The World around U

  Walter Hammond – The English Colossus of Bat and Grace Introduction Walter Reginald Hammond was born on June 19, 1903 , in Dover, Kent, England. Known for his classical batting and athletic fielding, Hammond was one of the finest cricketers of the early 20th century. A right-handed batsman and occasional right-arm medium-fast bowler, Hammond played with elegance, power, and consistency that earned him legendary status in English cricket. Style of Play Walter Hammond was admired for his fluent stroke play , especially his cover drives, which were considered among the most graceful in the game's history. He batted with a blend of aggression and artistry, capable of grinding out tough innings or demolishing bowling attacks. In the field, he was a brilliant slip fielder , while with the ball, he served as a useful support bowler with clever movement and good control. Career Statistics Test Career Matches : 85 Runs : 7,249 Batting Average : 58.45 100s/50s : 22/24 Highes...

  The latest India vs England Test series clash is about to start in England shores . The 2025 Test series in England is crucial for both teams . While India is going through a transition phase post the retirement of 3 of their stalwarts, England is trying to smoothen their rough edges before they embark on another Ashes tour of Australia soon  . We now look back at the 9 momentous  test match victories for India on England soil. Here's a detailed and chronological account of India’s 9 historic Test match victories on English soil , from the landmark first win at The Oval in 1971 to the modern triumphs in 2021. Each win is a tale of resilience, individual brilliance, and growing dominance in foreign conditions. 🏏 1. The Oval, 1971 – India's First Test Win in England Dates: August 19–24, 1971 Result: 🇮🇳 India won by 4 wickets Series Result: India won the 3-match series 1–0 Match Summary: England: 355 & 101 India: 284 & 173/6 Key Performances: ...

  Kaal Bhairav Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Introduction The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav , a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva . Regarded as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi , no pilgrimage or religious journey in Varanasi is considered complete without paying homage at this temple. The deity here is believed to be the protector of the city , and it is said that even death fears Kaal Bhairav . This temple is not only spiritually significant but is deeply embedded in the ritualistic, tantric, and philosophical traditions of Shaivism. History in Detail The origins of the Kaal Bhairav temple date back to ancient times , though the exact date of establishment is unknown. As per Shiva Purana and Kashi Khand , Lord Shiva created Kaal Bhairav to control Brahma’s pride , and after severing Brahma’s fifth head, Bhairav was cursed with Brahma Hatya (sin of killing a Brahmin). To free himself, Lord Bhairav wandered...

  Tulsi Manas Mandir – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Introduction Tulsi Manas Mandir , located near Durga Kund in the spiritual city of Varanasi , is a revered Hindu temple dedicated primarily to Lord Rama . This temple holds special significance because it stands at the spot where Goswami Tulsidas is believed to have composed the Ramcharitmanas , the Awadhi-language retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a memorial to Indian literature and Bhakti tradition , attracting devotees, scholars, and tourists alike. History in Detail The temple is named after Tulsidas and his magnum opus, the Ramcharitmanas , which narrates the life and values of Lord Rama in a language accessible to the common people. It is built on the very site where Tulsidas is believed to have written the Ramcharitmanas in the 16th century , a time when Varanasi was a great center of learning and devotion. The present temple structure was built in 19...

  Venus Williams – A Tennis  legend  of Power and Grace Introduction Venus Ebony Starr Williams  was born on June 17, 1980 , in Lynwood, California, USA. One of the most influential figures in tennis history, Venus is known for her aggressive baseline play , powerful serve , and athletic court coverage . Alongside her sister Serena, she revolutionized women’s tennis with her physicality, intensity, and excellence on court. Style of Play Venus introduced a new era of power tennis , built on: A booming serve that was once the fastest on the WTA Tour (up to 129 mph). Explosive groundstrokes , especially from the forehand side. Commanding net play , honed from years of doubles excellence. Agility and reach , aided by her height (6’1”), giving her great court coverage. She played an offensive game , dominating from the baseline but comfortable finishing points at the net — a rarity in modern women's tennis. Career Highlights Grand Slam Titles Singles : 7 ...

  Shane Watson – Australia’s Dynamic All-Rounder Shane Robert Watson was born on 17 June 1981 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. A genuine all-rounder , Watson was a right-handed explosive batsman , a right-arm fast-medium bowler , and a safe slip fielder . Across all three formats of international cricket, he stood out for his adaptability, resilience, and big-match temperament. Despite frequent injuries, he carved out a stellar career marked by vital contributions with both bat and ball. Style of Play Watson combined raw power with sound technique, making him a dangerous top-order batsman, particularly in white-ball formats. As a bowler, he was accurate and intelligent , often breaking partnerships. His versatility allowed him to open the innings or bat in the middle order. In the field, Watson was agile and took numerous sharp catches, especially in slips. Career Highlights in Detail International Career (Australia) Tests Matches : 59 Runs : 3,731 Average : 35.1...

  Tom Graveney – The Graceful Craftsman of English Cricket  Introduction Thomas William Graveney was born on 16 June 1927 in Riding Mill, Northumberland, England. Renowned for his graceful stroke play , Graveney was a stylish right-handed batsman whose game was built on timing, poise, and elegance rather than brute power. Though primarily a batsman, he occasionally bowled right-arm off-breaks and was a dependable slip fielder. His career bridged two eras of English cricket and remains a beacon of artistry in the game. Style of Play Tom Graveney was known for his fluent cover drives , delicate cuts , and effortless batting style. A connoisseur's cricketer, he combined classic technique with natural timing, often drawing comparisons to the greats for his aesthetic appeal. While he wasn't an aggressive or intimidating presence, his ability to compile big scores with flair made him a fan favorite. Career Highlights in Detail International Career (England) Test Debut ...

Jan Železný – The Javelin Maestro Jan Železný was born on 16 June 1966 in Mladá Boleslav, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). He is widely regarded as the greatest javelin thrower in history , both for his dominance in major championships and for his awe-inspiring world record. His style of play was marked by fluid, explosive power , technical brilliance , and unmatched consistency , which allowed him to outclass his competitors for over a decade. Železný’s ability to blend speed, timing, and body mechanics made him a phenomenon whose records and legacy have stood the test of time. Career Highlights Olympic Games Jan Železný is a three-time Olympic gold medallist in the men’s javelin and one-time silver medallist – a feat unmatched in his discipline: Gold – 1992 Barcelona Gold – 1996 Atlanta Gold – 2000 Sydney Silver – 1988 Seoul His Olympic dominance from the late 1980s through to 2000 is one of the most celebrated careers in track and field history. World Champion...

  Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple , located in the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi) , is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas and a prime center of Shaivite worship . Dedicated to Lord Shiva , who is worshipped here as Vishwanath or the "Ruler of the Universe" , the temple is situated on the western bank of the Ganges River , near Dashashwamedh Ghat. The temple is not only a religious shrine but also a spiritual axis of Indian civilization — it is believed that a visit to Kashi Vishwanath grants moksha (liberation) . 📖 History in Detail The history of the Kashi Vishwanath temple dates back to ancient times, mentioned in several Puranas , particularly the Skanda Purana and Kashi Khanda . Original structure believed to have existed over 2,000 years ago . Over centuries, the temple has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times. The present temple structure was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar , the Maratha queen of Indore. She is revered for restoring many Hindu t...

  Oliver Kahn – The German Titan Between the Posts Oliver Rolf Kahn was born on 15 June 1969 in Karlsruhe, West Germany. Known for his ferocious intensity, commanding presence, and unshakable mentality, Kahn was a goalkeeper who combined athleticism, agility, and leadership. His playing style was defined by explosive reflexes , unmatched concentration , and a fiery temperament , earning him nicknames like “Der Titan” and “King Kahn.” He became a symbol of resilience, discipline, and excellence in goalkeeping, revered across the footballing world for both his performances and character. Career Highlights Club Career: Karlsruher SC (1987–1994): Kahn began his career with Karlsruher SC, steadily establishing himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Germany. Bayern Munich (1994–2008): Transferring to FC Bayern Munich in 1994 marked the beginning of an iconic era. Kahn went on to become a club legend, captaining the side and playing a key role in one of...

  Makguksu is a refreshing Korean cold noodle dish made primarily with buckwheat noodles and served in a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Originating from Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, this dish is especially popular in the summer due to its cooling and light qualities. "Mak" means "roughly ground" and "guksu" means "noodles," reflecting its humble, rustic origins. It is often served with vegetables, sometimes in chilled broth, and garnished with sesame seeds and sliced boiled eggs. 🧂 Ingredients Main: 200g buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon or memil guksu) 1 cucumber, julienned ½ Korean pear (or apple), thinly sliced ½ carrot, julienned (optional) 1 boiled egg, halved 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds Ice cubes (optional, for chilling) For spicy sauce (yangnyeomjang): 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste) 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vine...

  Dakgalbi  is a popular Korean dish originating from Chuncheon in Gangwon Province. It literally means "spicy stir-fried chicken" and is known for its bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Dakgalbi is typically cooked on a large hot plate at the table, making it a communal, interactive meal that's especially popular among students and young adults. The dish features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a spicy gochujang (Korean red chili paste) sauce, stir-fried with vegetables, rice cakes, and sometimes noodles or cheese. Ingredients For the marinade: 500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste) 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp rice wine (mirin or soju can be used) 1 tbsp sugar or honey 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tsp grated ginger Pepper to taste Vegetables and extras: 1 cup cabbage, chopped 1 small sweet potato, thinly sliced ½ onion...

  Jeju-si , located on the northern coast of Jeju Island , is the largest city on the island and serves as the administrative and cultural hub . The city blends traditional Jeju culture with modern infrastructure, offering visitors volcanic landscapes , historic villages , seaside charm , and lush natural beauty . Known as the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top honeymoon, wellness, and nature retreat destination for both Koreans and global travelers. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1️⃣ Hallasan Mountain  South Korea’s highest peak (1,947m), a dormant volcano in the heart of Jeju Island. Multiple hiking trails (Eoseungsaengak, Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa) range from easy to advanced. Home to rare flora, alpine craters, and seasonal beauty (snow in winter, azaleas in spring). 2️⃣ Dongmun Traditional Market Jeju-si’s bustling traditional market near the harbor. Offers local street food (like black pork kimbap), fresh seafood, souvenirs, and h...