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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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How to Train Your Brain Like a Pro: Five Science-Backed Tips from Neuroscientists

Your brain is the most complex and powerful organ in your body, and it needs proper care and maintenance to function optimally. Neuroscientists, who study the brain and nervous system, have some tips on how to keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age. Here are five simple habits you can adopt to boost your brain power, according to neuroscientists.

  • Brain health industry boom: The global industry of products and services that claim to support brain health is valued at US $140-billion and expected to grow rapidly, partly due to the projected rise of cognitive disorders in the aging population.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices: Experts say that exercising regularly, abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol, and spending quality time with loved ones can reduce the risk of brain disease by as much as 30 per cent.
  • Hidden threat of social media: Experts warn that social media addictions can erode attention span and hinder deep thought, and suggest replacing scrolling with more cognitively stimulating activities, such as digital games, creative pursuits, reading fiction, or meditation.
  • Best daily practices for brain training: Experts recommend five daily practices that can improve memory, attention, creativity, and social cognition: physical activity, digital games, a creative pursuit, quality time with loved ones, and meditation or self-reflection.

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