The World around U

  At least 169 people have been killed and a state of emergency declared after one of Colombia’s strongest earthquakes in recent years struck the country couple of days back  The death toll is expected to increase, as rescue teams continue searching for people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Chocó province at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) at a depth of 103km (64 miles), according to Colombia’s geological service. Powerful tremors were felt across a vast area of western Colombia, hundreds of miles from the epicentre. Cali, the country’s third-largest city, has reported a significant number of casualties. Colombia’s Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales) said at least 900 people were injured in the earthquakes. In Pereira, located in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, 66 people were reported dead. Videos verified by the BBC showed a building collapsing in Plaza Bolívar, the city’s main square, sending debris and clouds...

  Gujarat, located in western India, is a vibrant state known for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the best places to visit in Gujarat: Ahmedabad : The largest city in Gujarat, Ahmedabad, is a blend of modernity and tradition. Visit the Sabarmati Ashram, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, and explore the beautiful architecture of the Adalaj Stepwell and the intricate carvings of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. Rann of Kutch: This vast salt desert comes alive during the Rann Utsav, a vibrant cultural festival. Experience the mesmerizing white salt desert, visit local villages, and enjoy traditional dance and music performances. Dwarka: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Dwarka is believed to be Lord Krishna's ancient kingdom. The Dwarkadhish Temple is a major attraction, along with the nearby Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Bet Dwarka. Somnath: Known for the iconic Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyoti...

  Shoaib Akhtar, born on August 13, 1975, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is famously known as one of the most fearsome and electrifying fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Dubbed the "Rawalpindi Express" for his lightning speed, Akhtar's career is marked by his explosive pace, charismatic personality, and a series of unforgettable performances that have left an indelible mark on the game.   Style of Play - **Raw Pace:**   - Shoaib Akhtar was renowned for his blistering pace, often clocking speeds over 150 km/h (93 mph), making him one of the fastest bowlers ever in cricket history.   - His aggressive, attacking style of bowling made him a constant threat to batsmen, capable of delivering unplayable deliveries with devastating effect.   - Akhtar's ability to reverse swing the old ball at high speeds added an extra dimension to his bowling, particularly on subcontinental pitches. - **Intimidation Factor:**   - Akhtar’s fierce and intimidating presence on the f...

  Pete Sampras born 12 August 1971  is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time . Pete Sampras was renowned for his powerful and aggressive style of tennis. His biggest weapon was his serve, which combined exceptional speed, accuracy and placement. He frequently followed his serve to the net, using his superb volleying skills to finish points quickly. His explosive forehand, elegant one-handed backhand and ability to attack under pressure made him particularly dangerous on fast courts. Sampras also possessed remarkable mental strength and composure, allowing him to perform at his best during crucial moments. His classic serve-and-volley game played a major role in making him one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Some key highlights of his career include: 1. Grand Slam Titles: Sampras won a total of 14 Grand Slam singles titles during his career, which was a record at the time o...

  Mário Zagallo – The "Professor" of Brazilian Football Introduction & Date of Birth Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo was born on August 9, 1931 , in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. A highly intelligent and tactically astute forward-turned-coach, Zagallo was known for his versatility on the pitch, precise passing, tireless work rate, and deep understanding of team dynamics. His career was unique in world football history—he is one of the few men to win the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a coach, and his impact on Brazilian football spanned decades. Style of Play As a player, Zagallo was primarily a left winger but was unconventional for his time—he combined offensive flair with defensive discipline, often tracking back to help in midfield or defense. This adaptability made him a vital cog in Brazil’s attacking system. He was known for his intelligent movement, accurate crossing, and ability to link midfield with the forward line seamlessly. Career Highlights in Detail Wo...

  Rod Laver, born on August 9, 1938, in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, is celebrated as one of the most iconic and dominant figures in the history of tennis. Known for his incredible skill, athleticism, and sportsmanship, Laver’s career is distinguished by his remarkable achievements, including an unprecedented record in Grand Slam tennis that remains unmatched. Style of Play - **Dynamic Technique:**   - Laver was a left-handed player renowned for his versatility and complete game. He possessed powerful groundstrokes, a lethal serve-and-volley game, and a remarkable ability to play effectively on all surfaces.   - His forehand, often referred to as "the Rocket," was one of the most feared shots in tennis, combining speed, spin, and precision.   - Laver’s agility, quick reflexes, and strategic play made him a formidable opponent, capable of turning defense into offense with ease. - **Adaptability:**   - Laver's game was adaptable to all types of surfa...

  Roger Federer – The Maestro of Modern Tennis Introduction & Personal Details Full Name: Roger Federer Date of Birth: August 8, 1981 Place of Birth: Basel, Switzerland Nationality: Swiss Turned Pro: 1998 Retired: September 2022 Style of Play Federer was renowned for his elegant, fluid style , impeccable footwork , and effortless power . His game combined: A graceful one-handed backhand Masterful serve-and-volley on grass Strategic court coverage Supreme versatility and adaptability across all surfaces His mental calm, court vision, and tactical awareness earned him the nickname "The Maestro." Career Highlights Grand Slam Titles – 20 Tournament Titles Won Wimbledon 8 (2003–2007, 2009, 2012, 2017) Australian Open 6 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018) US Open 5 (2004–2008) French Open 1 (2009) Federer was the first male player to win 20 Grand Slams , a record he held until surpassed by Nadal and Djokovic. Olympic...

  Yelena Davydova – The Artistic Genius of Soviet Gymnastics Introduction & Personal Details Full Name: Yelena Viktorovna Davydova Date of Birth: August 7, 1961 Place of Birth: Voronezh, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union Discipline: Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Style of Play: Expressive, daring, and technically complex routines. Known for innovative skills , fearless tumbling, and elegance. Yelena Davydova rose to global fame as a trailblazing gymnast in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Combining creativity with athleticism, she helped redefine the boundaries of artistic gymnastics with bold, risk-filled routines . Career Highlights Olympic Games 1980 Moscow Olympics : Gold – Individual All-Around Champion Davydova delivered consistent brilliance across vault, bars, beam, and floor. She narrowly edged out Romania's Nadia Comăneci and her teammate Maxi Gnauck, securing the most prestigious individual title in gymnastics. Gold – Team Competition (Soviet U...

  Abebe Bikila – The Barefoot Olympic Legend Introduction & Personal Details Full Name: Abebe Bikila Date of Birth: August 7, 1932 Place of Birth: Jato, near Mendida, Ethiopia Died: October 25, 1973 Specialization: Marathon running Style of Running: Endurance-focused, smooth, rhythmic pace. Known for running barefoot and making strong late surges. Abebe Bikila was a pioneer in athletics , a national hero of Ethiopia, and one of the most iconic figures in Olympic history. He is best remembered as the first Black African to win an Olympic gold medal and for achieving that remarkable feat running barefoot . Career Highlights Olympic Games: Rome 1960 – Gold Medal (Marathon, Barefoot) Bikila stunned the world by winning the marathon barefoot , finishing in 2:15:16 – a world record. He passed Moroccan runner Rhadi Ben Abdesselam near the Arch of Constantine , in a symbolic moment of triumph for African athletes. Tokyo 1964 – Gold Medal (Marathon) W...

  Greg Chappell, born on August 7, 1948, in Unley, South Australia, is revered as one of the most elegant and influential cricketers in Australian cricket history. Renowned for his exceptional batting prowess and strategic acumen, Chappell's career is adorned with remarkable achievements and records that underscore his legendary status in the sport. ### Style of Play - **Batting Technique:**   - Chappell was a right-handed batsman known for his graceful stroke play and impeccable technique.   - His ability to time the ball effortlessly and play shots all around the wicket made him a delight to watch.   - Chappell's mental toughness and composure at the crease allowed him to thrive under pressure and against the best bowlers in the world. - **Bowling Style:**   - Although primarily recognized for his batting, Chappell was also a capable medium-pace bowler.   - His bowling added versatility to his game, allowing him to contribute as a part-time bowler when ne...

  Scientists have known for more than two decades that asteroid 99942 Apophis will make an exceptionally close flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029. Although the 370-metre-wide asteroid will pass just 32,000 kilometres above Earth's surface—closer than many geostationary satellites—extensive studies confirm it poses no collision risk, not only in 2029 but for at least the next 100 years. As Apophis approaches Earth, the planet's powerful gravity is expected to slow the asteroid and may alter its orbit, trigger "asteroid quakes," shift surface material, or even cause landslides. These changes could expose fresh layers, giving scientists a rare opportunity to study the asteroid's internal structure and composition. A new study, published in Planetary Science by researchers led by Giulia Schettino and Alessandro Rossi, raises another possibility: Apophis could encounter human-made space debris orbiting Earth. While the likelihood is low, even a small collision could leav...

  Trinidad and Tobago is a diverse and culturally rich Caribbean nation known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and unique blend of cultures. Whether you're interested in exploring lush rainforests, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in the local culture, here are some of the best places to visit in Trinidad and Tobago: In Trinidad: Port of Spain: The capital city of Trinidad, Port of Spain, offers a mix of modern city life and cultural attractions. Visit the Queen's Park Savannah, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the National Museum and Art Gallery. Maracas Beach: This is one of Trinidad's most famous beaches, known for its golden sands and the popular local snack, "bake and shark." It's a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean. Asa Wright Nature Centre: Located in the Northern Range, this lush rainforest reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's home to a wide variety of tropical birds and other wildlife. Caroni ...