The Lallantop, launched in 2016 as a digital-first Hindi news and entertainment platform under the India Today Group, rapidly emerged as a disruptor in Indian media by blending conversational journalism, in-depth political analysis, and viral content. Backed internally by TV Today Network without external funding, it leveraged YouTube’s growth to amass over 24 million subscribers and billions of views through an ad-driven business model focused on free access and high engagement.On January 5, 2026, founding editor Saurabh Dwivedi announced his resignation after 12 years with the group, marking the end of a defining era for the platform he built from the ground up. With Kuldeep Mishra set to take over editorial leadership, The Lallantop now faces a critical transition as it seeks to maintain its distinctive voice and audience loyalty in an increasingly competitive digital news landscape.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) declared the Secondary Teachers Eligibility Test (STET) 2025 results on January 5, 2026, with an overall pass percentage of 57.96%. Out of 4,42,214 candidates who appeared for the computer-based exam (held from October 14 to November 16, 2025), 2,56,301 qualified across Paper 1 (Classes 9-10) and Paper 2 (Classes 11-12). Candidates can check their scorecards on the official websites bsebstet.org or bsebstet.com using their application number and date of birth. The exam aims to address teacher shortages amid Bihar’s push for education reforms, supported by a record allocation of over Rs 70,000 crore for the education sector in the 2025-26 state budget. Key leaders driving these efforts include Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Education Minister Sunil Kumar, and BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor. This comes against the backdrop of declining but persistent unemployment in Bihar, with the latest rate around 3-5% (higher for youth), underscoring the importance of skilled teaching positions.

A moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck central Assam’s Morigaon district at 4:17 AM IST on January 5, 2026, with the epicenter located at a depth of 50 km along the Kopili fault line. Tremors were widely felt across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, parts of Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal, as well as neighboring Bhutan and Bangladesh, causing widespread panic as residents rushed out of their homes. Two people—an 80-year-old woman named Joymoti Dewri and another individual named Manoj Kumar—sustained minor injuries (primarily head injuries) while evacuating, but both are stable after treatment. No fatalities were reported. Damage was minimal, limited to minor cracks in walls of a few houses in Morigaon and nearby Nagaon districts, with no widespread destruction, collapsed structures, or impact on major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power grids, or hospitals. Authorities, including the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, confirmed the event underscores the region’s high seismic risk in Zone V, urging continued preparedness, though no significant aftershocks occurred.

In a heartbreaking start to 2026, Victoria Kafka Jones, the 34-year-old daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead at the iconic Fairmont San Francisco hotel on New Year’s Day.She was discovered unresponsive in a hallway shortly before 3 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. While the official cause of death awaits toxicology results, sources indicate a suspected drug overdose, with no foul play suspected.The Jones family released a statement asking for privacy during this difficult time: “We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.”Victoria, who appeared in several of her father’s films including Men in Black II and The Homesman, is survived by her father Tommy Lee Jones, mother Kimberlea Cloughley, brother Austin Leonard Jones, and stepmother Dawn Laurel-Jones.The entertainment world mourns the untimely passing of a woman who grew up in Hollywood’s shadow. Our thoughts are with the Jones family during this unimaginable time. Rest in peace, Victoria.

As India rings in 2026, the food delivery sector is boiling over with discontent. Delivery partners from Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit staged a massive New Year’s Eve strike in 2025, demanding fair pay, better working conditions, and genuine social security. Despite unions claiming widespread participation, platforms reported record-breaking orders—Zomato alone clocked 7.5 million deliveries, shrugging off the protests as minimal disruptions. This clash highlights the dark underbelly of India’s booming gig economy, where 7.7 million workers fuel a multi-billion-rupee industry but grapple with exploitation, erratic earnings, and illusory benefits. With the government rolling out draft rules requiring 90 days of work for social security eligibility, the debate rages: Is this progress or just another band-aid?

On Day 1 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (January 4, 2026), England’s Joe Root (unbeaten 72) and Harry Brook (unbeaten 78) forged a resilient 154-run partnership to steer their side to 211/3 after early setbacks.Despite losing Ben Duckett (28), Zak Crawley (24), and Ollie Pope (29), the duo’s classy strokeplay frustrated Australia’s bowling attack led by Pat Cummins. Play was called off early after just 45 overs due to bad light and rain, leaving England in a strong position.With Australia already retaining the Ashes with a 4-0 series lead, this match offers England a chance to salvage pride in the iconic rivalry. Root and Brook will resume on Day 2, eyeing big hundreds on a pitch expected to turn later.#Ashes2026 #AUSvENG #JoeRoot #HarryBrook #Cricket #SCGTest

In a dramatic overnight operation on January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas under Operation Absolute Resolve. Elite Delta Force operators, backed by CIA intelligence and overwhelming air support, stormed Maduro’s fortified compound after dismantling Venezuela’s air defenses with over 150 aircraft.A high-level insider provided critical real-time intelligence, enabling the raid team to intercept Maduro just as he attempted to reach a safe room behind heavy steel doors. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, surrendered without further resistance. No U.S. fatalities were reported.President Trump announced the capture, describing it as a law enforcement action against an indicted narco-terrorism suspect. Maduro was swiftly transferred to New York to face federal charges. The operation marks a historic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations and raises profound questions about sovereignty, international law, and the future of the region.#Venezuela #MaduroCaptured #Geopolitics

As the new academic year approaches, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially kicked off the registration process for the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2026. Starting January 3, 2026, eligible candidates can now apply for this pivotal exam that serves as the gateway to undergraduate programs in over 300 universities across India, including 47 central universities, state, deemed, and private institutions.This year’s CUET UG continues to provide a single-window opportunity for students seeking admissions in diverse courses like BA, BSc, BCom, and more. With the exam scheduled in May, early registration is key to avoiding last-minute hassles.Key Dates:Registration Starts: January 3, 2026
Last Date to Submit Application: January 30, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment: January 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Correction Window: February 2–4, 2026
Exam Dates: May 11–31, 2026 (CBT mode)

Apply now at cuet.nta.nic.in and secure your path to top universities! #CUETUG2026 #HigherEducatio