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Evacuation in the Snow: Fears of Conflict Drive Mass Exodus from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

Residents from Tirah valley, who fled a remote mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, gather to get themself registered, in Bara, Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan A wave of displacement is sweeping through northwest Pakistan as thousands of families flee the Tirah Valley after mosque loudspeakers warned residents of possible upcoming military action. The sudden announcements triggered a rapid and chaotic departure, with many families leaving in the middle of harsh winter conditions. Residents describe a tense atmosphere in the valley, where fears of renewed conflict between security forces and militant groups have been simmering for months. Entire communities have packed their belongings onto trucks, donkeys, and makeshift carts, heading toward safer towns such as Bara and Peshawar. Government officials insist that no military operation has been ordered and attribute the movement of people to seasonal migration patterns. Locals strongly dispute this, sayi...

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Smog Crisis in India: Taj Mahal Shrouded, Flights Delayed





A thick blanket of toxic smog has enveloped northern India, severely impacting visibility and air quality. The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, a symbol of love and architectural marvel, has been obscured by the dense haze, leaving visitors disappointed. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, another significant landmark, has also been affected.

The smog, caused by a combination of high pollution levels, humidity, and stagnant winds, has led to significant disruptions in daily life. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has been recorded in the ‘severe’ category, with visibility dropping to just 300 meters at the city’s international airport. This has resulted in numerous flight delays, with 88% of departures and 54% of arrivals affected.

Health concerns are rising as hospitals report an increase in patients, particularly children, suffering from respiratory issues such as allergies, coughs, and asthma attacks. The situation is exacerbated by the illegal burning of crop residues in the farming states of Punjab and Haryana, contributing to the already hazardous air quality.

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible. The smog is expected to persist, with slight improvements anticipated in the coming days as weather conditions change.


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