Category: ALL TOPICS

US shoots down Iranian drone in Arabian Sea

According to The Guardian, US Central Command said an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approached the aircraft carrier and was shot down by an F-35C in self-defense on February 3, 2026, with no casualties or damage.

NGO employees in Afghanistan face job insecurity

She considers only about 40% of her job is secure. She explained, “I don’t have a permanent contract, and even small changes in the organization’s budget or management can risk my job. I support my household and three children, so I often work beyond my capacity. It makes me very tired and sometimes discouraged.”

Rising synthetic drug use in Afghanistan – UN

UNODC’s report recently shows that drug use in Afghanistan is still mainly influenced by traditional substances; however, the consumption of synthetic drugs and the misuse of medical medicines are on the rise.

Afghan women still unaware of cervical cancer

She said: “I don’t understand anything about cervical cancer. If I have pain or infection in my genital area, I feel ashamed and usually don’t tell anyone. In our province, there aren’t many female specialist doctors, and even at the health center, examinations are basic.”

Cold weather and poor facilities hit winter vegetable farming in Parwan

A number of farmers and greenhouse vegetable growers in Bagram district of Parwan, say that winter vegetable production is mostly small-scale and traditional. They explain that the lack of protective facilities has caused them significant losses. Most of their fields are open to the elements, and they face severe cold, repeated frost, and no heating systems, which reduce both the quantity and quality of their crops.

Many women workers earn but lack financial power

Despite these rights, many women still struggle in practice. Fatima Ahmadi, a 29 years old teacher, says, “My husband decides how my income is spent. Sometimes I can give my opinion, but he always makes the final decision. He has forced me to hand over my full salary even when I needed it myself.”

Afghan youth build skills through digital learning

He said: “I studied Turkish online through YouTube for about four months, and it was very useful. Today, we can study from home and create a university-like environment for ourselves. Online learning is also very cheap—almost free. You only need internet.”

Exploring AI through curiosity: Hadi’s experience

Before using AI, I imagined it as a complex and almost frightening technology from science fiction, something meant only for scientists, programmers, or large companies. I never thought it could be part of my personal life or learning; instead, I believed this technology would either save the world or threaten it.

Economic challenges drive women to small loans

Following the political changes in Afghanistan, small businesses have emerged as a key source of hope for women seeking financial independence. Interviews with 23 women reveal that while many rely on small loans to sustain themselves, for some, these loans also bring economic and emotional stress.

Salam Watandar’s survey on people affected by the Kunar earthquake

On Sunday night, 31 August 2025, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, especially Kunar Province. The tremors were also felt in nearby provinces. According to reputable global seismic centers, the earthquake registered 6.0 on the Richter scale, which is relatively rare in Afghanistan’s history of natural disasters. Most districts of Kunar were affected, with the strongest shaking felt in Nurgal, Sawkai, Khas Kunar, and some other districts. This earthquake has been recorded as one of the deadliest in Afghanistan in recent years. As a result, around 2,200 people lost their lives, more than 4,000 were injured, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed.

Afghanistan drought survey: Impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and food security

Provinces like Badghis, Logar, and Kunduz are in an extreme crisis; Faryab and Maidan Wardak are severely affected, while Badakhshan is among the less affected provinces. Geographically, central provinces face high migration and land dryness, Northern provinces experience reduced production, and eastern provinces show limited coping responses.