- Centerstage Events

Drone attack on Russia's Nuclear plant by Ukraine took centerstage on Sunday, 24 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 3

Ukraine strike halts Oil to Hungary and Slovakia...

Hungary and Slovakia warn that Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline could be halted for at least five days after a Ukrainian strike on a Russian facility. The attack comes amid escalating cross-border strikes on energy infrastructure as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a peace deal. While the EU plans to phase out Russian fuel by 2027, Hungary and Slovakia maintain ties with Moscow, opposing sanctions and resisting efforts to cut reliance on Russian energy supplies.

Monday, 18 August, 2025

SoftBank invests $ 2 Billion in Intel...

SoftBank Group has announced a $2 billion (€1.7bn) investment in Intel, expanding its push into U.S. semiconductor and advanced technology sectors. The move comes as SoftBank increases its U.S. footprint under President Donald Trump’s second term. Intel shares rose 5.4% in pre-market trading, while SoftBank’s dropped 4% in Tokyo. Reports also suggest Trump may consider a U.S. government stake in Intel. Earlier this year, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son joined Trump and tech leaders in unveiling the $500 billion AI project “Stargate.”

Tuesday, 19 August, 2025

India and China Reopen Border for Trade

India and China have agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes and to resume direct flight connectivity as part of efforts to stabilize ties. The agreements followed the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question, co-chaired by NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides also pledged to ease visa processes, promote trade and investment, and restart dialogue mechanisms. Wang handed PM Modi an invitation from President Xi Jinping to attend the SCO Summit in China.

Wednesday, 20 August, 2025

UK bans shower gel over racism

UK regulators have banned a Sanex shower gel commercial after ruling it suggested “white skin was superior to black skin.” The ad showed a white woman with smooth skin contrasted against a Black woman with dry, scratched skin, implying a “before and after” effect. The Advertising Standards Authority said this structure reinforced racial stereotypes and risked serious offence. Colgate-Palmolive, which owns Sanex, defended the ad as inclusive, while approval agency Clearcast argued it demonstrated suitability for all skin types.

Thursday, 21 August, 2025

Robot Dogs to Deliver food in Swiss...

In a first in Switzerland, Dutch food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway.com has partnered with Swiss robotics firm RIVR to launch autonomous robot dogs for food delivery, starting with a pilot program in Zurich. The wheeled-legged “robo-dogs” can climb stairs, navigate obstacles, and walk at speeds of up to 15 km/h, operating in rain, snow, or heat. Each delivery is monitored in real time with remote-control capability. If successful, the project will expand to other European cities and potentially into retail and convenience store deliveries later this year.

Friday, 22 August, 2025

Kenya's Rating upgraded to +B...

S&P Global has upgraded Kenya’s long-term sovereign credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, maintaining a stable outlook. The agency cited stronger foreign exchange reserves, supported by robust export earnings and steady diaspora remittances, which have cushioned the economy against external imbalances. It noted that Eurobond repayments between 2025 and 2027 remain manageable following recent debt operations. While high interest payments and slow fiscal consolidation remain challenges, S&P expects Kenya’s solid growth and improved liquidity outlook to support economic stability.

Saturday, 23 August, 2025

Ukraine strikes Russia's Nuclear Plant...

Russia says a Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region overnight, coinciding with Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day. The blaze, which damaged a transformer, was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, and radiation levels remained normal. The UN nuclear watchdog urged protection of all nuclear sites. Separate drone debris caused a fire at Russia’s Ust-Luga fuel terminal. In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy vowed Ukraine’s strength and independence, joined by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in a show of solidarity.

Sunday, 24 August, 2025