- Centerstage Events

South Korea's Court ruling on Samsung Chief took centerstage on Thursday, 17 July 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 2

U.S. stock futures dipped....

U.S. stock futures dipped Monday as markets reacted to President Trump's announcement of a 30% tariff on EU and Mexican goods, effective August 1. Global markets also fell, while the dollar strengthened, Treasury yields rose, and Bitcoin hit a new record. Investors await key U.S. inflation data and major bank earnings this week. Meanwhile, China reports stronger-than-expected 5.2% GDP growth, and the EU prepares retaliatory tariffs, targeting U.S. goods like aircraft and alcohol.

Monday, 14 July, 2025

USA and Indonesia agree on Trade Deal...

U.S. President Donald Trump has struck a new trade deal with Indonesia, reducing planned tariffs from 32% to 19% in exchange for expanded U.S. market access. Indonesia, in turn, will buy $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural products, and 50 Boeing jets. While Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called the agreement a “new era of mutual benefit,”.

Tuesday, 15 July, 2025

Jennifer is the first Female President of Suriname

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is sworn in as Suriname’s first female president on July 16, 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. A former National Assembly president and physician, she leads the National Democratic Party (NDP), which secures a two-thirds parliamentary majority with five other parties. She replaces Chan Santokhi, whose party moves to opposition.Suriname’s newly discovered offshore oil reserves, set to produce 220,000 barrels daily by 2028, offer hope for economic recovery.

Wednesday, 16 July, 2025

Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong cleared of fraud charges

South Korea’s Supreme Court clears Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong of fraud charges, ending a lengthy legal battle over a controversial 2015 merger. Accused of manipulating stock and accounting to secure control of Samsung, Lee is found not guilty after two prior acquittals. The court confirms the merger and accounting practices as lawful. Business groups welcome the decision, saying it enables swift leadership at Samsung amid trade tensions with the U.S. and economic challenges. Lee vows to steer Samsung forward despite growing market competition.

Thursday, 17 July, 2025

Political debate on €2 trillion budget in EU starts...

The political debate over EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposed €2 trillion budget has officially begun, with European affairs ministers meeting in Brussels to express early concerns. The proposal, which von der Leyen calls the EU’s “most ambitious” ever, requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Critics from fiscally conservative nations like Finland, Austria, and Denmark argue the budget is too large, while others, including Spain and Poland, say it falls short of addressing critical challenges like cohesion, agriculture, and Europe’s green, digital, and social transitions.

Friday, 18 July, 2025

Stop Immigration cries grow louder in Poland

On Saturday, anti-immigration protests under the slogan "Stop Immigration" take place in over 80 Polish cities, led by the far-right Confederation Liberty and Independence party. Demonstrators in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw demand border closures with Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and Slovakia. Confederation leader Krzysztof Bosak argues that Poland’s current immigration policy undermines national security and calls for stricter border control, mass deportations, and rejection of political correctness. Counter-protests by left-wing groups also occur, with a total of 100 public gatherings reported across the country amid growing tensions over immigration policy.

Saturday, 19 July, 2025

Iran and Russia Discuss Iran's Nuclear Deal...

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Ali Larijani, senior aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Moscow to discuss escalating tensions in West Asia and Iran’s nuclear programme. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says Larijani conveyed Iran’s perspective on the regional crisis. Putin assures support for de-escalation, reaffirming Russia’s backing for Iran’s civil nuclear rights under IAEA oversight. Although their strategic treaty excludes military aid, both nations agree to avoid supporting aggressors and commit to urgent political dialogue during crises. Larijani previously played a key role in shaping the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA).

Sunday, 20 July, 2025