Diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that affects the eyes is among the leading causes of preventable blindness and vision impairment according to the World Health Organization. The Action Plan for Integrated People-Centred Eye Care in South-East Asia 2022–2030 mandates that at least 80 per cent of people with diabetes should undergo regular eye examinations. However, in Bhutan, the National Health Survey 2023 shows that only half of the diabetic patients received eye examinations.

The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development plans to evaluate grammar and languages of Dzongkha songs played in karaoke bars within Thimphu and few other districts, this year. Local song composers acknowledge that the song composition landscape has evolved in terms of language usage, format and tunes over time. Some artists said that though new ideas and creativity in the field needs to be embraced, they said that they are concerned that some rigsar songs inappropriately deviate from the mainstream composition norms.

Paro FC were crowned champions of the BoB Bhutan Premier League for the fourth consecutive season last night at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.In what was a near-perfect season, Paro FC amassed a total of 47 points from a possible 54 with the only loss of the season coming in the 1-0 loss to Transport United in August.

Cultivating Khamtey rice has not only achieved rice self-sufficiency for the villagers of Samdrup Jongkhar’s Phuentshothang Gewog but has also brought substantial revenue for the villagers. With the increasing demand for this variety of rice, the income of the villagers is steadily growing. The villagers of Samdrup Jongkhar mostly grow Khamtey rice variety.

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) has identified Global E-Commerce as a pyramid scheme which promises attractive commissions and gifts based on initial investments. Many individuals who have invested between Nu 600,000 and Nu 2 M reported feeling deceived with no way to take action against the promoters. As a result, several Bhutanese have been unable to recover their money for nearly a year. The authority urges the public to avoid participating in such schemes.

After fourteen years of leaving their paddy fields fallow, the villagers of Phangyuel Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang have resumed paddy cultivation. It is now harvesting time, and the villagers are busy reaping the benefits of a new irrigation water supply project from the Baychhu stream. With reliable access to irrigation, farmers have expanded their paddy cultivation beyond what is needed for self-consumption, boosting agricultural productivity in Phangyuel.