Taiwan has overtaken India to become the world’s fifth-largest stock market after a sharp rally in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker. Bloomberg data showed Taiwan’s total market capitalisation rose to $4.95 trillion, slightly ahead of India’s $4.92 trillion. Taiwan’s gains were driven by strong global investor interest in artificial intelligence-linked technology stocks, particularly semiconductor companies. India’s markets, meanwhile, faced foreign investor outflows, rising energy prices and concerns over slowing earnings growth. Analysts said Taiwan benefited from its dominance in global chip manufacturing, while India saw weaker investor sentiment and valuation concerns. (PC: Ai generated)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a major film workers’ body representing technicians, crew members and other employees in the Hindi film industry, issued a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh after a dispute linked to his exit from Don 3. FWICE President Ashoke Pandit said filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and the film’s producers complained about alleged financial losses and contractual issues caused by the actor’s withdrawal. According to FWICE, Ranveer Singh said the matter was contractual and outside the body’s jurisdiction. The actor’s spokesperson later said he respects the film fraternity and wishes the Don franchise success. (PC: NDTV)

A new immigration policy announced by the administration of United States President Donald Trump has sparked concern among Indian students and H-1B professionals over future residency prospects in America. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said Green Cards are a discretionary benefit and many applicants may now need to return to their home countries for processing. Immigration experts warned the move could disrupt careers and families already facing long visa backlogs. Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera criticised the policy, calling it disruptive and unfair to legal immigrants. Education leaders said growing uncertainty over visas and residency may push students towards alternative study destinations. (PC: ai Generated)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected United States President Donald Trump’s reported proposal for Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords as part of efforts linked to a peace deal with Iran. Speaking to Pakistani channel Samaa TV, Asif said recognising Israel would go against Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies”. He also questioned engagement with Israel, saying Pakistan could not trust it. Asif added that Pakistani passports do not recognise Israel. Trump had urged Pakistan and several West Asian countries to join the Abraham Accords, which seek to normalise ties with Israel. Pakistan has maintained that recognition depends on a Palestinian state solution. (PC: HT)

The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, targeting vessels allegedly attempting to place naval mines, US Central Command said. Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the action was taken in “self-defence” to protect American forces during the ongoing ceasefire. Iranian officials confirmed explosions near Bandar Abbas but did not immediately respond to the strikes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran were continuing despite tensions. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said progress had been made in talks, but denied that a peace agreement was close. (PC: BBC)

Convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Haryana’s Sunaria jail on a 30-day parole on Tuesday, officials said. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh left the Rohtak jail under heavy police security and travelled to the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The self-styled godman has been in jail since 2017 after being convicted in rape cases involving two women disciples and is serving a 20-year sentence. He was also sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. This marks the 16th parole or furlough granted to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh since 2020, drawing repeated criticism from opposition parties and social groups. (PC: India Today)

A farmer from Malkangiri has successfully cultivated the rare Miyazaki Mango, a premium Japanese fruit known for fetching exceptionally high prices in international markets. According to reports, farmer Deba Padhiami received the sapling four years ago and nurtured it until it began bearing fruit. Originating from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, the mango is renowned for its reddish-purple colour, sweetness and smooth texture. However, despite growing one of the world’s most expensive mango varieties, Padhiami lacks access to buyers, marketing channels and export networks. He has also begun guarding the tree at night, fearing theft as curiosity around the rare fruit grows.

A Class 12 CBSE student, Vedant Shrivastava, who went viral after claiming the Physics answer sheet uploaded under his roll number was not his, has been vindicated after CBSE provided his actual answer sheet. Vedant had highlighted major handwriting differences between the uploaded Physics paper and his other answer sheets, raising concerns about a possible answer-sheet mix-up in the board’s On-Screen Marking system. The issue sparked widespread debate, though the student also faced online abuse and accusations for questioning the process. CBSE later acknowledged the mismatch, sent the correct answer sheet, and said his marks would be revised while investigating how the error occurred. (PC: News18)

The U.S. military has launched fresh strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy mines near Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command described the operation as a self-defence measure aimed at protecting American forces while maintaining restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. Despite the strikes, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about ongoing talks involving Iran and Qatar. Iranian officials acknowledged progress in negotiations but said an agreement remains distant. Key issues include extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and India are progressing rapidly and described the proposed pact as a “game changer” for businesses and workers. During discussions with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, both sides reviewed opportunities in energy, agri-food, technology and education. The two countries are pushing to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026 while targeting bilateral trade growth to USD 50 billion by 2030. The renewed momentum follows efforts to reset relations after diplomatic tensions in 2023, with energy, nuclear cooperation, innovation and investment emerging as key areas of collaboration.