A six-month-old macaque named Punch is winning hearts online after videos showed him hugging a soft toy at a zoo in Japan. Zoo staff said his mother rejected him soon after birth. Keepers then raised him by hand and gave him blankets and toys for comfort. Punch soon bonded with a plush orangutan and now carries it around his enclosure. He is often seen holding it close and sleeping beside it. Keeper Kosuke Shikano said, “The stuffed animal’s fur made it easy to grab and likely provided a sense of security.” Punch is now slowly meeting other macaques again.

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States ended without a breakthrough in Geneva. The meetings lasted two days. Officials described them as “difficult”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the positions of both sides remain far apart. Russia is demanding full control of the Donbas region. Ukraine has rejected this demand. Some progress was reported on military issues and ceasefire monitoring. However, no agreement was reached on territory. Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said another meeting will take place soon. The war has continued for four years. Recent Russian strikes killed four people and injured many others. (PC: Reuters)

Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply increased. A report by Axios said a US strike could happen within weeks. A White House official put the chances at 90 percent. The report said any action may last for weeks. It may involve joint operations with Israel. Israeli officials said they are preparing for possible conflict within days. US fighter jets have moved toward the Middle East. Iran has started military drills in the region. Despite the threats, nuclear talks continue in Geneva. Both sides say diplomacy is still open. Fears of a wider regional war are growing.

A six-month-old macaque named Punch is drawing attention after videos showed him hugging a soft toy for comfort at a zoo in Japan. Keepers said his mother rejected him soon after birth. Staff then stepped in and raised him by hand. They provided blankets and soft toys to calm him. Punch quickly bonded with a plush orangutan and now carries it around his enclosure. He is often seen holding it close and sleeping with it. Keeper Kosuke Shikano said, “The stuffed animal’s fur made it easy to grab and likely provided a sense of security.” Punch is now slowly meeting other macaques again. (PC: X)

The United States has moved more than 50 fighter jets, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 aircraft, to West Asia as tensions with Iran continue. Reports said the deployment took place over the past 24 hours. The military buildup comes even as Washington and Tehran reported progress in recent nuclear talks in Geneva. US officials said the two sides “made progress” but added that “a lot of details” are still pending. Iran’s foreign minister called the talks “constructive.” The US has also sent carrier groups and surveillance aircraft to the region. Iran said it will briefly close part of the Strait of Hormuz for military drills. (PC: NDTV)

Talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States on ending the war concluded in Geneva without a deal after two days of meetings. Negotiators met late Tuesday and again on Wednesday, but reported no breakthrough. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said the talks were “difficult” but “businesslike” and added that another meeting would happen soon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions “not easy” due to major gaps between both sides. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks were “substantive and intensive” but gave no details. Key disputes remain over territory, a ceasefire plan, and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. A future prisoner swap is being discussed. (PC: BBC)

US-Iran tensions remain volatile despite "general agreement" reached after second-round nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides agreed on guiding principles toward a potential deal that would lift sanctions on Tehran. However, no date has been set for a third round, with Araghchi warning the next stage would be "more difficult." Simultaneously, the US deployed over 50 fighter jets and the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East. Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz and announced joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman on Thursday. Trump reminded Tehran of the June 2025 B-2 bomber strike, urging Iran to be "reasonable."

The United States has moved two carrier strike groups near Iran while missile threats and sharp warnings are being exchanged, even as talks continue through Omani mediation in Geneva. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said American power “would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic” and warned a US warship could be sunk. Experts say the military build-up increases risk but does not confirm war. Professor Simon Mabon said this is a “very serious moment” and called it pressure-based diplomacy. Iran has also signalled it could target US bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: X)

Rescue teams are searching for 10 missing skiers after an avalanche struck a backcountry group near Truckee in California’s Lake Tahoe region. Authorities said the group had 16 people, including four guides and 12 clients. At least six people survived and are waiting at the site for rescue. The sheriff’s office said “highly-skilled rescue ski teams” and a SnoCat vehicle were sent to the area. A total of 46 responders are involved. Officials warned that conditions remain dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center said the risk level is “high” and large avalanches are expected. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have also closed nearby roads. (PC: BBC)

Five days after Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was officially sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Dhaka. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman alongside a formidable 49-member cabinet, comprising twenty-five cabinet ministers and twenty-four ministers of state, all sworn in during the same ceremony. Rahman's ascension to power marks a defining political turning point for Bangladesh, ending a prolonged period of political uncertainty that followed the fall of the previous government. As BNP chairman, his leadership will be closely watched both domestically and regionally, particularly regarding Bangladesh's foreign policy direction with India, China, and Western partners.