Following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of former President Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs as unlawful, the United States has announced a revised trade move affecting India. The court decided Trump exceeded his authority under emergency powers, invalidating tariffs that had been hitting Indian exports. In response, the Trump administration imposed a temporary 10 per cent import tariff on goods from all countries, including India, effective from February 24 under a different legal authority. This replaces previous higher levies that had been reduced as part of India-US trade discussions, potentially altering export costs and ongoing negotiations. (PC: PTI)

At Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch-kun has captured global attention after being embraced by his monkey troop following an emotionally difficult start. Born in July 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother and initially rejected by other macaques, leading staff to care for him using a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort. Zookeepers slowly reintroduced him to the group, and recent viral footage shows an adult monkey hugging and grooming Punch — a key sign of acceptance and social bonding among primates. The touching moment has delighted viewers worldwide.

Security agencies in India’s capital have sounded a high terror alert following intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) may be planning an attack targeting a temple near the historic Red Fort in the Chandni Chowk area. The warning suggests militants could use an improvised explosive device (IED), allegedly as retaliation for a February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad. Authorities have intensified surveillance, increased patrols, deployed bomb squads, and tightened security at key religious and heritage sites across the city. Officials emphasise precaution, urging vigilance without panic. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil reaffirmed stronger economic ties during high-level talks in New Delhi, aiming to raise bilateral trade above $20 billion in the next five years, up from about $15 billion in 2025. They described the relationship as a “win-win partnership” covering critical minerals, technology, defence and pharmaceuticals, with expanded cooperation and business delegations underscoring mutual trust. Both leaders highlighted opportunities in strategic supply chains and broader India-MERCOSUR trade engagement to fuel growth. (PC: X)

Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, has sparked controversy by asserting that **Israel has a “biblical right” to territory stretching from the Euphrates to the Nile, citing the Old Testament promise to Abraham’s descendants during an interview with Tucker Carlson. Huckabee said it “would be fine if they took it all,” though he later clarified that Israel currently seeks only to live in peace and secure areas where its people reside. Critics say his remarks reflect strong evangelical support and downplay Palestinian rights, raising international concerns over U.S. Middle East policy.

A truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas overturned and exploded on Route 5 Norte near General Velásquez in Santiago, Chile, leaving four people dead, including the driver, and at least 17 others injured. The crash triggered a massive fireball, engulfing nearby vehicles and sending thick black smoke into the sky. Around 50 vehicles were reportedly damaged in the blaze. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and battling flames for hours. Several victims remain in serious condition. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal accident.

BJP workers in Mumbai waved black flags at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he travelled to a court hearing, accusing him of tarnishing India’s image after Youth Congress activists staged a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The demonstrators alleged Gandhi consistently opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives. Police maintained heavy security to prevent clashes. Congress leaders, including Sachin Sawant, condemned the black-flag show as a diversion from key public issues and accused the BJP of theatrics. The Nationalist Congress Party also denounced the protest as undemocratic. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran expects to have a draft counterproposal for the U.S. on its nuclear programme ready within days after indirect talks in Geneva, aimed at addressing concerns without ending enrichment. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran has roughly 10-15 days to reach a deal or face “really bad things,” including possible limited military strikes, as Washington boosts forces in the Middle East. The draft plan reflects “guiding principles,” not an agreement, and both sides agree military action would complicate diplomacy. (PC: AFP)

India is planning to expand defence ties with Israel, including joint work on anti ballistic missile defence systems. The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26. Officials said both sides are likely to sign an MoU on security cooperation. No defence deal will be signed during the trip. Israel is known for systems such as Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome. India wants to boost Mission Sudershan to guard against long range missile threats. Talks may also include laser weapons, long range missiles and drones. (PC: HT)

Punch-kun, a seven-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, appears to have been accepted by his troop after days of rejection. A video shows an adult monkey named Onsing pulling Punch into a close hug. The clip has gone viral online. “After enduring days of rejection, Baby Punch finally experienced the comfort of love,” a post on X said. Another video shows an adult gently grooming him. The zoo said Punch had earlier been scolded and dragged by an adult monkey. Officials explained that grooming helps monkeys build trust and social bonds within the group.