The World around U

  The Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Mukesaran Mandir, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Doongh village near Pathankot, Punjab.  Perched atop a hill along the Shahpur Kandi Dam Road, approximately 22 kilometers from Pathankot city, the temple offers a serene environment overlooking the Ravi River.   Introduction The temple is renowned for its spiritual ambiance and historical significance.  It is believed that the Pandavas, during their exile (Agyatvas), stayed in the caves adjacent to the temple.  These caves, estimated to be around 5,500 years old, add to the temple's mystique.    Historical Significance Legends suggest that Lord Shiva granted salvation (moksha) to a demon at this site, aligning with the temple's name "Mukteshwar," meaning "Lord of Salvation."  The temple complex houses a white marble Shivling and a copper Yoni, surrounded by idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess...

  The IPL 2025 season turned out to be disappointing for both last season’s champions Kolkata Knight Riders and runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they were both knocked out of playoff contention early. However, in their final match of the season, Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased their full strength and thrashed Kolkata by a massive 110 runs. With this win, Sunrisers wrapped up their campaign on a high, securing their third consecutive victory and finishing sixth on the points table with 13 points. Meanwhile, Kolkata ended their poor season in eighth place with 12 points. As the season began, so it ended The season’s conclusion mirrored its beginning for both teams. Kolkata had suffered a crushing defeat in their very first match of the season — and they were unable to change their fortunes by the final game. On the other hand, Sunrisers had made a thunderous start to IPL 2025, putting up a mammoth 286-run total in their opening game, powered by a brilliant century from Ishan Kish...

  Chennai Super Kings kicked off their IPL 2025 journey with a win — and ended it with a brilliant victory as well. In a match played in Ahmedabad, MS Dhoni’s CSK crushed the playoff-qualified and title-contending Gujarat Titans with a dominant 83-run win. However, despite this emphatic result, CSK ended the season in 10th place. This marks the first time in IPL history that Chennai has finished at the very bottom of the points table. Chennai’s batters went on a rampage On Sunday, May 25, in the 67th match of IPL 2025, CSK outperformed Gujarat not just in batting, but also in bowling and fielding. Captain MS Dhoni set the tone early by winning the toss and opting to bat first — a decision the batters backed up strongly. The opening pair of Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway gave Chennai a fiery start, adding 44 runs, with the dazzling Mhatre alone smashing 34 of those. After that, Conway and Urvil Patel (37) built a solid partnership, pushing the score past 100. Like Mhatre, Urvil al...

  Ssukgunejeon is a type of jeon (Korean savory pancake) made using ssukgat  , or chrysanthemum greens, which have a fragrant, slightly bitter, herbal taste. These greens are popular in Korean cooking, often added to soups, hot pots, or lightly blanched as a side dish. In this pancake form, the chrysanthemum leaves are lightly coated in a thin batter and pan-fried until golden and crispy, offering a simple yet elegant way to enjoy their unique flavor. Ssukgunejeon is often served as a side dish ( banchan ) or as a snack or appetizer, especially in spring when the greens are fresh and tender. Ingredients (serves 2–4) For the pancake batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or Korean pancake mix) 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for crispiness) 1 cup cold water (or sparkling water for a lighter texture) 1 egg ½ teaspoon salt Vegetable filling: 1 bunch chrysanthemum leaves (about 100–150 g), washed and trimmed ½ small onion, thinly sliced (optional, adds sweetness) ...

  Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made primarily with scallions (green onions) and a light, crispy batter. The name comes from pa  , meaning green onion, and jeon  , meaning pancake or fritter. It’s a popular Korean dish often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, especially on rainy days or alongside makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Pajeon has many variations — some include seafood ( haemul pajeon ), others feature kimchi ( kimchi jeon ), but the classic green onion version focuses on the fresh, slightly sweet bite of long scallion stalks encased in a thin, golden-brown batter. Ingredients (serves 2–4) For the pancake batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or Korean pancake mix if available) 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness) 1 cup cold water (you can substitute with sparkling water for a lighter texture) 1 egg ½ teaspoon salt Vegetables & filling: 1 bunch scallions (about 6–8 stalks), trimmed and cut in half or thirds 1 small ...

  Jajangmyeon is a beloved Korean dish made of chewy wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory black bean sauce (called jajang ), diced pork or beef, onions, zucchini, and potatoes. It was inspired by Chinese zhajiangmian but adapted in Korea with a thicker, sweeter black bean paste called chunjang . It’s a popular comfort food, often eaten on special occasions like graduations, moving days , or even Black Day (April 14) , when singles gather to eat Jajangmyeon together. The combination of glossy, umami-packed sauce coating chewy noodles makes this dish highly satisfying and deeply flavorful. Ingredients For the Sauce: 200g pork belly (or pork shoulder; you can also use beef or chicken) 2 tbsp cooking oil 1/2 cup chunjang (Korean black bean paste) 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth) 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening) 2 cups water or chicken stock Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced 1 small zucchini, dice...

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a dazzling mix of ancient palaces, cutting-edge skyscrapers, lively markets, serene temples, and world-renowned K-culture. With over 10 million residents, it’s a 24/7 city where history and innovation collide — from the royal courts of the Joseon Dynasty to the neon-lit streets of Gangnam and the buzzing energy of K-pop, tech startups, and fashion. Whether you’re into history, food, nightlife, or shopping, Seoul offers something for every traveler. Best Spots to Visit in Detail Gyeongbokgung Palace The largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. Explore its grand throne halls, hidden courtyards, and watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Nearby, you can also visit the National Folk Museum . Bukchon Hanok Village & Samcheong-dong Wander through narrow alleyways lined with preserved traditional hanok houses, some now converted into cultural centers, cafés, and boutique shops. Insadong A cultural street ...

  Ulsan is South Korea’s industrial powerhouse , located on the southeastern coast, known for being home to the world’s largest shipyard (Hyundai Heavy Industries) and one of the world’s largest automobile plants. Despite its industrial reputation, Ulsan surprises visitors with stunning natural beauty , rich history, and well-preserved cultural sites. With coastal parks, ancient petroglyphs, whale heritage, and vibrant local markets, Ulsan offers a unique blend of modern industry and ecological treasures. Best Spots to Visit in Ulsan (in Detail) Daewangam Park A stunning seaside park famous for its pine forest trails and the dramatic Daewangam Rock, which juts into the East Sea. There’s a scenic footbridge leading to the rock, offering beautiful ocean views, especially at sunrise. Jangsaengpo Whale Museum & Whale Culture Village Ulsan has a long whaling history. This museum explores the history of whaling in Korea and offers interactive exhibits and whale watching...

  Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi Province and a major city just south of Seoul, famous for its UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress , rich Joseon Dynasty history, and blend of traditional and modern urban life. Known as the “City of Filial Piety” because of King Jeongjo’s devotion to his father, Suwon has developed into a dynamic hub for culture, technology (home to Samsung’s headquarters), and local charm, making it an ideal day trip or short stay destination from Seoul. Best Spots to Visit in Suwon (in Detail) Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) A massive, beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress surrounding the city center, built by King Jeongjo. You can walk the full 5.7 km of walls, visit its gates (like Paldalmun and Hwaseomun ), watch traditional martial arts performances, and even try archery at the fortress grounds. The fortress offers panoramic city views, especially at sunset. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace A smaller royal palace used as the king’...

Devi Talab Mandir is one of the oldest and most prominent temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Jalandhar, Punjab. It is famous not only for its religious significance but also for its scenic sacred pond ( talab ) and historical importance as a Shakti Peetha. Over the centuries, it has been a center for pilgrimage, music, and cultural gatherings, making it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. History (In Detail) Ancient Roots : The temple is believed to be over 200 years old , although some local legends claim its origins trace back several centuries more. The site has been associated with Goddess Durga worship since ancient times, connected to the Shakti Peethas — sacred sites where parts of Sati’s body fell during Shiva’s grief-stricken Tandava. Shakti Peetha Connection : According to mythology, Sati’s right breast fell at this spot, making Devi Talab one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This imbues the temple with immense spiritual power, attracting pilgrims f...

  Novak Djokovic reached another historic milestone on Saturday, capturing his 100th career singles title with a hard-fought victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final. Battling for over three hours, Djokovic came from behind to win 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), finally achieving the long-awaited century after two previous failed attempts since his 99th title nine months ago at the Paris Olympics. This triumph places Djokovic among an elite group of tennis legends — only Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103) have also crossed the 100-title mark in the Open era. What made this win even more meaningful was its location: Geneva, a city with deep family ties for Djokovic. Celebrating his 38th birthday just two days earlier, the Serbian star was surrounded by his wife and children, who joined him in Switzerland after skipping a day of school — a fact Djokovic mentioned with a smile. He also admitted that the opportunity to play close to family was one of the reasons he...

  Introduction & Style of Play: Irena Szewińska was born on May 24, 1946 , in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union, but grew up in Poland, where she became one of the greatest sprinters and long jumpers in track and field history. Known for her graceful stride, powerful acceleration, and remarkable versatility, Szewińska was the only athlete (male or female) to hold world records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m at different points in her career. She combined explosive speed with endurance, making her dominant across both sprints and longer sprints. Career Highlights in Detail: Szewińska’s international career spanned over two decades, from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s. She competed in five consecutive Olympic Games (1964–1980), winning medals in every one except her last. She transitioned from long jump and shorter sprints early in her career to dominating the 400m later on, showcasing incredible adaptability. Some of her standout achievements include: Winning ...

  Team India is set to tour England next month for a highly anticipated five-match Test series, which will be part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. The BCCI has officially announced the Indian squad for this crucial tour. With the recent retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin from Test cricket, this marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian Test team — and the appointment of a new captain. Under the leadership of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, the selection committee has picked a young and promising Indian side for the England tour. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are expected to take on the responsibility as openers. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair have been slotted into the middle order, with the possibility of filling the crucial No. 4 position left vacant by Kohli’s absence. Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain and will play a vital role both behind the stumps and in the middle order. Dhruv Jurel has been sele...

  After Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings too missed a golden opportunity to stake their claim for the top spot before the playoffs. In the match played on Saturday, May 24, in Jaipur, Punjab Kings suffered a 6-wicket defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals. Powered by brilliant innings from Sameer Rizvi and Karun Nair, Delhi successfully chased down the daunting target of 207 runs in the final over. With this win, Delhi Capitals ended their season on a high, finishing fifth on the points table with a total of 15 points. This match, which had originally been scheduled for May 8 in Dharamsala but was postponed due to India-Pakistan tensions, was eventually played in Jaipur. While Punjab Kings were in a strong position during the original fixture, their batting again did not disappoint this time. Batting first, Punjab posted a strong total of 206 runs. Although their openers failed, captain Shreyas Iyer scored an excellent half-century (53 runs), and returni...

  In IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a 42-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), led by captain Pat Cummins. Despite the loss, RCB has already secured a spot in the playoffs. However, in order to finish in the top two on the points table, they needed to win both of their remaining matches. Now, their final position will depend on the outcomes of other teams' matches. Batting first, SRH posted a massive total of 231 runs. In response, RCB was well-placed at 163 for 3 after 14 overs. However, a sudden collapse saw them bowled out for 189 in the final over. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan  played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 94 runs off 48 balls, smashing seven fours and five sixes in a dazzling batting display.   He was well-supported by Abhishek Sharma (34 off 17), Heinrich Klaasen (24 off 13), Aniket Verma (26 off 9), and Travis Head (17 off 10), all of whom kept RCB bowlers under pressure with aggressive hitting.  Openers H...

  Kelowna is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley , known for its sun-soaked vineyards , scenic lakeside setting , and outdoor lifestyle . Located along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake , Kelowna is both a nature lover’s paradise and a wine and food hub. With a laid-back urban vibe, growing arts scene, and year-round activities, it’s a top destination for those seeking relaxation, recreation, and regional charm. Best Spots to Visit in Kelowna (in Detail) Okanagan Lake & Waterfront Park The jewel of the city, this massive lake offers sandy beaches, boat rentals, paddleboarding, and serene lakeside walks. Waterfront Park has gardens, boardwalks, and public art, perfect for a stroll or picnic. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery An iconic, architecturally stunning winery offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, and fine dining. The views of the lake and valley are breathtaking. It’s a must-visit for wine lovers. Myra Canyon Tr...

  Lucknow Super Giants who are already out of playoffs defeated the table-toppers Gujarat Titans at their own fortress. Shubman Gill and his men stumbled at a crucial moment—had they won, their path to finishing in the top two would have been much smoother. But this defeat has put a dent in Gujarat’s winning momentum. Gujarat has turned their home ground into a fortress. The final of this year’s IPL will also be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a venue known as a paradise for batters, with average scores often crossing 200. Chasing big totals is rarely an issue here, and Thursday's game followed the same script. For Lucknow, the bulk of their runs this season have come from Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran—all among the top contenders for the Orange Cap. When they have failed, the team has struggled. But once again, they delivered in Ahmedabad. Gujarat’s pacers, especially the Indian contingent, have been impressive this season. Mohammed Siraj has...

  Warwick Armstrong was born on May 22, 1879 , in Kyneton, Victoria, Australia. Nicknamed "The Big Ship" due to his imposing 6'3" frame and solid build, Armstrong was a dominant all-rounder known for his stubborn, defensive batting and highly effective leg-spin bowling. He was a shrewd tactician and a no-nonsense leader who played the game with a sharp competitive edge. His style was marked by patience with the bat and guile with the ball, especially on worn pitches. Career Highlights in Detail: Armstrong made his Test debut in 1899 and went on to become one of Australia's most respected and successful captains. His playing career spanned a crucial era in cricket history, as the game transitioned into the 20th century. He was instrumental in shaping Australia's dominance during this period, both as a player and as captain. One of his most notable achievements came during the 1921 Ashes series in England , where he captained Australia to a 3–0 series wi...

  Mumbai Indians delivered a brilliant performance at the Wankhede Stadium to defeat Delhi Capitals and secure their place in the IPL ⁴ and ⁴⁴playoffs. Batting first, Mumbai posted a competitive total of 180 runs in 20 overs. In response, Delhi Capitals collapsed and were bowled out for just 121 runs in 18.2 overs. The standout performers for Mumbai were Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Santner. Suryakumar played a blistering knock, scoring 73 runs off 43 balls. With the ball, Santner was exceptional, taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs in his 4 overs. Bumrah matched that with 3 wickets for 12 runs, dismantling Delhi’s batting order. At one point during their innings against Delhi on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians found themselves in trouble. The sluggish pitch made scoring difficult, and even skipper Hardik Pandya was dismissed cheaply for just 3 runs. However, Hardik remained confident in his teammates, and despite the low score, his smile never faded.  Rohit (5) we...