Latest News
What's happening across Bhutan, updated daily.
10% FD interest withholding to continue, refund process to be reviewed
The Finance Ministry says it will look at ways to make the refund of tax withheld from fixed-deposit interest easier for taxpayers. This follows the Opposition Party’s call to review the current syste
via BBS News
Gelephu-Taraythang Highway moves closer to construction
The Gelephu-Tareythang road is moving closer to construction. A new alignment has shortened the planned route to 12.6 kilometres, while the detailed design is nearing completion and contractors are no
via BBS News
Students unable to afford tuition to receive stronger support in schools
As private tuition becomes increasingly common in urban areas, concerns are growing that the cost of additional academic support could leave some students at a disadvantage. The Ministry of Education
via BBS News
Punakha conducts GLOF evacuation drill amid continued flood risk
The 1994 glacial lake outburst flood in Punakha claimed several lives and damaged property, including the Punakha Dzong when it swept through the valleys downstream. More than three decades later, the
via BBS News
Hydropower projects designed to withstand GLOF risks, says MoENR Minister
Being built along river basins, Bhutan’s hydropower projects are vulnerable to flash floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such events, th
via BBS News
Students use citizen journalism to speak up about bullying
For many students, bullying is something they see, experience or hear about, but rarely talk about openly. Now, students trained in citizen journalism are trying to change that. They are investigating
via BBS News
Gelephu old town set for major transformation
Gelephu’s old town is about to take on a new look. Around 40 buildings will be rebuilt or upgraded as the Gelephu Mindfulness City works to create a modern urban centre rooted in Bhutanese identity. J
via BBS News
Thimphu Court orders diversion for 10 children in recent battery case
The Thimphu District Court has ordered diversion for 10 children in conflict with the law in connection with the recent battery case. Police had charged the children with battery, being an accomplice
via BBS News
Three months on, Lhuentse farmers still wait for potato buyers
Limited access to markets, falling prices, and weak demand for potatoes have left farmers in Zhamling, Lhuentse’s Gangzur Gewog unable to sell their harvests for months. With buyers yet to arrive, all
via BBS News
Tender for the Supply of security and Gardner’s Uniform
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited would like to invite sealed quotations from eligible firms for the “Supply of Security and Gardner’s Uniform”. The bid details are as follows: For f
via BBS News
Tender for the Repair and Maintenance of Toilet and building plinth area
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited would like to invite sealed quotations from eligible Contractors for the “Repair and Maintenance of Toilet and building plinth area. The bid details
via BBS News
Beyond beauty, turning skills into livelihoods
Beauty is often associated with appearance. But behind every hairstyle, makeup look and beauty treatment is a set of skills that can also create jobs and businesses. As Bhutan continues to grapple wit
via BBS News
Young and working-age adults among those most affected by suicide
Suicide is preventable, yet people continue to lose their lives to suicide in Bhutan. According to The PEMA, many of those affected are young, working-age adults. While mental health issues are identi
via BBS News
Eight years on, Bhutan’s first conjoined twins are growing into their own
In 2018, the story of Bhutan’s first conjoined twins captured national attention after they were successfully separated in Melbourne, Australia. The twins were only about 15 months old at the time. No
via BBS News
Rebuilding after recovery
A job, a pay cheque and a place at the family table. For most people, these may seem ordinary. But for someone rebuilding life after substance use, they mean a fresh start. Yet, the road back to a sta
via BBS News
Smaller glacial lake triggered August Paro flood, NCHM calls for stronger early warning
The flood in Paro in August was initially thought to have been caused by a breach of Jechu Drake Lake. However, a detailed assessment by the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, or NCHM, has
via BBS News
Japan provides nearly Nu 300 M worth health equipment to hospitals in eastern Bhutan
People in the six eastern districts can expect better healthcare services. The health ministry has deployed health equipment worth nearly Nu 300 M in the east. Japanese government provided the equipme
via BBS News
Bhutan’s distance runners prepare for Asian Games Challenge
With less than two weeks to go before the Asian Games, Bhutan’s two distance runners are stepping up their training in Thimphu. Gawa Zangpo and Sangay will compete in the 5,000 and 10,000-metre events
via BBS News
Landmarks still lead way, Thimphu’s addressing system needs upgrade
In Thimphu, telling someone where you live can sometimes sound like a list of landmarks: near a school, behind a restaurant, or next to a particular shop. Often, these landmarks become the quickest wa
via BBS News
Communities in Punakha take part in GLOF awareness and evacuation drill
More than a thousand people living along the Phochhu and Punatsangchhu rivers in Punakha have been reminded of what to do in the event of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. The awareness programme comes a
via BBS News
Save the Children to support Bhutan in strengthening climate resilience
As the world warms and climate change risks increase, Save the Children plans to invest more in climate-resilient development in Bhutan. According to the Asia Regional Director of Save the Children, t
via BBS News
Clean cooking pilot launched in Chhumey
Farmers in remote parts of Chhumey Gewog in Bumthang who still use firewood for cooking are being encouraged to switch to cleaner cooking stoves. Some one hundred households in the gewog are given ele
via BBS News
Paro FC women, RTC women’s FC remain level at top of National Women’s Football League
Paro FC Women and RTC Women’s FC remain level on points at the top of the Bhutan National Women’s Football League after playing out a goalless draw yesterday. The result keeps the title race tight as
via BBS News
Boxing trio gear up for Asian Games
Three Bhutanese boxers are undergoing intensive training as they prepare to represent Bhutan at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games will bring together athletes from 45 countries an
via BBS News
Shivalaya Mandir in Gelephu set for golden transformation
Works are underway to transform the Shivalaya Mandir in Gelephu into a Golden Mandir, following the command of His Majesty The King. An international contribution campaign was also launched today, wit
via BBS News
Global AI and blockchain company Nansen opens office in Thimphu
A global blockchain data and artificial intelligence (AI) company operating in over 30 countries, Nansen, formally opened its office in Thimphu today. The company’s office is at the Bhutan Youth Devel
via BBS News
Former Dorji Lopen Ngawang Tenzin passes away at 87
Former Dorji Lopen Ngawang Tenzin passed away at his residence above Drangay Goenpa in Paro yesterday. He was 87. He is currently in Thukdham. Led by the Laytshog Lopen, the Central Monastic Body cond
via BBS News
Family arguments lead to lengthy separation for two teenage girls
What began as minor arguments at home turned into weeks and, in one case, months of uncertainty and separation for two teenage girls and their families. With the intervention of Phuentshogling Dungkha
via BBS News
Bhutan Glory Meet brings butterfly enthusiasts to Kanglung
Kanglung in Trashigang is gradually gaining popularity among butterfly enthusiasts for its rich diversity of butterfly species. The area began attracting butterfly watchers after a Bhutanese birdwatch
via BBS News
Nyalakha farmers test new hybrid fence to reduce wildlife damage
For farmers living alongside forests, keeping wildlife out of their fields can be just as challenging as growing the crops themselves. In Nyalakha village in Wangdue Phodrang, farmers are now testing
via BBS News
Sri Lanka and India crowned champions at CAVA Beach Volleyball Tournament
Bhutan lost the semi-finals to India at the CAVA Beach Volleyball Championship. The three-day tournament concluded at Changlimithang today, with teams from seven countries competing in the men’s and w
via BBS News
Tourism industry calls for clarity as USD 100 SDF sunset period nears
The government brought down the Sustainable Development Fee to 100 dollars three years ago, in 2023, providing a 50 per cent discount for international tourists. This revised rate is valid until Augus
via BBS News
Waste piles up as gewogs in Bumthang lack regular collection
Residents in Bumthang are doing their part by collecting their waste every month. But with no reliable system to take it to the district dumping yard, waste has been piling up at collection points for
via BBS News
Tashithang ECCD centre nurtures young learners
An Early Childhood Care and Development centre in Tashithang Chiwog of Umling Gewog is currently catering to nine children from three villages. Although enrolment is small, the centre is helping young
via BBS News
Bhutan men’s team one storms into CAVA Beach Volleyball semi-finals
Bhutan’s Team One men’s pair has advanced to the semi-finals of the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour Bhutan Open 2026 after a thrilling comeback win over Uzbekistan at Changlimithang today. However, Bhutan’
via BBS News
69 graduates, just 10 vacancies for primary Dzongkha teachers
Only ten B.Ed Primary Dzongkha graduates will be recruited into the education system through the civil service exam this year. This is the lowest number of vacancies announced for this group in the pa
via BBS News
Rabies-free, but the work continues
Bhutan has made major progress in its fight against rabies. The country has now received global recognition for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies as a public health problem. But the country is not
via BBS News
GMC pushes for clean business, zero corruption
Gelephu Mindfulness City is being built as a new economic hub, attracting businesses and creating new opportunities. But authorities say growth must come with another priority: integrity. The Audit an
via BBS News
Buddha Dordenma undergoes re-gilding
One of the country’s most recognisable landmarks and a major religious and tourist site is undergoing its first major re-gilding in more than a decade. Work has begun on the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
via BBS News
Nu 730 M spent on overseas treatment, raising need for stronger healthcare within the country
Cancer remains the leading reason why Bhutanese patients are referred abroad for treatment, placing a growing financial burden on the country’s health system. An assessment of ex-country patient refer
via BBS News
Shengana-Dzomi road project faces delays and pothole problems
Increasing delays in public infrastructure projects continue to plague the country. Last year, the audit highlighted that construction projects are riddled with delays, defective work, and inefficient
via BBS News
Commuters seek safer, sheltered bus stops in Thimphu
Many bus stops in Thimphu lack proper shelters or have damaged facilities, prompting commuters to call for better bus stands. They say waiting for buses becomes particularly difficult during harsh wea
via BBS News
Farmers redesign fence, double their harvest in Wangmakhar
A fence designed by farmers themselves is helping protect nearly 58 acres of farmland at Wangmakhar in Monggar from wildlife. The chain-link fence, combined with a low-current electric line, is keepin
via BBS News
Seven lakes in Tashithang to be developed as eco-tourism destination
Lakes attract people because they offer unique natural beauty and a peaceful escape from busy daily life. That’s what Samdrup Jongkhar is trying to capitalise on. Tashithang gewog’s tshoduen (seven la
via BBS News
Merak Gewog strengthens fire safety with new hydrants
Merak’s closely clustered settlement and the widespread use of firewood for heating have long raised concerns about the risk of fire. To improve fire safety, a new water supply system and fire hydrant
via BBS News
Seven nations set to compete in CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour in Thimphu
Bhutan is set to host the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour at Changlimithang in Thimphu from Friday. Teams from seven countries will compete in the three-day regional tournament. Bhutan and Bangladesh held
via BBS News
GMCA invites bids for 256-unit housing project
Gelephu Mindfulness City is growing, and so is the need for somewhere to live. The city is now planning a 256-unit housing project as more people arrive for work, business and other opportunities, whi
via BBS News
DRC turns to QR payments to track business income
Making a quick QR payment on mobile banking apps now requires identifying whether the transaction is a business payment or a personal transfer. While the extra step may seem like a hassle when making
via BBS News
New framework to strengthen climate-resilient urban planning
The country’s urban planning and developmental activities are likely to become more efficient. As part of a project focused on enhancing the climate resilience of the urban landscape, a new framework
via BBS News
New BQPCA system aims to cut paperwork and save time
How many times have you filled in the same personal details or submitted the same documents while applying for different government services? A new digital system launched by the Bhutan Qualifications
via BBS News
Pedestrians and businesses compete for space on Thimphu footpaths
Narrow footpaths and goods spilling onto public walkways are making it difficult for pedestrians to move around in some parts of Thimphu. While Thimphu Thromde says businesses must keep public Rights
via BBS News
RBP urges proper fingerprint inking for official documents
Fingerprints are increasingly being used alongside or in place of signatures to authenticate important documents. However, poor-quality thumb impressions can make verification difficult and, in disput
via BBS News
Global Conscious Food Systems Summit explores new approaches to food systems
The global food system is facing mounting pressure from climate change and environmental degradation to hunger and changing patterns of consumption. In an effort to find solutions, more than 400 peopl
via BBS News
Designing solutions for independence at Bhutan’s Inclusive Makeathon
For a person living with a disability, everyday tasks can be challenging. It is not necessarily because the person cannot do it, but because the tools around them are not always made with them in mind
via BBS News
Tender for the Construction of shelters, towers, fencing and installation, testing of earthling system and AC & Ventilation
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited invites sealed quotations from established and reputed national and international suppliers for the construction of shelters and towers, fencing, an
via BBS News
A decade later, hazelnut production begins picking up in Bumthang
For many hazelnut growers in Bumthang, the journey towards a meaningful harvest has been a long and patient wait. More than a decade after planting the trees, farmers are finally seeing production pic
via BBS News
New irrigation project to address water shortage in Radhi
Radhi Gewog in Trashigang is known as the rice bowl of eastern Bhutan for its high rice production. However, a longstanding irrigation water shortage has made it difficult for farmers to continue rice
via BBS News
EtonHouse Bhutan International School starts classes
EtonHouse Bhutan International School, the country’s first international school, formally opened in Thimphu today. The school, with classes from Kindergarten to 12, plans to expand enrolment from next
via BBS News
Beekeeping helps single mother build a livelihood in Dhur, Bumthang
Beekeeping can be a daunting task. It takes work and commitment, requiring an exceptional amount of patience and a calm temperament. Even with protective gear, the occasional sting can be hard to avoi
via BBS News
Training seeks to prepare aspiring women leaders for 2027 LG elections
Despite making up more than half of the country’s population and electorate, Bhutanese women remain underrepresented in elected leadership positions. The country has been mobilising various initiative
via BBS News