Bhutan’s WTO comeback: Bhutan has resumed World Trade Organisation accession talks after more than 18 years, with the Industry, Commerce and Employment Ministry leading a Working Party meeting in Geneva and citing reforms to modernise laws, strengthen institutions and improve the trade and investment environment. Energy integration for Bhutan: The EU launched a €5 million Energy Connectivity in South Asia project in Kathmandu, covering Bhutan and aiming to boost cross-border electricity trade, renewable integration and energy security. Solar push in Thimphu: Jamjee’s 120MW utility-scale solar farm is about 50% complete, with access roads, ground piles and grid-connection preparations underway, though imported panel logistics could affect timelines. Local governance and resilience: Phuentsholing Thrompon candidate Deepen Ghallay pitched a business-friendly, disaster-resilient plan focused on easing cross-border trade bottlenecks, speeding local area plans and expanding digital municipal services. Disaster and housing risk: Government says it has no plan to rebuild the Amochhu Temporary Shelter in Phuentsholing, pointing to its temporary COVID-era purpose and rising flood and fire risks. Human safety abroad: Bhutan’s foreign ministry says all Bhutanese workers in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar are safe amid renewed US-Iran escalation, with thousands registered at the embassy for monitoring. Student support: Royal University of Bhutan has proposed raising college stipends from Nu 2,500 to up to Nu 6,500 per month to match higher living costs. Drug control: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority tightened rules on tapentadol and nitrous oxide after misuse reports, bringing them under stricter schedules with penalties for illegal trafficking.