The World around U

  India reaffirmed their dominance in the shortest format of the game. Since becoming T20 World Champions in 2024, they have lost only four matches — and on Tuesday in Cuttack, Suryakumar Yadav’s men once again showed why. At the Barabati Stadium, India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in a completely one-sided contest, bowling the visitors out for a paltry 74 . India lost the toss once again, and as expected, South Africa opted to bowl first. The start was shaky for the hosts. Vice-captain Shubman Gill fell in the opening over, continuing his lean patch in T20Is. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also failed to get going. Reduced to 17 for 2 , India were under pressure. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to rebuild but couldn’t lift the scoring rate. That responsibility fell on Hardik Pandya , and he embraced it with authority. Walking in at 78 for 4 , Hardik counterattacked brilliantly, smashing a blistering 59 off just 28 balls . His innings, studded with six fours and four towering si...

  A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Japan late Monday (8 December 2025) night, injuring at least 30 people and prompting tsunami alerts along the Pacific coast. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake hit at 11:15 p.m. local time off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometres. Tsunami waves reaching up to 70 centimetres followed the tremor, and the agency initially warned of possible waves as high as 3 metres. The quake occurred along a major tectonic trench off Hokkaido and northeastern Japan, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath Honshu—an area known for generating large earthquakes. JMA later revised the magnitude from an early estimate of 7.6 and issued a rare “Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory,” which is triggered when a confirmed magnitude 7.0 or stronger quake occurs. The agency estimates a one-in-100 chance of a magnitude-8 or larger earthquake striking the same region within th...

  The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram , Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest structural temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Shiva . Built entirely of sandstone, it stands as a masterpiece of Pallava architecture and a landmark in early Dravidian temple design. The temple is revered both as a historical monument and a powerful spiritual center , attracting devotees, historians, and art lovers worldwide. 2. History in Detail Construction Era Built during the reign of Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) (circa 685–705 CE) Later completed by his son Mahendravarman III . Architectural Context It is the first great structural temple of Tamil Nadu, marking a transition from: Earlier rock-cut cave temples To fully built structural temples made of sandstone Laid the foundation for later Dravidian temples of Cholas and Nayaks. Inscriptions Contains extensive Pallava-era inscriptions in both Sanskrit and Tamil. Some inscriptions describe Rajasimha’s ...

  “Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar and released on Friday amidst legal controversies and criticism, marks Ranveer Singh’s return to the big screen as a spy. Despite familiar tropes of India–Pakistan tensions, terrorism, RAW–ISI intrigue and Middle-East settings, the 3-hour-34-minute thriller delivers a fresh flavour within the crowded spy genre. The film stands out for its gritty depiction of Pakistan’s crime-ridden town Lyari and its violent underworld. Packed with relentless action, bloodshed and tension, it is not for the faint-hearted. Yet, strong direction and a tight screenplay make it an engaging watch. Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and R. Madhavan deliver standout performances. High-voltage action, espionage, romance, revenge — all the staples of a commercial entertainer are present. Aditya Dhar’s meticulous detailing, especially around late-90s to early-2000s terror incidents, is particularly striking. Beginning with the 1999 Kandahar hijack backdrop, the story tra...

  Bala Murugan Temple in Siruvapuri, located about 40 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is one of the region’s most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan , the Tamil God of courage, knowledge, and victory. The temple is renowned for its divine aura, powerful vāzhthu (blessing energy), and for being a sought-after place for devotees praying for marriage, childbirth, and success. The temple is particularly famous for its deity, Balasubramaniyar , representing Lord Murugan in his youthful divine form, radiating strength and innocence simultaneously. History (in Detail) The origin of the Siruvapuri Bala Murugan Temple is linked to events dating back over 500 years , with a sacred legend involving the great Tamil saint and poet Arunagirinathar . Legend of Arunagirinathar Arunagirinathar, who composed the famous Tiruppugazh hymns in praise of Murugan, visited Siruvapuri during his spiritual journeys. It is believed that: Lord Murugan appeared before him in a radiant form. In...

  Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes with a commanding 8-wicket victory in the day-night Test at Brisbane, taking a 2–0 series lead . England were bowled out for 241 in their second innings, leaving the hosts a modest target of 65 , which they reached with ease on the fourth day. Despite knowing defeat was inevitable, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks resumed England’s innings on Sunday with fighting intent. For the first two hours leading up to the tea break, Australia’s bowlers—led by Mitchell Starc—struggled to break the partnership. Stokes and Jacks avoided risks, scoring only when the opportunity came. But the resistance collapsed after tea when Michael Neser removed Jacks for 41 brilliantly caught by Smith in the slips . England’s lower order crumbled quickly, with Gus Atkinson (3) and Brydon Carse (7) falling cheaply. Stokes battled on but eventually fell to Neser for 50 well caught by keeper Carey , closing England’s innings at 241 . Neser was the standout perform...

  Elk Hill Murugan Temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Tamil Nadu , located atop the scenic Elk Hill . Dedicated to Lord Murugan , the deity of courage, knowledge, and victory, this hilltop shrine is not only a sacred place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction for its panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills , cool climate, and serene environment. The temple is famous for its 40-foot-tall Lord Murugan statue , which resembles the iconic Palani Murugan, and for its peaceful, meditative ambience far away from the bustle of Ooty town. History (In Detail) Origins The temple was built in the late 20th century by local devotees and charitable trusts, who wanted to create a dedicated Murugan temple in Ooty similar to those in Palani and other Tamil holy sites. The site on Elk Hill was chosen for its serenity, isolation, and spiritual elevation—ideal for meditation and worship of Lord Murugan. Development Over the years, the temp...

  Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Temple, located in Tirupattur near Trichy (Tamil Nadu) , is one of the most spiritually significant shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma . It is one of the rare temples where Lord Brahma is worshipped as a primary deity in a separate sanctum. Devotees believe that performing prayers here can help rewrite one’s destiny , since this is the sacred place where Shiva is said to have granted Brahma the power to change fate (“Vidhi”). With serene surroundings, ancient stone architecture, and deep mythological roots, the temple attracts devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions, karma-related obstacles, and life stagnation. History (In Detail) Mythological Background According to legend: Lord Brahma once grew proud of His creative powers. To humble Him, Lord Shiva removed Brahma’s power of creation , making Him feel helpless. A distressed Brahma visited several Shiva temples and finally reached Tirupattur , where he performed inten...

  It felt like the India of old — the team that once steamrolled opponents with fearless, attacking cricket. The team that played the World Cup final, the team that lifted the Champions Trophy. At Visakhapatnam, that ruthless version of India resurfaced. In the series decider, India demolished South Africa by nine wickets to pocket the ODI series. Hard to believe this was the same squad that had been deflated by a 2–0 loss in the Test series just days earlier. The only major change? The return of the two seasoned giants, instantly transforming the atmosphere in the dressing room. Winning his first toss in 20 matches, captain KL Rahul chose to field — a decision that paid off. Arshdeep Singh struck in the opening over, removing opener Rickelton. South Africa counter-punched quickly, though, as Captain Bavuma and Quinton de Kock added 112 runs. Even after Bavuma fell, de Kock stitched another 64-run partnership with Brevis, taking the scoring rate close to six and bringing up a fin...

  England’s struggle against Australia’s relentless bowling attack continued in the Ashes, a problem evident in both innings at Perth and now starkly exposed once again at Brisbane. In the day–night Test at the Gabba, Joe Root’s first-innings brilliance could not mask England’s batting frailties, and a second-innings collapse has put Australia firmly on course for victory by the end of Day Three. England closed the day on 134 for 6, still 43 runs behind Australia with only four wickets in hand. Their hopes now rest solely on captain Ben Stokes and  Jacks , the last recognised pair at the crease. Australia had resumed Day Three strongly from their overnight 378 for 6, already 44 runs ahead. Mitchell Starc extended that lead with a superb all-round performance—taking six wickets with the ball and then smashing 77 with the bat. Starc played some glorious drives through the off side . Carey contributed a fluent 63 & the lower order kept frustrating England. Supported by val...

  These cauliflower cutlets are flavourful, crispy, and perfect as a tea-time snack or starter. Soft on the inside and golden on the outside, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Ingredients Cauliflower – 1 medium Potatoes – 2 medium (boiled) Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (finely chopped) Green chillies – 1–2 (finely chopped) Ginger paste – 1 tsp Salt – to taste Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp Chaat masala – 1/2 tsp All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp (or as needed) Bread crumbs – as required (for coating) Oil – for frying Method Wash and chop the cauliflower, then boil it until soft. In a mixing bowl, add the boiled cauliflower, boiled potatoes, coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger paste, salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and chaat masala. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands to form a smooth mixture. Shape the mixture into small balls and then flatten them to form cutlets. Spread the flour on a plate and coat each cutlet evenly ...

  In winter kitchens, cauliflower reigns supreme. From fish and egg curries to mixed vegetable dishes, this versatile winter favourite blends effortlessly into almost everything. Yet many avoid cauliflower fearing indigestion or gas. A simple trick—lightly steaming the florets—makes it much easier to digest. And here is a delightful snack  using steamed cauliflower that will make your winter evenings truly enjoyable. Ingredients Half-boiled (lightly steamed) cauliflower, mashed 50 g semolina (suji) 200 g all-purpose flour A handful of chopped coriander Salt to taste Water as required 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1/4 tsp red chilli powder 1/4 tsp cumin powder 1/4 tsp coriander powder 1/4 tsp garam masala powder 3 tbsp oil Method Mash the lightly steamed cauliflower thoroughly. Add the semolina and flour to it and mix well. Combine all the spices and other ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Heat oil in a pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into th...

  Navapashanam Temple | Devipattinam 1. Introduction The Navapashanam Temple , located at Devipattinam near Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, is a unique and ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to the Navagrahas (Nine Planetary Deities) . Unlike traditional temples built on land, this shrine stands in the Bay of Bengal , where nine stone idols representing the Navagrahas are partially submerged in the sea. Believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself, the temple is a sacred stop for devotees travelling on the Rameswaram pilgrimage circuit , especially those performing ancestral or planetary dosha rituals. 2. History (In Detail) Mythological Origins According to legend, during his journey to Sri Lanka to rescue Goddess Sita, Lord Rama stopped at Devipattinam to perform the Navagraha Puja to seek the blessings of the planetary deities. At this spot, Lord Rama is believed to have placed nine stone pebbles into the sea, symbolising the Navagrahas . These stones late...

  The second day at the Gabba unfolded less like a showcase of skill and more like a catalogue of English mistakes. Australia sparkled with two outstanding catches from Marnus Labuschagne and Will Jacks, yet it was England’s five dropped chances—an almost historic lapse—that shaped the day. Given those gifts, Australia duly feasted, hammering 378 runs, the highest tally ever recorded in a single day of a day-night Test. The morning began calmly enough for England. Brendan Doggett ended their innings at 334, removing Jofra Archer with a stunning airborne grab from Labuschagne. Even so, England walked off upbeat after a remarkable tenth-wicket stand dragged them far beyond the 260 target they would have gladly taken the night before. What followed with the ball, however, bordered on bewildering. Travis Head, standing in for the injured Usman Khawaja, should have gone early, only for Jamie Smith to spill a regulation edge. Energised by the Gabba’s bounce, England’s attack lurched be...

  Joe Root finally has a Test century in Australia. It took him 30 innings, but his unbeaten 135 off 202 balls came when England needed calm and authority after trailing 1–0 in the Ashes. His effort guided England to 325/9 on the opening day of the pink-ball Test—a total no side has ever defended unsuccessfully in day-night Tests. England could have pushed higher on a fair surface, but Mitchell Starc’s brilliance kept them in check. The left-arm quick, lethal under lights, claimed 6 for 71 and surpassed Wasim Akram’s 414 wickets. It was his sixth five-for in day-night Tests; no one else has more than two. England’s start was shaky. Starc removed Ben Duckett in the first over and Ollie Pope soon after, leaving Root to walk in at 7 for 2 with the ball jagging around. A brief early scare aside, he settled quickly. Zak Crawley, returning to form after a pair in Perth, played with discipline and confidence, adding 117 with Root to steady England. Michael Neser, a surprise pick ahead...

  Dew in Raipur poured cold water on India’s hopes of sealing the series with a match to spare. Despite putting up a massive 358, Gambhir’s brigade failed to defend the total. Two sparkling centuries went in vain as Markram, Brevis and Breitzke produced superb innings to guide South Africa to victory in the second ODI. With this win, the three-match series is now level. After Virat Kohli’s dismissal, India managed only 74 runs off the final 65 balls. At one stage, the score seemed destined to touch 400, but the innings stalled at 358. On a dewy Raipur pitch, it was evident that defending that total would not be easy for the Indian bowlers — and so it proved. But it would be unfair to blame the conditions alone. India were equally let down by the erratic, uncontrolled spells from Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana, and by sloppy fielding that leaked runs relentlessly. Ironically, India had begun the match in fine fashion. Rahul once again lost the toss, but after bein...

  In remembering Robin Arnold Smith, one conjures an image of a square-jawed batsman standing tall at the crease, eyes narrowed beneath a helmet, refusing to give an inch even as the world’s fastest bowlers hurled thunderbolts at him. In the imagined quiet of his passing, cricket lovers everywhere would feel a deep loss—of not just a cricketer, but a symbol of fearlessness and grit. Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1963, Robin Smith found his true cricketing home in England, where he built a career that became the stuff of folklore. Making his Test debut in 1988, he entered the arena at a time when England were routinely confronted by terrifying fast bowlers. Yet Smith, with his rock-steady technique and astonishing courage, turned those confrontations into some of the most thrilling chapters in English cricket history. Across 62 Test matches , Smith amassed 4,236 runs at an average touching 43 , including 9 centuries and 28 fifties . But statistics alone cannot capture his bri...

  Colón, Panama Colón is the capital of Colón Province and one of Panama’s most significant port cities, located on the Caribbean coast at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal . Historically known for its strategic maritime importance, it remains a major global shipping hub and home to the Colón Free Trade Zone , one of the world’s largest duty-free commercial areas. The city has a mix of restored colonial architecture, Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage, canal-related landmarks, and coastal attractions. While parts of Colón are economically challenged, the surrounding areas offer striking natural beauty, historic sites, and some of the best Caribbean beaches in Panama. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Panama Canal – Agua Clara Locks Located just outside Colón in the town of Gatún, the Agua Clara Visitor Center offers panoramic views of the expanded Panama Canal locks. Visitors can watch massive ships transit through the canal, explore exhibits, and enjoy observation de...

  . Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple | Vellore 1. Introduction The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple , located in Thirumalaikodi near Vellore, Tamil Nadu , is one of India’s most spectacular modern temples, globally renowned for its gold-covered architecture . Managed by the Sri Narayani Peedam and guided by Sri Sakthi Amma (Narayani Amma) , the temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi Narayani , the universal mother symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and compassion. The temple’s gold-plated sanctum, extensive spiritual pathways, and tranquil green surroundings make it a leading pilgrimage destination, attracting both devotees and tourists from around the world. 2. History (In Detail) Establishment The temple was conceptualized under the spiritual guidance of Sri Sakthi Amma , regarded by devotees as the incarnation of Goddess Narayani. Construction began in the early 2000s as part of the Sri Narayani Peedam spiritual mission to promote dharma, peace, universal love, and ...