GST Relief Push: Bhutan’s National Assembly endorsed a Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026 to expand exemptions on essential items, including more rice varieties and a wider range of edible oils plus locally sourced butter, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures. Public Debt Watch: Lawmakers raised concerns as Bhutan’s public debt hit 90.6% of GDP, with external debt dominating and currency risks flagged for hydropower and non-hydropower borrowing. Energy Outlook: Bhutan reiterated a long-term plan to reach 25,000 MW by 2040 (20,000 MW hydropower, 5,000 MW solar), with Nyera Amari I & II moving through project preparation. Co-op and Farmer Rules: National Council members questioned cooperative membership requirements in the Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill 2025, warning rural population decline could make minimum household-based membership hard to meet. Insurance Uptake Problem: The National Council urged higher subsidies for the Crop and Livestock Insurance Scheme after low enrollment, citing farmers’ inability to pay the remaining premium and administrative hurdles. Education Investment: MoESD and EtonHouse plan Bhutan’s first international K–XII school, with the inaugural cohort set to enroll in August for ages 3–11. Infrastructure Disruption: Government said it will monitor and manage recurring road disruptions from the Phuentshogling bypass works, as landslides and debris during rains keep affecting commuters.