AGP Executive Report

Education & Language Policy: Bhutan’s Education ministry revised student assessment rules: from this academic year, students no longer need a separate 40% in both written exams and continuous assessment to pass—only a combined minimum overall 40% is required, after concerns that many students are failing Dzongkha. Land Administration Tech: A new digital consent system from the National Land Commission Secretariat, linked to Bhutan’s National Digital Identity platform and paired with a modernised surveying system, is set to reduce forged signatures, unauthorised transactions, and land ownership disputes by requiring consent from all relevant parties before transfers proceed. Urban Planning & Safety: Haa Dzongkhag imposed a temporary construction freeze inside the Haa Thromde boundary while it reviews and updates urban development plans and regulations to protect cultural heritage and improve standards. Infrastructure Resilience: MoIT clarified that mandatory geotechnical/soil testing under the Thimphu Structure Plan and City-wide Design Code is meant to manage hidden subsurface risks in Bhutan’s high seismic setting, and said Thimphu’s stormwater and drainage upgrades are designed to cut recurring urban flooding. Energy Pipeline: Work on the Detailed Project Report for the 404 MW Nyera Amari I and II Integrated Hydropower Project has started, supporting Bhutan’s wider push to expand clean power. Museums & Heritage: Bhutan is developing national guidelines for establishing and managing museums and heritage galleries, aiming for standardised governance, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

ITU-D Membership: BIMSTEC has been admitted as a Sector Member of the International Telecommunication Union’s Development Sector, aiming to boost regional work on digital connectivity, AI, ICT capacity building, and telecom infrastructure. Hydropower Pipeline: Bhutan’s Nyera Amari I and II (404 MW) is moving into the DPR phase, with MPs pressing for clearer timelines after long delays and uncertainty around the start date. Energy Security Target: Bhutan reiterated a plan to reach 25,000 MW by 2040—20,000 MW from hydropower and 5,000 MW from solar—underlining diversification as climate risks and seasonal shortages persist. Urban Resilience in Thimphu: MoIT says Thimphu’s stormwater and drainage upgrades are designed for climate-ready flood reduction, while also clarifying why geotechnical/soil testing remains mandatory under the Thimphu Structure Plan. Parliament Watch: MPs debated infrastructure accountability and climate resilience in project design, and passed a GST amendment exempting more cooking oils and rice varieties to ease household costs. Conservation Tech: India’s vulture recovery effort—using GPS/GSM monitoring and phased releases of 700+ captive-bred birds—highlights how safer veterinary practices and tracking can support wildlife returns.

Hydropower Push: Bhutan is moving toward 25,000 MW by 2040, with 20,000 MW from hydropower and 5,000 MW from solar, as the Nyera Amari I and II (404 MW) project advances into DPR work. Parliament Watch: MPs pressed for clearer timelines and transparency on Nyera Amari’s repeated delays, while MoIT defended infrastructure planning and climate-resilient drainage in Thimphu. Urban Resilience: MoIT says Thimphu’s stormwater and roadside drainage upgrades are built on master plans and climate-risk assumptions to cut recurring flooding. Disaster Funding: Government allocated Nu 622 million for monsoon restoration and disaster response, citing hundreds of roadblock incidents nationwide. Energy & Safety Rules: MoIT clarified mandatory geotechnical testing under the Thimphu Structure Plan, arguing Bhutan’s high seismic risk makes subsurface checks necessary. STEM & Jobs: A new piece highlights how Bhutanese youth are widening “success” beyond government jobs amid high youth unemployment. Crypto Payments Trend: A report notes stablecoins are being used as everyday financial infrastructure across Asia, with Bhutan described as taking a long-term, institution-focused approach. Tech Industry: Bitdeer launched the SEALMINER DL1 Hydro mining machine, targeting high-density, hydro-cooled operations. Culture & Heritage: Bhutan is developing national guidelines for museums and heritage galleries to standardize governance and improve public access. Community Innovation: Tarayana’s 20th annual fair spotlights climate-resilient rural livelihoods and technology-supported initiatives.

Education Equity: Bhutan’s government has allocated Nu 237.5 million to support Class 12 Arts students affected by the Royal University of Bhutan’s sudden reduction/removal of Arts courses in 2022–2023, after concerns that scholarships and seat access favored Science streams. Heritage & Museums: The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development is drafting unified national guidelines for establishing and managing museums and heritage galleries, with a workshop covering governance, accessibility, collections, visitor engagement, and long-term sustainability. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: In the National Assembly, MoIT faced questions on whether infrastructure planning and design are strong enough for flash floods, landslides, and recurring failures; MoIT also clarified geotechnical soil testing rules under the Thimphu Structure Plan to improve safety in Bhutan’s high seismic risk context. Urban Flood Control: MoIT defended Thimphu stormwater and roadside drainage upgrades as master-plan based and climate-ready, aiming to cut recurring street flooding. Hydropower Progress: MPs pressed for transparency on the Nyera Amari I & II Integrated Hydropower Project, with DPR work reported underway and concerns over shifting timelines. Disaster Response Funding: MoIT allocated Nu 622 million for monsoon restoration and disaster response, citing rising roadblock incidents nationwide. Rural Tech & Livelihoods: Tarayana’s 20th Annual Fair highlighted climate-resilient rural initiatives and technology-linked support for community livelihoods.

Regional Defence Tech & Training: India’s maiden multilateral exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya, bringing together 400+ troops from 13 nations including Bhutan for counter-terror drills and interoperability validation, with a defence equipment showcase featuring drones, counter-drone systems, surveillance, secure communications, electronic warfare and AI-enabled solutions. Urban Safety in Bhutan: Bhutan’s MoIT clarified that mandatory geotechnical/soil testing under the Thimphu Structure Plan 2023–2047 and Thimphu City-wide Design Code is meant to reduce earthquake-related subsurface risks, even for plots that look stable, responding to MPs’ concerns about added homeowner costs. Flood Resilience Upgrade: MoIT also said Thimphu’s stormwater and roadside drainage works are designed to cut recurring street flooding and overflow, based on 2022 master plans that factor in climate change and future urban runoff. Hydropower Planning: Bhutan’s Nyera Amari I and II Integrated Hydropower Project (404 MW) has moved into the DPR phase, with MPs pressing for clearer timelines and transparency amid long delays. Community Climate Innovation: Tarayana’s 20th Annual Fair in Thimphu highlighted climate-resilient rural initiatives like disaster-resistant housing, watershed restoration and climate-risk financing, alongside tech support for livelihoods. Conservation Tech Signal: India’s vulture recovery effort—700+ birds bred in captivity and released with GPS/GSM monitoring—signals how safer food systems beyond protected areas are key for long-term species comeback.

Regional Security: Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up in Meghalaya’s Umroi with 400+ troops from 13 countries, including Bhutan, running a 72-hour validation on counter-terrorism, interoperability, and mixed-team drills like IED detection and casualty evacuation. Hydropower Transparency: Bhutan’s National Assembly MPs asked for clearer public timelines on the Nyera Amari I and II Integrated Hydropower Project after repeated delays, noting the start date has shifted from Oct 2026 to Dec 2027. Climate Resilience in Thimphu: A flood-resistant bridge in Dechencholing, Thimphu, completed after the 2024 flash flood, is designed to better handle monsoon flooding and reduce past drainage overflow problems. Forestry & Markets: Bhutan launched a pilot push toward Forest Stewardship Council certification, starting with selected forest areas in Paro, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu to improve sustainable timber traceability and global market access. Health & Conservation: Nepal began red panda health monitoring in Myagdi using stool testing and camera traps to assess parasites and estimate population size in hunting reserve habitats.

Regional Security & Tech in Training: Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya wrapped up with troops from 13 countries, including Bhutan, running counter-insurgency drills like IED detection, heliborne operations, and rock descents—plus discussions on how “niche technologies” can shape tactics and interoperability. Public Safety Probe: In New Delhi, police registered a case after retired IAS officer Dhanendra Kumar died in a suspected AC-blast-triggered fire at his Hauz Khas home; investigators are checking the AC’s fault and may also question the manufacturer. Bhutan Education Digital Push: Bhutan’s EU- and UNICEF-backed digitalisation initiative has connected 10 pilot schools, reaching 6,000+ students and 400 teachers with campus-wide internet and devices. Climate & Water Stress: Bhutan’s National Council reviewed climate-resilient watershed management, warning that many water sources are drying and watersheds face pressure from climate variability, development, and institutional gaps. Forests for Global Markets: Bhutan launched an FSC certification pilot in Paro, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu to align forest management with international standards and improve timber traceability for better market access. Conservation & Health Research: A Bhutan-linked conservation angle: Thimphu City Football Club’s “Goals for a Cause” funds white-bellied heron protection, while Nepal’s red panda health study uses stool testing and camera traps to assess parasites and population.

Bhutan Education & Skills: Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development has teamed up with EtonHouse International Education Group to launch the nation’s first international K–12 school, opening in Academic Year 26/27 with an inquiry-led model rooted in Bhutanese culture and Gross National Happiness. Bhutan Health Tech: Singapore’s SingHealth and the Royal University of Bhutan (GCIT) will build an AI-assisted chest X-ray model trained on Bhutanese data to help rural hospitals diagnose lung infections and cancer, with responsible-AI guidelines tailored to Bhutan. Bhutan Climate & Water: A National Council review flags that Bhutan’s watersheds are under rising stress, with many water sources drying and climate variability plus development gaps worsening the pressure on drinking water, farming, and hydropower. Bhutan Forests & Markets: Bhutan has started a Forest Stewardship Council certification pilot to align forest management with international standards, aiming for better timber traceability and improved access to global markets. Digital Learning in Schools: A EU- and UNICEF-backed digitalisation initiative is connecting 10 pilot schools and improving daily learning access for over 6,000 students through campus-wide internet and devices. Regional Science Spotlight: A study maps Northeast India’s geodiversity for conservation and planning, while Nepal begins red panda health research using stool testing and camera traps.

Digital Health in Bhutan: SingHealth and the Royal University of Bhutan will train an AI chest X-ray model on Bhutanese data to help rural hospitals diagnose lung infections and cancer, with rollout planned for Gelephu Mindfulness City healthcare facilities. Education Tech: Bhutan’s EU-UNICEF digitalisation initiative has connected 10 pilot schools, reaching 6,000+ students and 400 teachers with better internet access and classroom devices. Climate Resilience & Water: Thimphu’s Dechencholing gets a flood-resistant bridge after the 2024 flash flood, while a National Council review warns Bhutan’s watersheds are under growing stress as springs shrink and flash floods become harder to predict. Forests & Markets: Bhutan has started a Forest Stewardship Council certification pilot in Paro, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu to align forest management with international standards and improve timber market access. Conservation Tech: Stool testing and camera-trap work in Nepal’s Myagdi aims to assess endangered red panda health and population size. STEM in the Region: Sherubtse College opens an outdoor research facility in Kharungla, supporting hands-on science learning. International Education Deal: Bhutan and EtonHouse are set to launch the country’s first international K–12 school in AY 26/27.

AI & Society: A new Pope Leo XIV encyclical on AI argues that power and capital concentration among big tech can degrade human life, while also spotlighting the everyday “bugs” and broken services people face. Green Industry: Germany and India used a Climate Talk to push industrial decarbonisation, sustainable supply chains, and India’s clean-tech manufacturing ambitions. Bhutan Education Tech: Bhutan’s EU/UNICEF-backed digitalisation initiative is connecting 10 pilot schools, reaching 6,000+ students and 400 teachers with better internet and classroom devices. Healthcare AI: SingHealth and the Royal University of Bhutan plan a chest X-ray AI model trained on Bhutanese data to support rural diagnosis of lung infections and cancer. Water & Climate Risk: Bhutan’s National Council reviewed climate-resilient watershed management, warning that many water sources are drying and institutional gaps are worsening impacts. Forestry & Markets: Bhutan launched an FSC certification pilot in Paro and other districts to align forest management with international standards and improve timber traceability for global access. Infrastructure Resilience: A flood-resistant bridge in Thimphu’s Dechencholing is now complete, designed to better withstand monsoon floods after the 2024 flash flood. Conservation & Research: A Bhutan-linked conservation story highlights community action to save the white-bellied heron, while Nepal begins red panda health research using stool testing and camera traps. Copyright & AI: Bhutan’s creative sector is calling for stronger copyright enforcement as piracy and AI-generated content strain the 25-year-old Copyright Act. Regional Science: A study maps Northeast India’s geodiversity, including high geological diversity across Bhutan and Arunachal. STEM in Nature: Three new Berberis species were discovered in Arunachal, adding to Eastern Himalayan biodiversity knowledge.

Education & Human Capital: Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development has partnered with EtonHouse to launch the country’s first international K–12 school, opening in Academic Year 26/27 with an inquiry-led model rooted in Bhutanese culture and GNH. Digital Learning: A EU-UNICEF digitalisation push is connecting 10 pilot schools and equipping over 6,000 students and 400 teachers with classroom-wide internet and devices, improving access beyond single computer labs. Health Tech: SingHealth and the Royal University of Bhutan will train an AI chest X-ray model on Bhutanese data to support rural diagnosis of lung infections and cancer, with responsible AI guidelines tailored to Bhutan. Clean Energy & Public Health: HAB and Planethos are rolling out high-efficiency electric cookstoves to cut indoor air pollution and emissions, supported by stakeholder consultations and MoUs. Climate & Water Security: The National Council reviewed climate-resilient watershed management, warning that springs and water sources are drying and that institutional gaps are worsening stress on watersheds. Forestry & Markets: Bhutan is moving toward Forest Stewardship Council certification, starting with a pilot covering 50,000 hectares, to improve timber traceability and access to global markets. Infrastructure Resilience: A flood-resistant bridge in Thimphu’s Dechencholing Satellite Town is now complete, designed to withstand future flood events after the 2024 flash flood. Policy Watch: MPs raised concerns about readiness for a Cambridge-aligned curriculum rollout, citing textbook delays, teacher preparedness, rural-urban gaps, and weak digital infrastructure. Public Health Policy: Bhutan’s tobacco law amendment debate could impose a nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, with lawmakers split between a full ban and tighter regulation.

AI in Rural Care: SingHealth and the Royal University of Bhutan will train an AI-assisted chest X-ray model on Bhutanese patient data to help rural hospitals diagnose lung infections and cancer, with responsible-AI guidelines tailored to Bhutan. Education Tech: Bhutan’s EU- and UNICEF-backed digitalisation initiative has connected 10 pilot schools, reaching 6,000+ students and 400 teachers with campus-wide internet and devices. Clean Cooking & Energy Transition: HAB and Planethos launched a clean cooking project to roll out high-efficiency electric cookstoves, aiming to cut indoor air pollution and reduce reliance on firewood and LPG. Maternal Health Telemedicine: MoH and JICA shared results from an impact evaluation of the iCTG telemedicine initiative, designed to strengthen fetal heart rate and uterine contraction monitoring. Water Security: The National Council reviewed climate-resilient watershed management, warning that springs and water sources are drying and watersheds face pressure from climate variability, development, and institutional gaps. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Bhutan-linked conservation push highlights Thimphu City FC’s “Goals for a Cause” funding for white-bellied heron protection, while Nepal began red panda health research using stool testing and camera traps. Policy & Regulation: MPs raised concerns over Bhutan’s Cambridge-aligned curriculum rollout readiness, and lawmakers debated a potential nationwide vape/e-cigarette ban. Business & Innovation: MoICE is formalising small businesses via new trade licenses and digital systems, and Waive Diagnostics plans a genetic testing and digital diagnostics platform in Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Conservation in the field: Nepal has kicked off a health study of the endangered red panda in Myagdi’s Jaljala and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, using fecal sample checks for parasites and data from camera traps to estimate local numbers. Education partnerships: Bhutan is set to open its first international K–12 school with EtonHouse in Academic Year 26/27, aiming to blend inquiry-led learning with Bhutanese culture. Water stress warning: Bhutan’s National Council reviewed climate-resilient watershed management, with officials flagging drying springs, shifting rainfall, and institutional gaps putting watersheds under “unprecedented pressure.” Learning goes digital: A EU- and UNICEF-backed digitalisation push is now connected across 10 pilot schools, reaching 6,000+ students with campus-wide internet and devices. Health tech for rural care: Singapore’s SingHealth and RUB’s GCIT plan to train an AI chest X-ray model on Bhutanese data for rural hospitals. Policy pressure points: MPs raised concerns over readiness for a Cambridge-aligned curriculum rollout, while a vape ban debate is back in the National Council.

Conservation Meets Community: Thimphu City FC is turning football goals into real-world help for the critically endangered white-bellied heron, funding protection work through the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. Climate Pressure on Water: Bhutan’s water sources are drying faster than before, with springs shrinking and rainfall patterns shifting—an issue raised in the National Council’s review of climate-resilient watershed management. Education Digital Leap: A EU- and UNICEF-backed digitalisation push is now reaching 10 pilot schools, supporting 6,000+ students with better connectivity and classroom tools. Healthcare AI for Rural Care: Singapore and Bhutan are partnering to build a chest X-ray AI model trained on Bhutanese data, aiming to speed up diagnosis of lung infections and cancer in rural hospitals. New School Partnership: The Royal Government and EtonHouse International Education Group are set to open Bhutan’s first international K–12 school in AY 26/27. Water & Energy Tech: Rural clean cooking is getting a boost via electric cookstoves, while water and telemedicine initiatives expand access to services.

Healthcare AI in the countryside: Singapore and Bhutan are partnering to build a chest X-ray AI model trained on Bhutanese data, aiming to help rural hospitals spot lung infections and cancer faster, with guidelines and training for responsible AI use. Maternal health via telemedicine: Bhutan and JICA shared results from an iCTG telemedicine impact evaluation, part of a project strengthening maternal and newborn care nationwide. Clean cooking push: HAB and Planethos are rolling out cleaner electric cookstoves to cut indoor smoke and support Bhutan’s energy transition, with consultations already underway. Policy pressure on youth health: Bhutan’s tobacco law debate is moving toward a possible nationwide vape/e-cigarette ban as imports surge, while MPs also questioned how ready schools are for a Cambridge-aligned curriculum rollout. Regional tech ambition: Waive Diagnostics plans a South Asia base in Gelephu Mindfulness City, starting at a referral hospital and expanding into genetic testing and digital diagnostics. Climate watch: NCHM forecasts a slightly hotter monsoon with lower rainfall, but still warns of landslide and flood risks. Regional productivity diplomacy: India hosted the APO’s 68th GBM, aligning member economies on APO Vision 2030 implementation.

Habitat Protection Workshop: Nature Mates’ Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory Conservation team held a habitat conservation workshop in Singchung with the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve and the Forest Department, pushing a bigger focus on protecting the whole forest ecosystem behind the rare insect. Clean Cooking Push: In Thimphu, HAB and Planethos moved clean cooking forward with consultations and a partnership to roll out high-efficiency electric cookstoves, aiming to cut indoor smoke and support Bhutan’s energy transition. Maternal Telemedicine Update: The MoH and JICA shared results from an impact evaluation of an iCTG telemedicine initiative, expanding specialist fetal monitoring access for safer pregnancies. Youth Health & Tobacco Law: Bhutan’s National Council is debating a Tobacco Control Amendment that could permanently ban vapes and e-cigarettes amid a sharp rise in youth use. Education Readiness: MPs questioned how prepared schools are for a Cambridge-aligned curriculum rollout, citing gaps in materials, training, and digital access. Agri Investment Momentum: BATIF 2.0 opened with major agrifood investment commitments and partnerships to strengthen supply chains and market reach. Tech & Business Moves: MoICE formalised small businesses through new trade licenses and digital systems, while Waive Diagnostics plans a regional genetic testing and digital diagnostics hub in Gelephu Mindfulness City. Climate Outlook: NCHM expects a slightly warmer summer and lower monsoon rainfall, with continued landslide and flood risks.