Month: August 2022

India is gearing up to celebrate its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2022. The feeling of patriotism is filling the hearts of citizens. Many monuments and government offices are all decked up in the tricolour to mark this historic day.

On this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first hoist the ‘Tiranga’ at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. Continuing with the traditions, this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will then address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. Notably, this will be Prime Minister’s ninth independence day address to the nation from the Red Fort.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: This year’s Independence Day is truly special in a number of ways.

This Mahotsav (or the grand celebration) is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

As part of the Mahotsav or grand celebration, several events and campaigns have been organised for over the last 75 weeks to celebrate independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.

The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021 which started a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and will end post a year on August 15, 2023.

The Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign is based on five broad themes- Freedom Struggle, Ideas@75, Resolve@75, Actions@75 and Achievements@75. Over the past 75 weeks, different events based on the themes were organised to commemorate 75 years of the country’s independence.

Har Ghar Tiranga

‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 13) said he was overjoyed and proud of the amazing response to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement. He also said record participation was being seen from people across different walks of life in the campaign.

“Overjoyed and proud of the amazing response to the #HarGharTiranga movement. We are seeing record participation from people across different walks of life,” Modi said in a tweet.

This is a great way to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of India to hoist the tricolour at their homes between August 13th and 15th to celebrate the 75th Independence Day.

In a tweet, PM Modi had earlier said, “This year, when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, let us strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga Movement. Hoist the Tricolour or display it in your homes between 13th and 15th August. This movement will deepen our connection with the national flag.”

Last month, Prime Minister Modi launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Culture said.

On July 31, 2022, while addressing the Mann Ki Baat radio programme, the Prime Minister of India urged Indians to replace their social media profile picture with the Flag of India from August 2 to August 15.

Notably, the National Flag of India (in its present design) was adopted in the meeting of the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, days before India gained Independence on August 15, 1947. The colours of the National Flag of India hold great significance and were chosen distinctively to portray the spirit of India. Saffron indicates strength and courage, white indicates peace and truth and green stands for fertility and growth. The Chakra present in the center of the Flag symbolizes motion, progress, and advancement.

The dignity of the National Flag of India is governed by the Flag Code of India and its amendments. It describes the conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag.

Commonwealth Games 2022: India’s best ever performance

India clinched as many as 61 medals including 22 Gold Medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (held in the UK). This might seem fewer than the 101 medals won at the Delhi Commonwealth games in 2010 and the 26 Gold Medals won at Gold Coast in 2018. But after accounting for sports that did not take place, it is actually India’s best ever showing at the Commonwealth Games.

Out of the 101 Medals at Delhi, 49 were from sports like Shooting, Archery, Tennis and Greco-Roman Wrestling- all of which were excluded from the Birmingham Games. Commonwealth Games were formerly known as the British Empire Games. India’s outstanding performance is a testimony to India’s advancement as a republic over the past 75 years. Squash player Anahat Singh became the youngest Indian athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games at just 14 years of age. The oldest player in the Indian Contingent was the 45-year-old Lawn Bowls player Sunil Bahadur. India won medals in Lawn Bowls for the first time when the Women’s Fours team won Gold, and also the Men’s fours won Silver medals. Sharath Kamal was India’s highest individual achiever winning four (3 Gold and 1 Silver) medals in Table Tennis.

India concluded the games as the best nation in 4 sports: Badminton, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling and as the second best in Boxing.

In fact, India’s entire Wrestling Contingent is returning with medals in their respective categories in addition to the badminton, hockey and cricket teams. India is also bringing home medals in Weightlifting in 10 out of the 16 categories at Birmingham and Badminton medals in 5 out of 6 categories. Powerlifter Sudhir established a Games Record in Para Powerlifting by winning gold in the men’s heavyweight category. Even Weightlifters Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Achinta Sheuli created Games Records in their respective categories. Mirabai Chanu continued her excellent form from Tokyo last year to establish a Games Record in her weight category and Bindyarani Devi also achieved a Games record in clean and jerk.

On August 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Indian contingent at his residence to felicitate the players in New Delhi. The Indian athletes produced a sensational show in Birmingham, claiming 61 medals, including 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze.

The golden period of Indian sports is knocking on the doors, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday as he hailed the gutsy show of the Indian contingent which returned with 61 medals from the Commonwealth Games.

Indian Economy

Over the last seven decades, the Indian economy has seen several ups and downs. In 1947, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was Rs 2.7 lakh crore which has increased to 3.17 trillion US dollars now, making India the sixth-largest economy. By 2031, India is expected to become the third largest economy. India’s economic history has been marked by several critical milestones amongst which are the crisis years of 1966, 1981 and 1991.

Recently, on August 1, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India’s economy is much better than most countries, adding that India is still the fastest growing economy. “Global agencies have ranked India’s economy high,” the minister said in a reply to the debate in the Lok Sabha.

“We have never seen a COVID-19 pandemic of this kind…all of us were trying to make sure that people in our constituencies are given extra help. I recognise that everybody -MPs and State Government- has played their role,” Sitharaman said.

“Pandemic, second wave, Omicron, Russia-Ukraine (war), even today largest supply components in China are under lockdown…in spite of that, we have held inflation well within 7 per cent or below. That has to be recognised,” she said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the Indian economy saying that despite global headwinds, it is still being recognised as the ‘fastest-growing’ worldwide. She dismissed fears of a recession or stagflation and added that India has adequate foreign exchange reserves and the macroeconomic fundamentals are “perfect”. She credited the government for managing inflation and the country’s debt efficiently.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7.2 per cent for 2022-23.

In view of the 75th Independence Day celebrations, a multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry/exit point at Red Fort in the national capital where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on August 15, Delhi police said on Sunday. (ANI)

After recent political turbulence and with 18 ministers taking oath recently in Maharashtra, the western state’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday announced the allocation of portfolios to newly appointed ministers in the state cabinet with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra bagging major roles and ministries.

Shinde will look after general administration, urban development, Information and Public Relations, Public Works Department and several other major portfolios not allocated to other ministers.

Fadnavis will hold the portfolios of Home, Finance and Planning, Law and Justice, Water Resources and Command Area Development, Housing, Energy, Protocol.

Senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil was allotted higher and technical education, textile industry and parliamentary work while Ravindra Chavhan was assigned ministry of Public Works (excluding Public Enterprises), Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection.

Other major departments that were allocated to BJP leaders included Girish Mahajan as chief of Village Development and Panchayati Raj development, Medical Education, Sports and Youth Welfare.

With Suresh Khade leading the Labour department, Mangal Prabhat Lodha became the chief of Tourism, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Women and Child Development.

Radhakrishna Vikhe was entrusted with the portfolio of revenue department, animal husbandry and dairy development.

The department of forestry, cultural activities, and fisheries were assigned to Sudhir Mungantiwar.

The allocation of Tribal development was done to Vijaykumar Gavit and the department of Cooperation, Other Backward and Bahujan Welfare was given to Atul Save.

The leaders from Shiv Sena allocated portfolios include Dada Bhuse, Shambhuraje Desai, Sandeepan Bhumre, Uday Samant, Tanaji Sawant, Abdul Sattar, Deepak Kesarkar, Gulabrao Patil and Sanjay Rathod.

The department of ports and mining was allocated to Dada Bhuse while Shambhuraje Desai was assigned with the state excise department.

Sandeepan Bhumre was assigned the department of employment guarantee scheme and Horticulture.

With Uday Samant was given the Industries portfolio, Tanaji Sawant was assigned Public Health and Welfare department.

The state chief entrusted Abdul Sattar with the Agriculture department and Deepak Kesarkar was allotted with the department of school education and Marathi language.

With Gulabrao Patil being assigned with water supply and sanitation and Sanjay Rathod with Food and drugs administration.

All these portfolios allocated have been announced after approval by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Earlier, the expansion of the Maharashtra Cabinet took place on August 9 with a total of 18 MLAs -9 each from BJP and from the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction sworn in as ministers in a grand ceremony in Mumbai’s Raj Bhavan. (ANI)

The real estate slump in China has sucked in both banks and provincial governments, threatening a bigger impact on the world’s second-largest economy, according to media report.

According to Nikkei Asia, defaults have soared over the past 12 months after property developers’ debt-fueled growth model lurched into reverse. Around 99 defaults on domestic debt occurred in the year including delayed payments, according to Shanghai-based Wind Information.

It is to be noted that China’s factory-gate inflation in July reached the lowest since February last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The country’s producer price index, which gauges factory-gate prices, increased 4.2 per cent year-on-year in July, following a 6.1 per cent rise from the previous month, China Daily reported citing NBS.

Earlier, S&P Global Ratings warned that around 20 per cent of Chinese developers it rates are at risk of insolvency. Chinese government triggered this reversal by imposing tougher restrictions in 2021 on mortgages and developers’ access to financing.

The complete lockdown in major cities amid China’s zero-COVID policy has put the country’s economy under strain with increasing inflation and disrupted global supply chains.

Though China refuses to acknowledge it, the rigid stamping out of COVID-19 from the country is beginning to affect big companies and industries which are suspending operations in Shanghai and other cities, reported The Hong Kong Post.

Meanwhile, new housing sales shrank 27 per cent on the year in volume in the January-June half. July sales fell 13 per cent from June and 27 per cent from a year earlier across 100 major Chinese cities, according to real estate research company China Index Academy, cited by Nikkie Asia.

Banks have begun to feel the heat. Lending to the real estate sector makes up 26 per cent of China’s total outstanding loans, compared with around 21 per cent to 22 per cent in Japan at the height of the property bubble there. The percentage of nonperforming loans held by China’s big four state-owned banks increased by over 1 percentage point in 2021 to 3.8per cent.

Several housing developers have halted ongoing condominium construction projects as they are unable to secure cash. Yan Yuejin at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute estimated that around 4 per cent of new builds sold in the four years through June 2022 had problems, Nikkie Asia reported.

While local governments are hardly on solid financial footing themselves.

As tax breaks eat into their revenue, local authorities have come to rely heavily on income from selling usage rights for state-owned land to developers. Land sales revenue exceeded tax income in 2020 for the first time in data going back to 2010.

But cash-strapped developers cannot afford land for new residential properties. Local governments’ land income dropped 31 per cnet on the year in the first half of 2022, and is expected to decline on a full-year basis for the first time in seven years. The squeeze on the industry has also hit income from property-related taxes.

S&P Global estimates that as many as 30 per cent of local governments could be in dire enough financial straits at the end of this year to require corrective action such as spending cuts.

Real estate has been a key driver of the Chinese economy in the last two decades.

According to Harvard University professor Kenneth Rogoff, real estate and related activities now account for around 29 per cent of gross domestic product, up from less than 10 per cent at the end of 1990. (ANI)

UK Prime Minister hopeful and Conservative party leadership contender Rishi Sunak has called for sanctions on Iran over the stabbing of author Salman Rushdie in the US.

Rushdie, who faced death threats over his book ‘The Satanic Verses’, was stabbed on stage in Western New York state on Friday. A number of world leaders including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the incident.

“If the attack on Salman Rushdie is an operation by Iran, it shows our power. …If the attacker has done it under the influence of Iran, it proves the success of our Islamic revolution,” Rishi was quoted as saying by The Telegraph newspaper.

Rushdie, 75, hogged the limelight with his novel ‘Midnight’s Children’ in 1981. The India-born author won Booker Prize for the novel which was also adapted for the stage.

But his 1988 book ‘The Satanic Verses’ led to a fatwa, a religious decree, by the then Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The threat forced him into hiding for several years.

While pointing to the serious situation in Iran, Sunak warned about the potential futility of attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

He said a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to our ally Israel, and indeed imperil the whole of Europe with ballistic missile capability.

“We urgently need a new, strengthened deal and much tougher sanctions, and if we can’t get results then we have to start asking whether the JCPOA is at a dead end. The brutal stabbing of Salman Rushdie should be a wake-up call for the West, and Iran’s reaction to the attack strengthens the case for proscribing the IRGC.”

On Saturday, Salman Rushdie was taken off a ventilator and will be able to talk, a day after he was stabbed in western New York State during a lecture.

Rushdie’s agent, Andrew Wylie, confirmed that Rushdie was taken off a ventilator and could be able to talk, without giving further details, according to The Washington Post.

Hadi Matar, who is suspected of stabbing Rushdie, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in the second degree and other charges in a New York court. (ANI)

Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, which opened to mixed reviews, has received a thumbs up from Hrithik Roshan.

After watching the film, Hrithik took to Instagram and penned an appreciation for the cast and crew of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’.
Hrithik, in his short message, called the film “magnificent” besides the “pluses and the minuses” of it.

“It’s beautiful. Just beautiful,” he summarized his watch. “Just watched LAAL SINGH CHADDA. I felt the HEART of this movie. Pluses and minuses aside, this movie is just magnificent. Don’t miss this gem guys ! Go ! Go now . Watch it. It’s beautiful. Just beautiful,” he wrote.

Just watched LAAL SINGH CHADDA. I felt the HEART of this movie. Pluses and minuses aside, this movie is just magnificent. Don’t miss this gem guys ! Go ! Go now . Watch it. It’s beautiful. Just beautiful. ❤️

— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) August 13, 2022

Advait Chandan’s directorial ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ was released on August 11. Apart from Aamir and Kareena, Naga Chaitanya and Mona Singh are also a part of the film.

As per industry expert Ramesh Bala, ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ raked in around Rs 12 crores at the ticket windows on an opening day.”#LaalSinghChaddha opens low yesterday..Day 1 Early Estimates for All-India Nett is around Rs 12 Crs,” Bala tweeted. It clashed at the box office with Akshay Kumar’s ‘Raksha Bandhan’, which minted Rs 8.20 crore on day one.

The film faced boycott calls on social media prior to its release.

Expressing his views about the ongoing Boycott trend in India, Aamir had said, “That Boycott Bollywood… Boycott Aamir Khan… Boycott Laal Singh Chaddha… I feel sad also because a lot of people who are saying this in their hearts believe I am someone who doesn’t like India… In their hearts they believe that… And that’s quite untrue. I really love the country… That’s how I am. It is rather unfortunate if some people feel that way. I want to assure everyone that it’s not the case so please don’t boycott my films, please watch my films.”

In 2015, Aamir had said in an interview, “Our country is very tolerant, but there are people who spread ill-will”. His wife Kiran Rao also made headlines for saying that she considered leaving the country for the safety of their children. Reacting to the particular interview, Twitter users put up posts using hashtags such as #BoycottLaalSinghChaddha and #Boycottaamirkhan.

The trolls also dug up when Aamir met Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdogan while he was shooting for Laal Singh Chaddha there. Some netizens were unhappy with the meeting as it happened in the backdrop of Turkey’s increasing anti-India and pro-Pakistan stand. (ANI)

Taiwan on Sunday said it will continue to enhance its self-defence capabilities while maintaining close coordination with all like-minded nations, including India, to jointly preserve the rules-based international order and safeguard security across the Taiwan Strait.

This statement came in the wake of tensions in the Taiwan Strait following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the self-ruled island that set off large-scale military exercises from Beijing.

Taiwan said it is entitled to make friends and maintain relationships with countries around the world. It said China’s deliberate intensification of various forms of military posturing targeted at Taiwan recently has severely disrupted peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

“The government of ROC (Taiwan) wishes to convey sincere gratitude to the executive branches and parliamentarians of over 50 countries-including India-which have called on all sides to exercise restrain, de-escalate tensions, avoid unilateral actions to change status quo and maintain peace and stability in the region,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“…the government of Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defence capabilities while maintaining close communication and coordination with the US, Japan and all other like-minded nations including India to jointly preserve the rules-based international order and safeguard security across the Taiwan Strait and consolidate peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.

On Friday, India urged the avoidance of unilateral actions to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and efforts should be made to maintain peace and stability in the region.

“Like many other countries, India too is concerned at recent developments. We urge the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change the status quo, de-escalation of tension and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during a media briefing.

Earlier this week, China released a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era” reiterating its claims over the self-ruled island.

Chinese state media said the white paper demonstrates the country’s resolve to national reunification. The white paper said the Chinese community party (CCP) is committed to the historic mission of resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification.

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu said China is “wrecking the status quo” in the Taiwan Strait and slammed Chinese military drills.

Wu said additional foreign delegations are “more than welcome” in Taipei and rebuffed China’s furious reaction to Pelosi’s visit.

“Anyone who wants to come to Taiwan to show their support, they are more than welcome to visit us,” Wu told VOA. He said Taiwan will not be prevented from conducting its own foreign policy. (ANI)

The Delhi Police is making constant attempts to ensure impregnable security in the national capital on the occasion of Independence Day, by keeping an eye on the potential terror modules and “anti-social elements” in the city, the police informed.

The police informed that however, they have tightened the security and vigilance at all the eight borders of Delhi as well as the busy markets of the city, the security near the Red Fort has been beefed up with many layers of protection as the inputs received from International Border are not only specific but are considered strong enough.

For enhanced security at the Independence Day programme, the police personnel have deployed anti-drone system to ensure protection against drone attacks. This anti-drone system was manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).

The Red Fort is shielded with a Radar system to ensure its safety from the Drones, as it is another threat apart from the Technological dangers for security. The police personnel are also taught the ways to combat suspected objects flying in the sky, the police said.

The police received some specifically strong alerts concerning the security in Delhi on August 15.

The Intelligence agencies have issued a high alert for a terrorist attack in the city on Monday:

It has been informed that on the basis of the interrogation with the terrorists nabbed from different states including Punjab, a number of Drones from the Pakistan border– carrying numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)– have reached various parts of the country.

In another alert, it was revealed that deadly weapons including Pistol, Hand Grenades, and AK 47 have been sent to India with the help of Drones from Pakistan.

The Police further, quoting the Intelligence forces, said that the terrorists can also lead to several lone wolf attacks on Independence Day. In the attack, a single person can attack the mob with a sharp-edged weapon or a big vehicle.

The police have completely banned the flying of Kites (for as long as the Independence Day programme continues) around the Red Fort after the alert regarding some terrorist attack via a flying object like a kite was issued to the police by the agencies.

Delhi Police has further received another input to be vigilant as some suspicious object put along with the crutches can attack the Fort, hence the police have been advised to ensure a very strong screening.

“The terror outfits namely SFJ, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), ISIS Khurasan Module are planning to conduct a massive attack during August 15,” Intelligence agencies informed the police.

The police are also keeping a vigilant eye over suspicious activities and persons as the terror modules are also involving local criminals.

This year, special kind of Alarm Cameras are installed around the Red Fort, which starts alarming the nearby stationed police personnel of any suspected movement.

Apart from around 250 eminent personalities who are expected to arrive at the Red Fort on Monday, nearly 8,000-10,000 people are also likely to attend the programme, hence the police have installed 1,000 cameras with high-resolution quality in the nearby areas.

The special cell of Delhi Police has successfully projected the pictures of around 1,000 suspicious persons, anti-national elements, and terrorists to the other unit of the police force, to ensure that every unit and department stays cautious. (ANI)

Ace stock market investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, often referred to as India’s own Warren Buffet passed away at the age of 62.

He was not keeping well for the past few days and breathed his last today in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, as per the hospital sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss. “Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was indomitable. Full of life, witty and insightful, he leaves behind an indelible contribution to the financial world. He was also very passionate about India’s progress,” prime minister Modi tweeted.

“His passing away is saddening. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Jhunjhunwala, often referred to as India’s own Warren Buffet, passed away at the age of 62. He was not keeping well for the past few days and breathed his last today in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, as per the hospital sources.

Jhunjhunwala was born on July 5, 1960. He grew up in Mumbai.

After graduating from Sydenham College in 1985, he enrolled at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and married Rekha Jhunjunwala, who is also a stock market investor.

Jhunjhunwala ran a privately-owned stock trading firm called RARE Enterprises. He was also the owner of India’s newest airline Akasa Air which took off in Indian skies earlier this month.

A lot of people questioned why he planned to start an airline when aviation was not doing well, to which he replied, “I say I’m prepared for failure.” He was always bullish about India’s stock market and whatever stocks he purchased mostly turned into a multibagger. (ANI)

Actor Ananya Panday sets major fashion goals with her ethnic looks. Ananya recently dropped a series of stunning images of herself on her social media account.

Taking to her Instagram handle on Sunday, the ‘Gehraiyaan’ actor treated her fans to new pictures in ethnic wear for her upcoming film ‘Liger’ promotions.
Sharing the pictures, she wrote, “Chennai – nan ungalai kaadhalik kiren!!! You filled us with so much love (and rasam rice) #Liger25thAugust.”

Ananya Panday looked gorgeous in a beautiful white lehenga.

In the first picture, Ananya was seen wearing an autumn leaves designed lehenga and striped blouse. She also draped a beautifully-embroidered sheer dupatta on one side of the shoulder.

Ananya accessorized her outfit with heavy jhumkas and earrings that went well with her ensemble. She left her curls open and went for light makeup.

As soon as she shared the post, fans flooded the comment section with nice and good comments.

A fan wrote, “Wow” while another fan commented, “Fabulous”.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ananya is currently busy promoting her movie ‘Liger’ alongside Vijay Devarakonda. He will be also seen in ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ along with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Gourav Adarsh. (ANI)

Pakistan Taliban, whose presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Swat valley set alarm bells ringing in Islamabad, have started leaving the region after talks with the government.

Taliban militants reportedly occupied hilltops of Swat district’s Matta subdivision a few months ago which created panic in a number of neighbouring districts, The News International newspaper reported.

The Taliban’s unexpected appearance led to anger among the people and caused damage to tourism as the day Taliban were reported to have arrived in the valley, the report added.

Initially, both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Shehbaz Sharif governments kept quiet on the issue. After the issue came to the limelight, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that they were in touch with the Afghan government about the Taliban’s appearance in Swat.

“The Taliban accepted requests of the local elders and agreed to leave Swat peacefully. By Saturday afternoon, the Taliban started leaving Swat via Dir,” a Pakistan senior government official told The News on condition of anonymity.

The Pakistani newspaper said the government had moved additional troops to Swat and deployed them in different places for a likely offensive against the Taliban.

“Luckily, the situation returned to normal and there was no incident of violence in the valley. The role played by the people of Swat for peace is remarkable,” he added.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Pakistan has increasingly complained of attacks across the border from Afghanistan, an issue that has become a source of diplomatic tension.

Talks between the two sides began in October 2021 to seek a political solution to the issue. The talks that were held at the request of the Afghan Taliban led to a one-month ceasefire in November. However, the truce could not last long as differences emerged soon.

The ongoing peace talks between the TTP and Pakistan government reached a stalemate as the outlawed group refused to give in on its demand for the reversal of the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Despite a series of meetings between the two sides in recent weeks to break the impasse, there has also been a stalemate over the issue of TTP laying down arms in case of a peace deal. (ANI)