Energy & Infrastructure: Taliban officials say construction on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline’s Herat section has hit 52% completion, with 80 km of pipe laid and 72.3 km transported to site, aiming to finish the 130 km Herat segment by end-2026. Food Security & Aid: The World Food Programme warns the Iran war is starving millions via higher food and fuel costs and disrupted trade, citing added hardship for Afghanistan’s people alongside Somalia and Sri Lanka, as UN funding cuts force rationing. Agriculture Trade: Kazakhstan reports grain and flour exports to Afghanistan jumped 58% in eight months (to 2.0 million tons), pointing to steady logistics corridors and rising regional demand. Public Safety: A major fire erupted in Mazar-i-Sharif near medical and veterinary facilities, with thick smoke and explosions reported; authorities have not yet confirmed damage or casualties. Industry & Investment: Afghanistan Premier League franchise bids are open, with the tournament set for Dec 27 in the UAE and proposals due June 30—an emerging sports-business investment push for Kabul, Kandahar, Balkh, Paktia and Nangarhar. Environment & Livelihoods: A new push to restore Afghanistan’s forests highlights community planting of poplars, pistachios and other native trees to rebuild soil, water resilience and rural income.