Climate & Water: Bhutan’s newly released Bhutan Glacier Inventory (BGI) 2026 reports the country has lost 27 glaciers and 9.16% of glacier area in nine years, shrinking from 700 glaciers (629.55 sq km) to 673 glaciers (571.86 sq km), with retreat across most basins and fragmentation driving glacier-number changes in Mangde Chhu. Mining & Policy: The Department of Geology and Mines revised Bhutan’s minimum floor prices for major mineral exports (effective July 4) to strengthen royalty collection, prevent undervaluation, and align assessments with global market shifts. Industry & Jobs: Bhutan’s Industry Statistics Report 2025–2026 shows cottage industries growing fastest (+17.7% in four years) while manufacturing rises steadily, pointing to gradual value-add beyond services. Digital Infrastructure: Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority signed an LOI with Canadian SATO Technology Corps to develop a hydro-powered AI data-centre campus on the Bhutan–India border, reserving 100 MW firm power (starting 5 MW, expandable to 500 MW). Biodiversity & Research: A rare Himalayan flowering plant, Cyananthus hookeri, was rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 158 years, with fewer than 50 mature plants found near Chuna Valley—also relevant to Bhutan’s shared Himalayan range. Conservation Tech: A new EU-funded South Asia energy connectivity project (€5m, four years) aims to expand cross-border power trade among Bhutan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, supporting cleaner generation and more resilient grids.