India Archives - FutureSoch

Clashes erupt over partial demolition of 600-year-old Ujjain mosque in India

September 28, 2026 by World Desk

UJJAIN, India: Clashes erupted Monday between police and people protesting the removal of part of Ujjain’s historic Shahi Masjid as part of a road-widening project ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh festival.

Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd after stone-throwing was reported during the confrontation, Indian media reported.

The Shahi Masjid, believed to be about 600 years old, is among structures marked for partial removal as authorities widen a road in the Madhya Pradesh city. Reports said 272 structures have been identified for removal as part of the project.

Members of the Muslim community had gathered at the mosque for several days to oppose the proposed demolition. On Monday morning, tensions escalated as authorities moved ahead with the removal work.

According to Indian media reports, the mosque committee and local administration had reached an understanding Sunday night under which a roughly 3-foot section of the mosque, where prayers are not performed, would be removed for the road project.

However, residents gathered again after authorities arrived at the site around 8 a.m. following morning prayers and moved to proceed with the demolition, according to the reports.

The dispute also involves the mosque’s minaret. Local residents reportedly proposed building a new minaret behind the existing one before its removal, but the administration rejected the proposal.

Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the Muslim community and mosque committee were cooperating with authorities to remove the portion falling within the road-widening zone.

The road project is linked to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh, a major Hindu religious gathering held every 12 years.

More than 2,500 police personnel were deployed in Ujjain as tensions continued around the mosque, according to Indian media reports.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday disposed of appeals related to the dispute after representatives of the mosque informed the court that a settlement had been reached with the Ujjain Municipal Corporation.

Delhi-NCR Gridlock: Heavy Downpours Trigger Massive Waterlogging and Submerge School Buses in Gurgaon

August 25, 2026 by World Desk

Vehicles move through waterlogged roads after heavy rain in Delhi NCR and Gurugram

Severe monsoon rains battered the Delhi-NCR region early Tuesday, bringing normal life to a grinding halt. Intense downpours left major thoroughfares submerged, forcing local authorities to order the closure of schools and commercial establishments across several sectors.

The dramatic surge in water levels caused severe disruptions during peak morning commute hours. In Gurgaon, emergency responders were deployed after at least 12 school buses became trapped in deep floodwaters, leaving dozens of children stranded before rescue teams safely evacuated them. Key arterial routes, including the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, witnessed extended traffic jams as commuters navigated flooded underpasses and stalled vehicles.

The urban flooding highlights persistent drainage infrastructure challenges across the national capital region during heavy monsoon spells. Municipal crews continue to deploy heavy-duty water pumps to clear inundated low-lying areas and restore traffic flow.

Hackers leak alleged data linked to India’s nuclear power plant

August 13, 2026July 15, 2026 by World Desk

NEW DELHI: A ransomware group has published what it claims is sensitive data related to India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s largest nuclear facility, raising cybersecurity concerns over critical infrastructure.

According to Reuters, the ransomware group World Leaks posted a large cache of files on the dark web, including what appear to be facility layouts, supplier information, inspection records and engineering documents. The group claimed the data was obtained through a breach involving Reliance Infrastructure, which is involved in construction work at the plant.

Reliance said in a statement that data stored on servers operated by data center provider Yotta had been partially compromised and that the incident had been reported to the Indian government.

The company did not specify what information, if any, had been affected or confirm that the leaked files were authentic.

Reuters reported that more than 858,000 files were allegedly obtained, with around 19,000 considered potentially sensitive.

The documents reportedly include ventilation and cooling system plans for Units 3 and 4, supplier proposals, approved vendor lists, inspection records and insurance documents. The published files do not appear to include information on the reactors’ core operating systems.

Cybersecurity experts warned that even if the leaked material does not expose reactor controls, it could still provide valuable intelligence about the plant’s supporting infrastructure and supply chain. Nicholas Roth, senior director at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, said such information could help attackers identify vulnerabilities within critical systems.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the largest of India’s seven nuclear power stations and a key part of the country’s plan to expand nuclear energy generation. Units 3 and 4, currently under construction, are expected to begin operations in 2027 with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts.

World Leaks has previously claimed responsibility for cyberattacks targeting major companies, including Nike and Tata Group, and typically publishes stolen data after ransom demands are rejected. The authenticity and full scope of the leaked documents related to Kudankulam have not been independently verified.

Fire in building in India’s Lucknow kills at least 15

August 13, 2026June 22, 2026 by World Desk

LUCKNOW: At least 15 people were killed after a fire broke out in a three-story commercial building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, local media reported.

The blaze reportedly started on the middle floor of the building before rapidly spreading to other levels.

Authorities said the ground floor housed a pet store and a veterinary clinic, while the upper floors contained a coaching center where students received training in software development related to gaming and animation.

Officials said the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

Emergency crews battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control, according to local media reports. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of injured or identify the victims.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

India cannot digest its defeat, says Bilawal Bhutto

June 12, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that India “cannot digest its defeat” following what he described as last year’s attack on Pakistan.

Addressing a parliamentary party meeting, Bilawal Bhutto said India launched an aggression against Pakistan last year but faced defeat. He added that India is now talking about “Operation Sindoor 2,” claiming that New Delhi intends to weaken Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto further stated that parliamentary debates on the budget have always taken place in challenging circumstances, but this year’s biggest challenge was related to national security.

He also said that the meeting discussed the federal budget, Gilgit-Baltistan elections, and the situation in Kashmir.

The PPP chairman noted that the initial decision was to boycott the budget session until concerns were addressed. However, he said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested participation in the session and assured that the party’s reservations would be resolved immediately.

Mandana Karimi announces decision to leave India and return to Iran

May 12, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Famous Actress Mandana Karimi has announced that she is leaving India and returning to Iran after living in the country for 16 years.

The actress, who rose to fame after appearing in Bigg Boss 9, said she made the decision following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

In a statement shared on her Instagram account, Mandana claimed that she lost many friends after participating in a protest in Mumbai and said she felt deeply disappointed.

Responding to a fan on social media who asked whether she was leaving Mumbai and whether she would miss it, the actress posted a video from the airport and said she never imagined she would have to leave India in this way.

“Goodbye, India,” she said in the recorded message.

Mandana Karimi described the decision as emotionally difficult, noting that she had spent 16 years building her life in India.

However, she said she felt unsupported by many of her friends during the recent developments involving Iran and admitted that she had never felt as lonely in Mumbai as she had over the past two months.

She added that while India had been home to her for many years, she now believes it is time to move forward.

New Zealand ready to ‘Break a Few Hearts’ in T20 World Cup final: Santner

March 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

AHMEDABAD: Mitchell Santner says New Zealand would not mind “breaking a few hearts” when they face defending champions and hosts India national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the title clash in Ahmedabad, the New Zealand captain acknowledged that his side will enter the match as underdogs but said the team is eager to seize the opportunity to lift the trophy.

More than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the Narendra Modi Stadium for the high-stakes final.

New Zealand reached the final of the tournament in 2021 but lost to Australia national cricket team and are still chasing their first white-ball World Cup title.

“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” Santner said. “Everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites, but I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once.”

New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament has been mixed. They delivered a dominant performance in the semi-final, thrashing South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets after Finn Allen smashed the fastest century of the competition.

However, the Black Caps also suffered defeats to South Africa and England national cricket team earlier in the tournament.

Santner pointed to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, saying one strong performance can turn the tide. “We saw South Africa playing very good cricket throughout, but they had one hiccup against us and were out,” he noted.

Meanwhile, India come into the final in formidable form with three consecutive wins and are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups as well as the first to lift the title on home soil. A victory would also give them a record third T20 World Cup triumph.

Santner admitted that playing before a packed stadium and millions watching worldwide could put extra pressure on the hosts.

“With such huge expectations, there’s always added pressure,” he said. “If we can go out there and apply that pressure on them, we’ll see what happens.”

India change hotel ahead of T20 World Cup final amid superstition claims

March 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

AHMEDABAD: The India national cricket team has reportedly changed its hotel in Ahmedabad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, with Indian media linking the move to superstition following past defeats.

According to Indian media reports, the team chose not to stay at the same hotel where it had lodged during the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where India suffered a defeat against the Australia national cricket team.

Reports suggest that the decision may have been influenced by the team’s desire to avoid repeating the circumstances associated with that loss. However, no official statement has been issued regarding the change of accommodation.

Indian media also reported that a member of the team’s support staff regularly offers prayers at every venue for the team’s success, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is providing all possible facilities to support the squad.

Earlier, ahead of the semi-final in Mumbai, India reportedly delayed a training session by about 45 minutes to avoid the effects of a lunar eclipse.

Meanwhile, the final in Ahmedabad is expected to be played on a red-soil pitch. India had earlier lost to the South Africa national cricket team on a black-soil pitch at the same venue two weeks ago. The stadium offers a variety of pitches, including red soil, black soil, and mixed surfaces.

Indian media further reported that India may also consider using the visiting team’s dressing room instead of the home dressing room at the venue in an apparent attempt to change their fortunes.

The T20 World Cup final between India and the New Zealand national cricket team is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India beat England by 7 runs to reach T20 World Cup final

March 5, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Mumbai: India national cricket team defeated England national cricket team by 7 runs in a thrilling second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to secure a place in the final.

Chasing a massive 254-run target, England fought hard but managed 246 runs, falling just short of victory.

Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field first. Batting first, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a brilliant 89 runs, while Shivam Dube contributed 43, Ishan Kishan scored 39, Hardik Pandya added 27, and Tilak Varma made 21 runs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 11.

For England, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid picked up two wickets each.

In the first semifinal, New Zealand national cricket team defeated South Africa national cricket team to book their place in the final.

The T20 World Cup 2026 final will be played on Sunday in Ahmedabad, where India will face New Zealand for the title. 🏏

India crush Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Super 8 match

February 26, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India registered a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai, strengthening their bid for a semifinal spot.

Chasing a daunting 257-run target, Zimbabwe managed 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

After being invited to bat first, India’s batters dismantled the Zimbabwe bowling attack, smashing boundaries and sixes at will to post one of the biggest totals in tournament history.

India piled up a massive 256 for 4 in 20 overs, hitting a total of 17 sixes during the innings.

Sanju Samson scored 24, Abhishek Sharma made 55, Ishan Kishan added 38, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 runs. In the death overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma unleashed a brutal assault on the bowlers. Pandya smashed 53 off 23 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 off just 16 deliveries.

India’s 256 is the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. The highest remains Sri Lanka’s 260 against Kenya in the inaugural 2007 edition. It is also the highest score of the 2026 tournament so far, surpassing West Indies’ 254 against Zimbabwe earlier in the competition. Notably, it is India’s highest-ever total against any team in T20 World Cup history.

In response, Zimbabwe posted 184 for 6 in 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett played a valiant unbeaten knock of 97, while captain Sikandar Raza scored 31.

Following the defeat, Zimbabwe were eliminated from the semifinal race. From Super 8 Group 1, South Africa have already secured qualification for the semifinals.

The second semifinalist from the group will be decided after Sunday’s crucial clash between India and West Indies. The winner of that encounter will advance to the next stage.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play their final Super 8 match against South Africa.