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Monday, February 23, 2026
TopicTaliban

Topic: Taliban

Taliban’s war on music in Afghanistan: Hundreds of tombaks, guitars & national instrument rubab burnt

Since taking control of the country in 2021, the Taliban has dismantled thousands of musical instruments and actively enforced ban on music.

Operating without women: Taliban’s mixed-gender ban for surgical teams worsens Afghanistan health crisis

Women comprise less than a fifth of specialised physicians in the country, new decree risks shutting Afghan women out of professions & access to healthcare.

Taliban uses Sharia to justify its criminal code. It’s not new to me as a Pasmanda Muslim

As someone who has spent years speaking about caste, hierarchy, and inequality within Muslim societies, I cannot ignore the pattern anymore.

Crime & punishment, Taliban adaptation: 15 days’ jail for beating wife, only if there are ‘bruises’

New ‘criminal code’ in Afghanistan also legalises ‘Caste-like slavery’, prescribes flog-at-sight for ‘sinners’ & proposes 3 months’ jail for wife visiting kin without ‘permission’.

Taliban pulls down veil on free speech. Public criticism of regime now punishable

Public flogging & executions have become increasingly common under the Taliban regime. In 2025 alone, 1,000 people, including over 150 women, were punished likewise, Afghanistan's top court has stated. 

No images of ‘living beings’, avoid necktie, grow beard—Taliban extends media crackdown in Herat

Decree from Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice & Department of Information and Culture reported to be in force in 23 provinces, 20 TV stations shut.

US-made MQ-9 Reaper downed in Afghanistan? Claims by Pro-Taliban accounts hint at Pakistan angle

The unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in the Maidan Wardak province in Central Afghanistan. If the drone is confirmed as a MQ-9 Reaper, its likely origin would be from Pakistan.

Pakistan cleric slams Asim Munir over Afghanistan attacks, says then even India’s Op Sindoor justified

“If you justify attacking Afghanistan by claiming you are targeting your enemy there, then why do you object when India targets its enemy in Bahawalpur and Muridke?” JUI-F head Fazlur Rehman said. 

Taliban hiding boom in cross-border narcotics trade behind veil of piety, UN monitors say

UN monitors also warn that areas where the industry is being relocated could potentially benefit ISIL-Khurasan and TTP.

On Camera

One way to cut down Indian dairy export rejections. Fix the labels

While export values have increased, India’s share in the global dairy trade has remained largely stagnant, despite being the world’s largest milk producer.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

India eyes 6th generation FCAS, looks at tying up with France for possible collaboration

Initial talks held on the possibility of India entering the programme that was started in 2017 between France, Germany and Spain to ensure European sovereignty in defence and security.

No country is ever fully sovereign. Cold War era taught India its real meaning

India’s fraught neighbourhood places multiple constraints on its strategic choices. It leaves no time to take a deep breath, lean back and reset.