Bhutan

Liquor shops in Phuentsholing face severe shortages ahead of Bhutan’s upcoming alcohol tax hike; Suppliers are unable to meet demand, pushing retailers to the brink as prices rise and stock dwindles, with businesses warning of mounting financial strain

Bhutan’s National Assembly unanimously adopted the framework agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance, committing the country to global cooperation on big-cat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection

Social entrepreneur Kinley Tshomo won the "Unlock Her Future" Prize 2025 for her project "Gyelyon: Project Gakithu", which trains rural women and youth in digital and professional skills

Bhutan Fashion Week starting in Paro celebrates the fusion of innovation and heritage, with 20 Bhutanese designers showcasing work that blends sustainable contemporary fashion with traditional fabrics; The runaway is set in the historic center of the town

National Seed Centre signed a five-year partnership with India’s BVFCL to boost agriculture, securing fertilizers like urea and potash; The agreement aims to improve food security and deepen economic ties with India

The King of Bhutan paid a historic first state visit to Vietnam, a milestone in the countries' relationship since diplomatic relations were established in 2012; The visit aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and tourism

Desi High School has launched a five-year forest restoration project with WWF-Bhutan and the Thimphu Forest Division; Students will restore and manage two hectares of degraded forest near the school, planting native trees and ensuring long-term care

Beginning the construction of Gelephu International Airport, His Majesty speech recalled Bhutan’s deep-rooted tradition of community service; Hundreds took part in a “Shapto” ceremony, voluntarily contributing labor, a symbol of unity and shared purpose

Leena Devi Ghalley, a designer from Phuentsholing, a southern border town, founded LEENA’s WORLD, an eco-fashion brand; through hand-woven motifs, natural dyes, and upcycled fabrics she revives Bhutanese heritage with a sustainable, spiritual vision

The decision to reinstate Class X cut-off point, citing declining education quality in Bhutan, has sparked criticism from education experts and lawmakers, who argue the move lacks data, research and public consultation, potentially generating inequalities

Two local films grants of $60.000 each have been granted in what is a major shift in national film policy: direct government funding, international exposure and new infrastructure are structural steps toward a globally competitive Bhutanese film industry

Thimphu municipality opened two new waste drop-off centres in Kelki and Hejo; Set up via a public-private partnership, the centres aim to improve waste segregation and recycling, making it easier for residents to manage waste sustainably

Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation and India's Adani Group signed a MoU to develop 5.000MW of hydropower projects; the partnership builds on the ongoing collaboration on Wangchhu Hydropower and pursues regional energy security and economic integration