Banking & Travel Planning: RBI’s July 4, 2026 guidance says Indian banks are open today (first Saturday), with closures mainly on Sundays plus the 2nd and 4th Saturdays—useful for Bhutan-bound travellers transiting via India. Cross-Border Payments for Tourists: NPCI has partnered with HSBC India and J.P. Morgan Payments to bring real-time FX conversion and transparent rupee pricing for overseas UPI payments, aiming to make international spending smoother for Indians (including travellers heading to Bhutan). Tourism Gateway Upgrade: Bhutan’s Phuentsholing is set for a branding and digital tourism push under the Phuentsholing Thromde Enhancement Programme, shifting the border town from “transit” to a destination with a dedicated visitor website. Hospitality Skills Boost: Bhutan is piloting competency assessments for hotel workers in Phuentshogling to certify skills in housekeeping, cooking, front office, and food & beverage—raising service consistency for guests. Culture & Food Spotlight: A feature highlights Bhutan’s heritage arts and the enduring appeal of ema datshi, while another describes the scale of teachings at Thimphu’s Buddha Dordenma. Climate & Resilience: Bhutan’s first PhD graduates in Climate Studies have received certificates, with research focused on climate impacts on food systems and resilient farming.