Digital Payments: Bank of Ceylon launched BOC Flex Tap & Pay, a contactless mobile wallet payment feature built on its next-gen internet and mobile banking platform. Cross-Border Digital Trade: HNLU completed its first TradeLab project with UN ESCAP and CTIL, feeding into regional digital trade policy and integration reports that include Bhutan. Regional Cyber & Maritime Security: India hosted BIMSTEC security chiefs to push cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security and cybersecurity. Climate & Water Risks: Bhutan marked its warmest year on record in 2025, with new national climate assessments warning of shrinking glaciers and higher risks to water, infrastructure and agriculture. Glacier Loss Update: A new Bhutan Glacier Inventory (BGI 2026) reports 27 glaciers lost and nearly 10% glacier area reduction since 2016–2025. Sustainable Tourism: Bhutan’s Department of Tourism urged hotels to adopt the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard to cut environmental impact and align with global sustainability benchmarks. Youth & Health Education: A Bhutan youth advocacy programme called for stronger comprehensive sexuality education, better youth-friendly health services, and more youth voice in policy. Food Affordability: Bhutan’s egg prices stayed high, adding pressure on household budgets and raising concerns for nutrition access. Mining Revenue Rules: Bhutan revised minimum floor prices for mineral exports to strengthen royalty collection and prevent undervaluation.