Bhutan Tourism & Trade: Bhutan launched the Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026 in Thimphu, drawing 200+ international buyers from 15 markets and 50+ local exhibitors, as the country pushes beyond “high value, low volume” marketing toward deal-making with tour operators and airlines. Local Governance: The Election Commission of Bhutan has announced Fourth Dzongkhag Thromde Tshogde Elections for Phuentsholing and Thimphu, with postal voter registration open until June 18 and voter education ramped up. Public Finance Watch: Parliament’s PAC flagged major value-for-money and procurement failures in the Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS 1.0), citing weak planning and governance in Nu 587.54 million spending and questioning contract award practices. Energy Costs: Bhutan faces rising LPG costs because it imports 100% of supply from India; domestic cylinder prices were adjusted after India’s revisions, pushing up procurement costs. Culture & Community: The royal family led a tribute of 1,000 butter lamps for late Princess Bajrakitiyabha, while preparations are underway for the month-long Kathrid Empowerment and Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa at Kuensel Phodrang with added screens, toilets and medical support. Environment & Cleanliness: Volunteers collected 189 sacks of waste along the Snowman Trek route, urging community ownership to protect Bhutan’s reputation as a clean destination.