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Starred Articles

Historic peace accord signed to resolve 60-yr Naga conflict India > Nagaland The era of insurgency in Nagaland comes to an end as India signed a historic peace accord with the rebel NSCN(IM) on Monday that promises a return to normalcy in the state, while making it easier for India to integrate eastwards towards Asia. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by PM Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, chairman of NSCN (IM), the largest of the Naga insurgent groups and national security advisor Ajit Doval.

PM Modi to launch first National Handloom Day in Chennai India > National Handloom Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the first National Handloom Day at a function in Chennai on 7th August 2015. On this day in 1905, the historical Swadeshi movement was launched in India. The event will see distinguished handloom personalities conferred with Sant Kabir awards and National awards for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Handloom Day will be celebrated all over the country in cooperation with state governments.

Global satellite to be named after Abdul Kalam Science and Technology > Satellites The UN-led GlobalSat for DDR is to be renamed as ‘UN Kalam GlobalSat’ after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as a tribute to the vision of the celebrated rocket scientist and former Indian president who died July 27. The renaming is expected to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers. The GlobalSat satellite will be used for earth observation and disaster risk reduction with no barriers to entry for participating nations.

Xiaomi ties up with Foxconn for first India plant Corporate > Make in India Keen on gaining a larger foothold in the booming handset business in India, Xiomi has announced the launch of a mobile phone manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh which will be built in partnership with Taiwan’s Foxconn. The second local manufacturing unit of Xiomi outside of China has started assembly of a new handset ‘Redmi 2 Prime’. This has given a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India programme.

Sundar Pichai is the new CEO of Google Corporate > Google Google recently announced that it would subsume within its new parent company Alphabet and appoint Chennai-born Sundar Pichai as the CEO of the slimmed down Google. As Larry Page the former CEO of Google leaves to head Alphabet, the position of Google CEO became available. Larry expressed his confidence on Sundar's capibilities and his happiness of handing over the responsibility to a highly talented employee of Google. Mr. Pichai started at Google in 2004, where he was known as a “low-key manager” who worked on the Google toolbar and then led the launch of the market-beating Chrome browser in 2008. He was then promoted to Product Chief in October 2014.

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Pahal Scheme acknowledged by Guinness Book of World Records as largest cash transfer program World > Guinness Book of World Records The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledged the Union Government's ambitious Pratyaksha Hastaantarit Laabh (PAHAL) scheme as the world’s largest cash transfer program (households) by the Guinness Book of World Records. The scheme was formally launched as Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme for LPG subsidy in 2013 in 291 districts under the aegis of Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Later in 2014, it was named as PAHAL and extended nationwide on 1 January 2015.

PMO plans 'Accessible Inida' to help physically challenged people Politics and Government > PMO After Swachh Bharat, Prime Minister's Office is all set to introduce initiatives that will make the country disabled-friendly. Work has been started on developing set-top boxes that will make TV programmes more useful for the visually impaired. Government officials have been visiting manufacturers of set-top boxes to discuss introduction of a button on the set-top box and remote control that will convert text on the TV screen to voice. Apart from this, the government is also planning a slew of initiatives for the disabled which will be implemented in the coming years.

Narendra Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to visit UAE in 34 years Politics and Government > UAE Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited UAE in order to strengthen ties between the two nations, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 34 years. On Day 1, Modi visited an iconic mosque in Abu Dhabi along with UAE culture minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and minister of state for foreign affairs Dr Anwar Gargash and later interacted with 28,000 Indian migrant workers at a residential camp that is home to some. On day 2, he visited a cricket stadium in Dubai which was packed with 50,000 Indian diaspora waiting for his speech which covered a range of topics from terrorism, the “new-look India”, the warm welcome that he received in the UAE and initiatives launched by his government for Indian expatriates. On the eve of Modi's visit, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government decided to allot land for building a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

World Humanitarian Day observed with theme: Inspiring the World's Humanity

Days > World Humanitarian Day On 19 August, World Humanitarian Day was observed with the theme - Inspiring the World's Humanity. The theme attempts to encourage people to join any of the world’s humanitarian organizations and become an active messenger of Humanity. The day is observed to acknowledge the efforts of humanitarian personnel and pay tribute to those who lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

11 applicants including RIL, Aditya Birla Nuvo & Airtel get RBI's 'in-principle' approval for payment banks Banking and Insurance > RBI Eleven applicants who had sought licenses for setting up payments banks that will provide essential facilities aimed at covering the segment of population that has no access to financial services, have received in

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principle' approval from Reserve Bank of India. They will be able to offer only basic services. They can accept up to Rs 1, 00,000 as deposits per account, issue ATM and debit cards and offer payments and remittance services. The risk is less because they cannot extend loans and have to invest 75 per cent of their deposits in government securities. Among the applicants are Reliance Industries, India Post, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Paytm. According to RBI, applicants were assessed on financial soundness along with their ability to reach customers with technology.

Education loan portal launched by the government India > Education An education loan portal that aims to ensure that no student misses out on higher studies due to lack of funds has been launched by the government. The portal named 'Vidya Laxmi' was launched on the occasion of Independence Day. Five banks -- SBI, IDBI Bank, Bank of India, Canara Bank and Union Bank of India have integrated their system with the portal for providing loan processing status to students.

Bandhan Bank commences its operations Banking and Insurance > Bandhan Bank The Indian banking industry gets its new member as Bandhan Bank begins operations with 501 branches and 1.43 crore accounts across the country. The Kolkata-headquartered bank has two divisions — micro banking and general banking and will provide complete retail financial solutions, including a variety of savings and loan products. The bank also plans to have 632 branches and 250 ATMs in 27 states by the end of fiscal year 2016.

Lalita Babar breaks national record in 3000m, qualifies for World Athletics Championships Sports > Athletics Asian champion Lalita Babar broke her own national record to qualify for the women's 3000m steeplechase final in the World Athletics Championships. Babar clocked 9:27.86 to finish fourth in heat number two and qualified for the final round as one of the six fastest timers outside three top finishers in each of the three heats who got automatic qualification.

Tennis Player Novak Djokovic appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF Sports > Tennis Novak Djokovic, the world’s top ranked tennis player, was on 26 August 2015 appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), after having served as the UNICEF’s Serbia Ambassador. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/tennis-player-novak-djokovic-appointed-as-goodwill-ambassador-of-unicef-1440660933-1

Sania conferred Khel Ratna; shooter Jitu Rai, gymnast Dipa Karmakar among Arjuna Awardees Sports > Awards Tennis star Sania Mirza received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting honour on Saturday, while 12 others, including ace shooter Jitu Rai, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh were conferred with the Arjuna award.

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Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/sania-conferred-khel-ratna-shooter-jitu-rai-gymnast-dipa-karmakar-among-arjuna-awardees-2413412.html

National Sports Day observed on 29 August Days > National Sports Day National Sports Day was observed on 29 August 2015 across the country. The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of hockey player Dhyan Chand. On this occasion, President Pranab Mukherjee conferred National Sports and Adventure Awards in New Delhi. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/national-sports-day-celebrated-on-29-august-1441017892-1

Anil won gold medal in Cadet Wrestling World Championships Sports > Wrestling Indian wrestler Anil on 29 August 2015 won gold medal in the 50 kg freestyle category in the Cadet Wrestling World Championships at SARAJEVO, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He defeated Erfan Aeini of Iran 10-6. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/anil-won-gold-medal-in-cadet-wrestling-world-championships-1440994149-1

Awards

President Pranab Mukherjee approved 67 Gallantry Awards Gallantry Awards 67 Gallantry Awards to armed forces personnel and members of paramilitary forces were approved by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee on 14 August 2015. The President approved the awards on the eve of India’s 69th Independence Day celebrations and include two Kirti Chakras, 10 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 49 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Rajendra Singh conferred with 2015 Stockholm Water Prize Waterman of India Rajendra Singh The Waterman of India Rajendra Singh on 26 August 2015 was conferred with the 2015 Stockholm Water Prize. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Patron of the Stockholm Water Prize presented the prize at a Royal Award Ceremony during World Water Week in Swedish Capital Stockholm. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/rajendra-singh-conferred-with-2015-stockholm-water-prize-1440679652-1

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Banking and Insurance

Assam Gramin Vikash Bank ties up with Brickwork Ratings Assam Gramin Vikash Bank An MoU was signed between Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) and Brickwork Ratings on mutual understanding and mutual benefit. The pact aims to assign performance and credit ratings to MSME borrowers of the bank and hence work towards MSME development. According to Brickwork Ratings, playing a promising role in North-East India's growth segment is their foremost aim.

RBI increases flexibility available to banks in shifting or closing of urban branches RBI Now banks will be able to shift, merge or close all branches except rural branches and sole semi-urban branches at their discretion and no prior approval of RBI will be required, following a notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India. RBI has asked banks to ensure that branches are shifted within the same or to a lesser population category, i.e., semi urban branches to semi urban or rural centres.

SBI to launch m-wallet SBI buddy M-Wallet In a bid to enter the rapidly growing mobile wallet business, State Bank of India is planning to launch its m-wallet 'SBI Buddy' as a competition to ICICI Bank's Pocket, HDFC Bank's PayZapp and Paytm. SBI has tied up with several merchants for end-to-end solution who will be connected with the Buddy, providing its users access to thousands of merchants including travel, hotel, entertainment and fashion space.

Banks will be closed on 2nd, 4th Saturdays from September 1 Bank Holidays The much awaited sanction of holidays on second and fourth Saturdays of a month for the bank employees has finally got a nod from the Government. The notification from the government will be effective from September 1. The move comes as a respite to the bank employees and hopes to increase productivity of the workers.

Books

Making India Awesome authored by Chetan Bhagat released Chetan Bhagat Ace author Chetan Bhagat's book titled 'Making India Awesome' was released by Rupa Publications on 19 August 2015. After the success of his first non-fiction book 'What Young India Wants' , Chetan Bhagat has again attempted to explore the genre of non-fiction. This book provides inspired solutions to the country's most intractable problems—poverty, unemployment, corruption, violence against women, communal violence, religious fundamentalism, illiteracy and more.

PM Narendra Modi launches digital version of Tuslidas's 'Ramcharitmanas' Digital Version of Tuslidas's

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the digital version of Tuslidas's 'Ramcharitmanas' here on Monday. The Ramcharitmanas speaks about family values. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Narendra-Modi-launches-digital-version-of-Tuslidass-Ramcharitmanas/articleshow/48741849.cms

Days

First National Handloom Day to be observed on 7 August 2015 National Handloom Day 7th August has been declared as the National Handloom Day by the Union Government which will be celebrated every year starting from year 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the first National Handloom Day. The day will be observed to generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of our rich heritage and culture.

India

Telangana requests Centre to name DRDO after APJ Abdul Kalam DRDO Owing to the efforts put in by former President A P J Abdul Kalam in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that helped the country in achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, the Telangana government requested the Centre to name DRDO after Kalam. Telangana's Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard. According to Rao, this move will inspire future generations and also pay rich tributes to Kalam by India's defence organisation.

Freedom fighters to get a hike in pension: Rajnath Pension For Freedom Fighters On the occasion of 73rd anniversary of Quit India movement, Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced a hike of 218 per cent in DA in 2014-15 for freedom fighters. The hike in pension is applicable to former Andaman political prisoners, freedom fighters/spouses and unmarried/unemployed daughters. Presently, the number of freedom fighters, widows and eligible dependents add up to 35,900.

India's Amity School wins NASA competition NASA The prestigious 20th Annual International Space Settlement Design Competition 2015 was won by a team of 12 students from the Amity International School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The contest which aims to impart industrial skills in students took place from August 2 to 4. The competition saw students from all over the world.

PM Narendra Modi may announce a universal health cover scheme on Independence Day Health

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An announcement by PM Narendra Modi regarding a universal health insurance plan which will cover all members of a family under a single sum insured is expected on this Independence Day. While the last Independence Day had Modi announce a massive financial inclusion drive Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), this year the focus has been shifted on health polic and the new universal policy will not have any subsidy element but the policy has to be sold by insurers at highly subsidised premium rates.

176 flood forecasting stations to be built across India Weather In order to keep the water levels or inflow in major rivers and tributaries in check, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has set up 176 flood forecasting stations across the country, said Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti . These stations give out flood forecasts every year whenever the water level exceeds the predefined criteria. The Minister said the meteorological inputs based on remote sensing technology received from India Meteorological Department are used in rainfall-runoff modeling.

OP Rawat becomes the new Election Commissioner Election Commissioner The only vacancy in the three-member poll body has got filled with the appointment of Om Prakash Rawat as the new Election Commissioner. The appointment was announced days before the poll watchdog announced the schedule for Bihar assembly polls. Rawat is a former Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer who till recently worked as Secretary at the Centre.

Railway officer Ashwani Lohani becomes new Air India Chief Air India Indian Railway Service officer of 1980 batch, Ashwani Lohani has taken up the position of Air India chief as Rohit Nandan's three year term ends. Lohan, who is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, will assume the charge from next month.

DRDO ties up with Ramdev to market herbal products DRDO Yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurveda Limited will now be able to widen its reach of herbal products across the country and abroad, following a deal with India's premier defence research organisation DRDO. The two parties have entered into the agreement for transfer of Seabuckthorn technology based products developed by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a laboratory which develops technologies for fresh food cultivation, poultry, goat and dairy farming and green house cultivation which are disseminated to the local farmers. DRDO is looking forward to commercialize these technologies for the benefit of the local population.

India, Seychelles sign agreement to curb tax evasion Economy As it seeks to bring back black money stashed abroad, India signed an information exchange agreement with Seychelles, preferred by many for routing of funds to dodge taxes. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Seychelles-sign-agreement-to-curb-tax-evasion/articleshow/48689590.cms

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Kolkata Port adjudged as the best 'Major Port of 2014-15' Kolkata Port Kolkata Port was on 21 August 2015 adjudged as the ‘Major Port of the Year’ amongst 12 major ports in the country for the year 2014-15. It was honoured in recognition of its impressive growth rate in volumes, optimizing capacity utilization, growth in output per berth and customer satisfaction. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/kolkata-port-adjudged-as-the-best-major-port-of-201415-1440669727-1

In 10 years, Pakistan will have largest N-stockpile after US and Russia N-stockpile In less than 10 years, Pakistan will have the third largest nuclear stockpile in the world, behind only the US and Russia, two prominent US think tanks said in a report. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-10-years-Pakistan-will-have-largest-N-stockpile-after-US-and-Russia-Report/articleshow/48703876.cms

Pak terrorist caught in Kashmir, weeks after Naved was nabbed Terrorism In a major success, the Indian army captured a Pakistani terrorist after killing his four associates in a two-day operation in Kashmir, about weeks after terrorist Naved from Pakistan was caught alive in Udhampur. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/srinagar/Pak-terrorist-caught-in-Kashmir-weeks-after-Naved-was-nabbed/articleshow/48708639.cms

Tripura decided to implement National Food Security Act National Food Security Act State Cabinet of Tripura on 27 August 2015 decided to implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The NFSA will be come into effect from 1 September 2015 and will be continued till 2021. Implementation of the Act will make Tripura the first state to implement the NFSA in entire north-eastern region. Source: http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/tripura-decided-to-implement-national-food-security-act-1440756760-1

Politics and Government

Cyber attacks on India mostly from Pakistan, China: Government Cyber Crime A report informed Parliament that the computer networks of Indian organizations were being attacked by hackers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and the US. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said that a rise in the incidents of cyber attacks in the past years with increase in the proliferation of IT and related services was seen. Identifying the source of such attacks is a difficult task as the attackers use techniques that hide their identity.

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Government plans 'Suraksha Bandhan' drive Social Security A 'Suraksha Bandhan' drive that would encourage people to gift 'social security' plans has been planned by the Government against the backdrop of the forthcoming festival 'Raksha Bandhan'. The new drive is aimed at taking forward the government's objective of creating a universal social security system in the country, targeted especially at the poor and the under-privileged. The enrollment drive will be launched by banks and insurance companies during August-September.

PM Narendra Modi to visit UAE on August 16-17 UAE Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up for his visit to the United Arab Emirates on August 16-17 which will be a first visit from an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years. The prime purpose of the visit is to strengthen the ties between India and the Arab country. A spectacular reception of Modi has been planned by the Indian Community at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium grounds.

Government modifies Atal Pension Yojna for informal sector workers Atal Pension Yojna The Atal Pension Yojna which is a guaranteed pension scheme has been modified by the Government to give subscribers an option to make contribution on a monthly, quarterly or half-yearly basis. The modification aims to widen the reach of the scheme among informal sector workers. The statement from the Finance Ministry further said that discontinuation of payment of contribution provision has been substantially modified in favour of the subscriber.

Government replaces LC Goyal and appoints Rajiv Mehrishi as Home Secretary for two-year period Home Secretary Home Minister Rajnath Singh has got his third home secretary in 15 months, which has only extended the uncertainty in the ministry. Within hours of the order replacing him as home secretary, Goyal was appointed the chairman & MD of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-appoints-rajiv-mehrishi-as-home-secretary-for-two-year-period-replaces-lc-goyal/articleshow/48741749.cms

Science & Technology

Isro to launch US satellite in space for the first time ISRO The US has become the 20th country to sign up for a commercial satellite launch by India's ISRO which has so far launched 45 satellites for 19 nations. For the first time the US would be taking the help of an Indian vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, to put one of its satellite in orbit. Having successfully launched a Mars mission, India is planning a mission to Venus and is looking for a launch pad.

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Isro to launch communication satellite GSAT-6 on August 27 ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation is gearing up to launch the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D6 carrying India's latest communication satellite GSAT-6 from Sriharikota on August 27. The 25th geostationary communication satellite built by ISRO, GSAT-6, will join the group of India’s other operational geostationary satellites. The special feature of this satellite is its S Band unfurlable antenna of 6 m diameter which is by far the largest satellite antenna released by ISRO.

Sports

Joshna Chinappa wins Victorian Open Squash competition Squash Joshna Chinappa won the US 15,000 dollars Victorian Open squash competition beating her Danish opponent Line Hansen in straight sets. The 28-year-old had won her last WSA title in the Richmond Open in April last year and this win becomes her 10th WSA title. The title in the men's section went to Ryan Cuskelly of Australia.

Anirban Lahiri finishes tied fifth at PGA Championship Golf In a first, an Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri finished at a creditable fifth position in the PGA Championship - the last Major event of the year. The tournament was won by Australian Jason Day and Lahiri finished tied fifth with Brooks Koepka of US after carding a four-day score of 13-under. A fifth-place finish is the best result by any Indian at the Majors.

Saina Nehwal topples Carolina Marin to regain No.1 rank Badminton Saina Nehwal dethroned Spaniard Carolina Martin to whom she had lost in the summit clash of recently concluded World Championships to regain the World No. 1 spot. The newly released BWF ranking features Saina with 82792 points in the top spot.

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara retires after 15 years Cricket Sri Lanka's ace cricketer, Kumar Sangakkara retired after 15 years of his career in cricket and played his last test against Inida in Colombo. Sangakkara has cemented his name as the fifth highest run-getter in Test history, finished his Test career with 12,400 runs from 134 Tests at an average of 57.40. He scored 38 centuries, including a best of 319 against Bangladesh in Chittagong last year. Sangakkara was welcomed by a guard of honour formed by rival Indian team to applaud the veteran cricketer as he walked out to bat on the day of his last match. The whole stadium reverberated with applause when the 37-year-old left-hander and the fifth-highest run-getter in Test history came out of the dressing room.

U Mumba wins the Pro Kabaddi title Pro Kabaddi Bengaluru Bulls was defeated by U Mumba to clinch the second Pro Kabaddi title. While Bengaluru Bulls gave a stiff competition to U Mumba as the scores ran neck-to-neck, it was U Mumba who emerged victorious by

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their smart tactics at the end of the game. The winner took home the top prize of Rs one crore and Bulls got Rs 50 lakh.

Usain Bolt retains his world 100m title Athletics The 100m World Athletics Championships was won by the world's fastest man Usain Bolt who retained his world 100m title. Bolt beat Justin Gatlin by just one-hundredth of a second. A double Olympic gold medalist, Bolt ran his season's best of 9.79 seconds in the race.

World

Indo-UK Bilateral Air Exercise Indradhanush concluded Air forces The 10-day Indo-UK bilateral Air Exercise Indradhanush between Indian Air Force (IAF) and British Royal Air Forces (RAF) concluded on 30 July 2015.During the exercise different elements of the IAF contingent operated from separate RAF bases.

Japan marks 70th anniversary of Hiroshima atomic bombing Hiroshima Japan marked 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing at the end of World War 2. One minute's silence was observed at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park in the presence of Prime minister Shinzo Abe and foreign delegates. The bomb had killed around 140,000 people and others died from the radiation exposure. Opinion still remains divided over whether the twin attacks on Japan were justified.

Plane crashes in Indonesian region killing 54 Indonesia The latest in the string of aviation disasters is the crash of the Trigana aircraft in Indonesia's remote and mountainous region of Papua. According to the the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the plane had lost contact with air traffic control and crashed into a mountain killing 54 people on board. Unpredictable weather patterns in the region, with a tropical climate, tall mountains and moisture coming in from the sea could be the reason for the crash. The plane was flying between Jayapura's Sentani Airport and Oksibil, due south of Jayapura, the capital of Papua province.

22 killed in apparent attack on Bangkok shrine Terrorism A popular Hindu shrine was attacked by a bomb in central Bangkok that killed at least 22 people and wounded about 120. The casualties included tourists from China and Philippines. The mastermind behind the attack is still unknown. Immediately after the attacks, the security was tightened throughout the city.

Egypt passes a controversial counter-terrorism law Egypt A tough counter terrorism law that allegedly bans the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association has been passed by the Egypt government. At a time when militants are launching deadly attacks, the government feels that implementation of such a law is necessary. The law imposes hefty fines for

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journalists if their accounts of terrorism-related cases contradict the official version. The rights groups have criticized this move by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as it will restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms.

Greek PM Tsipras resigns, paves way for new elections Greece After losing support from the members of his own Syriza party, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced his resignation making way for snap elections hoping to return to power with a strong hold. The rebels in his leftist Syriza party had opposed his backing of the demands of international creditors for yet more austerity and economic reform in exchange for a new $96 billion bailout. Meanwhile, 25 members of the left wing of Syriza have announced they are breaking away to form a separate party called Popular Unity.

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