News from November 25, 2025

‘Off drugs’: Alleged CBD stabber’s vow

The comment by Lauren Darul, 32, comes as she launched a bid to be released on bail, 54 days after allegedly stabbing Wan Lai, 36, with a knife on Little Bourke St on October 2. In a hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon, her lawyers argued there was a “comprehensive” level of support services available in the community for Ms Darul, who had special vulnerabilities. The court was told Ms Darul had spent a large portion of her life homeless and had found supported independent accommodation for the first time in her life just months before the alleged offending. She was now at risk of losing this accommodation if she remained in custody, a prospect that would set her back considerably, her lawyers argued. Outlining the case against Ms Darul, First Constable Damien Elliott said it was alleged that Ms Darul ran up behind Ms Lai about 7.30am carrying a soccer ball under her left arm and a 10cm kitchen knife in her right. It’s alleged she stabbed Ms Lai in the chest, puncturing her lung, before running west along Little Bourke St. Constable Elliott said Ms Lai was “extremely distressed” when he and other officers arrived at 7.42am. “She was crying, she was calling out in distress, she was surrounded by three to four members of the public that were holding her up,” he said. The officer said the alleged random attack was captured on CCTV, which was shown to a nearby homeless shelter whose staff identified Ms Darul. She was arrested without incident at the shelter less than 90 minutes after the alleged offending, he said, and charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and commit indictable offence while on bail. Constable Elliott told the court Ms Darul appeared “very confused” and “unable to stay still” when arrested and did not seem to know why police were looking for her. She later referred to herself as the “King of Australia”, he said. Ms Darul was charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and commit indictable offence while on bail. The court was told Ms Darul had 19 outstanding criminal matters before the courts at the time of the alleged offending and had a long history of mental health issues and substance abuse. Constable Elliott said Ms Lai was “not supportive at all” for Ms Darul receiving bail and her family had expressed distress at the prospect. He told the court Ms Lai was getting better and did not require any further surgeries but struggled in public due to the trauma and had since moved house because she lived nearby at the time. He said Unity Housing, which runs the homeless shelter where Ms Darul was living, had served her with eviction papers recently. The officer told the court it was the police’s view that the “risks to the community are too great” if Ms Darul was freed. “The accused stabbed someone at 7.30am in the morning in broad daylight … I don’t understand any bail conditions that could mitigate that risk,” Constable Elliott said. Ms Darul’s case manager from the Women’s Law and Advocacy Centre, Mary Patterson, gave evidence about the number of community organisations ready to step in and support Ms Darul if she was bailed. She said Ms Darul had “seemed more settled” in recent months and had shown a willingness to engage with the support services. The court was told Forensicare, a service that provides mental health care in custodial centres, had indicated plans to take Ms Darul to a hospital on an involuntary inpatient order if she was bailed. Deputy chief magistrate Timothy Bourke will hand down a decision on bail on Wednesday afternoon.

Liam Beatty 2 hours ago

Health

Parking banned on key City stretches to ease congestion

Bhubaneswar: The Twin City Commissionerate Police Monday issued a sweeping order prohibiting parking on several major roads across the Capital City, aiming to ease growing traffic congestion and enhance commuter safety. The official order was signed by Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh. According to the official notification, indiscriminate roadside parking has emerged as a major cause of obstructed traffic flow on several arterial roads, resulting in frequent bottlenecks, delays and potential safety hazards for the public. The notification also mentioned that regulating roadside parking has become essential for ensuring smooth vehicular movement, especially in view of rapidly growing commercial zones, educational hubs and healthcare institutions in the City. As per the order, parking will be strictly prohibited on key stretches including Raj Bhavan Square to Kalarahanga Chhak via Jayadev Vihar, Airport to NALCO Chhak via Acharya Vihar, Sishu Bhawan Chhak to Vani Vihar via Rajmahal Square and Master Canteen, Rasulgarh Chhak to Jayadev Vihar, Sriya Square to PHD Offi ce, Bapuji Nagar, IDBI Bank Square to Veterinary College on NH-16 via Empire Hotel, Alok Bharati Building to Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Mandap along Janpath, Janpath stretch from Kalyan Jewellers to Charak Medical Store via Sparsh Hospital, and Trupti Service Station on Janpath to Saheed Nagar entry point Additionally, the Commissionerate Police has declared 11 more busy stretches as strict “No Parking Zones,” citing their high traffic density and the need for uninterrupted flow of vehicles. These include Gopabandhu Square to Kalpana Square (both sides), Kalarahanga Square to Nandankanan Square (both sides), Service Road from Jayadev Vihar to Tamando Square (both sides), KIIT Square to Infocity Square via Silicon Engineering College (both sides), Nayapalli U/P towards Jayadev Vihar via ID Market (both sides) and other key stretches. The order warns that any violation will be treated as an offence under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and Section 223(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Vehicles found parked illegally on these stretches may also be towed away, and owners will be required to bear all towing charges and penalties applicable. The order comes into effect immediately from the date of its issuance.

Post News Network 2 hours ago

Technology

Lululemon drops monster Black Friday sale

The cult-favourite brand - known for its luxe leggings, buttery-soft fabrics and elevated athleisure – has dropped a massive Black Friday sale with huge discounts across activewear, loungewear, shoes, accessories and more. We rarely see Lululemon slash prices like this, so if you’ve been eyeing off a new pair of leggings, now’s the time to move. Fast. RELATED: Best Black Friday deals to shop now Our top pick is the top-rated Align collection - grab the Align High-Rise Leggings from $34 (down from $119) and the matching lululemon Align Tank Top from $44 (down from $89). The iconic Define Jacket Nulu, praised for its “most flattering fit ever,” is also down to $119 (from $149) in select colours. It’s not just activewear, either. Lounge pieces like the Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip are now from $99 (was $149) and the Softstreme High-Rise Straight-Leg Pant has been slashed to from $74 (was $149). Menswear has also been marked down, including the ABC Classic-Fit Trouser 34L Stretch Cotton VersaTwill for $99 (was $179) and the Mile Maker Ripstop Lined Short 6” for $54. And don’t forget about your accessories! Grab the TikTok viral Everywhere Belt Bag for just $39, while the Align Yoga Mat 5mm is $89. Keep scrolling for the best Lululemon Black Friday markdowns worth adding to cart ASAP. QUICK LINKS Women’s activewear saleWomen’s clothing saleMen’s activewear and clothing saleShoes and accessoriessale LULULEMON WOMEN’S ACTIVEWEAR SALE Shop Women’s Black Friday sale lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28”, from $34 (down from $119)lululemon Align™ Tank Top, from $44 (down from $89)lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short with Pockets 6”, from $44 (down from $89)Fast and Free High-Rise Short 6” 7 Pocket, from $44 (down from $89)Define Jacket Nulu, from $119 (down from $169)lululemon Energy Longline Bra Medium Support, from $44 (down from $89)Tightest Stuff Reflective High-Rise Tight 25”, from $79 (down from $169)Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25” 7 Pocket, from $69 (down from $149)Wunder Train V-Back Tight 25”, $99 (down from $139)All the Right Places High-Rise Drawcord Waist Crop 23”, from $64 (down from $129)Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, from $49 (down from $109)All It Takes Ribbed Nulu Back Cut-Out Tank Top, from $34 (down from $79)High-Neck Split-Hem Running Tank Top, $39 (down from $79) LULULEMON WOMEN’S CLOTHING SALE Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip, from $99 (down from $149)Scuba Oversized Pullover, $74 (down from $129)Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie, $119 (down from $169)Softstreme High-Rise Straight-Leg Pant, from $74 (down from $149)Softstreme High-Rise Short 4”, from $49 (down from $99)Stretch Woven High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant, from $99 (down from $179)Softstreme Cinch-Waist Full-Zip Jacket, from $134 (down from $189)Everlux High-Rise Zip-Leg Track Pant, $99 (down from $179)Reversible Hooded Cinch-Waist Jacket, $134 (down from $249) LULULEMON MEN’S CLOTHING SALE Shop Men’s Black Friday sale ABC Classic-Fit Trouser 34L Stretch Cotton VersaTwill, $99 (down from $179)Mile Maker Ripstop Lined Short 6”, $54 (down from $99)Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7”, from $54 (down from $79)ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant 34L, $89 (down from $179)ABC Slim-Fit Trouser 32L Smooth Twill, $99 (down from $179)ABC Jogger WovenAir Regular, $79 (down from $149)Pace Breaker Luxtreme Track Pant, $99 (down from $149)Sojourn Jacket, $99 (down from $149)Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt, $59 (down from $109)Zeroed In Short-Sleeve Shirt, from $39 (down from $79)Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt, $49 (down from $89)Heavyweight Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, $39 (down from $79) LULULEMON SHOES AND ACCESSORIES SALE Shop Women’s Accessories Shop Women’s Shoes Shop Men’s Accessories Shop Men’s Shoes Women’s Beyondfeel Running Shoe, $124 (down from $249)Women’s Split Shift Running Shoe, $124 (down from $249)Women’s Wildfeel Trail Running Shoe, $134 (down from $269)Men’s Cityverse Sneaker, $119 (down from $219)Men’s Beyondfeel Running Shoe, $124 (down from $249)Men’s Split Shift Running Shoe, $134 (down from $249)Men’s Restfeel Slide, $49 (down from $89)Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, from $39 (down from $59)All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L, $49 (down from $89)Cruiser Backpack 22L, $109 (down from $159)Insulated Mug 20oz, from $24 (down from $49)Back to Life Sport Bottle 946ml, $34 (down from $69)lululemon Align™ Yoga Mat 5mm, $89 (down from $129)No Limits Stretching Strap, $14 (down from $29)Five-Panel Hat, $34 (down from $49) ALL OUR BLACK FRIDAY 2025 COVERAGE If you’re looking for a massive Black Friday saving on a specific retailer, product or brand, you can check out one of our handy sales guides below. Best overall Black Friday deals Best Black Friday Amazon dealsBest Myer Black Friday dealsBest THE ICONIC Black Friday dealsBest Black Friday tech and gaming dealsBest Dyson Black Friday dealsBest parenting and kids Black Friday dealsBest Apple Black Friday deals Best Black Friday TV dealsBest Black Friday mattress deals Best Black Friday vacuum cleaner dealsBest Black Friday coffee machine dealsBest Black Friday air fryer dealsBest Black Friday Luxury Escapes dealsBest The Good Guys Black Friday deals Best Black Friday Samsung deals Best Black Friday phone dealsBest Black Friday computer and laptop dealsBest Black Friday headphones, earbuds and headphones dealsBest Black Friday furniture dealsBest Black Friday sex toy dealsBest Black Friday deals at The OodieBest Black Friday deals at Harvey NormanBest Black Friday deals at Koala WHEN IS BLACK FRIDAY 2025? This year, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 28. WHAT IS BLACK FRIDAY? Black Friday first began in the US on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Traditionally, this Friday marked the beginning of the holiday spending rush but in recent years it has snowballed into a global shopping phenomenon where retailers offer staggering discounts on a range of products across technology, beauty, fashion, homewares and more. In 2025, Aussies are expected to spend a whopping $6.8 billion over the four-day Black Friday-Cyber Monday period, according to the Australian Retailers Association’s Peak Season Hub. WHAT IS LULULEMON SHIPPING LIKE? Lululemon offers free shipping on all online orders. Most deliveries arrive within 4–6 business days, though orders to remote areas may take slightly longer. You can return online purchases for free either in-store or via Australia Post. Sign up to our weekly shopping newsletter to get all the best deals, shopping tips and guides delivered straight to your inbox.

Melody Teh 2 hours ago

Business

Blue Star newly rated 'Neutral' at Motilal Oswal; 9% upside seen

Motilal Oswal Financial Services has initiated coverage on Blue Star with a ‘Neutral’ rating and a target price of ₹1,950 per share, implying 9.2 per cent upside from Monday’s close of ₹1,784.75. The brokerage believes Blue Star’s profit will grow over the medium term, supported by market share gains in room air-conditioners (RAC), its leadership in commercial refrigeration and Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC), a gradual recovery in its Professional Electronics and Industrial Systems (PEIS) segment, and operating leverage from backward integration and scale.Steady market share gain in RAC segment Blue Star has been steadily gaining market share in the Indian RAC market, with its share rising to around 14 per cent in FY25 from about 7 per cent in FY14. The company is now targeting 15 per cent share by FY27E. In commercial refrigeration, Blue Star retains a strong leadership position, holding over 31 per cent share in deep freezers and modular cold rooms, according tto Motilal Oswal. Analysts estimate that revenue from the Unitary Cooling Products (UCP) segment could decline 3 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in FY26, largely due to a weak summer season. However, they expect a sharp rebound, projecting UCP revenue growth of 19 per cent and 18 per cent Y-o-Y in FY27 and FY28, respectively, driven by a recovery in demand. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins in UCP are expected to remain in the high single digits, with gradual improvement as Blue Star benefits from higher operating scale and increased indigenisation. CATCH STOCK MARKET LIVE UPDATES TODAYIntegrated MEP player pivots to high-value areas; CAC franchise strongBlue Star is a leading integrated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) service provider, with around eight decades of experience across infrastructure, buildings and industrial projects. The company has been shifting its focus to higher-value, better-margin segments such as data centres, factories, and select infrastructure projects, which offer stronger profitability and cash flows. In its commercial air-conditioning (CAC) business, Blue Star offers a full range of energy-efficient solutions — including packaged units, ducted systems, VRF systems and chillers — catering to B2B clients. It holds: Leadership positions in ducted air conditioners and scroll chillers with 45–50 per cent market share, andSecond position in VRF and screw chillers, with around 20 per cent share.Analysts forecast a 15 per cent revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over FY26–28 for the MEP and CAC businesses, supported by a healthy order book and segment Ebit margins of 8.6 per cent and 8.9 per cent in FY27 and FY28, respectively.PEIS segment: Recovery expected as capex and demand improveThe PEIS division contributed around 4 per cent of revenue and 8 per cent of Ebit over FY21–25. However, segment margins have compressed to ~9 per cent in FY25 from about 15 per cent in FY21. According to the analysts, the MedTech and data security verticals within PEIS were hit by regulatory and demand-related challenges, while the industrial solutions sub-segment is now gaining traction. A recovery in PEIS is expected to be driven by:Improving private capex, andRising demand in healthcare and data security.Analysts project a 10 per cent revenue CAGR over FY26–28 for PEIS, along with margin expansion to around 11–13 per cent.ValuationOn valuations, Blue Star currently trades at 48x FY27E EPS and 38x FY28E EPS, compared to its 10-year average of around 46x. Given the strong rerating in its valuation multiples in recent years, analysts view the stock as fairly valued at current levels. (Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by Motilal Oswal Financial Services in this article are their own and not those of the website or its management. Business Standard advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.)

Sirali Gupta 2 hours ago

Sports

Missing for months, lawyer’s body found in pond; kin cry foul

Baripada: The decomposed body of a lawyer, who had been missing for more than two months, was recovered Monday from a pond in Silphodi Upparbeda village under Jharpokharia police limits in Mayurbhanj district. The body was found inside his car, which had sunk in the pond. Police identified the deceased as Gulesh Chandra Gochhayat, 42, a resident of Turuk Chutani village under Bisoi police limits in the district. Family members have alleged that he was murdered and the crime was later made to look like an accident. Gochhayat had been missing since September 11, when he left home in his car, telling his family he was going to Bahadagoda in neighbouring Jharkhand. When he failed to return, his relatives searched extensively and later filed a missing person report at the Bisoi police station. Despite the investigation, police found no trace of him. Around 6 am Monday, locals spotted a car submerged in a pond in Upparbeda village and informed the police and fire personnel. Jharpokharia police and firefighters reached the scene and pulled the vehicle out. The car was found belly-up in the water body with both front windows partially open. The decomposed body was discovered on the rear seat along with identification documents belonging to Gochhayat. Family members confirmed the identity based on his clothing, while a scientific team collected samples for DNA testing. Acting on the family’s allegation of foul play, Jharpokharia police registered a case and launched an investigation.

Post News Network 2 hours ago

Politics

Assam Assembly’s winter session to focus on 27 bills and major policy debates

Guwahati, Nov 25: The Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will commence on Tuesday. As per the calendar, there will be a total of five working days in the session. Opposition parties are likely to try to corner the government on different issues during the session, including the investigation into death of heartthrob Zubeen Garg, the Special Revision of the electoral rolls, granting ST status to six communities, the Tiwari Commission report, evictions, and price rise. The government will introduce around 27 bills during the Winter Session, including one to ban polygamy and another to create a Karbi Welfare Autonomous Council for Karbi people living outside the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) area. The Tiwari Commission and the Mehta Commission reports pertaining to violent incidents that occurred in the State in 1983 are also going to be tabled in the Assembly during the Winter Session. The session will begin to-morrow with Obituary References, followed by the Question Hour. Afterwards, the Speaker will announce the Report of the Business Advisory Committee, setting the business for the Winter Session. The Speaker will then announce the names of the members constituting the panel of Chairpersons under Rule 9(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assam Legislative Assembly. The inaugural day of the Winter Session will also witness the laying of ordinances and reports, presentation of the reports of various Assembly Committees, motion for election of members to various government committees and boards, presentation of the list of Supplementary Demands for Grants and Supplementary Appropriation for 2025-26 and introduction of government bills. On November 26, the day's proceedings will start with the Question Hour, followed by government business. There will be the Question Hour, and then discussion and voting on Supplementary Demand for Grants and Supplementary Appropriation for 2025-26, followed by the introduction, consideration and passing of the Assam Appropriation Bill, 2025, and urgent government business on November 27. The proceedings will start with the Question Hour on November 28, followed by Private Members' Business and urgent government business. On November 29, the day's proceedings will begin with the Question Hour. Afterwards, time has been kept for the consideration and passing of government bills, followed by other government business.

The Assam Tribune 2 hours ago

World

78th NCC Day celebrated with pride at Cuttack HQ

Cuttack: The 78th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the NCC Group Headquarters, Cuttack, under the leadership of Group Commander Colonel Satyabrata Swain. The event saw cadets, instructors, officials, and guests come together in a vibrant display of unity, discipline, and patriotism. The occasion highlighted the NCC’s steadfast contribution to nation-building, youth empowerment, leadership and character development. The event was graced by Chowdwar Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal, Cuttack Sadar MLA PC Sethi, as well as Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh and senior military veterans. The celebrations began with the arrival of distinguished guests and an inaugural address, followed by a vibrant cultural programme.

Post News Network 3 hours ago

Business

Here's why Geojit has upgraded Phoenix Mills to Buy from Hold; check target

Analysts at brokerage firm Geojit remain bullish on retail mall developer and operator The Phoenix Mills, citing a strong project pipeline that offers clear growth visibility. The brokerage highlighted Phoenix Mills’ robust performance in Q2FY26, driven by resilient retail consumption, improving occupancy across office assets, and strong traction in residential sales. Geojit has upgraded its rating on the stock to ‘Buy’ from ‘Hold’, with a revised target price of ₹1,996, based on 5.4x FY27E adjusted book value per share (BVPS). This target is nearly 19 per cent higher than the stock’s last traded price of ₹1,678.30 on the BSE.Q2FY26 highlightsRetail rental income rose 10 per cent Y-o-Y to ₹527 crore, led by higher rentals at Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai (up 14 per cent), Palladium Ahmedabad (up 14 per cent), and Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru (up 30 per cent). Phoenix Mills aims to deliver 1–2 million sq ft of retail annually beyond 2030, supported by ongoing land acquisitions and mixed-use asset expansion plans. A major milestone during the quarter, analysts said, was the launch of Gourmet Village at Phoenix Palladium, a two-level dining and entertainment hub featuring 19 outlets, designed to enhance experiential retail and footfall engagement. The company expects normalised performance in its Pune and Bengaluru malls by March 2026, with over 90 per cent trading occupancy post re-leasing and fit-out completion. CATCH STOCK MARKET LIVE UPDATES TODAYCapital, debt managementGeojit analysts noted that management has reaffirmed a peak leverage ceiling of 2x Ebitda, to be maintained only temporarily, ensuring disciplined capital allocation and prudent debt management through internal accruals. The company, analysts said, expects the cost of debt to remain near 7.7 per cent, supported by low-risk lease rental discounting (LRD) funding and strong lender relationships post the CPP transaction.Strategic focus, long-term outlook“A strategic focus on experiential retail through concepts such as Gourmet Village, along with expansions into new geographies, is expected to enhance footfalls and brand visibility,” the analysts wrote in a research note. They further highlighed that the office portfolio is witnessing robust leasing momentum, while hospitality assets continue to benefit from steady demand recovery. The brokerage believes that the company’s continued emphasis on premiumisation, asset efficiency, and disciplined capital deployment is likely to support robust long-term growth and value creation. (Disclaimer: Target price and stock outlook has been suggested by Geojit. Views expressed are their own.)

Si Reporter 3 hours ago

Business

Antique bets on Adani Ports' scale, margins; initiates coverage with 'Buy'

Domestic brokerage Antique Stock Broking has initiated coverage on Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of ₹1,773, valuing the company at 16x its consolidated H1FY28E enterprise value (EV)/earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda). The valuation reflects a marginal premium to its five-year historical average multiple of 14.9x, which Antique says is justified by APSEZ’s scale-led advantages, growing market share, and superior return profile. “We initiate coverage on APSEZ with a ‘Buy’ rating at a TP of ₹1,773, valuing the stock at 16x consolidated H1FY28E EV/Ebitda (marginal premium to historic 5 year average EV/Ebitda multiple of 14.9x due to APSEZ's scale with increasing market share, and superior return profile),” said Pallav Agarwal and Dhruvesh Kanakia of Antique Stock Broking in a note dated November 25, 2025. According to the brokerage, three factors underpin its bullish stance, which include APSEZ’s industry-leading volume growth and margin profile, its integrated ‘port-to-customer gate’ logistics model, and its aggressive but disciplined expansion strategy that is expected to unlock substantial long-term value. Industry leader with consistent outperformance Antique analysts noted that APSEZ has transformed from a single-port operator into India’s largest integrated transport utility, with a rapidly expanding network of 15 domestic and four international ports and terminals. This scale, supported by multimodal connectivity, has enabled APSEZ to consistently outpace the broader Indian port sector. Over FY17-25, the company delivered a domestic cargo volume CAGR of 12.4 per cent, nearly three times the all-India average of around 4.3 per cent. Consequently, APSEZ’s market share has climbed from 14.9 per cent to 27 per cent, reinforcing its dominant position in India’s EXIM ecosystem. Its port capacity has risen to 633 MMT domestically and 115 MMT internationally, including phase-1 of the Colombo port and the approved North Queensland Export Terminal. In FY25, APSEZ handled a record 450 MMT of cargo at a consolidated Ebitda margin of 60.4 per cent, one of the highest in the sector. The company targets 505–515 MMT in FY26 and aims to double volumes to 1,000 MMT by FY29, an ambition Antique analysts see as achievable given its expanding asset base and diversified cargo mix. Cargo diversification, with exposure to dry bulk, containers, liquid cargo, crude, LNG and agri commodities, shields the business from seasonal fluctuations while long-term relationships with marquee customers ensure stable revenue. Sticky or recurring cargo accounted for 56 per cent of FY25 volumes. Integrated logistics model deepens customer stickiness A major pillar of Antique’s bullish view is APSEZ’s transition into an integrated logistics powerhouse. The company has built a seamless ecosystem connecting ports to the hinterland through 132 rakes, 937 owned trucks (and over 20,000 managed), 12 multimodal logistics parks, 3.1 million sq ft of warehousing, and 1.3 MMT of agri-silos. By controlling critical supply chain touchpoints, from marine services to first- and last-mile logistics, APSEZ offers customers a single-window ‘port-to-gate’ experience. This integration, the brokerage said, enhances operational efficiency, accelerates cargo turnaround, and strengthens customer retention. It also positions APSEZ to gain disproportionately from the government’s National Logistics Policy and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both of which aim to improve India’s logistics competitiveness and port-led development. Growth-focused yet financially disciplined Despite its aggressive expansion pipeline, analysts point out that APSEZ has strengthened its balance sheet meaningfully. Net debt-to-Ebitda has declined from 3.3x in FY21 to 1.8x at the end of 2QFY26, comfortably below management’s 2.5x threshold. The company’s environmental clearance capacity has expanded to 1,560 MMT and it has outlined ambitious FY29 targets, which include 300 rakes, 20 MMLPs, 10 MMT of agri-silos, 20 million sq ft of warehousing space and 5,000 trucks. APSEZ also plans to triple its marine services business and will deploy ₹11,000-12,000 crore in capex in FY26 to support these initiatives. Hence, Antique expects APSEZ’s consolidated revenue, Ebitda and PAT to grow at CAGRs of 15.3 per cent, 14.0 per cent and 16.1 per cent respectively through FY28, supported by rising cargo throughput, better cargo mix, and deeper logistics penetration. With a strong balance sheet, industry-leading margins and a network advantage that is difficult to replicate, analysts believe APSEZ is well-placed to emerge as a billion-ton transport utility by the end of the decade. Disclaimer: Target price and stock outlook has been suggested by Antique Stock Broking. Views expressed are their own.

Tanmay Tiwary 3 hours ago

Politics

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,370 - St. Lucia Chronicle – Daily St Lucia News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a proposed peace plan now under discussion with the United States and Europe has incorporated “correct” points, but sensitive issues still need to be discussed with US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy added that if negotiations proceeded on resolving the war, “there must be no missiles, no massive strikes on Ukraine and our people”. Trump also hinted at new progress in the talks, which took place in Geneva. “Is it really possible that big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine??? Don’t believe it until you see it, but something good just may be happening,” he wrote on Truth Social. A senior official told the AFP news agency that the US pressed Ukraine to accept the deal in Geneva, despite Kyiv’s protests that the plan conceded too much to Moscow. The official said Washington did not directly threaten to cut off aid if Kyiv rejected its deal, but that Ukraine understood this was a distinct possibility. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that there is no meeting scheduled between Trump and Zelenskyy this week amid reports of a possible trip by the Ukrainian leader to the US capital. Leavitt told US broadcaster Fox News that “a couple of points of disagreement” remain between the US and Ukraine on a potential deal to end Russia’s invasion. Leavitt also pushed back against criticism, including from within Trump’s Republican Party, that the president is favouring Russia in efforts to end the war in Ukraine, describing those statements as “complete and total fallacy”. She said the US president was “hopeful and optimistic” that a plan could be worked out. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would wait to see how talks between the US and Ukraine on a potential peace plan pan out, and would not be commenting on media reports about such a serious and complex issue. But Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said that a European counter-proposal to a US 28-point peace plan for Ukraine was “not constructive” and that it simply did not work for Moscow. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there was more work to do to establish a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, but added that progress was being made. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, too, welcomed progress made at the meetings in Geneva, but added that major issues remain to be resolved. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said no deal regarding Ukraine can be allowed to undermine the security of Poland and Europe; on the contrary, it should strengthen it. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the talks in Geneva on amending Trump’s 28-point plan to end the war with Russia had produced a “decisive success” for Europeans. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said that to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine, its borders can’t be changed by force and there can’t be limitations on Ukraine’s military that would invite further Russian aggression. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russia’s Vladimir Putin in a phone call that Ankara will contribute to any diplomatic effort to facilitate direct contact between Russia and Ukraine and to reach a “just and lasting” peace, his office said.

Cb_usr 3 hours ago

Technology

Taliban says Pakistan bombed Afghanistan, killing nine children and a woman - St. Lucia Chronicle – Daily

Authorities in Afghanistan say Pakistani forces have bombed a house in the country’s southeastern Khost province, killing at least nine children and a woman. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, said on Tuesday that the attack took place at midnight in the Gorbuz district of Khost province. “The Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident, Waliat Khan, son of Qazi Mir,” Mujahid wrote in a post on X. “As a result, nine children (five boys and four girls) and one woman were martyred, and his house was destroyed,” he added. Other air strikes took place in northeastern Kunar and eastern Paktika provinces, Mujahid said, wounding at least four civilians.

Cb_usr 3 hours ago

Politics

Trump admin fights attempt to get Elon Musk's testimony in DOGE case

By Zoe Tillman The Trump administration is fighting efforts by government workers and contractors to force billionaire Elon Musk to testify in a lawsuit that accuses him of unlawfully directing the dissolution of the US Agency for International Development while he was a senior adviser to the president. The Justice Department has asked a federal judge in Maryland to block depositions of Musk and two former senior USAID officials, according to a recent court filing. USAID was gutted earlier this year as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to slash the size and reach of the government using mass firings, cancelled grants and the dismantling of agencies. The government argues the current and former workers and contractors who sued have failed to prove the situation involved “exceptional circumstances” that would overcome “longstanding limitations” on compelling testimony from high-level executive branch officers. Musk, the chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, left his position as an administration adviser this spring after spending months as the public face of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative. He was also a prominent backer of Trump’s campaign. The Justice Department has continued to represent his interests in cases where he was sued in his official capacity over moves associated with DOGE. The USAID employees accused Musk of unconstitutionally exercising a high level of power within the US government that’s reserved for Senate-confirmed officials. They also alleged that efforts by Musk and other executive branch officials to shutter the US foreign aid agency, which was created by Congress, violated the Constitution’s separation of powers principles. A Maryland federal judge ruled in August that the case could go forward, denying the government’s request to have it tossed out. Lawyers for the current and former USAID employees have spent recent months seeking information, documents and testimony from the government. In a court filing late last week, the Justice Department argued against requiring Musk and the two former USAID officials, Peter Marocco and Jeremy Lewin, to appear for depositions. Courts historically have set a high bar for forcing testimony from high-ranking members of the executive branch. In the latest request to block Musk’s deposition, the government argued that it “would necessarily intrude on White House activities and the president’s performance of constitutional duties, which triggers significant separation-of-powers concerns.” The government said the plaintiffs had to “exhaust alternatives” before they could force depositions, such as submitting more requests for information in writing or deposing other witnesses who didn’t present the same issues. The Justice Department has previously represented in court that Musk only advised the president and didn’t have authority to make major policy decisions. In ruling that the USAID case could go forward, the judge in Maryland noted evidence presented by the plaintiffs of Musk appearing to personally take credit, including a social media post from February in which he wrote, “We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper.” The Trump administration has fought other efforts to force the disclosure of information about DOGE. In May, the US Supreme Court blocked a lower court order forcing DOGE Administrator Amy Gleason to testify in a fight over whether the office qualified as an agency that must comply with public records demands. That litigation is ongoing. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. A representative of Democracy Defenders Fund, the liberal-leaning advocacy group representing the USAID employees, and a spokesperson for Musk’s companies did not immediately return requests for comment on Monday afternoon. The case is Does v. Musk, 25-cv-462, US District Court, District of Maryland (Greenbelt).

Bloomberg 3 hours ago

Business

What India can do to address its low-inflation problem and aid growth

By Daniel Moss India’s economy, so often touted for potential to supplant China as a global engine, is having a hard time getting its arms around inflation. Not that it's too high, but because the pace of price increases is worryingly low. Fixing this will require more than the standard prescription — simply cutting interest rates. The promise of an aggressive and sustained easing is needed, one that brings its own share of challenges. This will be tough for Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra to get right. Markets already appreciate the need for a change. The rupee is the worst-performing Asian currency this year against the dollar and, on Friday, it fell to a record low. Traders attributed at least part of the slide to the RBI's reluctance to intervene, breaking with the practice of recent months as the currency weakened largely because of an elusive trade deal with the US. The bank's absence may be a strong signal that a policy shift is in the wings; lower borrowing costs tend to weigh on a currency. (The central bank returned to the market on Monday.) For Malhotra, this could be a Janet Yellen moment. For years after the end of the Global Financial Crisis, inflation failed to pick up in the US and was, in the view of the-then Federal Reserve chair, a little too low for comfort. Asked why inflation remained stubbornly low, she conceded in 2017 that it was a “mystery.” Two years later, her successor, Jerome Powell, called the phenomenon “one of the major challenges of our time.” It took Covid, massive fiscal stimulus, and the supply chain pressures the pandemic uncorked for inflation to awaken. Humility regarding India's projections is in order. The central bank's forecasts have consistently overestimated inflation. A surprisingly low reading for October means forecasts of 2.6 per cent for the year to March are already looking out of date. And that call was made as recently as last month. Considering the bank's target is 4 per cent, policy is now way too tight. The moment calls for boldness. The RBI should embrace the low-inflation environment when its committee meets in two weeks. At the prior gathering in early October, the bank emphasized prudence and a neutral stance, one that neither holds the economy back nor stimulates it. It's now time to shift to an “accommodative” posture, according to Bloomberg Economics. This would tell investors and consumers that Malhotra's strong preference is to keep cutting. After a period of excessive caution, the RBI should let its hair down a bit. It would also help growth, which has been faltering. Recognising that inflation isn't the threat it was comes with its own dangers. The rupee is likely to come under further pressure. Sure, the RBI could pair its change in rate outlook with more intervention. This should be restricted to what central banks and finance ministries like to call “smoothing” — not standing totally against the market, but watching that things don't get out of hand. To be more aggressive would risk looking like authorities are conflicted, recognizing the need for easier money, but unwilling to embrace the full implications. And there's more ailing the rupee than the rate picture. Malhotra recently said that securing a good trade deal with the US would bring money back to India's currency. The US currently levies 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, the harshest among Asian nations. Assuming an accord is reached sooner or later, the definition of “good” will be in the eye of the beholder. Southeast Asian nations, for example, got a reduced levy, but agreed to certain American priorities, some aimed at constraining China. Whatever agreement Prime Minister Narendra Modi hatches with US President Donald Trump has to be sold domestically. It could be messy. The RBI can't control this. It can, however, attend to matters on its own patch. Acknowledging the inflation miss is part of that. Doing something about the problem, and adjusting mindsets to avoid repeating it, is critical. December's meeting is shaping up as eventful. In that, there should be little mystery. (Disclaimer: This is a Bloomberg Opinion piece, and these are the personal opinions of the writer. They do not reflect the views of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper)

Bloomberg 3 hours ago

World

Canada: ‘Inconvenient Indian’ author Thomas King says he is not Indigenous

King has announced a genealogist working with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds found no evidence of Cherokee ancestry in his family lineage

Leyland Cecco in Toronto 3 hours ago

Business

Scaling the ocean economy

Two major events this summer – the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco, and the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice – reflected the growing recognition that protecting the ocean is not only an environmental issue, but also a political, economic, financial, and social imperative. The challenge now is to translate this rapidly emerging consensus into concrete, sustained action. Covering over two-thirds of our planet and accounting for 97% of its biosphere, the ocean is a critical ally in our efforts to tackle climate change, ensure food security, and support livelihoods. Without a healthy ocean, sustainable development will remain a distant dream. But protecting and restoring marine ecosystems costs money, and financial flows are falling far short of need. To close this gap, ocean protection must be regarded not as charity, but as an opportunity – a high-value investment in our collective future. The vision of a thriving ocean economy that offers both short-term profit and long-term value in terms of food security, employment, and resilience galvanised political leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and representatives of multilateral organisations and civil society at the BEFF. The event delivered on its goal of unlocking funding for ocean-positive projects, including through innovative instruments like blue bonds and blended-finance vehicles, which combine public, private, and philanthropic resources. But the new “blue” investment announced by public, private, and philanthropic actors at the BEFF – amounting to some $10.1 billion – represents only a fraction of what is needed to meet global targets. Three imperatives stand out. The first is to create a robust pipeline of investable projects. As it stands, many promising initiatives remain stuck at the pilot stage. A lack of early-stage financing, technical assistance, or enabling policies means that they never get to a point where they are appealing to private investors. The second imperative is to create enabling conditions for investment. If ocean-relevant sectors – such as shipping, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and tourism – are to align their activities with the blue my vision, they must be guided (and constrained) by net-zero and nature-positive targets that are ambitious and credible. Governments must not only develop and enforce the right rules of the game, including regional marine spatial plans, but also lead by example. That means eliminating poorly designed and harmful government subsidies, such as those driving exploitation of overfished stocks, and using those public resources to finance ocean-positive projects and cover transition costs for ocean-dependent sectors. Public development banks must also do their part to strengthen investor confidence and catalyse market-wide change. At the BEFF, more than 20 public development banks endorsed the Finance in Common Ocean Coalition joint statement, which articulated a collective ambition to scale up ocean finance, align portfolios with a regenerative and sustainable blue economy, and support pipeline development by sharing tools and methodologies. These institutions must follow through on these commitments, and their peers must join them. Finally, financial flows throughout the economy must be aligned with climate, biodiversity, and equity goals. For governments, this means integrating environmental and social externalities into public budgets, with national accounting systems factoring in both the value of ecosystem services and the financial risks arising from environmental degradation. Financial actors – including institutional investors, corporations, asset managers, and insurers – also have a critical role to play, not only as funders, but also by stepping up as core architects of a regenerative and sus tainable blue economy. To this end, they must create clear taxonomies and metrics, which support consistent decision-making and prevent greenwashing. The ocean economy is beginning to take shape. The BEFF laid important foundations, and promising instruments – such as venture capital funds targeting ocean innovation, guarantee facilities supporting small and medium-sized enterprises dedicated to delivering ocean-positive outcomes, and sovereign blue bonds – are gaining traction. But the momentum from the summer must not be squandered. It must be translated into a clear and coordinated strategy for the decade. The writer has been the Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Monaco since 2005. ©PROJECT SYNDICATE

Post News Network 3 hours ago

Business

UBS initiates 'Buy' on Shaily Engineering Plastics; sees 60% upside

Global brokerage UBS has initiated coverage on Shaily Engineering Plastics shares with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of ₹4,000 per share, implying 60.2 per cent upside from Monday’s close of ₹2,496.75. The brokerage believes the market is underestimating Shaily’s capabilities and multiple growth drivers across its business segments.Why is UBS bullish on Shaily Engineering Plastics?Multiple growth leversUBS expects higher traction and improved capacity utilisation in Shaily’s consumer and industrial segments, where it supplies components to global clients such as IKEA, GE Appliances and P&G. The brokerage also sees Shaily as a potential beneficiary of a favourable India–US trade deal and tariff reductions, which could enhance India’s competitiveness versus other emerging-market manufacturing destinations. In addition, Shaily is in the process of onboarding a large customer in the consumer electronics and semiconductor space, which UBS believes offers significant upside optionality beyond its base growth assumptions. CATCH STOCK MARKET UPDATES TODAY LIVEShaily set for big play in high-entry-barrier GLP-1 marketThe patent for GLP-1 drug semaglutide is set to expire in 2026 in key markets such as India, Canada and Brazil. These markets together could represent a total addressable market of 550–600 million devices, translating into ₹800–850 crore in revenue by 2030. Based on the scenario, analysts peg Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) to grow at 39 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in a low-case scenario; 52 per cent CAGR in the base case, and 59 per cent CAGR in a high-case scenario over FY25–30E. Shaily has partnered with 23–24 global pharma companies for generic GLP-1 devices, which could give it a 50–60 per cent market share across these three geographies, according to the brokerage. The segment has high entry barriers due to patented technology, a limited number of global competitors and complex regulatory requirements, which also make it hard for pharma companies to switch injector suppliers. Given this backdrop, UBS estimates the company’s healthcare segment revenue is to grow roughly 96 per cent CAGR between FY25 and FY28, with its contribution to overall revenue rising from 21 per cent to 55 per cent. ALSO READ | Neuland, Lupin, Divi's lead domestic, CDMO surge amid US generics headwindsConsumer and industrial segments set for steady growthShaily supplies a range of plastic and metal components to leading global brands such as IKEA, Gillette, P&G, GE Appliances and Schaeffler, catering to both domestic and export markets. The recent softness in these businesses has been driven largely by unfavourable tariff structures relative to other emerging-market manufacturing hubs that compete with India, according to UBS analysis. The brokerage reckons that any trade or tariff-related agreement that narrows this gap and offers more competitive duties versus peer countries would likely benefit both India’s manufacturing base and Shaily’s export prospects. Shaily’s consumer and industrial businesses are expected to deliver around 18 per cent revenue CAGR over FY25–28, supported by potential improvement in tariff positioning, and better utilisation of its currently underused capacity, which should help expand margins and improve return on capital employed (ROCE). The consumer electronics segment remains an additional optionality on top of this base growth. (Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by UBS in this article are their own and not those of the website or its management. Business Standard advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.)

Sirali Gupta 3 hours ago

Politics

Cases against Comey and James tossed, Pentagon investigating US senator and Turning Point USA looks to 2028 – as it happened

This live blog is now closed.

Robert Mackey, Shrai Popat, Lucy Campbell and Frances Mao 3 hours ago

Business

Reforms done, jobs awaited

India’s major economic reforms were spurred by a foreign exchange crisis. It was the summer of 1991 when foreign exchange reserves went to nearly zero. An emergency loan from the IMF was taken, and a slew of reforms were initiated. Exchange rates, import duties and banking were deregulated, and foreign direct investment was permitted. The biggest bang reform was the end of the license raj in manufacturing and industrial production. Economic growth picked up, and foreign investment poured in. The IMF loan was repaid in less than two years. The stock market and capital markets took off. Ten years later, a second generation of reforms was unleashed in the telecom and power sectors. This, too, led to remarkable growth and dynamism. To this day, we are reaping the harvest of the telecom revolution, which is still unfolding. The economy is now more than ten times bigger than in 1991. India is a software powerhouse in the world. But one big promise of the 1991 reforms remains unfulfilled. If the biggest bang was industrial delicensing, then we should have seen the manufacturing sector grow exponentially. It did grow, but only at the same pace as the GDP. The share of manufacturing in India’s GDP is roughly the same in 2025 as in 1991, around 16 or 17%. The aspiration is to reach at least 25% of the GDP as per the National Manufacturing Policy, the Competitiveness Project, and even Make in India. But manufacturing is stubbornly stuck, and as a result, industrial employment also has not taken off. The share of formal employment, i.e. those who are covered by a contract and get pension and health benefits ts is a stagnant share of the total workforce. For India to achieve higher levels of aggregate growth and jobs with higher productivity and wages, it is essential that industrial jobs grow in a big way. We cannot achieve 8 or 9% growth without vigorous industrial growth. The popular view is that archaic labour laws have held back massive industrial employment creation. Especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles, footwear, toy-making, and electronics assembly, we have not been able to build scale in manufacturing, as businesses hesitate to hire workers on a large scale. The labour reforms we needed relate not only to ease of recruitment at scale and retrenchment, but also to the formalisation of labour markets. Since labour is in the concurrent list of the Constitution, respective state governments too have to be on board with the reform agenda. The unions, too, have to be part of the consensus. The Union government embarked on this ambitious journey five years ago. That journey reached a historic milestone. On 21 November, India formally brought into effect its four Labour Codes—the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (2020)—replacing 29 central labour laws that had accumulated piecemeal over the past seven decades. The notification marks the culmination of a reform process initiated in 2015, with years of tripartite consultation and delay due to states’ rule-making responsibilities under the Constitution. This landmark reform will reduce compliance burdens, widen social protection, and make the labour market more responsive to a changing economy. The respective states of India must now pass their own rules and regulations to ensure the four labour codes are fully implemented within their jurisdictions. These four codes are meant to protect labour, to provide flexibility to employers, to formalise the workforce, and also to spur job creation. For employers, the new regime promises ease of compliance: a single registration, licence, and return instead of dozens; higher thresholds for layoffs and closures; and fixed term employment enabling time-bound hiring. For workers, it offers wider protection: a national floor wage, written appointment letters, health and safety coverage, maternity and provident-fund benefits for gig, platform, and contract labour. In short, the Codes try to replace the rigid dualism of India’s labour market—where a small formal segment enjoys heavy protection and elite status, while the vast informal majority has none—with a continuum of graded protections linked to digital identity and compliance. This continuing and entrenched dual structure, called “casualisation of labour” has sometimes had an ugly and violent manifestation, endangering social stability and harmony too. There is a great step to enable better participation of women in the formal workforce. Some of the features of the reforms are that all workers must now receive appointment letters, ending in formal oral contracts. There is universal social security extended to gig and platform workers, with aggregators contributing 1–2% of turnover to welfare funds. Women may work night shifts in all sectors, including mining and IT, provided safety measures are assured. We must remember, however, that these labour reforms do not automatically imply a dynamic and growing labour market. Employment generation depends on far more than labour laws. The unemployment challenge arises from skills mismatch, inadequate infrastructure, rigid land markets, and policy uncertainty as much as from labour regulation. The new Codes can reduce transaction costs, but cannot ,by themselves, create demand for labour. This is because large-scale job creation also requires (a) Human-capital development: expansion of apprenticeship programmes, and skill-certification; (b) improvement in infrastructure, logistics, efficient transport, reliable power and digital networks; (c) predictable taxation, faster dispute resolution, and simplified compliance across all regulatory fronts—not just labour. Without these enablers, easier hiring and firing may only formalise precarious jobs rather than expand stable employment. Yet laws alone do not create jobs. A dynamic labour market does. And so does a workforce equipped with human capital for 21st century. India’s employment renaissance will depend on skills, investment, and productivity growth as much as on codified rights. If this reform is accompanied by parallel investments in education, skilling, infrastructure, and enterprise support, it could indeed become the cornerstone of inclusive growth. The writer is a noted economist. ©THE BILLION PRESS

Post News Network 3 hours ago

Technology

Son dresses as dead mum to claim pension

The 56-year-old man successfully pocketed thousands in pension payments before he was eventually exposed, The Sun reports. To make matters worse his mother, Graziella Dall’Oglio, died three years earlier at the age of 82. When she passed away, her son did not report her death. Instead he wrapped her body in a bed sheet, stuffed it in a sleeping bag and hid it away in his house. The unemployed nurse from Mantua kept her decaying corpse for so long that it eventually became mummified. Realising that in order to claim her pension he would need to modify his appearance, he underwent a “Mrs Doubtfire-style transformation,” cutting his hair in a similar style to his mother. He then applied foundation and lipstick, and put on her pearl necklace and clip earrings. Arriving at a government agency in town in the hope of renewing his mother’s identity card that had expired a few months earlier, it wasn’t long before he raised the suspicions of someone who worked there. Realising something was wrong, the employee alerted the police and the local mayor. The authorities then compared photos taken of the mother and her son. It was only then that they realised they had been deceived. To lure him out, the police summoned his mother to the town hall once again, except this time he was met by police officers. Following this discovery, the police went to his home where they discovered the body of his mother tucked away in the laundry room. “He came into the council offices wearing a long skirt, he was wearing lipstick and nail varnish, a necklace and old-style earrings,” said Francesco Aporti, the mayor of Borgo Virgilio. “But up close his neck was too thick and his wrinkles were strange, the skin on his hands did not seem to be that of an 85-year-old woman. “His voice was feminine but every so often it dipped and sounded masculine. “But I might not have noticed these strange features had they not been pointed out.” Once his deception was revealed, the police told him they needed to inspect his home. “He agreed to that. They searched the house and found a mummified body,” said the mayor. “She probably died of natural causes but that will be established by the post-mortem. “It is a very strange story and very, very sad.” In a statement, Italy’s military police said the mother’s body was wrapped in bed sheets and a sleeping bag. “The body was in a clear state of mummification,” they said. The corpse was then taken to the mortuary of a local hospital for a post-mortem to be conduced. It is estimated that the son had an annual income of €53,000 ($95,000) thanks to a combination of his mother’s pension payments and a portfolio of three houses. The man is now under investigation for illegally concealing a body and benefit fraud. This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced with permission.

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World

Ukraine war briefing: Russia launches strikes on Kyiv, setting buildings ablaze

Four injured in attack on the capital striking residential buildings and energy infrastructure. What we know on day 1,371

Guardian staff and agencies 3 hours ago