TAPI Pipeline Progress: Afghanistan’s Herat section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline is now 52% complete, with 80 km laid and 72.3 km of pipe delivered—officials say the 130-km Herat segment should finish by end-2026, boosting regional energy trade and transit income. Food Security Pressure: The World Food Programme warns the Middle East conflict is already pushing millions toward severe hunger, citing spillovers from higher fuel and food costs; Afghanistan is among the hardest hit as aid faces funding strain. Housing Costs in Kabul: Kabul residents report rents rising sharply (e.g., 5,000 to 7,000 afghanis for a house), driven by returning migrants and property acquisitions, squeezing household budgets. Quality Control at Ports: Afghanistan’s standards authority rejected 748 tonnes of substandard cement at Hairatan and returned 58.1 tonnes of ceramic tiles at Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi, aiming to protect consumers and markets. Agriculture Under Strain: Balkh rice farmers say fertilizer prices have nearly doubled and support is weak, while improved seeds from Uzbekistan are being distributed to help yields. Regional Trade Talks: Afghanistan’s chamber and Iranian officials discussed expanding trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation, leveraging Afghanistan’s transit location and resources. Infrastructure Push in Laghman: Eastern Afghanistan’s Laghman province plans 50 health, agriculture, and education projects over nine months to create local jobs and improve services.