Monthly Archives: December, 0

Long before COVID-19, another pandemic, silent but similarly deadly, affected the lives of people. Alcohol has killed millions and it still continues to do so. Although difficult, many have also been successful in walking the path of recovery. This is a story of a man from Monggar who overcame the grips of alcohol addiction and now lives as an inspiration to others. 

Bhutan recently ended the second dose of the weeklong vaccination programme against COVID-19. More than 400,000 people were vaccinated. But even after that people should continue to follow health safety measures. This was the message from Health Minister Dechen Wangmo.

Supreme Court Justice Kuenlay Tshering appealed to the High Court yesterday. Last month, the district court sentenced him to five years in prison for abetting mutiny in the criminal conspiracy case.

More than 11 years after the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan came into effect, the ban on the sale of tobacco and tobacco products is lifted in the country as an interim measure. This was done to stop the smugglers from bringing in new infections along with tobacco across the porous border. According to the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority's notification, all grocery shops and 'pan' shops will be allowed to sell tobacco products. However, dealers and sellers must keep daily records of tobacco and tobacco products imported and distributed.

As the sunsets, those selling local farm products at the Farmer’s market in Trongsa town have to call it a day. Unlike the fellow vendors selling imported vegetables and fruits, they cannot stay till 9 PM; their sheds are not electrified. According to the vendors, they repeatedly requested a connection to the district municipal, but nothing has come of it yet. 

The residents of Phuentshogling are cautious, as Phuentshogling opens up further with more relaxations. Most shops and restaurants remained closed. Not many people came out today as the town is still not safe from the virus.

This time of year, farmers will be reaping the benefits of their months of hard labour in the scorching sun and soaking rain. But not this time. Starting with cabbage, ginger and potatoes, export has never been smooth amid the pandemic. The latest is carrots from Haa. 

A flash flood on the evening of 28th July has left the residents of Gyalpozhing in Monggar without drinking water. The flash flood caused by incessant rains damaged the water source of the Gyalposhing town area.  

This summer break was altogether a different experience for the students of boarding schools in the country. In light of the COVID-19 situation in the country, they had to spend the time in their respective schools. And for the students of Bemji Primary School, a remote school in Trongsa, the arrangement has been an enriching experience.

If everything goes as planned, individuals can expect better online services by the end of the current Five Year Plan. This will be made possible through the National Digital Identity project. Individuals will be given a unique digital identity based on biometric information. It is one of the major components of the government's Digital Drukyul Flagship programme.