Power Sector Funding: Pakistan’s PSDP-style push hits Tajikistan too in spirit: the government earmarked Rs 88,000 million for power projects under PSDP 2026-27, including STATCOM installation, major hydropower evacuation lines, and CASA-1000 HVDC transmission. Economic Momentum: The EBRD says Tajikistan is among Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies, citing 8% Q1 2026 growth, fixed investment up 34.2%, and manufacturing up 29.6%—with Rogun and broader industrial expansion driving demand. Water & Infrastructure Modernization: Tajikistan and the ADB discussed modernizing the Bahri Tojik reservoir, focusing on protective dams, pumping upgrades, land reclamation, and SCADA-based digital water management. Digital Industry Push: Dushanbe broke ground on a $100m IT Hub with an IT school, IT park, business center, and a regional AI center—aimed at boosting the digital economy and innovation capacity. Energy Transition Watch: Analysis notes solar overtook gas in Asia’s power mix, underscoring why grid upgrades and storage investment matter for the region’s renewables plans. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The U.S. held a C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana, pressing for Central Asia to move from raw exports to processing and value creation—Tajikistan is in the regional orbit. Culture & Food Tourism: World Food Photography Awards highlighted Tajikistan’s Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium in the overall winner story, spotlighting local tourism and services.