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.

UK Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, speaking exclusively to Times Now, addressed questions about the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, stressing that such matters are subject to independent judicial processes free from political interference. Lammy cautioned he must avoid commenting on specific cases given his dual role. He confirmed extradition, illicit finance and extremism concerns are taken "extremely seriously" in India-UK discussions. Lammy was in India for the AI Summit 2026, praising it as a great success and highlighting that 150 UK businesses are partnering with 250 Indian organisations. He also condemned anti-India extremist activities in the UK and commented on the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest, emphasising no one is above the law. (PC: Times Now)

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.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, said India and Brazil can conduct bilateral trade in their own currencies without relying on the US dollar, though cautioned the shift would take time. Lula firmly dismissed speculation about a BRICS common currency, stating no such proposal or internal discussion exists. He described BRICS as a vital voice for the Global South, representing more than half of humanity. Lula set an ambitious target of $30–40 billion in India-Brazil bilateral trade, praised India's technological ecosystem, and announced that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will establish a manufacturing plant in India, reducing dependence on US and Chinese supply chains. (PC: X/@Shorts91) 

Quentin Griffiths, 58, co-founder of British fast-fashion giant ASOS, has died after falling from the 17th floor of an apartment block in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 9. Thai police confirmed initial investigations suggest suicide with no indications of foul play, as CCTV showed no one entering his apartment where he lived alone. A Thai friend told police Griffiths had been stressed over lawsuits from his former Thai wife, with related documents found in his apartment. Griffiths co-founded ASOS alongside Nick Robertson in 2000, serving as marketing director until 2004. Britain's Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting the family. An autopsy has been ordered. The case gained wider attention after The Sun reported it Thursday. (PC: Shutterstock)

Bangladesh has resumed full visa services for Indian citizens at its High Commission in New Delhi, three days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, signalling a diplomatic thaw between the two neighbours. Visa services had been suspended for nearly two months following a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties in December 2025, triggered by the assassination of student leader Sharif Usman Haid and subsequent unrest targeting Hindu minorities. All visa categories, including tourist visas, are now fully operational. India has reciprocated, with senior consular official Aniruddha Das confirming New Delhi is prioritising medical and double-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Diplomatic focus now turns to Rahman's first official foreign visit, with India extending a formal invitation. (PC: X)

Mani Shankar Mukherjee, celebrated Bengali writer known by his pen name Sankar, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Calcutta at the age of 92. Born in Howrah on December 7, 1933, Sankar began his career as a clerk to British barrister Noel Frederick Barwell at the Calcutta High Court, an experience that inspired his debut novel Koto Ajanare. His literary works inspired several acclaimed films, including Satyajit Ray's Seemabaddha and Jana Aranya, and the 1968 blockbuster Chowringhee. He also authored several books on Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Swami Vivekananda. Sankar was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called his passing an irreplaceable loss to Bengali literature. (PC: The Telegraph)

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)