January of 2025

Archives

With Love from Bhutan

“With Love from Bhutan” is a meditation on fractured family ties, the bitter-sweet pull of home, and the healing power of food.

Jan 31, 2025 3 mins read 1,213 views
ORO Bank to reinvent banking in Gelephu Mindfulness City

ORO Bank, Asia’s first full-reserve bank, is positioning itself as a pillar of trust and transparency in the country’s ambiti...

Jan 30, 2025 2 mins read 4,805 views
Climate Crowd funds projects in Protected Areas

Communities in two protected areas will soon benefit from targeted climate adaptation projects funded by the Climate Crowd Initiative, a global programm...

Jan 30, 2025 3 mins read 860 views
Bhutanese man assaulted in Jaigaon, Indian police officer apologises

Punakha – A 33-year-old Bhutanese man was assaulted by a mob and an Indian police officer...

Jan 30, 2025 1 mins read 964 views
Bhutan faces AI readiness gaps, calls for national strategy

Bhutan has made significant strides in digital governance, including the establishment of secure digital platforms, but critical gaps remain in artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.

Jan 30, 2025 2 mins read 1,272 views
Nu 325M project to restore Zhemgang Dzong

Zhemgang—The restoration of Zhemgang Dzong will begin in the second fiscal year of the 13th Plan, with a budget of Nu 325 million allocated for the project.

Jan 30, 2025 2 mins read 879 views
Toyota Fortuner purchased as pool vehicle, not for personal use: BCCI president clarifies

While the High Court recently ruled in favour of S...

Jan 30, 2025 2 mins read 676 views
Kho Kho: New sport where Bhutan can excel

While the game of Kho Kho is relatively new to Bhutan, Kho Kho Club’s President, Jigme Dorji, believes that Bhutanese have the potential to excel in this sport.

Jan 30, 2025 3 mins read 3,301 views
Faith-based change should work

Long before modern conservation theories emerged, Bhutan and its people championed a form of sustainable living deeply rooted in Buddhism. The power of faith, reflected in a new initiative by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zhung Dratshang, serves as a reminder of these values.

Jan 30, 2025 2 mins read 1,372 views
Who will be DNT’s next president?

Punakha—Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister and President of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), stepping down from politics has left a leadership vacuum, raising questions about who wi...

Jan 29, 2025 3 mins read 718 views
Blending faith and conservation

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Bhutan, in collaboration with the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body), launched “Enlightened Stewardship: Bhutan’s Faith-Based Long-Term Environmental Plan” yesterday...

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read 645 views
Replica of Dorji Dhen Choeten to be built in GMC

Gelephu—His Holiness the Je Khenpo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony (Salhang Tendrel) for the Dorden Tashi Gomang, a replica of the Dorji Dh...

Jan 29, 2025 3 mins read 780 views
India doubles scholarship budget to support more Bhutanese students

In what is a major boost to educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, the Indian Ambassador’s Scholarship has been awarded to 1,534 students for the academic year 2024-25, grossing Nu 79.65 million.

Jan 29, 2025 1 mins read 1,021 views
D-Chen Atelier’s bold fashion journey

A small yet impactful fashion studio in Thimphu is redefining the country’s design craftsmanship. D-Chen Atelier, founded by Dhechen Chodron, is a fashion business that celebr...

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read 883 views
Gelephu vendors get new market shed

Gelephu—The vendors in Gelephu no longer have to endure the hardships of the deteriorated shed, as the newly constructed Gelephu integrated vegetable market is ready for relocation startin...

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read 1,390 views
Ed Sheeran in Bhutan

There are some Bhutanese Ed Sheeran fans who worry that the iconic superstar star, used to larger and more vibrant crowds, would have been disappointed by a comparatively lackluster response from the audience at the Friday concert in...

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read 1,109 views
Big dreams need bold reforms

As Bhutanese, we are proud of our distinct identity. The most common narrative is how we take pride in our history, rich cultural heritage, pristine environment, carbon-negative status, and Gross National Happiness philosophy, among others. Overtime, these characteristics have contributed to building a strong national brand.

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read 1,280 views
Almost 200 out of 566 schools lack internet connectivity

While the ministry reports the success of the Education Flagship Programme implemented in the 12th plan, there remains substa...

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 560 views
RMA pilots central bank digital currency

The central bank, Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), has initiated a pilot programme for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in a controlled and experimental environment, fo...

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 4,923 views
Ed Sheeran makes history with landmark show in Bhutan

Bhutan hosted its first-ever international concert, an evening with global superstar Ed Sheeran. The event brought thousands of fans t...

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 697 views
NCD epidemic grips Bhutan

A nationwide health screening conducted by the Ministry of Health (MoH) has unveiled an alarming picture of the country’s battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 855 views
Punakha introduces night and evening rafting adventure

Punakha— As the calm waters of the Punatshangchhu shimmer under the moonlight, tourists enjoy a unique experience—night and evening...

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 619 views
Highland students embrace creativity and learning at winter camp

Dechencholing Higher Secondary School in Thimphu, January 27— Children are busy sketching scenes from...

Jan 28, 2025 3 mins read 582 views
On the right step

The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has taken a commendable stride by initiating a comprehensive plan to engage the private sector in the 13th Plan. This move aligns with the broader vision of transforming governance and foster...

Jan 28, 2025 2 mins read 1,368 views
Ed Sheeran electrifies Thimphu with historic concert

On January 24, Ed Sheeran took the stage at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, greeted by loud cheers from the crowd.

Jan 27, 2025 3 mins read 602 views
Indian community celebrates 76th Republic Day

The Indian community in Bhutan celebrated the 76th Republic Day of India at the Indian Embassy in Thimphu yesterday.

Jan 27, 2025 2 mins read 648 views
DRC looks at modernising customs operations

The Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) observed the International Customs Day 2025 with a ceremony at the Regional Revenue and Customs Office in Samtse yesterd...

Jan 27, 2025 2 mins read 722 views
SC sentences Korphu gup for embezzlement

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the High Court’s decision, convicting Sangay Khandu, the former Gup of Korphu, Trongsa, of embezzling Nu 620,403 from the Gewog Environment...

Jan 27, 2025 1 mins read 637 views
Restoring Changyuel Galem’s house

Punakha: Funding for a long-awaited Changyuel Galem’s house restoration project is finally expected to be disbursed by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with Euro 130,000 (approximately Nu 10 million) pledged by a donor agency last year.

Jan 27, 2025 4 mins read 6,043 views
Bridging interest and action in education gap

The mentoring programme initiated by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is an amb...

Jan 27, 2025 2 mins read 1,337 views
At 9.9 percent, industry growth falls short of plan’s target

The industry sector’s growth rate is estimated at 9.9 percent in the 13th Plan, which is lower by 0.3 perce...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 4,118 views
Study reveals mentoring programme boosts interest in STEM and TVET

The mentoring programme initiated by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD),...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 635 views
Private sector drafting proposal to align with 13th Plan

The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), with support from the European Union-funded Voice for Green Change Partnership (V4GCP) project, is leading an initiative to craft a comprehensive proposal for private sector engagement in the 13th Plan.

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 732 views
Trouble of harnessing alternative energy

After more than three years of inactivity, one of the two wind turbines in Rubesa is now operational, while the other remains non-operational due to the pending arrival of p...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 703 views
New measures to streamline exports from Samdrupjongkhar

Samdrupjongkhar—Authorities in Samdrupjongkhar are cracking down on illegal mandarin exports to prevent market disruptions and l...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 2,446 views
A path to healing and well-being

For the first time in Bhutan, Chithuen Phendey Association (CPA) in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, USA conducted training for four days on Trauma-Informed Care and Adverse Chil...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 657 views
Tenzin Zepa wins Youth Centre Chess Championship

Tenzin Zepa from the Changjiji Youth Centre (YC) won the 2025 Youth Centre Chess Championship for Beginners in Thimphu yesterday.

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 2,493 views
Bhutan’s climate resilience: Ten years of partnership and path forward

In the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan, the kingdom that pioneered Gross Natio...

Jan 25, 2025 4 mins read 1,341 views
The Decadal Tenure as a tool for Judicial Transformation

The Constitution of Bhutan equips the judiciary to foster transformative justice. The High Court (HC) and Supreme Court (SC),...

Jan 25, 2025 3 mins read 947 views
Ed Sheeran in Bhutan: A harmony of aspirations

Bhutan witnessed an extraordinary event that left its mark not just on those who attended, but also on the nation as a whole. Ed Sheeran, one of the world’...

Jan 25, 2025 2 mins read 1,327 views
Ensuring that GMC is rabies-free

Gelephu—Sarpang is leading the way in rabies prevention with a collaborative effort between the Livestock Department and de-suups to sterilise cats and dogs.

Jan 24, 2025 3 mins read 621 views
Punakha crematorium faces urgent waste and sanitation concerns

Punakha—Located north of the Punakha Dzong, the Punakha Duethre (crematorium), is the only cremation in tow...

Jan 24, 2025 2 mins read 1,496 views
Multiple forest fires in western region

Forest fires broke out yesterday afternoon in three locations in the western region: Katsho in Haa, Neyphu in Paro, and Damchu in Chukha.

Jan 24, 2025 2 mins read 1,541 views
Samdrupjongkhar residents push for new ICP

Samdrupjongkhar— Congestion at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Samdrupjongkhar has become a daily ordeal, with trucks, cars, two-wheelers, and pedestrians competing...

Jan 24, 2025 3 mins read 1,392 views
Bhutan’s first MMA fighter Tsheltrim Rabgyel excels in Canada

For decades, Bhutan has not been able to enter the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The country’s first MMA fighter, Tsheltrim Rabgyel, broke the deadlock and proved that with a strong mentality, hard work, determination, and consistency, nothing is impossible.

Jan 24, 2025 2 mins read 1,889 views
Fire accidents demand urgent action from All

Forest fires in Thimphu have become an alarming, recurring issue. The destructive fires not only threaten the delicate ecological balance of the country’s forest...

Jan 24, 2025 2 mins read 1,404 views
Trump orders US exit from Paris Agreement, halts foreign climate funding

A day before the official launch of the International Year of Glaciers Preser...

Jan 23, 2025 3 mins read 1,658 views
Dealers struggle as confusion mounts over green tax refund process

Confusion among vehicle owners over the Green Tax refund process has left dealers inundated wit...

Jan 23, 2025 2 mins read 2,400 views
Money multiplier to hit a record high of 5.01

The money multiplier in the country is expected to reach a new high of 5.01 at the end of June this year, indicating that the ngultrum is generating more money than before.

Jan 23, 2025 2 mins read 1,859 views
Hotels in Bumthang struggle to stay afloat

Bumthang—Following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel industry has been grappling with a major shortage of workers, as many employees laid off during the lockdowns have not returned.

Jan 23, 2025 3 mins read 1,374 views
Browse Archives
Mandarin exports hit Nu 679.88 million

Feb 06, 2026 1 mins read 803 views
Bhutan observes World Cancer Day

Feb 04, 2026 2 mins read 1,480 views
Building a culture of service

Feb 04, 2026 2 mins read 1,844 views
Fewer fires, faster containment mark this fire season

Feb 04, 2026 3 mins read 1,638 views
Bhutan hosts Asia’s model forest summit

Feb 04, 2026 3 mins read 1,698 views
Government, telecos at odds over 50% data price cut

Jan 31, 2026 2 mins read 7,337 views
Dorjilung hydropower to raise GDP by 2.4%, generate 5,000 jobs

The 1,125MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project (DHPP) is expected to boost the country’s economy, raising gross domes...

Jan 31, 2026 3 mins read 3,093 views
ESP Steering Committee to review Nu 575 million in unspent, recovered funds

The Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Steering Committee will review how to reallocate Nu 574.73 million in unspent and...

Jan 31, 2026 2 mins read 2,770 views
New FDI regime offers wider access to foreign investors in agriculture

The agriculture and livestock sector is seeing an increased investor interest following major reforms in foreign direct...

Jan 03, 2026 3 mins read 3,877 views
BCCI submits 35 business ideas to govt. for private sector engagement

The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has submitted 35 business proposals from 12 sector associations to th...

Dec 20, 2025 2 mins read 4,386 views
Bhutan attracts major impact finance commitments at SDG forum

During the two-day Bhutan SDG Impact Finance Forum held last week in Thimphu, international and high-level participants...

Dec 20, 2025 3 mins read 2,946 views
Businesses propose action oriented public-private forum to address private sector woes

The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has proposed the government to re-establish the high-level Private Se...

Dec 20, 2025 2 mins read 3,228 views
Ask Mr Bhutan

Feb 02, 2026 2 mins read 890 views
Fitness is not defined by body size or age

Feb 02, 2026 1 mins read 914 views
Movie Review: Lights, Camera, Action!

Feb 02, 2026 1 mins read 1,722 views
The Hamptons, born from the love of cooking

Feb 02, 2026 1 mins read 1,263 views
Yarn roses, tiny dolls, and business of careful hands

Crochet, the meticulous art of creating fabric from interlocked loops of yarn, was once associated with a domestic hobby...

Feb 02, 2026 2 mins read 1,123 views
Turning bridal hairstyling into a trend

Jan 26, 2026 2 mins read 2,128 views
Birbi and the art of taking your time

Jan 26, 2026 1 mins read 1,736 views
Jangchub Puen Nye

Jan 26, 2026 1 mins read 1,823 views
The burden of cancer

Feb 07, 2026 2 mins read 187 views
Inconvenience caused is highly not appreciated

The capital city is, once again, under excavation. From Motithang to Babesa, roads and drains are being dug out severing...

Jan 31, 2026 2 mins read 1,459 views
The tourism paradox

Jan 28, 2026 2 mins read 1,397 views
A relief for the hotel industry

Jan 24, 2026 2 mins read 1,764 views
High-value tourism, low-value jobs?

Jan 21, 2026 2 mins read 2,096 views
Tying the loose ends of GST reform

Jan 17, 2026 2 mins read 2,327 views
GST transition pains need urgent fixes

Jan 14, 2026 2 mins read 2,267 views
Making GST work past early hiccups

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a major fiscal reform in recent years. These new reforms are part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s tax system to make taxation fairer, more efficient, a...

Jan 10, 2026 2 mins read 2,472 views
The cost of delay

Jan 07, 2026 2 mins read 3,121 views
A new chapter for Kuensel

Two decades ago, in February 2005, Kuensel increased its publication frequency to twice a week. This move was a direct response to our readers’ growing needs and a conscious preparation for the n...

Jan 03, 2026 2 mins read 2,659 views
Amochu quarriers call for flood walls after millions in losses

Phuentsholing—Businesses involved in extracting and exporting boulders, gravel, and sand along the Amochu river are call...

Oct 16, 2025 2 mins read 4,662 views
Train Smart, Not Hard

Jan 26, 2026 1 mins read 1,390 views
Punishment is not prevention

Jan 26, 2026 4 mins read 1,890 views
Strengthening the third sector

Over the years, the civil society sector has quietly assumed a critical role in bridging policy and people. Often referr...

Dec 31, 2025 2 mins read 2,967 views
Why selective privatisation in healthcare makes sense

The debate on private sector participation in healthcare has reached an unhelpful impasse. This is mainly because it is...

Dec 30, 2025 2 mins read 3,343 views
Agencies must be held accountable for financial irregularities

The Royal Audit Authority’s (RAA) latest annual report is disturbing, to say the least. Financial irregularities reached...

Dec 29, 2025 2 mins read 4,820 views
What about moral and ethical accountability?

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigation into the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) loan was meant to settle...

Dec 27, 2025 2 mins read 3,439 views
Citizens building a nation’s future

The fourth round of the Gelephu Mindfulness City volunteer programme, which drew a record 10,000 participants, pushing t...

Dec 26, 2025 2 mins read 3,227 views

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