UPI Fees Debate: India’s government says UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 (and RuPay debit cards) must stay free, but a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% is set for person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, with a Rs 300 cap for very large payments—sparking pushback from critics who warn it could shift costs to small merchants. Bhutan Banking: Bhutan National Bank’s profit fell about 80% in H1 2026 as impairment charges rose, even as its loan book and deposits grew. Water & Climate Resilience: MoENR reports Paro’s springs are shrinking—16 surface-water sources already dried up and 117 are drying—prompting recharge-area protection and nature-based revival plans. Infrastructure: The Gelephu–Tareythang road alignment has been shortened by 1.5km to 12.6km, with construction targeted for June 2027 under a World Bank-supported project. Clean Cooking Pilot: In Chhumey, subsidised electric stoves are being rolled out to cut firewood use and support cleaner rural livelihoods. Disaster Preparedness: PM Tshering Tobgay says Bhutan is upgrading glacier and GLOF early warning systems, citing shared Himalayan risks after Nepal’s disaster. Local Business Feature: A Merak Gewog bakery is helping rural youth earn locally and making community celebrations more common. Regional Cooperation: Bhutan-linked media collaboration is being explored between Bhutan and Manipur journalists around shared Eastern Himalayan environmental challenges. Women in Politics: A BCMD needs assessment highlights that campaign costs, mobility, and childcare barriers start well before election day for women aspiring to local government roles. Hospitality Leadership: JK Urbanscapes appoints Jayanta Das as president for its hotel division, aiming to expand operations and revenue management.