TAPI Pipeline Update: Construction of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat has reached 52% completion, with 80 km of pipe laid and 72.3 km of materials delivered from Turkmenistan; officials say the 130-km Herat segment is targeted for completion by end-2026, with work then set to move onward. Critical Minerals Push: The U.S. held its first in-person C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue in Astana, aiming to reduce dependence on China by moving tentative financing and cooperation plans toward implementation across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Science & Industry Skills: Turkmenistan marked Science Day with major events, including the President being elected an academician and awarded professor status in economics and political sciences, alongside diploma presentations for top researchers—framing science as a direct driver for innovation and industrial progress. Agrifood & Climate Work: FAO and the GEF highlighted agrifood projects across Central Asia and beyond that link farming with climate, biodiversity and land restoration goals, stressing policy support and farmer adoption. Energy Market Signals: Malaysia’s energy ministry said El Niño could cut crop yields by 8–10% this year and noted a long-term hydrocarbons cooperation agreement with Turkmenistan is expected on June 19.