Mining & Cement Deal: Afghanistan signed a milestone mining lease for the Aybak Cement project in Samangan, granting full exploration and mining rights for limestone, clay, gypsum and iron ore, with an initial 1Mta integrated cement facility aimed at cutting imports and boosting local jobs. Construction & Education: Afghanistan has started construction on five higher-education infrastructure projects worth 90 million afghanis, targeting housing and learning facilities for 5,000+ students and graduates. Water & Public Health: UN OCHA says 16 million Afghans need clean water and sanitation help in 2026 as drought, weak infrastructure and climate change drive disease and worsen agriculture. Labor & Household Income: A WFP report finds Afghan laborers are working less than two days per week on average, even as food markets stay relatively stable—highlighting income stress. Kabul Governance: The Taliban’s Kabul mayor, Abdul Rasheed, was reportedly detained in Kandahar for nearly 20 days after challenging municipal dismissals tied to corruption probes affecting major development projects. Regional Trade & Industry Links: Kazakhstan is pushing to process Afghan technical aquamarine and zinc ore at its facilities, while Kazakh officials also delivered humanitarian and medical aid and discussed trade and education cooperation with Kabul. Energy & Shipping Risk: Talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland agreed a roadmap to reopen commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with a communication channel for safe vessel transit.