Bhutan–Assam ties deepen: PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay’s two-day visit to Assam focused on trade, connectivity and tourism cooperation, reaffirming growing people-to-people links after major royal and state-level exchanges. Climate resilience spotlight: Bhutan’s GEF-backed forest and farm resilience project was praised at the GEF Council meeting in Samarkand, with reported gains in food availability and stronger rural livelihoods. Tourism sector momentum: Bhutan issued 172 new tour operator licenses between January and 21 May 2026, bringing active licenses to 1,633, with Thimphu holding the biggest share. Heritage & museums upgrade: Bhutan is drafting unified national guidelines for museums and heritage galleries to standardize governance, accessibility and visitor engagement. Local planning freeze: Haa Dzongkhag imposed a temporary construction moratorium inside Haa Thromde while it reviews and updates urban development rules to protect the town’s cultural character. Aviation governance: Bhutan’s National Assembly unanimously adopted the International Civil Aviation Convention 2016 to strengthen its role in global air travel governance. Rights case raises alarms: A Bhutanese businessman received a nine-year prison sentence after remarks in a viral video, sparking renewed debate on free expression and legal protections.