Goldman Sachs initiated its coverage of PhysicsWallah with a neutral rating and a target price of Rs 135. Analysts said the company is one of India’s largest edtech platforms, with a broadly equal mix of revenues from online and offline segments. They forecast a 24% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of revenue for FY25-FY30 (vs 38% for last two years), at mid-to-high end of India internet coverage, with 80%+ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) CAGR over this period. Analysts said they view such numbers as a function of PW’s strong top of the funnel organic traffic, a relatively benign competitive environment in India’s edtech sector, and PW’s pricing structure that allows it to penetrate deeper into multiple new education categories. They also warned that PW’s business model also has a negative working capital cycle, and forecast 100%+ free cash flow to net income for the company starting FY26.Avendus Spark initiated its coverage of LG Electronics with a reduce rating and a target price of Rs 1,536. Analysts said despite lower bargaining power and increasing customer choices due to competition, LG’s extensive reach remains a key strength and moat. The company has a robust in-house manufacturing capability and a third facility is in the pipeline to cater to the South Indian market and exports, which will also save logistics costs. They said the company is likely to face market share erosion, revenue impact and challenges in its niche premium/super-premium categories due to relatively new entrants.Nuvama has initiated its coverage of Knowledge Marine Engineering Works with a buy rating and a target price of Rs 2,500. Analysts said that India’s maritime industry is at an inflection point with unprecedented emphasis on infrastructure creation and inland waterways. KMEW enjoys a 50% order-win rate amid scarce competition and high entry barriers, delivers superior 35–40% EBITDA margin and is diversified across a spectrum of dredging, shipbuilding and ancillary services accounting for 43%, 11% and 46% of balance order book, respectively.HSBC has a buy rating on Ambuja Cement with the target price at Rs 700. Analysts said that the company’s board has approved the amalgamation of ACC and Orient Cement into Ambuja, with the completion expected within twelve months. The company’s management expects operational synergies to drive cost savings of at least Rs 100/tonne. Analysts see the amalgamation as a positive move for the companyInvestec has a buy rating on RBL Bank with the target price at Rs 430. Analysts said that the bank intends to deploy $1.5 billion of $3 billion infusion to retire high-cost liabilities and expects rating upgrades (AA- to AA+/AAA) to narrow its wholesale funding cost gaps vs larger peers. The lender expects to grow its loan book at 30% in FY27, led by wholesale, prime housing, and a pick-up in unsecured retail. Under the new expected credit loss (ECL) norms that is effective April 2027, the management expects a one-time impact of Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,700 crore (4% of post-dilution net worth) and a 20–25 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) rise in credit costs on a run-rate basis, partly offset by faster secured lending growth.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

BENGALURU: Police in Bengaluru say the killing of a 39-year-old bank manager by her estranged husband was planned several months in advance.The accused, a 40-year-old software engineer identified as Balamurugan, is alleged to have procured an illegal pistol months before the attack and carried a knife as a backup to ensure the murder was carried out.Bhuvaneshwari was shot at point-blank range on Tuesday evening in west Bengaluru. Police say the accused later walked into a police station, surrendered, and handed over both the firearm and the knife, claiming his wife “deserved it”.

Shooting in a busy neighbourhood

The shooting took place around 6.30pm near 1st Main Road in the Rajajinagar Industrial Area.Investigators said Balamurugan fired five rounds at Bhuvaneshwari. Four spent cartridges were recovered from the scene, while the fifth could not be traced. Post-mortem results later confirmed multiple bullet injuries.Police sources said the accused was taken back to the crime scene on Tuesday night for a spot inspection. During the ‘mahazar’, he allegedly narrated the sequence of events in detail, telling investigators that he was certain she was dead before leaving the spot and heading to the police station, as planned.

‘Determined not to let anything go wrong’

According to preliminary findings, Balamurugan had decided to kill his wife nearly four months ago.Police said he obtained a pistol and ammunition through illegal channels. He also carried a knife, telling investigators he did not want to “miss the opportunity” to kill her if the gun failed.Officers described his conduct during questioning as calm and unemotional. Police said he showed no remorse and maintained that he felt no guilt over the killing.On Wednesday, a court remanded the accused to 14 days of police custody.

Troubled marriage and allegations of abuse

Bhuvaneshwari and Balamurugan were married in 2011. Police said marital disputes began a few years later, with the accused allegedly suspecting his wife’s fidelity and frequently accusing her of speaking to other men.Family members said the arguments intensified after the birth of their children and that repeated attempts at reconciliation failed.Relatives have alleged that Balamurugan subjected his wife to prolonged abuse and also assaulted their children.The couple’s eight-year-old son told local media that his father often fought with his mother and beat both him and his younger sister.Bhuvaneshwari is survived by her parents, two brothers, and two children — a son studying in Class 8 and a daughter in UKG.

Probe into weapon source

Police are now investigating how the accused procured the firearm, whether it was sourced from outside Karnataka, and if others were involved in supplying the weapon.

Rohit Sharma made his recent comeback to domestic Indian cricket with the Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Sikkim. The Indian great demolished the inexperienced Sikkim bowling attack with a terrific 155 off just 94 balls.

The BCCI selectors asked every Indian player to be available for the domestic tournaments in India when they are not on international duty. The series has not spared the likes of greats like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, even though they have retired from Tests and T20s.

Recently having made their international comeback with the ODI series against Australia and South Africa, Rohit and Virat have been India’s standout performers with the most runs scored. Rohit was named the player of the series against Australia, while Virat clinched the title against South Africa.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Rohit Sharma wins hearts with an adorable gesture for a young fan

After the match between Mumbai and Sikkim ended with the dominant franchise having crushed the Sikkim side and Rohit Sharma having played a pivotal role in the chase with a stupendous century, the former Indian captain won hearts with a lovely gesture.

Rohit walked alongside the team, and a young fan rushed in from the sidelines to shake hands with the Mumbai star. The child bent down to touch Rohit’s feet; however, the great Indian stopped him and instead gave him a cheerful hug.

The young child, a local Mumbaikar, wore a Virat Kohli t-shirt with 18 on his back, and the Indian captain’s radiant love toward him truly won hearts.

The way Rohit Sharma stopped a little Virat Kohli fan from touching the fit and then hugged him instead.🥹🤌🏻

pic.twitter.com/kxVC2t15nv

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) December 25, 2025

Rohit and Virat made promising VHT comebacks

Playing for Mumbai for the first time since 2018, Rohit opened the innings alongside young Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The two batters gave Mumbai a solid start against the minnows, and Rohit Sharma went past his first fifty of the innings in no time.

Despite Raghuvanshi’s fall, he continued his onslaught single-handedly as Musheer Khan just handed him the strike from the other end. Sharma finished on a promising 155 off just 94 balls at a strike rate of 164.89 and 27 boundaries in the innings.

Alongside him, Virat Kohli, who made his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy following a 15-year break, also scored a century on return. Kohli seemed to have carried his prime form from the South Africa series, as he finished on 131 to help Delhi chase a 299-run target.

Rohit has almost finalised a World Cup spot with

Virat Kohli playing in the World Cup was never a huge doubt since he is known for having remarkable fitness and great form, and is chasing the great Sachin Tendulkar‘s records despite playing just one format. With the latest kind of form he has shown, Kohli’s spot seems finalised.

However, playing for Mumbai, Rohit also continued his dominating form. Rohit Sharma came up with two half-centuries during the South Africa series and hence, earned himself a fixed spot in the ODI team. However, with him continuing his form with such dominance and with Rohit regaining his flexibility, it seems certain for the Indian veteran to feature in the 2027 World Cup.

Moreover, with the World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa, the two experienced Indian players would be monumental from their point of view.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma slaps Gambhir, Agarkar with daddy hundred on Vijay Hazare Trophy return

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: According to Bajaj Broking Research, the top stock picks for December 26, 2025 are Lloyds Metals and Energy, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Here’s its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:Index View: NiftyBenchmark indices extended their phase of consolidation for the fourth consecutive week, reflecting a period of digestion after the recent uptrend. During the previous week, the Nifty traded within a defined range but maintained a positive bias, ultimately closing near the 26,150 mark. The recovery during the week was largely supported by favourable global cues, as softer-than-expected US inflation data boosted global risk sentiment and encouraged buying interest across equities.Looking ahead, we anticipate the Nifty to continue consolidating within the broader range of 25,700–26,300 in the near term. The index remains at an important juncture, and a decisive move beyond this range is likely to set the tone for the next directional trend.A sustained breakout above 26,300 on a closing basis would be a key technical trigger, potentially opening the door for further upside towards the 26,500 zone in the coming sessions.On the downside, immediate support is placed near the 26,000 level, which coincides with Monday’s gap-up area and may act as a short-term demand zone. Below this, a strong support band exists in the 25,700–25,800 range, aligning with the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA), the lows of the past two weeks, and an important retracement level of the prior uptrend. Holding above this support zone will be critical to preserve the positive momentum built over the last three months and maintain the broader bullish structure.NIFTY BANKBank Nifty traded in a range, digesting its recent strong gains. The index consolidated in a 1500 points range in the last 4 weeks, oscillating in a positive and negative territory.We expect the index to extend consolidation and form a base in the range of 58500-60100 in the coming weeks. A strength above last week’s high of 59,533 will open further upside towards 60,400 levels in the coming weeks.The entire up move of the last 2 months is well channeled, signaling sustained demand at elevated levels. Key support is placed at 58,300-58,600 levels, being the confluence of the 50 day EMA and recent breakout area. Holding above the support area will keep the short-term bias positive.

Stock Recommendations:

Lloyds Metals and EnergyBuy in the range of ₹ 1340-1380

Lloyds Metals and Energy has delivered a clear breakout above the falling channel that had contained prices over the past six months. This move signals a reversal of the corrective trend and highlights a renewed bullish setup, opening up a fresh entry opportunity from a positional perspective.Going forward, we expect stocks to maintain a positive bias and gradually move toward the ₹1,523 level, which corresponds to the 80% Fibonacci retracement of the broader decline from ₹1,612 to ₹1,170Kotak Mahindra BankBuy in the range of 2140-2180

Kotak Mahindra Bank has recently witnessed a decisive breakout above its prolonged 5-year consolidation range of ₹1,600–₹2,000, marking a clear improvement in its long-term price structure. This breakout indicates a structural turnaround following an extended phase of sideways movement and reflects strengthening momentum along with renewed investor confidence.Going ahead, the stock is likely to maintain a positive bias and gradually trend higher over the next year. Based on the measured move implication of the 5-year range breakout (₹2,400–₹2,000), we expect Kotak Mahindra Bank to advance toward the ₹2,400 level, making the broader outlook constructive from a medium- to long-term perspective.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

The US department of war on Thursday released a footage of strikes against ISIS terrorists in northeast Nigeria.The video shows a missile being launched from an aircraft carrier.This comes after US President Donald Trump announced “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS terrorists whom he described as “terrorist scum”.The precision strikes mark the first attack by US forces in Nigeria under Trump, and come after the Republican unexpectedly berated the West African nation in October and November, saying Christians there faced an “existential threat” that amounted to “genocide” amid Nigeria’s myriad armed conflicts.In a post on Truth Social, US President Trump said the strike was carried out “at my direction as Commander in Chief” and targeted ISIS militants.He alleged that the group had been “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries”.He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing”.Trump further said that under his leadership, the US would not allow “radical Islamic terrorism to prosper”.He concluded the post by saying, “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”Trump, in recent months, has repeatedly spoken about the situation of Christians in Nigeria. In November, he had called on his secretary of defence to “prepare for possible action” and warned that the US could enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to protect the Christian population in Africa’s most populous country, reported CNN.The diplomatic offensive was welcomed by some but interpreted by others as inflaming religious tensions in Africa’s most populous country, which has seen bouts of sectarian violence in the past.Nigeria’s government and independent analysts reject framing the country’s violence in terms of religious persecution — a narrative long used by the Christian right in the United States and Europe.Meanwhile, the Nigerian foreign ministry also confirmed the attack launched by the US and said, “Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” the foreign ministry said in a statement released early on Friday.“This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes,” in the country’s northwest, it added.

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