Astronauts Sunita & Butch return to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay in space took centerstage on Tuesday, 18 March 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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Centerstage events of week 3
Germany pledges €300 million in aid for Syrians ...
Germany pledges €300 million in aid for Syrians ahead of a major EU donor conference, as the European Union announces an additional €2.5 billion for Syria through 2025–2026. At the Brussels summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urges global partners to step up, highlighting Syria’s urgent need for reconstruction and economic recovery. The UK commits up to £160 million in humanitarian support. Meanwhile, violence flares along the Syria-Lebanon border after clashes between Syrian troops and Lebanese Shiite clans, prompting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to order retaliatory military action. Tensions rise following Syria’s accusation that Hezbollah killed three Syrian soldiers—an allegation Hezbollah denies.
Monday, 17 March, 2025
NASA astronauts Sunita...
NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay in space, originally planned as an eight-day mission to test Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Due to technical issues with the Starliner, NASA opted to keep the pair aboard the ISS and return the troubled capsule empty. They splashed down safely in a SpaceX Dragon off the Florida coast, greeted by a pod of dolphins before being retrieved by a rescue ship. Both astronauts emerged smiling and waving after their extended mission.
Tuesday, 18 March, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Russia of trying to undermine U.S. President Donald Trump's peace negotiations after Russian drone attacks target Kyiv overnight, shortly after U.S.-Russia talks. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claims Ukraine breached a ceasefire agreement on energy infrastructure by striking an oil depot in Krasnodar Krai with drones. Both incidents highlight rising tensions and cast doubt over the fragile progress made in the recent peace discussions between Washington and Moscow.
Wednesday, 19 March, 2025
The social network X, formerly known as...
The social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has filed a lawsuit against India's Ministry of Information Technology, alleging unlawful expansion of online censorship powers. The platform claims that a new website launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs bypasses existing legal safeguards, allowing content removal without oversight from senior officials or justification based on public order or national security. X argues this creates a parallel censorship system. The case, linked to Elon Musk’s plans to expand Starlink and Tesla in India, will be heard again on March 27 in Karnataka’s High Court.
Thursday, 20 March, 2025
Flights have resumed at Heathrow Airport...
Flights have resumed at Heathrow Airport following a major power outage caused by a fire at a nearby substation in Hayes, west London. The disruption, which affected around 200,000 passengers on Friday, forced flight cancellations and diversions across Europe. Heathrow’s CEO Thomas Woldbye apologized, calling the incident one of the worst in the airport’s history. Authorities confirmed the fire is not suspicious, with investigations focusing on electrical distribution equipment. Full service is expected to resume Saturday, with airlines including British Airways, Air Canada, and United Airlines restarting operations. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates.
Friday, 21 March, 2025
Foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea...
Foreign ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea met to discuss areas of shared concern, including aging populations, declining birthrates, natural disasters, and the green economy, despite rising regional tensions. At a joint press conference, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted the trio's commitment to mutual trust and cooperation. Iwaya also voiced concern over North Korea’s nuclear program and ties with Russia, urging full denuclearization under UN resolutions.
Saturday, 22 March, 2025
X (formerly Twitter) has publicly opposed...
X (formerly Twitter) has publicly opposed multiple court orders from Turkish authorities demanding the blocking of over 700 accounts, including those of journalists, news outlets, political figures, and students. In a statement from its Global Government Affairs account, X calls the move “unlawful” and says it restricts millions of Turkish users from accessing news and engaging in political discourse. The platform confirms it will challenge the orders in court and reaffirms its commitment to defending freedom of speech globally. The move comes amid ongoing concerns over digital censorship in Turkey, especially ahead of elections.
Sunday, 23 March, 2025
