Punch-kun, the young Japanese macaque who recently won hearts after being accepted by his troop at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has now made another adorable breakthrough. After overcoming early rejection and slowly bonding with adult members of the group, Punch has formed a playful connection with another juvenile macaque. Zoo officials shared that the pair were seen grooming, chasing, and sitting closely together — positive signs of social bonding in macaque communities. The new friendship marks another step in Punch’s emotional development and integration, delighting animal lovers worldwide who continue to follow his heartwarming journey.

In Bannu District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a suicide attack during an intelligence-based military operation left two Pakistani soldiers dead and five militants killed, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. The casualties included Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah, who were killed after their security convoy was targeted by militants called Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used by authorities for alleged Indian-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters. Troops intercepted a vehicle-borne suicide bomber, averting a larger civilian tragedy, but militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the lead convoy, triggering intense combat. The clash highlights ongoing security challenges in northwest Pakistan’s militant-affected regions. (PC: Dawn)

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.

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.

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)