Energy & Industry Projects: Afghanistan’s oil sector gets a boost as a new refinery in Balkh begins operations, with a reported $30m investment and capacity to process 600 tons of petroleum products per day, creating jobs and strengthening domestic processing. Regional Trade & Energy Corridors: Turkmenistan and Afghanistan move TAPI forward with MoUs on gas purchases and pricing/distribution, while Herat hosted high-level talks on pipeline progress and related transport links. Infrastructure & Power Access: Kabul residents are again calling on Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat to resume electricity meter distribution, saying suspended supply is blocking new home connections and daily life. Security, Supply Chains & Logistics: Russia floats a rail corridor idea to reach the Indian Ocean via Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, aiming to reduce reliance on risky sea routes—though it remains at proposal stage. Workforce & Business Climate: A U.S. food services firm settles a $1.5m EEOC hiring-bias case, a reminder that labor compliance and fair hiring practices still shape operating costs and reputations. Human Capital & Social Impact: Reports highlight the ongoing education ban on Afghan girls beyond primary school, with fathers describing the economic and social damage to families and future skills.