Energy & Infrastructure: Bhutan is expected to keep importing electricity through winter until around 2034 as hydropower output dips sharply while demand rises, with the seasonal gap driving imports since 2022. Energy Transition: To ease winter shortages, Bhutan is expanding solar, including a new 4.45MW farm on former military land near Thimphu, as hydropower drops to a fraction of capacity in the lean season. Glacial Risk Management: NCHM has begun the second phase of Thorthormi Lake siphon testing, shifting materials to a new outlet point after last year’s pilot couldn’t start flow. Finance for Women & SMEs: Bhutan Development Bank Limited will roll out its women-focused Aumtsue Peljor Thabrig lending scheme nationwide in October, pairing credit with financial literacy and business support. Cross-Border Payments: Bhutanese travellers can now pay in India via UPI using supported Bhutanese banking apps, following the second phase launch in Thimphu. Public Works in Thimphu: The government has allocated Nu 3M for concept design of the Lungtenzampa Bridge, part of a larger Nu 150M plan. Conservation & Industry Inputs: Forestry officials completed a large musk deer camera-trap survey, with data now being analysed to guide habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts. Human Capital: Nearly 2,000 candidates are competing for 742 civil service vacancies in the 2026 BCSE, with technical roles drawing the biggest numbers. India-Bhutan Ties: EAM Jaishankar’s visit concluded with a new INR 4,000 crore concessional line of credit for Bhutan energy projects and progress on connectivity and education cooperation.