Afghanistan Governance & Rights: Taliban police law approved by Hibatullah Akhundzada expands detention to 10 days and bans demonstrations, with police empowered to threaten suspects with death and compel “repentance,” raising fresh alarms for public freedoms. Afghanistan Legitimacy: Five years after the Taliban takeover, broad international recognition still eludes Kabul; Russia’s recognition stands out while China, India, Iran, Turkey and others keep engagement focused on trade, security and transit rather than full political acceptance. Afghanistan Industry & Jobs: Baghlan officials report rising trader interest and ongoing projects, including a large rice processing center under construction and a commercial hub creating 200+ jobs, urging more support for private investment. Regional Energy & Connectivity: The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan power transmission project is entering active implementation, aiming to expand electricity exports and support Afghanistan’s stabilization alongside the TAPI gas corridor. Global Trade Shock (Indirect Impact): The US imposed 50% tariffs on $20bn of Canadian goods and Canada vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation, escalating uncertainty for North American supply chains that can ripple into industrial inputs and logistics.