Tata recently launched the Punch facelift, and the manufacturer showcased a more off-road-focused Punch HBX Edition alongside the regular model. This special edition comes with a lot of off-road accessories, including smaller 15-inch black alloy wheels clad in all-terrain tyres. The cabin, however, is the same as the regular Punch. While Tata is tight-lipped about the Punch HBX Edition’s India launch, the model is a nod to the original HBX concept displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo, which previewed the original Punch.

The Super Eagles’ failure to scale the semifinal hurdles of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco, brought to the fore their unbroken jinx in the tournament. The Super Eagles have never defeated a host nation in an AFCON knockout match (excluding third-place playoffs), and many Nigerians were hoping to see an end to the jinx on Wednesday. At Algiers ’90, the Super Eagles lost 1-0 to Algeria in the final. At Tunisia 2004, the Super Eagles’ encounter with the host, Tunisia, ended 1–1 in the semifinal, but Tunisia won 5–3 on penalties. And at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles lost 1-2 to the host in the final.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, failed to resume plenary on Thursday, a week after adjourning its last sitting. The sitting was adjourned until January 15, 2026. However, as of noon on Thursday, January 15, 2026, our correspondent who visited the assembly observed that there was no sign that the House, which presently holds sittings at the conference hall of its official legislative quarters along Aba Road, would reconvene. Efforts to reach the House Chairman on Information, Petitions, and Complaints, Eneme George, for clarification proved unsuccessful. He neither answered calls nor responded to messages sent to his phone as of the time of filing this report.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre gears up for an exciting 2026 concert season featuring major acts like Five Finger Death Punch and Cypress Hill. DENVER — Red Rocks has gone quiet for the winter, but the Denver amphitheater is busy booking acts for next year. Five Finger Death Punch, Cypress Hill, Method Man, Redman, Slightly Stoopid, and Kaleo are among several artists who have just announced concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Five Finger Death PunchFive Finger Death Punch announced the first leg of their 2026-27 world tour will come to Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, with support from Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire. General sales launch Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m.Cypress HillWest Coast hip-hop pioneers Cypress Hill announced a Halloween return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2026.

2026 Tata Punch Gets Higher Ground Clearance; Now Stands At 193mm | V3CarsA quick glance at the brochure for the 2026 Punch facelift has revealed that Tata Motors have improved the ground clearance of their small SUV. The updated Punch now offers 193mm of ground clearance, up from 187mm on the outgoing model. Tata Punch Facelift Offers Improved Ground ClearanceWhile the 6mm increase may seem marginal on paper, it adds meaningful real-world usability. Even before the facelift, the Tata Punch already offered one of the highest ground clearance figures in its segment. Check out how the Tata Punch’s length, width, height, wheelbase, ground clearance and boot space compare against its direct rivals by tapping the link below:Also Read: 2026 Tata Punch Vs Rivals – Dimensions Compared2026 Tata Punch Full Variant-Wise Prices RevealedHelpful Tools:

Made as a homage to the original concept car from six years ago, the Punch HBX is an off-road-focused package for the micro-SUV. Finally, at the rear, Tata has fitted this Punch HBX with a two-piece rear spoiler and some styling elements under the connected tail lamps. There are no changes to the cabin, and the HBX edition is based on the top-spec Punch and thus gets all the bells and whistles offered with the Accomplished +S variant of the SUV. Tata has been tight-lipped about specs of the HBX edition but since it is based on the top variant, we expect it to get all three powertrain options with both AT and MT options. This HBX edition is pretty close to the original concept car but updated to match the vibe of this Patch facelift.

Tata Motors has issued an official clarification following online speculation surrounding its recently showcased crash test of the new Punch, where the SUV was intentionally crashed into a stationary truck to demonstrate real-world safety performance. Tata Motors Confirms Single Vehicle UsedAddressing the growing speculation, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles stated that only a single Tata Punch was used for the entire crash test exercise, and the impact was carried out in one continuous event. Tata Motors explained that the dent seen on the driver-side door panel and front fender occurred during the post-crash inspection process, when engineers attempted to open the door to check cabin integrity after the impact. Focus Remains on Real-World Safety DemonstrationReinforcing the core takeaway from the crash test, Tata Motors highlighted that the most critical safety outcome remained unaffected by the editing lapse. Tata Motors also reiterated its commitment to transparency, engineering rigour, and ethical communication, urging viewers to focus on the safety performance rather than misinterpreted visuals.

An abducted medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Tahir, has regained his freedom after his family paid a ransom of N50 million to his abductors. Tragically, the younger brother’s body was found near Orley River, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, on January 5. He said, “My son has been released by the kidnappers after we paid N50 million. “The family, organisations, friends, and well-wishers contributed the N50 million ransom. When contacted via a telephone call, she said, “I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released.”

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered a prohibited firearm and ammunition in a renewed crackdown on violent crime in the state. According to the police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest took place on January 10, 2026, at about 7:46 p.m., in line with strategic directives issued by the Commissioner of Police to dismantle criminal networks operating in Rivers State. Ibrahim had allegedly been under surveillance for his involvement in several kidnapping-for-ransom operations, particularly along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, an area that has recorded repeated security incidents. The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit for what he described as their professionalism and swift response. Adepoju urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities, assuring the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Rivers State.

The immediate past Registrar and Chief Executive of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, has emphasised the need for the country to reassess its approach to education financing. Speaking at an event in Abuja, Ajiboye stressed that the current philosophy of education financing is inadequate to address the sector’s numerous challenges. The former TRCN boss emphasised that education should be viewed as an investment rather than a mere expenditure. Furthermore, Ajiboye emphasised the importance of effectively implementing the dual mandate of Colleges of Education, which he believes will strengthen teacher preparation and enhance basic education. Overall, Ajiboye’s message underscores the need for Nigeria to prioritise education financing and adopt a more sustainable approach to education development.

FILE: Victor Osimhen contests an aerial ball with a Moroccan player during the AFCON 2025 semifinal match. “Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed. Also reacting on Facebook on Wednesday, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved praise for their effort against a formidable host side. “It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. Well done, Super Eagles!” he said.

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“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria unequivocally, vehemently and totally rejects the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the so-called implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ and the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members through IPPIS, effective January 2026,” the statement read. The congress warned that the stoppage of salaries would worsen the hardship already faced by health workers amid rising inflation, fuel price increases and broader economic challenges. The TUC further condemned what it described as the “weaponisation” of IPPIS to punish workers, vowing to resist any attempt to force health workers back to work through salary stoppages. “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must immediately withdraw this circular, restore all affected salaries and return to the negotiation table within seven days. It warned that any industrial unrest arising from the situation would rest squarely on the leadership of the health ministry, accusing it of choosing confrontation over dialogue.

Startups in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and other parts of the region raised $3.2 billion in 2025, more than in 2024, 2023 combined. New data from Africa: The Big Deal, released yesterday, showed that startup investment grew 40 per cent year-over-year (YoY) compared to 2024. The growth also came after two consecutive years of decline, with startup investment dropping 25 per cent YoY in 2024 ($2.2 billion) and declining 35 per cent YoY in 2023 ($3 billion). Specifically, Kenya got the highest fund of $984 million (32 per cent); Egypt, $614 million (20 per cent); South Africa, $599 million (19 per cent) and Nigeria, $343 million (11 per cent). Related NewsOthers, such as Senegal got $157 million; Benin, $100 million; Morocco, $58 million; Ghana, $55 million; Tunisia, $37 million,among others.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with alleged cases of kidnapping and murder in different parts of the state. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ibadan. Ayanlade said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects belonged to a criminal syndicate operating within Oyo State and its environs. He assured residents of the state of the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State. Ayanlade urged members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid the arrest of criminal suspects and prevent crime.