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)

Four men were killed after a US-registered speedboat clashed with Cuban border forces off the northern coast of Cuba on Tuesday. Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior said the boat entered its territorial waters near Villa Clara province.   According to officials, the people on board opened fire when officers moved to intercept the vessel. A Cuban patrol commander was wounded. Border forces returned fire, killing four people on the boat. Six others were injured and given medical treatment.   Cuba described those killed as “aggressors”. Authorities said investigations are ongoing. There was no immediate comment from US officials. (PC: X, India Today)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates addressed his past meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a staff town hall at the Gates Foundation. The foundation said he “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”   According to The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” He called it a “huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and said he “never spent any time with victims.”   Gates said he met Epstein in 2011 and did not properly check his background. He denied any improper conduct linked to Epstein. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump did not spell out his next steps on Iran during his State of the Union address. He said he prefers a deal over conflict. “We haven’t heard from them those secret words: ‘We do not want nuclear weapons ever’,” he said.   Hours earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon.”   A new round of talks is set to take place in Geneva. A diplomat said military action could follow if no “acceptable text” is agreed.   The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East as talks continue. (PC: X)

Pakistan's Senate has unanimously passed a resolution condemning Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed "hexagon of alliances," which includes India, Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and select Arab, African, and Asian nations. Islamabad labeled the plan an "anti-Muslim Ummah bloc," calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine Muslim unity. Netanyahu unveiled the alliance concept ahead of PM Modi's Tel Aviv visit, framing it as a counterweight to Iran-led radical Shia networks and an emerging radical Sunni axis linked to ISIS remnants. The resolution, moved by PPP lawmaker Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, also rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready for both conflict and agreement before new nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva. He warned that any clash could turn into a “devastating” regional war.   “The US has built a huge military presence around us,” he said. “There will be no victory for anybody.”   Araghchi said a “fair, balanced” deal is still possible. However, he ruled out ending uranium enrichment. “We are not ready to give up our right for peaceful use of nuclear tech,” he said.   He also rejected US claims on protest deaths, calling them “fake news.” (PC: India Today)

Prince Harry and Meghan visited a refugee camp and hospital in Jordan as part of a two-day trip to the Middle East. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Amman at the invitation of World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.   They met children at the Za’atari refugee camp and visited a youth centre run by Questscope. The couple joined music classes and played football with young people. They also attended a WHO roundtable with UN officials and donors.   The visit aims to highlight support for communities affected by conflict and displacement. The couple are also expected to meet health workers and aid teams in Jordan. (PC: BBC)

Bill Gates has apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation after fresh scrutiny over his past links with Jeffrey Epstein. During a town hall, Gates said spending time with Epstein was “a huge mistake.” He added, “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”   Gates also acknowledged two affairs with Russian women mentioned in newly released documents. He said these were not connected to Epstein’s victims. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” he told employees.   The controversy followed the release of US Justice Department records. Earlier, Gates withdrew from the India AI Impact Summit. (PC: BBC)