Minerals & Strategy: Bhutan’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey is pointing to promising targets for copper, tungsten, and rare earth elements, with DGM moving to ground validation via sampling and drilling—potentially reshaping Bhutan’s export story beyond construction minerals. Renewables Push: Under the 13th Five-Year Plan, Bhutan is accelerating hydropower and solar expansion, targeting about 15,000MW of new hydropower and 5,000MW solar by 2040 to reach 25GW cumulative capacity. Industrial Growth in Samtse: Two industrial parks in Samtse—Dhamdum and Norbugang—are attracting about Nu 1.72B in investment and now provide space for 75 industries, supporting manufacturing and heavy industry. Tourism Facilitation: Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver will expand beyond Rinchending from September, allowing visitors to join approved packages to Milarepa Lhakhang and the Pachu Community Ecotourism Site. Food Safety & Trade: BFDA tightened controls on imported Langra mangoes after calcium carbide was detected in 12 of 34 samples, requiring testing before release. Public Policy for Families Abroad: Government clarified that Bhutanese families living overseas are eligible for the Third Child Plus Programme. Energy Partnership Angle: India and Bhutan are deepening cooperation on power and water, with renewed focus on hydropower and cross-border electricity. Crypto Treasury Watch: Reports say the Royal Government has continued selling Bitcoin from its Gelephu Mindfulness City-linked treasury, with another tranche offloaded to Binance. Reserves Update: Bhutan’s foreign reserves fell by about USD 31M between June and July, pressured by higher fuel import costs and ngultrum depreciation.