Disaster Preparedness: ICIMOD warns that even with a weaker 2026 monsoon under El Nino, Bhutan and the wider HKH region face high risks of flash floods and landslides as intense bursts and rising temperatures can hit hard. Health Spending Efficiency: Bhutan’s health ministry and the World Bank discussed ways to cut waste in health financing after spending rose sharply from 2021 to 2025, focusing on better purchasing and smarter resource use. Medical Waste Management: DGHS and UNOPS held a workshop on sustainable medical waste systems, tackling gaps in infrastructure, operations, and coordination. Culture & Heritage Funding: Religious organisations are pushing for higher gewog grants to protect temples, monasteries and heritage sites, saying current allocations delay repairs. Digital Skills for Youth: A Youth Tech-Novation Hackathon showcased young innovators’ digital solutions, building on a wider programme training hundreds of participants. Floods Disrupt Trade: Recurring Amochhu floods in Phuentshogling are stranding exporters’ vehicles and delaying labour permits. Tourism & Online Presence: A digital readiness programme finds many Bhutan’s three-star hotels struggle with Google listings and outdated websites, limiting bookings. Energy Security Dialogue: Indo-German partners discussed renewable energy as a route to energy security and resilience. Gelephu Sacred Project: Preparations for Project 108 in Gelephu Mindfulness City continue, with Zung inner relic work underway at Sarpang Dzong.