Pakistan have brought back all-rounder Shadab Khan for their upcoming T20I tour of Sri Lanka next month, but senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will remain in Australia to continue their Big Bash League commitments.The three-match series, starting on January 7, 2026, marks Shadab’s return to international cricket after recovering from shoulder surgery that had ruled him out since June. He recently made his competitive comeback in the BBL, where his performances have stood out compared to other Pakistan players in the league.

Along with Babar and Shaheen, fellow BBL participants Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Rizwan have also been left out of the squad and will stay on in Australia. While all of them had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of their willingness to return if required, the PCB chose not to recall them. This decision follows the board’s prior commitment to Cricket Australia to ensure full availability of Pakistani players for the BBL season, trusting the existing bench strength to handle the Sri Lanka assignment.The 15-member squad, captained by Salman Ali Agha, is largely predictable. The main talking point is the inclusion of uncapped batter Khawaja Nafay, along with the return of Abdul Samad. Nafay’s selection has raised eyebrows, especially given his modest domestic record and the importance of the series in the build-up to the T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka early next year.Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, and senior players had earlier expressed interest in featuring in this series to familiarize themselves with local conditions. Despite that, the selectors have opted for a relatively fresh group.Pakistan T20I squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Saim Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Mohammad Waseem Jr.

China is advancing its maritime capabilities by converting the 97-meter cargo ship Zhongda 79 into an arsenal ship. Online images, shared by Militarnyi and citing Chinese agencies, reveal containerized launchers—loaded with up to 60 missiles—now installed aboard the vessel.At Shanghai’s state-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding shipyard, the vessel now features installations supporting a broad array of weapons—including anti-ship, cruise, hypersonic, and anti-aircraft missiles.China’s navy, known as the People’s Liberation Army Navy or PLAN, has been focusing on increasing its vertical launch systems in an attempt to match the VLS capabilities of the US Navy.As per the reports by a UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, on December 20, PLAN has surpassed 50% of the US Navy’s firepower.

Taiwan war plan?

This development signals China’s strategic pivot toward rapidly converting civilian merchant vessels into potent warships, bypassing traditional naval construction timelines amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Zhongda 79 transformation exemplifies a “maritime militia” evolution, where containerised missile launchers turn ordinary cargo ships into floating arsenals. This approach leverages China’s vast commercial fleet, allowing surge capacity for blockades or invasions without depleting its blue-water navy, a tactic long rehearsed in PLA exercises simulating Taiwan scenarios.Such conversions form a cornerstone of Beijing’s broader anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy targeting Taiwan, where overwhelming missile barrages from improvised platforms could saturate US and allied defenses during a cross-strait assault. By upgrading ships like Zhongda 79, China blurs civilian-military lines, complicating international responses under laws like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This fits a pattern of dual-use innovations, including roll-on/roll-off ferries and fishing trawlers armed for gray-zone coercion, positioning the PLA for a high-intensity conflict by 2027 as signaled in recent defense white papers.Satellite images of Zhongda 79Satellite images of Zhongda 79 have surfaced online, though the exact date when they were taken remains unclear. The location, however, has been identified as Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s yard in Shanghai, which is also the construction site of the Sichuan Type 076 amphibious assault ship, hat is believed to have completed its second sea trials earlier this month.One of the satellite images shows Zhongda 79 berthed close to the Sichuan at the shipyard.According to the South China Morning Post, other photos show several containers on the freighter bearing the words “Plan for the maritime revival of the Chinese nation and the community of shared future for mankind in the ocean.”Another part of the phrase reflects a maritime extension of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s broader political concept of building a “community of shared future for mankind.””Zhongda 79′ upgrade As Militarnyi reports, had not been engaged in regular domestic shipping operations for some time. Between April and August, the vessel underwent refitting at a shipyard in Longhai. The ship has been docked at the Shanghai shipyard since August 2025, where the final stage of the container ship’s transformation into an arsenal ship is believed to have taken place.At present, the Zhongda 79 still retains its civilian status as it hasn’t been listed as a part of the auxiliary fleet by the PLAN.

Imad Wasim and his wife Sannia Ashfaq are at the centre of a public controversy after Sannia accused the former Pakistan all-rounder of infidelity involving a “third party,” days after the couple announced their divorce. The pair, who married in 2019 in Islamabad, had been together for six years and share three children.

Sannia’s allegations, shared through a detailed Instagram post, have intensified scrutiny around the separation, contrasting sharply with Imad’s earlier request for privacy.

Sannia Ashfaq details alleged ’emotional torment’

Claims of mistreatment during pregnancies

In her post, Sannia wrote that she had endured “emotional torment, mistreatment, abortion and abandonment” while attempting to hold the family together for the sake of their children. She revealed that the couple has three children, including a five-month-old son whom she claims Imad has yet to hold.

“I am writing this from a place of deep pain,” she wrote. “My home has been broken, and my children have been left without their father. I am a mother of three, including a five-month-old infant who has yet to be held by his father.”

Sannia said she had chosen silence for a long time, but felt compelled to speak out to ensure her side of the story was heard.

Imad and Sannia’s marriage ‘survived difficulties’ until outside intervention

According to Sannia, the marriage faced challenges like many others but had continued despite them. She insisted she remained committed as both a wife and mother, making sincere efforts to preserve the family unit.

“What ultimately ended this marriage was the involvement of a third party, whose intention was to marry my husband,” she added, describing it as the final blow to an already fragile relationship.

Sannia also claimed to possess “documentary evidence” supporting her accusations, while alleging she has faced threats aimed at keeping her silent. She stated that she is prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.

Also READ: Pakistani actress Dua Zahra makes a special request to fans after admitting her crush on Babar Azam

Following Sannia’s post, social media speculation has pointed towards influencer Naila Raja, after a video filmed in London featuring Imad went viral. However, Raja has publicly denied any involvement, calling the allegations “baseless” and rejecting claims of an affair.

Despite the denial, Sannia’s statement has continued to fuel online discussion, particularly due to the stark contrast between her detailed account and Imad’s earlier message asking for privacy during the separation.

Also READ: Babar Azam left out as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

NEW DELHI: The ICC on Monday rated the pitch used for the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as unsatisfactory, handing the venue one demerit point after match referee Jeff Crowe ruled that it was “too much in favour of the bowlers”.The Test, which England won by four wickets, was completed inside two days, with as many as 20 wickets falling on the opening day alone.

“The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, has been deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process,” the ICC said in a statement.Under ICC regulations, accumulation of six demerit points can result in a venue being banned from hosting international matches for a period of 12 months.Explaining his assessment, Crowe highlighted the excessive assistance provided to bowlers throughout the match.“The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point,” he stated.The surface came in for strong criticism from several quarters, with England captain Ben Stokes saying it was not great for the game, while Cricket Australia termed it bad for business.In total, 36 wickets fell across just 142 overs, with no batter managing to score a half-century in the match.Despite England registering their first Test win in Australia since 2011, Australia had already retained the Ashes after winning the first three Tests to secure an unassailable 3–0 lead in the series.The fifth and final Test will be played in Sydney, starting January 4.

Real estate developers today are also concentrated on high-end and luxurious projects, rather than affordable housing schemes. This is forcing lenders to reconsider their home loan market strategies, according to Antique Stock Broking’s BFSI Conference 2025, cited by ANI. Developers are now reluctant to build homes under Rs 50 lakh due to high land costs, lower profits, and lack of government incentives.Housing finance experts at the conference talked about two major challenges in the affordable housing segment. First, developers are moving away from building budget-friendly homes. Second, traditional affordable housing projects in Tier 1 and 2 cities are being replaced by premium developments.The situation is particularly severe in cities like Mumbai, where soaring land prices have made affordable housing projects financially unfeasible for builders. Instead, there’s a growing trend towards homes in the Rs 2-3 crore range, while affordable housing supply continues to shrink.“Banks are not inherently set up to cater to the micro-level assessment required for affordable housing. They are expected to enter via co-lending partnerships rather than direct exposure,” the after-conference report stated. Housing Finance Companies would have to expand their presence in Tier 3 and 4 cities to remain competitive.Meanwhile, as public sector banks and large banks dominated the salaried customer market with pre-approved offers, experts quoted by ANI, suggested focusing on proprietorship and partnership firms. They noted that while salaried cash flows are predictable but offer lower yields, non-salaried cash flows are more complex to assess but provide higher yields and face less competition from traditional banks.“By targeting these premium customers, the company avoids putting in more efforts to disburse individual loans,” the report added, explaining how lenders are adapting to the changing market landscape.

NEW DELHI: Are the senior and junior Pawars on the same side again? For the upcoming civic polls, the answer is yes. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has announced that it will contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune local body elections together with the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).Announcing the tie-up, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said the alliance is restricted to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, stressing that it is a local arrangement.“For the sake of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections, the ‘clock’ and the ‘tutari’ (trumpet) have united. The parivar has come together,” deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said while announcing the alliance.“We are the ones who work for development. We will edge out those who tried to put this municipal corporation in debt,” he added.Claiming the upcoming polls to be the “fight of the workers”, NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said that the decision was taken listening to the views of party workers.“After speaking with all the party workers, Supriya Sule herself also interacted with the workers from Pune. Subsequently, discussions were held with workers from Pimpri-Chinchwad. This is a fight of the workers and their election. Therefore, after listening to their views and understanding their concerns, it was decided that both NCP factions will contest the polls together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, both parties will contest on their respective symbols.” NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said.“This decision has been taken only for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, and that too after listening to the local workers and with their consent. Pawar Saheb is not involved in this entire decision-making process. Such senior leaders have never directly participated in municipal corporation elections. He only said that the views of those who fought for us should be heard and understood, and that decisions should be taken in accordance with what the workers decide. Therefore, this alliance has been formed in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad,” he added.Cracks in MVA?Meanwhile, the announcement also brought ripples in the Mahaviakas Aghadi Dal alliance partners seeking answers from Sharad Pawar.“This issue is limited to Pimpri-Chinchwad. As far as I think, they will not be in an alliance in Pune. Sharad Pawar needs to answer this, as he has always opposed the BJP, but now they are going with them. Pawar Saheb and Amit Shah need to respond to this,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said during a media briefing.Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat also hinted that there is a possibility of NCP (SP) joining the BJP-led NDA government.“Both the NCPs are coming together by forming an alliance for the upcoming municipal corporation elections,” he said, adding that such local-level adjustments could be a precursor to a broader political understanding.How the feud beganThis comes two years after Ajit Pawar, along with a group of senior leaders, parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined hands with BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. He had raised objection over Sharad Pawar continuing to lead the party, despite old age.Ajit was sworn in as deputy chief minister under this new alliance. He favoured aligning with the ruling coalition, while Sharad Pawar’s faction insisted on remaining with the opposition.The Election Commission later recognised Ajit’s faction as the legitimate NCP, retaining the ‘clock’ symbol. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar’s faction (NCP-SP) adopted the ‘tutari’ (curved trumpet) symbol.Both factions contested elections separately. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where his faction faced setbacks, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that turning his back on family had been a “mistake”.What the split led toAjit had justified his decision by saying that he joined hands with NDA to “ensure stability and progress in Maharashtra.”“We are in alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena, and many people ask me why I took the step of separating from the (undivided) NCP and why I accepted the strain on family and personal relationships. I want to tell you that I did this not for power or position, but to ensure stability and progress in Maharashtra.”“In other parties, leaders retire after an age. In the BJP, leaders retire at 75, when are you going to stop? You should also give new people a chance. If we make mistakes, tell us. Your age is 83, will you ever stop or not? You give us blessings,” he added.In the Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024, Ajit Pawar’s NCP upped its score from a mere six Assembly segment leads in the Lok Sabha results to a tally of 41 MLAs, in the process beating the senior Pawar’s nominees in 27 head-to-head clashes; the latter won seven of those contests.The 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance win 235 seats, including 132 for the BJP, 57 for the Shiv Sena, and 41 for the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). The Maha Vikas Aghadi was reduced to 20 seats for Shiv Sena (UBT), 16 for the Congress, and 10 for the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).

Silver and gold continued their glittering rallies on Monday. Silver extended its record-breaking rally to a sixth consecutive session as strong investor demand and supportive global cues pushed prices to fresh highs in the futures market. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for March delivery surged by Rs 14,387, or 6%, to touch a lifetime high of Rs 2,54,174 per kilogram. However, just within an hour of hitting the record, the white metal dropped to an intraday low of Rs 2,33,120 per kg as investors rushed to lock in gains.Silver has seen sustained buying interest, mirroring firm trends in international markets. Over the past week alone, silver prices have jumped by Rs 31,348, marking a gain of 15.04 per cent on the commodities bourse. The white metal has also delivered exceptional returns so far this calendar year. Gold prices, meanwhile, remained close to record levels in the domestic futures market. On the MCX, gold futures for February delivery edged up by Rs 357, or 0.26 per cent, to trade at Rs 1,40,230 per 10 grams. The yellow metal had touched an all-time high of Rs 1,40,465 per 10 grams on Friday. In overseas markets, gold futures opened higher but later gave up early gains, slipping to $4,536.80 per ounce. This marked a decline of $15.90, or 0.35%, as investors resorted to profit-booking following last week’s rally.Gold price in your city today

Gold rate in Ahmedabad today

In Ahmedabad, 22K gold is priced at Rs 12,995 per gram, while 24K gold is selling at Rs 14,176 per gram.

Gold rate in Bengaluru today

Bengaluru markets sold 22K gold at Rs 12,990 per gram, with 24K gold available at Rs 14,171 per gram.

Gold rate in Bhubaneswar today

In Bhubaneswar, 22K gold stands at Rs 12,990 per gram, whereas 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,171 per gram.

Gold rate in Chennai today

In Chennai, 22K gold is priced at Rs 13,020 per gram, while 24K gold is selling at Rs 14,204 per gram.

Gold rate in Delhi today

In the national capital, 22K gold is priced at Rs 13,005 per gram, while 24K gold is selling at Rs 14,186 per gram.

Gold rate in Hyderabad today

Hyderabad markets have 22K gold priced at Rs 12,990 per gram and 24K gold at Rs 14,171 per gram.

Gold rate in Jaipur today

Jaipur has 22K gold priced at Rs 13,005 per gram, while 24K gold is tagged at Rs 14,186 per gram.

Gold rate in Kolkata today

In Kolkata, 22K gold is selling at Rs 12,990 per gram, while 24K gold is available at Rs 14,171 per gram.

Gold rate in Lucknow today

Lucknow’s market shows 22K gold at Rs 13,005 per gram, while 24K gold is selling for Rs 14,186 per gram.

Gold rate in Mumbai today

Mumbai markets sold 22K gold at Rs 12,990 per gram, with 24K gold available at Rs 14,171 per gram. Silver price in your city today

Silver price in Ahmedabad today

In Ahmedabad, silver is priced at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Bengaluru today

Bengaluru markets sold silver at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Bhubaneswar today

In Bhubaneswar, silver is priced at Rs 2,81,000 per kg.

Silver price in Chennai today

Chennai markets have silver priced at Rs 2,81,000 per kg.

Silver price in Mumbai today

In Mumbai, silver is selling at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Delhi today

In the national capital, silver is priced at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Hyderabad today

Hyderabad markets have silver priced at Rs 2,81,000 per kg.

Silver price in Jaipur today

In Jaipur, silver is selling at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Lucknow today

Lucknow markets list silver at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

Silver price in Kolkata today

In Kolkata, silver is priced at Rs 2,58,000 per kg.

If you have ever heard that Earth will soon start having 25-hour days, it might be right. The idea itself is not wrong. Scientists do expect Earth’s rotation to keep slowing. What often gets lost is the pace. These changes unfold so slowly that they slip past daily life without leaving a mark. No clocks will suddenly fall behind. No calendars need rewriting. What is happening is subtle, measured across decades and centuries using instruments most people never see. The story is not about a dramatic flip in how time works. It is about tiny shifts, pulled along by gravity, water, and ice, building up quietly over spans of time that far exceed a human lifetime.

Is a day really fixed at 24 hours

A day feels constant because we organise life around it. School starts, work ends, and alarms ring according to a 24 hour cycle. But this is only one way to define a day.If Earth’s rotation is measured against distant stars rather than the Sun, the result is a slightly shorter unit known as a sidereal day. The difference exists because Earth is not only spinning but also moving along its orbit. To bring the Sun back to the same point in the sky, the planet must rotate a little further.Even then, the solar day itself is not perfectly steady. It stretches and shrinks by tiny amounts. Over very long periods, the trend points in one direction. Days get longer.

Why the Moon is slowing Earth’s spin

The Moon plays a large role in this slow change. Its gravity pulls on Earth’s oceans, creating tidal bulges that rise and fall as the planet rotates. These bulges do not line up perfectly with the Moon because water moving across the seabed creates friction.NASA states that friction drains a small amount of rotational energy from Earth. Over time, the planet spins more slowly. The energy does not vanish. It is transferred outward, causing the Moon to drift farther away.A simple way to picture this is a spinning chair with a foot brushing the floor. The spin continues, but it gradually loses speed.

Can climate change affect Earth’s rotation

Beyond the Moon, scientists have found that changes on Earth’s surface also matter. NASA funded studies examining more than 120 years of data show that melting ice, shrinking glaciers, falling groundwater levels, and rising seas all shift how mass is distributed around the planet.When large amounts of ice melt or water moves from land to ocean, Earth’s balance changes. This causes the spin axis to wander slightly, a motion known as polar motion. It also lengthens the day by a very small amount.Since around 2000, the pace of this change has increased. Researchers link this acceleration to faster ice loss in Greenland and Antarctica driven by greenhouse gas emissions.

Early researchers tracked polar motion by observing the apparent movement of stars. Today, techniques are more precise. They include analysing radio signals from distant quasars and firing lasers at satellites to measure their exact positions.Using machine learning tools, scientists separated the causes of polar motion over 12 decades. Most repeating fluctuations were tied to changes in ice, groundwater, glaciers, and sea level. A smaller portion came from deep Earth processes, such as subtle shifts in the planet’s interior.Some patterns repeat roughly every 25 years. Others show long term drift.

Are humans responsible for all of it

The answer is mixed. Natural climate cycles have driven much of the historical variation. At the same time, recent decades show strong links between human activity and faster mass loss from ice sheets and aquifers.Scientists stress that both forces are at work. Natural systems set the rhythm. Human actions are now adding weight to the scale.

When would Earth actually reach a 25 hour day

This is where headlines often lose perspective. There is no date to circle. Based on current understanding of the Earth Moon system, reaching a 25 hour day would likely take around 200 million years.That future lies so far ahead that it has no practical effect on people, societies, or timekeeping. The idea is real, but the timescale is almost unimaginable.For now, the length of the day continues to change by milliseconds. Quietly. Almost imperceptibly.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has once again stirred debate around pitch assessments by openly questioning the International Cricket Council (ICC). The batting great has highlighted what he believes are double standards in the way pitch ratings are awarded, using the recently concluded fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as a prime example.

A two-day Test raises questions over pitch assessment

The Melbourne Test raised eyebrows after it wrapped up inside just two days, with bowlers dominating from the very first session. A staggering 20 wickets fell on Day 1 — the highest number in Australia on an opening day since 1951 — followed by another 16 on Day 2. In total, the match was completed in just 142 overs, an unusually short duration for a Test match at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

Despite the heavy assistance for bowlers, Gavaskar feels the pitch is unlikely to attract criticism from match officials. Drawing comparisons with the opening Test of the series in Perth, which also ended inside two days yet received a glowing assessment, the former opener suggested that the MCG surface could still escape scrutiny.

Sunil Gavaskar hints at referee-driven ratings for MCG pitch

Gavaskar pointed out that the Perth Test pitch was rated ‘very good’ despite similar conditions leading to a rapid finish. He added a sarcastic twist by suggesting that the rating for the Melbourne pitch may depend more on who is holding the referee’s clipboard than on the actual nature of the surface.

Gavaskar noted that with Jeff Crowe officiating the Melbourne and Sydney Tests instead of Ranjan Madugalle, the wording of the rating could conveniently change. According to him, the removal of the word “very” from “very good” might be the only visible difference, even though more wickets fell in Melbourne than in Perth.

“Since there is a new match referee, Jeff Crowe, for the Melbourne and Sydney Test matches, the rating could be different. Since 36 wickets fell in the Melbourne Test instead of 32 in Perth, Crowe might drop the word ‘very’ from the ‘very good’ that Madugalle gave for the Perth pitch and rate the MCG pitch as good. Surprises never cease, of course, so we may get another rating,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

Also READ: “I was in a state of shock”: MCG curator breaks silence after farce of two-day Boxing Day Test – Ashes 2025-26

Sarcasm aimed at ‘horrible groundsmen’ narrative

The 75-year-old did not stop there. He also took a dig at how Indian pitch curators are often portrayed by ICC match referees. Gavaskar sarcastically remarked that while curators in Australia may make an occasional “human error,” they are rarely labeled as manipulative — a stark contrast to the harsh language often used for Indian groundsmen.

“The curators, or as we found out about the person in charge at the MCG, the Director of Turf, may make a human error and get it slightly wrong, but they are not as devious as those ‘horrible groundsmen’ in India who do not even prepare a pitch and expect the batters to score runs on them. Tut tut,” Gavaskar added.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes and Steve Smith slam MCG pitch after 4th Test ends in two days

NEW DELHI: Ishita Sengar, daughter of former BJP MLA and Unnao rape case convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar, penned an open letter on Monday saying that she is “exhausted, frightened and slowly losing faith”. Her statement came after the Supreme Court stayed a Delhi high court order that had suspended her father’s life sentence.

In her letter, Ishita wrote: “I am writing this letter as a daughter who is exhausted, frightened, and slowly losing faith, but still holding on to hope because there is nowhere else left to go.”The Supreme Court stayed the operation of the December 23 Delhi high court order and directed that Kuldeep Singh Sengar shall not be released from prison in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape case.A three-judge vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench observed that although courts usually do not stay bail orders once a convict is released, the present case involved “peculiar facts” as Sengar remains in jail in another criminal case.“We are conscious of the fact that when a convict or an undertrial has been released, such orders are not ordinarily stayed by this court. But in view of the peculiar facts where the convict is convicted for a separate offence, we stay the operation of the Delhi High Court order,” the bench said.Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an expelled BJP MLA from Unnao, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for the rape of a minor under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is also serving a separate 10-year sentence in a CBI case related to the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father.In her letter addressed to the “Hon’ble Authorities of the Republic of India,” Ishita Sengar said her family had waited silently for eight years, trusting the legal system.Explaining why the family chose not to protest publicly, she wrote: “We chose silence not because we were powerful, but because we believed in institutions. We waited because we believed that truth does not need spectacle.”

She alleged that despite being labelled “powerful” because of her father’s political identity, her family remained unheard.“People call us ‘powerful.’ I ask you what kind of power leaves a family voiceless for eight years?” she said. Ishita added that her family had been “drained financially, emotionally, and physically” while seeking justice.Ishita also claimed she had received rape and death threats on social media over the years, which eventually silenced her.“Over these years, I have been told countless times that I should be raped, killed, or punished simply for existing,” she wrote, describing the abuse as “daily” and “relentless.”She further expressed concern that fear and public outrage were beginning to overshadow facts and due process.“If pressure and public frenzy begin to overshadow evidence and due process, what protection does an ordinary citizen truly have?” she asked.Clarifying her intent, Ishita said the letter was not written to seek sympathy or special treatment.“We are not asking for a favour. We are asking for justice because we are human,” she wrote, urging that the law be allowed to function “without fear” and evidence be examined “without pressure.”During the Supreme Court hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, described the case as a “very horrific” instance of child rape and argued that Sengar, being an MLA at the time, occupied a dominant position over the victim, attracting stricter punishment under the POCSO Act.The bench also expressed concern that excluding lawmakers from the definition of “public servant” under POCSO could create legal immunity for MPs and MLAs.Meanwhile, the rape survivor’s mother welcomed the Supreme Court’s order, saying it gave her hope that her daughter would finally get justice.The Supreme Court has issued notice to Sengar and sought his response within four weeks. The matter is scheduled to be heard again in the last week of January.

Aishwarya Sengar’s big charge after SC order in Unnao case

Following the apex court’s decision, Kuldeep’s daughter Aishwarya Sengar alleged that her family was not given an opportunity to present its arguments on the merits of the case and claimed that key facts were being overlooked.“We couldn’t even start arguing on the merits of the case today, that she has changed her statement several times, changed the timing thrice, starting from 2 pm, 6 pm and then finally 8 pm. There’s a finding of the AIIMS medical board that she was more than 18. I’ve been fighting for justice for the past eight years, but maybe the sorrows of me and my family mean nothing. We have been stripped of our dignity, our peace, and even our fundamental right to be heard. Still hope for justice. I request that the media not spread any misinformation,” Aishwarya said.