Thrompon Election Watch (Thimphu): Former Thimphu Thrompon Ugyen Dorji pledged stronger transparency, better municipal services and full water coverage, targeting gaps beyond the current ~90% supply coverage. Thrompon Election Watch (Phuentsholing): Candidates Tashi Wangchuk and Deepen Ghallay both pitched cleaner, safer, smarter Phuentsholing—prioritising reliable water, sanitation and drainage for monsoon risks, while Deepen also promised a more business-friendly environment and faster local area plan delivery. College Funding: Royal University of Bhutan proposes raising monthly stipends (from Nu 2,500) up to about Nu 6,500 to match higher living costs after inflation hit 7.72% in May. Regional Energy Connectivity: The EU launched a €5m, four-year Energy Connectivity in South Asia project covering Bhutan and aiming to boost cross-border power trade and renewable integration. Digital Economy & Payments: South Asian central banks, meeting in Paro, pushed for a multilateral regional digital payment network beyond bilateral links. Drug Control: Bhutan Food and Drug Authority tightened rules on Tapentadol and Nitrous Oxide after misuse concerns, bringing them under stricter schedules. Local Business Reality: Tsirang’s Sunday vegetable market continues operating in darkness due to lack of lighting, forcing vendors to rely on phone torches.