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A milestone in space tourism by Space X, took centerstage on Tuesday, 01 April 2025 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Protests demanding the restoration of Nepal’s abolished monarchy turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a television cameraman. Supporters of former king Gyanendra Shah clashed with police in Kathmandu, where authorities imposed a curfew following intense confrontations involving tear gas, batons, and water cannons. Thousands attended the rally, organized by pro-monarchy groups advocating for the ex-king’s return to power. The violence highlights ongoing political tensions and growing support for the monarchy among some factions, but a formal restoration remains uncertain.
Monday, 31 March, 2025
Mission commander and cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang and his crew — Jannicke Mikkelsen, Rabea Rogge, and Eric Philips — successfully launch into orbit today after aboarding a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on Monday, March 31, 2025, marking a significant milestone in space tourism. The Fram2 crew will spend three to five days in space, conducting over 20 science experiments focused on health and microgravity. They will capture footage while orbiting over Earth's poles, a first in human spaceflight history. The mission concludes with a splashdown landing off California’s coast.
Tuesday, 1 April, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump announces sweeping tariffs as part of his Liberation Day speech, including a 10% tariff on most imports, 20% on European Union goods, and 34% on all Chinese imports, effective April 5. Exemptions are limited to Canada, Cuba, Mexico, North Korea, and Russia—all facing separate sanctions or tariffs. An unusual inclusion of Heard Island and McDonald Islands prompts Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to remark, "Nowhere on earth is safe." India too India faces an average tariff of 26%.
Wednesday, 2 April, 2025
Hungary announces plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Budapest for a state visit. Despite an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomes him with full military honors in Budapest’s Castle District, including a ceremonial procession of soldiers. Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, confirms that the withdrawal process could take over a year. Orbán criticizes the ICC, labeling it as a “political court.”
Thursday, 3 April, 2025
China announces reciprocal 34% tariffs on all U.S. imports, effective April 10, in retaliation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 34% tariff on all Chinese goods. Beijing condemns the move as “unilateral bullying” and a violation of international trade norms. The tariffs mark a significant escalation in the ongoing trade war, with Chinese goods entering the U.S. now facing tariffs exceeding 54% due to cumulative duties. China’s broader retaliation contrasts with previous, more targeted measures, suggesting Xi Jinping’s confidence in China’s economic resilience despite increasing U.S. pressure.
Friday, 4 April, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces the immediate revocation of visas for all South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country's refusal to accept its deported citizens. U.S. ports of entry will also block arriving South Sudanese nationals. Rubio criticizes South Sudan’s transitional government for failing to comply with repatriation protocols, aligning with President Donald Trump’s immigration policy emphasizing mass deportations. The decision follows growing fears of renewed civil war in South Sudan, with the U.S. recently evacuating non-emergency staff amid escalating regional conflict. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese in the U.S. is set to expire on May 3.
Saturday, 5 April, 2025
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scores his 895th career NHL goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s once-unbreakable all-time record. The milestone goal comes during the Capitals’ road game against the New York Islanders, as the 39-year-old Russian scores from distance to wild cheers at UBS Arena. Gretzky, present in the crowd, joins the standing ovation with a smile. The game pauses for several minutes to honor Ovechkin’s historic achievement, solidifying his future Hall of Fame status. Gretzky acknowledges the moment, stating, “895 is pretty special... I’m not sure if anyone’s going to get more goals than that.”
Sunday, 6 April, 2025