Khaama: Mr. Sadiq Jan Hamza, the Head of Mines and Petroleum in Khost, made the announcement during a field visit to the Shamal Dwamanda district, confirming the identification of a significant quartz mine in the region. Quartz is a valuable and widely used mineral in various global industries. It plays a crucial role in the production of glass, electronic devices like computer and TV screens, precision watches, camera and telescope lenses, radar systems, and even in the oil industry. Click here to read more (external link).
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Amu: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s reported ban on chess in Afghanistan, calling the move “regrettable” and warning it could have a lasting impact on the development of the sport in the country. In a statement, FIDE said it is in consultation with the International Olympic Committee, the Asian Chess Federation and other international sports bodies to explore “constructive solutions” to restore the game’s presence in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the Afghan Chess Federation has remained inactive, with no official clearance to resume its operations. 
Ariana: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the absence of mental health services in provincial hospitals across Afghanistan, despite a critical need among the population. The organization reports that all 34 provincial hospitals in the country currently lack specialized mental health facilities. 
Amu: Once a pillar of the local economy in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, the carpentry trade is now faltering under the weight of economic decline, dwindling demand, and a collapse in construction activity, according to local craftsmen. Carpenters in Mazar-e-Sharif say their businesses have slowed to a crawl as customers vanish and new building projects all but disappear. 
Amu: Taliban have dissolved the Afghan Film Organization, once the country’s only state-run film body, and closed its offices, according to four sources, including two familiar with the agency’s operations. No formal statement has been issued by the Taliban. However, staff have been informed that the institution’s structure has been nullified and its operations halted. Founded in 1968 during the reign of King Mohammad Zahir Shah, Afghan Film served for decades as the backbone of Afghanistan’s cinematic and documentary production. It played a pivotal role in preserving the country’s visual history — from newsreels in the 1970s to feature-length fiction films under the Republic.