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.

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)

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.

The US Supreme Court dealt a historic blow to President Donald Trump, striking down his sweeping global tariffs in a 6-3 ruling authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. The court ruled Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act exceeded presidential authority, upholding a lower court's decision. Notably, conservative justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett both Trump appointees joined the majority alongside three liberal justices. Three conservative justices dissented. CNN reported Trump erupted in fury during a White House breakfast with state governors upon hearing the verdict, calling it "a disgrace" and attacking the courts. The White House issued no immediate official statement following the landmark ruling. (PC: X)

Punch, a six-month-old Japanese macaque abandoned at birth at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has become a global internet sensation after videos of him struggling to make friends with other monkeys while clutching an IKEA djungelskog stuffed orangutan went viral. Born in July 2025 during a heatwave, Punch was hand-reared by zookeepers who gave him the plushie to build muscle strength. The hashtag #HangInTherePunch spread worldwide, drawing over 8,000 zoo visitors last weekend, double last year's numbers. IKEA Japan's president personally visited to donate more plushies. Late Show host Stephen Colbert purchased his own djungelskog on air. Punch is now gradually making friends, receiving grooming and hugs from fellow monkeys.

The US Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling striking down Trump's sweeping global tariffs triggered immediate worldwide reactions. Canada welcomed the verdict, calling the tariffs "unjustified," but warned sector-specific duties on steel, aluminum and autos remain, cautioning businesses to prepare for "blunter mechanisms" of trade pressure. Germany's BDI hailed it as a "strong signal for the rules-based trading system," noting German exports to the US fell nearly 10 percent last year. The EU said it is "carefully analysing" the ruling while seeking clarity from Washington on next steps. Britain expects its privileged trading position to continue. KPMG's chief economist warned financial markets celebrating the ruling were "premature," as tariffs could rapidly return through alternative legal levers. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump on Friday confirmed he is considering a limited military strike against Iran to pressure Tehran into accepting a deal on its nuclear programme. "I guess I can say I am considering it," Trump said, offering no further details. The remarks come amid rapidly escalating tensions, with the US significantly increasing its military presence across the Middle East repositioning warships, aircraft and forces following stalled nuclear talks in Geneva. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Iran must return with concrete proposals. Trump also alluded to the US base at Diego Garcia as a potential contingency. Polish PM Donald Tusk has urged citizens to immediately leave Iran, while Tehran conducted naval exercises alongside Russia near major shipping lanes.

In zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers worldwide, caretakers are using a surprisingly simple tool, a soft plush toy to help orphaned baby animals cope. Punch, a Japanese macaque born at Ichikawa City Zoo in July 2025, was abandoned by his mother and given a small orange plush orangutan, which he carries while sleeping, eating, and interacting with other monkeys. Henry, a fairy penguin at Weymouth's SeaLife Centre, was similarly given a stuffed penguin companion during hand-rearing. These cases aren't isolated but orphaned orangutans, wombats, and kangaroo joeys across rehabilitation centers regularly receive plush toys. While not replacing mothers, these soft companions significantly ease stress and encourage natural behaviors during animals' most vulnerable early days. (PC: X)

At Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, a baby Japanese macaque named Punch has become an unlikely viral sensation after being abandoned by his mother at birth seven months ago. Alerted by a visitor, zookeepers swiftly intervened and provided Punch with a stuffed orangutan for comfort and companionship. The bond proved immediate and extraordinary as Punch has rarely been seen without the toy since, dragging it everywhere despite it being larger than himself. Videos of the heartwarming duo went viral, drawing floods of visitors to the monkey enclosure, which has now become the zoo's most popular attraction. Punch's story has captured hearts worldwide, turning a moment of abandonment into a tale of unexpected comfort and resilience.

Virginia Giuffre, once dubbed a “Cinderella” figure, became one of the most prominent survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, publicly accusing influential figures of abusing their power. Giuffre claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and forced into sexual encounters as a teenager — including with then-Prince Andrew — allegations he has consistently denied. Her 2021 civil lawsuit against Andrew led to an out-of-court settlement in 2022 and helped fuel global scrutiny of Epstein’s network. Giuffre later advocated for trafficking survivors before dying by suicide in April 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy that reverberates amid renewed legal action against Epstein associates. (PC: X)