Pak PM to visit Nepal today
ISLAMABAD, Mar 4: Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will visit Nepal on Monday as part of Pakistan's proactive and outreach efforts to engage with regional countries, the country's foreign ministry said here on Sunday. The PM will convey felicitations to the Nepalese leadership on the successful conclusion of its democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government, a statement from the ministry said. Both sides are expected to discuss ways of invigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). — Xinhua
Four soldiers, 10 jihadists die in Egypt Sinai operation
CAIRO, Mar 4: Egypt's military said on Sunday four soldiers and 10 jihadists were killed in a military operation in Sinai against Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. The deaths raise military casualties to at least 16 dead, along with more than 100 jihadists, since the start of the operation on February 09, according to previous army tolls. The army launched the campaign after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is standing in elections for his second term this month, gave them a three month deadline to crush IS in Sinai. — AFP
Thunderstorms, heavy rain to hit China
BEIJING, Mar 04: China's national observatory said Sunday thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to hit parts of the country's southern regions. From Sunday morning to Monday morning, thunderstorms will sweep parts of Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian and Guangxi, with hail in some areas, according to the National Meteorological Centre (NMC). — Xinhua
Fears of rising PNG death toll
SYDNEY, Mar 04: Local communities are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a major earthquake that hit Papua New Guinea's (PNG) remote highlands almost a week ago, reports said Sunday, amid fears of a rising death toll. The highlands in the Pacific nation's interior about 600 kilometres (373 miles) north-west of Port Moresby were struck by a 7.5-magnitude tremor early Monday. — AFP
Netanyahu opposes early polls as graft probes intensify
JERUSALEM, Mar 04: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he opposes early elections, as corruption probes linked to him intensify speculation over his future. Israeli media have raised the possibility of a June poll, with graft investigations potentially weakening the premier's ability to hold together his right-wing coalition. — AFP
