Monthly Archives: December, 0

The Dorji Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang administered Gyelwa Jampai Kawang during the ongoing Gyelwa Jampai Moenlam at Chorten Nyingpo in Punakha, today. More than 10,000 people gathered to receive blessings. According to the principal of the Chorten Nyingpo Goenzin Dratshang, Gyelwa Jampai Kawang is one of the sacred blessings administered rarely in the country.

The year-on-year consumer price index for January increased by 4.32 per cent compared to the same month, last year. This means that prices of goods and services in the country increased by 4.32 per cent in the 12 months. As per the National Statistics Bureau’s latest consumer price index report, food prices increased while non-food prices saw a decline.

The fourth season of the departmental football tournament kicked off yesterday in Thimphu. The opening match was played between the GovTech football team and the Agri Transformer, a team from the agriculture department.

Drivers might find traffic rules in some districts stricter than those in other districts. Therefore, to bring uniformity in implementing traffic rules and regulations, the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority has been training traffic police and drivers to understand the Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021. The five-day training in Phuentshogling concluded today.

Pasaphu-Peydung Chiwog in Trashigang’s Kangpar Gewog is known for its bamboo products. People sustain their livelihoods by weaving bamboo products and earning a good income. However, they have been facing a shortage of raw bamboo materials for years. To address this problem, they started planting bamboo species in a nursery.

The lone fuel depot in Tingtibi, Zhemgang continually faces fuel shortages, leaving motorists frustrated. Commuters using the Gelephu, Trongsa, and Panbang highways are now urging authorities to quickly address the recurring fuel scarcity issue. They demand that the depot should stock enough fuel to cater to the region.

The country's fertility rate has risen to 2 children per woman from 1.7 some six years ago. This was shared by the prime minister during the Meet the Press session yesterday. The latest figure is from the National Health Survey that concluded last year but the prime minister shared his concerns as a large number of people in the productive age group are abroad.

The Bhutan Transparency Initiative is urging parliamentarians to enact a Witnesses and Whistleblowers Protection Act in the country. This was shared at a workshop attended by parliamentarians, representatives from Civil Society Organisations, and media houses in Paro, yesterday. The Bhutan Transparency Initiative emphasised that such an act would empower people to speak out against wrongdoings and curb corruption in the country.

Sorig Zhiney and Luejong, a mindfulness and yoga practice, based on the Bhutanese traditional medicine system, is gaining popularity in schools across the country after its introduction, last year. The practice was initiated in schools by The Pema in collaboration with the National Traditional Medicine Hospital. Students and teachers who practise Sorig Zhiney and Luejong say it has been helpful to them.

Residents of Darachhu in Patshaling Gewog in Tsirang want relevant agencies to initiate lake revival works for Dara Tsho which is on the verge of drying up. Residents said no authority concerned has taken up any revival works despite the lake turning into a grassland. They say, reviving the lake will not only preserve the ecosystem but help promote the area as a tourist destination.