The World around U

  Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have taken another big step toward their sixth title. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in the Eliminator match and secured their spot in Qualifier 2. The match, played in Mullanpur, saw a brilliant innings from Rohit Sharma (81), which powered Mumbai to a massive total of 228 runs — the highest score ever recorded in IPL playoff history. Despite a valiant effort from Sai Sudharsan (80), who kept Gujarat in the chase, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult produced a stunning comeback to seal a memorable victory for Mumbai. With this loss, Gujarat Titans’ dream of reaching the final for a third consecutive time was shattered. Held on Friday, May 30, the playoff clash between the third- and fourth-ranked teams promised to be a thrilling contest — and it delivered. While Mumbai’s batting was outstanding, Gujarat’s fielding was equally disappointing, with four simple catches dropped. Notably, in the ...

  On Thursday, top seed Yannick Sinner breezed past Richard Gasquet in the second round, defeating the French veteran in straight sets (6-3, 6-0, 6-4). This match marked the end of Gasquet’s professional career — after 23 years on the ATP Tour, the 38-year-old bowed out on home soil. Third seed Alexander Zverev also advanced to the third round, overcoming an early scare against Jesper de Jong. Despite losing the first set 3-6, Zverev rallied back to win the next three sets (6-1, 6-2, 6-3). For Gasquet, this was his 22nd appearance at Roland Garros, and he had already announced it would be his last. He struggled to counter Sinner’s powerful serves and returns, ultimately falling in just under two hours. With this victory, the 22-year-old Italian extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches — a record among players born after 1990 — following his US Open and Australian Open triumphs. In Zverev’s match, Jesper initially took advantage of Zverev’s service issues, breaking h...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Rechelle Margaret Hawkes was born on May 30, 1967 , in Albany, Western Australia. Widely regarded as one of the greatest field hockey players of all time, Hawkes was a dynamic midfielder and captain who played with sharp tactical intelligence, lightning speed, relentless stamina, and exceptional leadership. Known for her calm yet determined presence on the field, she was the heartbeat of the Australian women’s hockey team, the Hockeyroos, across nearly two decades. Career Highlights in Detail: Hawkes made her debut for the Australian national team in 1985 and went on to become one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. She captained the team from 1993 until her retirement in 2000, guiding Australia through one of its most dominant eras. Under her leadership, the Hockeyroos won numerous international titles, and she played a key role in transforming the team into a global powerhouse. Hawkes was famous not only for her technic...

  Royal Challengers Bangalore have finally achieved what millions of RCB fans had been dreaming of — they’ve secured a spot in the IPL 2025 final! In the first qualifier, RCB delivered a dominant performance, crushing Punjab Kings with ease. The heroes of Bangalore’s victory were Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Phil Salt. Hazlewood and Suyash both picked up 3 wickets each with exceptional bowling, dismantling Punjab’s batting order. Then came Phil Salt, who smashed a blistering half-century off just 23 balls, completely shattering Punjab’s hopes of reaching the final. This marks the fourth time RCB has reached an IPL final — and notably, it’s their first time in nine years, with their last final appearance dating back to 2016. Record-breaking victory in IPL playoff history RCB has now registered the biggest win in IPL playoff history. They clinched the match with a staggering 60 balls (10 overs) to spare — the largest margin of victory by balls remaining in any IPL playoff g...

  Introduction Shri Tungnath Temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is the highest Shiva temple in the world , standing at an altitude of about 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the sacred Panch Kedar temples and holds immense religious, mythological, and trekking significance. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows, the temple is an important pilgrimage site as well as a popular trekking destination. History in Detail According to legend, the origin of Tungnath Temple is linked to the Mahabharata . After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought to atone for the sins of killing their relatives and Brahmins. Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them easily, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the Himalayas. Parts of his body appeared at five places, which became known as the Panch Kedar. At Tungnath, the arms of Shiva are believed to have emerged. The temple is said to be over 1,000 years old , built by the ...

  In the French Open 2025 second seed Carlos Alcaraz faced a tough challenge in the second round of the French Open, defeating Hungary’s unseeded Fabian Marozsan 3-1 in sets. Meanwhile, the upsets continued as seventh seed Casper Ruud was knocked out by Portugal’s unseeded Nuno Borges, losing 1-3 in sets. In his first-round match, Alcaraz had already drawn criticism from tennis experts after committing four double faults. His second-round performance on Wednesday was unlikely to silence those critics. Despite winning the match in 2 hours and 9 minutes, last year’s champion struggled to maintain momentum. After comfortably taking the first set 6-1, Alcaraz stumbled, losing the second set 4-6 to the world No. 58. Once Marozsan drew level after a 47-minute battle, Alcaraz woke up and unleashed his aggressive style. The Hungarian had no answer as Alcaraz stormed through the third set 6-1 in just 24 minutes. The fourth set was also one-sided, with Alcaraz wrapping it up 6-2 in 30 minu...

  The Dhari Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.  Perched on the banks of the Alaknanda River near the village of Kalyasaur, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari Devi, considered a manifestation of Goddess Kali.  The temple holds immense spiritual significance and is deeply rooted in local legends and beliefs.  🛕 Introduction Dhari Devi is venerated as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and the protector of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.  The temple is unique in its open-air structure, as it is believed that the goddess should not be housed under a roof.  This belief underscores the sanctity and distinctive nature of the shrine. 📜 History and Legends According to legend, during a severe flood, the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi was swept away and became lodged against a rock near the village of Dharo.  The villagers, upon hearing a divine voice, were inst...

  Back bacon is a popular cut of bacon especially loved in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. Unlike streaky bacon (made from pork belly), back bacon comes from the pork loin, making it leaner yet still flavorful, with just a small rind of fat around the edge. It’s often enjoyed in breakfast fry-ups, sandwiches, or even grilled for a hearty meal. Its rich, meaty taste and tender texture make it a versatile favorite. Ingredients: Back bacon slices – 6 to 8 pieces Cooking oil or butter – 1 teaspoon (optional, depending on your pan) Black pepper – to taste (optional) How to Prepare: Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. If your bacon has a good fat rind, you likely won’t need extra oil; otherwise, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cook the Bacon: Lay the back bacon slices in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2–4 minutes on each side, depending on how crispy or tender you like it. Flip halfway through to ensure even...

  Poutine is a beloved Canadian comfort food, originating from Quebec. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish made with crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and rich brown gravy. Though it might sound basic, the magic lies in how these three elements come together — the crispy-salty fries, the squeaky, slightly melty cheese curds, and the savory gravy coating everything. It’s perfect as a late-night snack, a pub favorite, or even as a hearty side dish. Ingredients: French fries – 4 cups (homemade or frozen, cooked until crisp) Cheese curds – 1½ cups (preferably white cheddar) Butter – 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons Beef or chicken stock – 2 cups (or a mix) Black pepper – to taste Salt – to taste How to Prepare: Prepare the Gravy: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a light roux. Gradually whisk in the stock, making sure there are no lumps. Let it simmer for 4–5 minute...

  If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious Bengali snack, Postor Bora (poppy seed fritters) is a perfect choice. These fritters are soft, mildly spiced, and carry the nutty richness of poppy seeds — a nostalgic favorite in many Bengali households, especially as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. Ingredients: Poppy seed paste – 100 grams Whole poppy seeds – 2 tablespoons Boiled potato – ½ cup, mashed Green chilies – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped Onion – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped Salt – to taste Mustard oil – as needed, for light frying Method: In a mixing bowl, combine the poppy seed paste, mashed potato, green chilies, chopped onion, and salt. Leave out the whole poppy seeds and mustard oil for now. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, cohesive mixture. From this mixture, shape small balls and flatten them slightly to form patties or fritter shapes. Sprinkle the whole poppy seeds over the patties, pressing them gently so they stick. Heat a little musta...

  🌆 Introduction Richmond is a vibrant coastal city just south of Vancouver, known for its rich Asian influence, historic fishing villages, world-class food scene, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean . Home to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Richmond is where urban life meets waterfront charm — you’ll find modern shopping centers, Buddhist temples, nature parks, and a thriving immigrant community (particularly Chinese and Southeast Asian). It’s also famous for its night markets, fresh seafood, and dim sum . 📍 Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1️⃣ Steveston Village A historic fishing village with a picturesque waterfront, heritage buildings, and charming shops. Visit Garry Point Park for sunsets or tour the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site to learn about the fishing industry. Fresh fish and chips from local eateries are a must! 2️⃣ Richmond Night Market One of the largest night markets in North America, open during the summer. Think rows of Asian stree...

  🌆 Introduction Burnaby is a dynamic city located just east of Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, known for its diverse communities, lush parks, major shopping hubs, and cultural spaces . While often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Vancouver, Burnaby holds its own charm — blending urban centers like Metrotown with nature escapes like Burnaby Mountain and Deer Lake. It’s also home to Simon Fraser University (SFU) , large cultural venues, and excellent shopping and dining options, making it a balanced mix of urban life and green space. 📍 Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1️⃣ Burnaby Mountain & Simon Fraser University (SFU) Offers panoramic views of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains. Visit the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods) — a striking collection of carved totem poles gifted by Japanese artists. Great hiking and biking trails through Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. 2️⃣ Deer Lake Park A peaceful urban oasis with walking trails, canoe r...

  Introduction & Style of Play: James Francis “Jim” Thorpe was born on May 28, 1887 , near Prague, Oklahoma, USA. Thorpe is widely celebrated as one of the most versatile and extraordinary athletes of the 20th century. Known for his exceptional natural athleticism, he excelled across multiple sports, including track and field, football, baseball, and basketball. Thorpe’s style was marked by raw power, speed, agility, and a natural flair that allowed him to dominate in almost any discipline he attempted — earning him the reputation of being an all-around “super athlete” before the term even existed. Career Highlights in Detail: Thorpe shot to global fame at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics , where he won gold medals in both the decathlon and pentathlon , astonishing the world with his range and stamina. Beyond the Olympics, Thorpe was a standout in American football, becoming a college star at Carlisle Indian Industrial School and later a professional with the Canton Bulldogs, whe...

    Introduction & Style of Play: Jeffrey Dujon was born on May 28, 1956 , in Kingston, Jamaica. Renowned as one of the finest wicketkeepers in West Indies cricket history, Dujon combined athletic, graceful glove work with stylish, reliable middle-order batting. His keeping was marked by sharp reflexes, soft hands, and an ability to stand up confidently to both the fastest pacers and spinners. As a batsman, he brought a calm, technically sound presence, often rescuing innings with fluent strokes under pressure. Career Highlights in Detail: Dujon made his Test debut in 1981 against Australia, becoming a vital cog in the legendary West Indies team of the 1980s, which dominated world cricket. His elegant batting and assured keeping made him a trusted figure behind the stumps for a formidable pace attack featuring names like Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner. With the bat, Dujon scored consistently, often bailing the team out of difficult situations, and...

  Novak Djokovic cruised through the first round of the French Open with an easy win. Facing no real resistance from unseeded American Mackenzie McDonald, Djokovic secured a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Fresh off claiming his 100th professional title, the sixth seed dominated the match from start to finish, needing just 1 hour and 58 minutes to seal the win. McDonald never managed to trouble him, and Djokovic controlled the entire encounter with authority. Meanwhile, one of the tournament’s biggest upsets unfolded on Tuesday, as Daniil Medvedev crashed out in the very first round. Despite a fierce five-set battle, the Russian could not overcome Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Medvedev fell behind early, losing the first two sets 5-7, 3-6, unable to counter Norrie’s strategic play. However, he rallied strongly, taking the next two sets 6-4, 6-1, and looked poised to pull off a comeback. But Norrie held firm, pushing the fifth set into a tight contest and eventually sealing victo...

  The 70th match of IPL 2025 turned out to be a historic one for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chasing a massive target of 228 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, RCB not only secured a remarkable victory but also finished in the top two of the league stage, further strengthening their playoff position. This chase became the highest successful run chase in RCB’s IPL history. With this win, RCB booked their ticket to Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, giving them two chances to reach the final. Batting first, Lucknow Super Giants put up a mammoth total of 227 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Captain Rishabh Pant played a sensational knock, remaining unbeaten on 118 runs off 61 balls, while Mitchell Marsh contributed a valuable 67 runs. After losing Breetzke (14) Marsh and Pant got into a glorious  stand for LSG . For RCB, Nuwan , Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Romario Shepherd picked up a wicket each. Though this score seemed challenging for any side, RCB not only accepted the challenge b...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Aleksandr Sidorenko was born on May 26, 1960 , in Donetsk, Soviet Union (now Ukraine). As a competitive swimmer, he specialized in the individual medley , excelling in both the 200m and 400m distances. Sidorenko was known for his smooth transitions across all four strokes — butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle — combined with superb endurance and a powerful finishing kick. His technical precision and tactical racing style made him one of the Soviet Union’s top swimmers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Career Highlights in Detail: Sidorenko rose to international prominence in the late 1970s and became one of the Soviet Union’s most decorated swimmers during the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He also made his mark in the European Championships and other major international meets, consistently challenging the world’s best in medley events. His disciplined training and consistency allowed him to dominate both national and international po...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Mahela Jayawardene was born on May 27, 1977 , in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Renowned for his silky strokeplay, flawless timing, and calm temperament, Jayawardene was one of the most elegant right-handed batsmen of his generation. He combined technical brilliance with cricketing intelligence, thriving in pressure situations and often anchoring Sri Lanka’s batting. Known for his precision in placements rather than brute force, Jayawardene also had sharp tactical acumen, captaining Sri Lanka with distinction across formats. Career Highlights in Detail: Jayawardene’s international career spanned from 1997 to 2015, during which he became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest-ever batsmen. He played a crucial role in guiding the team to the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals , the 2014 ICC World T20 title , and numerous bilateral series wins. His partnership with Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most prolific in world cricket, particularly their world-record 624-run sta...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri was born on May 27, 1962 , in Mumbai, India. A tall, elegant cricketer, Shastri was a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler known for his versatility and determination. He began his career as a left-arm spinner but gradually transformed into a dependable opening and middle-order batsman, making him one of India’s finest all-rounders of the 1980s and early 1990s. His style was characterized by grit, patience, and adaptability — not flashy, but supremely effective when the team needed him. Career Highlights in Detail: Ravi Shastri made his Test debut for India in 1981 against New Zealand at Wellington. Initially a bowler, he worked tirelessly on his batting to become an essential all-rounder. His most famous peak came during the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia, where he was named the Champion of Champions for his all-round brilliance as India lifted the trophy. Shastri was part of the ...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Michael Edward Killeen Hussey was born on May 27, 1975 , in Morley, Western Australia. A left-handed batsman renowned for his calm temperament, sharp cricketing brain, and textbook technique, Hussey was often called “Mr. Cricket” for his deep love and understanding of the game. Though he arrived late on the international stage, his style combined patience, elegance, and grit, making him one of Australia’s most dependable middle-order batsmen. He was also a safe fielder and an occasional medium-pace bowler. Career Highlights in Detail: Mike Hussey made his Test debut in 2005 at age 30, after years of prolific performances in domestic cricket. Despite the late start, he quickly cemented his spot with a string of big scores, averaging over 70 early in his Test career. In ODIs, he was a finisher and anchor, capable of rebuilding or accelerating depending on the match situation. Hussey played a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI successes in the l...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Frank Edward Woolley was born on May 27, 1887 , in Tonbridge, Kent, England. He was a tall, graceful left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner, renowned for his fluent, stylish strokeplay and effortless timing. Woolley was also an outstanding close fielder, particularly at slip, where his sharp reflexes and long reach made him one of the best catchers of his era. His graceful batting, combined with versatility as an all-rounder, made him a pillar of Kent and England cricket for over two decades. Career Highlights in Detail: Woolley’s first-class career spanned from 1906 to 1938 , a remarkable 32 years, during which he became one of the most prolific run-scorers and a highly respected bowler. He played 64 Tests for England between 1909 and 1934, a period interrupted by World War I, and became known for his consistency, longevity, and sportsmanship. At Kent, Woolley was part of the county’s golden era, helping them to four County C...

  Finally, before the IPL 2025 playoffs, one team has officially secured a Top-2 finish. Against all odds and expectations, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings sealed their spot by defeating the seemingly stronger Mumbai Indians in a one-sided contest by 7 wickets. In their final league-stage match played in Jaipur, Punjab chased down a target of 185 runs within just 19 overs, thanks to Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant bowling and a powerful counterattack from Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis. With this win, Punjab climbed to the top of the points table and will now play in Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians remain in fourth place and will head into the Eliminator. In Match 69 of the league stage, played on Monday, May 26, in Jaipur, Mumbai Indians batted first. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton gave them a brisk start, but neither could play a big innings. Suryakumar Yadav (57) shouldered the responsibility, continuing his excellent season with another fine half-century. However, he received li...

  The Shri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala, Punjab, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali.  Situated on Mall Road, opposite the Baradari Gardens, this temple is not only a spiritual center but also a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.  Introduction Constructed in 1936 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the Shri Kali Devi Temple was established to enshrine a six-foot-tall idol of Maa Kali and the sacred Paawan Jyot, both brought from Bengal.  The temple complex also houses an older shrine dedicated to Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, adding to its spiritual significance.  Due to its architectural beauty and historical importance, the temple has been declared a national monument.   History Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, known for his devotion and patronage of the arts, was inspired by the Kali temples of Bengal.  He brought the idol of Maa Kali and the eternal flame (Paawan Jyot) to Patiala, establishing the temple as a center of worsh...