The World around U

  After a humiliating collapse in the first match—bowled out for just 69 runs and crushed by 10 wickets against England—South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround in the second encounter. Playing in Indore, the Proteas women dominated New Zealand to register a commanding victory, led by a record-breaking century from Tajmin Brits . Their fiery performance also sent a strong message to their next opponents— Harmanpreet Kaur’s India . Adding to the day’s highlights, Laura Wolvaardt’s breathtaking catch has already become a major talking point. New Zealand’s Innings: Early Collapse Despite Divine Effort Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first but got off to a disastrous start. Veteran Suzie Bates , playing her 350th international match, was dismissed off the very first ball. Georgia Plimmer (31) and Amelia Kerr (23) tried to steady the innings, but once Kerr departed, the pressure mounted again. Captain Sophie Devine , appearing in her 300th match, played a counter-at...

  No matter the venue — be it Dubai or Colombo — the script rarely changes. The tournament may shift, the cast may differ, but the result remains the same. This time, it was Harmanpreet Kaur and her women who carried the baton once held by Suryakumar and his men. On the grand World Cup stage, India Women once again outplayed Pakistan, extending their unbeaten streak in India–Pakistan women’s encounters to an emphatic 12-0 . Chasing a target of 248 , Pakistan’s innings crumbled to 159 , handing India a commanding 88-run victory . India’s Tight Grip from the Start From the very outset, Pakistan were under pressure. Only 4 runs came off the first two overs before chaos ensued. In the fourth over, opener Muneeba Ali was dramatically run out — but not before controversy struck. Kranti Gaur’s delivery hit Muneeba’s pad, prompting an LBW appeal that was turned down. India didn’t take the review, but moments later, Deepti Sharma’s direct hit shattered the stumps. The on-field umpir...

  1. Introduction  Ochira Kalakettu (also called Oachira Kettukazhcha ) is a grand and unique festival held at the famous Ochira Parabrahma Temple in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is one of the most distinctive temple festivals in the state, notable for its martial displays, giant effigies, and the absence of a presiding deity in the traditional idol form — symbolizing the all-pervading concept of Parabrahma (the Supreme Power). 2. Significance Commemoration of Historic Battle: The festival is believed to commemorate the historic battle of Kayamkulam , fought between the Kayamkulam Raja and the Travancore King Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. The battle took place in the plains of Ochira, and the festival honors the valor and spirit of the warriors who fought there. Symbol of Universal Worship: The Ochira Parabrahma Temple is unique — it has no sanctum sanctorum or idol. Devotees worship the Parabrahma (Supreme Consciousness) under open skies, repres...

  Australia sealed the three-match T20I series 2-0 after a thrilling three-wicket win over New Zealand in the final encounter. Captain Mitchell Marsh produced a sensational match-winning performance, single-handedly guiding his team to victory with a brilliant century. Marsh smashed 103 runs off just 52 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes, as the Kiwi bowlers had no answer to his onslaught. With this knock, Marsh became only the second international captain to score a century while chasing, after Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who has done it twice. Among Australian captains, he is the third to hit a T20I hundred — following Shane Watson (against India in 2016) and Aaron Finch (against Zimbabwe in 2018). Marsh also became the third Australian batter to complete 100 sixes in T20 internationals, behind Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, and David Warner. New Zealand Struggle Despite Seifert’s Start Batting first, New Zealand posted 156 for 9 in their 20 overs. Opener Tim Seifert top-sc...

  After a tough overseas campaign, Team India returned home with renewed determination—and what followed in Ahmedabad was sheer domination. Compared to the fierce battles abroad, the West Indies appeared a much easier opponent. Once feared as the “giants” of world cricket, the Caribbeans now looked more like “Lilliputians.” By the end of Day 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India’s victory was already a foregone conclusion. It didn’t even take half of Day 3 for the hosts to wrap up proceedings, crushing the visitors by an innings and 140 runs. This marked a dream start to captain Shubman Gill’s Test leadership on home soil. The match was completely one-sided. The once-mighty West Indies looked helpless against India’s relentless dominance. After managing only 162 runs in their first innings, the visitors watched as India piled up 448 for 5 declared , taking a massive 286-run lead. Centuries from KL Rahul , Dhruv Jurel , and Ravindra Jadeja sealed India’s control. Early on Day 3...

  England cruised to an emphatic victory in the Women’s One-Day World Cup, thrashing South Africa by 10 wickets in Guwahati. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side dismantled the Proteas with a ruthless bowling display before sealing the chase with effortless ease. Put into bat after Brunt won the toss, South Africa collapsed meekly, bundled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs. The batters looked completely out of depth against England’s relentless attack, losing wickets at regular intervals. Only Sinallo Jafta showed some resistance, scoring 22, while extras (8) finished as the second-highest contributor. England’s bowlers shared the spoils with clinical precision. Linsey Smith was the most impressive, picking up 3 wickets for just 7 runs. Sciver-Brunt chipped in with 2 for 5, while Charlie Dean (2/14) and Sophie Ecclestone (2/19) maintained the stranglehold. The only off-colour performance came from Lauren Bell, who went for 24 runs in her 4 overs, taking a solitary wicket. Chasing a modest 7...

  It turned out to be a one-sided contest, with India’s dominance leaving the once-mighty West Indies in tatters. After bowling out the visitors for 162, India’s first-innings reply soared to 448/5 at stumps on Day 2 , giving them a commanding lead of 286 runs . The day belonged to the trio of KL Rahul, debutant Dhruv Jurel, and the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja — all of whom struck majestic centuries. Jadeja notched up his sixth Test ton, reaching the milestone in 168 balls before celebrating with his trademark sword gesture. His composed yet aggressive knock came in a monumental partnership between Him and Jadeja . Together, Jadeja and Jurel piled on 206 runs, grinding the West Indian bowlers into submission. Jurel, calm and assured at the crease, reached his maiden Test hundred off 190 balls, striking a boundary off captain Roston Chase to enter the record books. India had resumed the day at 121/2, with Rahul and Shubman Gill adding a brisk 98-run stand. Gill fell to an ill-...

  Pakistan endured a nightmare start to their Women’s World Cup campaign, crashing to a disappointing defeat in their very first match. Fatima Sana’s side was humbled by Bangladesh, who outplayed them in all departments to secure a dominant seven-wicket victory. The defeat now leaves Pakistan under pressure as they prepare to face India on Sunday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan failed to justify the decision. Their innings never gathered momentum and ended meekly at just 129 runs in 38.3 overs. From the opening over itself, the team was rattled. Bangladesh’s young pace sensation Marufa Akter delivered a stunning double blow, bowling Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen off successive deliveries—both dismissed first ball, leaving Pakistan reeling. A brief partnership followed, as Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) tried to steady the innings, adding 42 runs for the third wicket. But spinner Nahida Akter turned the tide again, removing both batters in consecuti...

  Team India carried the confidence of having drawn a tough away series against a strong England side, and that momentum was evident from the very first day of the opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. As many had predicted, the visitors—already considered far weaker than India in terms of strength and depth—struggled to put up any resistance. By stumps on Day 1, India were firmly in control, just 41 runs short of surpassing the West Indies’ modest first-innings total, with the promise of building a massive lead. After winning the toss, West Indies skipper Roston Chase opted to bat first on a green-tinged surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium, under cloudy skies. The decision quickly backfired. India’s pacers exploited the conditions to perfection, ripping through the batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj was sensational, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs with relentless accuracy. Jasprit Bumrah was fiery and unrelenting, taking 3 scalps. Kuldeep Yadav added 2 wickets with his s...

  Holders Paris Saint-Germain staged a thrilling comeback to edge Barcelona 2-1 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Manchester City were forced to settle for a frustrating draw in Monaco despite a brilliant Erling Haaland double. It was a night of high drama and emphatic victories across Europe, with Arsenal and Newcastle United enjoying dominant wins, and Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Qarabag also making strong statements. At Montjuïc, the much-anticipated clash between Spain’s reigning champions and the French and European title-holders delivered fireworks. Missing the injured Ousmane Dembélé, PSG leaned on their depth. Barcelona struck first in the 19th minute, Marcus Rashford unselfishly teeing up Ferran Torres. Yet Senny Mayulu levelled before the break, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos struck in the 90th minute from Achraf Hakimi’s clever cross, securing PSG’s second consecutive group victory. “It was a great game between two really ...

  Mitchell Marsh produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as Australia crushed New Zealand by six wickets in the opening Twenty20 international of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy at Bay Oval on Wednesday. On a blustery, freezing night, Marsh lit up the contest with an electrifying 85 off just 43 deliveries , laced with nine fours and five towering sixes. His innings set the tone for a ruthless Australian chase, as the visitors overhauled New Zealand’s 181-6 in just 16.3 overs — with a remarkable 21 balls to spare . Marcus Stoinis fittingly sealed the win, hammering his very first ball to the boundary. Earlier, New Zealand’s innings was defined by a lone masterpiece from young opener Tim Robinson , who crafted a maiden T20 century, remaining unbeaten on 106 from 65 balls . Robinson’s knock, studded with six fours and five sixes, was an anchor amid chaos after the hosts had crumbled to 6-3 inside two overs. Alongside Daryl Mitchell (32), Robinson stitched together a fighting 92...

  Real Madrid bounced back in dazzling fashion in the Champions League group stage, ruthlessly dismantling Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty with a resounding 5-0 triumph away from home. Star forward Kylian Mbappé was the architect of Madrid’s dominance, netting a superb hat-trick, while Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz added late strikes to complete the rout. Madrid, still smarting from their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atlético last weekend, looked determined to make amends. They stamped their authority early, controlling possession with 68% and peppering the opposition goal with 20 attempts, 12 of them on target. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 25th minute from the penalty spot, calmly converting to put the visitors ahead at halftime. The Frenchman doubled the lead in the 52nd minute before sealing his hat-trick in the 73rd with a clinical finish. Camavinga’s 83rd-minute goal and Díaz’s injury-time strike wrapped up a crushing victory for Los Blancos. In another one-sided cl...

  Australia announced their arrival at the Women’s ODI World Cup in emphatic fashion, thrashing New Zealand by 89 runs in their tournament opener on Indian soil. The reigning champions extended their staggering dominance over the Kiwis, notching up a 16th consecutive ODI victory against them. The star of the day was the ever-reliable and flamboyant Ashleigh Gardner , whose scintillating century rescued Australia from early jitters and set the stage for a commanding win. New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine too fought valiantly with a brilliant hundred of her own, but her lone effort was not enough to change the outcome. At Indore, Australia won the toss and opted to bat on a compact ground with a lightning-fast outfield that made life tough for bowlers. Openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield launched with aggressive intent, but Healy (19) fell after a brisk start. Litchfield (45) and the composed Ellyse Perry (33) added stability, but their partnership was broken by Amelia ...

  After the devastation of Typhoon Ragasa, the Philippines has now been struck by a catastrophic earthquake. On Tuesday night, a powerful tremor measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale rocked the country’s central region, leaving at least 70 people dead and more than 140 injured. Countless homes crumbled to the ground, and many victims remain trapped beneath the debris, raising fears that the death toll could climb significantly. The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active zones. Experts note that earthquakes are common here, though most are too weak to be felt. This time, however, the tremor was strong and struck in the dead of night, when most residents were asleep—magnifying the scale of destruction and loss of life. According to Vice Mayor Alfie Reins, six deaths were reported in the nearby city of San Remigio, including three coast guards, a firefighter, and a child. In the immediate aftermath, the Philippine Institute of Volc...

  India’s women’s cricket team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a convincing 59-run victory over Sri Lanka via the Duckworth-Lewis method , though their overall performance left lingering doubts about their title credentials—particularly the fragility of their middle order. India’s 269 for 8 was enough to outclass Sri Lanka, whose chase fizzled out at 211 in 45.3 overs, well short of the revised target of 271 from 47 overs. From the outset, India’s batters struggled to assert dominance in overcast conditions. Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s decision to field first after winning the toss appeared sound, as the damp Guwahati pitch offered plenty of assistance to her spinners. The Indian innings started on a shaky note, with opener Smriti Mandhana departing early for just 8 runs, caught off a poor stroke in the fourth over. Stabilizing the innings, youngster Pritika Rawal and Harleen Deol stitched together a gritty stand of 67 runs. Rawal, composed yet restrained, m...

  দুর্গাপূজা ভারতের অন্যতম গুরুত্বপূর্ণ হিন্দু উৎসব, যা বিশেষত পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ওড়িশা, আসাম, বিহার এবং বাংলাদেশে মহাধুমধামের সঙ্গে উদযাপিত হয়। এই উৎসব শুভের ওপর অশুভের জয়ের প্রতীক, যেখানে দেবী দুর্গা অসুররাজ মহিষাসুরকে বধ করে ধর্ম ও ন্যায় প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছিলেন। দুর্গা শক্তি, সাহস ও করুণার প্রতীক হিসেবে পূজিত হন, যিনি ভক্তদের অশুভ শক্তির হাত থেকে রক্ষা করেন। আধ্যাত্মিক মাহাত্ম্যের পাশাপাশি দুর্গাপূজা এক সাংস্কৃতিক উৎসবও বটে। এটি মানুষকে একত্রিত করে, শিল্প, সঙ্গীত, নৃত্য ও সামাজিক বন্ধনের মাধ্যমে আনন্দ ভাগাভাগি করার সুযোগ এনে দেয়। দুর্গাপূজার পেছনের কাহিনি দেবী মহাত্ম্য অনুসারে, মহিষাসুর ছিলেন এক অসুররাজ যিনি দেবতাদের বর পেয়ে অজেয় হয়ে ওঠেন এবং স্বর্গ-মর্ত্যে অরাজকতা সৃষ্টি করেন। কোনো দেবতাই তাকে পরাজিত করতে পারেননি। তখন দেবতারা তাঁদের শক্তি মিলিয়ে সৃষ্টি করেন দেবী দুর্গার—সর্বশক্তিমান দেবী, যিনি দেবতাদের অস্ত্রে সজ্জিত হয়ে সিংহে আরোহণ করে মহিষাসুরের বিরুদ্ধে যুদ্ধে অবতীর্ণ হন। টানা দশ দিনের যুদ্ধ শেষে বিজয়াদশমীতে দেবী মহিষাসুরকে বধ করেন। এই কারণেই দুর্গাপূজা শুভ ও অশুভের চিরন...

  On a high-octane Sunday evening at the Dubai International Stadium, India clinched the Asia Cup title with a commanding five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan . It was a final brimming with intensity, but in the end, Tilak Varma’s elegant unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s composed 33 ensured that Gautam Gambhir’s boys lifted the silverware in style. The stage was set at 7:30 PM (IST) for the third and final clash between the two cricketing powerhouses in this tournament. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav elected to field first, a decision that soon looked wise. Pakistan’s innings began in aggressive fashion. Their top order looked intent on putting the Indian bowlers under pressure. The partnership flourished until the score reached 84 runs , when the breakthrough finally arrived. Farhan, who had blazed his way to a scintillating 57 off just 38 balls , departed, halting Pakistan’s momentum. Soon after, Ayub was dismissed for 14 and Mohammad Haris for a go...

  Ellsworth Vines Jr. was born on 28 September 1911 in Los Angeles, California, USA, and passed away on 17 March 1994 . He was an American sportsman renowned not only for being one of the greatest tennis players of the 1930s but also for later becoming a successful professional golfer. Tall, powerful, and athletic, Vines embodied versatility, excelling at two demanding sports at the highest levels. Style of Play (Tennis) Vines was one of the earliest power players in tennis, relying on booming serves and aggressive groundstrokes . His game was based on attacking play and short points , foreshadowing modern power tennis. He was known for his cool temperament , sharp focus, and ability to dictate rallies with his forehand. His athleticism made him equally effective on grass, clay, and hard courts. Career Highlights (Tennis) Grand Slam Success Wimbledon (1932) : Won the singles title by defeating Henry “Bunny” Austin. U.S. Championships (1931, 1932) : Twice champion...

  On paper, it was supposed to be a dead rubber. But under the dazzling lights of the Dubai International Stadium, India were forced to dig deep against Sri Lanka, escaping with a dramatic victory in the Super Over. The win may not have been an upset, but it certainly felt like a stern “wake-up call” for the Men in Blue ahead of their Asia Cup final against Pakistan. India’s batting had a familiar hero. Abhishek Sharma’s blazing blade once again set the tone. While Shubman Gill fell for just 4 and captain Suryakumar Yadav (12) disappointed yet again—something that will surely trouble the team’s think tank—Abhishek remained unflinching. With eight crisp boundaries and two towering sixes, he powered his way to a fiery 61 off 31 balls at a strike rate close to 200. By the time he departed, India were already near the 100-run mark. The momentum was carried forward by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, though the team’s constant experimentation with their batting order continues to raise ...

  The Yamai Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Maharashtra, dedicated to Goddess Yamai , a manifestation of Goddess Mahalaxmi (Adi Shakti). Located atop a hill in Aundh , about 70 km from Satara and 45 km from Karad, the temple attracts devotees from across the state, especially during Navratri. Yamai Devi is regarded as the kuldevi (family deity) of many Maharashtrian families, particularly the Chitpavan Brahmins and local Maratha clans. The temple’s location atop a hill not only adds to its spiritual grandeur but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. History in Detail Antiquity: The Yamai Devi Temple is believed to be over 500–600 years old , with references linking its origins to the Yadava dynasty and local Maratha chieftains. Legend: According to folklore, Goddess Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur took the form of Yamai Devi and settled in Aundh to protect the region from evil forces. Her name “Yamai” is derived from “Yamuna” or “Yami,” me...

  The match was virtually a semifinal. India had already secured their place in the final, while Sri Lanka were knocked out. That meant it was crystal clear from the start — whichever team won between Pakistan and Bangladesh would claim the remaining spot in the title clash. Despite putting up a modest score, Pakistan were never going to surrender meekly. In the end, Bangladesh faltered in their chase, falling short of Pakistan’s total, and thus the cricketing world braces once again for the ultimate rivalry: India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali, standing in once more for the absent Liton Das, won the toss and opted to field first. Three changes were made from the side that played against India. The decision seemed to pay off immediately when Taskin Ahmed removed Sahibzada Farhan with just the fourth ball of the innings. That early jolt rattled Pakistan, and their innings kept collapsing at regular intervals. At 71 for 6, they looked completely de...

  Managua , the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, is located on the southern shore of Lake Managua (Lago Xolotlán) . It is the country’s cultural, economic, and political hub, blending history, vibrant nightlife, and modern development. Despite earthquakes reshaping its cityscape (most notably in 1972), Managua remains lively with plazas, museums, markets, and natural attractions . It also serves as the gateway to Nicaragua’s Pacific region , including colonial cities, volcanoes, and beaches.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square) Historic and symbolic heart of Managua. Home to the Old Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral de Managua) , the National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura), and statues honoring national heroes. A must-visit for understanding Nicaragua’s history and identity. Puerto Salvador Allende A lively waterfront along Lake Managua. Restaurants, bars, amusement rides, and colorful architecture. ...

  Plenty of noise, but little substance—that best sums up Bangladesh’s challenge against India. Ahead of the clash, Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons boldly claimed that “any team can beat India.” But when it came to execution, his side wilted under pressure. In what was virtually a semifinal of the Asia Cup Super Four, India posted a modest target of 169 runs, yet Bangladesh crumbled to 127, handing India a resounding 41-run victory and a ticket to the grand final. Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali invited India to bat first—a decision that backfired spectacularly, thanks to a fiery onslaught from Abhishek Sharma. The explosive left-handed opener bludgeoned 75 off just 37 balls, leaving Bangladeshi bowlers gasping. His dismissal slowed India’s momentum, allowing Bangladesh to claw back. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (5) and Tilak Varma (5) faltered, but Hardik Pandya’s gritty 38 and Axar Patel’s 10 guided India to 168. Questions, however, were raised over Suryakumar and Gaut...

  The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India, drawing millions of devotees each year. Dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi , the saint revered as a spiritual guide, fakir, and incarnation of God, the temple complex revolves around the Samadhi Mandir where Sai Baba’s mortal remains were laid to rest in 1918. The shrine is not just a temple but a center of faith, cutting across religions, castes, and nationalities. History in Detail Sai Baba’s Arrival in Shirdi: Sai Baba came to Shirdi around the mid-19th century (circa 1858). He lived a simple life in a mosque (which he named Dwarkamai ) and performed numerous miracles—healing the sick, reconciling Hindus and Muslims, and spreading messages of love and devotion. Teachings: Sai Baba emphasized Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience) , urging devotees to look beyond religious boundaries. He quoted verses from both Hindu and Islamic texts, showing unity of faiths. Sam...