Afghanistan launched a large-scale retaliatory offensive against Pakistan along the disputed Durand Line on Thursday, following Islamabad's airstrikes on Afghan territory on February 22. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed coordinated artillery and infantry attacks targeting Pakistani military checkposts, with Afghan forces reportedly capturing at least 15 Pakistani checkposts across Goshta, Nangarhar, and Kunar provinces. At least nine Pakistani troops were severely wounded. Heavy fighting continues across Mohmand, Chitral, and Kurram districts. Pakistan called Afghanistan's strikes "unprovoked" and claimed to be responding immediately. The Taliban's Ministry of Defence condemned Pakistan's actions as a breach of international law, while Pakistan maintained it had conclusive evidence linking terror attacks to militants operating from Afghan soil.

The United States has deployed F-22 Raptor stealth jets to Israel for the first time, amid escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme. Around a dozen aircraft departed from RAF Lakenheath in England, with flight tracking data and plane spotters confirming movements over the Mediterranean. US officials confirmed some jets had already arrived in Israel while others were en route. The deployment adds to an already significant American military buildup in the Middle East, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and over 60 fighter jets stationed in Jordan. The jets arrived two days before US-Iran nuclear negotiations resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, with Oman mediating. Further technical discussions are expected next week in Vienna. (PC: Reuters)

Europe's royal landscape is transforming as a generation of Gen-Z princesses prepares to ascend their thrones, driven by gender-neutral succession laws adopted across multiple nations. Absolute primogeniture where the firstborn inherits regardless of gender has replaced male-preference systems, with Sweden pioneering the reform in 1980. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, Leonor of Spain, Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, and Estelle of Sweden are all positioned to become their nations' future queens. These young royals are internationally educated, socially progressive, and environmentally conscious. Belgium adopted gender-neutral succession in 1991, Netherlands in 1983, and Norway in 1990, collectively reshaping centuries-old monarchical traditions across the continent. (PC: NDTV)

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has officially approved the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, instructing Transport for London to remove all traffic between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street by September. The decision follows two public consultations, with a majority supporting the plans. The stretch will be closed to private vehicles, buses, taxis, cycles and scooters, with service vehicles permitted only between midnight and 7am. Buses will be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place. New pedestrian crossings, cycle routes, taxi ranks and blue-badge parking bays will be introduced. Oxford Street contributes an estimated £25 billion annually to London's economy. Khan aims to position it alongside Paris and New York as a global leisure destination. (PC: BBC)

Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has finally been accepted into his troop after weeks of heartbreaking rejection. Born during a summer heatwave in July 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother at birth and raised by zoo staff. When reintroduced to the group at "Monkey Mountain" in January, he faced repeated rejection and bullying. Zoo caretakers provided an IKEA orangutan plushie for comfort, which Punch carried everywhere melting hearts globally with videos surpassing 30 million views. Adult monkey Onsing finally embraced Punch, providing grooming and protection. The wholesome story triggered worldwide emotional responses, trending as #HangInTherePunch across TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and X.

US and Iranian officials met in Geneva for a third round of indirect talks aimed at preventing conflict. The talks are mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. He said both sides showed “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions”.   US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible strike if no nuclear deal is reached. He said Iran must say it will “never have a nuclear weapon”. Iran has rejected calls to stop uranium enrichment but says it will “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon”.   The US has increased its military presence in the region. It has sent troops, warships, and aircraft in recent weeks. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT social science book over a chapter on “corruption in judiciary.” The court ordered seizure of printed copies and removal of digital versions.   Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “We would like to have a deeper probe.” He called the inclusion a “calculated move” and added, “Heads must roll.”   The bench said the NCERT response showed “no remorse but justification.” It also remarked, “They fired the gunshot. Judiciary is bleeding today.”   However, the court clarified it does not want to stop “legitimate critique” but aims to protect the integrity of education. (PC: HT)

When people searched “Punch the Monkey” on Google, the page was filled with colourful floating hearts — a playful Easter egg celebrating a viral internet sensation. The trend centres on Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo who was abandoned by his mother soon after birth. Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort, and videos of the tiny monkey clutching it captured hearts worldwide. The animation reflects the global affection for Punch, who has become a symbol of resilience and joy online, drawing millions of likes and widespread attention. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

In a fascinating display of social learning, a young Japanese macaque named Punch has been observed acquiring new behaviors by imitating his friends and other members of his troop. Researchers note that Punch carefully watches older monkeys as they perform tasks such as foraging, grooming, and playing, then attempts the same actions himself. This method of learning highlights the importance of observation and social interaction in primate development. Experts say such behaviors demonstrate not only intelligence but also the transmission of culture and skills within macaque communities, providing insight into animal cognition.

Top U.S. House Democrats have accused the Justice Department under President Donald Trump of orchestrating the “largest government cover-up in modern history” by withholding key documents tied to allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor decades ago. The controversy centers on missing FBI interview summaries from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which were supposed to be fully released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While millions of pages have been published, only one interview with the accuser appears publicly, and Democrats say three others, along with related notes, were improperly withheld. The DOJ claims withheld material falls under lawful exemptions, but lawmakers are demanding full disclosure and may launch a parallel investigation. Trump denies wrongdoing. (PC: AFP)