LIST OF REASONS

Honda and Nissan have formally agreed to hold talks over the next six months on a possible merger, a deal that would create the world’s third-largest automaker and give them more resources to compete with a growing threat from Chinese carmakers. According to Nissan CEO, Makoto Uchida the agreement to hold talks for merger was reached in order to create a unique way for customers to enjoy cars that neither company could achieve alone. A third, smaller Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi, which is already in an alliance with Nissan, will also participate in the talks. The combined company, should it be created, would trail only Toyota (TM) and Volkswagen in global sales. Mergers in the auto industry are nothing new. They have taken place since the acquisition of various brands formed General Motors (GM) in the first decade of the 20th century. But they sometimes have trouble succeeding bringing together different partners.  German automaker Daimler-Benz agreed to buy Chrysler Corp. in 1...

In a landmark presidential media chat, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on several critical issues, emphasizing his commitment to economic reforms, particularly tax restructuring and the removal of fuel subsidies. President Tinubu stated that the economic changes in Nigeria have come to stay because "we cannot continue to do what we previously did in today’s economy." He reassured Nigerians that despite the challenges, these changes are crucial for the country’s long-term prosperity and stability. President Tinubu underscored that tax reform is an essential and permanent fixture of his administration’s agenda. He noted that while tax matters are always subject to debates, reviews, and negotiations, his administration is prepared to make necessary compromises on controversial bills. He stressed the importance of evolving economic strategies to meet contemporary challenges, stating, “... We cannot retool this economy with the same broken boat.” Tinubu highlighted his ...

Calls are on the rise for changes in India's dowry laws. BBC reports that the demands are because of a suicide case related to divorce proceedings in India. On the night of December 9, 34-year-old Atul Subhash, a software engineer from Bengaluru, India, took his own life. Next to his body was a placard reading "justice is due." He left behind a detailed 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video in which he attributed his distress to ongoing marital issues and divorce proceedings. His note and video, which provide distressing details about his life, have since gone viral on social media, igniting widespread outrage and debate. Subhash accused his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, her mother, and her brother of harassment and torture, charges they have denied. Despite their denial, the three were arrested a few days later and have been remanded for 14 days by the court. Subhash's tragic death has galvanized men's rights activists and sparked a broader debate on In...

Several Nigerian states have begun implementing strict precautionary measures for distributing relief materials in the Yuletide and beyond. According to Punch, the strict measures were listed because of the deaths of 67 people, including 35 children, in stampedes in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja during funfair and food distribution ceremonies. The rush for free food items led to the deadly stampedes, with 35 children confirmed dead in Ibadan, 10 people in Abuja, and 22 in Okija. The Lagos State Government has mandated that individuals and groups planning events expected to host more than 250 attendees must register with state safety agencies. Failure to comply will result in sanctions for event organizers. At a recent media briefing, State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, emphasized the importance of adequate crowd control measures. “The Lagos State Gov...