The World around U

  Christmas means the perfect time to bake a variety of cakes, cookies, and other delicious treats. From different kinds of cakes to muffins and brownies, the baking season begins in almost every household. If you want to try something different from the usual cakes, you can definitely make a Lemon Tart. Here’s how to prepare it. Ingredients You will need 2–3 cups of all-purpose flour, 50 grams of butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup milk, 1 white chocolate bar, 1 teaspoon butter, 2 tablespoons fresh cream, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, and ½ cup chopped dry fruits. Method First, take a large bowl and lightly mix the flour and powdered sugar. Add butter and ½ cup milk, then knead well to form a smooth dough. Roll out the dough and place it into a tart mould. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate. Add butter and fresh cream to it and mix well. Then add lemon juice and grated lemon zest, mix thoroughly, and keep aside. ...

  Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the most ancient and unique Narasimha temples in India, located on the Mangalagiri hill near Vijayawada in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is renowned for its extraordinary ritual where jaggery water (Panakam) is offered to the deity and mysteriously accepted, giving the temple its name “Panakala” (Panam = drink). The presiding deity, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, is worshipped here in a peaceful yet powerful form, symbolizing divine protection and grace. History (in Detail) The origins of the Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple trace back to Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend: After slaying Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha was still in a fierce state. To calm Him, Lord Indra offered sweet jaggery water (Panakam). The Lord accepted the offering and settled on the Mangalagiri hill, establishing this sacred shrine. Historical records and inscriptions indicate that the temple flou...

  Congrí is a traditional and iconic dish from Cuba, especially popular in the eastern part of the country, including Santiago de Cuba. It is a flavorful combination of rice and red beans cooked together, seasoned with garlic, onions, peppers, cumin, and bay leaf. Congrí is deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban culinary traditions and is a staple at family meals, celebrations, and national holidays. Unlike simple rice-and-beans served separately, Congrí is cooked in one pot, allowing the rice to absorb the rich flavor and color of the beans, resulting in a hearty and aromatic dish. Ingredients Main Ingredients 2 cups white rice 1½ cups cooked red kidney beans (or canned, drained but with some liquid reserved) 2½ to 3 cups bean broth or water 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard Seasoning Base (Sofrito) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced Spices and Flavoring 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 bay leaf Salt to taste Black pepper to taste Optional I...

  Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most beautiful and best-preserved colonial cities, located on the southern coast of the island in Sancti Spíritus Province. Founded in 1514, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, wrought-iron balconies, and strong Afro-Cuban cultural traditions. Trinidad offers a unique blend of history, music, beaches, mountains, and traditional Cuban life. Unlike larger cities such as Havana, Trinidad feels intimate, walkable, and deeply rooted in colonial-era charm. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Plaza Mayor The historic heart of Trinidad and one of the most beautiful squares in Cuba. Surrounded by colonial mansions, museums, and churches, the plaza is a perfect introduction to the city’s architecture and atmosphere. 2. Museo Romántico (Palacio Brunet) A former sugar baron’s mansion showcasing original 19th-century furniture, porcelain, mirrors, and chandeliers. It offers insight into Trinidad’s wealthy ...

  India women take a commanding 4-0 lead over Sri Lanka women after the 1st 4 matches of the 5 match T20I series . Clearly the quality of the visiting Sri Lankan women has no comparison to the Indian women team which is a far superior team . Quality performances by Shafali Verma in batting & most of the Indian bowlers sealed the series for the Indians  The 1st two matches were played at Vizag . Both were almost identical matches with Sri Lanka setting modest targets to India who chased down comfortably .  In the first game at Vizag ,Sri Lanka batting first could manage only 121/6 with Vishmi Gunaratne top scoring with 39 & skipper Chamari getting out cheaply for 15 . India chased it down comfortably to win by 8 wickets with player of the match Jemima Rodrigues scoring a fluent 67 & Mandhana getting 25 .  The 2nd T20I  again played at Vizag saw a similar match with Sri Lanka women batting first and scoring 128/9 with Chamari Athapaththu scoring a prom...

  Black Forest cake is a timeless favourite, loved not just by children but by adults as well. Instead of buying it from a bakery, you can easily prepare this classic chocolate cake at home with simple ingredients. Once you know the method, making a soft, moist and beautifully garnished Black Forest cake becomes quite effortless. Ingredients About 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cocoa powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs 200 g sugar 1 tablespoon coffee powder 6 tablespoons milk 50 g butter A few drops of vanilla essence For Decoration 200 g fresh cream 10 cherries About ½ cup chocolate chips Method In a bowl, combine butter, sugar, flour and eggs. Whisk well until smooth. You may use a hand blender to get a fine, lump-free batter. Dissolve the coffee powder in a little milk and add it to the batter along with vanilla essence. Mix everything once again thoroughly. Grease a cake mould with butter and line it with butter paper. Pour the batter into the m...

  Chitoi Pitha is a traditional Bengali delicacy, especially popular during winter. These soft, steamed rice cakes are gently cooked on an earthen pan and then soaked in warm milk sweetened with nolen gur (date palm jaggery). Known in some regions as Aske Pitha, this dessert is loved for its delicate texture and comforting, rustic flavour. Ingredients 1 cup atap rice flour ½ cup grated coconut 2 tablespoons ghee A little milk (as needed) Salt to taste Nolen gur or patali jaggery 1 litre full-cream milk 2–3 green cardamom pods (crushed) Method In a bowl, mix the rice flour, grated coconut and salt. Add warm water gradually along with a little ghee to make a thick, smooth batter. Cover and set aside. Heat an earthen pan (sara) on medium flame. Once hot, lightly grease the surface with ghee. Pour a ladleful of the batter into the centre of the pan. Gently spread if needed. Cover with an earthen lid and sprinkle a few drops of water around the edges to create steam. Steam for about 5 m...

  Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, popularly known as Kanipakkam Vinayaka Temple, is one of the most revered Lord Ganesha temples in South India. Located in Kanipakkam village, Chittoor district (now Tirupati district), the temple is famous for its self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Ganesha that continues to grow in size. The deity here is worshipped as Varasiddhi Vinayaka, the granter of boons and remover of obstacles. History (in Detail) The origins of the Kanipakkam temple date back to the early 11th century, during the reign of Chola king Kulothunga Chola I. According to legend, three brothers—one blind, one deaf, and one mute—were digging a well to irrigate their fields. While digging, they struck a hard object, and suddenly blood began to ooze from the well. When they tried to remove the object, the water overflowed and their physical disabilities were miraculously cured. Villagers discovered a stone idol of Lord Ganesha at the bottom of the well. Despite repeated ...

  England had already lost the series, and the looming threat of a humiliating whitewash hung heavy over Ben Stokes’ side. In Melbourne, however, they finally found redemption. Inside two dramatic days, England stunned Australia to register a memorable Test victory, their first on Australian soil in 15 long years. It took 5,468 days and 18 Tests for England to break the drought Down Under. Their previous Test win in Australia had come during the 2010–11 tour, at Sydney—a historic series in which England not only won matches but conquered the Ashes outright. That campaign had also brought success in Melbourne. Fifteen years later, fittingly, it was the same venue that offered England a chance to shed years of frustration and failure. On their last three tours of Australia, England had lost 13 of 15 Tests. This tour seemed destined for a similar fate after defeats in the first three matches revived fears of another clean sweep. Stokes and his men ensured that ignominy was avoided. A ...

  Roberto Bettega, born on 27 October 1950 in Turin, Italy, is regarded as one of the finest Italian forwards of the 1970s and early 1980s. Closely associated with Juventus, the club of his hometown, Bettega was a symbol of elegance, intelligence, and consistency in attack. Nicknamed “Bobby Gol”, he combined technical finesse with sharp positional sense and an instinctive eye for goal, making him a central figure in one of Juventus’ most successful eras. Style of Play Roberto Bettega was a graceful, intelligent forward rather than an explosive or physically dominant striker. Comfortable playing as a centre-forward or second striker, he relied on anticipation, movement, and composure inside the penalty area. Bettega was excellent in the air despite not being exceptionally tall, timed his runs superbly, and finished calmly with both feet. His link-up play, ability to drift wide, and tactical understanding allowed him to thrive in structured Italian football, particularly in the defen...

  Larisa Semyonovna Latynina was born on 27 December 1934 in Kherson, Ukrainian SSR (then part of the Soviet Union). Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, Latynina dominated women’s artistic gymnastics during the late 1950s and early 1960s, setting records that stood unmatched for decades. Her blend of elegance, technical mastery, and competitive composure made her the benchmark of excellence in Olympic sport. Style of Performance Latynina’s gymnastics style was defined by: Exceptional grace and rhythm, especially on floor exercises Immaculate balance and poise on the beam Strong, controlled vaulting, combining power with artistry Clean execution and musicality, a hallmark of Soviet gymnastics At a time when gymnastics was evolving from purely acrobatic routines into an artistic discipline, Latynina embodied the perfect fusion of athleticism and beauty. Career Highlights (In Detail) Latynina emerged as a global star in the mid-1950s, quickly becoming the cente...

  Even after Australia had already sealed the series, the magic of the Boxing Day Test remained undiminished. A staggering 93,442 spectators thronged the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, setting a new Ashes record for the highest single-day attendance in Test history. What they witnessed was not a batting spectacle, but a breathtaking exhibition of fast bowling dominance from both sides. In front of the record crowd, Australia were skittled out for a modest 152 in their first innings. However, England failed to capitalise on the advantage, collapsing even more dramatically to just 110. By stumps on Day One, Australia held a slender but significant lead of 46 runs, and discussions had already begun about whether this Test might be wrapped up within two days. Melbourne outdid Perth. In the opening Test of this Ashes series at Perth, a total of 19 wickets had fallen on the first day. At the MCG, all 20 wickets went down, with both teams bowled out. The last time such a feat occurre...

  Russia’s far-eastern region of Yakutia has once again drawn global attention as it endures one of the harshest cold spells on the planet. Temperatures across the region have plunged to life-threatening levels, bringing normal activities to a near halt. Yakutia, already known for its brutally long winters, is currently recording temperatures between minus 40 and minus 50 degrees Celsius, with some locations experiencing an extreme low of minus 60 degrees. Oymyakon, often described as the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, is at the centre of this freeze. While residents are accustomed to subzero conditions, the current cold has been unusually intense. Even during summer, temperatures rise to around 20 degrees Celsius only briefly, making winter survival a constant challenge for the local population. Educational Institutions Shut With the cold worsening and snowstorms sweeping through the region, authorities have ordered the temporary closure of schools and kindergartens...

  This rich and creamy no-bake coffee cheesecake is an easy yet elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions or as a make-ahead treat. With a buttery biscuit base and a smooth coffee-flavoured cream cheese filling, it sets beautifully in the refrigerator without the need for baking. Ingredients Philadelphia cream cheese – 1½ cups Fresh cream – ½ cup Condensed milk – 1 cup Coffee powder – 6 tablespoons Gelatin – 4 tablespoons Butter biscuits – 150 grams Butter (melted) – ¼ cup Caster sugar – 4 tablespoons Method Crush the butter biscuits finely. Add the melted butter and caster sugar and mix well. Press this mixture evenly into the base of a cake mould. Refrigerate to set. In a bowl, whisk the condensed milk until smooth. Add the cream cheese and mix well. Pour in the fresh cream and gently combine all three ingredients until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the gelatin in a little water and keep it in the refrigerator. After about 20 minutes, remove and gently heat it until fully melt...

  Top 20 Churches in India India’s Christian heritage spans nearly two millennia, reflecting apostolic traditions, colonial influences, and indigenous expressions of faith. These churches stand out for their historical importance, architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and cultural legacy. 1. Basilica of Bom Jesus – Goa Founded: 1605 Significance: Houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier Style: Baroque Legacy: UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage centres in Asia 2. Se Cathedral – Old Goa Founded: 1562 Significance: One of the largest churches in Asia Style: Portuguese-Gothic Legacy: Symbol of Portuguese ecclesiastical power in India 3. Santhome Basilica – Chennai Founded: 16th century Significance: Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle Style: Neo-Gothic Legacy: One of only three churches in the world built over an apostle’s tomb 4. Velankanni Basilica – Tamil Nadu Founded: 16th century Significance: Known as the “Lour...

  The Simhachalam Temple, officially known as Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Andhra Pradesh. Located atop the Simhachalam Hill, about 20 km from Visakhapatnam (Vizag), the temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped here in a unique combined form of Varaha (boar) and Narasimha. The temple is renowned for its spiritual power, rich history, distinctive rituals, and splendid blend of architectural styles. History in Detail Mythological Origins According to legend, Lord Narasimha manifested here to bless his devotee Prahlada after destroying the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The deity later assumed the form of Varaha Narasimha to remove excessive divine energy and protect the universe. Sage Prahlada is believed to have consecrated the deity and established worship at Simhachalam. Historical Development The temple’s earliest references appear in Puranic texts and inscriptions dating back ...

  This rich and indulgent Chocolate Coffee Walnut Brownie is perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. With a soft, fudgy texture, the crunch of walnuts, and a smooth coffee-infused chocolate ganache on top, this dessert makes an excellent choice for celebrations or as a special homemade treat. Ingredients For the Brownie Chocolate – 1½ cups Eggs – 2½ All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons Baking powder – 1 teaspoon Walnuts – ½ cup (chopped) Sugar – 1 cup Butter – ⅓ cup Coffee powder – 4 tablespoons Fresh cream – ½ cup For the Chocolate Coffee Ganache Fresh cream – 1 cup Chocolate – 2 cups Coffee powder – ¼ cup Method In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate, fresh cream, and coffee powder. Melt the mixture using the double boiler method for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth. This forms the ganache. Keep aside. Using the double boiler again, melt the chocolate and butter together until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until blended. Add ...

  A rich, moist and indulgent dessert, Coffee Walnut Cake is perfect for coffee lovers. The deep aroma of coffee blends beautifully with crunchy walnuts and smooth milk chocolate, making this cake an ideal choice for evening tea, special occasions, or festive gatherings. Simple to prepare and full of flavour, this homemade cake is sure to impress. Ingredients : 1½ cups milk 50 g butter 6 tablespoons instant coffee powder ½ cup sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup milk chocolate ½ cup chopped walnuts Method : First, mix 2 tablespoons of coffee powder with ½ cup milk and keep it aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the coffee-mixed milk to this mixture and whisk well until combined. In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and the remaining coffee powder. Sieve the dry ingredients and gradually fold them into th...

  The Veerabhadra Temple, located in the historic village of Lepakshi in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the finest surviving examples of Vijayanagara architecture. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the temple is world-famous for its exquisite sculptures, intricate murals, and the mysterious hanging pillar. Set atop a granite hill, the temple is both a major pilgrimage site and a celebrated monument of Indian art and heritage. History in Detail Mythological Background According to Hindu mythology, Veerabhadra was created by Lord Shiva in a fit of rage after the self-immolation of Goddess Sati during the Daksha Yagna. Veerabhadra was tasked with destroying Daksha’s sacrificial ceremony, symbolising divine justice and cosmic balance. The site of Lepakshi is closely associated with the Ramayana, where Jatayu, the injured vulture king, is believed to have fallen after battling Ravana while trying to rescue Sita. It is said Lor...

  Santiago de Cuba is Cuba’s second-largest city and one of its most historically and culturally significant destinations. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra mountains, the city is considered the cradle of the Cuban Revolution and the heart of Afro-Cuban culture. Known for its music, carnival traditions, revolutionary heritage, and colonial architecture, Santiago de Cuba offers a more raw, authentic, and vibrant experience compared to Havana. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Castillo del Morro (San Pedro de la Roca Castle) A UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the entrance to Santiago Bay. Built in the 17th century, this fortress offers panoramic sea views, preserved ramparts, cannons, and an excellent museum explaining colonial defense systems. 2. Parque Céspedes The central square of the city and its social heart. Surrounded by key landmarks such as the cathedral, Casa de Diego Velázquez, and Hotel Casa Granda. A perf...

  The Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, popularly known as the Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, is a renowned Shaivite shrine located in the serene village of Yaganti in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Nestled amidst the scenic Nallamala Hills, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Uma Maheswara (Yagantiswamy). The temple is celebrated for its unique natural surroundings, architectural elegance, and deep mythological significance, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in South India. History in Detail Mythological Origins According to legend, sage Agastya wished to build a Shiva temple in Yaganti. However, the land was initially unsuitable for worship. Sage Agastya is believed to have performed intense penance, after which Lord Shiva manifested and sanctified the site. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted a boon declaring that Yaganti would never be submerged by floods, despite its proximity to hills and water bodies. Historical Development The te...

  As expected, Australia have once again claimed the Ashes—this time with two Tests still remaining. In one of the world’s most high-profile Test rivalries, the hosts cruised to victories in all three of the opening matches, underlining their complete dominance. England, it must be said, failed to produce the kind of sustained contest traditionally associated with an Ashes series, with the lone exception being a spirited final-innings fightback in the third Test—though even that proved insufficient to avert defeat. In the third Test at Adelaide, Australia laid the foundation with a commanding first-innings total of 371, powered by a magnificent century from Alex Carey. England responded with 286, with captain Ben Stokes leading from the front with a gritty 83 in an attempt to keep his side in touch. Australia began their second innings with an 85-run lead and then tightened their grip decisively. Travis Head produced a record-breaking century as the hosts piled on 349 runs, extendi...