Afghan Rights Under Pressure: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk says life in Afghanistan has gone “from bad to worse,” with tightening restrictions on education, work, movement and public life, plus arrests over dress and music and a “gender apartheid” that has barred millions of girls and women from secondary and higher education. Churches Face Quiet Crackdowns: In Central Asia, believers say pressure is rising when Christians share their faith, with reports of police reports, prison after “wrong person” contact, and laws limiting religious teaching to government-sanctioned officials for under-18s. Tajikistan Education in Focus: Tajikistan and the UK sign a deal to expand English language education, while Tajikistan’s Asia-Plus launches a Persian-language news service to reach Persian-speaking audiences across the region. Independence & Culture Spotlight: Tajikistan marks its 35th independence anniversary with major state events and renewed emphasis on preserving Tajik language and cultural heritage. UN Flags Fiscal Risks: A UN expert warns Tajikistan about transparency and fiscal practices tied to large debts and big infrastructure projects, urging clearer cost-benefit analysis and public participation. Learning & Language Trends: A report highlights how language skills and reading performance are slipping in international exams, underscoring the wider education challenge. Heritage Through Sport: The World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan wrapped up with traditional competitions and cultural festivals, adding fresh visibility to Central Asian ethnocultural heritage.