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 1,312 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 4,968 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 967 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 1,193 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 1,470 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 1,002 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 840 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 3,549 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 1,467 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 814 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 742 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 927 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 1,194 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 982 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 1,489 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 1,188 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 1,363 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 646 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 5,066 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 815 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 958 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 722 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 677 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 1,474 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 704 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 745 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 816 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 742 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 6,342 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 1,424 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 4,220 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 710 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 834 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 805 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 2,544 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 747 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 2,776 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 1,478 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 1,018 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 1,442 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 711 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 1,709 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 1,701 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 1,638 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 2,065 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 1,554 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 1,888 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 2,514 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 1,970 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 1,555 views
Browse Archives
RAA suspends audit clearance certificates amid huge unresolved issues worth billions

The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) has suspended the issuance of Audit Clearance Certificates (ACC) to enforce resolution of long-standing audit issues totaling Nu 3.26 billion.

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 4,808 views
Connectivity and infrastructure challenges hamper digital learning in schools

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development plans to reinstate ICT exams for Class XII from 2026 to strengthen digi...

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 1,165 views
Forex reserves reach USD 1.15B in February

Foreign exchange reserves reached USD 1.15 billion in February 2026, up 33.64 percent year-on-year, and are sufficient t...

Apr 08, 2026 3 mins read 1,783 views
Bags that carry Bhutan

Starting with a simple sewing machine and a curiosity for the craft, Wesel gradually developed her skills, combining Bhutanese tradition with global design trends.

Apr 08, 2026 3 mins read 2,411 views
Rain and hail in south, snow in north as pre-monsoon systems dominate skies

Southern Bhutan faces heavy rain and storms, while northern highlands get light snow, driven by pre-monsoon weather syst...

Apr 08, 2026 3 mins read 1,629 views
Draktsho East launches unit to bridge gap between training and employment

The Beyond Graduation Production and Empowerment-supported unit might be an answer to how persons with disabilities can...

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 1,649 views
Four districts, three commodities

By 2030, BRECSA aims to boost resilient commercial agriculture by 30 percent across the four districts, improve food and nutrition security, and connect scattered producer groups into a coordinated agri-food system.

Apr 08, 2026 4 mins read 1,644 views
Roads, power, and connectivity transform Merak

Electricity and improved roads have enabled residents of Merak to upgrade homes, switch from traditional fire stoves to...

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 1,377 views
BOC launches major reforms to upgrade national sports ecosystem

With Bhutan aiming for His Majesty’s Gelephu Mindfulness City and a tenfold GDP boost, the BOC says sports must evolve t...

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 2,336 views
Government yet to deliver on promises for media reforms

The government has made a slew of pledges to reform the media sector, yet, little of it has been realised so far. The...

Apr 07, 2026 2 mins read 1,466 views
Startups call for support beyond seed funding

The country’s startup ecosystem has helped many young entrepreneurs launch their businesses, but founders say support beyond seed funding remains limited, making it difficult for existing startups to scale and sustain operations.

Mar 21, 2026 3 mins read 2,992 views
National debt to rise by 26%, reaching Nu 380 billion in June

The country’s national debt is expected to rise by nearly 26 percent this June compared to June last year.

Feb 25, 2026 2 mins read 4,448 views
Economy uncoils for strongest growth in years

The Year of the Snake became a defining moment for the country’s economy, as growth accelerated sharply following severa...

Feb 18, 2026 4 mins read 4,350 views
Tax system sees major changes and initiatives

The Wood Female Snake Year brought major tax reforms in the country with the passage of the Income Tax Act of Bhutan 202...

Feb 18, 2026 2 mins read 4,747 views
Government, telecos at odds over 50% data price cut

Jan 31, 2026 2 mins read 11,422 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 7,481 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 6,598 views
Sundays at Le Méridien

Apr 13, 2026 3 mins read 546 views
The trap of spiritual materialism

Apr 13, 2026 4 mins read 668 views
Compassion in practice: Building a win-win healthcare system

Taking care of all members of society is a characteristic of a mature and compassionate nation; therefore, I strongly ad...

Apr 04, 2026 4 mins read 974 views
Happiness with Mr Bhutan

Studies and end of life accounts consistently show that many of us leave this world with the same stinging regrets: not spending enough time with our loved ones, and not investing enough time...

Apr 01, 2026 4 mins read 1,916 views
When Words Create Worlds

Mar 30, 2026 4 mins read 1,092 views
Where to find the best momos in Thimphu

Mar 16, 2026 1 mins read 2,771 views
Bhutanese flavours find a home in Perth

Mar 16, 2026 2 mins read 2,982 views
She Lives in the Mirror

Mar 16, 2026 2 mins read 3,533 views
When our pursuits for happiness become our chains

Mar 16, 2026 4 mins read 2,393 views
A costly fiasco

Apr 11, 2026 2 mins read 1,348 views
Living hand to mouth

Apr 08, 2026 2 mins read 1,129 views
A call for shared responsibility

The government’s directive to prudently use scarce public resources, fossil fuels (petrol and diesel) is a timely intervention. The initiative calls for shared responsibility amid rising fuel costs and a supply line...

Apr 04, 2026 2 mins read 1,610 views
When the watchdog has no teeth

The Bhutan Media Forum concluded yesterday, bringing together media professionals, policymakers, and civil society members under the vision of building a resilient media ecosystem. The Bhutan Media Forum Award...

Apr 01, 2026 2 mins read 1,448 views
Culture under threat?

Mar 28, 2026 2 mins read 2,713 views
Promises and performance

As the government undertakes the mid-term review (MTR) of 13th Plan activities across dzongkhags, its performance must be measured against the promises it made. Such a review is essential to a...

Mar 25, 2026 2 mins read 1,953 views
Policy versus ground reality

The conflict in the Middle East, coupled with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, has forced many Bhutanese to adjust to the unpredictable and fast-changing market and policy decisions. From the cost...

Mar 21, 2026 2 mins read 2,227 views
A costly reality

Mar 18, 2026 2 mins read 2,188 views
What’s our contingency plan?

Mar 14, 2026 2 mins read 2,523 views
What an entrepreneurial bureaucracy must do

Mar 11, 2026 2 mins read 3,118 views

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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 7,328 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 8,288 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 6,757 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 7,088 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 9,755 views
Pindarika: Myth, desire, and revenge on big screen

Mar 10, 2026 1 mins read 2,218 views
A night for silver screen in Punakha

For Bhutanese cinema, the National Film Awards have become something more than an annual ceremony. It is a barometer of...

Mar 02, 2026 2 mins read 2,254 views
Your Body, Your First Responsibility

Mar 02, 2026 1 mins read 2,425 views
Urgent call to skill our youth

Mar 07, 2026 2 mins read 3,796 views
Bracing for impacts of distant wars

Mar 04, 2026 2 mins read 2,901 views
Beyond the statistics

Feb 28, 2026 2 mins read 2,913 views
An auspicious beginning

Last week, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) stood at the epicentre of events that were as symbolic as they were historic....

Feb 25, 2026 3 mins read 3,051 views
Are we prepared for a major earthquake?

The recent assessment by experts from the National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal serves as a stark reminder th...

Feb 21, 2026 2 mins read 4,303 views

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