s statement, “It is a kick in the teeth for diversity in the industry because AI models will replace real models.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Perfect AI models will make people worry that their own body is not perfect. Poor body image increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.”

Undersea Cable Attacks Backed by Russia and China

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

A string of incidents in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan have had many thinking it be a precursor of more attacks backed by Russia and China on submarine cables that account for more than 90% of the intercontinental data traffic in the whole world.

Read the article about the possible threats to the undersea cables and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/17/risk-undersea-cable-attacks-backed-russia-china-likely-rise-report-warns

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a spate of something” mean? “The risk of Russia- and China-backed attacks on undersea cables carrying international internet traffic is likely to rise amid a spate of incidents in the Baltic Sea and around Taiwan.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  2. What does “to single out” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “harbinger” mean? “A US cybersecurity company, singled out nine incidents in the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Taiwan in 2024 and 2025 as a harbinger for further disruptive activity.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your reaction and opinion about this news.
  2. Why has the two attacks in the Baltic Sea in November 2024 had minimal impact in Europe? 
  3. “Campaigns attributed to Russia in the North Atlantic-Baltic region and China in the western Pacific are likely to increase in frequency as tensions rise.”? Do you think this is most likely to happen? Share your views.
  4. Share your opinion on this, “Analysts say targeting these cables can be an attractive tactic because the damage can be passed off as an accident.”
  5. What can the governments do to address the potential threats to the countries’ subsea cables?