El Niño Humanitarian Push: FAO and WFP have launched a $202 million anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries from looming El Niño impacts, including drought, floods and storms—Afghanistan is listed among the most at-risk. Hunger Hotspots Worsen: UN agencies warn acute hunger will intensify in 13 hotspots, with Afghanistan named as one of the countries where conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks could push more people toward famine. Polio Alert in Afghanistan: WHO confirmed two new wild polio cases in Afghanistan (Kunar and Helmand), bringing 2026 totals to six and noting continued virus circulation in the environment. Return of Afghan Refugees: Afghanistan’s MoRR says 485 Afghan refugees were released from Pakistani prisons and returned this week, including families and people detained for lacking documents. Taliban Tech Crackdown: The Taliban ordered officials and members to stop using smartphones, with reports of devices being confiscated and destroyed. Water & Climate Pressure: UNAMA reports drought and desertification are threatening lives and food security, underscoring how climate stress is compounding Afghanistan’s humanitarian risks.