- Centerstage Events

The development of an mRNA cancer vaccine, by Russia took centerstage on Wednesday, 18 December 2024 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
Picture Courtesy: Profit loss

Centerstage events of week 3

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns...

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns after clashing with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over issues like potential U.S. tariffs, marking a major crisis for Trudeau’s minority Liberal government. Freeland, also deputy prime minister, quit after rejecting a demotion to a lesser role. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc replaces her. The resignation weakens Trudeau as he faces plummeting popularity and the threat of losing the next election. Opposition NDP leaders demand Trudeau’s resignation, warning they may withdraw support in early 2025, potentially triggering a non-confidence vote.

Sunday, 15 December, 2024

Mass grave near Damascus containing at least 100,000 bodies...

Mouaz Moustafa, head of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, reveals a mass grave near Damascus containing at least 100,000 bodies, mostly victims of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The al Qutayfah site, 25 miles from the capital, is one of five mass graves identified, with Moustafa suggesting more exist. Victims include Syrians, U.S., and British citizens. Since 2011, Assad’s brutal crackdown escalated into civil war, with widespread extrajudicial killings and mass executions linked to his regime.

Monday, 16 December, 2024

Termed as the discovery of the century,...

Termed as the discovery of the century, Russia announces the development of an mRNA cancer vaccine, set to be distributed free to patients starting early 2025. Developed with multiple research centers, preclinical trials reportedly show it suppresses tumor growth and metastases. However, experts like immunologist Kingston Mills and cancer researcher Dr. David Jenkinson express skepticism, citing a lack of published clinical trial data. Questions remain about the vaccine’s specificity, targeted cancers, and scientific validation, prompting calls for transparency and rigorous peer-reviewed evidence.

Tuesday, 17 December, 2024

In a first of its kind, Serbia's capital, Belgrade will offer free

In a first of its kind, Serbia's capital, Belgrade will offer free public transport to all residents starting January 1, 2025, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the car-heavy city. Mayor Aleksandar Sapic announced the initiative, noting the city’s struggles with gridlock as car numbers increased by 250,000 over the past decade. Though a metro system is planned for 2030, delays persist. Sapic also pledges to modernize the fleet of buses, trams, and trolleybuses by 2027, improving Belgrade’s 127-kilometer tram network, one of Europe’s longest.

Wednesday, 18 December, 2024

Australia commits to a AU$190 million (US$118 million) deal ...

Australia commits to a AU$190 million (US$118 million) deal over four years to strengthen the Solomon Islands police force, including building a new training center in Honiara. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes Australia's role as the "security partner of choice" after discussions with Solomons' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. The agreement follows concerns over China's growing influence, as Beijing has provided police training and hardware and maintains a police presence. The Solomons aim to double their police force to 3,000 within a decade, targeting 5,000 longer term.

Thursday, 19 December, 2024

A revised bill funding the government through March 2025 passes the House...

In December 2021, the U.S. debt ceiling was raised by $2.5 trillion to $31.38 trillion, lasting until January 2023. Following the 2024 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump advocated for eliminating the debt ceiling. Amid a potential government shutdown, Congress rejects a funding bill including Trump’s proposal for a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling. A revised bill funding the government through March 2025 passes the House (336–34) and Senate (85–11) and is signed into law by President Joe Biden, narrowly avoiding the shutdown.

Friday, 20 December, 2024

New Zealand rejects the Cook Islands' proposal...

New Zealand rejects the Cook Islands' proposal to issue its own passports and citizenship, citing that only fully independent nations can exercise such sovereign rights. Currently self-governing but in free association with New Zealand, the Cook Islands lack full citizenship privileges. Discussions on independence, potentially decided by referendum, are encouraged. Independence would grant the Cook Islands sovereignty, including passport issuance and United Nations membership, ending nearly 60 years of their unique association with New Zealand.

Saturday, 21 December, 2024