ADB Solar Push: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 160 million loan to expand Bhutan’s solar power, targeting at least 310 MW of new capacity and a first private-majority energy PPP, with transmission links to the national grid. Economic Outlook: ADB also revised Bhutan’s 2026 growth forecast down to 6.5% from 6.9%, citing higher global energy prices and supply-chain disruptions that raise transport costs and slow construction. Elderly Economic Security: A new NSB study finds 38.8% of Bhutan’s elderly face economic insecurity beyond the poverty line, driven by gaps in health, housing, material wellbeing, and social support. Jobs Update: NSB data shows labour market improvement in Q2 2026, with unemployment falling to 2.7% and youth joblessness dropping to 13.4%. Tourism Sustainability: Bhutan’s Department of Tourism is urging hotels to adopt the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard to strengthen “high value, low volume” tourism and cut costs through greener operations. Inflation Watch: May inflation climbed to 7.72% as food and non-food prices rose year-on-year, even as monthly prices eased. Local Business Pressure: Thimphu’s Olarongchhu workshop area faces ongoing road and drainage problems, with rumours of relocation adding uncertainty for vehicle repair businesses. Emergency Procurement: Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance introduced an Emergency Logistics Preparedness Procurement Manual 2026 to speed up disaster response purchasing with transparency and accountability. Cross-Border Payments: Bhutan hosted SAARFINANCE talks in Paro calling for harmonised rules and trusted digital payment systems to boost regional financial integration.