The Times Drive Show Tata Punch Facelift Walkaround, XUV 7XO Review
The Times Drive Show Tata Punch Facelift Walkaround, XUV 7XO ReviewIn this week’s episode of the Times Drive Show, the first segment brings you a first look at the all-new Tata Punch Facelift, highlighting what has changed and what’s new in the car. In the second segment, Ankur takes you to the roads of Jaisalmer to share his driving experience of the new Mahindra XUV 7XO. Watch the full video to know more.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 11:02 UTC
N30bn relief: Oyo cries politics as HEDA drags Makinde to EFCC
In the petition dated January 5, 2026, the group expressed concern that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the FG’s N30bn remained largely unaccounted for. “The organisation is concerned that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30bn remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read. The Oyo State Government had acknowledged receipt of the FG funds but clarified that it received N30bn, which it said remained untouched until it gets the balance of N20bn. He said, “The Oyo State Government is at peace with the comprehensive and convincing statement issued on the unfortunate incident. The group therefore charged the EFCC to launch a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the “receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.”
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 10:50 UTC
IMF raises global growth forecast to 3.3% for 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has marginally revised its global growth outlook for 2026 upward, while warning that economic momentum remains uneven across regions and subject to policy and geopolitical risks. The IMF trimmed its 2027 outlook for the US by 0.1 percentage point. Spain stands out among major euro area economies, with growth projected at 2.3 per cent in 2026 and 1.9 per cent in 2027. India’s growth outlook remains unchanged, with the IMF projecting 6.4 per cent growth in both years. On prices, the IMF said global inflation is projected at 3.8 per cent in 2026, slightly higher than previously forecast, before easing to 3.4 per cent in 2027.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 10:09 UTC
CSO calls for action after killing of woman, six children in Kano
The killing of a woman and her six children in Dorayi, Kano State, has renewed calls from civil society for justice, accountability and stronger action against the drivers of violence, including drug abuse. The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing” and a serious violation of the right to life. The organisation commended the Kano State Police Command for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the killings, urging law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and expedited investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crime. Beyond the immediate case, YOSPIS linked the incident to wider social challenges, particularly the impact of drug abuse on public safety. “Fighting drugs is not optional; it is essential to securing lives and restoring social order,” YOSPIS said, adding that violence against women and children must never be tolerated under any circumstances.
Source:The Guardian
January 19, 2026 10:06 UTC
Ex-Labor powerbroker dies three weeks after coward-punch attack
Australia’s business and political community have paid tribute to former Labor powerbroker Tim Picton, who died on Monday, three weeks after an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub left him with catastrophic injuries. The 36-year-old was surrounded by family when he died, having never regained consciousness after his skull was fractured and he suffered severe brain bleeding in an alleged one-punch attack outside the Voodoo Lounge in Northbridge early on December 27.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 04:40 UTC
Labor figure Tim Picton dies weeks after ‘coward punch’ attack outside Perth club
AdvertisementUpdated NationalWACrime Labor figure Tim Picton dies weeks after ‘coward punch’ attack outside Perth club Heather McNeill, Hamish Hastie and Rebecca Peppiatt January 19, 2026 — 10:33am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Got it Share A A AProminent former WA Labor figure Tim Picton has died in hospital three weeks after allegedly being coward-punched during a night out in Northbridge on December 27. Tim Picton. Advertisement“Tim’s enormous talents are reflected in his success as WA Labor state secretary. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former WA Labor state secretary Tim Picton.
Source:Punch
January 19, 2026 02:34 UTC
Over 4,600 tricycles, 100,000 vehicles run on CNG in Nigeria – Official
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles says over 4,600 tricycles and 100,000 vehicles in Nigeria now use CNG as an alternative or complementary fuel. Tambari recalled that as of 2023, there were only about 11,000 CNG-converted vehicles in the country, adding that the initiative aims to convert one million vehicles by 2027. “There are more than 11,000 Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) assembled, including haulage trucks and more than 4,000 Dangote trucks. Our target is to convert one million vehicles by 2027,” he said. He said the presidential mandate was to convert one million vehicles or to have at least one million vehicles using CNG—either converted, factory-fitted, manufactured in Nigeria, or imported—by 2027.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 22:08 UTC
Police arrest suspect with human parts on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State have recovered a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse concealed among passengers’ luggage. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday. The statement partly read, “Operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol intercepted a commercial vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Guru Maharaji Village. “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse, concealed among the luggage. “The suspect was arrested, and the corpse was deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 21:56 UTC
Suspected hoodlums kill ex-Osun NURTW boss, police begin probe
“While that was going on, a motorcycle carrying two people arrived the scene and those hoodlums forced the two passengers to disembark. “Later, they brought big stones and smashed the head of a man identified as Kazeem. After the incident, the hoodlums fled before police would arrive the scene,” the resident said. She added, “The person that was killed was identified as Kazeem Oyewole by some NURTW people that came after the incident. Investigation has commenced.”Asked if the command was monitoring motor parks in the state to prevent escalation, Ojelabi said, “We are still monitoring the situation.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 19:52 UTC
PANDEF Mediates Rivers State Crisis Between Wike and Fubara
The Pan Niger Delta Forum reconciliation committee set up to mediate in the Rivers State political crisis has met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, the two actors in the rift. Igali said the committee was made up of respectable Nigerians who are making headway and that both Wike and Fubara are cooperating with the members. If Wike and the governor were not ready to cooperate, they would not meet with them (committee). Accoring to him, a crisis in Rivers State will affect the entire country. “It is not about the growth of democracy and development in Rivers State or Nigeria.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 19:48 UTC
Sultanate Announces Sha’aban 1447 AH Moon Sighting 2026
The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across the country to look for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026. This was disclosed in a notice signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday. According to the statement issued by the Advisory Committee under the Sultanate Council, Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, making it the appropriate day for the crescent sighting that will determine the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban. “The Committee wishes to inform the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH should commence on Monday,” the statement read. “May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this duty,” the statement said.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 18:53 UTC
Chief Bisi Akande: Enduring Democratic Pillar at 87
A former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has described former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, as one of the enduring pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Adewole stated this in a statement released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, to mark Akande’s 87th birthday. “In an age of political convenience, Chief Akande has remained a symbol of conviction,” he added. PUNCH Online reports that Akande rose through the ranks of public service with discipline, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the common good. He served as governor of Osun State between 1999 and 2003 under the Alliance for Democracy.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 17:09 UTC
Ekpoma Violence: 52 Arrested Were Not Protesters, Says IG
Responding to questions on whether he was aware of allegations that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IG said the police were often unfairly accused after violent incidents that occurred under the guise of protests. “When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters,” Egbetokun said. “In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. The IG stressed that violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest, were the concern of the police. Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested in Ekpoma, insisting they were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 16:07 UTC
Fire guts Leventis Plaza in Abuja; quick response saves N900
A fire incident has gutted part of Leventis Plaza in Abuja, affecting a tailoring workshop located on the first floor of the commercial complex. The Federal Fire Service said the fire was suspected to have been caused by an electrical surge. “The Federal Fire Service successfully responded to a fire incident at Leventis Plaza, affecting a tailoring workshop on the first floor. Abraham noted that as a result of the response, property valued at about ₦900 million was saved out of an estimated ₦1 billion. Their timely intervention resulted in the protection of property valued at approximately 900,000,000 Naira out of an estimated 1,000,000,000 Naira prior to the incident.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 15:54 UTC
NAF airstrikes in Borno neutralize over 40 terrorists
The Nigerian Air Force has neutralised more than 40 terrorists in coordinated close air support and air interdiction operations at Azir and Musarram areas of Borno, disrupting planned attacks and bolstering ongoing ground operations. This was contained in a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja. He said the NAF aircraft, in the early hours of January 16, swiftly responded to a distress report at Azir, where troops were engaged with terrorists withdrawing from the area. “On arrival, the aircraft sighted about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists, who were engaged in multiple passes, throwing them into disarray. Aneke said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and close air–ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action.
Source:Punch
January 18, 2026 15:31 UTC