Richa Ghosh, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, recently shared how the ODI World Cup victory has transformed the lives of women cricketers across the country. Speaking after India’s commanding 30-run win over Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I, she highlighted the newfound recognition players now enjoy everywhere they go.

The 22-year-old produced another explosive performance in Thiruvananthapuram, scoring a blistering 40 runs off just 16 balls. Her innings featured four boundaries and three sixes, showcasing her incredible finishing ability. Furthermore, she helped India post a formidable total of 222 runs, which ultimately proved too much for the visiting team.

Life After World Cup Triumph

According to Richa, the World Cup victory has brought significant changes for the entire team. “Everyone is happy, and wherever we go, we receive a warm welcome from the public,” she explained during the post-match presentation. Moreover, people now recognize players by name, whether it’s Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, or herself.

This recognition marks a historic shift for women’s cricket in India. Previously, many players competed without widespread public awareness. However, the World Cup win has elevated their profiles dramatically. Consequently, the team carries increased confidence into every series they play.

Richa’s Journey and Playing Style

Born in September 2003 in Siliguri, West Bengal, Richa began her cricket journey at just four years old. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, a former cricketer himself, introduced her to the sport. Interestingly, she initially played with boys’ teams because Siliguri lacked a girls’ cricket team at that time.

Key Career Milestones:

In the recent match, team management promoted her to number three in the batting order. This decision proved successful as she took on the aggressor’s role immediately. “Whenever I get a chance, my motto is to score runs and provide a good finish,” she stated clearly.

Current Form and Focus

Richa has also played internationally for Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL and London Spirit in the Women’s Hundred. Additionally, her domestic success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has established her as one of cricket’s most valuable players.

Despite her batting brilliance, she acknowledges areas for improvement. Her wicketkeeping occasionally needs refinement, including a missed stumping during the Sri Lanka match. Nevertheless, she remains focused on contributing wherever the team needs her most.

Currently unmarried and completely dedicated to cricket, Richa continues building her legacy. Her family, including mother Swapna and sister Somashree, supports her journey every step of the way.

As India extends their unbeatable series lead to 4-0, Richa Ghosh stands as a shining example of how talent, dedication, and opportunity can transform both individual careers and entire sports.

The Supreme Court on Sunday stayed the bail granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. A three-judge vacation bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, heard the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) urgent plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend his life sentence.

The bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, immediately addressed the matter. Meanwhile, heavy security surrounded the court premises during the hearing. Additionally, the rape survivor’s mother fainted inside the courtroom and received medical assistance.

Why CBI Challenged the Bail

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, called the incident a “horrific rape” of a minor. He explained that the survivor was slightly over 15 years old when the crime occurred. Furthermore, Sengar held significant power as an MLA in the area, creating a position of dominance over the victim.

“The trial court found Sengar guilty beyond a doubt,” Mr. Mehta argued. Moreover, he pointed out that Sengar faced conviction under both the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Consequently, the minimum sentence should be 20 years, potentially extending to life imprisonment.

Case Timeline:

Court’s Key Observations

The Chief Justice noted ambiguity regarding the definition of ‘public servant’ under POCSO. He questioned whether an MLA qualifies as a public servant, while lower-ranking officials like patwaris or police constables clearly do. Therefore, the court issued a notice to Sengar, asking him to file a reply within four weeks.

However, the CJI clarified that Sengar’s personal liberty isn’t immediately affected. This is because he continues serving a 10-year sentence in another case involving the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father. Thus, he will remain in jail regardless of this bail decision.

Delhi High Court’s Controversial Decision

On December 23, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s life sentence after noting he had already served seven years and five months. The High Court found that Sengar didn’t qualify as a ‘public servant’ under POCSO Section 5(c). Additionally, they determined he didn’t hold a “position of trust or authority” under Section 5(p).

Nevertheless, the CBI strongly contested this interpretation. They argued that a sitting MLA occupies a constitutional position involving public duties. Furthermore, the agency raised serious concerns about the survivor’s safety, stating that Sengar’s influence could jeopardize her family’s security.

Survivor’s Plea for Safety

Before the hearing, the survivor expressed faith in the Supreme Court’s justice. She also appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for protection. Moreover, she alleged that Kuldeep Sengar had bribed officials, though these claims require investigation. Her family has suffered tremendously since the 2017 incident, making this legal victory crucial for their sense of security and justice.

Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress and passionate animal rights activist, passed away on Sunday, December 28, at the age of 91. She died peacefully at her Saint-Tropez home, La Madrague, with her husband Bernard d’Ormale by her side. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation confirmed her death early Sunday morning.

Bruno Jacquelin, the Foundation’s press director, shared her final moments with BFMTV. “At 5:50 she was still breathing,” he explained. Furthermore, at 5:55, she softly whispered her affectionate word “Pioupiou” before passing away. This tender farewell marked the end of an extraordinary life that spanned cinema, activism, and controversy.

A Cinema Icon of Her Time

During the 1950s and 1960s, Brigitte became a global symbol of beauty and freedom. Her breakthrough role came in “And God Created Woman” (1956), directed by Roger Vadim. Subsequently, she starred in Jean-Luc Godard’s masterpiece “Contempt” (1963), cementing her status as a film legend.

French President Emmanuel Macron honored her on social media, calling her a “legend of the century” who “embodied a life of freedom.” Meanwhile, countless celebrities and fans expressed their grief and admiration.

Career Highlights:

From Actress to Animal Advocate

In 1973, Brigitte made a dramatic decision. She abandoned her successful film career completely. Instead, she dedicated herself entirely to animal protection. For over 50 years, she fought tirelessly for animal rights worldwide. Consequently, her Foundation became one of France’s most respected animal welfare organizations.

Line Renaud praised her as a “sister in combat” for animals. Similarly, PETA called her “an angel for animals,” urging people to honor her memory by helping animals. Additionally, Mireille Mathieu described her as having “beauty of the heart,” not just physical beauty.

Complex Legacy and Controversies

However, Brigitte’s later life included significant controversies. She faced five convictions for inciting racial hatred through her statements. Moreover, she openly supported far-right political figures, including Jean-Marie Le Pen. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, served as an advisor to Le Pen.

Despite these controversies, many remember her primarily for her cinematic contributions and animal welfare work. Nevertheless, her political views remain a complicated part of her legacy.

Final Tributes and Remembrance

In September, while hospitalized, Brigitte gave a final interview. “I’ve had enough,” she confessed. “There’s a weariness you can’t imagine.” She also reflected that life remained “a mystery” she would “soon understand.”

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, announced plans to name a prominent city location after her. Additionally, fans have been gathering at La Madrague, leaving flowers and paying respects. These tributes demonstrate how Brigitte Bardot continues inspiring people despite her complicated history, leaving behind an unforgettable mark on French culture and animal rights advocacy worldwide.