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End of an era

The sun sets on football legend Sunil Chhetri’s international career. What makes him so awesome? Find out.

As you read this article, try solving the shuffle puzzles to unravel photos of Sunil Chhetri.

When the chips were down, then Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson turned to his captain Roy Keane to fire up the troops and immerse in battle. The late basketball star Kobe Bryant similarly thrived in adversity, single-mindedly pulling his LA Lakers out of deep waters time and again. In Indian football, Sunil Chhetri has played saviour over the course of his 19-year international career. As he hangs up his boots after an illustrious career, he leaves behind a rich legacy for future generations.

Chhetri’s never-say-die attitude was best exemplified in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying tournament match held in Bengaluru in 2017. The crucial match was dominated by Kyrgyz Republic, who attacked the Indian goal with venom. Just when it looked like the home team was ready to throw in the towel, Chhetri created magic. A stellar run from deep in his own half raised hopes, and a crisp finish gave India an unlikely 1-0 win.

Moving on

With Chhetri playing his final international match on June 6, Indian football has impossibly big shoes to fill. Who else can keep his head up and relentlessly power forward when all hope seems lost? To look for ready answers would be a futile exercise.

Chhetri’s killer instinct in front of goal was established early when he found the net in his senior international debut back in 2005 against Pakistan at Quetta. This maiden appearance came as a result of an injury to lead striker Bhaichung Bhutia, which forced head coach Sukhwinder Singh to turn to a wide-eyed 20-year-old. Sukhwinder, who had noticed Chhetri’s potential as his coach at JCT Football Club, took a gamble which paid off handsomely for years to come.

With 94 goals, Chhetri is fourth on the list of all-time men’s international goal-scorers. Among active footballers, he is in exalted company with Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals) and Lionel Messi (106 goals). In a remarkable tribute to his astute finishing skills, Chhetri has gone on to score at least once in his 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 125th and 150th matches.

It will come as no surprise if Chhetri keeps the streak going in his farewell outing against Kuwait at Kolkata. The FIFA World Cup qualifier is expected to attract huge crowds at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium — just the sort of high-pressure occasion that Chhetri thrives on.

There will be tears shed as Chhetri hangs up the national jersey, but fans can take heart from the fact that their idol will continue to feature for Bengaluru Football Club (BFC). Having endured a disappointing 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Chhetri and his mates at BFC have redemption on their minds.

Chhetri’s long journey makes a halt at Kolkata, but it is not over yet.

Photos: PTI, BISWARANJAN ROUT, MURALI KUMAR K

Let’s make music

We are familiar with the guitar and the drums, but what about some of the other instruments? Here’s a chance to learn!

When we talk about a musical instrument, what do we mean? It means a device that has been created to make musical sounds. So, any object that make a musical sound can be termed as a musical instrument.

Musical instruments have been used since the earliest of days. The earliest musical instruments were perhaps the horn and drums. With human evolution, musical instruments too have evolved.

Now try your hand at this simple puzzle. Can you identify the musical instrument from the picture given?

Looming over London

Have you heard of the phrase “sent to the Tower?” What does it refer to? This article will tell you all about it.

A treasury, a prison, a zoo, a mint… the Tower of London is all this and more. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, this landmark building is situated on the northern banks of the Thames. The White Tower, which is the oldest part, was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the tower was infamous for being used as a prison. Among the prominent personalities were Elizabeth 1 before she became the queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes who launched the Gunpowder Plot, Edward V and his younger brother Richard who vanished mysteriously and Lady Jane Grey who was just 17 when she was executed. During World War II, the Tower again became the place to hold prisoners of war. The last prisoner of state at the Tower was Rudolf Heiss, Adolf Hitler’s deputy.

Before it gained a grim reputation as the place for torture and execution, the Tower also served as the Royal Menagerie. Beginning with King John in 1204, who housed lions and bears, the Tower Menagerie went on to house leopards, polar bears, and elephants under Henry III. During the time of Elizabeth I, it was opened to the public and finally closed down in 1835.

In the 1660s, the Tower also became the storehouse of the Crown Jewels, which includes the Coronation Regalia, St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown. From 1279 until 1810, the Royal Mint was also located in the Tower of London and most of the currency was made there.

Today, the Tower is a popular tourist destination, with the Crown Jewels being a star attraction. Over three million people visit it every year. The growth of buildings around it led to the site being placed in the UNESCO’s Heritage in Danger list in 2006.

Freaky Facts

The Tower is said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn who can be seen carrying her head around.

Legend has it that there must always be six ravens at the Tower to protect the kingdom. When John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, found them disturbing, the observatory was moved to Greenwich. An official Ravenmaster is appointed to look after the birds.

Officially it is known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.

The Tower is guarded by the Yeoman Warders since the 15th century. They are also known as Beefeaters, because, as the personal guards of Henry VII, they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king’s table.

Now that you have read all about the Tower of London, try this activity. You have to place the words on the right in the correct place in the grid on the left. Get going!

Punctuation playbook

What is a period in a sentence? When do you use an exclamation mark? Should you use a comma or a semi-colon?

Sudoku: June 4, 2024

In the mood for some number fun? Try your hand at this Sudoku. Can you complete the grid?

Love numbers? Then, this is perfect for you. Try your hand at this popular game and see if you can ace it. A Sudoku is a grid consisting of columns, rows and blocks. This is a 6*6 grid.

How to play

The objective of the game is to fill the missing digits into the grid. Use digits 1 to 6 to fill this 6×6-grid. In each column, row and block you can use a digit only once.

Rules

1. Each row will, upon completion, contain all of the digits from 1 to 6.

2. Each column will, upon completion, contain all of the digits from 1 to 6.

3. Each block will, upon completion, contain all of the digits from 1 to 6.

Jive with joy

Time to get up and move! Whether you’re looking to kickstart your day or find that extra push, here’s the spark you need.

Faces from history

A crossword about personalities from history. Do you know all of them? Find out now.

Quick! Who was the first woman to attempt to fly around the word? The answer: Amelia Earhart. Which Indian king was known as Tiger of Mysore? Answer: Tipu Sultan. Can you use the text and picture clues to solve this crossword about personalities from history?

Quiz Whizz: June 1, 2024

Six questions for an end-of-the-week shake up for your grey cells. Can you get them right?

Let’s get started. How many of these questions can you answer correctly? Get set and go!

Write right

Grammar is the most important tool to learn English. Can you guess this grammar-related word correctly?

What is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate called? This is the fundamental building block of sentences, providing structure and meaning and improving sentence variety and complexity in writing. Can you find the word we’re talking about in the game below?

How to play

You have to guess the hidden word in as few attempts as possible. You have up to 6 attempts. After each attempt, letters will be shown in three colours. If the letter is green, it is present in the word and is in the right place. If the letter is yellow, it is present in the word but is not in the right place. If the letter is grey, then it is not present in the word.

When the Sun blazes down

With India experiencing its hottest summer so far, learn how to keep yourself safe from the heat waves.

India is facing its hottest summer. Eastern India suffered its hottest April since temperature recording began in 1901. Very unusually, Kerala recorded two heat-related deaths in April. While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted the number of heatwave days in May will be 5-8 days above normal in some regions, the actual number will be known only in June. What exactly is a heat wave?

Temperature rise

Simply put, heat waves happen when normal day and night temperatures are higher than normal for at least two days in a row. According to the IMD, a heat wave occurs when actual maximum temperature is 45°C in the plains and 30°C in the hills. In coastal regions, a heat wave is declared when actual maximum temperature is 37°C and departure from normal is 4.50°C. A heat wave can also occur when the temperature of a region is 4.5- 6.4°C higher than normal; if this is >6.4°C, then it is a severe heat wave. If this happens for two days continuously, then the heat wave is declared on the second day.

In India, heat waves typically occur from March to June, at times extending till July, with the peak month being May. Heat waves can be made worse by winds blowing from regions suffering from drought and dry soil conditions even if they are far.

Another cause is humidity, which is why in coastal areas the heatwave threshold is lower. Traditionally, five-six heat-wave events occur every year over north India. The negative impact of heat waves also depends on social factors like clothing, occupation, accommodation and physiological factors like health, fitness, age, level of acclimatisation and so on.

Generally, the most vulnerable during this time are infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly. But the negative impact of a heat wave is largely preventable.

Stay safe

Avoid going out or exercising during the hottest time. If you have to step out, stay in the shade.

Carry water bottles, a handheld fan, cap and umbrella. Make sure you use sunscreen.

Wear loose clothes in light colours. Cotton is the best.

Keep drinking water at regular intervals. Don’t wait till you are thirsty.

Draw your window curtains and close the windows and doors during the hottest part of the day. Open them in the late evening and early morning.

In dry areas, coolers are very effective. In humid areas, air conditioners are better. But set your AC at 24°C, as this saves electricity and is good for the body.

Watch out for these symptoms: feeling very tired, sweating excessively, having cramps or a headache, vomiting, high temperature, feeling dizzy or breathing fast. You could be going in for a heat stroke. Call an adult and see a doctor immediately.