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Showing posts from January, 2025

Sutherland’s Heroics Put Australia in Command in Ashes test as Mooney Eyes Test Century

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  England were left to rue their missed chances as Annabel Sutherland delivered a stunning innings, while Beth Mooney closed in on a maiden Test century, putting Australia firmly in control on day two of the women's Ashes Test at the MCG. Sutherland’s remarkable 163 off 258 balls not only secured her place in history as the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG, but also made her just the third Australian woman to register three Test hundreds. Meanwhile, Mooney remains unbeaten on 98, with a golden opportunity to join the exclusive MCG hundred club when play resumes on day three. Australia ended the day on a commanding 422/5, leading England by 252 runs and inching closer to a historic 16-0 clean sweep in the multi-format Ashes series. Sutherland’s brilliant knock thrilled the 11,918-strong MCG crowd, adding to a record-breaking total attendance of 23,561 over two days—surpassing the previous record of 23,207 at Trent Bridge in 2023. Throughout Friday’s play, Australi...

Australia Dominates Sri Lanka as Khawaja’s Double Century Leads the Charge

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  Australia’s batters put on a commanding display against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Usman Khawaja scoring a maiden Test double century, while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis also notched centuries. Their dominance saw Australia declare at a massive 654 runs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 44/3 by the end of the day. Khawaja’s Maiden Double Century Khawaja registered his first-ever double century in Test cricket, batting for nearly seven and a half hours. He faced 352 deliveries to score a magnificent 232, hitting 16 fours and one six. He was well-supported by Steve Smith (141) and Josh Inglis (102), who helped Australia amass their imposing total. Smith Reaches 10,000 Test Runs Smith became the 15th batter in history to surpass 10,000 Test runs and only the fourth Australian to achieve the milestone. His innings lasted 251 balls, during which he shared a record-breaking 266-run partnership with Khawaja for the third wicket. This stands as Australia’s highest third-wicket stand aga...

Alana King spins out England as Aus Women Gain Upper Hand in Ashes Test

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  Alana King’s exceptional leg-spin performance handed Australia the advantage on the opening day of the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, despite an injury concern for star all-rounder Ellyse Perry. The Victorian-born spinner delivered a career-best spell of 4-45 from the Shane Warne end, dismantling England’s middle order as the visitors were bowled out for 170. Natalie Sciver-Brunt put up a determined fight with a gritty 51, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent England from collapsing. Australia then faced the challenge of batting under lights but navigated the session cautiously, reaching 1-56 at stumps. Debutant Georgia Voll (12) was the only batter to fall, edging Lauren Bell behind. Meanwhile, Phoebe Litchfield (20*) and Annabel Sutherland (24*) guided Australia safely to the close of play. Perry’s Injury Concern The biggest worry for Australia came when Ellyse Perry suffered a potential injury before the dinner break. She landed awkwardly while diving to stop a bou...

Champions League Group Stage ends: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal Secure Top 3 Spots

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  After eight matches, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal finished in the top three of the Champions League group stage, securing direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinals. Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich barely managed to stay in contention for the Round of 16. Liverpool’s Defeat to PSV Liverpool faced PSV in their final group-stage match, having already secured the top spot. Coach Arne Slot fielded a second-string squad, yet Cody Gakpo put Liverpool ahead. However, Johan Bakayoko equalized within five minutes. Another five minutes later, Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead. Just before halftime, PSV turned the game around with goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi. In the 87th minute, PSV’s Amara Nallo received a red card, but Liverpool still lost 2-3. Barcelona Draw with Atalanta Second-placed Barcelona played out a 2-2 draw against Atalanta. Lamin Yamal and Ronald Araújo scored for the Spanish club, while Ederson and Mario Pašalić twice equali...

Yoga : Marichyasana (Marichi’s Pose) – All Variations & Precautions

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  Marichyasana has four primary variations—A, B, C, and D—each progressively increasing in complexity and intensity. These variations incorporate forward folds and spinal twists, enhancing flexibility, digestion, and core strength. 1. Marichyasana A (Forward Fold Variation) Steps: Sit with legs extended in Dandasana (Staff Pose) . Bend your right knee, keeping the foot flat near your right sitting bone. Inhale, lengthen the spine, and extend your right arm forward. Exhale, wrap your right arm around your right shin and bring your left arm behind your back. Clasp your hands or fingers behind your back. Fold forward over the extended leg, keeping the spine long. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then release and switch sides. Benefits: Stretches hamstrings and lower back. Improves digestion and calms the mind. 2. Marichyasana B (Forward Fold with Half-Lotus) Steps: Sit in Dandasana and place your left foot in Half-Lotus (Ardha Padmasana) on your right thigh. Bend your ...

Khawaja , Smith hit 100s as Aussies dominate Sri Lanka on day 1 of 1st test

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  Steve Smith achieved two major milestones in the first Test against Sri Lanka. With his first run of the match, he reached 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Additionally, by scoring a century, the Australian captain surpassed Sunil Gavaskar in the all-time Test run tally. Smith had struggled for form during the Test series against India. In the Sydney Test, he was dismissed with his total Test runs at 9,999, leaving him just one run short of the 10,000-mark. Missing the milestone on home soil was a disappointment for him. However, with Pat Cummins rested ahead of the Champions Trophy, Smith was named Australia’s captain for the Sri Lanka tour. He immediately rediscovered his form, reaching the 10,000-run milestone on Wednesday, becoming the 15th player in history to do so. Thanks to centuries from Smith and Usman Khawaja, Australia finished the first day at 330 for 2. Khawaja, opening the innings, remained unbeaten on 147. Like Smith, he had also struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Tr...

SBI Deputy BM Arrested in Kolkata for Fraud on Senior Citizen Savings account

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  A Deputy Branch Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Jadavpur has been arrested for allegedly forging an elderly woman’s signature and withdrawing ₹17 lakh from her account. Police claim that several bank employees were involved in the conspiracy. Following an investigation, Deputy Branch Manager Suman Kumar Singh was arrested on Tuesday, as evidence suggested his direct involvement in the fraud. The case came to light on January 23 when 82-year-old Santranini Ghosh filed a complaint with the police. She alleged that her signature had been forged and a total of ₹17 lakh was withdrawn from her account without her consent. According to her statement, some bank employees and other individuals conspired to forge her signature and use it to withdraw the money fraudulently. As part of the investigation, police issued a notice to the SBI Jadavpur University branch and collected all relevant documents and account details of the elderly woman. Upon reviewing the evidence, invest...

Sporting icons : Romário: The Genius of the Penalty Box - Career HLs & Video

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  Romário de Souza Faria was born on January 29, 1966, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history, known for his incredible dribbling, clinical finishing, and extraordinary ability inside the penalty box. A key figure in Brazil’s World Cup-winning team of 1994, Romário’s instinct for goals and his effortless flair made him one of the most entertaining players of his generation. Style of Play Romário was a classic poacher with an exceptional sense of positioning. Despite his relatively small stature (5'6"), he possessed incredible agility, acceleration, and close control, allowing him to beat defenders in tight spaces. His signature move was the quick turn inside the box, followed by an unstoppable finish. Romário was also known for his composure in one-on-one situations, making him a nightmare for goalkeepers. Career Highlights World Cup Winner (1994) : Romário was Brazil’s top scorer and best player in their triumphant...

Sporting Icons : Greg Louganis: The Greatest Diver of All Time - Career HLs & video

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  Gregory Efthimios Louganis was born on January 29, 1960, in El Cajon, California, USA. He is widely regarded as the greatest diver in history, known for his extraordinary grace, precision, and dominance in both the springboard and platform diving events. Louganis' career was marked by unparalleled success at the Olympic Games and world diving competitions, setting new standards for excellence in the sport. Style of Play Louganis was known for his impeccable technique, fluid motion, and near-perfect execution of dives. He combined athleticism with artistic flair, making his dives look effortless while maintaining high degrees of difficulty. His ability to execute complex movements with minimal splash set him apart from his competitors. Career Highlights Four Olympic Gold Medals : Louganis won four Olympic gold medals across two Games (1984 and 1988), dominating both the 3m springboard and 10m platform events. First to Win Back-to-Back Golds in Both Events : He became the f...

Yoga : Mandukasana (Frog Pose)- How to do this excercise

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  Mandukasana, or Frog Pose, is a beneficial yoga asana that mimics a frog’s posture. Derived from Sanskrit ( Manduka meaning "frog" and Asana meaning "pose"), it primarily targets the abdominal region, improving digestion, relieving stress, and enhancing flexibility. This asana is particularly useful for those looking to strengthen their core and alleviate digestive issues. How to Perform Mandukasana Starting Position: Sit in Vajrasana (kneeling position) with your back straight and hands resting on your thighs. Hand Placement: Make a fist with both hands , keeping your thumbs inside. Place your fists on your lower abdomen, near the navel . Bending Forward: Inhale deeply. As you exhale, bend forward , keeping your back straight. Press your fists gently against your abdomen to create mild pressure. Ensure your chest touches your thighs and your forehead moves toward the ground. Hold the Pose: Maintain the position for 10-30 seconds ...

England overcome Varun mystery to rattle India in 3rd T20I with superb bowling

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  In the five-match T20 series, Suryakumar Yadav’s team entered the Rajkot match leading 2-0. A win would have secured the series for India. However, batting failures allowed Jos Buttler’s England to bounce back. In reply to England’s 171/9, India ended their innings at 145/9, losing the match by 26 runs. Despite the defeat, India still leads the series 2-1. In a game that marked Mohammed Shami’s return to international cricket, the star of the match was Varun Chakravarthy. The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner gave his all to provide Bengal’s pace bowler with happy memories of his comeback. His brilliance with the ball turned England’s 83/1 into 127/8. Chakravarthy’s spell yielded 5 wickets for just 24 runs, dismantling England’s middle order. He dismissed Buttler (24), Jamie Smith (6), Jamie Overton (0), Brydon Carse (3), and Jofra Archer (0), putting India in the driver’s seat during the first innings. Chakravarthy also had a chance for a hat-trick after removing both Jamies in the...

Cuisine : Orange Chicken : A Winter Delight

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  Winter is here, and with it comes an abundance of oranges in the market. Add a citrusy twist to your new year's recipes with this delicious Orange Chicken. Here's how to make it: For the Sauce: In a bowl, mix: Orange juice Lime juice Orange zest Rice wine vinegar Sesame oil Garlic and green chili paste Red chili flakes Ginger paste Soy sauce Salt and black pepper Set this sauce aside. For the Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornflour, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken until golden. Remove and set aside. Final Preparation: Clean the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Once the sauce starts to boil, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce to thicken it. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and mix well to coat the pieces evenly. Finally, garnish with chopped spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy the burst...

Cuisine : Malai Kebab : Quick to make and Delicious

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  If you're in the mood for a quick and flavorful dish, try making Malai Kebab. With just some boneless chicken and a few simple ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. Here's how: Ingredients: Boneless chicken: 500 grams Yogurt: 1/2 cup Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons Chili paste: 1 tablespoon Coriander powder: 1 tablespoon Cumin powder: 1 tablespoon Cashew paste: 1 tablespoon Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon Fresh cream: 1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter): 1 tablespoon Butter: 1 tablespoon Cloves: 3-4 Salt: To taste Charcoal: As required Method: In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt and all the spices. Mix well. In the same bowl, place a small dish containing charcoal, a little ghee, and cloves. Cover the bowl tightly for a couple of minutes to infuse the smoky flavor. After two minutes, remove the charcoal dish, cover the marinated chicken, and refrigerate for one hour. After an hour, take the chicken out of the fridge and skewer the piec...

Yoga : Malasana (Garland Pose): Steps to perform the excercise

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  Malasana, also known as the Garland Pose, is a yoga asana that focuses on opening the hips, strengthening the lower body, and improving flexibility. It is a grounding pose that connects the practitioner to the earth and is often used in yoga practices to prepare the body for meditation or more intense postures. This pose also helps in digestion, spinal alignment, and enhancing core stability. Benefits of Malasana: Improves hip flexibility and mobility. Strengthens the thighs, calves, and ankles. Enhances posture by elongating the spine. Stimulates digestion and detoxifies the abdominal organs. Provides grounding and relaxation for the mind. How to Perform Malasana Step-by-Step Instructions: Starting Position: Begin in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Keep your toes pointed slightly outward at a comfortable angle. Squat Down: Bend your knees and lower your hips into a deep squat. Bring your thighs as close to your tor...

Sporting icons : Chaminda Vaas: The Pioneer of Sri Lankan Fast Bowling - Career HLs, video

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  Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas, born on January 27, 1974, in Mattumagala, Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers produced by Sri Lanka. Known for his remarkable accuracy, swing, and ability to extract movement even on subcontinental pitches, Vaas became the backbone of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack during his career. Style of Play Chaminda Vaas was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who relied on swing, seam movement, and unerring accuracy rather than express pace. His ability to move the ball both ways and bowl with consistency made him a threat in all conditions. As a lower-order batsman, Vaas was a handy contributor, capable of valuable runs. His athleticism also made him a reliable fielder. Test Records Matches : 111 Wickets : 355 Bowling Average : 29.58 Best Bowling (Innings) : 7/120 Best Bowling (Match) : 14/191 5-Wicket Hauls : 12 10-Wicket Hauls : 2 Runs : 3,089 Batting Average : 24.32 Highest Score : 100* Cat...

West Indies shock Pakistan by 120 runs in a spin dominated 2nd test , series drawn 1-1

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  In the first Test in Multan, Pakistan successfully set a spin trap to dominate the West Indies. Buoyed by that success, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and the team attempted a similar strategy in the second Test. However, this time, they fell into their own trap. The West Indies spinners dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, leading to a convincing 120-run victory and leveling the series 1-1. In the second innings, Pakistan needed 255 runs to win. By the end of Day 2, they were 76 for 4, requiring another 178 runs. On Day 3, however, they managed to add only 57 runs before being bowled out for 133. Babar Azam top-scored with 31, followed by Mohammad Rizwan with 25. No other batsman contributed significantly. West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican claimed five wickets, bringing his match total to nine and earning the Player of the Match award. The second Test concluded in less than three days. Remarkably, both teams’ first innings were completed on the first day itself. The Multan pitch h...

Surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases in Pune in India causes deaths & alarms

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  There has been a notable surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in India city of  Pune and nearby areas. According to officials, the primary causes are linked to contaminated water, unhygienic food, and other related factors. A total of 73 confirmed cases have been reported, including 47 males and 26 females. Most cases have been identified in areas such as Kirkatwadi, Nandoshi, Nanded, Dhayari, and Sinhagad Road in Pune. GBS, often caused by Norovirus, is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can also spread through airborne particles when an infected individual vomits. Among the 73 patients, 44 cases are from rural Pune, while 11 are from urban Pune, including the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Fourteen of these patients are currently on ventilators. While the infection generally lasts for one to three days, severe complications can arise in some cases. The local health authorities have sent samples from the affected individuals to the National Inst...

Yoga : Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)- how to do this excercise

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  Makarasana, also known as the Crocodile Pose, is a relaxing yoga posture that emphasizes deep breathing and full-body relaxation. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Makara" (crocodile) and "asana" (pose). This pose mimics the resting posture of a crocodile and is often practiced at the end of a yoga session to promote calmness and relieve tension. Makarasana is highly beneficial for those suffering from back pain, stress, and respiratory issues. It provides a grounding effect and is suitable for practitioners of all levels. How to Perform Makarasana Preparation : Lie flat on your stomach on a yoga mat. Stretch your legs out straight behind you, keeping them slightly apart. Hand and Head Position : Fold your arms in front of you and rest your head on your forearms. Ensure your elbows are aligned with your shoulders, creating a stable support. Leg Position : Allow your heels to turn outward and toes inward, letting your lower body ...

Sinner win 2nd Aus open as Zverev's grand slam title wait continues

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  Last year, he became the first Italian player to win the Australian Open. Despite the calendar turning to 2025, the scene at Rod Laver Arena remained unchanged. Once again, Jannik Sinner emerged as the Australian Open champion. On Sunday, in a one-sided final, the World No. 1 defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets, securing back-to-back titles at the Australian Open and equaling the legacy of legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Federer and Djokovic are among the few players to have won consecutive Australian Open titles. The Serbian maestro even holds the record for winning the title three times in a row. Federer, on the other hand, achieved this feat twice in his career. The Swiss legend first claimed back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, then repeated the achievement in 2017 and 2018. On Sunday, Sinner joined their ranks, becoming the first Italian player to win the Australian Open in consecutive years. From the start of this year’s first Grand Slam, Sinner dis...

India's Top 21 iconic sightseeing spots to visit at a Glance

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  Here’s a detailed guide to the top 20 iconic sightseeing places in India, showcasing their unique charm, history, and significance: 1. Taj Mahal, Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this white marble mausoleum is a symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Highlights: Stunning Mughal architecture, symmetrical gardens, intricate inlay work. Best Time to Visit: October to March. 2. Jaipur’s Amber Fort (Rajasthan) Significance: A majestic fort overlooking Maota Lake, showcasing Rajput architecture. Highlights: Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Elephant rides, Light and sound show. Best Time to Visit: November to February. 3. Qutub Minar, Delhi Significance: The world’s tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights: Intricate carvings, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar. Best Time to Visit: October to March. 4. Varanasi Ghats (Uttar Pradesh) Significance: The spir...

Top 10 Indian Cities at a Glance

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  Here is a detailed guide to ten prominent Indian cities, covering their best places to visit, ideal seasons, signature cuisines, and connectivity: 1. Mumbai Best Places to Visit: Gateway of India: Iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea. Marine Drive: Picturesque seaside promenade. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus: UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel. Elephanta Caves: Ancient rock-cut caves showcasing Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. Colaba Causeway Market: Bustling shopping street. Best Season to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather). Cuisines: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bombay Sandwich, Misal Pav. Connectivity: Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Rail: Well-connected through Western, Central, and Harbour lines. Road: National highways and extensive bus services. 2. Delhi Best Places to Visit: Red Fort: Historic Mughal-era fort. Qutub Minar: Tallest brick minaret in the world. India Gate: War memo...