Yearly Archives: 0

More than 1,300 students from Thimphu and  Phuentshogling have participated in the World Mile Challenge as of today. It is a run of 1.6 kilometres, which is a major build-up programme for the upcoming Kids' Athletics Day. The day will be celebrated tomorrow globally. This year, it focuses on running, jogging, or walking a mile.

Bhutan TSHAR Institute in Monggar, inaugurated last year to empower bamboo artisans, is doing wonders. A wide range of bamboo products crafted by the artisans are displayed at the annual Tarayana fair in the capital. The artisans say it has helped them generate income and improve livelihoods.

White-bellied herons are at a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and degradation. According to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, RSPN, the conservation of the critically endangered bird is constrained by the impacts of climate change, natural calamities, diminishing food resources and limited knowledge about its ecology and biology. According to RSPN’s annual White-bellied heron population survey report, there are some levels of threats to the bird across the country’s river systems. The survey found that Bhutan is home to 25 White-bellied Herons.

Recently, a few districts across the country reported damages to properties due to windstorms. According to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, the current wind speeds are within the normal range for this time of year and consistent with previous years. Officials have said that the wind will continue until the onset of the monsoon.

The Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu has directed authorities concerned to impose restrictions on the amount of fuel Indian cars can buy from the three fuel stations in the district. This decision is a measure to address the frequent fuel shortages faced by Samtse residents, primarily due to the increasing number of Indian vehicles coming into Bhutan for cheaper fuel. The Dzongkhag Tshogdu has instructed the Samtse District Administration, Municipal office, Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, and Thromde Ngotshap offices to work together and set limits on the fuel quantity that Indian vehicles can purchase.

Starting this year, Special Education Needs students in Samdrup Jongkhar Primary School will be able to learn various life skills for self-sustenance. The school management has included zero-waste craft in the curriculum for Special Education Needs students. The teachers underwent a zero-waste craft training to equip the students with such skills. The three-day training ended today.

The Prime Minister, during the Annual Journalism Award last evening, committed the government’s support to train Bhutanese journalists. The Prime Minister called for all the media houses to submit proposals on what needs to be changed to improve the country’s press freedom index which dropped to 147 this year from 90 last year.

Road connectivity is vital for fostering developmental activities and improving livelihoods. As such Gewog Center Roads across the country are supposed to be of good quality. However, the road condition at Dungna in Chhukha tells a different tale. Despite the farmers tirelessly pursuing agriculture given the favourable climate for crop cultivation, inadequate road infrastructure has hindered developmental efforts and livelihoods.

Coinciding with World Press Freedom Day yesterday, the Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) held its eighth Annual Journalism Award in Thimphu. Journalists from various media houses were recognised for excellence in 14 different categories.

The local leaders of Sarpang appealed for a formal trade route via Gelephu during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu. They said despite producing huge amounts of areca nut farmers are unable to earn better income without a formal route. For now, farmers sell it to Indian middlemen.