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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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South Asia
Flood water causes mass mortality of fish at Karachi Harbour
The torrential rain on August 03 last has caused not only misery for the citizens of Karachi, the biggest city of Pakistan and capital of Southern Sindh province, but also affected marine life, as the rain water flowing through Industrial Estate laden with toxic chemicals when entered Karachi Harbour resulted…
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South Asia
Indian army says 5 Indian soldiers killed from Pakistani troops’ fire in Kashmir
India’s army says five of its soldiers were killed and another wounded when Pakistani troops fired at a patrol near the cease-fire line in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir on Tuesday. The incident could threaten recent overtures aimed at resuming peace talks between the nuclear-armed rivals. The military called…
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South Asia
Indian Parliament members hold banners demanding another separate state
Indian Parliament saw disruptions on the first of its monsoon session which opened Monday over the setting up of a new state, which has caused widespread controversy in the country. Parliament Speaker Meira Kumar caused for return to order after some members of parliament left their seats and shouted their…
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