- Centerstage Events

Centerstage events of week 3

Balloons temporarily close an airport in Lithuania...

Lithuania temporarily closes Vilnius Airport after several dozen smuggling balloons from Belarus crossed its airspace overnight, officials said on October 22. Thirteen balloons reportedly flew toward the airport, delaying around 30 flights. Authorities recovered five balloons and arrested one suspect carrying 7,000 packs of contraband cigarettes. In response, Lithuania also shut two border checkpoints—Medininkai and Šalčininkai—though traffic there was minimal and no related incidents were reported. The breach has heightened regional security concerns.

Monday, 20 October, 2025

Sanae Takaichi becomes the first woman PM of India...

Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan’s first female prime minister, winning parliamentary approval on Tuesday after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured victory in both chambers. Takaichi claimed 237 votes in the Lower House against opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda’s 149, avoiding a runoff, and later triumphed in the Upper House runoff with 125 votes. Her election, backed by an LDP–Japan Innovation Party coalition, marks a historic breakthrough for Japan’s political landscape and gender equality in leadership.

Tuesday, 21 October, 2025

LOI for 150 fighter jets from Sweden to Ukraine...

Ukraine and Sweden have signed a letter of intent for a potential deal to supply up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets to Kyiv over the next decade, with first deliveries expected in 2026. The agreement was signed in Linköping by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a long-term defense partnership. Kristersson emphasized it as a 10–15-year plan, not an immediate transfer. Zelenskyy hailed the JAS 39 Gripen as crucial for Ukraine’s defense. The Gripen E, powered by a U.S.-made General Electric F414 engine, is Sweden’s most advanced jet, previously used in NATO missions and regional air policing.

Wednesday, 22 October, 2025

Residents in Christmas Island protect millions of Crabs...

On Australia’s Christmas Island with over 1000 residents, most of them are using garden rakes and leaf blowers to help protect millions of migrating red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) during their annual journey from forest burrows to the ocean to breed. Triggered by seasonal rains, up to 100 million crabs are moving across roads and gardens, often blocking driveways and even entering homes. Locals assist by gently clearing paths to prevent harm. The female crabs will release their eggs into the sea around November 14–15, completing one of nature’s most spectacular migrations.

Thursday, 23 October, 2025

Algerian immigrant becomes the first woman in France sentenced to life imprisonment...

Dahbia Benkired, a 27-year-old Algerian immigrant, has become the first woman in France sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after being convicted of the rape, torture, and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in 2022. A Paris court handed down the maximum sentence on Friday. Benkired, who had been ordered to leave France prior to the crime, remained emotionless during the verdict. The case has shocked the nation and reignited fierce debate over France’s immigration and deportation policies, as Lola’s family wept in court while recalling the tragedy that shattered their lives.

Friday, 24 October, 2025