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)

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.

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)

At Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, a baby Japanese macaque named Punch has become an unlikely viral sensation after being abandoned by his mother at birth seven months ago. Alerted by a visitor, zookeepers swiftly intervened and provided Punch with a stuffed orangutan for comfort and companionship. The bond proved immediate and extraordinary as Punch has rarely been seen without the toy since, dragging it everywhere despite it being larger than himself. Videos of the heartwarming duo went viral, drawing floods of visitors to the monkey enclosure, which has now become the zoo's most popular attraction. Punch's story has captured hearts worldwide, turning a moment of abandonment into a tale of unexpected comfort and resilience.

Virginia Giuffre, once dubbed a “Cinderella” figure, became one of the most prominent survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, publicly accusing influential figures of abusing their power. Giuffre claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and forced into sexual encounters as a teenager — including with then-Prince Andrew — allegations he has consistently denied. Her 2021 civil lawsuit against Andrew led to an out-of-court settlement in 2022 and helped fuel global scrutiny of Epstein’s network. Giuffre later advocated for trafficking survivors before dying by suicide in April 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy that reverberates amid renewed legal action against Epstein associates. (PC: X)

The United States has significantly reinforced its military presence across the Middle East, deploying large forces — including two aircraft carrier strike groups and advanced air and naval assets — amid rising tensions with Iran. President Donald Trump says negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme could be resolved within about 10 days, but also warns “bad things” will happen if Iran continues to threaten regional stability. Experts note the scale of forces now in place could support sustained air operations, though the strategic goal beyond deterrence remains unclear. Tehran has vowed retaliation if attacked, while global concerns grow over potential wider conflict. (PC: AP)

Jeffrey Epstein survivor Rina Oh has shared harrowing details of psychological abuse and manipulation by the disgraced financier, saying he exploited her vulnerabilities and once threatened her to keep silent, according to NDTV. Oh — targeted at age 21 — described a turning point during a trip to Florida when Epstein revealed disturbing secrets and made her feel trapped. She praised the recent arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with the Epstein files but said the U.S. government is not doing enough and called for full transparency and accountability for all powerful figures named in the documents. 

Social media users erupted in memes and skepticism after U.S. President Donald Trump said he will direct government agencies to identify and release files on aliens, UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena, citing “tremendous interest.” Trump made the announcement on social media, prompting speculation online that the move was a distraction from public demand for the Epstein files—a massive archive of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case and powerful figures. Many users mocked the timing and questioned whether any groundbreaking evidence on extraterrestrial life will emerge, while some defended the disclosure push. (PC: X)

The United Kingdom government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused a US request to use RAF Fairford, located near Swindon, for possible military strikes on Iran. The request was reportedly linked to plans discussed during Donald Trump’s political engagements. UK officials cited concerns over international law and the risks of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move may strain UK-US relations and comes amid sensitive geopolitical discussions, including security arrangements involving the Chagos Islands and the broader Western response to Iran. (PC: ET)