- Centerstage Events

Maldives generational smoking ban took centerstage on Saturday, 01 November 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 4

Malta to cut tax in a bid to increase fertility rate...

Malta’s 2026 budget introduces significant income tax cuts for parents to combat the country’s declining fertility rate, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced Monday. The plan widens tax bands over 2026–2028, raising the tax-free income threshold from €13,000 to €14,500 next year, and up to €18,000 by 2028. All parents will benefit, with larger cuts for families with two or more children, saving an average of €2,400 annually. The measure, costing €160 million yearly, will support 68,000 families, with Caruana saying it effectively helps cover part of families’ home loan burdens.

Monday, 27 October, 2025

Shift to AI will lay off 14,000 in Amazon...

Amazon announces to lay off about 14,000 corporate employees, part of a broader cost-cutting effort as it shifts major investments toward generative artificial intelligence. Senior vice president Beth Galetti said the company aims to become “leaner and less bureaucratic” to accelerate innovation. Describing AI as the most transformative technology since the internet, she emphasized reorganizing for speed and efficiency. The move marks Amazon’s largest corporate job cuts to date, with reports suggesting total layoffs could reach up to 30,000 workers.

Tuesday, 28 October, 2025

Breakthrough in South Korea and US tariff relations...

In two tariff-related developments, the U.S. Senate votes 50–46 to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, marking its second bipartisan rebuke after a similar vote on Brazilian goods. The move remains symbolic as the House has frozen such actions until March 2026. Meanwhile, South Korea announces the U.S. will lower tariffs on Korean goods to 15% and accept $200 billion in investments, including $150 billion for U.S. shipbuilding operations.

Wednesday, 29 October, 2025

Breakthrough in China and US tariff relations...

China has confirmed suspending some rare earth export curbs following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea, which Trump hailed as a “great success.” The two leaders agreed that China will resume purchases of U.S. soybeans and other farm products, while Washington will cut tariffs. The talks, held on the sidelines of the APEC summit, marked their first in-person meeting since 2019, with both pledging swift follow-up actions.

Thursday, 30 October, 2025

Morocco’s plan to retain sovereignty over Western Sahara get approval from UN...

The UN Security Council has approved a resolution endorsing Morocco’s plan to retain sovereignty over Western Sahara, marking a major diplomatic shift aligned with the current USA administration’s stance. Despite a divided vote, the resolution represents the strongest international backing yet for Morocco’s proposal, supported by most EU and African nations. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz hailed the decision as a “historic vote” for lasting peace.

Friday, 31 October, 2025

In a first, Maldives enforces generational smoking ban...

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to enforce a generational smoking ban, prohibiting anyone born in 2007 or later from buying or using tobacco products for life. The law applies to all forms of tobacco, including for foreign tourists, and retailers face heavy fines for violations. The Health Ministry said the move aims to protect youth and promote a smoke-free nation. Similar proposals exist in the UK, while New Zealand repealed its planned ban in 2023.

Saturday, 1 November, 2025

India wins Women World Cup Cricket Tournament...

India clinched their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title with a thrilling 52-run victory over South Africa in the 2025 final in Navi Mumbai. Defending a target of 299, India bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s sensational five-wicket haul. Earlier, Shafali Verma starred with a blistering 87 off 78 balls and also took two key wickets. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant 101, South Africa faltered as Deepti’s all-round brilliance sealed India’s historic triumph.

Sunday, 2 November, 2025