World pledges $5.8 bln in aid to quake-hit Pakistan

THE world boosted aid pledges for quake-devastated Pakistan to $5.8 billion after the United Nations warned there could be a second disaster as survivors face the bitter Himalayan winter. The sum exceeds Pakistan's target of $5.2 billion for recovery and reconstruction after the earthquake which killed more than 73,000 and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

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Nepal ex-PM appeals to Maoists to join political mainstream

NEPAL'S veteran former prime minister G.P. Koirala said he has appealed to Maoist rebels to ally with mainstream parties to restore democracy in the insurgency-racked nation.

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