Afghanistan, five years on: our correspondent visits

Five years after the Taliban's return to power, the regime has consolidated control under hardliners, resulting in severe economic hardship, restricted freedoms for women, and international isolation, despite a notable improvement in security. A 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has simultaneously exposed deep societal fractures, as the new government struggles to coordinate effective rescue operations in impoverished, remote regions like Chocó, highlighting a stark divide between wealthy urban centers and neglected rural areas. Meanwhile, the life of record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal Purja serves as a testament to human endurance; he redefined high-altitude climbing through his "Project Possible" initiative, utilizing military-style discipline and controversial methods—including bottled oxygen and helicopter support—to conquer the world’s 14 highest peaks in record time before his death in an avalanche.