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South East Asia
200,000 forced into emergency shelters in Philippines due to heavy rain
Heavy monsoon rains brought by typhoon “Trami,” which battered the Philippines for four successive days since Sunday, caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, killing at least 15 people and forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. In a press briefing Tuesday, Major Rey Balido, spokesman of…
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Chicken goes missing from Kathmandu’s kitchens
Chicken that used to be one of the compulsory items in almost all kitchens in Kathmandu until a month ago has now disappeared from Kathmandu valley, thanks to the outbreak of bird flu. One cannot find chicken in the butchers’ shops, neither do the retail shops dare to sell the…
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Central Asia
Former Pakistani President Musharraf indicted for murder of ex-PM Bhutto
In an unprecedented ruling that tests the military’s aura of inviolability, a court indicted former president and army chief Pervez Musharraf Tuesday on murder charges stemming from the 2007 assassination of ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Musharraf, who became a key U.S. ally in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001…
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South Asia
37 killed as train runs over Hindu pilgrims at eastern India’s station
A train ran over a group of Hindu pilgrims at a crowded station in eastern India early Monday, killing at least 37 people. A mob infuriated by the deaths beat the driver severely and set fire to coaches, officials said. Several hours after the accident, flames and dark smoke could…
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South East Asia
Floods cover more than half Manila area after heaviest rain on record
Flooding caused by some of the Philippines’ heaviest rains on record submerged more than half the capital Tuesday, turning roads into rivers and trapping tens of thousands of people in homes and shelters. The government suspended all work except rescues and disaster response for a second day. At least seven…
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South East Asia
Fast growing population, a challenge for Bangladesh’s capital city
DHAKA – Bangladesh’s capital city Dhaka is going to face a tough challenge with its fast growing population, now expected to hit over 20 million by 2025. According to official statistics, Bangladesh’s population at this moment is about 150 million out of which 15 million live in Dhaka city. Experts…
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South East Asia
Death toll rises to 52 in Philippines ferry accident, over 70 still missing
As the MV Thomas Aquinas cruised toward Cebu city in the central Philippines, navy marshal Richard Pestillos prepared for a brief stop while some passengers watched a band and others soaked in the night breeze on the deck. Then the scene turned chaotic when the ferry, with 870 passengers and…
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East Asia
Japan’s Kagoshima coated with layer of ash after Sakurajima volcano’s eruption
A volcano has erupted in southwestern Japan and coated a nearby city with a layer of ash. People in Kagoshima city wore masks and raincoats and used umbrellas to shield themselves from the ash after the Sakurajima volcano erupted Sunday afternoon. Drivers turned on their headlights, and local media described…
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Challenging social norms easier said than done in Pakistan
Challenging Social Norms is easier said than done in Pakistan Society is a regulatory authority for individuals connected through diverse relationships either based on blood, love or friendship. Criticism by society is deterrence for individuals, which makes them move in a specific direction shunning certain unwelcome behaviors no matter…
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South Asia
India marks Independence Day amid tight security in disputed Kashmir
The local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir Thursday held Indian Independence Day functions amid tight security arrangements and complete shutdown called by separatists, officials said. The main function was held at the Bhakshi stadium in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. The region’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the…
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