Lumbini Temple Build: Bhutan has officially started construction of a Nu.160 million temple complex in Lumbini, with a ground-breaking ceremony at the Sacred Garden and plans for an 80m x 80m site in the Western Monastic Zone, reinforcing Bhutan-Nepal Buddhist ties. Disaster Readiness: A full-scale earthquake simulation in Thimphu found gaps in emergency coordination, communication, command structures, medical preparedness, traffic management, and logistics—prompting calls for stronger training, equipment, and clearer reporting lines. Health Education Expansion: KGUMSB plans a new MBBS campus at Gidakom to support Bhutan’s first home-trained doctor batch in 2028, though student accommodation constraints remain a hurdle. Higher Ed Accreditation: RUB proposes reallocating Nu.52.002 million to speed up international programme accreditation for colleges, aiming to boost quality and global competitiveness. Local Governance & Women: Thromde elections show women making up about 40% of candidates for Tshogpa and Thrompon, but only one woman is running for Thrompon in the top executive role in Phuentshogling. Renewables Tax Push: The Ministry of Finance has begun implementing the Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Act 2026, offering time-bound tax relief to cut project costs and attract investment toward 25GW renewables. Cost of Living Relief: GST exemptions expanded to 31 everyday items mean businesses must stop charging the 5% GST on a wider list of household essentials, with retroactive effect from the bill’s passage. Phuentshogling Floods: Heavy rain caused flooding and roadblocks in Phuentshogling, displacing 70+ families and damaging homes and a canteen, with evacuations and machinery deployed for mitigation. Gelephu Tourism Investment: Gelephu Mindfulness City unveiled a tourism investment programme with 20 attractions and 20 activities, inviting private investors to shape a sustainable, high-value tourism economy. Economic Stimulus Progress: India has released over 83% of its Nu 15 billion commitment to Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme, with the fifth tranche of Nu 2.5 billion bringing total disbursement to Nu 12.5bn. RIM Funding Request: RIM has asked to release Nu.43.3 million from its uncommitted 13th FYP budget to strengthen faculty capacity, expand professional education, and attract international students. Project 108 Momentum: Bhutan’s crowdfunded Project 108 in Gelephu has already secured funding for 90 of 108 chortens, with domestic crowdfunding closed and remaining funds to be raised internationally. Energy/Industry Link: BPCL’s planned acquisition of a 40% stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India for ₹85 crore targets India’s value-added bitumen market, with exports that include Nepal and Bhutan.