- Centerstage Events

Mark Carney's win by securing 86% of the vote to become Canada’s next prime minister took centerstage on Sunday, 09 March 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 1

U.S. President Donald Trump pauses...

U.S. President Donald Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine, conditioning its resumption on Zelensky’s commitment to peace talks. The decision follows Trump’s heated Oval Office argument with the Ukrainian leader and consultations with national security officials. Analysts warn the move could weaken Ukraine’s battlefield position and bolster Russia’s advantage. The pause marks a significant deterioration in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Trump echoes Putin’s rhetoric and pressures Kyiv into negotiations by withholding critical support.

Sunday, 2 March, 2025

The world’s largest iceberg, twice the size...

The world’s largest iceberg, twice the size of Greater London, runs aground off South Georgia, posing risks to fishing vessels and local wildlife. Scientists expect it to break apart, potentially disrupting macaroni penguin feeding areas. However, melting ice could boost ocean life, releasing nutrients like a “nutrient bomb.” The iceberg, which calved from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986, drifted for decades before escaping an ocean vortex in December. Moving north through Iceberg Alley, it traveled up to 30 km per day before grounding.

Monday, 3 March, 2025

Somalia’s Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh...

Somalia’s Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh urges the government to take greater financial responsibility for national priorities, including security, amid shifting global aid. He calls on citizens to pay taxes to offset funding gaps and support economic growth. The Danab brigade, a U.S.-trained counterterrorism unit, faces challenges after a reduction in $1.5 billion annual U.S. assistance. Somalia now reallocates resources to cover Danab’s salaries, adjusting its budget to sustain critical security operations.

Tuesday, 4 March, 2025

The United States withdraws from the Just Energy...

The United States withdraws from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a global initiative to help developing nations transition from coal to clean energy, the U.S. Treasury Department confirms. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ends U.S. participation in agreements with South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, aligning with President Donald Trump’s executive order rejecting past environmental commitments. Launched at COP26 in 2021, JETP provided funding to support coal phase-outs in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal. The U.S. exit raises concerns about future global climate financing efforts.

Wednesday, 5 March, 2025

Scientists, doctors, and supporters rally across...

Scientists, doctors, and supporters rally across 30+ U.S. cities, protesting what they call an attack on life-saving research by the Trump administration. In Washington, D.C., thousands gather at the Stand Up for Science rally, condemning budget cuts, firings, and grant reductions affecting health, climate, and scientific research. Climate scientist Michael Mann warns that “science is under siege,” while Senator Chris Van Hollen urges Americans to fight back. Protesters display signs mocking Trump, Elon Musk, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voicing frustration over threats to scientific progress.

Thursday, 6 March, 2025

China imposes retaliatory tariffs on Canadian...

China imposes retaliatory tariffs on Canadian farm and food imports after Canada levies duties on Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum. Effective March 20, China will apply 100% tariffs on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, and 25% tariffs on pork and aquatic products. The move escalates global trade tensions, as tariff disputes between China, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico continue. Chinese officials criticize Canada’s "unilateral restrictive measures", accusing Ottawa of undermining bilateral trade despite prior warnings against such actions.

Friday, 7 March, 2025

Mark Carney wins Canada’s Liberal Party leadership...

Mark Carney wins Canada’s Liberal Party leadership in a landslide victory over Chrystia Freeland, securing 86% of the vote, and is set to become Canada’s next prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. A former central banker with no prior electoral experience, Carney’s immediate challenge is managing U.S.-Canada trade tensions. In his victory speech, he directly confronts Donald Trump’s tariffs, vowing to defend Canadian workers and businesses. Drawing a hockey analogy, he warns the U.S. that in trade disputes, "Canada will win."

Saturday, 8 March, 2025