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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 starting February this year.

Jan 29, 2025 2 mins read
Browse Archives

Featured

Suicide cases rise among country’s economically -active population

The number of suicide cases among the country’s economically active population has reached alarming levels, with nearly 68 percent of those who took their own lives last year falling within the 20 to 59 age group, according to Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) statistics.

Jan 21, 2025 1 mins read
Empowering PWDs about their rights remain a key challenge

Last year, for the first time, Respect, Educate Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) recorded 10 cases from Persons with Di...

Jan 21, 2025 2 mins read
Eco-tourism plan in Samrang to open doors for employment

Samdrupjongkhar–Samrang aims to become an eco-tourism hotspot but much depends on government support.

Jan 21, 2025 2 mins read
Ngawang Jampel joins Minerva as head of youth development

The assistant coach of Bhutan’s senior national football team, Ngawang Jampel, recently joined Minerva Academy Football...

Jan 21, 2025 1 mins read
Sporting landscape expands with six new disciplines

The sporting scene in the country is evolving, with six new sports gaining ground in the past five years. Adding to the country’s existing 20 recognised sports, the rise of Teqball, Baseball and Softball, Beach Volleyball, Kho Kho, Alpine Skiing, Enduro Cycling, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) indicate growing  enthusiasm for athletic pursuits.

Mar 21, 2025 3 mins read
BNB empowers youth with financial knowledge during Global Money Week

Global Money Week 2025, a worldwide initiative to promote financial literacy among young people, kicked off on March 17...

Mar 21, 2025 2 mins read
Eco-friendly roads to battle high-altitude challenges

The country’s mountainous terrain and extreme weather conditions make road construction challenging, with issues such as...

Mar 21, 2025 3 mins read
Soyalla: The Bhutanese tofu maker

In much of the world, plant-based diets are gaining traction for their health benefits and environmental sustainability. Yet in Bhutan, where traditional cuisine is deeply rooted in meat and dairy, soy-based products like...

Mar 21, 2025 3 mins read
Financial institutions disburse Nu 667 million under Reinvigoration Fund

Seven participating financial institutions (PFIs) have approved Nu 667.32 million in loans under the Economic Stimulus P...

Mar 20, 2025 2 mins read
Soyalla: The Bhutanese tofu maker

In much of the world, plant-based diets are gaining traction for their health benefits and environmental sustainability. Yet in Bhutan, where traditional cuisine is deeply rooted in meat and dairy, soy-based products like tofu and soy milk are relatively unknown.

Mar 21, 2025 3 mins read
PHPA-II commissions third unit, adding 170 MW to national grid

Wangdue—The third unit of Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project was commissioned yesterday, boosting the plant’s total gen...

Mar 20, 2025 2 mins read
Manufacturing sector at a crossroads

The country’s economy, facing nearly three decades of premature de-industrialisation, requires a targeted industrial policy that prioritises specialised sectors to reverse this trend.

Mar 20, 2025 2 mins read
Pioneering organic glass noodles

Forty-year-old entrepreneur Sonam Zangmo from Wangdue is pioneering organic glass noodles (Finn) made from buckwheat and vegetable extracts.

Mar 19, 2025 3 mins read
Agricultural exports surge to Nu 3.51 billion despite production challenges

Bhutan’s agricultural exports saw a strong performance last year, generating Nu 3.51 billion from both primary and proce...

Mar 18, 2025 2 mins read
Ask Mr Bhutan

A significant portion of our youth’s challenges stems from our shortcomings as responsible, patient, and mindful elders. We should minimize criticism and punishment while providing more practical, loving guidance.

Mar 22, 2025 1 mins read
Happiness with Mr Bhutan

Mar 15, 2025 4 mins read
Ask Mr Bhutan

The rise in youth crimes in Bhutan stems from various causes, requiring a multifaceted solution. My experiences living in high-crime nations like India and Sen...

Feb 08, 2025 1 mins read
Ask Mr Bhutan

The rise in youth crimes in Bhutan stems from various causes, requiring a multifaceted solution. My experiences living in high-crime nations like India and Sen...

Feb 08, 2025 1 mins read
Ask Mr Bhutan

The rise in youth crimes in Bhutan stems from various causes, requiring a multifaceted solution. My experiences living in high-crime nations like India and Sen...

Feb 08, 2025 1 mins read
Real dangers over our heads

For years, the Royal University of Bhutan’s conference hall in Thimphu has hosted policymakers, intellectuals, and experts discussing visions, future plans, and innovative ideas.

Mar 22, 2025 2 mins read
Need to fast-track approval of new FDI rules

A  foreign direct investment (FDI) company has been navigating the bureaucratic corridors for more than a year now tryin...

Mar 21, 2025 2 mins read
Safeguarding our agricultural future

Bhutan’s agricultural exports have shown impressive performance, generating Nu 3.51 billion last year. Cardamom, oranges, potatoes, and cordyceps continue to be the backbone of rural livelihoods, bringing much-needed revenue int...

Mar 20, 2025 2 mins read
Us and the US

Much to the relief of Bhutan and its citizens, the United States has upgraded Bhutan to its “yellow” category under revised travel restrictions, lifting the ea...

Mar 19, 2025 2 mins read
What it will take to create Bhutan's first unicorn

Bhutan is yet to see a single homegrown startup break into the regional or international market. This is not for lack of...

Mar 18, 2025 2 mins read

Stock Today

Change Current Price (BTN)
BNBL 0.16 30.22
BBPL -0.76 25.00
BCCL -1.03 48.14
BFAL -25.13 133.81
BIL 0.91 72.21
BPCL 0.00 43.00
BTCL 0.00 600.00
DFAL 9.39 104.02
DPL 0.50 14.50
DPNB 0.67 30.08
DWAL -9.42 103.88
GICB 0.16 27.00
KCL -2.00 32.00
PCAL 0.00 30.00
RICB -1.94 82.00
STCB 0.05 51.00
TBL -3.21 48.98
SVL 0.29 5.00
Agenda Chikha commits USD 8 million to strengthen disability inclusion

Agenda Chikha, a collaborative initiative between the government and key stakeholders, has committed USD eight million t...

Mar 18, 2025 3 mins read
Building startups for Gelephu Mindfulness City

After a four-year hiatus, the National Startup Weekend is back, aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential sk...

Mar 13, 2025 3 mins read
Smartphone imports hit record high of Nu 2.7 billion, raising eyebrows

Smartphone imports spiked to Nu 2.72 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from Nu 2.2 billion in 2023. This jump propelled...

Mar 08, 2025 2 mins read
BDBL receives almost 4,000 loan applications under ESP Window-I

Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL) has received 3,969 loan applications across its 35 branches nationwide, totaling...

Feb 20, 2025 2 mins read
Card payment and SWIFT transfers drive international transactions

Bhutan’s international payment systems showed mixed trends in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, recording a sharp increas...

Feb 20, 2025 2 mins read
Need to ensure accountability in agricultural investments

The Royal Audit Authority’s recent findings on the inefficiencies in our agricultural investments raise serious concerns...

Mar 17, 2025 2 mins read
Private participation in healthcare: A step forward

The government's recent announcement to allow private and foreign investments in the healthcare sector has sparked debat...

Mar 15, 2025 2 mins read
Alcohol: Weighing it between culture and cost

We are facing a crisis—one that is quietly devastating families, straining the healthcare system, and costing lives. Alc...

Mar 14, 2025 2 mins read
Forced to live across the border

Phuentsholing, the commercial capital of the country, is grappling with a housing crisis. People living in the border to...

Mar 13, 2025 2 mins read
Resorting to retired teachers

The education ministry’s decision to rehire retired teachers is a sound move, though it may be disheartening for teacher...

Mar 12, 2025 2 mins read

Recents

Ask Mr Bhutan

A significant portion of our youth’s challenges stems from our shortcomings as responsible, patient, and mindful elders. We should minimize criticism and punishment while providing more practical, loving guidance.

Read More

Bhutan moves towards 4G and 5G:3G phase-out underway

To enhance user experience with faster and more reliable mobile services, Bhutan Telecom (BT) is phasing out its 3G network. As part of this transition, 58,000 BT users with 3G-only SIMs have been asked to upgrade to 4G, according to the Bhutan Information and Media Authority (BICMA).

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Tuberculosis: Still a health concern

Tuberculosis (TB) cases have been steadily rising in Bhutan over the past five years, making it a major public health concern. On average, TB cases have increased by 22 annually. In 2024, Bhutan recorded 920 cases, including 66 cases of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), with 36 fatalities.

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