The World around U

  The Ashes series began with extraordinary drama as 19 wickets tumbled on the very first day in Perth. The challenging 22-yard strip troubled batters from both Australia and England, turning the match into a bowlers’ battlefield. England, batting first, were bundled out for 172 , and by stumps Australia were reeling at 123/9 , still 49 runs behind . Mitchell Starc grabbed a sensational 7-wicket haul , while Ben Stokes responded with an impressive 5 wickets of his own. The day began with the Starc–Brendan Doggett combination ripping through England. Later, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Stokes took charge with the ball for England. If the bowlers maintain this dominance, the Test could very well finish inside two days. Though England looked cornered at the start, it was Australia who found themselves under immense pressure by day’s end. The nature of the Perth pitch is also likely to invite scrutiny—similar to the debate that followed the India–South Africa Test at Eden Garden...

  Andrew Richard Caddick , born on 21 November 1968 in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a former England fast bowler renowned for his height, bounce, and ability to extract seam movement even on unhelpful surfaces. Although born in New Zealand, he chose to play for England and became one of their most consistent bowlers from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. Trained initially as a tall, whippy pacer inspired by Richard Hadlee, Caddick developed into a classical English fast bowler with immaculate accuracy and control. Style of Play Bowling: Right-arm fast-medium with high release, steep bounce, consistent seam movement, and exceptional discipline. His hallmark was long, probing spells and the ability to run through sides in clusters. Batting: Right-handed lower-order batsman, mainly defensive, capable of hanging in tough conditions when needed. Fielding: Safe fielder in the deep and around the ring with a strong throwing arm, though not known for exceptional fielding feats. ...

  The Arunachalesvarar Temple , also known as Annamalaiyar Temple , is one of the most sacred Shaivite shrines in India, located at the foothills of the majestic Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachalesvarar , this temple represents the Agni (Fire) element among the legendary Pancha Bhoota Sthalams . Spanning over 25 acres , it is one of the largest temple complexes in India and a place where spirituality, philosophy, architecture, and ancient traditions merge seamlessly. Millions of devotees visit the temple especially during Karthigai Deepam , when a massive beacon is lit atop the holy hill. History in Detail The Arunachalesvarar Temple has a long and layered history spanning over 2,000 years. Early Traditions The region of Arunachala is mentioned in ancient Tamil Sangam literature. According to mythology, Lord Shiva manifested as a boundless pillar of fire (Lingodbhava) here to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, e...

  The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India and a profound symbol of cosmic dance, philosophy, and spirituality . Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja—the Lord of Dance , the temple stands as the foremost center of Shaivism , representing the union of art, science, and spirituality. It is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams , symbolizing the element Akasha (Ether or Space) . A masterpiece of Tamil architecture, the Chidambaram temple is not just a place of worship but an embodiment of metaphysical concepts, traditional arts, and ancient wisdom. History in Detail The origins of the Chidambaram Temple date back over 2,000 years . It is believed to have been built and expanded in various periods by ancient South Indian dynasties. Early References Texts from Sangam literature mention the site as “Tillai,” named after the dense Tillai forests of mangrove trees. Legends say sages of the forest worshipped Shiva in this re...

  Bengalis’ love for fish is ancient and pure. No matter how many debates exist between Bangals and Ghotis over hilsa or prawns, there is no question that all conflicts disappear the moment a delicious dish is served on the plate. Along with fish, Bengalis have another great weakness — paturi . It is hard to find anyone who can match Bengalis when it comes to enjoying paturi made with different kinds of fish. Today’s recipe is a unique aromatic dish: Gondhoraj Prawn Paturi . Ingredients: 500 g prawns, 250 g small prawns, 3–4 banana leaves, 4 gondhoraj lime leaves, 4–5 tablespoons gondhoraj lime juice, 3 tablespoons green chilli paste, 3–4 tablespoons poppy seed paste, 2 tablespoons garlic paste, 3 tablespoons white oil, 4–5 tablespoons grated coconut, salt and ground black pepper as per taste. Method: First wash and clean the prawns thoroughly and grind them into a paste in a mixer. Then add the small prawns and all other ingredients one by one and mix well. Roast the pre-cut b...

  Kapaleeshwarar Temple, located in the historic neighbourhood of Mylapore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most celebrated Shiva temples in South India. Representing the majesty of Dravidian temple architecture, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal , the divine form of Parvati. The temple is a vibrant cultural, spiritual, and architectural landmark reflecting the centuries-old Saivite traditions of Tamil Nadu. History in Detail The origins of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple trace back to the 7th century CE , during the period of the Pallavas . Tamil Saivite saints like Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar referenced this temple in their hymns, confirming its ancient heritage. However, the original structure is believed to have been destroyed during the Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The current temple was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara rulers around the 16th century at its present location, slightly inland from the origina...

  Santa Teresa is a vibrant beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, near the southern tip. Once a quiet fishing village, Santa Teresa has transformed into a world-famous destination for surfers, backpackers, digital nomads, and luxury travelers looking for a laid-back yet energetic coastal escape. The town stretches along several kilometers of stunning Pacific coastline, lined with: White-sand beaches Consistent surf breaks Yoga retreats Jungle-covered hills Boutique hotels, eco-lodges & surf camps Santa Teresa is known for its youthful vibe, stunning sunsets, eco-culture, and cosmopolitan community of travelers from around the world. Best Spots to Visit – In Detail 1.   Santa Teresa Beach The main beach of the town. Ideal for surfing with consistent year-round waves. Long sandy stretch perfect for sunset walks, swimming (with caution), and photography. Surfboard rentals and lessons widely available. 2.   Playa Carmen...

  Jannik Sinner delivered yet another commanding performance on home turf, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to retain his ATP Finals crown in Turin. Playing in front of an electrified Italian crowd, Sinner was in complete control throughout the contest, sealing the title 7-6(4), 7-5 and further strengthening his reputation as one of the most formidable indoor players in the game today. The 2025 season has been defined by the riveting rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz—two young stars who continue to elevate each other’s level. Although Alcaraz entered the tournament already confirmed as the year-end World No. 1, Sinner arrived in Turin carrying massive confidence and the weight of history on his shoulders. With both men renowned for their power from the baseline, explosive movement, and relentless athleticism, their clash was expected to be high-octane from the start—and it did not disappoint. First Set: Edged by the Finest Margins The opening set featured flawless serv...

  The Brihadishwarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most iconic and majestic temples of India, renowned globally for its architectural brilliance, cultural heritage, and spiritual legacy. Built during the Chola period, it stands as a crown jewel of Dravidian temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva , the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Great Living Chola Temples.” Known for its massive Vimana (tower) , exquisite sculptures, and engineering marvels, Brihadishwarar Temple remains a timeless symbol of Tamil pride, Chola power, and Shaivite devotion. History in Detail Construction by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I The temple was built between 1003–1010 CE by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I . Known originally as Rajarajeswaram , it was a grand expression of his devotion to Lord Shiva and the power of the Chola Empire. The temple was constructed using granite—a material not naturally found in Thanjavur—indicating an extraordinary log...

  Monteverde , located in the Tilarán Mountain Range of northwestern Costa Rica, is one of the world’s most famous cloud forest destinations . Known for its mystical mist-covered trees, extraordinary biodiversity, and eco-friendly tourism, Monteverde attracts nature lovers, scientists, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers from across the globe. The region includes the communities of Santa Elena , Monteverde , and Cerro Plano , each offering breathtaking forest views, cultural charm, and sustainable living practices. Over 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity can be found in this small region alone, including rare species like the Resplendent Quetzal . Monteverde is often called: “The jewel of cloud forests” One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Costa Rica” Best Spots to Visit (In Detail) 1.   Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve The most famous cloud forest reserve in the world. Covers over 10,500 hectares of lush, mist-shrouded forest. Home to 400+ bird spe...

  The Nagannathaswamy Temple, located in Keelaperumpallam near Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu, is a unique and sacred temple dedicated primarily to Ketu Bhagavan , one of the nine Navagrahas. This temple is part of the highly revered Navagraha Temple Circuit of Tamil Nadu and is especially important for devotees seeking relief from Ketu dosha. Alongside Ketu worship, the temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva , worshipped here as Naganathaswamy . Surrounded by traditional Tamil landscapes and steeped in ancient legends, the temple attracts thousands of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing and planetary harmony. History in Detail The temple’s origins are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and early Chola history. Mythological Background According to legend: Keelaperumpallam is associated with the story of Rahu and Ketu , the two shadow planets. During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the asura Swarbhanu disguised himself and consumed the divine nectar. Lord Vishnu ...

  India suffered a humiliating defeat on a turning pitch to South Africa at Eden Gardens in just 2.5 days .  The surface, tailored insistently for sharp turn, ended up becoming a disastrous boomerang against India themselves. Simon Harmer suddenly looked better than world-class; he appeared almost unplayable. Ultimately, India were trapped by their own “made-to-order” wicket. The very pitch crafted under Gambhir’s instructions proved India’s undoing. Chasing a modest target of 124, Rishabh Pant and his men imploded for just 93. Harmer’s relentless spin handed India a humiliating 30-run defeat. Six years after Test cricket returned to Eden Gardens, the anticipation had been electric. The historic venue, usually steeped in colour only during white-ball cricket, looked resplendent even in the traditional whites. But instead of celebration, Eden ended the Test with Indian embarrassment and a fierce debate about the surface. The tone was set on Day 1 itself. South Africa’s captain...

  The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is one of the holiest and most iconic Hindu temples, located on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva , it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site, forming a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Dwarkadhish, Jagannath, and Rameswaram). The temple is globally renowned for its majestic corridors, sacred water tanks, spiritual vibrance, and deep mythological connections to Lord Rama. History in Detail The temple’s history is interwoven with the Ramayana and holds immense mythological and historical importance. Mythological Origins According to the Ramayana: After defeating Ravana in Lanka, Lord Rama , along with Sita and Lakshmana, returned to Rameswaram. To absolve himself from the sin of killing a Brahmin (Ravana), Rama decided to worship Lord Shiva. Hanuman was sent to bring a Shiva Linga from Kailasa, but since he was delayed, Sita fashioned a Shiva Linga out of sand , known as the R...

  Jasprit Bumrah claimed a superb five-wicket haul in the first innings, while Ravindra Jadeja has already picked up four in the second. South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer, too, has pocketed four wickets. Remarkably, not a single batter has managed even a half-century so far in this Eden Gardens Test. At this rate, the match looks almost certain to finish on the third day itself—thanks largely to Eden’s treacherously “orderly” pitch. Some deliveries are shooting low, some are leaping unexpectedly, and others are turning sharply to shatter the stumps. By stumps on Day 2, South Africa were 93 for 7, leading by 63 runs. A staggering 15 wickets tumbled in a single day—India losing 8 (with Gill unable to bat) and South Africa 7. If India fail to wrap up the South African innings quickly on Day 3, trouble awaits, because they too will have to chase on this unpredictable surface. Yet Gambhir’s brigade cannot breathe easy. The Eden pitch can turn “self-destructive” at any moment. No o...

  The Meenakshi Amman Temple, located in the heart of Madurai, is one of India’s most iconic and grandest temples—renowned for its towering gopurams, exquisite sculptures, and deep spiritual heritage. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an avatar of Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) , the temple stands as a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a symbol of Tamil culture. It is one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage sites in India, drawing millions of devotees and tourists every year. History in Detail The temple’s origins trace back more than 2,000 years , with references in ancient Tamil Sangam literature. According to legend, the city of Madurai was built around the temple, blessed by Lord Shiva himself. • Legend: King Malayadhwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamala performed a yagna to have a child. Goddess Parvati herself incarnated as Meenakshi , born with three breasts—a sign that her third breast would disappear when she met her future husband. When Meenakshi ...

  After six long years, Test cricket finally returned to Kolkata. The anticipation around the India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens was evident well in advance. From Goshto Pal Sarani to the Maidan, long queues for tickets signalled the city’s excitement. And when the soft winter sun broke through on Saturday morning, thousands of fans streamed toward Eden. At the toss, with the clock nearing nine, Shubman Gill’s luck didn’t change. But unfazed, he told match presenter Ravi Shastri, “Maybe my luck will turn in the World Test Championship final.” His voice carried unshakable confidence — a confidence that soon reflected in India’s performance. Powered by Bumrah, Kuldeep and Siraj, South Africa were bundled out for just 159 in their first innings. India replied with 37/1 at stumps. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat — the expected choice. India entered the Test with a bold combination of four spinners , or more accurately, one specialist spinner an...