The World around U

  The result was never really in doubt, but Oman’s spirited fight deserved every bit of respect. Ranked 20th in the ICC T20I standings, they were up against the world’s No. 1 side, yet they showed immense character and nearly pushed India to the edge. Chasing 189, Oman eventually finished at 167, going down by just 21 runs as India used their experience to seal the win. Winning the toss, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat. Contributions came from all around: Sanju Samson held the innings together with a composed 56, Abhishek Sharma unleashed a whirlwind 38 off just 15 balls, Axar Patel added 26, and Tilak Varma struck a handy 29 late on, taking India to 188. In reply, Oman’s openers Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem gave them a strong start. Kuldeep Yadav provided India with their first breakthrough, bowling Jatinder for 32. From there, Kaleem and Hammad Mirza took charge, counterattacking with such intent that India’s bowling looked toothless. Notably, India had rested ...

  It was a match that held the fate of three teams. In the high-stakes clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh were watching anxiously from the sidelines. Their hopes rested on Sri Lanka’s shoulders—only a Lankan victory could carry them into the Super Four. And that is exactly what happened. The Sri Lankan cricketers brought smiles to Bangladeshi faces, defeating Afghanistan to secure their own Super Four berth while simultaneously opening the door for Bangladesh. Afghanistan, despite a late flourish, bowed out. Not even Mohammad Nabi’s breathtaking display of power-hitting—five sixes in five balls at the age of 40—could save them. Haunted by their struggles chasing against Bangladesh in the previous game, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan chose to bat first after winning the toss. But he misread the pitch. Early on, batting was treacherous, easing only as the game wore on. That error proved costly. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, usually vulnerable to Afghanistan’s famed spin att...

  The Indian women’s cricket team produced a commanding performance on Wednesday, registering a colossal 102-run victory over Australia in the second ODI at New Chandigarh. With this emphatic triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side bounced back in style to level the three-match series 1-1. India’s dominance began right at the top with openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana setting the tone with aggressive intent. While Pratika departed for a brisk 25 off 32 balls, the spotlight belonged to Mandhana. The elegant left-hander unleashed a masterclass in stroke-play, racing to her century in just 77 deliveries—becoming the second-fastest Indian woman to score an ODI hundred. She eventually walked back after a scintillating 117 from 91 balls, an innings laced with exquisite timing and audacious shot-making. Apart from Mandhana’s heroics, Deepti Sharma anchored the middle order with a composed 40 off 53, while Richa Ghosh chipped in with a handy 29. Sneh Rana scored a breezy 24.  Capt...

  Ravichandran Ashwin , born on 17 September 1986 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is an Indian cricketer regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers of the modern era. A thinking cricketer, Ashwin combines sharp intelligence with craft, constantly evolving his variations to stay ahead of batsmen. Over the years, he has emerged as a prolific wicket-taker, a handy batsman, and a vital team strategist. Style of Play Bowling : Right-arm off-break bowler, renowned for his guile, carrom ball, subtle variations, and the ability to out-think batsmen. Batting : Right-handed, technically sound lower-order batsman with multiple Test centuries, often stepping up as a dependable all-rounder. Fielding : A safe pair of hands, agile in close-catching positions, especially in the slips and around the bat. Career Highlights in Detail Test Career Debut : vs West Indies, Delhi, November 2011. Matches : 106 Tests. Wickets :   537 wickets (second only to Anil Kumble for India). Average...

  The Group B situation in the Asia Cup 2025 has reached an exciting stage with all the 3 top teams having a chance to reach super 4 stage . Bangladesh played a tense game vs Afghanistan and finally managed to defend a modest 155 target while Sri Lanka got a real fright from Hong Kong China before sealing the victory by 4 wickets with 7 balls to spare . Against Sri Lanka , Bangladesh batted first and started well scoring an impressive 59 in the powerplay . Tanzid Hasan batted superbly & scored at brisk rate in his 52 with the other opener Hassan hiting 30 . The middle order struggled to cope to the spin duo of Rashid & Noor & both took 2 wickets. Finally with Hriday getting 26 Bangladesh reached 154/5 in 20 overs . Chasing the modest target Afghanistan lost Atal & Ibrahim Zadran cheaply but Gurbaz (35) played well. The middle order struggled to cope with the spin of Bangladesh in which Nassum & Rishad bowled well. Omerzai came out with intent of hitting & sc...

  Tela is one of the most beautiful beach towns on Honduras’s Caribbean coast, located between Puerto Cortés and La Ceiba . Once a banana company hub, today Tela is a tourist gem famous for its white-sand beaches, Garífuna villages, lush national parks, and seafood cuisine . It combines cultural authenticity with natural beauty, making it a favorite for both local and international travelers.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Tela Beachfront (Playa de Tela) The main town beach with golden sands and calm waters. Perfect for swimming, strolling, and enjoying street food. Vibrant nightlife with beachside bars and clubs. Punta Sal (Jeannette Kawas National Park) A short boat ride from Tela. Protected area with hiking trails, tropical forests, mangroves, and hidden beaches. Ideal for eco-tourism, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting (monkeys, exotic birds). Lancetilla Botanical Garden The second-largest tropical botanical garden in the world. Established in th...

  Shri Shatrunjaya Temples, Palitana Introduction The Shatrunjaya Temples of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, are among the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Jain community. Situated on Shatrunjaya Hill , rising about 603 meters above sea level, the site is home to over 865 exquisitely carved marble temples built across centuries. It is believed that every devout Jain aspires to climb this holy hill at least once in their lifetime to attain spiritual merit. History in Detail The origins of Shatrunjaya date back to ancient times , with the first temples said to have been built in the 11th century under the patronage of Solanki rulers. However, legend holds that the hill was sanctified long before by Lord Adinath (Rishabhanatha) , the first Tirthankara, whose son Bharata is believed to have built the initial temple. Over time, dynasties like the Solankis, Vaghelas, and later the rich Jain merchant community expanded and renovated the complex. The temples suff...

  Michael John Procter , widely known as Mike Procter , was born on 15 September 1946 in Durban, South Africa. A fiery fast bowler and a destructive batsman, he became a symbol of South Africa’s cricketing golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s—a career sadly cut short at the international level due to the country’s sporting isolation during apartheid. Style of Play Procter was the definition of a true all-rounder: Bowling : A right-arm fast bowler with an unusual bounding action, generating sharp pace and late swing. He was capable of long, hostile spells and was known for sudden bursts of wickets. Batting : A powerful right-handed middle-order batsman, he was aggressive, attacking, and capable of changing the course of a game within a session. Fielding : Athletic and safe in the field, he contributed across positions, adding value as a complete cricketer. Career Highlights in Detail Test Career Represented South Africa in 7 Tests between 1967 and 1970. Score...

  What was expected, happened. India brushed aside Pakistan with ease in their Asia Cup clash, registering a commanding 7-wicket win and booking their place in the Super Four. The match ended in fitting style with skipper Suryakumar Yadav smashing a six to seal victory. The contest carried added emotion for Indian fans, especially after recent tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, with many questioning why cricketing ties with Pakistan should continue. But for Suryakumar and his men, there was only one word in their minds— opponent . No extra courtesies, no gestures & most strikingly - no post match handshakes & pleasanteries —just a single mission: defeat Pakistan. And they did so clinically. Hardik Pandya set the tone right away after India lost the toss and were asked to bowl. In the very first over, he dismissed talented young opener Saim Ayub. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the second over, removing Mohammad Haris. While Pakistan attempted to stabilize, their inni...

  India’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup suffered a setback as the women’s team slumped to an 8-wicket defeat against Australia in the opening ODI. Despite posting a competitive total, India’s bowlers failed to make an impact, allowing Australia to chase down the target with 35 balls to spare. After winning the toss, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first. The openers provided a solid foundation with a century stand. Pratika Rawal scored 64 off 96 balls, striking six boundaries, while Smriti Mandhana made 58 from 63 deliveries, decorated with six fours and two sixes. The pair added 114 runs in 21.3 overs before Mandhana’s dismissal. Harleen Deol was the only other notable contributor with a fluent 54 off 57 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. India’s innings turned after the dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur, who was trapped leg-before by Annabel Sutherland for 11 runs off 9 balls. The middle order struggled, with Jemimah Rodrigues (18) and Richa Gho...

  Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the Super Four in the Asia Cup 2025 suffered a huge setback after they were outplayed by Sri Lanka, who secured a dominant six-wicket victory on Saturday. Batting first, Bangladesh managed only 139 runs in 20 overs , a total that proved far below par once Sri Lanka began their chase. The island nation wrapped up the target in just 14.4 overs , losing only four wickets on their way to victory. Bangladesh’s batting frailties, evident even in their opening win against Hong Kong, were again on display. Captain Liton Das, expected to anchor the innings, failed to deliver a defining knock. He scored 28 off 26 balls , but by then the collapse had already begun. Bangladesh lost both their openers for 0 due to some fast & straight hostile quick bowling from Thusara & Chameera . Later Das tried to repair the damage but he was dismissed by Hasaranga.  It was only thanks to the late resistance from Jaker Ali (41) and Shamim Hossain (42) that B...

  The Ranchhodrai Temple in Dakor, Gujarat, is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Krishna , worshipped here as Ranchhodrai —meaning “the one who left the battlefield” . It is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in western India, attracting devotees throughout the year, especially during festivals like Janmashtami, Holi, and Sharad Purnima . The temple is not only a symbol of devotion to Lord Krishna but also a prominent stop in Gujarat’s Char Dham Yatra . History in Detail The temple’s history is closely linked with the story of Bodana, a devotee of Lord Krishna . According to legend, Bodana, a simple devotee from Dakor, used to travel to Dwarka regularly to worship Lord Krishna. Pleased with his devotion and sincerity, Krishna decided to accompany Bodana to Dakor. The idol of Krishna was thus brought from Dwarka to Dakor in the 16th century, and from that time, Dakor emerged as a major Krishna pilgrimage site. The present temple was built in 177...

  England’s white-ball revolution under the Bazball ethos scaled new heights on Friday as Harry Brook’s men produced an awe-inspiring batting masterclass to annihilate South Africa in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester. In a display of fearless stroke-play, England stormed past the once-unthinkable 300-run mark in a T20I, finishing at 304 for 2 , before sealing a resounding 146-run victory . Openers set the tone England’s charge was spearheaded by skipper Jos Buttler and his partner Phil Salt , who made a mockery of South Africa’s bowling attack. The duo bludgeoned the new ball to all parts of the ground in a relentless assault that had the Old Trafford crowd roaring. Their partnership laid the foundation for history, combining brutal hitting with cheeky innovation. By the halfway stage, England had already raced past 150, leaving the Proteas shell-shocked. Record-breaking batting carnage Buttler’s smashed 83 off 30 balls & his masterful hitting was matched strok...

  The Bala Hanuman Mandir , located on the southeastern side of Ranmal Lake (Lakhota Lake) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is globally renowned for its continuous chanting of the “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” mantra since 1st August 1964 , a practice that has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records . The temple is not just a religious site but a symbol of devotion, discipline, and spiritual energy. History in Detail The temple was established in the mid-20th century by Shri Prembhikshu Maharaj , a saint deeply devoted to Lord Rama and Hanuman. His vision was to create a place of worship where the chanting of Lord Rama’s name would continue unceasingly , spreading peace and spiritual harmony. On August 1, 1964 , devotees began the Akhand Ram Naam Jap (continuous recitation of Lord Rama’s name). Since then, without interruption, day or night, the chanting has continued. Over the decades, this spiritual ...

  The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva , located near the Arabian Sea coast in Dwarka, Gujarat. Built on a small hillock surrounded by the sea, this temple is unique for its location, as it remains surrounded by water during high tide and becomes accessible by foot during low tide. The temple is not only a center of faith but also a place of scenic beauty, where spirituality meets the rhythm of the ocean waves. History in Detail The exact origins of the temple are ancient and not precisely dated , but it is believed to have been established several centuries ago. Legends state that the Shivlinga of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev was discovered in the Arabian Sea , and it naturally emerged near the current site. Since then, the site has been regarded as a divine manifestation and a natural tirtha. Over time, devotees constructed a temple structure to enshrine the Shivlinga, and it became a significant center of Shaivite worship in Dwarka. The temple ...

  The Bhadreshwar Jain Temple , also known as the Vasai Jain Temple , is one of the oldest Jain temples in India , located in Bhadreshwar village, Kutch district, Gujarat . Dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara , the temple is a sacred place of worship for the Jain community and an important part of Gujarat’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Its history spans more than two millennia, with reconstructions carried out multiple times after natural calamities, yet it has retained its spiritual aura and grandeur. History in Detail The temple is believed to have originally been built around 449 BCE during the time of Sthulabhadra , a Jain Acharya, making it among the earliest Jain shrines in India . According to legend, the temple was initially constructed by King Sidhsen of Bhadrawati , and later expanded and renovated by many rulers and wealthy Jain patrons. Over the centuries, the temple was repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and invasions , but each time it was ...

  The Rukmini Devi Temple is an ancient shrine located about 2 km from the main Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat. Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini , the principal consort of Lord Krishna, this temple is an important part of the Dwarka pilgrimage. It is revered as a sacred space highlighting the divine union of Krishna and Rukmini, while also carrying a unique legend that explains why Rukmini has a separate shrine away from Dwarka’s main Krishna temple. History in Detail The temple is believed to date back to around the 12th century CE , built in the Nagara style of architecture. Historical records suggest that it was later renovated by local rulers and devotees, preserving its sanctity through centuries. The temple is closely tied to mythological stories from the Puranas. According to legend, Rukmini once invited the sage Durvasa for a meal. While traveling with him, she became thirsty and requested Krishna for water. Lord Krishna struck the ground with his toe, bringing...

  Sopa de Caracol is a hearty and flavorful Honduran soup made with conch meat, coconut milk, root vegetables, and spices. Known as one of the national dishes of Honduras, this soup perfectly blends Caribbean and Central American influences. The conch gives it a rich seafood flavor, while the coconut milk and vegetables create a creamy, comforting broth. It’s often enjoyed as a main meal, served hot with rice or fried plantains on the side.  Ingredients 500 g (about 1 lb) conch meat (cleaned and chopped into bite-sized pieces) 2 tablespoons lime juice (for tenderizing the conch) 2 tablespoons oil or butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 medium green bananas or plantains, peeled and sliced 2 medium yuca (cassava) roots, peeled and cubed 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 cups coconut milk (fresh or canned) 3 cups fish or chicken stock 1 sprig cilantro (fresh coriander) 1 teaspoon annatto o...

  Puerto Cortés is the largest seaport in Central America , located on Honduras’s northern Caribbean coast, about 55 km from San Pedro Sula . While it is primarily known as an industrial and shipping hub , Puerto Cortés also has beautiful beaches, a laid-back coastal vibe, Garífuna culture, and fresh seafood . Its strategic location makes it an important commercial gateway, but for travelers, it offers authentic local experiences and serves as a quieter alternative to nearby La Ceiba or Tela.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Playa El Faro One of the most popular beaches in Puerto Cortés. Soft sand and calm Caribbean waters, great for swimming and sunbathing. Beachside vendors sell coconut water and snacks. Omoa Fortress (Castillo de San Fernando de Omoa) About 20 minutes away in Omoa town . A colonial fortress built in the 18th century by the Spanish to defend against pirates. Offers a mix of history, stunning sea views, and photo opportunities. Garífuna Vi...

  Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat Introduction The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple , located between Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka Island on the coast of Gujarat, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Nageshwar Mahadev , worshipped as the protector against poison and evil forces . Renowned for its spiritual aura and the imposing statue of Lord Shiva, the shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during Maha Shivratri . History in Detail The temple’s origins are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures . The Shiva Purana mentions Nageshwar Jyotirlinga as one of the twelve jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva resides in a self-manifested form (swayambhu lingam). According to legend, a devotee named Supriya , a great follower of Lord Shiva, was once attacked by a demon named Daruka . Trapped and helpless, Supriya prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared and vanquished the demon. Since then, Shiva has been worshipped here ...