Trump says Ukraine deal closer following weekend discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Florida estate. The US President expressed optimism that a peace agreement could emerge within weeks, despite ongoing challenges over territorial control in eastern Ukraine.

During their Sunday meeting at Mar-a-Lago, both leaders discussed a revised peace framework. Zelensky described the plan as “90% agreed,” with security guarantees fully finalized. However, significant disagreements persist regarding the Donbas region, where fighting has concentrated since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

The proposed plan includes several key elements. First, fighting would stop at current frontlines in eastern Ukraine. Second, a demilitarized zone would be established in the contested areas. Third, international forces would monitor any ceasefire agreement. Additionally, Ukraine would receive security guarantees similar to NATO’s mutual defense commitment.

Trump acknowledged that resolving territorial disputes remains difficult. “It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer,” he stated during the joint appearance. Meanwhile, Russia has shown little willingness to compromise, continuing to demand Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Donbas.

Before meeting Zelensky, Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin later claimed both nations share similar positions, though this contradicts statements from Ukrainian and European officials.

Zelensky has proposed creating a “free economic zone” in the industrial heartland. This area would require both sides to withdraw military forces. Furthermore, international peacekeepers would oversee the demilitarized territory. Similar arrangements might apply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.

Key Points of the Peace Framework:

• Ceasefire at current battle lines
• Demilitarized zones in contested areas
• US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine
• Possible referendum for Ukrainian citizens
• International monitoring of agreements
• Future EU membership discussions

Russia launched fresh attacks on Kyiv before the Florida meeting. These strikes knocked out power and heating for hundreds of thousands of residents during winter. Putin warned that military solutions would continue if Ukraine rejects peace terms.

European leaders joined the discussions by phone after the Trump-Zelensky meeting. Zelensky indicated he might return to Washington in January with European counterparts for further negotiations.

Despite progress, major obstacles remain. Russia demands immediate Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas territories it claims. Conversely, Ukraine insists any territorial decisions require voter approval through referendum.

The coming weeks will prove critical. As Trump noted, it will become clear whether ending this devastating conflict is truly possible. Trump says Ukraine deal closer than ever before, though the path forward requires difficult compromises from all parties involved.

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.