Bhutan, after prioritizing happiness, now faces an existential crisis
Bhutan, the tiny kingdom that introduced Gross National Happiness to the world, has a problem: young people are leaving the country in record numbers. The country boasts free health care, free education, a rising life expectancy and an economy that’s grown over the last 30 years — still, people are leaving. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay […]
Read MoreWill China succeed in pulling Bhutan away from India?
On December 6, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk and Queen Jetsun Pema concluded their two-day trip to India. During the visit they met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. New Delhi reiterated the unique relationship which both sides share and its commitment to development and growth of Bhutan. As per […]
Read MorePM Modi and Bhutan King resolve to further expand ‘exemplary’ bilateral ties
India and Bhutan on Thursday vowed to further expand their “exemplary” partnership across all sectors with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveying to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck New Delhi’s strong commitment to the economic development of the Himalayan nation. Shortly after Wangchuck arrived here on a two-day trip, he and Modi held talks […]
Read MoreESP credit period may be extended: Bhutanese Prime Minister
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has signaled the government’s willingness to discuss extending the deadline for the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) concessional credit period with the Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL), as the December application window approaches its close. Lyonchhen was responding to a question posed by Trashigang’s National Council (NC) Member, Sonam Tobgyel, during yesterday’s […]
Read MoreBhutan’s exports increase by more than 13 percent
Bhutan’s exports to India and other countries, including electricity, increased by over 13 percent as of September this year, compared to the same period last year. Export earnings reached Nu 46.8 billion as of September, up by Nu 5.32 billion from last year. This year exports are expected to be more than the pre-pandemic level. […]
Read More32MW Yungichhu to be commissioned by September next year
Lhuentse—With more than 71 percent of the project completed, the 32MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project in Lhuentse is on track to begin operations by September 2025. Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE), a subsidiary of Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), is developing the project. More than 83 percent of headworks components, encompassing construction of intake structure, main […]
Read MoreEcotourism offers new hope for youth in Pemagatshel
Pemagatshel—Four years ago, Tashi Dhendup from Shumar, Pemagatshel, quit his job in tourism due to Covid-19. This left him at a crossroads, as the tourism industry, had supported his family financially. With few options available, he returned home and started farming. However, he was discouraged by human-wildlife conflicts. Then he started Lotus Eco-Lodge. Tashi Dhendup and […]
Read MoreNew suspension bridge to enhance access to Koma Tshachu, promoting sustainable tourism
A new 50-metre suspension bridge, designed to improve visitor accessibility to Koma Tshachu (hot spring) and support the local economy of Goenshari Gewog in Punakha, was officially opened to the public on November 25. The construction of the bridge, along with other amenities, was made possible with a funding assistance of Nu 3.7 million from […]
Read MoreBhutan’s Ministry of Finance transfers 3.3 billion concessional credit line to BDBL
Finance Minister Lekey Dorji announced that the Nu 3.3 billion concessional credit line under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) will now be managed by the Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL). The decision, which aims to address operational inefficiencies and improve loan processing times, was made following a recent meeting between the Cabinet and the management […]
Read Morel Journalism Conference 2024: Reconnecting the Journalism Fraternity in Bhutan
By Rinzin Wangchuk Paro, Bhutan – Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay briefly attended the ongoing Annual Journalism Conference (AJC) in Paro this evening, addressing the state of Bhutan’s media landscape, including its challenges and the government’s role in supporting the industry. The prime minister’s participation came en route to Thimphu after his engagements in New Delhi, […]
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