Imad Wasim, Sannia Ashfaq

Sannia Ashfaq has said that the involvement of a third party led to the end of her marriage with retired Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim, days after the couple confirmed their separation.Imad Wasim, 37, earlier announced through an official public statement that he and his wife had decided to separate after six years of marriage. He said the decision was taken due to conflicts that could not be resolved over time.Posting on his Instagram account, Imad explained the reason behind filing for divorce.“After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce,” he wrote.He also asked the public to respect their privacy and avoid circulating old photos of the couple.“I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos. Please also refrain from referring to her as my spouse going forward,” he added.Imad further urged people not to believe speculation around the matter and said legal steps would be taken if needed.“I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary.”Speaking about his children, he said he would continue to fulfil his responsibilities as a father.“Regarding the children, I remain their father and will continue to care for them fully and responsibly. Thank you for your understanding and respect,” he concluded.Sannia Ashfaq later issued her own statement on Instagram, saying the breakdown of the marriage was linked to a third person.“I am writing this from a place of deep pain. 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. This is not a story I wished to share, but silence should never be mistaken for weakness,” she wrote.She said she had tried to keep the marriage together despite difficulties.“Like many marriages, ours had difficulties, yet it continued to exist. I remained committed as a wife and mother and made sincere efforts to preserve our family,” she said.Sannia added that the involvement of another person ended the relationship.“What ultimately ended this marriage was the involvement of a third party, whose intention was to marry my husband, became the final blow to an already struggling union,” she added.Imad Wasim and Sannia Ashfaq were married in 2019 and have three children together.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP photo)

US President Donald Trump is set to host a crucial meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, an engagement can be seen as another effort to ease the ongoing war and push forward a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, now nearing four years since Moscow’s invasion. The talks will include Zelenskyy’s “20-point peace deal proposal”, which is “about 90% ready” as Ukrainian leader said.

The meeting is scheduled for 1pm, the White House said late Friday. It comes against the backdrop of renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine, including heavy damage in Kyiv from large-scale missile and drone strikes.Ukrainian president’s spokesperson confirmed that Trump and Zelenskyy will call European leaders after meeting in Florida.On Saturday, Zelenskyy said on X that Russia used “almost 500 drones and 40 missiles” in its latest assault. He also wrote on Telegram, “Russia continues to mock our cities and people. Moscow has rejected even the proposals for a Christmas ceasefire and is increasing the ferocity of its missile and drone strikes. This is a clear signal of how they really feel about diplomacy… Therefore, Ukraine needs sufficient support. And sufficient pressure needs to be put on Russia.”Trump and Zelenskyy will meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, where the US president is spending the holidays. Trump has been trying to position himself as a mediator since beginning his second-stint in presidency, although previous talks, including one with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, ended without progress.Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is doing everything it can to end the war but stressed that final decisions depend on support from partners. “These are some of the most active diplomatic days of the year, and much can be resolved before the New Year, and we are doing everything for this, but whether there will be decisions depends on the partners,” he wrote on Telegram. He added that Ukraine’s allies must continue pressure on Moscow “so that the Russians feel the consequences of their own aggression.”Russia has increased strikes on Kyiv in the days leading up to the Florida talks. In another post on X, Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war. We need to be strong at the negotiating table.” Responding to Russia’s attacks, he also wrote, “We want peace, and Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war. If the whole world — Europe and America — is on our side, together we will stop” Putin.During a meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney in Halifax, Zelenskyy said that “pressure on Russia and sufficient, strong support for Ukraine” remain key to peace. Canada announced C$2.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) in new economic assistance.Carney called Russia’s latest strikes “barbarism” and said both Trump and Zelenskyy are helping create conditions for a “just and lasting peace.”

What to expect from the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

Zelenskyy has said the “20-point peace proposal” being discussed is “about 90% ready”, and negotiators hope major decisions can be taken soon. He said security guarantees and an “economic agreement” will be discussed, though he did not say “whether anything will be finalised by the end.”Ukraine will also raise “territorial issues,” including areas occupied by Russia and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.Zelenskyy has made clear that security guarantees are a top priority and depend on Trump, “what he is ready to give, when he is ready to give it, and for how long.”However, signs of tension remain. Trump recently told Politico he expected a “good” meeting but added, “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got.” The comment highlighted strains in the relationship.The White House has been pushing heavily for a peace deal, and Trump has sometimes appeared closer to Russia’s position. After meeting Zelenskyy in October, Trump suggested both sides should “stop at the battle line,” which would allow Russia to keep the territory it has captured.Before Sunday’s meeting, Zelenskyy said unresolved issues include territory, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, funding for reconstruction, and technical matters like security guarantees and monitoring mechanisms.With Russia escalating attacks and Ukraine insisting on strong guarantees, the Florida meeting is expected to focus heavily on territory, security, and the final structure of a possible peace deal, but it remains unclear how much both sides will agree on.

Gold and silver are expected to hold their ground in the coming week as traders look to the US Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes for cues on the monetary policy outlook, analysts said, even as trading volumes remain subdued due to limited data releases.According to PTI, market participants will track the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, due on Tuesday, along with a few US economic indicators such as pending home sales, to assess the direction of interest rates and their impact on bullion prices.Analysts said gold and silver are likely to retain underlying strength into 2026, supported by expectations of global rate cuts, safe-haven demand and firm industrial consumption. However, they cautioned that the pace of gains may moderate after an exceptional rally in 2025.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures rose Rs 5,677, or 4.23 per cent, during the week to touch a lifetime high of Rs 1,40,465 per 10 grams on Friday.“After a staggering rally in 2025, we do not expect similar returns in 2026. But the current momentum may push prices towards $5,000–5,200 globally and Rs 1,50,000–1,55,000 on the MCX in 2026,” said Pranav Mer, vice-president, EBG, Commodity and Currency Research, JM Financial Services Ltd, PTI quoted.Mer said key drivers such as monetary policy easing, de-dollarisation trends and global trade tensions are likely to remain in focus next year. He added that developments such as Bank of Japan rate hikes, escalation in global trade restrictions and economic activity in the US and China will be closely monitored.In international markets, gold prices climbed $165.4, or 3.77 per cent, over the past week and touched a lifetime high of $4,584 per ounce on the Comex, ending the holiday-shortened week on a strong note.Mer noted that while central bank gold purchases have slowed compared to the previous three years, buying remains steady due to portfolio diversification needs and currency-related concerns amid expectations of further rate cuts.Prathamesh Mallya, DVP–Research, Non-Agri Commodities and Currencies at Angel One, said easing interest rates by the US Federal Reserve and expectations of further cuts have made gold and silver attractive in 2025.“These assets have also benefited from safe-haven flows amid uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war,” Mallya said, adding that gold prices could move towards Rs 1,60,000 per 10 grams on domestic exchanges in the first half of 2026.Silver futures also saw a sharp rally during the week, reflecting strong industrial as well as investment demand. On the MCX, silver surged Rs 31,348, or 15.04 per cent, during the holiday-shortened week and touched a record Rs 2,42,000 per kg on Friday.On the Comex, silver prices gained $9.71, or 14.4 per cent, over the week, hitting a lifetime high of $79.70 per ounce.“Silver is supported by strong industrial demand from new-age sectors, relatively cheaper pricing compared to gold, and a sharp rally in industrial metals following tariff announcements earlier this year,” Mer said.Analysts said silver prices could move towards Rs 2,75,000 per kg on the MCX and $80–85 per ounce globally, driven by supply constraints and sustained demand.China, the world’s largest consumer of silver and a major producer of solar panels, electronics and electric vehicles, has announced export restrictions from January 1, 2026, requiring licences for shipments. Analysts said the move, expected to remain in place through 2027, could disrupt global supply chains and support prices.Overall, analysts said precious metals are likely to remain firm in 2026, with interest-rate expectations, trade tensions and industrial demand keeping gold and silver in focus.

BAGHPAT: A khap panchayat in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district has issued a set of social guidelines banning the use of smartphones for teenagers and prohibiting boys and girls from wearing half-pants, citing concerns over “Western influence” and the erosion of traditional values.The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Thamba Desh Khap, where members said the move was aimed at promoting social discipline, cultural values and harmony within villages. The panchayat also laid down rules to regulate wedding ceremonies, including restrictions on guest lists and curbs on what it termed unnecessary expenditure, according to news agency ANI.As per the resolutions, teenagers—particularly those below 18–20 years—will not be allowed to use smartphones. Phones, if needed, should be kept at home and not given directly to children. The panchayat also decided that weddings should be held in villages or at homes rather than in marriage halls, arguing that large, commercial ceremonies strain relationships and finances. Invitations, it said, should preferably be sent through WhatsApp instead of printed cards.Thamba Desh Khap Chaudhary Brajpal Singh said the decisions reflect the collective will of society. “The decision taken by society is supreme. Similar steps taken in Rajasthan are commendable. We also plan to ban smartphones and half-pants for boys. Children should spend time with family elders to receive proper education and social guidance,” he said, adding that boys aged 18 to 20 do not need mobile phones.Dagadh Khap Chaudhary Ompal Singh echoed similar views, saying unrestricted access to mobile phones could lead to “bad habits”. “The same rule will apply to boys and girls. Phones should remain at home. As for weddings, they should be simple and held within the village. Marriage halls create unnecessary complications in relationships,” he said.Local resident Naresh Pal said the decisions were taken by consensus. “There is no need to give phones to minors. Phone use in schools is a separate matter, but at home it must be regulated. This decision is timely,” he said.The khap panchayat said it plans to implement these guidelines across Uttar Pradesh and will reach out to other khaps to run a coordinated awareness campaign at the village level.

As the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2025 award approaches announcement, anticipation builds around players who dominated the longest format with extraordinary consistency and impact. This prestigious honour recognizes sustained excellence across gruelling series, where batters piled up runs and bowlers dismantled line-ups under pressure. Deep research into 2025 performances reveals a fiercely contested race blending volume stats, match-winning knocks, and pivotal contributions

Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s T20I cricketer of the Year 2025

1. Joe Root (England)

England‘s Joe Root emerged as the leading run-scorer in Test cricket for 2025, showcasing masterful consistency across demanding series. His prolific output highlighted a refined technique blending patience with calculated aggression, anchoring England’s revival in key battles.

Runs: 805
Average / Strike Rate: 50.31 / 57.70
Milestones: Recorded 4 centuries and 1 half-century in 18 innings.
Signature Performance: Crafted an unbeaten 135 at the Gabba during the Ashes, hailed as his finest innings amid a top-order collapse, steering England to a fighting total against Australia’s pace barrage.​

2. Shubman Gill (India)

Shubman Gill dominated the run charts as India‘s young captain, blending elegance with resilience on challenging pitches worldwide. His explosive scoring propelled India to series triumphs, marking his ascent as a global batting powerhouse.
Runs: 983
Average / Strike Rate: 70.21 / 63.70
Milestones: Smashed 5 centuries and 1 half-century in 16 innings.
Signature Performance: Blasted a career-best 269 at Edgbaston against England, part of twin tons totalling over 430 runs that sealed a commanding victory, the highest by an Asian in an English series.​

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2025

3. Travis Head (Australia)

Travis Head‘s fearless aggression lit up Australia‘s campaigns, particularly in the Ashes defense, where his rapid counters dismantled bowling attacks. His ability to accelerate under pressure proved decisive in high-stakes chases and rebuilds.
Runs: 817
Average / Strike Rate: 40.85 / 79.39
Milestones: Notched 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries in 21 innings.
Signature Performance: Unleashed 170 in the Ashes at Perth, clinching the series with a blistering chase of 205 for an 8-wicket win, embodying his new-ball opener role.​​

4. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc terrorized batters with express pace and swing, leading Australia’s bowling charts and turning matches single-handedly. His stamina across long hauls and flat tracks underscored his status as a modern great.
Wickets: 55
Average / Economy: 17.32 / 3.66
Milestones: Claimed 3 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket match in 22 innings.
Signature Performance: Devastated India with 7/58 at the MCG, including a lethal 1-25 spell that sparked a collapse, pivotal in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.​​

5. Mohammed Siraj (India)

Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s pace attack, surging to the top of global Test wicket-takers with fiery spells in diverse conditions. His leadership in the fast-bowling unit complemented spin dominance, restricting opponents ruthlessly.
Wickets: 43
Average / Economy: 27.20 / 3.75
Milestones: Secured 2 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls in 19 innings.
Signature Performance: Dismantled West Indies with 6/70, including Shai Hope‘s prized wicket at 103, propelling India to a series whitewash abroad.

Also READ: Top 5 contenders for ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2025

Congress MP Manickam Tagore (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday stoked controversy as he compared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with Islamic terror outfit al-Qaida, saying the BJP’s ideological mentor “breeds hatred and propagates hatred”.Reacting to Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s remark praising the organisational strength of the RSS, Tagore said, “there is nothing to learn from the RSS,” which is the ideological fountainhead of Hindutva.

“RSS is an organisation that spreads hatred. It breeds hatred and propagates hatred. That organisation is like al-Qaida. Al-Qaeda is also an organised group that spreads hatred and terror. There is nothing to learn from the RSS,” Manickam Tagore told news agency IANS.Building on Digvijay’s remark, RSS member Indresh Kumar blunted the attack from Congress leader Manickam Tagore by linking his remark to the “intellectual and mental bankruptcy of the Congress leadership and its members”.“Some leaders praised the RSS for its discipline, patriotism, and work in nation-building. This has caused turmoil within the Congress party, and it appears divided. In this context, a prominent MP has revealed his mindset by comparing the RSS to al-Qaeda… It reflects the intellectual and mental bankruptcy of the Congress leadership and its members,” Indresh Kumar told news agency ANI while highlighting the 100 years of work of the RSS.Reacting to Manickam Tagore’s criticism of the RSS, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said: “Congress MP Manickam Tagore, when he says RSS spreads hatred, I want to say, little knowledge is dangerous thing, when he compares RSS to the likes of al-Qaida, it shows, you have no thought process sir… The Congress has only spread hatred, terror, and for you to suggest that the RSS, there is nothing to learn from, let me please say, the only thing to learn from RSS is nation-building, which is for Congress to learn.“On the day the Congress marked its 140th foundation anniversary, senior leader Digvijay Singh’s remarks praising the RSS’s organisational strength drew divided reactions from the party leaders, raising fresh questions about potential internal discord.Some Congress leaders dismissed the idea that the RSS could offer any lessons to their party, while others subtly took veiled jibe at Singh.Digvijay Singh sparked row after he shared a black-and-white photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on the floor near senior BJP leader LK Advani in Gujarat. Singh commented on the ability of grassroots workers to ascend through the ranks to become chief minister and eventually Prime Minister, attributing this to the “power of organisation.”He tagged several senior Congress figures, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, PM Modi, and the official Congress handles.