Is the end of the world nigh? Atomic scientists set to make ‘major announcement’ about Doomsday Clock

• Symbolic clock was established by Manhattan Project scientists in 1947
• It’s designed to show how close civilisation is to facing global catastrophe
• Scientists track threats by monitoring nuclear weapons and climate change
• The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) will host a live international news conference to make a ‘major announcement’ on Thursday
• Expected to reveal the board’s decision regarding the clock’s minute hand
• Last time, Doomsday Clock minute hand moved was in January 2012, when it was pushed ahead one minute from six to five minutes before midnight
• Nuclear modernisation, climate change reports and terrorism could feature

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The conference will begin at 4pm GMT (11am EST) on 22 January 2015.

India, Pakistan intensify cross-border firing as ties sour

SRINAGAR India – Indian and Pakistani troops intensified firing across the border over the weekend killing at least four, an Indian official said on Sunday, straining ties between the arch rivals who recently called off top-level diplomatic talks.

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The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since both countries became independent in 1947. They have fought three wars and came close to a fourth in 2001 and there have been regular clashes on the Line of Control that divides Indian- and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.