The World around U

  Havana (La Habana) is the capital and largest city of Cuba, located on the island’s northwestern coast along the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1519, Havana is one of the most historically rich cities in the Caribbean, known for its colorful colonial architecture, vintage American cars, vibrant music scene, revolutionary history, and strong Afro-Cuban cultural roots. The city blends old-world charm with lively street life. Spanish colonial plazas, crumbling yet beautiful mansions, seaside promenades, and modern cultural spaces coexist, making Havana a living museum as well as a dynamic capital. It is the political, cultural, and economic heart of Cuba. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) – UNESCO World Heritage Site The historic core of the city with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and lively plazas. Key highlights include: Plaza de la Catedral – Home to the Havana Cathedral. Plaza Vieja – Surrounded by restored buildings, cafés, and museums. Plaza de ...

  England’s hopes of saving the Ashes are fading fast. On the final day at Adelaide, Australia need just four more wickets to seal victory, while England face the daunting task of scoring another 228 runs to keep the contest alive. Australia, having already won the first Test in Perth and the second in Brisbane, hold a commanding 2–0 lead in the five-match series. Both victories came by emphatic eight-wicket margins. A win in the third Test at Adelaide would allow the hosts to retain the Ashes with two matches still to play, underlining their complete dominance of the series so far. Resuming their second innings at 271 for 4, Australia tightened their grip thanks largely to Travis Head. The left-hander, unbeaten on 142 overnight, went on to produce a magnificent 170, combining aggression with control. Alex Carey provided valuable support with a composed 72. Australia were eventually bowled out for 349, setting England an imposing target of 435. England’s bowlers had moments of resi...

  The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, located at Srisailam in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba, the temple holds exceptional importance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas. Nestled on the banks of the holy Krishna River, the temple is a powerful confluence of Shaiva and Shakta traditions. History in Detail Mythological Origins According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came to Srisailam to pacify their son Kartikeya (Murugan), who was upset after losing a divine contest to Lord Ganesha. Pleased by Kartikeya’s devotion, Shiva manifested here as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, while Parvati appeared as Bhramaramba Devi. Scriptural References The temple is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Padma Purana, emphasizing Srisailam as a sacred Shaiva kshetra. It is also praised...

  Breathtaking batting by Hardik Pandya & Tilak Verma & masterful bowling by Jasprit Bumrah & Varun Chakaravarthy in tough bowling conditions helped India to beat a spirited South Africa by 30 runs in a high scoring 5th & final T20I of the 5 match series . India’s victory in the final match at Ahmedabad, sealing a 3–1 series win against South Africa, certainly added another feather to the trophy cabinet. More importantly, it also helped shape what now looks like a near-complete blueprint for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Performers like Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson made strong statements, while Varun Chakravarthy’s spin proved lethal as the Proteas were bundled out for a 30-run defeat. India won the five-match T20I series 3–1, though concerns surrounding Suryakumar Yadav still persist. Before this match, India were already leading the series 2–1, ensuring there was no risk of losing it. After losing the toss in the final T20I against South Africa, India were asked...

  Australia tightened their grip on the third Ashes Test with another dominant display at Adelaide, ending Day Three at a commanding 271 for 4 in their second innings and stretching their overall lead to a daunting 356 runs over England. The day belonged unequivocally to Travis Head, whose sublime batting etched his name deeper into the record books. After dismissing England for 286 in their first innings and securing an 85-run lead, Australia began their second innings on an uncertain note. Openers failed to provide stability as Jake Weatherald departed for 1, followed soon by Marnus Labuschagne for 13, briefly offering England a window back into the contest. However, Ben Stokes’ men were unable to capitalise on the early breakthroughs. Head seized control with a magnificent counterattacking innings, displaying authority, timing and composure. By stumps, he remained unbeaten on a superb 142, well supported by Alex Carey, who played a calm and assured knock of 52 not out. Togeth...

  The Kanaka Durga Temple , located atop the scenic Indrakeeladri Hill on the banks of the sacred Krishna River in Vijayawada , Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in South India. Dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga , a powerful form of Adi Shakti , the temple is a prominent spiritual, cultural, and historical landmark of the region. Renowned for its spiritual energy and grand celebrations during Navaratri , the temple attracts millions of devotees every year and is considered the presiding deity shrine of Vijayawada. History in Detail Mythological Origins According to Hindu mythology, Indrakeeladri Hill is where Goddess Durga manifested to slay the demon Mahishasura , restoring dharma. The hill is named after Arjuna (Indrakeela) from the Mahabharata, who is believed to have performed penance here and received divine blessings. Ancient References The temple finds mention in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana and Kalika Purana , highl...

  In an extraordinary weather event, parts of the Arabian Desert were blanketed in shimmering white snow on Thursday, December 18, leaving residents in Saudi Arabia and Qatar astonished. Videos showing snow settling over vast brown sand dunes in Saudi Arabia quickly spread across social media, capturing emotional scenes of locals wrapped in winter jackets, offering prayers of gratitude and gazing in awe at the surreal landscape. The rare phenomenon followed a week of heavy rainfall caused by a series of low-pressure systems across the Middle East. According to BBC Weather, conditions intensified on Thursday, bringing thunderstorms to Saudi Arabia during the day before the storm system moved eastwards toward the UAE and Qatar by night. One of the most striking scenes emerged from Jabal Al Lawz in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where snowfall drew large crowds. Adults and children alike were seen celebrating, singing, and dancing as snowflakes covered the mountainous terrain, marking ...

  Baracoa, Cuba Introduction Baracoa is Cuba’s oldest city , founded in 1511 by Diego Velázquez, and is often described as the country’s most unique destination. Located in eastern Cuba, in Guantánamo Province, Baracoa is surrounded by lush rainforests, rivers, mountains, and pristine beaches . Due to its long isolation from the rest of Cuba, the city has developed a distinct culture, cuisine, and rhythm of life , making it very different from Havana or Trinidad. Baracoa is ideal for travelers seeking nature, history, and authentic Cuban life . Best Spots to Visit in Detail El Yunque (Table Mountain) El Yunque is Baracoa’s most iconic natural landmark. This flat-topped mountain dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the city, coastline, and dense forests. The hike takes around 3–4 hours round trip and passes through rivers and tropical vegetation. It is considered sacred by the indigenous Taíno people. Parque Natural Alejandro de Humboldt (UNESCO World Heritage ...

  The sea appears deep red, and even the sandy shoreline has taken on a blood-like hue. Striking visuals from Iran’s coastal region near the Strait of Hormuz have gone viral, leaving people around the world amazed. The unusual sight emerged after heavy rainfall, when both the seawater and the coast seemed to transform in colour. This phenomenon, however, is not new. Locals and tourists occasionally witness this rare natural spectacle, especially during intense monsoon spells. So why does the Strait of Hormuz turn red? The answer lies beneath the surface. The soil of Hormuz Island and its surrounding areas is rich in iron. During heavy rains, iron and other minerals wash down the mountain slopes and mix with seawater, giving the sea and beaches their striking red appearance. Notably, iron oxide is also responsible for the red soil found on Mars. For this reason, Hormuz is often referred to as the “Rainbow Island” of the Persian Gulf. When exposed to moisture and evaporation, the ...

  A resurgent Australia tore through England’s brittle batting on Thursday, leaving the visitors on the verge of a third straight Test defeat and their Ashes campaign hanging by a thread unless a miracle unfolds. At stumps on a sweltering day two, England were struggling at 213 for 8, still 158 runs behind after Australia added 45 to their overnight total of 326 for 8, with temperatures soaring to 40°C. Ben Stokes stood firm on an unbeaten 45 after a marathon 151-ball effort, with Jofra Archer providing support on 30, but England remained deep in trouble in a must-win Test on a surface offering ideal batting conditions. Although England avoided the follow-on, they were again left frustrated by contentious Snicko decisions. Australia, leading the five-match series 2–0, will retain the Ashes with either a win or a draw following emphatic eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane. England’s openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley negotiated the early threat posed by Mitchell Starc ...

  Australia recovered from early setbacks to post a strong 326 for 8 on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, December 17, riding on a superb century from Alex Carey. After choosing to bat first, Australia suffered an early blow as openers Jake Weatherald (18) and Travis Head (10) were dismissed within the first 10 overs. Marnus Labuschagne showed some resistance but was sent back for 19 by Jofra Archer, who soon struck again in the same over to remove Cameron Green for a duck, swinging momentum firmly England’s way. With Australia reeling, Usman Khawaja and Carey steadied the innings. Khawaja, who was not named in the original playing XI but came in due to a late fitness concern for Steve Smith, made full use of his opportunity at No.4. He played a fluent knock, bringing up a fine half-century and sharing a crucial 91-run partnership with Carey for the fifth wicket. Khawaja fell short of a hundred, dismissed for 82 in the 48...

  The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Nellore , Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered Vaishnavite temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha , a reclining form of Lord Vishnu resting on Adi Shesha , the temple is located on the banks of the Pennar River . It is considered the largest and most prominent temple in Nellore city , serving as a major spiritual, cultural, and architectural landmark. This ancient shrine is closely associated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition and has been a significant centre of devotion, learning, and temple culture for centuries. History in Detail Early Origins The origins of the Ranganatha Temple are believed to date back over 1,000 years , with references pointing to the early medieval period . Local traditions and inscriptions suggest that the temple was established during the rule of the Pallavas , and later expanded under the Cholas . Chola and Vijayanagara Patronage The Chola dynasty played a crucial role in developing th...

  The Srikalahasti Temple , officially known as Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple , is one of the most revered Shaivite shrines in South India. Located in Srikalahasti town of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh , on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River , the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Kalahasteeswara . It is widely known as the Dakshina Kailasam (Kailasa of the South) and holds exceptional importance as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams , representing the element Vayu (Air) . History in Detail Ancient and Scriptural References The temple is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures including the Skanda Purana , Shiva Purana , and Tamil Shaiva hymns. Worship at Srikalahasti is believed to date back to prehistoric and Vedic times , making it one of the oldest living temples in South India. Legend of the Three Devotees The name Srikalahasti originates from the legendary devotees: Sri – the spider Kala – the serpent Hasti – the elephant These thr...

  Coronado is a coastal resort town located in the Panamá Oeste Province , about 80 kilometers southwest of Panama City. It is one of Panama’s earliest planned beach communities and has grown into a popular weekend getaway and expat-friendly destination . Known for its black-and-golden sand beaches, golf courses, gated communities, and relaxed lifestyle, Coronado blends beachside leisure with modern amenities. Best Spots to Visit in and Around Coronado Playa Coronado The town’s main beach features a mix of volcanic black sand and lighter sand areas. It is ideal for long walks, sunset views, and casual swimming. Beachfront restaurants and private resorts line parts of the coast. Coronado Golf & Beach Resort One of the key attractions, this resort offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and beach access. Even non-guests can sometimes access restaurants and facilities. Playa Teta A quieter, more natural beach just outside Coronado. It is popular wit...

The Srisailam Temple , officially known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple , is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India. Located on the banks of the Krishna River amid the dense forests of the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba (Parvati) . Srisailam holds exceptional spiritual importance as it is both one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the 18 Shakti Peethas , making it a rare and supremely revered shrine. History in Detail Ancient References Srisailam finds mention in ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana , Shiva Purana , and Padma Purana . The sacred hill is traditionally known as Sri Giri , believed to have been worshipped since Vedic times . Mythological Origins According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati manifested here as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba to bless devotees in Kali Yuga. The temple is associated with the story of Kumaraswamy...

  In T20 cricket, it often feels as if bowlers could be replaced by bowling machines. After all, it is the batters who draw crowds with a flood of fours and sixes. Yet, as the cricketing gods would have it, there are days when the script changes completely. Sunday was one such rare day. Instead of the batters, it was the Indian bowlers who stole the show at the Dharamsala ground. In the third T20I, the South African batters were left clueless against India’s bowling attack, being bowled out for just 117 runs. Suryakumar Yadav’s India chased down the target comfortably. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy were outstanding with the ball, while Abhishek Sharma (32), Shubman Gill (28) and Tilak Varma (25*) guided the team to victory with the bat. With this win, the Men in Blue took the lead in the series. After winning the toss on Sunday, the Indian captain opted to field first. India made two changes for the third T20I, bringing in Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav in p...

  The Tirupati Balaji Temple , officially known as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple , is one of the most sacred and wealthiest Hindu temples in the world. Situated atop the Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu , worshipped here as Balaji , Govinda , and Srinivasa . Millions of devotees visit the shrine every year, believing that the Lord fulfills sincere wishes and grants prosperity, peace, and liberation. History in Detail Ancient Origins References to Tirumala appear in Puranas such as the Varaha Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana . According to legend, Lord Vishnu manifested as Venkateswara in the Kali Yuga to guide humanity and protect dharma. Early Patronage The temple’s history dates back over 1,200 years . The earliest recorded endowments were made by the Pallava dynasty in the 9th century. Chola, Pandya & Vijayanagara Contributions Chola and Pandya kings enriched the temple wi...

  Rondón (Panamanian Seafood Stew) Introduction Rondón is a traditional Afro-Caribbean seafood stew from Panama, especially popular along the Caribbean coast and in Bocas del Toro. The name comes from the English phrase “run down” , referring to the slow simmering of seafood in coconut milk until all the flavors come together. Rich, aromatic, and comforting, Rondón reflects the region’s African, Caribbean, and Indigenous culinary influences. It is typically prepared with fresh seafood, root vegetables, coconut milk, and local spices. Ingredients Needed Seafood (can be mixed as available): Fish pieces (snapper, grouper, or any firm white fish) Shrimp (cleaned and deveined) Crab pieces or lobster (optional but traditional) Vegetables & Roots: Green plantains (peeled and sliced) Yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks Yam or taro (optional) Onion (sliced) Bell pepper (sliced) Garlic cloves (crushed) Scotch bonnet or hot chili (whole or sliced, to taste) Liq...

  Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago and provincial capital located on Panama’s northwestern coast, close to the Costa Rica border. It is known for its laid-back island lifestyle, turquoise waters, coral reefs, rainforests, and Afro-Caribbean cultural influence. The main town, Bocas Town , is situated on Isla Colón and acts as the economic, cultural, and transport hub of the archipelago. Bocas del Toro is popular with beach lovers, backpackers, divers, surfers, and eco-tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, nightlife, marine biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Best Spots to Visit (In and Around the City) Bocas Town (Isla Colón) The main town is compact and walkable, lined with colorful wooden buildings on stilts. It features cafés, bars, hostels, dive shops, and small boutiques. The waterfront boardwalk is a focal point for sunsets, dining, and nightlife. Bocas Town also hosts local markets, cultural events, and boat docks for island hopping. Playa El Istmito ...