Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has finally been accepted into his troop after weeks of heartbreaking rejection. Born during a summer heatwave in July 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother at birth and raised by zoo staff. When reintroduced to the group at "Monkey Mountain" in January, he faced repeated rejection and bullying. Zoo caretakers provided an IKEA orangutan plushie for comfort, which Punch carried everywhere melting hearts globally with videos surpassing 30 million views. Adult monkey Onsing finally embraced Punch, providing grooming and protection. The wholesome story triggered worldwide emotional responses, trending as #HangInTherePunch across TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and X.

US and Iranian officials met in Geneva for a third round of indirect talks aimed at preventing conflict. The talks are mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. He said both sides showed “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions”.   US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible strike if no nuclear deal is reached. He said Iran must say it will “never have a nuclear weapon”. Iran has rejected calls to stop uranium enrichment but says it will “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon”.   The US has increased its military presence in the region. It has sent troops, warships, and aircraft in recent weeks. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT social science book over a chapter on “corruption in judiciary.” The court ordered seizure of printed copies and removal of digital versions.   Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “We would like to have a deeper probe.” He called the inclusion a “calculated move” and added, “Heads must roll.”   The bench said the NCERT response showed “no remorse but justification.” It also remarked, “They fired the gunshot. Judiciary is bleeding today.”   However, the court clarified it does not want to stop “legitimate critique” but aims to protect the integrity of education. (PC: HT)

When people searched “Punch the Monkey” on Google, the page was filled with colourful floating hearts — a playful Easter egg celebrating a viral internet sensation. The trend centres on Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo who was abandoned by his mother soon after birth. Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort, and videos of the tiny monkey clutching it captured hearts worldwide. The animation reflects the global affection for Punch, who has become a symbol of resilience and joy online, drawing millions of likes and widespread attention. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

In a fascinating display of social learning, a young Japanese macaque named Punch has been observed acquiring new behaviors by imitating his friends and other members of his troop. Researchers note that Punch carefully watches older monkeys as they perform tasks such as foraging, grooming, and playing, then attempts the same actions himself. This method of learning highlights the importance of observation and social interaction in primate development. Experts say such behaviors demonstrate not only intelligence but also the transmission of culture and skills within macaque communities, providing insight into animal cognition.

Top U.S. House Democrats have accused the Justice Department under President Donald Trump of orchestrating the “largest government cover-up in modern history” by withholding key documents tied to allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor decades ago. The controversy centers on missing FBI interview summaries from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which were supposed to be fully released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While millions of pages have been published, only one interview with the accuser appears publicly, and Democrats say three others, along with related notes, were improperly withheld. The DOJ claims withheld material falls under lawful exemptions, but lawmakers are demanding full disclosure and may launch a parallel investigation. Trump denies wrongdoing. (PC: AFP)

Four men were killed after a US-registered speedboat clashed with Cuban border forces off the northern coast of Cuba on Tuesday. Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior said the boat entered its territorial waters near Villa Clara province.   According to officials, the people on board opened fire when officers moved to intercept the vessel. A Cuban patrol commander was wounded. Border forces returned fire, killing four people on the boat. Six others were injured and given medical treatment.   Cuba described those killed as “aggressors”. Authorities said investigations are ongoing. There was no immediate comment from US officials. (PC: X, India Today)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates addressed his past meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a staff town hall at the Gates Foundation. The foundation said he “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”   According to The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” He called it a “huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and said he “never spent any time with victims.”   Gates said he met Epstein in 2011 and did not properly check his background. He denied any improper conduct linked to Epstein. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump did not spell out his next steps on Iran during his State of the Union address. He said he prefers a deal over conflict. “We haven’t heard from them those secret words: ‘We do not want nuclear weapons ever’,” he said.   Hours earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon.”   A new round of talks is set to take place in Geneva. A diplomat said military action could follow if no “acceptable text” is agreed.   The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East as talks continue. (PC: X)

Pakistan's Senate has unanimously passed a resolution condemning Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed "hexagon of alliances," which includes India, Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and select Arab, African, and Asian nations. Islamabad labeled the plan an "anti-Muslim Ummah bloc," calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine Muslim unity. Netanyahu unveiled the alliance concept ahead of PM Modi's Tel Aviv visit, framing it as a counterweight to Iran-led radical Shia networks and an emerging radical Sunni axis linked to ISIS remnants. The resolution, moved by PPP lawmaker Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, also rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination. (PC: NDTV)