The World around U

  Arroz con Pollo, meaning “rice with chicken,” is a beloved traditional dish enjoyed across Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. Fragrant, colourful and deeply satisfying, it combines juicy chicken, seasoned rice, vegetables, and aromatic herbs into one hearty meal. Each country has its own twist, but the essence remains the same: a flavour-packed one-pot dish perfect for family gatherings or everyday dinners. Ingredients Needed Chicken 6–8 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in preferred) Salt and pepper to taste Vegetables & Aromatics 1 large onion, chopped 3–4 garlic cloves, minced 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped 1 cup green peas 1–2 tomatoes, chopped (or ½ cup tomato puree) Rice & Liquids 2 cups long-grain rice, washed 4 cups chicken stock (or water) Seasonings 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1–2 bay leaves ½ teaspoon turmeric or a pinch of saffron (for colour) Salt and pepper to taste Other 2–3 tablespoons oil Fres...

  The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam , Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred and largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha , a reclining form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is considered the first and foremost of the 108 Divya Desams sung by the Alvars. Situated on an island formed by the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the temple is celebrated for its vast architectural layout, profound spiritual traditions, and uninterrupted worship history spanning over 1,000 years. 2. History (In Detail) Early Antiquity The temple’s legend traces back to the Treta Yuga , where Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, gifted the idol of Lord Ranganatha to King Vibhishana. During Vibhishana’s return to Lanka, the deity remained at Srirangam permanently, marking the birth of the temple’s sanctity. Literary and archaeological evidence confirm continuous worship in Srirangam from at least the 3rd century BCE . Sangam & Early Medieval Period Sangam T...

  Santiago, Panama – Introduction Santiago de Veraguas, commonly called Santiago, is the capital of Veraguas Province and one of Panama’s most important inland cities. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, commercial activity, and strategic location on the Pan-American Highway, Santiago serves as a gateway to the Pacific beaches, national parks, and cultural towns of central Panama. It is not a tourist-heavy city but offers authentic Panamanian culture, colonial churches, vibrant markets, and easy access to nature and heritage destinations. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Iglesia de San Francisco de la Montaña One of the oldest and most historically significant churches in Panama. This 17th-century church is renowned for its intricately carved wooden altarpiece and religious artworks. It reflects Spanish colonial architecture and is a National Historical Monument. 2. Museo Regional de Veraguas A regional museum showcasing the province’s archaeological history, indigenous artif...

  Sri Lanka awoke on Saturday to a landscape of ruin after Cyclone Ditwah carved a devastating path across the island, prompting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to impose a nationwide state of emergency. The scale of destruction grew starker through the day as authorities confirmed that the death toll had climbed past 150, with nearly two hundred people still unaccounted for. Heart-rending accounts surfaced from multiple provinces—families buried alive in sudden landslides, entire communities swept away by violent flash floods, and villages left isolated as roads crumbled and communication lines collapsed. With the cyclone drifting away from the island, the immediate winds eased, but officials warned that the storm’s indirect impact would linger through heavy rainfall and unstable terrain. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that 7,74,724 people across 25 districts have been affected since Thursday’s onset of severe weather. Over 1,00,000 displaced residents from ne...

  Mutton soup is one of the most satisfying dishes to savour during the colder months. Rich, flavourful and deeply nourishing, it combines tender pieces of goat meat with vegetables and aromatic spices. This simple recipe brings out the natural taste of the meat while creating a wholesome, warming broth perfect for winter evenings. Ingredients Mutton (goat meat): 400–500 g Meat stock: 5 cups Onion, finely chopped: 1 Potatoes, cut into chunks: 2 Carrot: 1 Ginger, julienned: as needed Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon Salt: to taste Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon Butter or oil: 2–3 tablespoons Method 1. Prepare the Meat Boil the mutton thoroughly until tender. Separate and keep the stock aside for the soup. 2. Sauté the Aromatics Heat butter or oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté lightly until softened and aromatic. 3. Combine Meat and Vegetables Add the boiled mutton to the sautéed onions and cook on low heat for a few minutes. Next, add the potatoes, carrot...

  Sancocho Introduction Sancocho is a hearty, slow-cooked stew popular across Latin America, especially in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Venezuela. While each country has its own variation, the essence remains the same: a rich broth filled with root vegetables, plantains, spices, and one or more types of meat. Traditionally served during family gatherings, festivals, and weekends, Sancocho is known for its deep, comforting flavour and nourishing quality. Ingredients Needed (This is a general version inspired by Caribbean & Latin American styles) Proteins (choose one or combine) Chicken (bone-in pieces) Beef (stew cuts, ribs) Pork (shoulder or rib cuts) Optional: smoked meats or sausages Vegetables & Roots 1–2 green plantains 1–2 ears of corn (cut into chunks) 2–3 potatoes 1–2 carrots 1 yuca (cassava), peeled and chopped 1 yautía or malanga (optional) 1 sweet potato (optional) Herbs & Seasoning 1 large onion, choppe...

  Panama City – Introduction Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a dynamic urban center where modern skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old colonial districts. Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, the city is an important financial hub, a major international transit point, and a cultural melting pot. Known for its striking skyline, vibrant nightlife, diverse gastronomy, and rich history, Panama City offers a blend of modernity and heritage unlike any other Central American city. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks The most iconic attraction in the country. Visitors can watch massive ships transit through the locks, explore the museum, and learn the engineering and historical significance of the canal. The visitor center also offers observation decks and exhibitions. 2. Casco Viejo (Old Town) A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautifully restored colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, cathedral...

  After remaining silent for nearly 12,000 years, Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano roared back to life on Sunday with a dramatic eruption that sent ash towering nearly 14 kilometres into the sky. Situated in the remote Afar region close to the Eritrean border, the volcano’s unexpected awakening after millennia shocked scientists and observers worldwide. Huge ash clouds drifted far beyond Ethiopia, spreading across Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. The drifting plumes have raised concerns about deteriorating air quality and possible disruptions to air travel across the region. The eruption—lasting several hours—took place within the East African Rift Valley, a tectonically active zone where shifting plates often trigger earthquakes and volcanic events. What makes this incident especially remarkable is that the Hayli Gubbi volcano has no confirmed eruptions for more than twelve millennia. Data from the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program shows that it remain...

  After New Zealand in 2024, now South Africa in 2025. For the second year in a row, India have been thoroughly outplayed in a home Test series. In the second Test, India collapsed for just 140 in the final innings against the Proteas. After the Eden Gardens drubbing, Guwahati delivered an even harsher blow as India fell to a massive 408-run defeat. In every department—batting, bowling, fielding, and leadership—Team India looked overwhelmed. The proud aura of India’s home Test dominance sank helplessly in the waters of the Brahmaputra. India were chasing the impossible on the final day—522 runs. But the real challenge was surviving 90 overs with eight wickets in hand. Given the current state of India’s batting, batting out a full day was always going to be a mountain to climb. And Rishabh Pant’s team proved exactly that, failing even to last till lunch. South Africa sealed a Test series win in India after 25 long years. Never before had India lost a home Test by such a huge margi...

  The Kumari Amman Temple , located at the southernmost tip of mainland India in Kanyakumari, is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Devi Kanyakumari , an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Set against the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean , the temple is renowned for its spiritual significance, scenic beauty, and ancient architectural heritage. It stands as a symbol of purity, devotion, and divine feminine power. 2. History (In Detail) The temple holds an antiquity of over 3000 years , with references found in Sangam literature (1st–3rd century CE) . According to legends, Goddess Parvati appeared as a young virgin girl ( Kanya Kumari ) to undertake severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. When the divine marriage failed due to a cosmic intervention, she remained an eternal virgin, continuing her tapas at Kanyakumari. Historically, the temple was patronized by various dynasties: Pandyas were the earliest royal patrons. Cholas contributed...

  The second match of the two-Test series between India and South Africa is being played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After losing the Kolkata Test, the Indian team now finds itself on the brink of defeat in Guwahati as well. If India loses this match, South Africa will complete a clean sweep and take the series 2–0. At stumps on Day 4, India were 27 for 2. Kuldeep Yadav walked in as the nightwatchman and was batting on 4, while Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 2. For South Africa, Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen picked up one wicket each.  Jaiswal (13) once again fails in fouth innings and against left arm pace . After playing a,couple of impressive shots Jaiswal tried to cut Jansen & was caught behind . Rahul (2) closed his bat face trying to play on the on side and was bowled by a offspinner from Harmer and thus left India in dire straits .    Earlier, South Africa declared their second innings on 260 for 5 after lunch, setting India an enormous...

  In the imagined quiet of a world without Dharmendra, one is struck first by the emptiness he would leave behind—a silence where once rang the warm laughter, earthy charm, and unmistakable presence of the man fondly hailed as Punjab da Puttar and Bollywood’s original He-Man . Few actors have woven themselves so deeply into the emotional landscape of Indian cinema. Fewer still have done so with the disarming humility that marked every step of Dharmendra’s long, remarkable journey. Born Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in the village of Nasrali, Punjab, he arrived in Mumbai with nothing but dreams and an iron determination. What followed was a career that not only spanned over six decades but also defined generations of moviegoers. From the earnest romantic hero of the 1960s to the action superstar of the 1970s and 80s, and later the affable elder statesman of the screen, Dharmendra continually reinvented himself while staying true to his roots. His filmography reads like a mosaic of H...

  India narrowly escaped the humiliation of a follow-on on home soil — and, ironically, it was South African captain Temba Bavuma who saved Rishabh Pant’s team from that embarrassment. Otherwise, the flawed strategies of captain Pant and coach Gautam Gambhir might well have led to India facing the indignity of a follow-on at home against South Africa. In Guwahati, India’s innings folded for just 201 runs , on the same pitch where South Africa had piled up 489 . Marco Jansen first scored a brilliant 93 , then returned to take six wickets , dismantling India’s batting. Yet, it would be unfair to blame the pitch — Kuldeep Yadav survived 134 balls , proving that grit, not conditions, made the difference. Across batting, bowling, leadership and even fielding, India were thoroughly outplayed by Bavuma’s men. South Africa, with a 288-run lead , came out to bat again and finished Day 3 at 26 , stretching their advantage to 314 runs . The irony deepened when Pant had described the pitch ...

  Senuran Muthusamy’s superb 109 and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93 left India under significant pressure in the Guwahati Test. For Rishabh Pant’s team, winning the match — and thereby levelling the series — could now prove extremely difficult. On Sunday, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and the rest of India’s attack struggled to break through South Africa’s resistance. The Proteas were finally bowled out for 489, after which India reached 9/0 by stumps. South Africa had resumed on 247/6 on Saturday. On Sunday, the remaining four wickets added a massive 242 runs, with the last three wickets alone contributing 155. India not only struggled against the recognised batters but also failed to dismiss the tailenders efficiently. Batting at No. 7, the India-origin all-rounder Muthusamy produced a responsible century — his maiden Test hundred — in just his eighth Test at the age of 31. Having impressed earlier against Pakistan, he showcased his skills once again against India on their home soi...

  Gary Kirsten (born 23 November 1967, Cape Town, South Africa) is one of South Africa’s finest opening batsmen and later one of the most successful international coaches of the modern era. A technically solid left-hander, known for patience, temperament and immense concentration, Kirsten anchored South Africa’s batting throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He made his international debut soon after South Africa’s re-entry into world cricket post-apartheid and quickly became a cornerstone of their top order. Style of Play Batting Left-handed opening batsman Compact technique, great patience Strong off-side play, especially square cut and cover drive Excellent at grinding long innings (triple-century scorer) Master of pacing innings in both Tests and ODIs Mentally tough, extremely consistent Bowling Very occasional right-arm off-breaks Not a regular bowler; played no bowling role at international level Fielding Reliable slip fielder Calm, safe hands Good antic...

  The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), located on the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, it stands as an iconic example of early Dravidian temple architecture. Built during the 7th–8th century CE, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram . Its coastal charm, architectural brilliance, and mythological associations make it one of India’s most visited heritage temples. 2. History (In Detail) The Shore Temple was constructed during the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) around 700–728 CE . Earlier structures in Mahabalipuram were carved out of rock, but the Shore Temple marked a shift from rock-cut to structural temples using granite blocks. The temple complex originally formed part of a larger cluster of temples, many of which were submerged due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Historic...

  After India’s defeat in the first Test, Gautam Gambhir had praised the Eden Gardens surface. But when BCCI secretary Debjit Shaikiya reached Guwahati, head coach Rahul Dravid made no special pitch demands. The ground staff were allowed complete independence—and the result was a fair, balanced deck. Batting was possible, but bowlers also found enough assistance. Its essence was reflected clearly as South Africa closed Day 1 at 247/6 . This is Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium’s first-ever Test match. Naturally, excitement among local fans was high, and Day 1’s bat-ball contest did not disappoint. The pitch offered even bounce, demanding discipline from batters while keeping bowlers interested. South Africa’s batters, aware of India’s strength, adopted a cautious approach early on. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton played risk-free cricket, putting on 82 runs for the first wicket. Markram, dropped early by KL Rahul in the slips, was finally removed for 38 by Jasprit Bumrah j...

  Australia crushed England by eight wickets in a breathtaking two-day finish at Perth, riding on Travis Head’s explosive 123 that turned a treacherous pitch into a batting paradise. After the Eden Test ended in two and a half days, Perth went one better—done and dusted inside two! Head’s whirlwind assault transformed a surface where 30 wickets had fallen in just 113 overs, shattering England’s dream of a Test win on Australian soil after 11 long years. With the victory, Australia surged ahead 1–0 in the Ashes. Chasing 205 on a pitch that had tormented batters from both sides, Australia made a bold tactical call—send out a white-ball opener in red-ball cricket. Steve Smith and the Australian think-tank were crystal clear: go hard, go fast, rattle England, and attack the Bazballers with their own philosophy. Their plan clicked perfectly. In just 28.2 overs, Australia stormed to victory, sealing the match before the second day’s end of play . Where batters had struggled for surviv...

Marvan Samson Atapattu (born 22 November 1970 , Kalutara, Sri Lanka) is one of Sri Lanka’s most technically accomplished opening batters. Known for his discipline, mental toughness, and classical strokeplay, he rose from a famously difficult start in Test cricket to become one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable top-order batsmen and later their national captain. Style of Play Batting Right-handed opening batsman Classical, textbook technique Strong on drives, cuts, and late deflections Master of patience and crease occupation Renowned for big centuries once he got set (six Test double tons) Bowling Rarely bowled Part-time right-arm medium-pace Played a minimal role as a bowler Fielding Extremely safe fielder Excellent at point and cover Agile and quick across the field Strong throwing arm and sharp ground fielding skills International Career Highlights (In Detail) Test Career Matches: 90 Runs: 5,502 Average: 39.02 Centuries: 16 (including 6 double centurie...