SpaceX overtakes Amazon to become world’s fifth most valuable company

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has overtaken Amazon to become the world’s fifth most valuable company after a sharp rise in its share price following its historic stock market debut.

The space exploration company’s valuation surged to about $2.78 trillion, surpassing Amazon’s estimated $2.66 trillion, just days after its record-breaking $85.7 billion public listing on the Nasdaq.

Investor optimism has been driven by SpaceX’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, space-based data centres and the long-term goal of human settlement on Mars. The company also announced a $60 billion acquisition of AI coding start-up Cursor’s parent company, Anysphere, further expanding its footprint in the AI sector.

Swedish man jailed for coercing wife into sexual exploitation involving more than 120 men

A Swedish court has sentenced a 61-year-old man to four years and five months in prison after finding him guilty of coercing his wife into sexual exploitation involving more than 120 men.

The court ruled that he controlled the woman through threats, intimidation and surveillance cameras installed in their home.

He was convicted of offences including attempted rape, aggravated pimping, assault and unlawful threats, while 28 other men were also convicted of purchasing sexual services.

The case, which drew comparisons to other high-profile sexual abuse trials in Europe, exposed years of coercion and manipulation before the woman eventually escaped and alerted authorities.

$300bn investment fund included in US-Iran peace framework

The preliminary peace framework between the United States and Iran includes a $300 billion private investment fund designed to encourage economic cooperation and support a lasting agreement between the two countries.

According to Reuters, sources familiar with the negotiations said, more than half of the proposed funding has already been committed by companies from the United States, Gulf states, Asia, Africa and South America.

The fund is not intended as compensation or reconstruction aid but as a private investment vehicle linked to wider efforts to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and eventually ease sanctions on Iran.

G7 leaders express cautious optimism after Trump-Zelensky meeting

G7 leaders voiced cautious optimism over prospects for peace in Ukraine after Donald Trump described his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky as “very good”.

Zelensky used the summit to highlight Ukraine’s battlefield resilience and push for greater international support, while Trump said he would continue efforts to help bring the more than four-year conflict with Russia to an end.

Despite the improved tone between both leaders, no concrete new measures to pressure Moscow were announced.

India temporarily blocks Telegram over exam leak concerns

Telegram has been temporarily blocked in India ahead of the re-run of the country’s major medical entrance examination following allegations that organised cheating networks used the platform to leak examination papers.

The move affects millions of candidates preparing to retake the NEET-UG exam after authorities cancelled the previous test amid widespread concerns over malpractice.

While officials say the restriction is necessary to curb fraud, critics argue it fails to address deeper problems within India’s examination system.

AFRICA

Somaliland opens embassy in Jerusalem after Israeli recognition

Somaliland has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, strengthening ties with Israel six months after becoming the first country to formally recognise Somaliland’s independence.

The move was welcomed by Israeli leaders but condemned by Somalia, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory and views the diplomatic engagement as a violation of its sovereignty.

The development is expected to deepen regional and international debate over Somaliland’s status.

Africa CDC warns Congo Ebola outbreak could become the worst on record

The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become the worst in history if it is not brought under control quickly.

Health authorities say thousands of people who may have been exposed to the virus have not yet been traced, raising concerns over further transmission.

Officials are urging greater international support, faster contact tracing and stronger containment measures to prevent a wider regional crisis.

Congo Senate backs constitutional bill that could extend Tshisekedi’s rule

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo has approved a constitutional amendment bill that could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to seek another term in office.

The proposal would pave the way for a referendum that could reset presidential term limits, potentially enabling Tshisekedi to remain in power beyond his current final term.

The move has drawn criticism from opposition figures who warn it could undermine democratic institutions and increase political tensions in the country.

Equatorial Guinea government resigns after missing key targets

The government of Equatorial Guinea has resigned after failing to achieve most of its development and administrative objectives, according to Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

Officials said the government had achieved less than 10 percent of its planned targets, prompting a broad institutional reorganisation.

The resignation marks a significant political reshuffle in the oil-producing Central African nation as authorities seek to adjust government priorities.

Ramaphosa warns against blaming migrants for South Africa’s challenges

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, has urged South Africans not to scapegoat migrants for unemployment, crime and poor public services amid growing anti-immigrant protests.

Speaking during National Youth Day commemorations in Johannesburg, he acknowledged the frustration of young people facing high unemployment and economic hardship.

However, he argued that the country’s deep-rooted social and economic problems require long-term solutions rather than hostility toward vulnerable foreign communities.