Punch the Monkey Has Captured Hearts Around the World. Here’s Why
The story of an abandoned 6-month-old monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan has made the internet emotional. But what has captivated fans worldwide is little Punch’s attachment to his small orangutan plush toy that he carries and cuddles for comfort. Posts were also shared of Punch looking defeated with his plush toy next to him. By Feb. 6, Punch had gradually made connections and interactions with the troop of monkeys, the zoo shared on X. Ikea has even expressed their adoration by posting a photo of the orangutan plush toy, or what the company calls “Punch’s comfort orangutan,” that is available at their store.
Source:Punch
February 20, 2026 03:12 UTC
Jesse Lingard in talks with Brazilian club Remo
The 33-year-old is now a free agent and is said to be in talks with Remo, but not Remo Stars, the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions. Instead, Lingard could be heading to South America, with Clube do Remo, commonly referred to as Remo, in talks to sign him. Club do Remo is a Brazilian professional club based in Belém, Pará, founded on February 5, 1905. They compete in the Brasileiro Série A, the top tier of Brazilian football, after gaining promotion last year. Their fate is similar to Remo Stars, the reigning Nigerian champions who are locked in the relegation zone.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 21:39 UTC
Baby monkey named 'Punch' is new attraction at Japanese zoo
The baby monkey named Punch was abandoned by his mother after she gave birth to him in July last year at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture. They thronged the monkey mountain and took pictures of Punch, who was seen clinging to a zookeeper who came with food. Zoo officials say monkeys raised separately by humans often face difficulty in integrating with other monkeys, which may show hostility. Zookeepers say they often saw Punch left all alone in the monkey mountain soon after he was released there. Zoo official Yasunaga Takashi said he is surprised to see the monkey mountain getting crowded with so many visitors.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 21:29 UTC
Baby macaque Punch finds comfort in stuffed orangutan after being rejected by mother — and becomes a viral symbol of hope
The sweet story of a rejected macaque who found a friend in a stuffed animal is teaching people online a lesson in resilience. Punch, known as Punch-kun in Japan, was born in July 2025 at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo. Punch proceeded to carry that orangutan — nicknamed “Ora-mama,” per the Independent — with him everywhere, even as he attempted to connect with fellow monkeys. Videos of Punch and his stuffed orangutan friend went viral. According to the Ichikawa City Zoo, Punch is doing much better socially.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 21:04 UTC
Extreme heat lab: enduring the climate of the future
Heatwaves on the riseAround the world, global heating is already giving us more frequent heatwaves, and when we get them they are lasting longer and bringing more heat. As burning fossil fuels adds more and more heat to the planet, climate scientists know these trends will get ever more deadly. So what does extreme heat do to the body? What does it feel like to take a walk in the kind of heat that will become all too frequent in the very near future? I'm going to go into the climate room twice.
Source:The Guardian
February 19, 2026 19:23 UTC
Reps’ walkout sign of democracy in action — Deputy spokesperson
File photo: The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip AgbeseThe Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has described Tuesday’s walkout by some opposition lawmakers during deliberations on the Electoral Amendment Bill as a reflection of democracy in action and standard parliamentary practice across the world. Members of the minority caucus had staged a walkout during plenary to protest the House’s position on Clauses 60 (3) and 84 of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026. The amendment was defeated after a voice vote, prompting opposition lawmakers to leave the chamber in protest. The Deputy spokesperson stressed that the House remains united in its commitment to Nigeria’s democracy and the interests of citizens, despite differences of opinion among members. Reaffirming the chamber’s focus, the lawmaker reiterated that the House of Representatives remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, representation and oversight.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 14:05 UTC
Bandits kill Ondo monarch
The monarch of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has reportedly been killed by suspected bandits. Confirming the incident to our correspondent in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the matter. “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams from the command, promptly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits. “Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives also assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators. Days after that incident, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, arrested 12 men suspected of being involved in banditry in the area.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:52 UTC
Tata Punch EV Launch Tomorrow: Features, Specs, Price Expected
Ahead of its launch, let us look at what else to expect from the upcoming Tata Punch EV in terms of features, specifications and prices. Tata Punch EV: Expected FeaturesThe most significant features upgrade in the Punch EV facelift will be a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system running the new software interface seen on the Nexon EV. Tata Punch EV: Expected Battery & MotorThe outgoing Tata Punch EV is offered with two battery pack choices — 25 kWh and 35 kWh — delivering claimed ARAI-certified ranges of 265 km and 365 km, respectively. Also READ: Tata Punch EV Facelift — What we know so farTata Punch EV: Expected Price & RivalsThe current Tata Punch EV is priced between ₹9.99 lakh and ₹14.44 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, the Tata Punch EV will continue to rival the Citroen eC3.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:47 UTC
Rivers assembly halts impeachment proceedings against Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu earlier in the month. Speaking during plenary, Speaker Martin Amaewhule informed the house that the withdrawal of the impeachment proceedings follows the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that at its first sitting in 2026, the House commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. In his response to the Assembly, the Chief Judge also noted that the Speaker and the Rivers State House of Assembly had appealed the restraining order granted by the High Court. The impeachment proceedings were initiated days after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused the governor of reneging on a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:33 UTC
Coctel de Algarrobina is Peru’s Comforting Milk Punch
The Coctel de Algarrobina originated in Piura, a city 600 miles north of Lima. Despite its prevalence in Peruvian homes, the Coctel de Algarrobina (which is sometimes referred to simply as “Algarrobina”) hasn’t historically been as popular on bar menus. For his version, Meléndez first decorates a chilled glass with dark streaks of algarrobina before pouring the drink into it. These days, like many creamy cocktails in the 21st century, the Coctel de Algarrobina has been given the clarified milk punch treatment. “The goal was to create a more balanced, elegant, and easy to drink [cocktail],” says Hermoza, “without losing its historical identity.”
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:51 UTC
What to expect from Tata Punch EV facelift ahead of launch tomorrow - Introduction
The Tata Punch EV is set to receive its first facelift tomorrow, marking an important update for Tata Motors’ most affordable electric SUV. Here’s what we know so far about the Punch EV facelift ahead of its debut. Ahead of its launch, Tata has revealed the exterior of the Punch EV facelift. When will the Tata Punch EV facelift launch and who are its rivals? The Tata Punch EV facelift will be launched tomorrow.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:47 UTC
Türkiye-Nigeria Relations: A Special Strategic Partnership
“What makes Nigeria very special, from our perspective, is that our countries face similar challenges. “We have fought various terrorist organisations for years and gained significant experience and success. Nigeria is also fighting several terrorist organisations, primarily Boko Haram and ISWAP. “As the biggest country in the continent, Türkiye sees Nigeria as an important strategic partner. This renewed focus follows recent high-level engagements, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye, which reinforced commitments to security and economic partnership.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:32 UTC
US to withdraw all troops from Syria, according to reports
The United States is planning to withdraw all of its 1,000 troops from Syria over the next two months, according to US media reports. Television network CBS also reported on the plan, citing unnamed US officials. The decision comes after US forces recently withdrew from some bases in Syria, including Al-Tanf and Al-Shadadi, which were used in the US-led international coalition’s fight against IS. US media reported Wednesday that Washington will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision yet. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 09:27 UTC
Full List: Direct Flights Nigerians Can Take From Lagos in 2026, All 30 Countries Mentioned
Nigeria strengthens its aviation hub role with direct flights to 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. In North America, direct flights connect Lagos and Abuja to major hubs in the United States, including Atlanta and New York. Domestic operators include Air Peace, Ibom Air and United Nigeria Airlines, while global carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways and Emirates also operate services. Air Peace is expected to operate the route, with LATAM Airlines likely to reciprocate. Air Peace will become the first Nigerian carrier to operate direct services from the country’s capital to both of the United Kingdom’s major international gateways.
Source:The Guardian
February 19, 2026 08:35 UTC
Tata Punch EV Facelift India Launch Tomorrow; Here's What to Expect
Tata Motors will launch the Punch EV Facelift in India tomorrow, i.e., February 20, 2026. Here are the anticipated features and improvements in the Punch EV facelift in detail. Tata Punch EV Facelift: DesignPost the makeover, the Punch EV looks more refined and mature. Tata Punch EV Facelift: Interior and FeaturesInside, the most prominent change will likely be a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with updated software. Tata Punch EV Facelift: PowertrainThe current Tata Punch EV is available with 25kWh and 35kWh battery options, offering an ARAI-claimed range of 265 kilometres and 365 kilometres, respectively.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 08:12 UTC