Taliban Anniversary, Rights Under Pressure: As Afghanistan marks five years since the Taliban takeover, Kabul residents say streets feel safer but jobs and schooling are still the urgent demand—while UN and UNICEF warnings keep piling up on girls’ education being effectively closed beyond grade six. Education Crisis: UNICEF says 2.6 million girls have been denied secondary education since 2021, exposing them to child labour, early marriage and violence. Humanitarian Strain: CARE warns Afghanistan’s health system is deteriorating fast, with hundreds of clinics closed or suspended as funding falls. EU Engagement Without Recognition: The EU says it supports Afghans through humanitarian aid and rights-focused programs without recognizing the Islamic Emirate. Diplomacy With India: India’s foreign ministry says it is working to consolidate ties with Kabul as the fifth anniversary passes, citing recent high-level exchanges. Energy Reality Check: Afghanistan still imports over 90% of its petroleum needs, leaving fuel prices tied to global markets. Sports Spotlight: Afghanistan take aim at a series sweep over Ireland in the final ODI as cricket continues to draw attention alongside the anniversary coverage. Security Flashpoint: Taliban officials and media face ongoing pressure, including the release of journalist Hamid Farhadi after two years in custody.