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Once-overrun Darien Gap migrant route to US virtually deserted amid Trump migrant crackdowns, before-and-after photos show

The treacherous Darien Gap migrant route to the United States has become a complete ghost town in the wake of the Trump administration’s fierce crackdown on illegal immigration, before-and-after-photos show.
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The Jets draft strategy that could allow Justin Fields to take off

Especially if the plan, as Aaron Glenn suggested, is to let Fields develop as a dropback passer instead of a running back with a good arm?
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Immigrant workers ‘appreciation day’ organised in Derry following £2.9m funding

The North West Migrants Forum was awarded the funding through PEACEPLUS
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ADB Forecasts Steady Economic Growth for Tajikistan Through 2026

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects that Tajikistan will sustain strong economic growth over the next two years, according to the bank’s Asian Development Outlook 2025 released in April.

Robust Growth Ahead

Tajikistan’s gross domestic product is forecast to grow by 7.4% in 2025 and 6.8% in 2026. This growth is expected to be fueled by significant investments in the energy and industrial sectors, solid domestic demand, and an increasingly dynamic private sector.

While these figures mark a slight decline from the impressive 8.4% GDP growth recorded in 2024, one of the highest in the region, the ADB highlights the need for deeper structural reforms. In particular, digital transformation and the expansion of e-governance are deemed critical to ensuring long-term, sustainable development.

Digital Transformation: Opportunities and Hurdles

ADB’s Resident Representative in Tajikistan, Ko Sakamoto, emphasized the strategic importance of digitalization.

“We welcome the government’s prioritization of digital transformation as a key driver of development. We stand ready to support efforts to overcome persistent barriers, including a lack of investment,” he said.

Despite widespread mobile phone usage, Tajikistan ranks 139th globally in mobile internet speed. However, digital engagement is on the rise: in the first half of 2024, the number of registered digital wallets hit 10.4 million, and non-cash transactions rose 16.2% year-on-year.

ADB experts recommend that Tajikistan focus on developing a robust digital infrastructure to broaden access to public services. The widespread integration of digital technologies in governance and business is seen as vital to industrial modernization and improving overall quality of life.

Inflation, meanwhile, is projected at 5.0% in 2025 and 5.8% in 2026. Key inflationary pressures include rising consumer lending, salary increases for public sector employees, and higher utility tariffs.

Continued Partnership and Support

The Asian Development Bank, a major multilateral financial institution supporting sustainable and inclusive development across Asia and the Pacific, has been working with Tajikistan since 1998. Over that time, the country has received more than $2.7 billion in assistance, including $2.2 billion in grants.

These funds have supported vital infrastructure projects in transportation and energy, as well as climate resilience and social development programs.

Established in 1966, ADB has 69 member countries, 49 of which are from the region. The bank continues to be one of Tajikistan’s principal development partners, offering innovative financing tools and strategic cooperation to enhance economic sustainability and improve livelihoods.

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Protesters in Russia try to disrupt Poland’s commemoration of president’s plane crash

Protesters in Russia try to disrupt Poland’s commemoration of president’s plane crash [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
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Jokic has 32nd triple-double to lead Nuggets past Kings 124-116 in Denver’s 1st game without Malone

Jokic has 32nd triple-double to lead Nuggets past Kings 124-116 in Denver’s 1st game without Malone
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What to know about the Real ID deadline in May

After May 7, fliers in the U.S. will need a Real ID, a passport or other approved identification in order to travel domestically.
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Here’s what to know about nations considering the 1st global tax on emissions for shipping

Here’s what to know about nations considering the 1st global tax on emissions for shipping
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‘Fight’s not over’: Voters cheer as Trump reverses course on Social Security service cuts

Social Security advocates celebrated a hard-fought win on Wednesday while still stressing that the Trump administration poses a dire threat to millions of Americans’ earned benefits. The Social Security Administration on Tuesday seemingly walked back plans to require beneficiaries to verify their identities using an online system and force those wh…
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IRS Tax Return Deadline Is Days Away—Here’s How to File an Extension Fast

The IRS allows you to request an extension and avoid the late-filing penalties.