Monthly Archives: December, 0

To enhance the skills and services in Drayangs, the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (RITH) organised day-long hospitality training as the institute observed the community and outreach day, today.

The 14thAnnual National Design competition for kira, gho and embroidery was organised in the capital, today. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck gave away prizes to the winners. There were about 50 participants from throughout the country.

“Our era of living in darkness is over.” That is what the residents of remote Silambi Gewog in Monggar say. Their homes were electrified last year. And most of the households have started using electrical appliances. As their homes were electrified last year, people have started using electrical appliances as well.

Bhutan will receive 29 new ambulances by March next year. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA signed a grant aid agreement worth Nu. 89 million with the Gross National Happiness Commission to replace of the old ambulances.

The Cabinet is reviewing the revised urban taxes proposed by the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement. It includes land and building taxes in all four major thromdes of Thimphu, Phuentshogling, Gelegphu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The 17th century Ta Dzong, which also houses the National Museum, is currently undergoing major renovation. The Dzong was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake. The reconstruction works, which began last year and is expected to complete by the end of next year.

Bhutan continues to import huge amounts of rice, meat, edible oil and vegetables. According to the annual report published by the Royal Monetary Authority, Bhutan imported essential food items worth Nu. 6.3 billion between 2012 and 2013. Between 2011and 2012, Bhutan imported essential food items worth Nu. 5.1 billion. Rice import constituted Nu. 1.5B while 1.3B worth of meat was imported in the same year. On the other hand, only Nu 1B worth of food was exported.

Forest range office in Wangdue has caught smuggling walnut consignments. Following a tip-off officials seized around 117 cubic feet walnut logs when trying to smuggle under the cover of darkness. The man was apprehended on the 18th of this month in Taksha. He was fined around Nu. 74,000.

Local leaders in Wangdue Phodrang say harvesting raw materials to make traditional wooden bowls (Dapa) and cups has huge impact on the environment. During the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdue they requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests to stop issuing permits to collect the raw materials.

The weekend market in Haa town comes alive. Hundreds of people throng the market. From grocery, to garments and vegetables the market has everything. Villagers from different villages come to sell their vegetables. Some of the local residents said because of the weekend market even the otherwise silent and desolate Haa town hustles and bustles.