Bhutan turns to 'green' cryptocurrency t
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Agriculture sector to allow 100 percent FDI
The government has declared 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the agriculture sector.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-171075 -
Combating infodemics through community engagement
It is the flu season in Thimphu and any topic on the flu would be followed by free advice of home remedies involving the consumption of ginger water or lemon and honey in hot water.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-161092 -
BRCS empowers youth leaders to combat climate change
The Bhutan Red Cross Society’s (BRCS) Y-Adapt climate change training programme provided over 100 young volunteers from five colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle c…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-161336 -
Is tobacco smuggling thriving?
In 2023, the import of tobacco and tobacco products decreased by three times, sparking worries about a potential increase in tobacco smuggling within the country.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-161336 -
Tax reform vital for Bhutan’s economic growth
The country is grappling with significant challenges in its tax policy, tax administration system, and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-161516 -
Tang residents call for additional health worker
Recently, a nurse from Tang Primary Health Center (TPHC) resigned leaving the health center with a lone health assistant (HA) who has to make himself available for all services.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-112158 -
ADB report reveals challenges related to ageing workforce, recommends policy changes
By 2050, Asia and the Pacific are expected to undergo a significant demographic shift, with a quarter of the total population aged 60 or older. However, despite this impending change, the region remains ill-prepared to e…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-112058 -
Can reviewing RCSC for B.Ed graduates address teacher shortage issue?
Amidst the ongoing concern over severe shortages of teachers in schools nationwide, there is an increasing public discussion about whether employing B.Ed graduates could effectively tackle these vacant positions.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-111962 -
“Puth Group” is an illegal pyramid scheme
A week ago, a woman invested Nu 24,000, after her friends influenced her to invest in a foreign company. She was convinced when told that she would earn in US dollars when she adds new members while viewing and clicking …
Source:Kuensel2024-5-101540 -
Survey reveals gaps and successes in Bhutan’s healthcare infrastructure
To enhance the quality of healthcare services in Bhutan, the Service Delivery Indicators (SDI) health survey was conducted from May 2022 to February 2023. The findings from this survey will play a crucial role in develop…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-102283 -
Loan deferment could be extended up to a year: FIs
Financial institutions (FIs) are likely to offer loan deferment from six months to one year to the borrowers facing genuine financial hardships after the current loan deferment period ends on June 30 this year.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-101563 -
Policy change hampers the sustainability of School Agriculture Programme
The School Agriculture Programme (SAP) has been around for decades but has seen little improvement over the years.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-9877 -
Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck grants Nu 10M to health ministry
Her Majesty Gyalyum Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck yesterday, granted a generous donation of Nu 10 million to the Ministry of Health.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-91291 -
Ten companies declare dividends and bonus shares
Of the 18 listed companies with the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan, ten have declared dividends and bonus shares for the year 2023, compared to eleven companies for the year 2022.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-72126 -
Bhutan invests USD 539 million on cryptocurrency
Bhutan has invested USD 539 million in cryptocurrency mining operations over the last two fiscal years between July 2021 and June 2023, resulting in a sharp decline in the country’s reserves.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-61233 -
Bhutanese helping countrymen with housing initiative
A 25-year-old Bhutanese, Sangay Kunchok, has taken decisive action to address the pressing housing challenges encountered by the Bhutanese community in Perth, Western Australia.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-61887 -
Access to information and attrition challenge media
Streamlining communication channels and institutionalising media spokespersons will enhance transparency and accountability in Bhutan, according to the 22nd annual South Asia Press Freedom (SAPFR) 2023-2024 report launch…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-51708 -
Bhutan’s economy to rebound to 4.9 percent in FY 2023-24: WB
The World Bank (WB) predicts that Bhutan’s economy will rebound to 4.9 percent growth in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-51372 -
PM declares Saturday off for schools!
The government has fulfilled one of its key campaign promises by officially declaring Saturday as a non-working day for schools.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-51582 -
Rice importer fined for cheating
The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) fined a rice importer and distributor in Thimphu Nu 1.027 million for adulterating the rice imported.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-31171 -
Bhutan’s trade deficit narrows to over Nu 19B
The country’s trade deficit for the first quarter of this year, spanning from January to March, including electricity sale, stood at Nu 19.24 billion.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-31936 -
48 knee replacements to save the govt. Nu 38M
While the government initiated total knee replacement surgery services at the national referral hospital at the end of 2022, the costly procurement of implants and limited operating theaters hindered the provision of reg…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-22129 -
1M Euros for digitalisation of education
The European Union (EU) and UNICEF committed one million Euros to enhance student’s learning experiences and skill development to boost employability and economic growth while reducing disparities.
Source:Kuensel2024-5-21523 -
Asian Development Bank prioritises Climate Action
To bolster the response to climate change across Asia and the Pacific, and support efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive development, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2023 supported US Dollar 23.6 billion—with 9.8…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-11517 -
Industrial Transformation Map to be ready by June
The government aims to increase the share of the manufacturing sector in gross domestic product (GDP) from 6 percent in 2021 to 30 percent by 2029. This, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Namgyal Dorji,…
Source:Kuensel2024-5-11061 -
His Majesty the King grants dhar to appoint RCSC chair and commissioners
His Majesty the King granted dhar to appoint the chairperson and commissioners of Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-291988 -
40% representatives in EDB from private sector
The Economic Development Board (EDB) has finalised 10 members out of which 40 percent constituted representation from the private sector, including the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Source:Kuensel2024-4-271649 -
Takti bridge is open to traffic
The newly constructed Taktichhu bridge along the Thimphu-Phuenstholing highway is now open to traffic.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-261903 -
Telcos invest to improve network in GeSAR region
Bhutan Telecom (BT) and TashiCell will install more mobile towers and monopoles in Sarpang and Gelephu to enhance the network capacity, to prepare for the upcoming Gelephu Special Administration Region (GeSAR) developmen…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-262372 -
Punakha: Old capital’s emerging issues
Closeness to the capital city, vast fertile land and economic perspectives have played a role in Punakha not seeing as many goongtong (empty households) as in other dzongkhags. However, this could change with a wind of c…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-252186 -
Community involvement crucial for tiger habitat conservation
When conservationists and partners came together to discuss sustainable finance for tiger landscapes in Paro yesterday, one key topic of discussion was the involvement of communities in protecting and restoring tiger hab…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-251225 -
CRPs initiative boost nutrition and food security in villages
A two-day experience-sharing workshop for Community Resource Persons (CRPs) from five dzongkhags is currently underway in Paro, starting yesterday.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-241890 -
Shortage of labourers behind fallowing land
The absence of hands to till the land has left land to follow in the otherwise fertile agricultural land in Punakha.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-241526 -
Bhutan now has nine species of wild cats
The Department of Forest and Park Services recently declared a total of nine species of wild cats in the country.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-222201 -
High-income status achievable with 13 percent annual growth, expert says
For Bhutan to achieve a high-income economy by 2034, the country’s economy has to grow by 13 percent annually, the Economics Officer of the Asian Development Bank, Bhutan Resident Mission, Sonam Lhendup, said.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-221532 -
Revised tax rates are not burdensome, say senior citizens
In the living room of a duplex in Semtokha, Thimphu, a group of women spanning generations engage in lively chatter about the recently implemented revised property and land tax.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-211249 -
EIB provides €150 million for renewable energy investment in Bhutan
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed its first-ever investment support for Bhutan, a 30-year loan for €150 million (US$160.1 million).
Source:Hydro Review2024-4-201610 -
Bhutan sees marked drop in unemployment rates, particularly among youth and TVET graduate
The overall unemployment rate in the country dropped by about 2.4 percent in 2023, according to a report released by the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development (DoWPSD), Ministry of Education and Skills …
Source:Kuensel2024-4-191815 -
Building health resilience with new centre for infectious diseases
The upcoming Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases (RCID), slated for completion in 2027 in Gidakom, Thimphu, is poised to elevate medical services and bolster the treatment of infectious diseases across the country.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-183439 -
RCSC plans to revamp work culture amid surge in civil servant resignations
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) has been challenged with a surge in the number of civil servants attrition every year, forcing the Commission to reconsider its approach to work and foster a more adaptable envir…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-182369 -
RCSC plans to implement performance dashboard
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) has announced plans to overhaul and introduce the Performance Dashboard (PD) as a tool for assessing the performance of individual civil servants.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-172522 -
Businesses call for policy reforms for economic development
The business community has asked the government for policy reforms after stating that they are facing location-specific challenges with a limited consumer base that hinders their growth.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-171323 -
BCTA enforces stricter regulations on vehicle advertisements
Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) has started taking actions against the display of stickers and banners on vehicle bodies in accordance with the Road Safety Transport Regulations of 2021, specifically S…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-172174 -
Bhutan’s SDG on track
Bhutan is on track in its implementation and investment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. More than 40 percent of the target has been achieved—in contrast to only 15 percent globally.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-163139 -
A durable bridge over troublesome Panchfaly stream
The construction of the steel composite bridge over the Panchfaly stream, connecting Umling and Tareythang with the rest of the gewogs of Sarpang, is expected to provide a permanent solution once completed.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-161934 -
Govt. aims to maintain fiscal deficit at 3 percent of GDP in 13th Plan: FM
The government is looking to maintain an average fiscal deficit within three percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) during the plan period, including the ambitious 13th Plan, due to concerns about rising national de…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-162339 -
Nu 15 billion ESP success hinges on policy changes
For the success of Bhutan’s Nu 15 billion economic stimulus programme (ESP), the policy changes need to be considered, the country director of the Bhutan Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank, Shamit Chakravarti, sai…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-151511 -
EU-Bhutan elevates climate ambition through sustainable production and consumption
Bhutan is facing challenges due to changing consumption habits, resulting in increased waste production, higher energy usage, and strain on transportation systems. A collaborative effort at the national level is essentia…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-121377 -
Bhutan Health Research Portal Launched
The Ministry of Health, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), launched the Bhutan Health Research Portal (BHRP) on April 9.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-122501 -
Three drungkhags without drungpas
Could the non-appointment of Drungpas in three of the 15 drungkhags (sub district) indicate a shift in the local governance structure?
Source:Kuensel2024-4-121714 -
Addressing teacher shortage: Former teachers rejoin
In response to the teacher shortage across schools in the country, the Ministry of Education and Skill Development has announced to recruit teachers who had previously resigned.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-113074 -
National debt to rise by 10.5 percent this FY
Bhutan’s national debt is expected to surge by 10.5 percent because of financing the fiscal gap and hydropower loans in this fiscal year, the finance ministry projects.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-111578 -
Finance ministry projects 5.68 percent growth this year
The finance ministry projected Bhutan’s economy to grow at 5.68 percent this year, according to the ministry’s macroeconomic situation report for the second quarter for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-101094 -
More foreign workers raise local job opportunity concerns
The Department of Labour (DoL) approved a total of 137,324 individuals seeking employment opportunities in 2023 to fulfil the needs of crucial economic sectors. This is according to the 2023 TVET statistic report, 2023.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-101572 -
“I am not a doctor, but people think I am”: Ugyen Wangchuk
In light of recent allegations of unauthorised medical practice across the border, Ugyen Wangchuk asserts that the Indo-Bhutan Neurotherapy Centre, situated in Dadgari, India, is owned by an Indian individual.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-102545 -
Public lose Nu 9M to scammers
More than Nu 9 million have been scammed out of the public between 2023 and April 2, 2024, with an increasing number of people being scammed, 17 already in 2024, as compared to 11 in the past year.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-91548 -
Gender disparity challenges agriculture sector in Bhutan
Lack of representation in decision-making, inadequacy in rural women-centric schemes worsened by low financial literacy and minimal reflection of gender-sensitive interventions in agri-food value chains are among the key…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-91101 -
A new helipad for Lunaps
To make it convenient and accessible for the passengers, mostly highlanders of Lunana, the Drukair opened a new helipad at Jigmethang on the left bank of Punatshangchhu in Punakha.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-53149 -
WFP Bhutan to inject 14.6 million USD for national plans
Malnutrition, gender barriers, and sustainable food systems are some of the key challenges Bhutan faces in its pursuit of achieving “Zero Hunger”. To address these issues, the World Food Programme (WFP) will invest USD…
Source:Kuensel2024-4-52217 -
From bus driver to top doctor: Rise of Ugyen Wangchuk’s medical empire
A bus driver, who quit school and later became a gup, becomes top doctor in India, overnight, and opens a clinic that has cure and treatment for any ailment.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-53358 -
Goods and services become costlier by 4.53 percent in February
Bhutanese consumers are paying 4.53 percent more for the same basket of goods and services in February this year from the same month of last year.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-41758 -
Can TVET reforms bridge Bhutan’s skill gap?
For nearly five decades, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has been grappling with a lack of recognition and appreciation.
Source:Kuensel2024-4-42508 -
Nu 15 billion ESP to be part of Nu 100 billion assistance for 13th Plan
Bhutan’s plan to boost its economy with a Nu 15 billion program, called the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), will now be part of India’s financial assistance package of INR 100 billion for Bhutan’s 13th Plan.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-242006 -
Bhutan aims for stars: Bhutan Astronomical Society
The Bhutan Astrology Society (BAS) was formed on February 21. Its goal is to encourage the learning and exploration of astronomy and space sciences in Bhutan. It also aims to motivate young Bhutanese students to consider…
Source:Kuensel2024-3-242740 -
Phajo Nidup appeals against 21-Year prison term for fraud and bribery
Phajo Nidup appealed to the Special Bench in Thimphu yesterday, following the 21-year prison term on March 15 imposed upon him by the Bench.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-222554 -
Dental services struggle, privatisation suggested solution
The dental services at JDWNRH in Taba are facing problems. There are too many patients, not enough medical staff, and people can’t get appointments easily since the hospital opened.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-222636 -
Rock avalanche from construction devastates home in Mongar
On March 11, at approximately 11 am, a big rock hit and swept away a two-story house situated in Gomchhu village in Narang, Mongar.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-211887 -
Mining sector asks for lower royalties on value-added minerals
The mining sector is urging the government to lower royalties on value-added minerals exported from the country, aligning with existing government policies.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-211670 -
Wangchhu revitalisation, a bold waste reduction project
Wangchhu in Thimphu has been getting dirty and not very nice for some time now. But now, a project has started to make it clean and flowing nicely again.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-202014 -
Kuri-Gongri project’s DPR reveals 2,800MW potential
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Kuri-Gongri Hydro-Electric Project indicates a potential annual electricity generation capacity of 2,800 megawatts (MW).
Source:Kuensel2024-3-201495 -
Vehicle import ban saves Nu 5.3 Billion
The ban on importing vehicles could have helped Bhutan save Nu 5.3 billion in foreign reserves. This happened during the time when importing certain vehicles was not allowed, from August 2022 to December last year.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-182072 -
Land price soars in Sarpang
The prospects offered by the Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Sarpang has driven the land price even with a moratorium on the sale and purchase of land.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-186167 -
Brave act of heroism: Kinley Lhendup rescues teen from Punatsangchhu
On February 11, 22-year-old Kinley Lhendup, Ugyen Academy’s talented footballer, exhibited remarkable courage by diving into Punatsangchhu to save a 17-year-old girl who was in distress.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-162025 -
Climate crisis: Bhutan’s urgent battle against mounting environmental threats?
In 2021, Bhutan was ranked 38th among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and 62nd in terms of readiness to handle it, as per the Global Climate Change Adaptation index.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-161588 -
Farmers in Trongsa demand action as wildlife conflict rages on
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Nubi Gewog in Trongsa is bound to happen.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-152424 -
Revolutionising heart care: Cath Lab’s rapid impact
In September last year, something big happened at the JDWNRH: they opened the first-ever Cath Lab along with the Heart Centre. In just seven months, this Cath Lab has been doing wonders for patients with heart problems.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-152508 -
Bhutan’s economic growth could slow at 4 percent in this FY 2023-24: WB
The World Bank says Bhutan’s economy will grow slower at 4 percent this year, according to its Global Economic Prospects Report 2024.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-151816 -
Gelephu prepares to face potential flood incidents
With temperatures in Gelephu already hitting 28°C, signalling the onset of the monsoon season, the settlements along the riverbanks live in fear.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-142033 -
TVET to become attractive through national transformation plan
In Bhutan, there’s a growing problem where Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes aren’t doing enough to include everyone, especially women and people with disabilities.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-142163 -
Boosting school health; nationwide expansion being planned
Yesterday, 66 individuals from Thimphu, including principals, Health and Physical Education (HPE) teachers, and School Sports Instructors (SSI), went to a workshop. The workshop was all about keeping students healthy and…
Source:Kuensel2024-3-132866 -
Need to achieve climate resilience through green financing
In a pivotal step towards combating climate change, Bhutan may have to embrace innovative financing solutions, particularly in the realm of green financing.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-62789 -
PandoraBiz warned for unauthorised cryptocurrency training
Advancement in technology and digital platforms offer new avenues for earning, but they have also become a breeding ground for illicit digital businesses, where countless individuals fall victim to them everyday.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-62662 -
Fuel imports skyrocket while electricity exports plummet
Bhutan faces a pressing concern: while the import of fuel skyrockets, the export of electricity dwindles. This is a troubling picture of the nation’s economic landscape.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-52268 -
Rural schools struggle with ICT curriculum amid infrastructure challenges
Despite the implementation of the Digital School Flagship Programme in the 12th Plan and declaring it a success, challenges abound in effectively implementing the ICT curriculum, especially in schools in remote Bhutan.
Source:Kuensel2024-3-41861 -
Govt’s Saturday off pledge sparks debate
After the government disclosed information to the media regarding the committee’s suggestion to designate Saturdays as non-working days, teachers across the country have expressed their dissatisfaction, with some turnin…
Source:Kuensel2024-3-32079 -
Building strong agrifood systems with EU support
In a bid to strengthen agrifood systems and alleviate poverty in Bhutan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN Bhutan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), launched its …
Source:XINHUA2024-2-291418 -
Four arrested over cattle theft and slaughter
Police in Wangdue have arrested four men aged between 20 and 30 years old, on February 24, and charged for larceny and malicious mischief.
Source:XINHUA2024-2-292540 -
Reservoir filling ceremony marks milestone in PHPA-II project
In honour of the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-II), Rajesh Kumar Chandel, the managing director, opened his remarks at …
Source:The News International2024-2-252476 -
Labour market faces quality challenges
The 2024 Bhutan Labor Market Assessment Report by the World Bank’s Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice sheds light on the prevalence of poor-quality employment in Bhutan, attributing it to various labour market c…
Source:Kuensel2024-2-213009 -
Bhutan’s EV imports grab 20 percent of auto import value
Bhutan imported automobiles worth Nu 944.37 million in the first nine months of last year, with electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for about 20 percent of the total value.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-213539 -
Women lag behind in financial literacy
Gender and regional disparities exist in financial literacy, with adult females having lower knowledge of financial institutions compared to males, and rural adults demonstrating less understanding than their urban count…
Source:Kuensel2024-2-192750 -
Bhutan secures USD 10M funding for agriculture
Bhutan along with 14 countries in the Asia and the Pacific region received the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP) approved by the GEF Council earlier this month.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-192873 -
Hardware sector request for OD loans against stock or working capital
The Bhutan Hardware Association (BHA) has requested the government to provide an overdraft (OD) facility against stock or working capital for a robust hardware and trading sector.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-192503 -
FWRAs demand clarity amid regulatory concerns
MoICE implements strict measures to improve the management of foreign workers
Source:Kuensel2024-2-183313 -
CSOs struggle for survival, some in need of operational fund
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bhutan, established to supplement the efforts of the government, are facing challenges in meeting their financial requirements, including the endowment fund, along with operational c…
Source:Kuensel2024-2-182767 -
Combating HIV stigma remains a challenge
People living with HIV (PLHIV) in Bhutan still face stigmatisation and discrimination, according to a report in the Bhutan Health Journal.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-72310 -
Private sector proposes Better Business Council
Private sector representatives have proposed to initiate a Better Business Council to make a conducive business environment during the review on business regulatory process consultative meeting at the Bhutan Chamber of C…
Source:Kuensel2024-2-72192 -
Medical centers and labour agent suspended and slapped fines
Gelephu—Two medical screening centers and a labour agent in Gelephu were suspended from doing business for breaching medical protocols by deliberately providing false results for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test…
Source:Kuensel2024-2-72304 -
Remote gewogs in need of more current budget
The remote gewogs in the country had already exhausted their current budget for the fiscal year and were facing challenges in paying utility bills, vehicle maintenance, and refuelling.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-62746 -
Farmers wait crop compensation
Trashigang—Farmers in Domkhar and Yenangbrangsa chiwogs of Samkhar gewog, Trashigang wait anxiously for news on crop compensation for their crops lost to a windstorm.
Source:Kuensel2024-2-62395
