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Taiwan Becomes World’s Fifth-Largest Stock Market, Surpassing India

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EBNW Story
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Taiwan became the world’s fifth-largest stock market on 25 May 2026 after its total market capitalisation climbed to US$4.95 trillion, overtaking India, whose market value stood at US$4.92 trillion.

The milestone was driven largely by a strong rally in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker and the dominant force in Taiwan’s equity market. TSMC’s soaring share price boosted investor confidence and strengthened Taiwan’s position in global financial rankings.

Global Stock Market Rankings Shift

According to the latest market capitalisation rankings, the world’s largest stock markets are the United States, mainland China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India. Taiwan’s rapid rise has been notable in 2026, as it had already surpassed Canada and the United Kingdom earlier this year.

Analysts attribute Taiwan’s ascent to the growing global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which has sharply increased investment in semiconductor companies. TSMC shares surged nearly 49% by 26 May 2026, fuelled by strong demand for AI chips used in data centres, graphics processing units (GPUs), and machine learning systems.

TSMC Drives Taiwan’s Market Boom

TSMC plays an outsized role in Taiwan’s financial markets, accounting for more than 42% of the country’s benchmark stock index. The company’s dominance has made Taiwan’s market highly concentrated, with broader market movements closely tied to the performance of the semiconductor giant.

The Taiwanese government also introduced regulatory changes that may further influence domestic investments. Taiwan’s financial regulator recently increased the investment ceiling for domestic funds in a single stock to 25% of net assets, a move expected to affect large institutional holdings in companies such as TSMC.

India Faces Market Pressure

Meanwhile, India’s stock market experienced pressure amid heavy foreign investor outflows in 2026. Analysts linked the decline in market value to elevated valuations, a weaker rupee, rising energy costs, and slower corporate earnings growth.

Foreign outflows — the net selling of domestic shares by overseas investors — have weighed on investor sentiment and reduced overall market capitalisation in recent months.

Important Financial Concepts

Market capitalisation refers to the total value of all listed shares in a company or stock market. It is calculated by multiplying a company’s share price by the number of outstanding shares.

A benchmark index is a standard stock index used to measure and track the performance of a stock market.

With AI-driven semiconductor demand continuing to reshape global markets, Taiwan’s emergence as a top-five stock market highlights the growing influence of chip manufacturing in the world economy.

Kerala Opens India’s First Private Medical Museum in Thiruvananthapuram

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EBNW Story
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Museum of Medical Archives, Kerala’s first private medical museum and India’s first privately owned museum dedicated to medical education, officially opened its doors on 25 May 2026 in Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram.

The unique museum has been founded by A. Sivaraman, whose decades-long contribution to medical education through handcrafted teaching models and scientific illustrations has now been preserved for public viewing and academic reference.

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of anatomical models, embryological displays, pathology and microbiology archives, paintings, charts, and rare educational materials used in medical teaching over the years. Many of the exhibits were personally designed and developed by Sivaraman during his tenure at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.

The exhibits offer visitors a fascinating journey through the human body and medical science. Highlights include detailed representations of fetal circulation, embryonic development, stages of mitosis, reproductive anatomy, heart development, vascular structures, tooth formation, and other biological systems essential to medical education.

Medical museums play a significant role in preserving the history and evolution of healthcare education. Such institutions traditionally house anatomical specimens, models, teaching aids, and archival records that support the study of anatomy, embryology, pathology, microbiology, and the history of medicine. The newly opened museum aims to bridge scientific learning with public awareness while preserving Kerala’s medical education heritage.

Speaking about the initiative, founder A. Sivaraman emphasized the importance of handcrafted educational models in helping students understand complex biological structures in three dimensions. Before the era of advanced digital simulations, such models were widely used in classrooms to teach human development, organ systems, and histology.

The opening of the museum marks a milestone for Kerala’s academic and cultural landscape, adding a specialized scientific institution to the capital city. Ulloor, a prominent locality in Thiruvananthapuram district, is already known for its close association with major healthcare and educational institutions.

The Museum of Medical Archives is expected to attract medical students, researchers, educators, historians, and science enthusiasts interested in the evolution of medical teaching in India.

Indian Army Develops AI Platforms ‘Kautilya’ and ‘Q-FORCE’ to Boost Command and Logistics Operations

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EBNW Story
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The Indian Army has developed two Artificial Intelligence-driven digital platforms—Kautilya and Q-FORCE—in a significant step toward modernising military operations through data-driven and AI-enabled systems.

The platforms, introduced in 2026, are designed to strengthen command intelligence, logistics management, and operational readiness as part of the Army’s broader push toward network-centric warfare and digital integration.

Indian Army Develops AI Platforms ‘Kautilya’ and ‘Q-FORCE’ to Boost Command and Logistics Operations

Kautilya to Enhance Command Intelligence

Kautilya has been developed as an AI-powered command intelligence platform aimed at improving decision-making and operational coordination.

The system uses AI-enabled dashboards and Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based interfaces to generate structured data, analytics, and decision-support inputs. It processes information related to personnel, equipment, weapons, training, logistics, rations, and operational preparedness.

The platform also supports tablet-based data entry and functions as an AI co-pilot for both administrative and operational tasks, enabling faster and more informed command-level decisions.

Q-FORCE Focuses on Logistics and Sustainment

Alongside Kautilya, the Army has introduced Q-FORCE, an integrated digital application designed to streamline logistics and sustainment operations.

The system integrates multiple logistics and inventory management platforms to improve supply chain coordination, inventory handling, and operational sustainment across diverse terrain and mission environments.

Military planners view efficient logistics and sustainment as essential components of battlefield readiness, making Q-FORCE a key support tool for future operations.

Part of Army’s AI Integration Drive

The development of both platforms forms part of the Indian Army’s larger Artificial Intelligence adoption strategy.

The Army has described 2026 as a year focused on networking and data centricity, with plans for deeper AI integration into military operations by 2027.

Earlier AI deployment during Operation Sindoor reportedly involved 23 applications, including ECAS and TRINETRA, under Project SANJAY, which is associated with digital integration and technology-enabled military systems.

Push Toward Technology-Driven Warfare

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being integrated into defence systems worldwide to support data analysis, pattern recognition, predictive planning, and decision support.

With the launch of Kautilya and Q-FORCE, the Indian Army is seeking to enhance command efficiency, logistics management, and overall operational effectiveness through advanced digital technologies.

In Pics: Rubio and Wife Tour Taj Mahal and Amber Fort on India Trip.

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EBNW Story
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette visited India’s Taj Mahal in Agra and Amber Fort in Jaipur on Monday, capping the third day of his first official trip from May 23 to 26. They received a traditional Rajasthani welcome at the fort with elephant greetings, Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dances, and drummers, while earlier meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar covered defense, trade, energy, and Quad cooperation. The cultural stops highlighted efforts to strengthen US-India ties amid tensions over tariffs, immigration, and regional outreach, with a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting planned for Tuesday in New Delhi.

In Pics: Rubio and Wife Tour Taj Mahal and Amber Fort on India Trip.
In Pics: Rubio and Wife Tour Taj Mahal and Amber Fort on India Trip.

China Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission in Major Step Toward Human Moon Landing Goal

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EBNW Story
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China has launched the three-member Shenzhou-23 space mission in a significant milestone toward its ambitious goal of sending humans to the Moon by 2030.

The spacecraft lifted off aboard a Long March 2-F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in north-western China on May 24 and successfully docked with the Tiangong space station nearly 3.5 hours later on May 25.

Three-Member Crew Begins Tiangong Mission

The Shenzhou-23 crew includes space engineer Zhu Yangzhu, former air force pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying, a former Hong Kong police officer who has become the first astronaut from Hong Kong to travel to space.

The astronauts will carry out scientific experiments and support station operations aboard Tiangong. One crew member is scheduled to remain in orbit for a full year to study the long-term impact of microgravity on the human body.

Tiangong Central to China’s Space Ambitions

Tiangong, China’s modular space station, has become a cornerstone of the country’s long-duration human spaceflight programme.

The Shenzhou-23 mission will conduct research across life sciences, materials science, medicine, and fluid physics, further strengthening China’s capabilities in human space exploration and orbital research.

Part of China’s Roadmap to the Moon

The mission is being viewed as a major development within China’s broader lunar programme, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030.

A central component of that strategy is the Mengzhou spacecraft, scheduled for an orbital test flight in 2026. Designed as the successor to the Shenzhou series, Mengzhou is expected to support future lunar missions and deepen China’s human exploration capabilities.

China is also advancing plans for the International Lunar Research Station, envisioned as a manned scientific base, with the first phase targeted for completion by 2035.

Expanding Global Role in Human Spaceflight

China has signaled growing international ambitions in space cooperation as well. The country plans to host its first foreign astronaut from Pakistan aboard the Tiangong station by the end of 2026.

With Shenzhou-23, China continues to expand its human spaceflight programme while moving steadily toward its long-term objective of establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth—including the Moon.

Marco Rubio’s India Visit: From Strategic Talks in Delhi to a Cultural Stop in Jaipur

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Kanan Rathore
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Senior American leader Marco Rubio is on a high-profile visit to India, underlining the growing strength of India-US relations at a time of shifting global geopolitics. After crucial meetings in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio is visiting Jaipur today, adding a cultural dimension to a tour largely centred on diplomacy, trade, technology, defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.

Rubio’s India visit comes amid renewed momentum in India-US ties under the leadership of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi. During his meetings in Delhi, Rubio reportedly described India as a “cornerstone” of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and emphasised Washington’s commitment to deeper strategic engagement with New Delhi. Discussions focused on defence collaboration, emerging technologies, supply chains, counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Reports also indicated that Rubio conveyed an invitation from the White House to Prime Minister Modi.

A major highlight during the visit has been the announcement linked to a new “America First Visa” initiative aimed at strengthening mobility for key strategic partners, including India. The development is being viewed as an attempt to deepen people-to-people and professional ties between the two democracies.

Today’s visit to Jaipur reflects the soft-power side of diplomacy. The Rajasthan capital, known for its royal heritage, forts, palaces and vibrant culture, has long been a preferred destination for global dignitaries visiting India. Rubio’s stop in Jaipur is expected to include cultural engagements and interactions showcasing India’s traditional heritage alongside its modern global aspirations.

This is not Rubio’s first engagement with India. Over the years, he has consistently advocated stronger India-US relations and has frequently spoken about India’s growing role in global affairs. As a senior Republican voice on foreign policy and national security, Rubio has often pushed for closer defence and economic cooperation with New Delhi, especially in the context of balancing China’s growing influence in Asia.

Born in 1971 in Miami, Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants who came to the United States seeking better opportunities. His personal story — rising from a working-class immigrant family to becoming one of America’s most influential political leaders — has shaped much of his political identity. Before entering national politics, Rubio served in the Florida House of Representatives and later became a US Senator from Florida. He also briefly contested the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 before emerging as a key foreign policy voice within the party.

Rubio is married to Jeanette Rubio, a former cheerleader and banker, and the couple has four children. He is widely known in American politics for his strong positions on foreign affairs, China policy, immigration and national security.

His India visit is being closely watched internationally because it signals continuity in the strategic convergence between Washington and New Delhi despite changing political equations globally. From high-level diplomatic discussions in Delhi to cultural outreach in Jaipur, Rubio’s tour highlights how India-US relations today extend far beyond traditional diplomacy — spanning security, technology, trade, education and cultural understanding.

As Jaipur welcomes the American leader today, the visit stands as another reminder of India’s increasingly central role in shaping the global strategic landscape.

Gurindervir Singh Breaks National 100m Record, Surpasses Milkha Singh to Become India’s Fastest Man

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Kanan Rathore
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Indian athletics has found a new speed icon in Gurindervir Singh. The Punjab-born sprinter stunned the nation after clocking an extraordinary 10.09 seconds in the men’s 100 metres at the Federation Cup 2026 in Ranchi, rewriting the Indian national record books and becoming the fastest Indian ever over the distance.

With this breathtaking run, Gurindervir bettered his own previous national record of 10.20 seconds and became the first Indian athlete to breach the 10.10-second barrier in the blue-riband event. More importantly, he surpassed the legendary Milkha Singh in Indian sprinting history. While Milkha Singh’s iconic achievements came largely in the 200m and 400m events, Gurindervir’s feat marked a symbolic passing of the baton in Indian athletics, with many calling him the country’s new sprint king.

The gold-medal-winning sprint instantly sparked excitement across the Indian sporting community and drew comparisons with some of the world’s elite sprinters. The historic feat came during a remarkable evening for Indian athletics, where multiple national records tumbled within a short span. Yet it was Gurindervir’s explosive acceleration and flawless finish that stole the spotlight.

According to reports, the achievement was not just about speed but also about resilience and self-belief. Over the past year, the sprinter had battled criticism, inconsistency, and doubts regarding whether he could recreate his earlier form. In interviews after the race, Gurindervir revealed how hurtful comments and criticism affected him mentally, but instead of giving up, he used them as motivation. He credited disciplined training, improved technique, and guidance from his coaching team for helping him achieve the milestone.

Hailing from Punjab, Gurindervir’s rise is also symbolic of the growing sprint culture in India. His success has inspired young athletes who dream of competing on the global stage in an event traditionally dominated by athletes from sprinting powerhouses. The Indian Navy, where Gurindervir serves as a petty officer, also celebrated his achievement, proudly calling him the “fastest man in India.”

The emotional side of the triumph was equally touching. Soon after the race, Gurindervir reportedly called his mother and asked, “Mummy, did you see the race?” — a moment that reflected the years of sacrifice and support behind the historic performance.

His record-breaking sprint has now raised hopes for Indian athletics ahead of major international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics. Experts believe that if Gurindervir continues on this trajectory, he could become a serious contender at the continental level and help India gain recognition in global sprinting events.

At a time when Indian athletics is witnessing rapid progress, Gurindervir Singh’s 10.09-second sprint is more than just a record — it is a statement. It signals that Indian sprinting is entering a new era, driven by athletes who are fearless, determined, and ready to challenge long-standing limits once associated with legends like Milkha Singh.

World Football Day: Celebrating the World’s Most Popular Sport

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Kanan Rathore
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Football is more than just a game — it is a global language that unites people across countries, cultures and generations. From crowded streets in Brazil and stadiums in Europe to village grounds in Africa and growing fan communities in India, football continues to inspire passion unlike any other sport. World Football Day celebrates this universal love for the game and recognises football’s extraordinary influence on society, culture and international unity.

Football traces its modern origins to 19th-century England, where the rules of the sport were formally standardised. Over time, the game spread rapidly across continents through trade, colonial influence and international competitions. Today, football is played and watched by billions of people worldwide, making it the most popular sport on the planet.

One of the biggest reasons behind football’s popularity is its simplicity. All that is needed is a ball and an open space. Whether played professionally in packed stadiums or casually on streets and school grounds, the sport creates excitement and belonging everywhere.

The FIFA World Cup remains the largest and most-watched sporting event globally, bringing nations together through shared emotion and competition. Legendary players such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have transformed football into a worldwide cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of young athletes.

Football Beyond the Stadium

Football’s impact goes far beyond entertainment. The sport promotes teamwork, discipline, physical fitness and resilience. It has also become a powerful tool for social change. Across the world, football programmes are used to encourage education, gender equality, youth empowerment and peace-building in conflict-affected regions.

Women’s football has also witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. International tournaments and professional leagues have significantly increased the visibility and popularity of women athletes, helping challenge stereotypes and expand opportunities in sports.

Football in India

Although cricket remains India’s most dominant sport, football has steadily gained popularity across the country. States such as West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, Manipur and Mizoram have strong football traditions and passionate fan bases. The Indian Super League (ISL) and growing grassroots programmes have further boosted interest among young players and audiences.

India’s historic victory in the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games football competitions remains an important chapter in the country’s sporting history. In recent years, increasing investment in youth development and infrastructure has renewed hopes for Indian football on the global stage.

A Game That Unites the World

Perhaps football’s greatest strength lies in its ability to connect people beyond language, politics or borders. A single match can unite millions in celebration, heartbreak and hope. In refugee camps, school playgrounds, local communities and international arenas alike, football continues to create shared human experiences.

World Football Day is ultimately a celebration of that spirit — the joy of the game, the dreams it inspires and the extraordinary power of sport to bring the world together.

Ganga Dussehra 2026: Celebrating the Sacred Descent of the River Ganga

By
Kanan Rathore
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Ganga Dussehra is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in Hindu tradition, celebrated to mark the divine descent of the holy river Ganga from heaven to Earth. Observed on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, the festival holds deep religious importance for millions of devotees across India. In 2026, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on May 26. It is believed that bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganga on this day helps cleanse a person of sins and brings spiritual purification.

The Story Behind Ganga Dussehra

According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring the river Ganga down from heaven to Earth in order to liberate the souls of his ancestors. Pleased by his devotion, Goddess Ganga agreed to descend. However, her immense force threatened to destroy the Earth. Lord Shiva then captured the powerful river in his matted locks and gently released her streams onto Earth, allowing humanity to benefit from her sacred waters.

Because of King Bhagirath’s efforts, the river is also sometimes referred to as Bhagirathi. The festival symbolises devotion, purification and the victory of faith and perseverance.

Spiritual Significance

The word “Dussehra” in Ganga Dussehra is associated with the belief that ten kinds of sins or negative energies are washed away through prayers, charity and holy bathing on this day. Devotees believe that worshipping the river Ganga brings peace, prosperity and liberation from past karmas.

The Ganga is not merely considered a river in Indian culture but a living goddess and a symbol of life, purity and spiritual continuity. Cities located on the banks of the river — including Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Rishikesh — witness massive gatherings of devotees during the festival.

Muhurat and Rituals in 2026

According to traditional Hindu calendars, the Dashami Tithi for Ganga Dussehra in 2026 begins on the evening of May 25 and continues through May 26. Devotees usually perform rituals during the early morning hours and auspicious bathing periods.

People wake up before sunrise and take a holy dip in the Ganga or nearby rivers. Offerings of flowers, diyas, milk and prayers are made to the river goddess. Many devotees also perform Ganga Aarti, chant sacred hymns and donate food, clothes and water to the needy.

How the Festival is Celebrated

The most vibrant celebrations take place along the ghats of Varanasi, Haridwar and Rishikesh, where temples and riverbanks are illuminated with lamps and devotional songs fill the atmosphere. Thousands gather for evening aartis, creating a spiritually powerful sight.

Even those unable to visit the Ganga often observe the festival by worshipping water at home and remembering the river’s sacred significance.

Ganga Dussehra is ultimately a celebration of faith, purification and gratitude toward nature. In a rapidly modernising world, the festival also reminds people of the cultural and ecological importance of rivers — not only as sacred entities, but as lifelines that sustain civilisation itself.

International Plastic Free Day: Rethinking Our Dependence on Plastic

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

Plastic has become one of the most widely used materials in modern life. From water bottles and food packaging to shopping bags and household products, it is everywhere. Yet the same convenience that made plastic indispensable has also turned it into one of the world’s biggest environmental threats. International Plastic Free Day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter oceans, rivers and landfills. Unlike natural materials, plastic does not decompose easily and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Single-use plastics — such as disposable bottles, straws, cups and carry bags — are among the largest contributors to pollution worldwide.

The impact of plastic pollution extends far beyond visible waste. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to injury, starvation and death. Tiny plastic particles known as microplastics have also entered soil, water and even the human food chain, raising growing concerns among scientists and health experts.

India, like many countries, faces a major challenge in managing plastic waste due to rapid urbanisation and rising consumption. However, awareness around sustainable living has also increased significantly in recent years. Many cities and states have imposed restrictions on single-use plastics, while environmental groups, schools and local communities continue to organise awareness drives and clean-up campaigns.

The idea behind International Plastic Free Day is not merely to stop using plastic for a single day, but to encourage long-term behavioural change. Small actions can collectively make a major difference. Carrying reusable cloth bags, using steel or glass bottles, avoiding disposable cutlery and choosing eco-friendly packaging are simple yet effective ways to reduce plastic dependence.

Businesses and industries also play a crucial role. Sustainable packaging, recycling systems and environmentally responsible production practices are becoming increasingly important as consumers demand greener alternatives. At the same time, governments across the world are strengthening policies aimed at waste management and plastic reduction.

Environmentalists emphasise that recycling alone cannot solve the crisis. Reducing unnecessary consumption and rethinking modern lifestyle habits are equally essential. The movement toward a plastic-free future is ultimately about balancing human convenience with environmental responsibility.

International Plastic Free Day reminds us that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility. The choices made in everyday life — however small they may seem — shape the future of oceans, wildlife, ecosystems and human health. In a world overwhelmed by plastic waste, choosing sustainability is no longer just an environmental option; it is becoming a necessity.

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