AGP Executive Report
Last update: 12 hours agoGross Ecosystem Product (GEP): Bhutan has become the first country to adopt Gross Ecosystem Product at national level, valuing ecosystem services at about US$6.2bn for 2024, with PM Tshering Tobgay announcing it in New York alongside Climate Week and the Science Summit. UN Climate Diplomacy: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah used the UNGA to push that “climate justice” can’t stay only in UN documents, proposing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led by Nepal, India and China to share satellite data, strengthen early warnings and coordinate cross-border disaster response. Payments Policy Watch: India’s new UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) rules from Oct 15 could extend to 11 overseas markets where UPI is available, including Bhutan, raising questions for foreign merchants while travellers are expected to avoid the levy. Bhutan-Linked Finance: Bangladesh Bank issued letters of intent for five digital banks, including DK Digital Bank backed by Bhutan’s DK Bank, moving them to the next step before full licences. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Pokhara’s first daily international flight (Flydubai to Dubai) marks a major boost for Nepal’s tourism access, but the key question is whether the government can sustain decentralised international connectivity.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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