- Centerstage Events

Hefazat-e-Islam supporters rally in Bangladesh to protest proposed reforms for Women on equality took centerstage on Saturday, 03 May 2025 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 4

A major power blackout hits the Iberian...

A major power blackout hits the Iberian Peninsula at 12:33 CEST, disrupting electricity across mainland Portugal and Spain for about 10 hours, with longer outages in some areas. The blackout caused serious problems in telecommunications, transport, and emergency services. At least eight deaths were linked to incidents such as candle fires and generator fumes. Minor outages also affected Andorra and parts of southwestern France. The cause appears linked to issues with the European synchronous electricity grid.

Monday, 28 April, 2025

Severe storms with intense winds struck...

Severe storms with intense winds struck Western Pennsylvania, killing at least three people and leaving over 400,000 without power. Allegheny County and Pittsburgh declared disaster emergencies as 911 centers were overwhelmed with thousands of calls per hour. Power companies reported major outages, with Duquesne Light estimating full restoration could take up to a week. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro assured ongoing support, while officials warned residents to stay cautious around hazardous live wires and storm-damaged infrastructure.

Tuesday, 29 April, 2025

Taiwan condemns Somalia’s new travel...

Taiwan condemns Somalia’s new travel ban on Taiwanese passport holders, which blocks entry and transit through Somalia. The ban, effective from Wednesday, follows growing ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia 34 years ago but lacks broad recognition. Taiwan’s foreign ministry protested the move, alleging Chinese influence behind it. Somalia, citing UN Resolution 2758 and adherence to the One China policy, has not publicly commented on the ban yet.

Wednesday, 30 April, 2025

The US and Ukraine have signed...

The US and Ukraine have signed a deal to share profits from Ukraine’s future mineral and energy sales after months of negotiations. The agreement, seen as vital for securing continued US aid, covers critical resources like lithium, titanium, and graphite, key to defense and green tech. It also establishes a joint investment fund to drive Ukraine’s postwar recovery. Ukraine’s Deputy PM confirmed resources remain Ukrainian-owned, with the US providing additional military support under the deal.

Thursday, 1 May, 2025

Cardinals from across the globe ...

Cardinals from across the globe have gathered at the Vatican as the secretive process of selecting the next pope begins. The conclave, rooted in tradition, involves cardinals voting in secrecy until a new pope is chosen. Historically, the longest conclave lasted 1,006 days from 1268 to 1271, resulting in the election of Pope Gregory X. That marathon session led to the term "conclave," meaning “under lock and key,” after citizens in Viterbo locked the cardinals in to hasten a decision.

Friday, 2 May, 2025

We don't want Women to be equal!

Thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters rallied in Dhaka on Saturday to protest proposed reforms aimed at ensuring equal rights for women, including property rights. Group leaders claimed the legal changes contradict Sharia law. Around 20,000 people gathered near Dhaka University, holding placards rejecting "Western laws." Leader Mamunul Haque demanded the reforms commission be disbanded and its members punished, warning of nationwide rallies on May 23 if demands aren’t met. rallied in Dhaka on Saturday to protest proposed reforms aimed at ensuring equal rights for women, including property rights. Group leaders claimed the legal changes contradict Sharia law. Around 20,000 people gathered near Dhaka University, holding placards rejecting "Western laws." Leader Mamunul Haque demanded the reforms commission be disbanded and its members punished, warning of nationwide rallies on May 23 if demands aren’t met.

Saturday, 3 May, 2025

Global manufacturing shrinks...

Global manufacturing shrinks in April for the first time this year, as the JPMorgan Global Manufacturing Index drops to 49.8 from 50.3. The contraction is driven by falling orders and employment, with uncertainty around US tariffs under Trump’s policies dampening demand. New orders decline for the first time since December, and export orders see the sharpest drop since March 2022. Global factory employment shrinks for a ninth straight month, marking the longest decline in years.

Sunday, 4 May, 2025