DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Five bar licenses were suspended and three establishments were fined in Sarpang in 2025, based on the severity and nature of the offences. The violations ranged from suspected prostitution to the sale of alcohol to minors, according to the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment. Of the five suspended …

As expected, vehicle prices have come down across all categories from 1st January 2026 with the implementation of the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Excise Tax which combined together is lower than the Sales Tax and Green Tax of the past. At the same time the price …

The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) reported a case of misuse of public funds amounting to Nu 4.553 million (mn) at the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment (ROICE), Samdrup Jongkhar. The irregularity involved the accountant of the office, who adjusted personal advances released to officials as expenditure without supporting …

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) has acknowledged and taken seriously the concerns related to hoarding, price competition from Indian potatoes, and low demand for small-sized Bhutanese potatoes, following the minister’s visit to the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) Auction Yard. “The concerns being raised regarding potato auctions …

On 30th December 2025, a day before the Meet the Press conference with the Ministers, the Opposition Party called Media houses to deliberate and clarify matters over deliberations held during the fourth session of the Fourth Parliament. The Opposition Leader began the press conference with a brief insight on the …

The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) on 28th December 2025 announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Fourth Sector Group (4SG), a global platform advancing economic systems that prioritise human and planetary wellbeing. The partnership aims to support the development of a for-benefit economic ecosystem within …

Bhutan may have been breathing a sigh of relief that it is not on any travel ban list of 39 countries, but all is not well as from 1st January 2026 Bhutan will be in a list of 13 countries that will need visa bonds for the business and tourism …

The National Council (NC) failed to pass the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2025 after the Bill did not secure the required simple majority during the 16th sitting held on 25th December 2025. Of the 23 members present, only 11 voted in favour of the Bill, three voted against …

For many couples in Bhutan, the desire to have a child is deeply tied to family expectations, social belonging, and emotional well-being. Yet, an increasing number of couples find themselves unable to conceive naturally, often facing not only medical challenges but also social stigma and emotional distress. As infertility emerges …

Bhutanese embassies, consulates, and permanent missions joined the nation in celebrating the 118th National Day on 17th December 2025. Celebrations worldwide reflected Bhutan’s enduring values of unity and cultural pride, with live telecasts of His Majesty The King’s National Day Address from Bumthang serving as a central highlight. In New …