The World around U

  Australia began their three-match ODI series against England at Perth  in spectacular fashion, registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the opening encounter at Perth Stadium on Friday. The match will be remembered for a sensational debut performance by young Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman, who ripped through England's batting order with a remarkable six-wicket haul. The 21-year-old Beardman returned outstanding figures of 6 for 24, helping Australia dismiss England for a disappointing 131 in 33.4 overs. Australia then chased down the modest target in just 23.3 overs, finishing at 132 for 3 and taking a 1-0 lead in the series. After winning the toss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh elected to field, a decision that proved immensely rewarding as his fast bowlers exploited the pace and bounce of the Perth surface. England's innings began promisingly through Tom Banton, who scored 25 off 27 balls, including five boundaries. However, Ben Duckett departed for ...

    New Zealand produced a sensational turnaround to thrash India by a massive 244 runs in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday. A magnificent century from Will Young and a devastating six-wicket haul by Matt Henry inspired the hosts to a comprehensive victory after India had dominated the opening two matches. The victory reduced India's advantage in the five-match series to 2-1, with the third ODI having been abandoned because of rain. India will now look to finish the tour on a positive note in the final encounter. After winning the toss, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer elected to field, hoping to exploit the early assistance available to the seamers. However, New Zealand's batting unit responded with determination and attacking intent. Opener Tim Seifert provided an explosive start, scoring 58 off 48 deliveries, including six boundaries and three sixes. He combined effectively with Will Young to give the home side a strong platform. Young made India pay dearly...

Nadia Comaneci the Romanian gymastics icon,  transformed the world of gymnastics with her remarkable style, characterized by perfect execution, balance, and fluidity. Born in Gheorgheni, Romania on 12 November  1961 ,  Her routines exhibited an unprecedented level of technical difficulty and poise, demonstrating a mix of athleticism and artistry that captivated audiences globally. Comaneci’s performances were marked by her intense focus, flawless balance, and exceptional strength, redefining the standards of gymnastics for generations to come. Career Highlights 1. 1976 Montreal Olympics: Nadia Comaneci gained global fame as the first gymnast in Olympic history to be awarded a perfect 10.0 score, achieving this feat at just 14 years old. She earned a total of seven perfect scores in these games and won three gold medals (Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and All-Around), along with one silver and one bronze. Her performance at the Montreal Games remains a pinnacle in the s...

Dudley Nourse born 10 November 1910 in Durban South Africa, was renowned for his courageous, technically sound, and patient batting style. A right-handed batsman, Nourse was known for his focus, resilience, and ability to withstand pressure. He was especially recognized for his determination and was considered one of the hardest players to dismiss in his era. Nourse had a classical technique, with a wide range of strokes that made him one of South Africa's finest batsmen. Career Highlights 1. Test Career: Nourse represented South Africa in 34 Test matches between 1935 and 1951, scoring 2,960 runs at an average of 53.81, with 9 centuries and 14 half-centuries. One of his most remarkable innings was a gritty 231 against Australia in 1950, which he played with a broken finger, demonstrating immense determination and grit.  His career unfortunately  coincided with the World War II as a result of which like his contemporaries Nourse missed out on several years of internation...

  Roy Fredericks  of Guyana , West Indies born 11 November  1942  was known for his aggressive and fearless left-handed batting, especially as an opener. Standing at just 5'6", he used his quick footwork and sharp reflexes to counter fast bowlers with ease. His style was both entertaining and effective, known for its power and grace, and his ability to hit big shots while maintaining technical discipline.  He was strong on the drive , cut and pull / hook shots.  Career Highlights 1. Test Career: Fredericks played 59 Test matches for the West Indies from 1968 to 1977, amassing 4,334 runs at an average of 42.49, including 8 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His most memorable Test innings came against Australia in 1975, when he scored a quick 169 off just 145 balls in Perth, facing a formidable Australian pace attack. This knock is regarded as one of the most aggressive and impressive innings against Australia at the time. 2. ODI Career: Fred...

  In West Bengal, the concept of celebrating a brother-in-law ( bāẏnā or bhāi śaśur ) is deeply tied to the rich cultural traditions of family relationships. While Western cultures may have a “Brother-in-Law’s Day” informally marked to appreciate a brother-in-law, Bengal’s traditional celebration known as Jamai Shasthi serves a similar — though broader — purpose, focusing primarily on the son-in-law ( jamai ) but also often including the brother-in-law in festive family settings. Let’s break this down carefully: ✅ Jamai Shasthi — traditionally for the son-in-law Jamai Shasthi is an age-old Bengali festival where the son-in-law is honored, pampered, and blessed by his in-laws, especially the mother-in-law. It is observed on the sixth day after the new moon ( Shasthi ) in the Bengali month of Jyaishtha (May–June). ✅ Extension to the brother-in-law relationship While formally the festival centers on the jamai (son-in-law), Bengali family culture often extends warmth, hospi...

  Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaidooj, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is observed on the second day after Diwali, the festival of lights. On this day, sisters perform aarti (a ritual of worship) for their brothers, apply tilak (a mark) on their foreheads, and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and vow to protect and support them. The significance of Bhai Dooj lies in strengthening the sibling bond, expressing love and affection, and fostering familial ties. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the special relationship between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj celebrations typically involve sisters applying tilak on their brothers' foreheads, tying a protective thread around their wrists, and performing aarti. Sisters often prepare special meals and exchange gifts with their brothers as a gesture of love and affection. Families may come together for a festive meal, and there is a f...

  Andreas Brehme is a retired German footballer who gained prominence for his exceptional skills as a left-back and midfielder. Born on November 9, 1960, in Hamburg, Brehme had a distinguished career playing for clubs like Kaiserslautern, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich. He is best remembered for his crucial penalty kick that secured Germany's victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina. Brehme's versatility, defensive prowess, and contributions to Germany's football history make him a respected figure in the sport. Andreas Brehme was known for his versatile and well-rounded playing style. Primarily a left-back, he demonstrated exceptional skills both defensively and offensively. Here are key aspects of his playing style: 1. **Versatility:** Brehme's adaptability allowed him to excel in various positions, primarily as a left-back but also as a midfielder. This versatility made him a valuable asset for both his club and national teams. 2. **Defensive Prowes...

Paul Litjens born on 9th October 1947  is a revered name in the world of field hockey, known for his prowess as a goal-scorer and his clinical ability to convert penalty corners. With a career spanning the 1970s and early 1980s for Netherlands , Litjens was instrumental in advancing Dutch hockey on the international stage, establishing himself as one of the most prolific scorers of his era. His technical skills, coupled with an eye for precision, made him a formidable opponent and a linchpin for the Netherlands team. Style of Play Litjens was known for his attacking style, marked by remarkable control, tactical awareness, and precise shooting. His specialty in penalty corners, where he utilized powerful flicks and pushes, set him apart as one of the most consistent scorers in field hockey. His tenacity and technical sharpness allowed him to dominate play around the goal area. Career Highlights Club Career: Litjens played for HC Kampong, a premier hockey club in th...

  As we celebrate one of the biggest Hindu festival of Diwali & Kali Puja , let us have a look at some of the Heritage Kali Temples of Kolkata and get into their brief history  Kalighat Kali Temple  The Kalighat Kali Temple is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most revered temples, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It holds immense significance as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where various body parts of Sati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, are believed to have fallen. According to legend, her right toe fell here, making it a sacred site for Hindu devotees. History and Architecture The current temple structure was built in 1809 by Sabarna Roy Chowdhury, a prominent family of Kolkata. However, Kalighat's significance dates back much further, with references to it found in 15th- and 17th-century texts. The temple is architecturally unique, featuring a single spire (ekratna), unlike other temples in the region, and is noted for its distinctive idol of Kali. The deity is represente...

  Brett Lee , born November  8 1976 , is celebrated as one of cricket's fastest and most aggressive bowlers, known for his ability to generate fearsome pace consistently above 150 km/h (93 mph). Lee’s fierce style, immense skill, and sportsmanship made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Australian cricket team during its era of dominance in the early 2000s. Known as "Binga," he combined devastating pace, clever variations, and an upbeat personality on the field. While primarily known for his bowling, Lee was also a capable lower-order batsman, adding crucial runs in tight situations. Style of Play Lee’s bowling style was characterized by sheer speed and aggression. His high-arm action, searing yorkers, sharp bouncers, and effective slower deliveries gave him an edge over batsmen across all conditions. With the bat, he was a reliable lower-order hitter who could launch aggressive strikes or defend stubbornly as needed. Records Across Formats Test Cricket: M...

  Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is a significant festival in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It coincides with Diwali in the Hindu month of Kartik and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce form of the Goddess Durga. Here's a closer look at its significance and how it is celebrated: The story of Maa Kali, a powerful Hindu goddess, is one filled with symbolism and profound spiritual meaning. She is often depicted as fierce, with dark skin, a garland of skulls, and holding weapons. Despite her fearsome appearance, she is also seen as the compassionate mother who destroys evil and liberates her devotees. Here is one of the most well-known stories associated with Maa Kali: The Story of Maa Kali and the Demon Raktabija In Hindu mythology, during a fierce battle between the gods and demons, the demon Raktabija posed a unique challenge. Raktabija had a special boon: every time a drop of his blood touched the ground, it would c...