A shallow earthquake of magnitude 3.4 occurred in Bhutan on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 8:54 PM local time. The tremor, originating at a depth of 6 kilometers, was centered in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, northeast of the capital Thimphu. No significant damage or casualties have been reported.
Bhutan's 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydropower Project has secured a significant ₹58 billion loan from India's Power Finance Corporation (PFC). This landmark financing, comprising a ₹48.29 billion term loan and a ₹9.5 billion standby facility, marks PFC's first cross-border financing in Bhutan. The project, a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation and Tata Power, is expected to be commissioned by 2029-2030 and will generate over 2,500 million units of electricity annually, serving Bhutan's winter demand and exporting surplus to India.
A sophisticated racket smuggling high-value pre-owned cars from Bhutan into Kerala, India, has been exposed by Customs officials. 'Operation Numkhor' has led to seizures and raids across the state, revealing widespread tax evasion, forged documents, and potential national security risks. Officials emphasize that a simple VIN check could have prevented the illicit trade.
Bhutan and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) recently signed an operationalization agreement for the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at the College of Science and Technology (CST), Royal University of Bhutan, in Phuentsholing. This center will serve as a vital hub for solar technology research, development, application, and training, bolstering Bhutan's renewable energy goals.
