BhutanNews_South Asia Network TV

Questions on questions on loan moratorium

The government had not received a satisfactory answer from the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) even after discussions, formally and informally, with relevant officials of the central bank on the proposals to lift the mora…

Source:Kuensel

昨天 15:30

2

Farmers lock horns as shortage of water affects cultivation

While police have asked elected local government members to mediate the issue, the complaint on June 25 to police, highlights the problems of water shortage during the crucial paddy transplantation season.

Source:Kuensel

昨天 15:29

0

VP alleged of assaulting teacher

An assault case involving the vice principal and a teacher has reached the drungkhag court following a heated clash over a carton of biscuits at the Nganglam Middle Secondary School in Pemagatshel. The incident, which oc…

Source:Kuensel

昨天 15:27

2

Annual leave for civil servants increases to 21 days

In a move aimed at promoting work-life balance and rejuvenation among civil servants, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) has introduced a provision for annual leave (AL).

Source:Kuensel

昨天 13:42

1

Improved irrigation canal transforms farming in Tshankhardung

The villagers of Tshankhardung in Trashiyangtse are making the most of their day, attending to their farmlands and taking a well-deserved mid-morning break. Among them, Jatshola and his friends are particularly content t…

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-26

0

Sarpang sees surge in areca nut growers

Areca nut business in Sarpang is expected to grow in a few years, as an increasing number of farmers have been cultivating areca nut in recent years.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-26

2

Govt. funding needed to stabilise: SOEs

The State-owned enterprises (SOEs) say they need government funding for their long-term financial stability since 10 out of 13 SOEs incurred losses in the past two consecutive years.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-22

0

OPEC to fund renewable energy in Bhutan

The Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund is actively involved with the Government of Bhutan to finance Gamri-I (45MW) hydropower project in Trashigang and the Begana (25MW) hydropower project in Thi…

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-22

1

EFC urges government to take action on non-performing SoEs, tourism incentives, and credit access

In a significant development, the Economic and Finance Committee of the National Assembly has put forth recommendations for the government to address critical issues concerning non-performing State-Owned Enterprises (SOE…

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-21

2

ACC clears DCCL of corruption allegations

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has dropped all allegations of corrupt practices against the Dungsam Cement Corporation Limited (DCCL) management after conducting a review of the complaint letter they received recen…

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-21

0

New irrigation scheme disappoints Kabjisa farmers

The paddy saplings are ripe, and paddy fields in Yousakha-Chorten Nyingpo chiwog in Kabjisa gewog, Punakha are ploughed and ready for cultivation. Usually the landscape would be covered in greenery by now.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-20

0

DGPC to construct Kholongchhu hydropower project

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will construct the 600MW Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd which will be financed through a debt-equity ratio of 70:30.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-20

0

His Majesty The King graces the passing out parade of the pilot BMT

His Majesty The King graced the passing out parade of the pilot basic military training (BMT), 56th batch Desuung training at Pelrithang, Gelephu yesterday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-18

5

Reservations on the convention could deprive rights: Experts

In what is a welcome development for people with disabilities, the National Assembly ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on June 14.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-18

0

Inward remittance becomes more attractive

Sending money home from abroad has become more attractive after the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) revamped the incentive on inward remittance from 2 to 10 percent from yesterday until December this year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-16

4

News of the third Royal Child excites Bhutan and the Bhutanese

The entire nation is brimming with joy and enthusiasm following the news shared yesterday morning by Their Majesties regarding the expectation of their third Royal child.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-16

2

Govt. proposes 55-74 percent pay hike for civil servants

If the parliament passes the Pay Revision Bill of Bhutan 2023, the civil servants will draw a salary hike of 55 to 74 percent on their minimum pay scale from July 1 this year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-12

1

A new biological corridor to connect parks

Agriculture Minister Yeshey Penjor introduced the declaration of a biological corridor (BC) connecting Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary at the National Assembly yesterday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-10

7

Egg demand soars in meat-less month

Demand for eggs has spiked in the capital as meat shops remain closed for the holy month until June 18.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-10

0

More than 10,000 graduates to attend convocation this year

The convocation for graduates of colleges under Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) from 2019 to date is likely to be held by October this year, according to Vice Chancellor Nidup Dorji.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-9

10

Anticipation rises as Parliament discusses Sixth Pay Commission Report

The much-awaited Pay Revision Bill of Bhutan 2023 will take center stage during the ninth session of the Third Parliament, fueling excitement and high expectations among the public and civil servants alike.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-9

4

His Majesty the King graces opening ceremony of 9th Session of Parliament

His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of the 9th Session of the Third Parliament yesterday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-9

5

Demo project shows Bhutan’s potential in solar energy

The 11.7-kilowatt solar panels installed in the campus of Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) generated 19,753 units of energy in kWh as of May 26.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-8

7

Light session for newly constituted NC?

It could be a light session for the newly-constituted National Council going by the agenda on the table. The elected members to the 4th National Council received their dhar from His Majesty the King on Wednesday, June 6.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-8

8

Coming together against plastic waste

If urgent action is not taken against plastic waste, this is what the class V student of Changangkha Middle Secondary School, Ugyen Sonam Pelbar, imagines the world he will be living in.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-7

7

CFM rooftop solar plant launched

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, a solar rooftop plant was launched on June 4 at the Centenary Farmer’s Market in Thimphu.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-7

5

Inflation rises to 3.29 percent in April

Bhutan experienced a rise in the cost of goods and services, with the inflation rate reaching 3.29 percent in April compared to the same month last year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-7

4

Power generation dips by 7.5 percent in first 4 months

Hydropower generation saw a drop of 7.5 percent between January and April compared to the same period last year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-4

4

Bhutan’s struggle against plastic waste

Bhutan made waves in 1999 when it announced a ban on plastic bags joining the global fight against plastic waste.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-4

6

Bhutan’s tax-to-GDP ratio falls short of World Bank benchmark

Over the past five years, Bhutan’s tax-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio has averaged at 13.5 percent, a figure that falls below the World Bank’s benchmark of 15 percent.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-3

3

RCSC removes quota system for BCSE

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) has announced that it will allow applicants to appear for the Bhutan Civil Service Examinations – Preliminary Exam (PE) and Main Examination (ME) – multiple times provided that…

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-2

3

Bhutan’s tax-to-GDP ratio falls short of World Bank benchmark

Over the past five years, Bhutan’s tax-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio has averaged at 13.5 percent, a figure that falls below the World Bank’s benchmark of 15 percent.

Source:Kuensel

2023-6-2

2

Decline in cash crop production puts export target at risk

The government’s ambitious plan to produce 400,000 crate boxes from various saw millers to meet export requirements is facing a potential setback as the production of the country’s top three cash crops, namely apple, a…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-31

2

SCE to offer B.Ed Secondary in IT for Class XII Arts graduates

In a move to support arts students affected by the discontinuation of regular arts programmes, the education ministry of Bhutan has announced 140 government scholarships for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Secondary in In…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-29

9

Govt. to continue prohibiting import of non-essentials

The government could continue prohibiting import of non-essential items in the wake of dwindling foreign currency reserves.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-29

7

304 rural households to benefit from solar PV system

To diversify energy and empower rural households, the Department of Energy (DoE) is preparing to install three-kilowatt (Kw) grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 304 households in 11 villages

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-28

6

Climate change threatens Bhutan’s water security

As change in climate affects the natural environment, 1,856 water sources in Bhutan are drying up and 69 sources have already dried up, according to the Department of Water.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-27

1

The national language and International students

At the Royal Thimphu College (RTC), a group of foreigners from the USA, France, Hungary, and Australia, dressed in Kira, greets visitors with the traditional Bhutanese greeting “Kuzuzangpo la.”

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-25

4

PDP declares 21 more candidates

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced 21 candidates from 15 dzongkhags for the upcoming elections, yesterday. Out of 21 candidates, six of them are new candidates and the rest are old candidates who contested in…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-25

7

Bhutan formally conveys intent to join WTO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) sent a formal communication to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Secretariat in Geneva in April end expressing Bhutan’s desire to join the organisation.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-25

8

Bailey bridge connecting Gyalpoizhing-Nganglam collapses

The Gyalpoizhing-Nganglam highway is expected to be closed to traffic for at least three weeks after the 180ft Bailey bridge over Drangmechu at the Kuri-Gongri confluence in Mongar collapsed yesterday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-24

7

Period products inaccessible in remote schools

In remote schools such as Sonamthang Central School in Zhemgang, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly alternative period products, presents a significant challenge among other hardships.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-24

2

No headache for mandarin orange and apple boxes this season

Mandarin orange and apple exporters can expect a better export season this year after saw millers agreed to supply the required demand for packing boxes.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-24

0

Bhutan reaffirms commitment to conserving biodiversity

The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment in building back biodiversity and increasing the understanding and awareness of biodiversity loss and conservation, coinciding with the International…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-23

9

Menstrual movement helps to break taboos

A girl’s first menstruation, the symbol of womanhood, is exciting. But, if they are not equipped with all the right information to manage their first menstrual cycle, it comes with a lot of mental, physical, and emotion…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-23

5

GNH Survey: Citizen’s well-being and happiness touch 93.6 percent

The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Survey for 2022, launched yesterday at the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies, unveiled an impressive finding: 93.6 percent of Bhutanese report feeling happy.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-23

0

Seven ECCD centres in Sarpang await facilitators

Seven newly-established Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres in Sarpang are awaiting approval from the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) to recruit facilitators.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-22

1

Bhutan’s economy should focus on economic efficiency: UN DESA Chief

For long-term economic growth, Bhutan’s economy should focus on efficiency gains, the Chief of Global Economic Monitoring, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Hamid Rashid (PhD) said.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-22

3

66 Bhutanese students awarded Singaporean Nursing Scholarship

The students will join the college in Singapore in April next year. As part of the bond, they will be working for Singaporean hospitals upon completion of their three-year diploma course.

Source:BBS

2023-5-21

3

Wangdue police forward suspected murder case to Office of Attorney General

The Wangdue Police have forwarded a suspected murder case of a 34-year-old individual to the Office of the Attorney General on May 17, marking a significant development in the ongoing inquiry.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-20

3

Bhutanese students awarded Asian Nursing Scholarships

Sixty-six Bhutanese students have been granted fully-funded scholarships under the Asian Nursing Scholarship (ANS) programme in Singapore.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-20

2

MoU to enhance aviation safety

Singapore and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) and the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore to enhance aviation …

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-20

7

Three women sentenced to prison for human trafficking

The court also ordered them to pay restitution to the victims.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-18

1

Ferrosilicon export records all-time high of Nu 16.22B last year

Last year, Bhutan’s top export product, ferrosilicon, reached an all-time high of Nu 16.22 billion (B), a 6 percent rise from 2021, almost 30 percent of total exports. This was equivalent to 113,277 metric tonnes (MT).

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-17

4

NA to table Tax reform, pay revision in summer session

The government has indicated that two substantial money Bills will be submitted during the ninth session of the third Parliament, which have been keenly anticipated.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-17

1

Australia commits to remain with Bhutan post-LDC graduation

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, MP talks with Kuensel’s Choki Wangmo during his visit to Bhutan. Bhutan-Australia celebrates 20 years of bilateral relations this year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-16

3

Ferrosilicon export records all-time high of Nu 16.22B last year

Last year, Bhutan’s top export product, ferrosilicon, reached an all-time high of Nu 16.22 billion (B), a 6 percent rise from 2021, almost 30 percent of total exports. This was equivalent to 113,277 metric tonnes (MT).

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-16

3

Local leaders concerned about fake news

The man, who captured the 1.48-minute video, says seeing the tsholang swimming more than a kilometre across the lake is amazing. “It is gifted for the people like us to see such a mythical animal,” he says.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-15

0

Tribute to Life and Legacy

An exhibition titled, “A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck” opened at the Royal Textile Academy (RTA) on May 13 to commemorate Her Majesty’s 60th Birth Anniversary.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-15

0

All that visa grant notice is untrue

A father asking his son to go out and play in the parking lot was left shocked with this response from his 8-year-old. He was not wrong. Only two of his five playmates from the same building they reside are left. The nex…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-13

0

Khengpas gearing up for Watermelon Festival

At the crack of dawn, Leki Wangmo descends into the vast watermelon fields in Berti village, Zhemgang covering them with hay.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-13

0

Is Bhutan heading for trouble?

With a large number of people going abroad for study and work, and the dropping fertility rate, many are beginning to worry that the nation with an ageing population will de-growth its economy.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-13

0

Rampant increase in illegal fishing in Jigmechhu

Illegal fishing activities along Wangchhu in Jigmechhu, Chukha, have become rampant in recent years.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-12

7

From upper to lower house?

With the National Council (NC) elections over and the third NC coming to an end, former MPs provide a happy hunting ground for the political parties who are yet to finalize all the 47 candidates.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-12

1

Rebooting online potato market

Bhutan Commodities Exchange Initiative (BCEI), a commodities market for agri-products, will resume in July this year, two years after the pandemic stopped its operation.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-12

0

Govt. raises bond to meet fiscal gap

To meet its growing fiscal deficit, the government had raised Nu 17.8 billion (B) from the issuance of bonds in less than three years.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-11

1

NC elects Sangay Dorji as its chairperson

The first sitting of the fourth National Council (NC) yesterday elected the Member of Parliament from Chukha, Sangay Dorji, as its Chairperson and Dago Tsheringla from Haa as Deputy Chairperson.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-11

6

Tobacco import trebles in 2022

Bhutan imported tobacco and tobacco products worth Nu 1.59 billion (B) in 2022, three times more than the import figure for 2021.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-10

1

Livestock sector threatened by emerging disease outbreaks

Experts from South Asian countries are charting out a plan to prevent and control Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) to reduce their impacts on livestock and livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-10

2

ECB makes stringent rules for elected representatives

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has imposed strict rules on candidates for elective office who resign without reasonable necessity before their term is completed.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-8

1

Their Majesties attend King Charles III’s coronation

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen attended the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, in London on May 6 morning.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-8

1

National debt rises by Nu 19.72B in over a year

The country’s national debt grew to a record Nu 267.4 billion (B) by the end of March this year. It saw an increase of Nu 19.72B or about 8 percent over the last one year.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-8

1

Government launches Naykap Gokab for innovators

Naykap Gokab is designed to be an inclusive platform that is accessible to everyone—from farmers to students, entrepreneurs to policymakers, and grassroots innovators to tech innovators.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-7

1

Police take up where the judiciary left

Even as the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) dismissed a complaint against what is known as “loan sharks,” the Royal Bhutan Police implicated two women and four men in similar cases where various levels of courts ruled i…

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-7

0

Punakha ECCDs await approval for more than three years

More than years ago, Punakha dzongkhag requested for deployment of facilitators at Punakha’s Early Childhood Care and Development Centres to the previous Ministry of Education.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-5

0

Land prices shoot up in Sarpang

Price of land in Sarpang has risen significantly in the past two months. The surge is seen mainly within a 40-kilometer radius of Gelephu town along the Gelephu-Sarpang highway.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-5

0

DTT declares three candidates from the east

Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT) introduced three more candidates from Lhuentse, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse at its headquarters in Trashigang yesterday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-4

2

Govt. offers Nu 5B bond for public subscription

The government is offering a nine-year bond worth Nu 5 billion (B) for public subscriptions, making it the eighth bond-offering to the public in less than three years.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-4

0

DHI and Bitdeer to jointly develop green digital asset mining operations in Bhutan

Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) announced yesterday a strategic partnership with Bitdeer Technologies Group, a world-leading, Nasdaq-listed technology for the cryptocurrency mining community

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-4

1

Govt. considering incentives for tourists: PM

The government is planning to introduce incentives for tourists to visit the country, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said at a monthly meeting with the private sector last Friday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-3

0

Residents of Samtse town upset over delay in water supply project

Residents of Samtse town complain that the delay in the completion of a six-kilometre water supply project is posing risks to motorists and pedestrians.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-3

0

Govt. launches new SOP on sharing information to media

With the implementation of a standard operating procedure (SOP), the government has increased the scrutiny of sharing public information with the media.

Source:Kuensel

2023-5-3

1

Investments in digital assets, part of diverse national and international investment portfolio: DHI

The Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) in a statement to the media said that it has invested in diversified future-looking investments in local and global assets including digital asset (mostly Bitcoin) mining and invest…

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-30

1

Bhutan to Join WTO

The government has approved the country’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The decision was announced by Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Karma Dorji.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-29

1

Those with prior booking eligible for old SDF rate: MoICE Minister

The government will let tour operators bring in tourists at the old sustainable development fee (SDF) if they can prove that their bookings were confirmed before June 20, last year, applied for approval before mid-night …

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-27

1

Govt. disclaims any association with Yung Drung Companies

The government disclaimed any association with Druk Yung Drung companies, an associate of the companies, and any purported Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects associated with them, according to a press release from the …

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-24

4

His Majesty returns from tour of the south

His Majesty The King arrived in Thimphu yesterday evening after concluding a weeklong Royal tour of the southern dzongkhags.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-24

4

Chukha goes for incumbent

Chukha’s NC incumbent Sangay Dorji from Bongo Gewog, Chukha was re-elected yesterday securing about 52.4 percent of the total votes.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-22

0

Mangdueps chose principal over the teacher

Rinzin Namgyal, a former principal, has been elected as the National Council (NC) candidate for Trongsa.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-22

1

Dagana voters want crop compensation

As an agrarian society, the annual average household income from agriculture in Dagana is Nu 73,040. Every year, they lose a major chunk of their produce to wildlife depredation and natural disasters.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-22

0

Why Thimphu voters went for new candidate?

Leki Tshering worked hard to gain the NC seat from Thimphu. He kept in touch with the voters and identified himself with the commons. And he won the 2023 NC elections.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-22

1

Recalled judgment copy rustles SC verdict on Nubri case

A recent Supreme Court (SC) judgment has left many in the legal field talking when it recalled a judgment copy issued to one of the four defendants citing clerical mistakes.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-22

0

Phuentsholing welcomes the new move

Around 89 casual people visited Phuentsholing on the first day after the government waived the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of Nu 1,200 starting from April 14.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-19

3

Nation gears for fourth NC Poll Day

Voters across Bhutan will decide the fate of the 89 National Council candidates in 20 dzongkhags tomorrow.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-19

2

His Majesty on Royal Tour

His Majesty The King arrived in Phuentsholing from Samdrupjongkhar yesterday evening. While in Samdrupjongkhar, His Majesty granted audience to the 57th batch of de-suung training programme in Dewathang and dzongkhag sec…

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-19

2

Negligence leads to frequent sewer outflow in Thimphu

After working for two days continuously, thromde workers by late afternoon yesterday fixed the sewer line that burst in front of iBest Institute at Changzamtog on Saturday.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-18

0

Officials prepare for poll day

As Bhutan prepares to head to the polls to elect the 20 National Council (NC) representatives on April 20, preparations are happening at dizzying speed, but with utmost care.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-18

1

Covid-19: fifth dose to be administered soon

Ministry of Health will administer the fifth dose of Covid-19 vaccine for people aged 65 and above and those with comorbidities.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-18

1

Education and health professionals resigning is a concern: PM

An alarming trend of high attrition rates among health and education professionals in Bhutan has sparked concerns about the country’s ability to maintain essential services.

Source:Kuensel

2023-4-17

0