Oil & Energy: The Taliban says it has opened five new oil wells in Jawzjan’s Amu Darya basin, using Afghan engineers, signaling a push to expand domestic output even if global market impact is limited. Trade & Diplomacy: A proposed visa-free regime between Afghanistan and Russia is gaining traction, with business leaders arguing it could boost travel, investment, and trade links. Regional Connectivity: The second Termez Dialogue (June 4-6) in Tashkent is set to bring over 150 representatives to focus on Afghanistan-Uzbekistan-Pakistan transit, logistics, and trade cooperation, with Afghan business groups planning meetings. Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA warns Afghanistan’s 2026 humanitarian plan is only 16% funded ($269m of $1.7b), putting life-saving aid for millions at risk. Security Council Politics: A new UN Security Council report highlights divisions over how to describe the Taliban in official documents and how aid should be linked to rights issues. Water & Daily Costs: Kabul residents report severe drinking-water shortages, forcing families to queue for hours or buy water from tankers, raising living expenses. Women & Displacement: UN Women reports over 100,000 displaced in eastern Afghanistan amid border clashes, with women and girls facing major income and food-access shocks. Cricket & Business Tourism: Afghanistan’s first India-hosted T20I series is confirmed for September in New Delhi, a potential boost for sports-related travel and local spending. Child Education Demand: Orphaned children in Zabul call for more access to modern schooling and dormitory support, citing limited local education options. Border Crime & Migrant Risks: Italian authorities arrested two Pakistani nationals after four migrant farm workers (including three Afghans) were found burned alive in Calabria, underscoring the dangers facing seasonal laborers.