Indian steel and aluminium exports to the European Union will face a carbon-linked cost from January 1, 2026, as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) moves from the reporting phase to its payment-linked stage, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).Although the CBAM levy will be paid by EU-based importers, the report said the economic burden will be passed on to Indian exporters through lower realised prices, tougher contract terms and stricter supplier selection criteria.GTRI estimates that many Indian exporters may need to cut prices by 15–22% to remain competitive, allowing EU buyers to absorb the carbon cost through margins.From the first shipment of 2026, CBAM will become a commercial factor in pricing, even though formal certificate surrender will begin in 2027, the report said.EU buyers are expected to factor embedded carbon costs into procurement decisions from January 1, 2026, affecting price negotiations, contract clauses and supplier rankings.Exporters using high-emission production routes, such as blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace processes in steel, are likely to face the sharpest loss of competitiveness. In aluminium, the carbon burden will depend largely on electricity intensity and the source of power used.The report said CBAM is a plant-level emissions accounting regime, requiring exporters to calculate embedded emissions for each installation, covering direct fuel combustion and electricity consumption.Corporate averages, ESG disclosures or sustainability reports will not be accepted under CBAM. Without verified plant-level emissions data, exporters risk being assigned default emission values by EU authorities, which can be 30–80% higher than actual emissions and significantly raise carbon costs.From 2026, independent verification of emissions data will be mandatory, with only EU-recognised or ISO 14065–compliant verifiers accepted, the report said.GTRI said micro, small and medium enterprises are likely to bear a disproportionate share of the burden due to higher compliance and verification costs.“A key concern flagged in the report is that large producers often do not share plant-level emissions data with MSMEs that source steel or aluminium from them. In the absence of verified data, EU authorities may apply default emission values, sharply inflating the carbon cost even when actual emissions are lower.” GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava noted. “This asymmetry risks penalising MSMEs disproportionately and accelerating their exit from EU supply chains unless corrective mechanisms are introduced,” said Ajay Srivastava.The report said CBAM marks a shift in global trade dynamics, where carbon intensity, rather than cost efficiency alone, will increasingly determine competitiveness in regulated markets such as the EU.Low-emission producers could gain an advantage, while exporters that fail to align with CBAM’s data and verification requirements risk losing EU market access due to compliance gaps, it added.

NEW DELHI: India reported 791 drone intrusions along the western border during 2025, underlining the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems for smuggling and infiltration, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.According to the ministry’s year-end review, nine such incidents were recorded along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, while 782 were reported along the IB in Punjab and Rajasthan. The ministry said that “Effective employment of own spoofers and jammers along the western front significantly countered the drone threat.”Indian forces also succeeded in neutralising 237 drones during the year in the IB sector. These comprised “five drones with war-like stores, 72 drones with narcotics and 161 drones without any payload.”The review noted that Pakistan has been attempting to use the IB sector extensively for hostile activities. “Significant efforts are being made by Pakistan to exploit the IB sector not only to smuggle weapons and narcotics using drones, but also to infiltrate large strength of terrorists,” it said. The continued functioning of training camps, presence of terrorists at launch pads and repeated infiltration bids reflect Pakistan’s “persistent intent to prosecute a proxy war strategy”, the ministry added.On the overall security environment, the ministry said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains “firmly under control” due to sustained and relentless efforts by the Indian Army. It said residents have opted for development and are participating actively in initiatives run by the government and the Army.The review credited the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach for a “reduction in violence levels, scaled down protests and zero incidents of stone pelting”. It further stated that the “security situation in hinterland continues to witness consistent improvement since 2019”.The ministry also referred to Operation Sindoor, carried out on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. The operation resulted in the elimination of at least 100 terrorists. As part of the action, Indian armed forces carried out precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, triggering a four-day military confrontation between the two countries.Military actions were halted on May 10 following hotline discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan.The review also said Pakistan tried to turn the Poonch-Rajouri region into a “hotbed for proxy war during the year 2023-24”. In this context, the ministry said priorities for 2025 included strengthening the anti-infiltration grid, continuing operations in middle and higher reaches to neutralise terrorists, and curbing local recruitment by promoting a development-oriented environment.It said “a total of 29 capability development schemes have already been contracted and another 16 schemes are likely to be contracted in December 2025”.On self-reliance in drone production, the ministry said “515 Army Base Workshop and select Corps Z Workshops/EME Battalions have established credible drone manufacturing capability using in-house expertise and collaboration with subject matter experts”. It added that these facilities meet required quality standards.“The facilities are state-of-the-art, which meet the quality requirements of drones. A total of 819 drones (surveillance -193, kamikaze/armed/weaponised -337, first pilot view -289) have been manufactured till date by EME units,” the ministry said.

Andries Gous of Desert Vipers celebrates after scoring a hundred during Qualifier 1 of the World ILT20 between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates. (Photo Credit: ILT20)

Andries Gous produced one of the most astounding innings in the history of the World ILT20 as Desert Vipers stormed into the final with a resounding 45-run win over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 being played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.Gous’ unbeaten 120 off 58 balls not only powered the Vipers to a daunting 233/1 — the highest team total of the season — but also rewrote league records. It was the first century of the season, the highest individual score in ILT20 history, and the first hundred by a player from an Associate Nation across four seasons of the tournament. Supported by Fakhar Zaman and Sam Curran, the Vipers delivered a batting exhibition that MI Emirates never fully recovered from.

“It was a really special moment for me. You don’t get many opportunities to score a hundred, so I truly cherished it. After the sixth over, we knew handling the wind would be key, and Fakhar batted superbly, which made my job a lot easier. Post powerplay, we were thinking in terms of 190–200, but then Sam played an unbelievable innings that pushed us all the way to 230,” said Gous.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Put in to bat, the Vipers began steadily before Gous shifted gears in the fifth over, hammering Romario Shepherd for 20 runs. He reached his half-century off just 29 balls and found a perfect ally in Fakhar Zaman, who overcame a cautious start to unleash his full range during the middle overs. The opening pair stitched together a monumental 157-run stand — the highest opening partnership in ILT20 history — with boundaries flowing freely on both sides of the wicket.

Andries Gous and Fakhar Zaman of Desert Vipers during Qualifier 1 of the World ILT20 between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates. (Photo Credit: ILT20)

Fakhar fell for a fluent 69 off 50 balls in the 16th over, but the damage was already done. Gous brought up his century in 53 balls before Sam Curran provided the finishing touches with a blistering unbeaten 38 off just 12 deliveries. The final five overs yielded a staggering 85 runs as the Vipers surged past 230.Chasing 234, MI Emirates showed early promise through Muhammad Waseem and Tom Banton, reaching 53/1 at the end of the powerplay. Banton then launched a fierce counterattack, smashing a 21-ball half-century and adding 81 runs with Waseem. However, the chase lost momentum once Waseem fell in the 11th over.

Usman Tariq in action for the Desert Vipers (Photo Credit: ILT20)

Debutant Usman Tariq turned the game decisively in the Vipers’ favour, striking twice in two balls to remove Banton and Sanjay Krishnamurthi. He later accounted for Kieron Pollard as MI Emirates’ batting unraveled under pressure. Tariq finished with impressive figures of 3/33, while David Payne and Naseem Shah chipped in at crucial junctures.Despite a late flourish from Romario Shepherd, MI Emirates were restricted to 188/7, falling well short of the target.With the win, Desert Vipers booked their third final appearance in four seasons, underlining their consistency in the league. MI Emirates, meanwhile, will get another shot at the title when they face the winner of the Eliminator between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals on January 1.

“Chasing 233 was always going to be a stiff challenge. Losing by 45 runs is a big margin in T20 cricket, but I felt we conceded about 10–15 runs too many on what was a very good pitch. We’ve played and won plenty of games at this venue, though this surface was new to us and played well. One loss isn’t the end of the road—we still have another chance. You always want to get it done the first time, but this was one game where we fell away at the back end, and credit to the opposition for playing exceptionally well,” said MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard. Brief ScoresDesert Vipers: 233/1 in 20 overs (Andries Gous 120 not out, Fakhar Zaman 69, Sam Curran 38; Allah Ghazanfar 1/37)MI Emirates: 188/7 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 63, Muhammad Waseem 41, Romario Shepherd 39 not out; Usman Tariq 3/33, David Payne 2/52, Naseem Shah 1/20)

For years, Alaa Abd el-Fattah was one of the West’s most familiar symbols of Arab Spring idealism crushed by authoritarian rule. A blogger jailed for dissent, a hunger-striking political prisoner, and a cause taken up by foreign ministers and human-rights groups, his name came to stand for Egypt’s long democratic winter.That story was meant to end with freedom. Instead, his return to the UK has triggered a new controversy, one that has less to do with Cairo’s prisons and more to do with London’s politics, citizenship rules, and the uncomfortable afterlife of digital speech.

Who is Alaa Abd el-Fattah?

Abd el-Fattah is an Egyptian software developer and political activist who rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as part of Egypt’s early blogging community. Long before social media became a political tool, he used online platforms to criticise police brutality, military trials of civilians, and the authoritarian nature of the Egyptian state.During the 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, Abd el-Fattah became one of the best-known civilian voices of the revolution. But the post-revolutionary years were unforgiving. Under successive governments, and especially after Abdel Fattah el-Sisi took power, he was repeatedly arrested, charged under protest and cybercrime laws, and sentenced to long prison terms.By the late 2010s, Abd el-Fattah was internationally recognised as one of Egypt’s most prominent political prisoners.

Why was his detention such a global issue?

Abd el-Fattah’s imprisonment became a rallying point for international human-rights advocacy. Amnesty International, UN officials, and Western governments cited his case as evidence of Egypt’s shrinking civic space.His hunger strikes from prison, including one that coincided with the COP27 climate summit hosted by Egypt, sharpened international attention. For British politicians in particular, his case took on added urgency after he acquired UK citizenship in 2021 through his mother, who was born in Britain.From that point, his detention was no longer only a human-rights concern but also a consular one.

How did the UK get involved?

Successive British governments raised Abd el-Fattah’s case with Egyptian authorities. His family, led by his sisters Mona Seif and Sanaa Seif, ran a sustained campaign in London, holding protests outside Downing Street and the Foreign Office.Senior UK politicians publicly supported the campaign while in opposition, and ministers pledged to pursue his release once in office. By late 2025, after years of diplomatic pressure, Abd el-Fattah was freed and allowed to travel to the UK.What was expected to be a moment of closure instead became the beginning of a new political storm.

What triggered the controversy after his return?

Soon after Abd el-Fattah’s arrival in Britain, old social media posts and interviews from the late 2000s and early 2010s resurfaced. Some contained incendiary language about violence, Israel, and political opponents, written during periods of intense regional conflict and repression.Critics argued that such material should have been identified during the citizenship vetting process. Supporters countered that the remarks were more than a decade old, made in a radically different political context, and did not reflect his later public positions.The focus quickly shifted from Egypt’s human-rights abuses to Britain’s own administrative systems and political judgment.

Why is citizenship now at the centre of the debate?

UK law allows the government to revoke citizenship in limited circumstances, provided the individual is not rendered stateless and strict legal thresholds are met. Abd el-Fattah holds dual British-Egyptian nationality, which has brought his status under scrutiny.The government has acknowledged failures in due diligence during the citizenship process and launched an internal review. The opposition has seized on the issue to question whether political sympathy for Abd el-Fattah’s cause led to corners being cut.The debate is no longer just about one individual, but about how Britain balances humanitarian advocacy with national security checks.

What has Abd el-Fattah said?

Abd el-Fattah has apologised for some of his past online remarks, describing them as the expressions of a younger man shaped by anger, war, and repression, and acknowledging that he failed to consider how they would read to others.His family maintains that he has consistently opposed violence and that attempts to recast him now amount to a political campaign to discredit both him and those who supported his release.

Why does this matter beyond one case?

The Abd el-Fattah episode exposes a recurring dilemma for liberal democracies. Political dissidents elevated as symbols of freedom are rarely uncomplicated figures. Many emerge from environments defined by violence, radicalisation, and moral absolutism.For years, Western governments treated Abd el-Fattah as a moral certainty: a prisoner of conscience versus an authoritarian state. His return to the UK has forced a reckoning with a harder truth, that solidarity does not erase history, and that citizenship carries scrutiny as well as sympathy.That tension, between ideals and institutions, is why his story continues to dominate headlines long after the prison gates opened.

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Mumbai: A court in Maharashtra’s Beed district on Wednesday rejected a plea against former state minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde filed by a woman claiming to be his first wife, alleging concealment of vital information in his 2024 election nomination papers.Judicial Magistrate (Parli Vaijnath) Dipak Borde ruled that the complainant, Karuna Munde, has not established a prima facie case against the accused and further added the concealment of facts was not made with an intention to win election. “It appears there is no impact on his election victory due to the alleged concealment of facts as claimed by the complainant. Therefore, non-disclosure of such fact does not seem to be with the intent to be elected in an election,” the court held.Karuna Munde approached the court under provisions of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), claiming to be the NCP politician’s first legally wedded wife.Her prime grievance was that despite being the first legally wedded wife of the NCP leader, her name was mentioned in nomination papers by Dhananjay Munde when he contested assembly election from Parli in Beed district in November 2024.On the other hand, the NCP leader contended before the court that their relationship was consensual, resulting in two children. The former minister only allowed his name and surname to be used in children documents.The complainant was fully aware that the NCP legislator was already married, but voluntarily entered into relationship, which ended in November 2020, Dhananjay Munde’s lawyer B Kawade argued.Highlighting several discrepancies in the woman’s case, the court pointed out that while the complaint cited a 1996 marriage, her verification statement mentioned the date as September 1, 1998.The court noted the complainant has not submitted any legal marriage documents such as registration certificate or other evidence, proving she is the first legally wedded wife of the Parli MLA.“If the complainant is indeed the first legally wedded wife, she should have pursued the matter before the appropriate court,” the magistrate said.The court, after perusal of documents, concluded that Karuna Munde “has not established a prima facie case to proceed against the accused.”“Proceeding against the accused would serve no purpose. Therefore, I am of the prima facie view that the accused did not conceal information with the intent to be elected in the election and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 125A of the RP Act,” the court said.

Most government offices, banks and financial markets across the United States will remain closed on New Year’s Day, while major retailers and grocery chains are largely set to stay open, often with modified hours, the AP reported.Retailers are expected to use the holiday to offer discounts on older inventory ahead of new stock arrivals. However, store hours can vary by location, and shoppers are advised to check local schedules before heading out.Here is a breakdown of what will be open and closed on New Year’s Day 2026, according to AP.

Government offices and schools

Government buildings, post offices, courts and schools across the US are closed on New Year’s Day.

Banks and stock markets

US banks and stock markets are closed on Thursday for the holiday and are scheduled to reopen on Friday.

Package delivery services

Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on New Year’s Day. Some limited or critical services may be offered at select locations, and customers are advised to check with their local outlets for details.

Retail stores

Most major retail chains will remain open on New Year’s Day, though many may operate with reduced or modified hours.

Grocery stores

Most national grocery chains, including Albertsons, Whole Foods, Kroger and Aldi, will be open on New Year’s Day, though many locations may have shorter hours.In-store pharmacies at grocery outlets are generally expected to remain closed for the holiday.Two major chains — Trader Joe’s and Costco — will be closed on New Year’s Day.

What consumers should keep in mind

While many retailers and grocery stores will be open, operating hours can vary widely by location. Shoppers planning errands on New Year’s Day are advised to verify store timings in advance to avoid inconvenience.

NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday strongly criticised the BJP following the arrest of a Christian priest and 11 others in Nagpur, Maharashtra, during a Christmas prayer meeting, accusing the party of pursuing a “hate-filled agenda of religious bigotry.” The Maharashtra Police arrested 12 individuals, including Father Sudhir, a Malayali priest of the CSI South Kerala Diocese, Nagpur Mission, and his wife Jasmine, after a complaint allegedly filed by Bajrang Dal activists. The arrests reportedly took place around 8.00 pm during a Christmas prayer meeting in Nagpur. According to the leaders, people who later went to the police station to enquire about the incident were also taken into custody, and cases were registered against them.Congress MP KC Venugopal in an official post on X described the incident as “highly condemnable” and alleged that the arrest showed the BJP “uses the state machinery to harass Christians under the bogus pretense of religious conversions.”Venugopal said growing polarisation had made life “unlivable for all minorities” in BJP-ruled states. He demanded that the FIR against the priest be withdrawn immediately and called for strict action against what he described as “Bajrang Dal goons,” whose alleged “hooliganism” led to what he termed a “frivolous case.” He said, “Those who take law into their own hands and destroy the secular fabric envisioned in our Constitution must be the ones receiving punishment – not innocent citizens.”Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan also condemned the arrests and sought urgent intervention from the Centre and the Maharashtra government. In a post on X, he tagged PM Modi and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding the release of all those arrested.In his letter, Satheesan wrote, “I write this letter to register my strong protest and to seek your urgent intervention regarding the arrest of twelve persons, including a Malayali priest, in Nagpur on allegations of forced religious conversion.” He added that Father Sudhir is a native of Amaravila in Thiruvananthapuram district and has been serving in Maharashtra for the past five years, while the remaining 10 arrested individuals are natives of Maharashtra.Satheesan said all the arrested persons are currently being detained at the Benoda Police Station and are likely to be produced before a court shortly. He noted that CSI representatives attempted to secure bail at the police station but were directed to approach the court. Describing the incident as alarming, he said, “This incident is deeply disturbing and raises serious concerns about the violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India, particularly the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. Arresting individuals for conducting a peaceful prayer meeting is unconstitutional and contrary to the spirit of our democratic and secular values.”

Begum Khalida Zia, the former and first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was laid to eternal rest with full state honours at Zia Udyan in Dhaka. Her final rites were held in the presence of senior political leaders, party workers, state officials, and thousands of mourners who gathered to pay their last respects.She was buried beside the grave of her husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, marking a deeply symbolic moment in the nation’s political history. The solemn ceremony reflected her stature as a towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, with ceremonial tributes accorded by the state and prayers offered for her soul.Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister and a two-time head of government, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Her death has triggered nationwide mourning, political tributes across party lines and international reactions, reflecting upon her central role in Bangladesh’s modern political journey.

Her Namaz-e-Janaza is taking place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (national parliament) in Dhaka, after which she will be buried beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.The gathering of people continues to fill Manik Mia Avenue to pay their final respects to former PM.

The gathering to attend her namaz-e-janaza began around 7.00 am (local time), with BNP leaders and activists arriving from different parts of Dhaka and other districts, including Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj, to pay their final respects, reported The Daily SatrMourners swarming the funeral have brought the entire Dhaka city to a standstill.Chief advisor of Bangladesh interim government Muhammad Yunus reached parliament complex to join Khaleda Zia’s janaza.

Global leaders including Jaishankar to attend last rites

The funeral has drawn significant regional attention, inlcuding India’s participation. External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday landed in Dhaka to represent India at the ceremony.He met Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rehman and handed over a condolence letter from PM Modi, expressing grief over the loss. “The external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” the MEA said in a statement on Tuesday.Senior representatives from several South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are also expected to pay their last respects. Delegations include foreign ministers and other high-level officials.

Body reaches Gulshan residence; family pays last respects

Earlier in the day, Khaleda Zia’s body was brought to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family members and close relatives paid their final respects ahead of the funeral prayer.In a post on X, Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “The body of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia arrived at Firoza in Gulshan, where family members and relatives paid their last respects to her ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza.”BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, her eldest and only surviving son, was seen seated quietly with a prayer book in his hands, surrounded by family members.

State honours, heavy security for final journey

The interim government announced that Khaleda Zia’s final journey would be conducted with full state honours. Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said the process – from transporting the body from Evercare Hospital to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, followed by the funeral prayer and burial – would take place under heightened security.More than 10,000 police and armed police battalion personnel have been deployed, with army members stationed at key locations, according to The Daily Star.The Dhaka metropolitan police outlined a detailed convoy route, with vehicular movement restricted along key roads during the procession. The public has been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Public holiday, national and party mourning

In a televised address on Tuesday, Yunus announced a public holiday for December 31, followed by a gazette notification issued by the public administration ministry. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices remain closed, while essential services continue.A separate gazette notification announced a three-day national mourning period, which will conclude on Friday. The Supreme Court and Bangladesh bank also declared a public holiday.Alongside the state observances, the BNP announced a seven-day mourning period. Senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said black flags would be hoisted at party offices nationwide, with leaders and workers wearing black badges and holding prayers. Condolence books have been opened at BNP offices across the country.

BNP appeals for discipline at funeral

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, quoted by The Daily Star, urged mourners to maintain order at the funeral.He asked attendees to avoid rushing forward or taking photographs and appealed for prayers for the Zia family, particularly Tarique Rahman, to “bear the loss and continue his responsibilities towards the country”.

Global tributes pour in

Leaders across the globe continue to pay their condolences. PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s death. In a post on X, he said he was “deeply saddened” and recalled his “warm meeting” with her in Dhaka in 2015, adding that he hoped her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral ties.Condolence messages were also received from the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, China, Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal, the Maldives and several other countries. Diplomatic missions including the British High Commission and the German, French, Japanese and Iranian embassies issued statements mourning her passing.

Who was Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia emerged as a central figure in Bangladesh politics following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman. She led the country for two terms and played a key role in restoring democracy after years of military rule, remaining a dominant political force for decades, and was an archrival of now ousted PM Sheikh Hasina.