The World around U

  Day 7 unfolded under clear skies and mild conditions, setting the stage for a high-stakes Saturday at Flushing Meadows. Fans were treated to drama in both the men’s and women’s draws, with top players showing resolve and grit to power through tough encounters. Sinner, Swiatek Deliver Mental Toughness Jannik Sinner, the defending men’s champion, overcame a shaky start and a first-set setback to dismantle Denis Shapovalov in four sets (5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3), extending his unbeaten streak at hard-court Slams to 24 matches. Iga Świątek was similarly challenged—she trailed 5-1 in the opening set against Anna Kalinskaya before rallying to win 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, exhibiting her trademark mental resilience. Osaka and Gauff Renew Rivalry Naomi Osaka clinched her deepest Grand Slam run since 2021 by defeating Daria Kasatkina in three sets (6-0, 4-6, 6-3), setting up an enthralling last-16 clash with Coco Gauff. Meanwhile, Gauff showed composure and power in a straight-sets (6-3, 6-1) win ov...

  Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu Introduction The Dilwara Temples, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, are among the most celebrated Jain temple complexes in India, renowned for their stunning marble architecture and intricate craftsmanship. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras and are considered a spiritual as well as architectural masterpiece. Nestled amidst the scenic Aravalli Hills, the temples are not only a sacred pilgrimage site for Jains but also a cultural treasure that attracts visitors from across the world. History The construction of the Dilwara Temples was commissioned during the Chaulukya dynasty rule in Gujarat and Rajasthan, a period known for flourishing Jain patronage and art. Vimal Vasahi Temple (1031 CE) – The first and oldest temple, dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhanatha) , was built by Vimal Shah, a minister of the Solanki ruler Bhima I. Luna Vasahi Temple (1230 CE) – Commissioned by broth...

   The 2025 US Open reached an electrifying stage over Days 5 and 6 at Flushing Meadows, with Novak Djokovic proving his mettle once again, Aryna Sabalenka continuing her dominant run, and Frances Tiafoe suffering a disappointing early exit. Djokovic Overcomes Back Issue to Advance Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, showed why he remains a force at 38, defeating Cameron Norrie 6–4, 6–7(4), 6–2, 6–3 in a testing third-round match. The Serbian champion battled a lingering lower back problem but raised his level at key moments, sealing victory in just over three hours. After winning the 1st set Djokovic had a hiccup in set 2 losing in the tie breaker and then getting broken early in set 3 but soon raised his game afterwards to breeze through sets 3 & 4 with immaculate tennis . With this win, Djokovic became the oldest man since Jimmy Connors in 1991 to reach the fourth round at the US Open and also set a new record with his 192nd hard-court Grand Slam victory,...

  US Open 2025 – Day 5 Highlights Carlos Alcaraz Cruises into the Fourth Round Second seed Carlos Alcaraz delivered a powerful performance in the third round, defeating Italy’s Luciano Darderi (seeded 32) in straight sets: 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 . He packed his display with offense— 31 winners , nine aces , winning 79% of first-serve points and 57% on the second. A brief knee scare in the second set prompted a physio visit, but Alcaraz quickly shook it off and reaffirmed his form: “ I’m feeling good… I just played such great tennis. ” Rybakina Dominates Raducanu On the women’s side, ninth seed Elena Rybakina demolished defending champion Emma Raducanu with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory, ending Raducanu’s run in the third round. It marks Raducanu's eighth consecutive loss against top-10 opponents , exposing a persistent gap she continues to face at Grand Slams. Critics noted that Rybakina's overwhelming power proved too much for Raducanu, who struggled to find any foot...

  Most top players advance as US Open goes through days 4 & 5 . Summarised results as under  Day 4 – Wednesday, August 27, 2025 On a crisp, clear day with temperatures around 22 °C in New York, Wednesday's action was under way early across the main courts . On Arthur Ashe Stadium, top seeds moved forward confidently: Novak Djokovic recovered from a first-set tiebreak loss to roll past qualifier Zachary Svajda in four sets, while Carlos Alcaraz dominated Mattia Bellucci in a rapid, straight-sets victory . Aryna Sabalenka also impressed with a 7-6, 6-2 win over Polina Kudermetova, extending her tiebreak record to 19-1 for the year . Meanwhile at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Emma Raducanu powered past Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1, showcasing a dominant performance as she notched her first win at Flushing Meadows since capturing the title in 2021 . On the men’s side, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton also progressed after solid victories . Elsewhere around the grounds, some dramatic upsets...

  Arthur Lindsay Hassett, born 28 August 1913 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, was a legendary Australian cricketer and one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Known for his calm temperament, elegant stroke play, and exceptional cricketing brain, Hassett was a key figure in reviving Australian cricket after World War II. He served as Australia’s Test captain from 1949 to 1953 , following Don Bradman’s retirement. Style of Play Hassett was a right-handed batsman with a textbook technique and a touch of flair. Unlike many aggressive Australian batsmen of his time, Hassett relied on timing, placement, and adaptability rather than sheer power. A master of wristy strokes, he was comfortable against both pace and spin, excelling under pressure. As a slip fielder , he was sharp and reliable, often providing crucial breakthroughs through his fielding. Career Highlights in Detail Made his Test debut : June 1938 vs England at Lord’s. Served in the Australian Army during World...

  Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai Introduction Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, situated in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai, is one of India’s most renowned temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Known as Siddhivinayak , meaning “Ganesha who grants wishes and success,” the temple attracts millions of devotees from across the country, making it a spiritual landmark of Mumbai. History The temple was originally built on 19 November 1801 by Laxman Vithu Patil and his wife Deubai Patil, who was childless and wished to create a temple where other women seeking blessings for children could pray. The original structure was a modest shrine, measuring just 3.6 by 3.6 metres, with a simple dome. Over the centuries, the temple evolved into a sprawling complex to accommodate its growing popularity. A major renovation in the 1990s transformed it into a grand multi-storeyed structure, while preserving its spiritual essence and historical roots. Significance The presiding deity is a striking black ...

  The 2025 US Open delivered a mix of commanding performances, surprise exits, and high drama across Days 2 and early Day 3, with Novak Djokovic’s gritty second-round comeback standing out as a highlight. Day 2 Highlights Carlos Alcaraz showcased why he remains a Grand Slam powerhouse, dismantling Reilly Opelka in straight sets with precision and confidence. On the women’s side, Diane Parry dominated former champion Petravitov, dropping just three unforced errors to take the first set 6-1. Young American Martin Damm impressed with blistering serves, racing through his opening set in just 26 minutes and firing nine aces. In the biggest shock of the day, former champion Daniil Medvedev was ousted by Benjamin Bonzi , who battled through a chaotic match featuring crowd interruptions and a controversial delay to secure what he called the “best win” of his career. Home favorite Madison Keys entered the tournament under the spotlight following her Australian Open triumph earl...

  Mohammad Yousuf, born 27 August 1974 in Lahore, Pakistan, is regarded as one of the most stylish and technically accomplished batsmen of his era. Initially known as Yousuf Youhana before converting to Islam in 2005, he was famed for his silken stroke play, calm temperament, and consistency across formats. Yousuf was a middle-order mainstay for Pakistan from the late 1990s to the late 2000s, often compared to greats like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rahul Dravid for his classical batting technique. Style of Play Yousuf was a right-handed batsman renowned for his elegant drives, wristy flicks, and impeccable timing . His calm demeanor under pressure made him a pillar of Pakistan’s batting lineup. While not a power-hitter, he was a master of placement and rotation of strike, excelling in both Tests and ODIs. In the field, Yousuf was a safe slip catcher and reliable close-in fielder. Career Highlights in Detail Made his Test debut : February 1998 vs South Africa in Durban. ODI debut...

  Day 1 of the 2025 US Open was marked by dramatic matches and headline-making incidents as top-seeded players and fan favorites took to the courts for their opening matches .  Novak Djokovic advanced smoothly to the second round by defeating young American Learner Tien in straight sets, though he needed a medical timeout for toe taping midway through the match. Aryna Sabalenka dominated Rebeka Masarova to also secure her place in the next round, while Jessica Pegula had a clean win over Mayar Sherif, blanking her in the first set before closing out the match . The most talked-about event of the day was the five-set battle between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi, which ended in a major upset. Medvedev struggled from the beginning, dropping the first two sets and falling behind in the third. He showed flashes of his champion’s brilliance to force a tie-break and ultimately won the third and fourth sets to push the match to a deciding fifth. The encounter turned chaotic in th...

  With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to prepare Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweets at home. Many devotees love making festive offerings themselves, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Here are two traditional recipes— Steamed Modak and Motichoor-style Laddu —to prepare for the occasion. Steamed Modak Ingredients: Rice flour – 1 cup Grated coconut – 1 cup Jaggery – 1 cup Cardamom powder – a pinch Salt – ½ teaspoon Oil – ½ teaspoon Method: Heat a pan on low flame and dry roast the grated coconut for a few minutes, then set aside. In another pot, boil 1 cup of water. Add the jaggery and stir until it dissolves. Allow it to thicken slightly. Add the roasted coconut and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Stir until you get a soft, sticky filling. Remove from heat and let it cool. In a separate bowl, mix rice flour with a pinch of salt and a little oil. Add hot water gradually and knead into a smooth dough. Make small balls of d...

  Karni Mata Temple, located in Deshnoke , a small town near Bikaner, Rajasthan , is one of the most unique and revered temples in India. Dedicated to Karni Mata , a revered female mystic and incarnation of Goddess Durga, the temple is famously known as the “ Temple of Rats ” because of the thousands of holy rats, known as kabbas , that freely roam the premises. Devotees from across India and abroad visit this shrine to seek blessings, offer prayers, and witness the extraordinary sight of the temple’s sacred rats, which are regarded as divine manifestations of Karni Mata’s devotees. History in Detail Karni Mata, also known as Ridhubai , was a 14th-century mystic and sage born in 1387 CE in Suwap village, Rajasthan. Considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, she spent much of her life serving the poor, guiding rulers, and promoting harmony among communities. Karni Mata blessed the rulers of Bikaner and Jodhpur, and her spiritual influence was instrumental in shaping the r...

  Wonsan is a picturesque port city on North Korea’s east coast , located in Kangwon Province along the scenic Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea). Historically a major trade hub and naval port, Wonsan has become a leading tourist destination, famous for its white-sand beaches, seafood cuisine, and scenic landscapes . The city is part of the government’s Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourism Zone , which is being developed to attract international visitors. Surrounded by mountains and seaside resorts, Wonsan offers a rare mix of urban charm, history, and natural beauty.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Songdowon Beach One of North Korea’s most popular beaches with golden sand and clear waters. Famous for summer festivals, swimming, and water sports. There’s also a nearby Songdowon International Children’s Camp , a well-known youth resort. Wonsan Pier A beautiful spot for seaside walks with views of fishing boats, locals, and the city skyline. A perfect place to see the vib...

  Sinuiju is a bustling border city in North Korea’s North Pyongan Province , located right across the Yalu River from Dandong, China . Known as the gateway to North Korea , Sinuiju is a hub for cross-border trade and tourism. Though less developed as a tourist city compared to Pyongyang or Kaesŏng, it offers a unique perspective on daily life in North Korea and is one of the most accessible cities for foreign visitors (especially Chinese tourists). The city combines traditional Korean heritage, socialist-era architecture, and cultural attractions, making it a fascinating introduction to the country. Best Spots to Visit in Detail Sinuiju Folk Customs House Museum A cultural museum housed in a traditional Korean building. Showcases Korean folk customs, art, historical relics, and traditional clothing. A great way to understand North Korea’s cultural heritage. Sinuiju Art Gallery One of North Korea’s largest regional galleries, featuring Korean paintings, woodblock ...

  Kaesŏng, North Korea :  Introduction Kaesŏng is a historic city in southern North Korea, located near the border with South Korea and about 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Pyongyang. Once the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) , Kaesŏng is renowned for its rich history, ancient Confucian sites, and well-preserved Korean cultural heritage. The city offers a rare glimpse into medieval Korean history , with UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic mountains, and traditional architecture. Its proximity to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) also makes it politically significant.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesŏng (UNESCO World Heritage) Manwoldae Palace Ruins: Remnants of the royal palace from the Goryeo Dynasty, offering archaeological insights into Korean architecture and history. Kaesŏng Namdae Gate: The southern gate of the old city wall, dating back to the Joseon era. Sonjuk Bridge: A small stone bridge built in 1216,...

   Guatemala City , the vibrant capital of Guatemala: Introduction Guatemala City (Ciudad de Guatemala), the largest city in Central America, is the political, cultural, and economic hub of Guatemala . Founded in 1776 after the devastating earthquake that destroyed Antigua Guatemala, this bustling metropolis blends modern urban life with colonial architecture and Mayan heritage . The city is divided into 22 zones , each with distinct character—Zone 1 holds historical sites, while Zones 9, 10, and 14 are more modern with upscale hotels, dining, and shopping. Guatemala City serves as a gateway to exploring Guatemala’s stunning landscapes, volcanoes, and Mayan ruins. 🏛 Best Spots to Visit in Detail Plaza Mayor (Constitution Plaza) The city’s central square, a historic and cultural hub surrounded by iconic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional de la Cultura (National Palace of Culture). The plaza often hosts cultural events and is perfect for...