AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness in Bhutan: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation (7.5 scenario) tested how authorities, hospitals, and emergency responders coordinate, and it flagged gaps in emergency equipment and resource mobilisation, with Nepal’s earthquake experts supporting the exercise under Bhutan’s Thimphu Earthquake Contingency Plan. Hydropower Deal for Bhutan: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC signed an agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydro project in Wangdue Phodrang, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo Energy 49%, and work on the Detailed Project Report now underway. Bhutan Trade Snapshot: Bhutan’s trade deficit widened in Q2, with imports reaching about Nu 42.7bn and the deficit near Nu 23.9bn; fuel, smartphones, vehicles, and networking equipment were major drivers, while India remained the top import source. STEM Capacity Building in Bhutan: Bhutan’s push toward 5,000 MW solar by 2040 is increasing demand for engineers skilled in designing, modelling, and assessing large solar projects.

Disaster Preparedness: Bhutan’s Thimphu earthquake drill for a 7.5 scenario has flagged real gaps in emergency equipment and how quickly resources can be mobilised, with hospitals and responders tested on coordination, communications, rescue and relief under a Thimphu Earthquake Contingency Plan. Hydropower Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC have signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydro project, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo Energy 49%, and a detailed project report now underway. Energy Skills: Bhutan’s solar push toward 5,000 MW by 2040 is driving demand for engineers trained in designing, modelling and assessing utility-scale solar projects. Local Planning: Haa Dzongkhag has lifted its construction moratorium inside the Haa Throm boundary after revising the Haa Local Area Plan and Development Control Regulations, restarting approvals for new builds and major renovations. Trade Watch: Bhutan’s trade deficit widened in Q2 to nearly Nu 24bn as imports rose to about Nu 43bn, with fuel, food and smartphones among the biggest categories. Wildlife Conservation: In Ladakh, conservation efforts to protect black-necked cranes included sterilising 2,950 free-ranging dogs to reduce predation on chicks, amid threats from shrinking wetlands and development.

Bhutan–Energy Deal: JSW Energy’s arm JSW Neo and Bhutan’s DGPC have signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydropower project in Wangdue Phodrang, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%; the detailed project report is now being prepared. Bhutan–Trade Watch: Bhutan’s import bill kept rising—Q2 imports hit about Nu 42.7bn, widening the trade deficit to nearly Nu 24bn; fuel, smartphones, vehicles and networking equipment were major drivers. Bhutan–Local Planning: Haa Dzongkhag lifted its construction moratorium after revising the Haa Local Area Plan and Development Control Regulations, restarting approvals for new builds, renovations and land subdivisions. Bhutan–Highland Livelihoods: In Naro, cordyceps collectors held back sales after auction prices fell below expectations, with earnings ranging from Nu 190,000 to Nu 936,000 depending on quality. Bhutan–Digital & Policy: A Finance Ministry report says state-owned enterprises generated 23.06% of Bhutan’s GDP in 2023 but employed only 3.55% of the workforce, underscoring their role in capital-heavy sectors.

Hydropower Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC have signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydro project in Wangdue Phodrang, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and a detailed project report now underway. Digital Governance: Bhutan is convening a high-level dialogue on people-centred digital transformation, focusing on inclusive access and responsible governance as AI and online risks grow. Public Health: Bhutan’s Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts against drug-resistant tuberculosis with earlier diagnosis, contact screening, and community-based interventions, while noting treatment success remains above 90%. STEM & Skills: Engineers are being trained for advanced solar work as Bhutan’s solar push grows, including demand for skills in designing and assessing utility-scale projects. Highland Livelihoods: A special technical committee is being formed to assess highlanders’ winter challenges, with representatives from key districts and sectors including agriculture, health, energy, technology, and local governance. Community Science & Trade: In Thimphu’s Naro, cordyceps collectors are holding back sales after auction prices fell, reflecting uncertainty in a key seasonal income source.

Hydropower Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III project, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and the detailed project report now under way. Solar Skills: Engineers have started advanced solar training at CST as Bhutan’s solar push grows toward larger utility-scale projects. Health Tech & Policy: Bhutan’s MoH is strengthening drug-resistant TB prevention and early diagnosis, aiming to close gaps in case detection while keeping treatment success above 90%. Digital Governance: Bhutan held a high-level dialogue on inclusive digital transformation and responsible AI as public services and payments move online. Food Safety: BFDA tightened mango import testing and rules after calcium carbide was found in consignments, using risk-based oversight to protect consumers. EV Affordability: Bhutan says it will assess the EV market before adding incentives, noting EVs still keep major tax advantages even after GST reforms. Trade Watch: Bhutan’s Q2 trade deficit widened to nearly Nu 24bn, driven by rising imports including fuel and smartphones. Wildlife Conservation: Ladakh’s Black-necked Crane Festival spotlighted threats to the species, while a separate effort sterilised 2,950 free-ranging dogs to protect crane chicks.

Bhutan Trade Watch: Bhutan’s trade deficit widened to nearly Nu 24bn in Q2 as imports hit about Nu 42.7bn, driven by fuel, food, smartphones, vehicles and networking gear, with India still the biggest partner. Renewable Power Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC signed an agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydropower project, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and a detailed project report now underway. Solar Skills Push: Engineers have started advanced solar training at CST as Bhutan expands toward larger utility-scale solar. Digital Governance & AI: A Bhutan dialogue focused on people-centred digital transformation, inclusive access, and responsible governance as AI and online risks grow. Public Health: MoH strengthened measures against drug-resistant TB, stressing early diagnosis, contact screening and community interventions. Food Safety: BFDA tightened mango import testing and rules after calcium carbide was found in some consignments. E-mobility Policy: Bhutan said it will assess the EV market before adding incentives, while noting EVs keep favourable tax treatment. Local Economy: In Naro, cordyceps collectors held back sales after prices fell, citing limited buyer competition and uncertainty. Science & Nature: A rare Himalayan bee (Colletes bhutanicus) was recorded in India for the first time in Arunachal’s Tawang, adding to pollinator knowledge across the eastern Himalayas.

Hydropower Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III project in Wangdue Phodrang, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and a detailed project report now underway. Solar Skills: Engineers have begun advanced solar training at CST as Bhutan’s solar push grows toward larger utility-scale projects. EV Policy: Bhutan’s finance ministry says EVs keep favourable tax treatment under recent reforms, and the government will assess the EV market before adding more incentives to meet the 2035 target of 70% of new vehicle sales being electric. Digital Governance: Bhutan held a high-level dialogue on inclusive digital transformation and responsible digital governance as AI and online risks rise. Health: The Ministry of Health is strengthening measures against drug-resistant TB with a focus on early diagnosis, contact screening and community interventions. Food Safety: BFDA tightened lab testing and import rules after mango consignments were flagged for calcium carbide in other countries. Urban Planning: Haa Dzongkhag lifted its moratorium on construction activities after revising the Haa Local Area Plan and Development Control Regulations. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Ladakh hosted India’s first Black-necked Crane Festival, with Bhutan and Nepal participants, while a conservation drive sterilised 2,950 free-ranging dogs to protect crane breeding. Science Discovery: ZSI recorded the rare solitary Himalayan bee Colletes bhutanicus for the first time in India from Tawang, expanding known Himalayan pollinator distribution. Economy Snapshot: A Finance Ministry report says Bhutan’s SOEs generated 23.06% of GDP in 2023 but employed only 3.55% of the workforce.

Hydropower Deal: JSW Energy and Bhutan’s DGPC signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III project, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and a detailed project report now under way. Solar Skills: Engineers have started advanced solar training at CST as Bhutan pushes toward 5,000 MW of solar by 2040, signalling a growing need for project design and assessment expertise. Digital Governance: Bhutan held a high-level dialogue on people-centred digital transformation, focusing on inclusive access and responsible governance as AI and online risks rise. Public Health: The Ministry of Health is strengthening drug-resistant TB prevention and early diagnosis, aiming to close gaps in case detection while maintaining high treatment success. Food Safety: BFDA tightened mango import testing and rules after calcium carbide was detected in consignments, warning of potential harmful residues. Urban Planning: Haa lifted its construction moratorium after revising the Haa Local Area Plan and Development Control Regulations, restarting approvals under updated guidelines. Wildlife & Conservation: Ladakh launched India’s first Black-necked Crane Festival, while a separate effort sterilised 2,950 free-ranging dogs to protect crane breeding in high-altitude wetlands. Biodiversity Find: ZSI scientists recorded the rare solitary Himalayan bee Colletes bhutanicus for the first time in India from Tawang, expanding known pollinator range across the eastern Himalayas. EV Policy: Bhutan said it will assess the EV market before adding incentives, noting EVs still keep favourable tax treatment as the 2035 adoption target approaches.

Hydropower Deal: JSW Neo and Bhutan’s DGPC have signed a pact to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III project, with DGPC holding 51% and JSW Neo 49%, and both sides preparing the detailed project report. Disaster-Ready Engineering: Bhutan is training engineers, architects and planners to assess risks and retrofit infrastructure for hazards like earthquakes and glacial lake outburst floods, aiming to close gaps in disaster resilience. Digital Governance & AI Risks: A high-level dialogue in Bhutan focused on people-centred digital transformation, inclusive access to online services, and responsible governance as AI and online risks grow. Health Security (DR-TB): Bhutan’s Ministry of Health is strengthening drug-resistant TB prevention and care through earlier diagnosis, better treatment, contact screening and community interventions. Food Safety Watch: BFDA tightened testing and import rules after reports of Indian mangoes failing checks abroad, including calcium carbide concerns. E-Mobility Policy: Bhutan’s government says EVs keep major tax advantages under recent reforms, and it will assess the EV market before considering further incentives. Biodiversity Note: A rare solitary Himalayan bee, Colletes bhutanicus, was recorded for the first time in India from Arunachal’s Tawang, expanding knowledge of Himalayan pollinators. Economy Snapshot (SOEs): A Finance Ministry report says SOEs produced 23.06% of Bhutan’s GDP in 2023 but employed only 3.55% of the workforce, reflecting their capital-heavy role.

Cordyceps Market Watch: In Thimphu’s Naro Gewog, many cordyceps collectors held back sales at this year’s auction after prices fell below expectations, citing limited buyer competition and uncertainty over the trade’s future. Public Enterprise Snapshot: A Finance Ministry report says Bhutan’s state-owned enterprises generated 23.06% of GDP in 2023 but employed only 3.55% of the workforce, underscoring their heavy footprint in capital-intensive sectors. Digital Governance & AI Risks: A high-level dialogue in Bhutan pushed for people-centred digital transformation as online risks and AI governance concerns grow. Health Security: The Ministry of Health is strengthening drug-resistant TB prevention and early diagnosis, aiming to close gaps in case detection while keeping treatment success above 90%. Food Safety: BFDA tightened mango import testing and rules after calcium carbide was found in some consignments, raising residue health concerns. Hydropower Deal: JSW Neo and Druk Green Power Corporation signed an agreement to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III project. EV Policy: Bhutan said it will assess the EV market before adding incentives, noting EVs still retain favourable tax advantages. Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: Engineers and planners are being trained to assess vulnerabilities and retrofit structures to better withstand floods, earthquakes, and glacial lake outburst risks. Medical Collaboration: Bhutan and Thailand agreed to expand specialised surgical support, including laparoscopic/endoscopic skills and chronic kidney disease treatment. Biodiversity Note: A rare Himalayan solitary bee, Colletes bhutanicus, was recorded for the first time in India from Arunachal’s Tawang, adding to Himalayan pollinator mapping.

Solar Supply Chain: India’s MNRE is considering incentives to grow domestic polysilicon manufacturing, aiming to cut import dependence and deepen the solar value chain. Food Safety: Bhutan’s BFDA tightened mango import rules after lab tests found calcium carbide in some consignments, stepping up risk-based surveillance to protect consumers. EV Policy: Bhutan’s finance ministry says it will assess the EV market before adding incentives, noting EVs still keep major tax advantages under the latest reforms. Healthcare Skills Transfer: Bhutan and Thailand signed an MoU to expand complex surgeries at home, including laparoscopic/endoscopic procedures and chronic kidney disease care. Mining & Critical Minerals: Bhutan’s airborne geophysical survey points to promising targets for copper, tungsten and rare earth elements, with ground validation now underway. Industrial Growth: Samtse is building two industrial parks with about Nu 1.72 billion investment, creating space for 75 industries. ICT & Digital Push: Bhutan’s EV and connectivity agenda also ties into broader regional tech priorities, including AI-ready talent and digital public infrastructure. Monsoon Watch: Satellite imagery shows a long monsoon cloud belt stretching across South Asia, with potential for widespread heavy rain over the Himalayas and beyond.

Food Safety: BFDA has tightened mango import testing after samples linked to calcium carbide—used for artificial ripening—were found in consignments, with the regulator warning about potential harmful residues and using a risk-based system to respond to international alerts. E-Mobility Policy: Bhutan’s EV push faces affordability questions, but the finance ministry says EVs keep major tax advantages (GST only), while officials will assess the EV market before any new incentives. Healthcare Capacity: Bhutan and Thailand signed an MoU to expand complex surgeries at home, including laparoscopic/endoscopic procedures and chronic kidney disease treatment, building on earlier Thai-guided renal transplant work. Digital Connectivity: GovTech says the Third International Internet Gateway is aiming for an early 2027 rollout, focusing on resilience and capacity while noting any near-term data cost relief depends on institutional mechanisms. Critical Minerals: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey flagged wider targets for tungsten, copper and rare earth elements, with ground validation now the next step. Industrial Growth: Samtse is advancing industrialisation with two new parks (Dhamdum and Norbugang) attracting about Nu 1.72 billion and space for 75 industries. ICT Priorities (Region): Bangladesh outlined five ICT/telecom priorities—better connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, AI-ready talent, electronics manufacturing, and a more predictable tax framework.

Bhutan’s Critical Minerals: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey has flagged promising targets for copper, tungsten and rare earth elements across the Lower Southern Belt and the Thimphu–Paro region, with DGM moving to ground validation, sampling and drilling—potentially reshaping Bhutan’s resource story while keeping GNH and sustainability front and centre. EV Push & Fuel Savings: Bhutan says rapid electric mobility could cut fossil fuel import costs by Nu 7.53 billion by 2030, projecting EV growth from 714 vehicles (2025) to 16,718 (2030) and net benefits of about Nu 3.6–3.8 billion after charging investments. Digital Resilience: Bhutan’s Third International Internet Gateway (3IIG) is working through regulatory checks for an early 2027 rollout, aiming to diversify routes and strengthen e-resilience while officials say affordability impacts will depend on how costs are managed. Food Safety Crackdown: BFDA has tightened checks on imported mangoes after lab tests found calcium carbide in some samples, stepping up risk-based surveillance to protect consumers amid regional food safety alerts. Industrial Growth in Bhutan: Samtse’s industrial transformation is accelerating with Nu 1.72 billion invested in two industrial parks, creating space for 75 industries and boosting manufacturing and heavy-industry capacity. Crypto Market Watch (Bhutan-linked): Bhutan’s government-linked bitcoin sales appear to be continuing as BTC is moved to exchanges, while other firms also signal interest in licensed digital-asset activity tied to Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Bhutan’s Mineral Push: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey has flagged promising targets for copper, tungsten and rare earth elements in the Lower Southern Belt and Thimphu–Paro, with DGM moving to ground validation, sampling and drilling—raising big questions about how mining can fit Bhutan’s conservation and GNH commitments. Samtse Industry Boost: Samtse’s industrial transformation is accelerating with Nu 1.72 billion invested in two industrial parks (Dhamdum and Norbugang) creating space for 75 industries across manufacturing, processing and heavy industry. Digital Finance & Cyber Banking (India): Amit Shah launched “Sahkar Nav-Kranti,” including a Security Operations Centre and “Bank in a Box” services for Urban Cooperative Banks under a new umbrella organisation. Renewables Price Signal (India): SECI’s latest round-the-clock renewable energy bid discovered a competitive ₹5.25/unit tariff, backed by hybrid solar-wind-storage for 90% assured availability. UPI Cross-Border Momentum: UPI is expanding beyond India, with more countries enabling UPI-based payments and discussions underway for further integration—while the debate on transaction charges continues. Healthcare Skills Link (Bhutan–Singapore): Singapore’s Asian Nursing Scholarship is bringing Bhutanese nurses into public healthcare, with around 40 scholars serving in Singapore’s system. Crypto Sales Update (Bhutan): Reports say Bhutan’s government-linked wallets have continued selling BTC via Binance as part of funding plans tied to Gelephu Mindfulness City. Regional Connectivity: India plans a major railway upgrade along frontier borders (China, Pakistan, Bangladesh), while India–Nepal freight is seeing more direct container movement via streamlined paperwork.

Bhutan Mining & Geology: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey (15,410 sq km) has flagged promising targets for copper, tungsten and rare earths in the Lower Southern Belt and Thimphu–Paro, using magnetic, gravity and LiDAR sensors; the Department of Geology and Mines now moves to ground validation, geochemical sampling and drilling—raising big questions about how mining can fit Bhutan’s conservation and Gross National Happiness rules. ICT & Digital Policy: Rehan Asif Asad outlined a five-priority ICT/telecom push in Bangladesh: lighter telecom taxes (including removing the SIM tax), better mobile/broadband quality, Digital Public Infrastructure with “One Citizen, One ID, One Digital Wallet,” AI-ready talent, and incentives to grow electronics manufacturing. Digital Finance in Bhutan: Bitget signed a cooperation agreement with Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to pursue a licensed presence in GMC and apply for a Financial Services Licence under the city’s framework, with work on regulation and ecosystem building. Healthcare Skills Link: Singapore’s Asian Nursing Scholarship is bringing Bhutanese nurses into public healthcare—around 40 scholars are already serving in Singapore’s system. Energy & Grid Reliability (Region): India’s SECI found a competitive ₹5.25/unit tariff in a round-the-clock hybrid renewable bid, highlighting storage-backed reliability.

Bhutan Mining & Geoscience: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey (15,410 sq km) has flagged promising targets for copper, tungsten and rare earths in the Lower Southern Belt and Thimphu–Paro, with DGM moving to ground validation, sampling and drilling—raising big questions about how critical-mineral development can fit Bhutan’s conservation and GNH rules. Digital Finance in Bhutan: Bitget has signed a cooperation agreement with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority to set up a legal presence in GMC and apply for a Financial Services Licence under the Gelephu Financial Services Office framework, with work on regulation and ecosystem building pending approvals. Energy & Power Tech (Regionally relevant): India’s SECI has discovered a competitive ₹5.25/unit tariff in a round-the-clock hybrid renewable bid, aiming for reliable power via solar-wind-storage integration—useful context for Bhutan’s own clean-energy planning. Healthcare Skills Link: Singapore is bringing in Bhutanese nursing talent through the Asian Nursing Scholarship, with around 40 Bhutanese scholars now serving in Singapore’s public healthcare system. Early Warning for GLOFs: A study with Lunana communities finds mobile-phone and local knowledge can strengthen glacial lake outburst flood preparedness beyond formal warning systems.