Sarah Ferguson, widely known as “Fergie” and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has seen her public standing crumble after newly released U.S. government documents revealed a close relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Reuters reports. Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, the pair remained close and lived together until recently. The documents show emotionally and financially intimate communications, including Ferguson calling Epstein the “brother I always wished for,” prompting several charities to cut ties. The revelations compound the broader royal scandal tied to Epstein that has already led to Andrew’s arrest and loss of titles. Ferguson is now keeping a low profile amid fallout. (PC: Reuters)

Afghanistan has strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes along the border, alleging that innocent civilians were killed in the attacks. Kabul officials said dozens died when Pakistani forces targeted areas inside Afghan territory, calling the strikes a violation of sovereignty. Afghanistan warned of a firm “response” and accused Islamabad of escalating regional tensions. Pakistan, however, maintains that the operation targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant camps, claiming it acted on “conclusive evidence” linking the groups to recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The incident has further strained already fragile ties between the two neighbors, raising fears of wider cross-border escalation.

The US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers law (IEEPA) to impose broad import tariffs, asserting that only Congress can levy tariffs. In swift response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and first imposed a 10% global tariff on all imports before raising it to the maximum 15% rate for up to 150 days. Trump condemned the court’s decision and vowed alternative tariff measures. The ruling creates uncertainty over tariff revenue refunds and impacts global trade relations. (PC: AP)

Pakistan’s military launched intelligence-based strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the Afghanistan border, targeting groups it blames for recent deadly suicide attacks and bombings inside Pakistan. The strikes, described as a “retributive response,” follow a surge of violence attributed to Afghanistan-based factions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates and were confirmed by Pakistan’s Information Minister. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, further straining ties between the neighboring countries. Afghanistan reported dozens of deaths and civilian casualties amid the operation. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has increased the temporary global tariff from 10% to 15%, hours after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier import duties. He used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days. “I… will be effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff… to the fully allowed… 15% level,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said many countries had been “ripping” off the US for decades. The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that Trump had exceeded his powers under a 1977 emergency law. Trump said new “legally permissible” tariffs will be introduced during the 150-day period. (PC: India Today)

A new report says the Pentagon has prepared several options for President Donald Trump if nuclear talks with Iran collapse. One option includes a possible strike targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, according to Axios. “They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son,” a Trump adviser was quoted as saying. US officials said Trump is ready to accept a deal if Iran proves its nuclear programme will stay peaceful. “If the Iranians want to prevent an attack, they should give us an offer we can’t refuse,” a senior official said. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court struck down most of his earlier import taxes. In a 6–3 ruling, the court said he had exceeded his powers under a 1977 emergency law. Calling the decision “terrible”, Trump criticised the justices who ruled against him. “We have alternatives – great alternatives,” he said at the White House. He signed the new tariff order under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which allows temporary duties for 150 days. The earlier tariffs had been challenged by businesses and states. The ruling could open the way for refund claims. (PC: BBC)

The UK government is considering a new law to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said it was the “right thing to do,” but added that any step should follow the police investigation. Andrew was recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation. He denies all wrongdoing. He had earlier stepped back from public duties after criticism over his ties to Epstein. Any change to the line of succession would need approval from Parliament and support from Commonwealth countries. (PC: BBC)

Two improvised explosive devices were found in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir as agencies warned of a possible Lashkar-e-Taiba plot targeting Delhi. Officials have not linked the recoveries to the alert, but security remains tight.   In Punjab, an IED was found in a bag near a police post in Amritsar. “A suspicious bag was spotted… the bomb disposal squad confirmed it as an IED and diffused it,” SSP Sohail Qasim Mir said. Another IED was detected in Ganderbal’s Safapora area in Kashmir and defused by the army’s bomb squad and J&K Police. Security has been stepped up across Delhi. (PC: India Today)

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.