- Centerstage Events

Greece ban on ATM withdrawal fees on banks took centerstage on Monday, 11 August 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

Ban on ATM Withdrawal fees in Greece...

Greece’s new banking rules, effective today, ban ATM withdrawal fees between all banks in the DIAS interbank system and cap charges from third-party ATMs at €1.50 nationwide. The regulation also abolishes fees from third-party providers linked to a customer’s bank or in areas with only one ATM, and ensures free balance inquiries for all cardholders. Additionally, a €0.50 one-off fee applies for remittances via digital channels from third-party providers, matching bank rates. The law prohibits banks from charging customers for cash withdrawals altogether.

Monday, 11 August, 2025

Street Dogs to be removed from Streets in India...

Police in New Delhi, India have detained dozens of animal rights activists protesting a Supreme Court order to remove stray dogs from the city’s streets. The ruling directs authorities to capture 5,000 dogs from “high-risk areas,” sterilize them, and relocate them to shelters within six to eight weeks. Protesters argue the plan is inhumane and ineffective, calling instead for strict enforcement of animal birth control (ABC) rules. They claim the real issue persists “because the civic authorities who are deficient in India” fail to implement proper sterilization and vaccination measures, even as Delhi records nearly 2,000 dog bites daily.

Tuesday, 12 August, 2025

Euthanasia legalized in Uruguay...

Uruguay’s lower house has voted to legalize euthanasia, joining Cuba, Colombia, and Ecuador in a significant shift for predominantly Catholic Latin America. The bill passed the 99-seat Chamber of Representatives by 64 votes after an emotional overnight debate and now heads to the Senate, where approval is expected by year’s end. The law allows mentally competent adults with terminal or incurable illnesses to request assisted dying, with a medical board review if the two attending doctors disagree. Legislator Luis Gallo emphasized that the decision is a deeply personal matter of dignity and choice.

Wednesday, 13 August, 2025

China’s car sales rise 14.7% YOY on BEV's...

China’s car sales rose 14.7% year-on-year in July 2025 to 2.59 million units, up from June’s 13.8% growth, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. New energy vehicles (NEVs)—including BEVs, hybrids, and FCEVs—jumped 27.4% to 1.26 million units, their fifth consecutive month of growth, making up 48.7% of total sales. BEVs led with a 41.7% year-on-year surge to 811,000 units, while PHEVs rose just 2.8% year-on-year and fell 4% from June, suggesting a consumer shift away from PHEVs after their stronger performance a year earlier.

Thursday, 14 August, 2025

AI in Law in Australia....

With the ongoing miseries of AI, an Australian barrister has apologised after filing fake quotes and fabricated case citations generated by AI in a Melbourne murder trial. Defence lawyer Rishi Nathwani KC admitted “full responsibility” after the submissions contained fictitious references, including made-up Supreme Court judgments and legislative quotes. The errors delayed proceedings by 24 hours before Justice James Elliott acquitted the teenage defendant on mental impairment grounds. Elliott condemned the lapse, stressing courts must rely on accurate submissions, and reminded counsel that AI use is unacceptable unless independently and thoroughly verified.

Friday, 15 August, 2025

Trump - Putin Meeting on Ukraine...

After the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska,Trump plans of ceding land to Russia from Ukraine and holding back of NATO membership against security promises, European leaders cautiously back Ukraine while avoiding direct contradiction of Trump’s call for peace talks over a cease-fire. In a joint statement, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and others vow to maintain sanctions until a “just and lasting peace.” Zelensky stresses killings must stop but warns Russia cannot be trusted. Nordic and Baltic states issue sharper pledges, vowing continued arms and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Saturday, 16 August, 2025

Air Canada suspends plans to resume flights...

Air Canada suspends plans to resume flights Sunday after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants vows to defy a back-to-work order. The strike, disrupting about 130,000 travelers daily during peak summer season, prompted government intervention and a Canada Industrial Relations Board directive requiring staff to return by 2 p.m. Sunday. Air Canada now says flights will restart Monday evening, accusing the union of “illegally” urging members to ignore the board’s ruling.

Sunday, 17 August, 2025