Hydropower Deal: Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation and Adani Power signed a Shareholders Agreement for the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I hydropower project in Zhemgang, using a 49:51 equity split and a 30-year BOOT concession; construction is expected to start in the first half of 2027 with commissioning targeted within six years, aiming to meet Bhutan’s peak winter needs and export surplus power to India in summer. Regional Security & Home Affairs: Nepal’s Home Minister Sudhan Gurung is set to visit New Delhi for the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting (Oct 12–14), the first such gathering since BIMSTEC’s 1997 launch, focused on cross-cutting security cooperation including counter-terrorism and transnational crime. Health & Regulation: Bhutan’s BFDA has proposed banning vaping products through amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, tightening rules around minors and product controls, while also exploring an import-authorisation system for testing tobacco and nicotine products before approval. Climate Adaptation: A HI-CAS project is exploring solar-powered lift irrigation for mountain farms in Paro and Punakha, where steep terrain blocks conventional irrigation, with plans shaped through community and agency consultations in Thimphu. Education Migration: Bhutanese students are reconsidering plans to study in Australia after new visa rules restrict most students from bringing partners or children and require some onshore applicants to leave to apply. Leadership & Diplomacy: Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay publicly reflected on meeting Indian PM Narendra Modi in 2019, describing him as an avatar of Vishnu, while global leaders also congratulated Modi on his 25 years in government.