The World around U

  The final whistle of Lionel Messi’s international career has brought down the curtain on one of the most extraordinary chapters in football history. At 39, the Argentine maestro has announced his retirement from international football in an instagram post on 31st August 2026  following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19th . Yet this is not retirement from football altogether—Messi remains an Inter Miami player.  For more than two decades, Messi gave Argentina something beyond goals, trophies and records: hope, inspiration and an almost magical connection with football. His departure from the international stage marks the end of an era, but hardly the end of his influence. From Rosario to football immortality Born in Rosario in 1987, Messi's journey was anything but ordinary. As a boy, his diminutive frame and growth-related problems presented formidable obstacles. Barcelona recognised the extraordinary talent hidden inside that small body...

  The second day of the 2026 US Open at Flushing Meadows delivered a compelling blend of commanding victories, dramatic comebacks, emotional farewells and major upsets. After the seismic first-day exit of Novak Djokovic, the spotlight shifted to the defending champions—and both Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka responded with impressive authority.  Alcaraz makes triumphant return The biggest positive story of the day was Carlos Alcaraz, who began his US Open title defence with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roman Safiullin. Returning to Grand Slam competition after a four-month absence caused by a right-wrist problem, the second-seeded Spaniard admitted to feeling nervous before walking onto Arthur Ashe Stadium. Those nerves quickly disappeared as he produced his trademark explosive forehands, athletic court coverage and aggressive baseline tennis. Alcaraz never allowed Safiullin to establish sustained pressure, closing out a straight-sets victory that was particular...

  The 2026 US Open burst into life at Flushing Meadows on Sunday, August 30, with a riveting opening day that produced commanding performances from several leading contenders—but also delivered one of the most sensational first-round upsets in recent Grand Slam history. The biggest headline belonged to Mariano Navone, who stunned fourth seed and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a bruising four-hour, 36-minute encounter on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was Djokovic's first first-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006.  Djokovic initially appeared to be in control after recovering from losing the opening-set tiebreak to take the second and third sets. But the physically troubled Serb gradually faded. He struggled with cramping, pain and repeated bouts of vomiting, while Navone remained remarkably composed. The Argentine seized the fourth set 6-2 before racing through the decider 6-1 to complete a sensational career-defining victory.  The s...

  Edwin Moses, born on August 31, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most dominant athletes in the history of track and field. Renowned for his exceptional speed, technical precision, and unyielding discipline, Moses revolutionized the 400-meter hurdles, setting standards that have yet to be surpassed. His career is marked by an extraordinary winning streak, multiple Olympic and World titles, and groundbreaking performances that redefined what was possible in the sport.   Style of Play - **Smooth, Efficient, and Dominant:**   - Moses was known for his flawless hurdling technique, combining speed, strength, and stamina with extraordinary precision. His running style was characterized by his ability to maintain a consistent stride pattern, typically taking just 13 steps between hurdles, a feat that gave him a significant advantage over his competitors.   - His efficient hurdling technique, combined with his endurance and mental toughne...

  Germany produced a gritty, disciplined and ultimately magnificent defensive display to defeat Spain 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup final at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, retaining the crown they won in 2023.  The victory was Germany’s fourth World Cup triumph, taking them level with Pakistan as the joint-most successful nation in men’s World Cup history. Even more remarkably, Germany became the first men’s team to defend the World Cup title on two separate occasions.  A cagey, absorbing opening The final began with both sides displaying the caution expected of two technically accomplished teams contesting the biggest prize in international hockey. Germany looked the more assured side during the opening quarter, moving the ball with purpose and probing Spain’s compact defensive structure. Spain, however, gradually settled into the contest. The Red Sticks increased the tempo in the second quarter and began finding dangerous avenues into the G...

  Clive Lloyd, born on August 31, 1944, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), is revered as one of the most influential and charismatic leaders in the history of cricket. Standing tall with his imposing physique, Lloyd was both a destructive middle-order batsman and an astute captain who led the West Indies to unparalleled dominance during the 1970s and 1980s. His leadership and powerful batting style made him a cornerstone of West Indies cricket and a global cricketing legend.   Style of Play - **Powerful and Commanding:**   - Lloyd's batting style was characterized by his power and authority at the crease. With his tall, broad frame, he could unleash a barrage of aggressive strokes, often dominating bowlers with his fearsome hitting, especially through the off-side and down the ground.   - Lloyd was particularly known for his ability to take the attack to the opposition, changing the course of a match with his explosive batting. Despite his attacking i...

  Javagal Srinath, born on August 31, 1969, in Mysore, Karnataka, is celebrated as one of India's finest fast bowlers and a trailblazer for pace bowling in a country traditionally known for its spinners. Renowned for his speed, accuracy, and unwavering determination, Srinath was the spearhead of India's pace attack during the 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to generate pace and movement, both off the pitch and in the air, made him a formidable opponent across all formats of the game. ### Style of Play - **Fast, Furious, and Relentless:**   - Srinath's bowling style was characterized by his ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, often exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph), which was a rarity for Indian bowlers at the time. He was known for his smooth, rhythmic run-up and a strong, upright bowling action that allowed him to generate both pace and bounce.   - Srinath could extract movement off the seam and swing the ball both ways, making him particularly dangerous in ...

  Nepal is facing one of the most devastating natural disasters in its recent history after a catastrophic flash flood swept through the Himalayan border region with Tibet on August 26, 2026. What initially appeared to be a sudden river flood has emerged as a far more complex disaster involving a glacial collapse, an avalanche of ice and rock, a temporary lake and a massive surge of water and debris. As of August 30, authorities in Nepal and China have reported a combined death toll of around 750 people, while more than 3,000 remain missing. Nepal alone has reported 734 deaths and 2,498 missing people, although figures continue to change as isolated areas become accessible. More than 90,000 people have been severely affected.  How did the disaster begin? The catastrophe began high in the Himalayas, close to the Nepal-China border. A huge mass of ice and rock broke away from a glacier, producing an avalanche that crashed into the Lhende Khola river system. The impact displaced ...

  India's two teams left the 2026 Hockey World Cup with very different emotions. The men's side endured a frustrating campaign and finished eighth, while the women's team produced a historic fifth-place finish — their best World Cup result since 1974.  The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup offered Indian hockey a striking study in contrasts. The men's team arrived with considerable expectations but departed with more questions than answers. The women's team, meanwhile, transformed promise into a landmark achievement, demonstrating resilience, defensive discipline and a growing belief against the world's leading sides. Men's Team: A Campaign That Fell Short Final position: Eighth The men's campaign was ultimately disappointing. India showed flashes of attacking quality and individual brilliance, but inconsistency, defensive lapses and an inability to control decisive passages repeatedly undermined their challenge. India began with a 3-1 victory over Wales, an enc...

    There are few destinations in the world that have achieved the mythical allure of Bali. Here, emerald rice terraces tumble down misty hillsides, ancient temples perch dramatically above cliffs and forests, while palm-fringed beaches glow beneath spectacular tropical sunsets. Yet Bali's magic goes far beyond its scenery. It is an island where spirituality is woven into everyday life, where colourful ceremonies spill onto village streets and where traditional dance, intricate handicrafts and aromatic cuisine coexist with sophisticated resorts, vibrant beach clubs and a thriving contemporary food scene. Often called the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is one of Indonesia's most captivating destinations, offering an extraordinary mixture of beaches, mountains, culture, adventure, wellness and gastronomy. Its compact size makes it possible to experience remarkably different landscapes and moods within a single journey.  The Best Places to Visit in Bali 1. Ubud – The Cultural He...

    There are cities that reveal themselves slowly, and then there is Jakarta — a sprawling, restless metropolis that seems to move at several speeds at once. Gleaming skyscrapers rise above chaotic avenues, ancient traditions survive amid modern shopping districts, and the echoes of colonial Batavia mingle with the roar of motorcycles and the aromas of sizzling street food. Indonesia’s vast and energetic capital is often treated merely as a gateway to Bali, Lombok or the country's other celebrated destinations. That is a mistake. Jakarta possesses an extraordinary personality of its own: exuberant, multicultural, historically layered and unapologetically urban. For the curious traveller, it offers a fascinating journey through Indonesia's past, present and future. A City of Extraordinary Contrasts Jakarta is a city of dramatic juxtapositions. In one direction stand monumental government buildings and glittering skyscrapers; in another, narrow lanes lead to traditional markets...

  On a chilly summer evening at the iconic Wagener Stadion, Argentina’s women produced a sensational moment, stunning the Netherlands on home soil to lift the World Cup title. The Dutch side, accustomed to dominating the global stage, were finally denied a fourth successive crown as Argentina held the hosts to a dramatic 1-1 draw before triumphing 3-1 in the penalty shootout. Argentina this regain World Cup title after 2010.  The victory was particularly sweet for Argentina, who avenged their heartbreaking defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup final while silencing a fervent partisan crowd at one of hockey’s most revered venues. Goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino emerged as the heroine, producing two magnificent saves in the shootout before Sofia Cairo calmly converted the decisive penalty to ignite jubilant Argentine celebrations. The highly anticipated rematch began as a tense and tactical encounter, with neither side willing to commit too many players forward. The open...