News in English

The death toll from the Balogun market fire in Lagos has risen to five, as another blaze guts ten container shops at the Arena Market in Oshodi. Read More: https://punchng.com/us-strike-39-fleeing-sokoto-suspects-arrested-in-ondo/

Complete 2026 exam calendar: Students preparing for 2026 competitive and board exams can now plan their academic year. The exam calendar includes JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, CUET, CBSE, ICSE, and ISC board exams, with national-level tests starting in January and board exams running until April. This early roadmap aids in revision and preparation.

Security forces apprehended 11 jihadi operatives from Assam and Tripura, dismantling an Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK) module. This Bangladesh-based JMB offshoot was actively recruiting and radicalizing individuals in Northeast India through digital platforms and clandestine meetings, aiming to propagate 'Ghazwatul Hind' ideology. Operatives facilitated financial remittances and arms training in Bangladesh.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published research findings recently, evaluating how its fund naming guidelines have influenced the use of ESG and sustainability-related terms to better protect investors and align investment strategies. The study found that the guidelines have improved consistency in the use of environmental, social, and governance terms by increasing the […]

President Donald Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were in some shady business deals together, and one incident may hold the key to understanding why the president has never publicly released his tax returns, according to one Trump expert.

Indian markets experienced significant shocks, including a depreciating rupee and massive FII sell-offs, despite a robust macro environment. This disconnect, driven by AI trade flows and trade deal delays, led to broader market carnage. However, with valuations normalizing and reforms accelerating, 2026 could see a shift as the rupee stabilizes and FII flows potentially return.

Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff, has inspected the Sever battlegroup, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

While some commentators said in 2024 that businesses needed to focus on the mantra "survive til 2025", for some it was a case of battling to survive through the year, too.

As markets enter 2026, stock selection is key. Analysts recommend Mahindra & Mahindra, Marico, and Hindustan Petroleum. These companies show strong balance sheets and earnings visibility. Investors can expect potential gains of up to 20%. The outlook for these stocks is positive, with analysts suggesting buying at current prices.

Moss on paving slabs can be a slipping hazard and is generally not a welcome sight in the garden. Luckily, Mrs Hinch fans have shared a home remedy to remove it.

Virat Kohli is missing Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Odisha due to a pre-planned schedule, with his return expected on January 6 ahead of India’s ODI series.

Komkar village in Upper Siang district has formally backed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project's feasibility study. This agreement marks a significant step for national water security and regional development. The project, declared of national importance, received over 95 percent consensus from village households. This collaboration emphasizes community involvement and informed consent.

Flagship Minerals has received its second $1.25 million tranche after Shandong Xinhai Mining Technology & Equipment completed its due diligence on Flagship’s Chilean Pantanillo project.

Political parties in Maharashtra faced significant unrest over ticket distribution for upcoming civic polls, with nominations ending on Tuesday. Disgruntled aspirants staged protests and chased AB forms in Nashik, while Nagpur saw emotional scenes and BJP worker demonstrations. Mumbai and other cities also reported internal dissent and independent filings due to alliance seat-sharing.

Top brokerages highlight selective opportunities across Indian equities, with Motilal Oswal bullish on V-Mart Retail and VA Tech Wabag, while Morgan Stanley remains cautious on L&T Finance despite earnings upgrades.

In 2026, powerful outer planets shift signs, ushering in an era of rapid growth and bold new beginnings. This astrological alignment encourages action, courage, and starting anew with heightened awareness. The year demands smart choices and balance for each zodiac sign to navigate transformative changes and reshape their future decisively.

Indian sovereign bonds face record foreign outflows in December as rupee weakness, fading rate-cut expectations and global reallocations weigh on sentiment, pressuring bond prices and borrowing costs despite prospects of index inclusion boosting future inflows.

Market expert Sudip Bandyopadhyay says 2025 had proved to be disappointing for Indian equities, but 2026 looks more promising as valuations improve and earnings revive. With GDP growth seen at 7–8%, selective stock picking could deliver 15% plus returns. He favours consumption sectors, LIC in insurance, and health insurers as long-term opportunities.

Nominations are open for a new election in an Auckland local body after previous results have been voided by a judge.

It comes after two straight nights of violence in Auckland, involving group brawls.

The Habs wrapped up their 2025 schedule with a trip to Florida to take on the defending champions. Florida scored twice in the third to take the lead but Montreal pushed back to force overtime where Nick Suzuki was the hero with the winner on the power play to give the Canadiens the 3-2 win.

From Virat Kohli’s managed absence and WPL withdrawals to Shreyas Iyer’s delayed return and Harmanpreet Kaur’s series-winning knock, Indian sport witnessed a day of defining developments.

If you are planning to invest for three to five years, but don’t want to take a call on interest rates, you can bet on dynamic bond funds.

Schools in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam, are closed until January 6, 2026, due to extreme cold. Daytime temperatures in Guwahati are significantly below normal. The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain and fog. Normal academic activities will resume on January 7. Private schools are advised to make their own decisions.