Taliban Rights Watch: UN-linked reporting says women and girls under Taliban rule face higher risks of forced, early and child marriage, with pressure tied to fear of retaliation, detention, economic punishment and land loss. University Admissions: Tajikistan’s State Commission approved 2026–2027 quotas for 155,852 applicants, with most seats for Uzbek-language instruction and targeted grants for people with disabilities, orphans, and other categories. Extreme Weather & Mudflow Risk: Tajik hydrometeorologists warn of July 18–20 heat up to 47°C in valleys and a glacial mudflow threat in parts of Sughd and GBAO, plus dust-related air pollution expected July 21–22 affecting Khatlon and Dushanbe. Border Progress: Tajikistan says demarcation of the Tajik–Kyrgyz border is on track for full completion in 2027 after field work on 416 km and engineering on 300 km. Tourism Momentum: Tajikistan reports a tourism surge—nearly 900,000 foreign visitors in six months, up 16.7%—supported by a growing network of hotels and registered travel firms. Energy Pressure: Officials say Tajikistan is cutting power exports ahead of winter as water levels fall and hydropower demand rises. Civil Society Under Strain: A new rights snapshot says Tajikistan’s civil society and independent media face intimidation, politically motivated cases, self-censorship and limited accountability for past abuses. Migration Fallout: Tajik authorities say nearly 160,000 citizens are listed in Russia’s controlled persons register, reflecting tighter Russian migration rules.