Climate & Disaster Watch: The WMO launched its “State of the Climate in Asia 2025” report in Paro, warning that dangerous heat, extreme rainfall and glacier loss are already hitting Asia hard, with ocean heat and marine heatwaves at record levels—raising stakes for early warning and coordinated action. Public Service Tech: Bhutan unveiled its first civil service robot, “Zhiyop,” at the RCSC Innovation Day in Thimphu, able to answer questions from five chapters of the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations, with plans to expand its knowledge base. Media & Resilience: The 10th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention opened in Paro, bringing broadcasters and policymakers together to push for faster, more proactive disaster communication. Education Funding Debate: A parliamentary panel says higher education allocations are “underwhelmed” and urges spending to reach 6% of GDP under NEP 2020. Finance & Business Costs: Bhutan’s government will review lending rate rules with the RMA and banks to see if borrowing costs can be reduced without destabilising the financial sector. Demographics Support: The Third Child Plus Program launched, offering Nu 10,000 per month for third and subsequent children until age three. Local Safety: Thimphu Police are investigating an alleged student battery case at Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School, with students suspended and psychosocial support arranged. Tourism Partnerships: Bhutan’s BITM 2026 signals a shift toward structured international buyer partnerships to strengthen “high value, low volume” tourism. Water Access: A Safe Water Initiative expansion is bringing filtration support to more Bhutanese schools and institutions, aiming for universal clean water access by 2030. Agriculture & Trade: Bhutan and Singapore deepened agri-food ties as Bhutan’s first Mini Bhutan Market opened in Singapore. Weather Risk for HKH: ICIMOD warns that even with below-normal monsoon forecasts for parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya—including Bhutan—flash floods, landslides and drought-flood swings remain a serious risk.