Our Scans · Bhutan · Weekly Summary

• [New] Regional Leadership: India could lead a South Asian cat bond, pooling risks for earthquakes (Bhutan, Nepal, India) or cyclones (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka). The Study IAS by Manikant singh
• [New] Such a bond would cover multiple countries exposed to diverse disaster risks, such as earthquakes in Bhutan, Nepal, and India or supra-cyclones and tsunamis impacting India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. IASbaba
• [New] Mobile subscriptions in India, Nepal and Bhutan is expected to reach 1,310 million in 2030 from 1,180 million in 2023 and 1,190 million in 2024. TelecomLead
• [New] 5G subscriptions in India, Nepal and Bhutan is expected to reach 980 million in 2030 from 135 million in 2023 and 290 million in 2024. TelecomLead
• [New] In collaboration with Singapore-based Bitdeer, Bhutan plans to raise $500 million to establish carbon-free mining centers powered by hydropower and hydrogen. UEEx Technology
• [New] Bhutan demand for electricity is likely to rise to 4500 by 2040, for which hydro installed capacity of 25000 MW is necessary particularly to satisfy the demand in winter. SANDRP
• [New] The G-ZERO will operate with a rotating presidency, supported by a permanent Secretariat based in Bhutan. Kuensel Online
• [New] Bhutan will eliminate tariffs on nearly all Thai products, while Thailand will remove tariffs on 94% of Bhutanese goods. International Nut & Dried Fruit Council
• [New] Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country, but it is highly vulnerable to climate risks. World Bank
• [New] Bhutan leveraged its abundant hydropower resources, with a potential of 23,760 megawatts, to power large-scale Bitcoin mining operations sustainably. The News International
• [New] Taking a cue from nations such as El Salvador and Bhutan, which have incorporated Bitcoin into their national balance sheets, many analysts expected BTC to be the exclusive asset in the U.S. reserve. Coingape
• [New] The most important impact of a strategic Bitcoin reserve would be that it could be mined rather than bought, and through the integration of renewable energy sources, something that is demonstrated by the Kingdom of Bhutan, which uses its significant hydroelectric sources to power its operation. ABPLive
• [New] The Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway project will establish a vital railway link between India and Bhutan, facilitating trade and connectivity. NE India Broadcast
• [New] By 2030, Bhutan aims to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions and produce zero waste, further solidifying its commitment to carbon neutrality. GreenMatch.co.uk
• [New] If planned dams by China, India, and Bhutan proceed, the Brahmaputra basin could face water scarcity, ecological collapse, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Legacy IAS Academy
• [New] Bhutan continues to be India's largest foreign aid recipient, receiving Rs2,150 crore in 2025-26, which is an increase from last year's budget estimate of Rs2,068 crore. The Indian Express
• Smartphone subscriptions in India, Nepal and Bhutan is expected to reach 1130 million in 2030 from 880 million in 2023 and 920 million in 2024. TelecomLead
• In India, Nepal, and Bhutan, monthly traffic per smartphone is expected to grow from 32 GB in 2024 to 62 GB by 2030. VND
• Mobile data traffic per active smartphone in India, Nepal and Bhutan is expected to reach 62 GB per month in 2030 from 32 GB per month in 2024. TelecomLead
• Total mobile data traffic in India, Nepal and Bhutan is expected to reach 58 EB per month in 2030 from 21 EB per month in 2023 and 25 EB per month in 2024. TelecomLead
• Other regional economies like Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are expected to experience economic recovery. IBPS Guide

Last updated: 12 August 2025