- Centerstage Events

The UK government announcing a ban on foreign ownership of newspapers and news magazines takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
Picture Courtesy: Profit loss

Centerstage events of week 2

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on Thursday as a...

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on Thursday as a new council was sworn in to lead the country amid deadly gang violence. Recent violence moved the ceremony from the National Palace to Henry's office. Henry had agreed to step down last month after armed groups blocked his return from Kenya, where he had sought a multinational security force to restore order. Gangs now control most of Port-au-Prince, exploiting the power vacuum.

Sunday, 10 March, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has offered US$2 billion...

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has offered US$2 billion to merge the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tours, as reported by The Telegraph. ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi presented the offer, excluding the Grand Slam tournaments, which expires in 90 days. If accepted, Gaudenzi would become commissioner of the merged tours, leading to more combined events and equal prize money for female players. The ATP plans to decide on the proposal in early May. The PIF already has a strategic partnership with the ATP, securing sponsorship and naming rights.

Monday, 11 March, 2024

The UK government announced a ban on foreign ownership of...

The UK government announced a ban on foreign ownership of newspapers and news magazines, following criticism of a UAE-backed takeover of the Daily Telegraph and Spectator by RedBird IMI. The proposed legislation aims to protect press freedom and has Labour's support. Lord Parkinson stated the amendment to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill would prevent foreign state influence in media mergers but would not apply to broadcasters. RedBird IMI, partly owned by UAE's Sheikh Mansour, expressed disappointment.

Tuesday, 12 March, 2024

Denmark plans to boost its defense budget by nearly $6bn...

Denmark plans to boost its defense budget by nearly $6bn over the next five years to meet NATO targets. PM Mette Frederiksen emphasized rearmament to avoid war. Amid rising tensions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Denmark aims for "full gender equality" with new defense reforms. From 2026, women will be conscripted, joining Norway and Sweden in requiring female military service. Conscription will extend from four to 11 months, increasing annual service numbers to 5,000. Denmark's military spending will rise from 1.4% to 2% of GDP. The country has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing weapons, funds, and training.

Wednesday, 13 March, 2024

Congo has lifted its 2003 moratorium on the death penalty...

Congo has lifted its 2003 moratorium on the death penalty to address escalating violence and militant attacks, according to a justice ministry statement released Friday. The ban's removal aims to ensure proper punishment for treason and espionage. Eastern Congo has faced decades of conflict involving over 120 armed groups. The M23 rebel group, linked to Rwanda, has intensified attacks, displacing many to Goma and controlling half of North Kivu province, causing widespread terror.

Thursday, 14 March, 2024

Niger’s military government has terminated an accord allowing US military...

Niger’s military government has terminated an accord allowing US military and Department of Defense civilian personnel to operate in the country, following recent high-level talks with US officials. Military spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane declared that the 2012 agreement violated Niger’s sovereignty and democratic principles, describing it as unfair and misaligned with the nation's aspirations and interests. The decision takes immediate effect.

Friday, 15 March, 2024

President Vladimir Putin secured a record post-Soviet landslide victory in...

President Vladimir Putin secured a record post-Soviet landslide victory in Russia's election on Sunday, reinforcing his stronghold on power. Putin, who has led since 1999, claimed the result vindicates Russia's stance against the West and its military actions in Ukraine. Winning 87.8% of the vote, he begins a new six-year term, potentially surpassing Josef Stalin as Russia's longest-serving leader. Western nations criticized the election as neither free nor fair, citing political imprisonment and censorship.

Saturday, 16 March, 2024