Mon Dec 16 02:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Temple Yields Ancient Statues After Decades of Closure; Zakir Hussain Passes Away

**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India:** The unearthing of ancient statues from a temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, which had been closed since 1978, has sparked interest and investigation. District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pensasia confirmed the discovery of statues of Parvati, Lakshmi, and Ganesha during ongoing excavation work. The origin and history of the statues are under investigation. Authorities are also addressing encroachment issues around the temple. Following recent tensions in the area, security has been heightened. The temple, reopened Monday after decades, saw prayers offered for the first time in many years. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been requested to conduct carbon dating on the temple and a well located within its premises to determine their age.

**San Francisco, USA:** Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73. The US Embassy in India expressed condolences on social media, praising Hussain’s impact on millions worldwide. His death has been mourned by the music industry, film fraternity, and political figures. Hussain had been hospitalized for the past two weeks due to ill health.

**Other News:**

* **India-Australia Cricket:** India’s top order batsmen struggled in the third test match against Australia in Brisbane, with four wickets falling for 44 runs on day three.
* **Parliamentary Debate:** A heated debate in the Indian Parliament ensued regarding accusations by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman against the Congress party for alleged misuse of the constitution during their rule. Congress responded strongly to these claims.
* **Mayotte Cyclone:** A powerful cyclone, described as the strongest in 100 years, has devastated the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, resulting in at least 11 confirmed deaths, with fears that the death toll could rise significantly.

This news report combines information from various sources covering multiple significant events.

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