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South Asia
Over 150 Children die in fresh outbreak of diseases in Thar Desert of Pakistan
At least 150 children have died of waterborne disease since January this year in Pakistan’s impoverished desert district of Tharparkar, which has been devastated by drought since 2013. The media reports suggest the death toll around 173 but the government authorities have termed it an ‘exaggerated figure’. Civil society groups…
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Politics
Tension rises between South and North Korea over Gaesong complex
North Korea expelled South Korean workers from the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) and froze all South Korean-owned property there, Thursday, retaliating against the South’s decision to shut down the complex the previous day. Pyongyang also designated the area an off-limits military zone, and cut off communication lines between the two…
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West Asia
World powers sign on Syria ceasefire
US secretary of state John Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov have announced that peace talks in Munich aimed at reaching resolution on the conflict in Syria have brokered a deal that could see a ceasefire “within a week”. Military action against Islamic State fighters would continue, but humanitarian…
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West Asia
UAE appoints ministers for happiness and tolerance
The prime minister of the United Arab Emirates has announced the creation of a minister of state for happiness, as part of a major government shake-up. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, said the minister would drive policy “to create social good and…
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South Asia
Pakistan Television airs Korean drama
The State-owned TV channel Pakistan Television has started airing a Korean drama serial from 4th January 2016. The PTV Home channel is broadcasting the Korean drama series famously known as ‘Jewel in the Palace’ (Dae Jang Geum) from Monday to Saturday. The airing of Jewel in the Palace on PTV Home is a big step forward in…
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South Asia
Pakistan offers to help rescue Indian soldiers buried under Siachen avalanche
Pakistan Army director general military operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart on Thursday and offered assistance for the rescue of Indian Army personnel who went missing after an avalanche hit the Siachen glacier area. Ten Indian soldiers were feared buried in an avalanche that hit Siachen glacier in the India-held…
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West Asia
European Parliament to vote on genocide in Middle East
The European Parliament is set to vote on a resolution addressing the plight of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. “What we witness in the Middle East is clearly genocide aimed at the destruction of Christians and other religious minorities. This vote gives the European Parliament the…
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South Asia
India, Afghanistan sign pact for visa-free travel
India and Afghanistan have signed a pact for visa-free travel by their diplomats following Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which they discussed key bilateral issues. “Sustained engagement with Afghanistan. Chief Executive Abdullah meets the Prime Minister… Promoting stronger diplomatic ties… India and…
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Politics
South Korea call on North Korea to stop their attempted rocket launch
As North Korea revealed its plans for what it called a satellite launch, the South Korean government has warned that it would have to pay a severe price if it proceeds with the move. After a National Security Council(NSC) meeting Wednesday morning, First Deputy Director of the top office’s National Security Office Cho…
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Society
Zika virus sparks fears in Korea
The fear of the Zika virus, which is linked to the birth defect microcephaly, is growing in Korea. Although no case has been reported here, the health authorities raised the alarm for travelers, particularly pregnant women, who plan to visit the virus-affected countries, especially the Americas. The virus is spread…
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