AGP Executive Report

Bhutan Digital Census: Bhutan’s Population and Housing Census 2027 will be the country’s first fully digital count, using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing to improve data quality and speed. Climate Science in Bhutan: The first batch of Bhutanese PhD graduates in Climate Studies has completed their three-year programmes at the College of Natural Resources, with research on climate impacts on food systems and climate-resilient farming. Disaster-Ready Cities: A geotechnical study under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project is mapping safer areas for building in Phuentsholing as climate-driven landslides and flash floods strain infrastructure. Education Tech Reform: The Cambridge-aligned curriculum is set for full rollout across Bhutan’s secondary schools by 2027, shifting assessment toward competencies and continuous progress. AI in Learning: Bhutanese students are increasingly using AI tools for explanations, faster revision, and clearer understanding—especially when they get stuck. Power Sector Skills: DGPC, BPC and South Korea’s Hyosung will train Bhutanese engineers and improve maintenance of Gas Insulated Switchgear systems. Regional Connectivity: PTA hosted a South Asian telecom policy meeting in Islamabad to strengthen regulatory cooperation, with Bhutan among participating administrations. Global Tech Policy: The Ethereum Foundation released a policy guide positioning Ethereum as neutral public digital infrastructure—potentially shaping how regulators view public blockchains. Wildlife Conservation: A new study highlights an unrecognized Asian pangolin species in Nepal and northern India, aiming to improve protection against poaching.

Digital Payments Expansion: India’s UPI has gone live in Greece via a Eurobank–NPCI International Payments Limited partnership, enabling instant, secure, low-cost cross-border transfers for eligible users—another step in UPI’s rollout across countries including Bhutan. Climate & Research: Bhutan’s College of Natural Resources in Lobesa has graduated the first batch of PhD scholars in Climate Studies, with theses focused on climate impacts on food systems and climate-resilient farming in Western-Central Bhutan. Disaster Resilience: A Thimphu earthquake simulation after-action review flagged gaps in emergency coordination, communications, medical readiness, traffic management, and logistics—urging stronger preparedness before the next major quake. Urban Safety Planning: In Phuentsholing, a UNDP-supported geotechnical study is guiding safer, climate-resilient development by identifying where it’s safer to build amid landslides and flash-flood risks. Education Tech & Reform: Bhutan is moving ahead with a Cambridge-aligned secondary curriculum rollout by 2027, while students increasingly use AI for faster explanations and study support. Energy Infrastructure: DGPC, BPC and South Korea’s Hyosung signed a tripartite MoU to strengthen maintenance and technical capacity for GIS systems in Bhutan’s power grid.

Education & AI in Higher Learning: MAXHUB showcased AI-enabled smart classroom tools to South Asian university leaders at a UNESCO-backed dialogue, with Bhutan’s Royal University of Bhutan among the attendees. Bhutan Entrepreneurship Push: Bhutan launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy 2026 to move startups from survival to scalable growth, targeting regulatory reform, finance access, skills, support services, market access, and research/technology. Disaster Readiness Check: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation found gaps in emergency coordination, communications, medical readiness, traffic management, and logistics—prompting calls for better training, equipment, and clearer reporting. Safer Urban Planning: A UNDP-supported geotechnical study is guiding climate-risk-informed development in Phuentsholing, aiming to strengthen early warning and safer construction zones. Health Workforce Expansion: KGUMSB plans a new MBBS campus at Gidakom to prepare Bhutan’s first home-trained doctors in 2028, though accommodation constraints remain. Digital Learning & Student Use of AI: Bhutanese students are increasingly using AI for explanations and faster study support, raising questions about responsible use. Power Grid Reliability: DGPC, BPC and Hyosung signed a MoU to improve maintenance and local capacity for gas insulated switchgear systems.

Digital Payments Expansion: India’s UPI has gone live in Greece through a Eurobank–NPCI International Payments Limited partnership, enabling instant, secure, low-cost cross-border transfers for eligible users; UPI is now available in 10 countries including Bhutan. Power Infrastructure & Skills: DGPC, BPC and South Korea’s Hyosung signed a tripartite MoU to strengthen maintenance of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), with spare parts support plus training and certification for Bhutanese engineers. Disaster Readiness: Thimphu’s major earthquake simulation found gaps in emergency coordination, communications, medical preparedness, traffic management and logistics, urging stronger equipment, clearer reporting and more practical training. Climate-Resilient Planning: A UNDP/CDRI-backed geotechnical study is guiding safer, risk-informed development in Phuentsholing, targeting early warning and data-driven decisions for hazard-prone areas. Health & Research Capacity: Bhutan’s Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases at Gidakom is ready to operate next month as an 80-bed facility with negative-pressure isolation, plus a hub for surveillance and training. Education Reform: The Cambridge-aligned curriculum is set for full rollout across secondary schools by 2027, shifting progression to competency-based assessments. Healthcare Workforce: KGUMSB plans a new MBBS campus at Gidakom to support Bhutan’s first home-trained doctor cohort in 2028, despite accommodation constraints. STEM in Schools: Bhutanese students are increasingly using AI for faster explanations and study support, especially when they get stuck. Local Governance: Women make up about 40% of Thromde election candidates in Thimphu and Phuentshogling, but only one woman is running for Thrompon.

Digital Payments: India’s UPI has gone live in Greece via the Eurobank–NIPL partnership, enabling instant, secure, low-cost cross-border transfers; UPI is now available in 10 countries including Bhutan. Climate & Safety: A geotechnical study is guiding safer, climate-resilient urban planning in Phuentsholing, while a full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communications, medical readiness, traffic control, and emergency logistics. Education Tech: Bhutan’s Cambridge-aligned curriculum is set for full rollout across secondary schools by 2027, shifting assessment toward competencies and continuous progress. Health & Research: KGUMSB plans a new MBBS campus at Gidakom to expand medical training as Bhutan prepares its first home-trained doctors in 2028; the Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases at Gidagom is also ready to operate next month as an 80-bed, negative-pressure hub for infectious disease care and research. AI in Daily Learning: Bhutanese students report using AI tools to understand concepts faster and reduce time spent searching for answers. Higher Ed Funding: RUB proposes reallocating Nu.52.002m toward international accreditation for colleges, aiming to boost quality and global competitiveness. Local Governance: Women remain strongly represented among thromde candidates, but top leadership roles still skew male.

Bhutan Economy & Living Costs: Bhutan’s GST Amendment Act 2026 has expanded tax exemptions on everyday essentials, cutting the standard 5% GST on 31 items including cooking oils, butter, milk fats, and accessibility-related welfare items like automatic wheelchairs—retroactive from the bill’s passage. Disaster Preparedness: Thimphu’s full-scale earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communications, staffing, and rescue equipment, with delayed protocol activation and inconsistent information sharing flagged in an after-action review. Public Health Infrastructure: Bhutan’s Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases in Thimphu is ready to operate next month, featuring an 80-bed capacity (100 in emergencies), negative-pressure isolation, and a research/surveillance/training role supported by JICA. Digital & Education Tech: Bhutan is in the spotlight of South Asia’s push for responsible AI in higher education, as UNESCO and partners host policy dialogue where Bhutan’s Royal University of Bhutan is represented. Regional Tech & AI: Defence tech from India’s MCEME highlights an AI-powered offline semantic search engine and an acoustics-based gunshot detection system, showing how emerging tech is moving into practical training. Space-Tech Link: Bhutan and India continue deepening space-tech ties through a satellite intelligence partnership. Health Research: A study protocol is underway to test acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain in Parkinson’s disease, aiming to improve clinical recognition and treatment options. Spiritual Infrastructure: “Project 108” in Gelephu Mindfulness City has already secured funding for 90 of 108 chortens, with domestic crowdfunding closed and remaining support to be raised internationally.

Bhutan-India Development Finance: India has handed Bhutan the fifth tranche of Nu 2.5 billion under the Economic Stimulus Programme, bringing total support to Rs 1,250 crore and highlighting continued post-pandemic push for jobs and recovery. Public Health & Research: Bhutan’s Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases in Thimphu is ready to start operations next month—an 80-bed facility with negative-pressure isolation and a planned role in research, surveillance, and training, supported by JICA. Digital Society Watch: Viral school bullying videos in Thimphu have sparked debate on social media’s impact on youth behaviour and digital responsibility, with students suspended and footage removed. Local Governance: Bhutan’s 2026 Thromde Elections have reached a key milestone with 10,309 voters registered (Thimphu: 9,159; Phuentshogling: 1,150), plus verified postal voting applications. STEM/Space Link: Bhutan and India are deepening space-tech ties through a satellite intelligence partnership. Conservation Science: A decade of rhino reintroduction in Manas shows promising adaptation—useful for Bhutan’s own transboundary conservation thinking.

Infectious Disease Readiness: Bhutan’s Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases in Thimphu is ready to start operations next month, with an 80-bed capacity (100 during emergencies) and the country’s first negative-pressure isolation unit; it also doubles as a hub for research, surveillance, and training, supported by Japan’s JICA after a Nu 2.2bn build. Digital Safety in Schools: Viral bullying videos from Thimphu’s Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School have sparked police and education probes, with students suspended and footage removed—raising fresh debate on youth behaviour and digital responsibility. Thromde Elections Update: The Election Commission of Bhutan has released the final roll for the 2026 Thromde Elections: 10,309 voters in Thimphu and Phuentshogling, plus verified postal voting applications (95 approved). India–Bhutan Economic Stimulus: India has handed over Bhutan’s fifth tranche of Rs 250 crore under the Economic Stimulus Programme, bringing total support to Rs 1,250 crore, with the embassy citing impacts on farmers, youth, SMEs, start-ups, and tourism. Tech Policy & Governance: India’s Ministry of Cooperation outlined a roadmap for the next phase of cooperative reforms, pushing technology-driven governance and modern digital infrastructure to keep cooperatives relevant in a UPI-led economy. Space-Tech Link: Bhutan and India are deepening space-tech ties through a satellite intelligence partnership. Climate-Linked Flood Watch: The Teesta River has surged above danger levels, with runoff reportedly linked to Bhutan and Sikkim—prompting alerts in both India and Bangladesh.

Rhino Conservation in Manas: A decade-long study of reintroduced greater one-horned rhinos in Assam’s Manas National Park shows encouraging reproduction and adaptation, but researchers stress continued introductions and strong protection to reduce long-term inbreeding risks. Bhutan–India Economic Stimulus: India has handed Bhutan the fifth tranche of Rs 250 crore under the Economic Stimulus Programme, bringing total support to Rs 1,250 crore, with officials citing benefits for farmers, students, youth, SMEs, start-ups, and tourism. Thimphu Digital & Social Strain: Viral school-bullying videos have sparked debate and investigations in Bhutan, raising questions about youth behaviour and digital responsibility as social media grows. Disaster Readiness Check: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communication, and emergency preparedness, including delays, weak reporting lines, and hospital and ambulance capacity issues. Thimphu Urban Resilience: The Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for revitalisation under a disaster-resilient infrastructure plan, aiming for greener public spaces, safer pedestrian access, and solar-powered lighting. Local Tech Governance: Bhutan’s Thromde elections are moving forward with 10,309 voters registered for 2026, including postal voting verification results.

Thromde Elections Update: Bhutan’s Election Commission says 10,309 voters are registered for the 2026 Thromde Elections—9,159 in Thimphu Thromde and 1,150 in Phuentshogling—plus postal voting verification is complete (95 approved, 47 rejected), with the campaign running from 21 June until the no-campaign period starts 13 July. India–Bhutan Economic Support: India has handed Bhutan the fifth tranche of its Economic Stimulus Programme—Nu 2.5 billion—bringing total ESP support to Nu 12.5 billion, with the funds tied to post-COVID recovery and also linked to education and digital skilling support. Digital Society Watch: Viral school bullying videos in Thimphu have sparked public debate and police/education probes, raising questions about youth behaviour and digital responsibility as students were suspended and footage taken down. Disaster Readiness: Thimphu’s full-scale earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communications, and emergency capacity, even as evacuation and patient management tests largely worked. Space-Tech Link: Bhutan and India are deepening space-tech ties through a satellite intelligence partnership. HealthTech Spotlight: Artelus, an AI-based healthtech startup, won India’s Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge, securing a grant to co-develop and pilot its solution.

Bhutan-India Economic Stimulus: India has handed Bhutan the fifth tranche of its Economic Stimulus Programme—Nu 2.5 billion (₹250 crore)—bringing total support to Nu 12+ billion under a wider Nu 15 billion commitment, with the funds tied to post-COVID recovery and jobs across farmers, students, youth, SMEs, start-ups, creative industries, hospitality and tourism. Urban Resilience & Climate Adaptation: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for a major makeover under the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project, aiming for greener public spaces, walking trails, solar lighting, better pedestrian access, and stronger flood mitigation. Disaster Preparedness Check: A full-scale earthquake simulation in Thimphu found gaps in coordination, communication, and emergency readiness, including delays in activation, weak backup systems, and shortages at the National Referral Hospital. Digital Society & Youth Safety: Viral school bullying videos in Thimphu have sparked police and education probes and renewed debate on digital responsibility and misinformation as students were suspended and footage removed. Conservation Spotlight: Bhutan’s wider region conservation story continues with the release of rescued golden langurs in Assam, a species found only in a narrow corridor spanning western Assam and southern Bhutan.

Bhutan-India Economic Stimulus: India handed Bhutan the fifth tranche of Nu 2.5 billion (₹250 crore) under the Economic Stimulus Programme, bringing total support to Nu 12.5 billion (₹1,250 crore), with the funds aimed at post-COVID recovery and jobs, plus related education and digital skilling support. Digital Bhutan: Bhutan’s Parliament heard that the digital economy is now creating jobs and income, highlighting progress like the National Digital Identity (NDI) system and plans to expand digital transformation in 2026–27. Digital Safety in Schools: Viral bullying videos in Thimphu sparked police and education probes, with students suspended and authorities warning about digital responsibility and misinformation. Disaster Preparedness: A full-scale Thimphu earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communications, and emergency readiness, even as evacuation and patient management systems largely worked. Urban Resilience Upgrade: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for revitalisation under a disaster-resilient infrastructure plan, including greener public spaces and solar-powered lighting. Conservation & Wildlife: Bhutan’s shared golden langur habitat remains under pressure as Assam released rescued langurs after trafficking busts, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement.

Bhutan–India Development: India handed over Bhutan’s 5th tranche of the Economic Stimulus Programme—Rs 250 crore (Nu 2.5bn)—bringing total support to Rs 1,250 crore, with the funds aimed at post-COVID recovery and jobs, plus a separate Nu 464m for education and skills including teacher training, digital skilling under Digital Drukyul, and STEM teacher recruitment. Digital Bhutan: Bhutan’s State of the Nation report says the digital economy is growing into a real jobs and income driver, highlighting the National Digital Identity system and plans to expand digital transformation in 2026–27. Urban Resilience in Thimphu: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for a major makeover under a disaster-resilient infrastructure effort, combining ecological restoration, safer pedestrian access, and solar-powered lighting. Disaster Preparedness: A full-scale earthquake simulation in Thimphu found gaps in coordination, communications, and emergency readiness, including hospital capacity and backup systems. STEM & Health Research: New clinical research on generalized pustular psoriasis adds to the growing evidence base on severe inflammatory skin disease and care needs. Social Media & Youth Safety: Viral bullying videos from Thimphu’s schools have triggered police and education probes, raising fresh debate on digital responsibility and misinformation. Wildlife Conservation: Seven endangered golden langurs rescued from traffickers in Assam were released back into the wild after rehabilitation, underscoring ongoing smuggling pressure across the Assam–Bhutan corridor.

Bhutan–India Space Tech: Bhutan and India deepened space-tech ties via a satellite intelligence partnership, strengthening regional capabilities for data-driven planning. Digital Bhutan: The State of the Nation Report says Bhutan’s digital economy is creating jobs and expanding services, with the National Digital Identity system enabling safer online access. GovTech Skills Push: India handed Bhutan Nu 2.5bn as the fifth tranche of the Economic Stimulus Programme, plus Nu 464m for education and digital skilling, including training for teachers and STEM educators. Tax Relief for Daily Life: Bhutan’s National Assembly passed a GST Amendment Bill expanding GST-exempt essential goods from 9 to 31 items, aiming to cut living costs and support food security. Capital Markets Watch: RSEB data shows Bhutan’s stock market is gradually maturing after a strong early-year surge, with trading stabilizing across March–May. Disaster Readiness: Thimphu’s full-scale earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communications, and hospital surge capacity, even as evacuation and patient management systems were tested. Urban Resilience Upgrade: Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten stream corridor is set for revitalisation—greener public spaces, solar lighting, better pedestrian access, and flood-risk mitigation. Circular Economy Funding: Recykal raised a $23m bridge round to expand waste-management tech and accelerate its Deposit Return System deployments. Wildlife Conservation: Seven rescued golden langurs were released back into the wild in Assam after rehabilitation, highlighting cross-border habitat links with Bhutan.

Bhutan Digital Push: Bhutan’s State of the Nation Report says the digital economy is creating jobs and income, highlighting the National Digital Identity system and plans to expand digital transformation in 2026–27. Digital Governance Audit: A Royal Audit Authority special audit flags major procurement and planning weaknesses in Bhutan’s BITS 1.0 taxation system, including direct awards without open bidding, raising concerns over value for money. Disaster Readiness: Thimphu tested earthquake preparedness with a full-scale simulation of a magnitude 7.5 quake, involving rescue, evacuation, and hospital emergency procedures across multiple sites. Population Pressure: The same State of the Nation Report warns outmigration and falling birth rates are becoming an “existential crisis,” even as GDP and development gains continue. Live Sound Skills: Bhutan held its first Essentials Training Programme for Live Sound to build local technical capacity for the growing creative and events sector. Waste-Tech Investment: India’s Recykal raised a $23m bridge round to expand its circular economy and Deposit Return System deployments. Power & Tech: Adani Power outlined a Rs 2 trillion capex plan for 45 GW capacity and a nuclear entry targeting 10 GW by 2035, with a Bhutan hydropower partnership mentioned.

Digital Governance & Tax Tech: Bhutan’s Royal Audit Authority flags major procurement and planning problems in the Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS 1.0), including a direct award worth Nu. 610.11m without open bidding, raising transparency and value-for-money concerns as the system transitions toward BITS 2.0/BIRMS. Disaster Preparedness: Thimphu runs a full-scale earthquake simulation for a potential magnitude 7.5 event, testing rescue, evacuation, hospital emergency procedures, and incident management across multiple sites. Human Capital Pressure: Bhutan’s State of the Nation Report warns that outmigration and falling birth rates are becoming an “existential crisis,” even as GDP rises and fiscal gaps close under the 13th Five-Year Plan. Local Tech Ecosystem: The Tech Solutions Connect Forum in Thimphu showcases Bhutan-made digital tools like cybersecurity, POS systems, and smart robotics, aiming to link developers with government and private buyers. Energy & Investment Linkages: Adani’s AGM remarks include a plan to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects in Bhutan with DGPC, alongside broader energy and nuclear ambitions. STEM & Skills Building: KGUMSB’s mid-term review highlights progress in faculty development, technology-enabled learning, and new academic programmes.