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South Asia
Pakistan’s PM Nawaz Sharif calls for peace talks with anti-gov’t militants
Pakistan’s prime minister reiterated Monday an offer of peace talks with militants in the country’s northwest who have waged a bloody campaign against the government and so far rejected any talk of negotiations. But Nawaz Sharif also held out the option of new military operations to root out the militants…
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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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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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South Asia
Israel publishes name of 26 men to be freed before Israel-Palestine peace talks
Mustafa al-Haj expected to die in an Israeli prison for killing an American-born settler hiking in the West Bank in 1989. Now lights decorate his home to celebrate the planned release of the 45-year-old and more than 100 other Palestinian convicts in a deal that revived Mideast peace talks. While…
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South Asia
India-Pakistan clashes along Kashmir border continue amid mounting tension
Pakistan accused Indian troops of shelling its territory along the disputed Kashmir border on Monday and killing a civilian, the latest in a series of allegations of cross-border attacks made by both sides over the past week. The resumption of violence along the border threatens to sabotage recent overtures by…
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South Asia
India launches first home-built aircraft carrier, bolstering naval capabilities
India has launched its first home-built aircraft carrier, marking another milestone in its efforts to bolster its maritime presence. Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Monday that India needs a strong navy to defend itself, and that it will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities. India joins the U.S., Russia,…
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South Asia
Indian Hindu devotees attend ‘worship of snakes’ Nag Panchami festival
Indian Hindu devotees queue up to offer prayers at the Nag Vasuki Temple during the annual Nag Panchami festival, in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013. The festival is dedicated to the worship of snakes. <AP/NEWSis>
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South Asia
Curfew extended in India-controlled Kashmir amid Hindu-Muslim clashes
Curfew extended in Indian-controlled Kashmir amid communal clashes Fresh clashes erupted across Kishtwar and other districts of Indian- controlled Kashmir between Hindu and Muslim groups, forcing authorities to extend curfew to these areas on Sunday, police said. In Jammu city protesters resorted to arson and set ablaze to some shops…
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South Asia
Pakistani Muslims start celebrating Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks end of Ramadan
Pakistani customers buy bangles at a stall ahead of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday in Islamabad, Pakistan on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. Pakistani Muslims will start celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday Friday that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. A Pakistani beautician paints a hand of…
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