Archive for July, 2007
| Culling on in Manipur; Bhutan bans Indian poultry Economic Times, India - Jul 30, 2007 Meanwhile, Bhutan has banned import of poultry from India in the wake of bird flu outbreak in Manipur. This could hit West Bengal's poultry trade. … |
| Bhutanese prime minister resigns San Jose Mercury News, USA - Jul 27, 2007 By WASBIR HUSSAIN AP Writer GAUHATI, India?Bhutan's prime minister and six members of his Cabinet have resigned to pave the way for the first parliamentary … |
| Poaching, encroachment threaten India's leopards Reuters - Jul 30, 2007 Since July last year, police have seized dozens of leopard skins and body parts near India's northeastern border with Bhutan. "We have found that leopard … |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
 Javno.hr |
Pranab hopes to finalise nuke deal soon NDTV.com, India - Jul 29, 2007 He said this on board a special aircraft while returning to Kolkata from Bhutan after a three-day official visit. Mukherjee said the draft agreement … Nuclear deal will not interfere with weaponisation: Pranab Hindu Australia to support India in NSG Economic Times all 38 news articles |
| Bhutan to hold first elections in Feb-March 2008 Reuters India, India - Jul 2, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - The reclusive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will hold its first national polls in February and March next year, … |
| Refugees of the Himalayas; France and the world; France and the world International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 22, 2007 Bhutanese refugees were ousted from Bhutan during the 1990s by the government. Since then they have been living in refugee camps located approximately 550 … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Meghalaya faces flood fury Times of India, India - 2 hours ago It depends on rains in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh." The Brahmaputra was showing a receding trend in Dibrugarh and at Nimatighat in Jorhat on the southern … |
| S.Asia floods leave hundreds of thousands stranded Washington Post, United States - 11 hours ago Incessant rains over the past week have also triggered landslides in the neighboring Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and bridges have been washed away … |
Questions of Faith
31 July, 2007 - Has anybody really seen God?
Ere I pen down my rather confused thoughts about the presence of God, I wish to make one thing clear. Just as presence of democracy doesnt mean an absence of monarchy, and an absence of dishonesty doesnt mean the whole truth, writing about my doubts about the presence of God doesnt really mean the absence of religiosity in me.
The battle for survival
NCD attempts to draw strategy to mediate conflict
 |
31 July, 2007 - A recent issue that has fret farmers and caught the attention of the policy makers is the increasing incidents of wild animal attack on human and property.
 |
| Travelers take turn to drink the drupchu |
31 July, 2007 - There is no count of people who have passed by or drank the free flowing roadside Penzo Gyem drupchu (holy water) in Thinleygang, Thimphu. But not many know what the drupchu is good for.
Villagers halt farm road construction
 |
| Narang villagers: we were promised a road |
30 July, 2007 - Sixty three year old Karchung, a potato farmer in Mongar, knows the three hour walking trail from his village, Khalong, to Drametse like the back of his hand.
He uses the path almost everyday from May to November to ferry his potato crop to Drametse, which has a road that links to the national highway.
30 July, 2007 - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), the two parties that are yet to formally register with the Election Commission of Bhutan appear to be having a difficult time finding the right candidate to contest in the 2008 general election.
BAFRA rapid response team alerted
30 July, 2007 - The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) has indefinitely banned the import of poultry and poultry products from India in response to an outbreak of the bird flu (avian influenza) in Chingmeirong, a village near Imphal in Manipur, India, on Wednesday.
Rain disrupts life in southern region
30 July, 2007 - The heavy downpour over the past week disrupted roads and flooded urban centers in several dzongkhags in the southern foothills.
Special Dzongkha language course
30 July, 2007 - A private institute in Changangkha, Thimphu, has started a three-month special language course for anyone interested in improving their command over the national language, Dzongkha.
Punatshangchhu I agreement signed
 |
| Pranab Mukherjee and Khandu Wangchuk sign the agreement |
29 July, 07 - Bhutan and India signed yesterday a landmark agreement on the implementation of the 1095 MW Punatshangchhu-1 hydroelectric project, the largest project ever to be undertaken in Bhutan in partnership with the government of India.
Lhengye Zhungtshog: Final session
Seven ministers submit resignation
 |
| The last Lhengye Zhungtshog in session on 26 July, 2007 |
28 July, 2007 - The works and human
settlement minister,
Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, will take over the reins of the government as the 10th prime minister of Bhutan from July 31.
| Culling on in Manipur; Bhutan bans Indian poultry Economic Times, India - 37 minutes ago Meanwhile, Bhutan has banned import of poultry from India in the wake of bird flu outbreak in Manipur. This could hit West Bengal's poultry trade. … |
| India, Bhutan sign pact on setting up hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 28, 2007 Thimpu, July 28 (PTI): India and Bhutan today crossed another milestone in bilateral economic relations by signing a defining agreement on setting up a new … |
| Poaching, encroachment threaten India's leopards Reuters - 14 hours ago Since July last year, police have seized dozens of leopard skins and body parts near India's northeastern border with Bhutan. "We have found that leopard … |
| Bhutan's PM resigns ahead of first national poll Reuters India, India - Jul 26, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Bhutan's prime minister resigned along with six cabinet ministers on Thursday, in order to join political … |
 Calcutta Telegraph |
Flood fury continues: Assam, Bihar crippled Indian Express, India - Jul 29, 2007 State Water Resource Department officials said incessant rains across the Northeastern region including Bhutan had caused the Brahmaputra and most of its … Brahmaputra crosses danger mark in Guwahati Times of India all 3 news articles |
 NDTV.com |
Pranab hopes to finalise nuke deal soon NDTV.com, India - Jul 29, 2007 He said this on board a special aircraft while returning to Kolkata from Bhutan after a three-day official visit. Mukherjee said the draft agreement … Nuclear deal will not interfere with weaponisation: Pranab Hindu all 16 news articles |
| Why India is selling weapons to Burma Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 23, 2007 India is keen, the Indian official says, that ?Burma be a partner like Bhutan,? the only other nation that has helped India fight insurgents in the … |
| Another tusker calf found dead The Statesman, India - Jul 24, 2007 The latest that was detected today had died inside the Makrapara Tea Estate adjacent to the Bhutan foothills. According to forest officials, the calf was a … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Bangladesh scraps plan for new deep water port Reuters India, India - 7 hours ago Officials said the new port would have provided a regional hub for Nepal, Bhutan, southern China, Myanmar and northeastern India, raised annual container … |
Villagers halt farm road construction
|
| Narang villagers: we were promised a road |
30 July, 2007 - Sixty three year old Karchung, a potato farmer in Mongar, knows the three hour walking trail from his village, Khalong, to Drametse like the back of his hand.
He uses the path almost everyday from May to November to ferry his potato crop to Drametse, which has a road that links to the national highway.
30 July, 2007 - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), the two parties that are yet to formally register with the Election Commission of Bhutan appear to be having a difficult time finding the right candidate to contest in the 2008 general election.
BAFRA rapid response team alerted
30 July, 2007 - The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) has indefinitely banned the import of poultry and poultry products from India in response to an outbreak of the bird flu (avian influenza) in Chingmeirong, a village near Imphal in Manipur, India, on Wednesday.
Rain disrupts life in southern region
30 July, 2007 - The heavy downpour over the past week disrupted roads and flooded urban centers in several dzongkhags in the southern foothills.
Special Dzongkha language course
30 July, 2007 - A private institute in Changangkha, Thimphu, has started a three-month special language course for anyone interested in improving their command over the national language, Dzongkha.
Punatshangchhu I agreement signed
|
| Pranab Mukherjee and Khandu Wangchuk sign the agreement |
29 July, 07 - Bhutan and India signed yesterday a landmark agreement on the implementation of the 1095 MW Punatshangchhu-1 hydroelectric project, the largest project ever to be undertaken in Bhutan in partnership with the government of India.
Lhengye Zhungtshog: Final session
Seven ministers submit resignation
|
| The last Lhengye Zhungtshog in session on 26 July, 2007 |
28 July, 2007 - The works and human
settlement minister,
Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, will take over the reins of the government as the 10th prime minister of Bhutan from July 31.
RAA to look at performance, not problems
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Audit Authority (RAA)
will audit and report on the
economy, according to the Auditor General Ugyen Chhewang, looking on how the public funds and resources were provided, how they were utilised and how they benefited the people.
RCSC reshuffles executive positions
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Civil Service
Commission (RCSC)
announced on July 27, the appointments and transfers of senior civil servants to executive positions in the government.
No gifts please !
28 July, 2007 Gestures like offering of gifts
(chanjeys), which was once
seen as being customary and an age-old tradition, could now be considered as corruption.
 Udayavani |
India, Bhutan sign pact on setting up hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 28, 2007 Thimpu, July 28 (PTI): India and Bhutan today crossed another milestone in bilateral economic relations by signing a defining agreement on setting up a new … Pranab arrives in Bhutan; hydel projects deal on cards Times of India all 18 news articles |
| Bhutan's prime minister resigns to pave way for country's first … International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 27, 2007 AP GAUHATI, India: Bhutan's prime minister and six members of his Cabinet have resigned to pave the way for the first parliamentary elections in the … |
Calcutta Telegraph |
Flood fury continues: Assam, Bihar crippled Indian Express, India - 3 hours ago State Water Resource Department officials said incessant rains across the Northeastern region including Bhutan had caused the Brahmaputra and most of its … Brahmaputra crosses danger mark in Guwahati Times of India all 3 news articles |
| Bhutan's PM resigns ahead of first national poll Reuters India, India - Jul 26, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Bhutan's prime minister resigned along with six cabinet ministers on Thursday, in order to join political … |
| Asia: Bhutan to open first call center in English Asahi Shimbun, Japan - Jul 25, 2007 Domestic phone calls made in the United States will be forwarded to the country northeast of India, and Bhutanese operators will answer questions. … |
NDTV.com |
Pranab hopes to finalise nuke deal soon NDTV.com, India - 14 hours ago He said this on board a special aircraft while returning to Kolkata from Bhutan after a three-day official visit. Mukherjee said the draft agreement … Nuclear deal will not interfere with weaponisation: Pranab Hindu all 16 news articles |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
| Education criteria confuses aspiring politicians in Bhutan Times of India, India - Jul 15, 2007 THIMPHU: With Bhutan's draft constitution saying any citizen willing to contest the country's polls must possess a formal university degree, … |
| Why India is selling weapons to Burma Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 23, 2007 India is keen, the Indian official says, that ?Burma be a partner like Bhutan,? the only other nation that has helped India fight insurgents in the … |
| Another tusker calf found dead The Statesman, India - Jul 24, 2007 The latest that was detected today had died inside the Makrapara Tea Estate adjacent to the Bhutan foothills. According to forest officials, the calf was a … |
Punatshangchhu I agreement signed
|
| Pranab Mukherjee and Khandu Wangchuk sign the agreement |
29 July, 07 - Bhutan and India signed yesterday a landmark agreement on the implementation of the 1095 MW Punatshangchhu-1 hydroelectric project, the largest project ever to be undertaken in Bhutan in partnership with the government of India.
Lhengye Zhungtshog: Final session
Seven ministers submit resignation
|
| The last Lhengye Zhungtshog in session on 26 July, 2007 |
28 July, 2007 - The works and human
settlement minister,
Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, will take over the reins of the government as the 10th prime minister of Bhutan from July 31.
RAA to look at performance, not problems
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Audit Authority (RAA)
will audit and report on the
economy, according to the Auditor General Ugyen Chhewang, looking on how the public funds and resources were provided, how they were utilised and how they benefited the people.
RCSC reshuffles executive positions
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Civil Service
Commission (RCSC)
announced on July 27, the appointments and transfers of senior civil servants to executive positions in the government.
No gifts please !
28 July, 2007 Gestures like offering of gifts
(chanjeys), which was once
seen as being customary and an age-old tradition, could now be considered as corruption.
 |
| Pranab Mukherjee is received by the foreign minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, at the Kuengacholing guest house in Thimphu |
28 July, 2007 The Indian minister for
External Affairs, Mr. Pranab
Mukherjee, arrived in Thimphu yesterday on a three-day official visit to the kingdom.
Funds embezzled, education ministry again
28 July, 2007 The Royal Audit Authority
has detected an
embezzlement of more than Nu. 13 million within the Education Ministry.
National Judicial Council established
28 July, 2007 The National Judicial
Council, which was
established on July 27, is expected to streamline judicial reforms, strengthen the institution, and to ensure effective and efficient delivery by the justice system, according to chief justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye.
Rigzhungs first victory in the league
 |
| Watch out: The players speed up as the ball nears the post for another goal |
Sports 28 July, 2007 - An own goal in the first seven
minutes and rain didnt
dampen the spirit of Rigzhung FC who went on to win their first game in 12 matches.
No gift, thank you
28 July, 2007 - The Anti Corruption Commissions rule restricting gifts is no reason for widespread alarm. The issue here is not the exchange of gifts in itself but direct and indirect forms of bribery. Neither is it a new concept because the line between gifts given as expressions of goodwill and gifts intended to influence decisions can sometimes be extremely thin.
| India, Bhutan sign pact on setting up hydel project Hindu, India - 20 hours ago Thimpu, July 28 (PTI): India and Bhutan today crossed another milestone in bilateral economic relations by signing a defining agreement on setting up a new … Pranab arrives in Bhutan; hydel projects deal on cards Times of India all 19 news articles |
| Bhutan's PM resigns ahead of first national poll Reuters India, India - Jul 26, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Bhutan's prime minister resigned along with six cabinet ministers on Thursday, in order to join political … |
| Asia: Bhutan to open first call center in English Asahi Shimbun, Japan - Jul 25, 2007 Domestic phone calls made in the United States will be forwarded to the country northeast of India, and Bhutanese operators will answer questions. … |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
| It's Shiney's turn to play Devdas Times of India, India - Jul 26, 2007 "Chandramukhi will be portrayed as a keeper of dark political secrets while Paro will be a part of an opposing political party," said Mishra. … |
| Why India is selling weapons to Burma Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 23, 2007 India is keen, the Indian official says, that ?Burma be a partner like Bhutan,? the only other nation that has helped India fight insurgents in the … |
| Bhutan to hold first elections in Feb-March 2008 Reuters India, India - Jul 2, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - The reclusive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will hold its first national polls in February and March next year, … |
| Another tusker calf found dead The Statesman, India - Jul 24, 2007 The latest that was detected today had died inside the Makrapara Tea Estate adjacent to the Bhutan foothills. According to forest officials, the calf was a … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Four die, Assam flood situation grim Hindu, India - 20 hours ago Puthimari river in lower Assam, fed by water from Bhutan rivers following unprecendent heavy rain in the Himalayan kingdom, has overtopped the National … |
Lhengye Zhungtshog: Final session
Seven ministers submit resignation
|
| The last Lhengye Zhungtshog in session on 26 July, 2007 |
28 July, 2007 - The works and human
settlement minister,
Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, will take over the reins of the government as the 10th prime minister of Bhutan from July 31.
RAA to look at performance, not problems
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Audit Authority (RAA)
will audit and report on the
economy, according to the Auditor General Ugyen Chhewang, looking on how the public funds and resources were provided, how they were utilised and how they benefited the people.
RCSC reshuffles executive positions
28 July, 2007 - The Royal Civil Service
Commission (RCSC)
announced on July 27, the appointments and transfers of senior civil servants to executive positions in the government.
No gifts please !
28 July, 2007 Gestures like offering of gifts
(chanjeys), which was once
seen as being customary and an age-old tradition, could now be considered as corruption.
|
| Pranab Mukherjee is received by the foreign minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, at the Kuengacholing guest house in Thimphu |
28 July, 2007 The Indian minister for
External Affairs, Mr. Pranab
Mukherjee, arrived in Thimphu yesterday on a three-day official visit to the kingdom.
Funds embezzled, education ministry again
28 July, 2007 The Royal Audit Authority
has detected an
embezzlement of more than Nu. 13 million within the Education Ministry.
National Judicial Council established
28 July, 2007 The National Judicial
Council, which was
established on July 27, is expected to streamline judicial reforms, strengthen the institution, and to ensure effective and efficient delivery by the justice system, according to chief justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye.
Rigzhungs first victory in the league
|
| Watch out: The players speed up as the ball nears the post for another goal |
Sports 28 July, 2007 - An own goal in the first seven
minutes and rain didnt
dampen the spirit of Rigzhung FC who went on to win their first game in 12 matches.
No gift, thank you
28 July, 2007 - The Anti Corruption Commissions rule restricting gifts is no reason for widespread alarm. The issue here is not the exchange of gifts in itself but direct and indirect forms of bribery. Neither is it a new concept because the line between gifts given as expressions of goodwill and gifts intended to influence decisions can sometimes be extremely thin.
A village cooperative smells success
 |
| Sangay Zangmo displaying the cooperatives dairy products |
27 July, 2007 - Thinley Zangpo, 25, a corporate employee in Mongar, was on his way to meet his sister in Trashigang and was negotiating the road down Mongars long, narrow, and winding road when he, much to his consternation, realised he had forgotten to buy a gift for his sister. He liked to gift people and rarely went anywhere without it. Luckily for him, he remembered a solution.
| Bhutan's prime minister resigns to pave way for country's first … International Herald Tribune, France - 19 hours ago AP GAUHATI, India: Bhutan's prime minister and six members of his Cabinet have resigned to pave the way for the first parliamentary elections in the … Bhutan's PM resigns ahead of first national poll Reuters India all 56 news articles |
 Kuensel, Buhutan's National Newspaper |
Pranab arrives in Bhutan; hydel projects deal on cards Times of India, India - 20 hours ago THIMPU: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Thimpu on Friday on a three-day official visit during which India and Bhutan are expected to … Pranab to visit Bhutan, landmark hydel pact likely Hindu all 13 news articles |
| Asia: Bhutan to open first call center in English Asahi Shimbun, Japan - Jul 25, 2007 Domestic phone calls made in the United States will be forwarded to the country northeast of India, and Bhutanese operators will answer questions. … |
| It's Shiney's turn to play Devdas Times of India, India - Jul 26, 2007 "Chandramukhi will be portrayed as a keeper of dark political secrets while Paro will be a part of an opposing political party," said Mishra. … |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
| Why India is selling weapons to Burma Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 23, 2007 India is keen, the Indian official says, that ?Burma be a partner like Bhutan,? the only other nation that has helped India fight insurgents in the … |
 Goal.com |
Juventus Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa Goal.com, Netherlands - Jun 27, 2007 Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa The young Juventus midfielder is very close to join the Rossoblu according to the latest transfer speculation coming from … |
| Sudhir Mishra to make Devdas NDTV.com, India - Jul 23, 2007 Reportedly, Shiney Ahuja is being finalized to play this contemporary version of Devdas. The casting of Paro and Chandramukhi is yet to be done. |
| Lending: Renuka for women-friendly steps Hindu, India - 7 hours ago It is being attended by Government representatives, Micro-finance Institution, NGOs from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri … |
| Hunger strike over India's lost paradise Independent, UK - Jul 26, 2007 This landlocked Himalayan region bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, was a semi-autonomous kingdom until as recently as 1975 when it became the 22nd state … |
A village cooperative smells success
|
| Sangay Zangmo displaying the cooperatives dairy products |
27 July, 2007 - Thinley Zangpo, 25, a corporate employee in Mongar, was on his way to meet his sister in Trashigang and was negotiating the road down Mongars long, narrow, and winding road when he, much to his consternation, realised he had forgotten to buy a gift for his sister. He liked to gift people and rarely went anywhere without it. Luckily for him, he remembered a solution.
27 July, 2007 - Bhutans first academic exchange on democracy, held from July 11 to discuss 2008 and beyond, was as interesting for the discussions about the meeting as the contents of the meeting itself. In the end we learnt that, to get a picture of 2008 and beyond, we need to do much more substantive thinking and deliberating. We also need to go beyond academic exercises to draw on our own rich traditions in literature and governance.
Sherubtse introduces RUB degree programmes
 |
| Sherubtse College |
26 July, 2007 - Sherubtse College in Kanglung, the countrys premier institute of learning, has launched its homegrown degree programme in Humanities to replace the courses offered by the University of Delhi, India.
 |
| A grandmother carries her granddaughter over the landslide |
26 July, 2007 - The Thimphu-Punakha road below Dochula pass, which was blocked for two days by a massive landslide last Sunday, was opened to the traffic at 6:00 P.M. on July 23.
It is still risky as there are rocks and trees constantly falling, said the Department of Roads executive engineer, Sonam Tobgay.
Lack of funding chokes academic research
26 July, 2007 - In 2005, the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) started a department of research to spearhead the development of a culture of research in the countrys institutions of learning.
Chief justice conferred honorary doctorate
 |
| Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye (third from left) |
26 July, 2007 - The chief justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, was conferred a Honorary Doctorate in Law by the National Legal Studies and Research University (NALSAR) in Hyderabad, India, during a NALSAR convocation ceremony on July 21 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to law and jurisprudence.
 |
| Cheki Wangmo |
26 July, 2007 - Cheki Wangmo, 26, is one of the youngest candidates aspiring to join the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and if she gets a party ticket she will be contesting against the former Anti-Corruption commissioner, Dorji Choden, from Kangpara-Thrimshing constituency in Trashigang.
 |
| Dr. Mani Kumar Rai |
26 July, 2007 - If the National Council demands members from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Mani Kumar Rai, who declared his interests to run from Samtse dzongkhag fits in well.
 |
26 July, 2007 - On the morning of July 21 the Mongar Dratshang umze and two young monks made offerings of liquor and performed the labsang thruesel (purification ceremony) to mark the launch of the Bhutan National Banks Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the dzongkhag.
26 July, 2007 - A complaint filed by the Dhug and Meto Transport Company this week against the Bhutan Oil Distributors (BOD) in Thimphu of mixing water to its fuel tank is likely to see results only after fuel samples sent to the Indian Oil Company for investigation returns back.
| Bhutan's PM resigns ahead of first national poll Reuters India, India - 16 hours ago By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Bhutan's prime minister resigned along with six cabinet ministers on Thursday, in order to join political … |
| Pranab to visit Bhutan, landmark hydel pact likely Hindu, India - Jul 25, 2007 New Delhi, July 26 (PTI): India and Bhutan are expected to sign a landmark agreement on implementation of a 1095 MW hydel project in that country during … |
| Elephant's body found near Indo-Bhutan border Times of India, India - Jul 24, 2007 JALPAIGURI (WB): An elephant was found dead in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district near the Indo-Bhutan border on Tuesday, Forest officials said. … Heavy rains in Jalpaiguri district Hindu all 4 news articles |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
| Why India is selling weapons to Burma Daily Times, Pakistan - Jul 23, 2007 India is keen, the Indian official says, that ?Burma be a partner like Bhutan,? the only other nation that has helped India fight insurgents in the … |
| Another tusker calf found dead The Statesman, India - Jul 24, 2007 The latest that was detected today had died inside the Makrapara Tea Estate adjacent to the Bhutan foothills. According to forest officials, the calf was a … Chamurchi on brink of change The Statesman all 2 news articles |
| Refugees of the Himalayas; France and the world; France and the world International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 22, 2007 Bhutanese refugees were ousted from Bhutan during the 1990s by the government. Since then they have been living in refugee camps located approximately 550 … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Buddhadeb sees conspiracies to destabilise country Hindu, India - 9 hours ago Asked about the activities of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), he said there was a lull after its operatives were driven out of Bhutan a few … |
| Govt to speed up certification of fgn cement firms Business Standard, India - 19 hours ago Countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan had earlier applied for certification. However, their cement capacities were not enough to meet the demand supply gap … Foreign cement cos to get fast entry Rediff all 11 news articles |
A village cooperative smells success
|
| Sangay Zangmo displaying the cooperatives dairy products |
27 July, 2007 - Thinley Zangpo, 25, a corporate employee in Mongar, was on his way to meet his sister in Trashigang and was negotiating the road down Mongars long, narrow, and winding road when he, much to his consternation, realised he had forgotten to buy a gift for his sister. He liked to gift people and rarely went anywhere without it. Luckily for him, he remembered a solution.
27 July, 2007 - Bhutans first academic exchange on democracy, held from July 11 to discuss 2008 and beyond, was as interesting for the discussions about the meeting as the contents of the meeting itself. In the end we learnt that, to get a picture of 2008 and beyond, we need to do much more substantive thinking and deliberating. We also need to go beyond academic exercises to draw on our own rich traditions in literature and governance.
Sherubtse introduces RUB degree programmes
|
| Sherubtse College |
26 July, 2007 - Sherubtse College in Kanglung, the countrys premier institute of learning, has launched its homegrown degree programme in Humanities to replace the courses offered by the University of Delhi, India.
|
| A grandmother carries her granddaughter over the landslide |
26 July, 2007 - The Thimphu-Punakha road below Dochula pass, which was blocked for two days by a massive landslide last Sunday, was opened to the traffic at 6:00 P.M. on July 23.
It is still risky as there are rocks and trees constantly falling, said the Department of Roads executive engineer, Sonam Tobgay.
Lack of funding chokes academic research
26 July, 2007 - In 2005, the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) started a department of research to spearhead the development of a culture of research in the countrys institutions of learning.
Chief justice conferred honorary doctorate
|
| Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye (third from left) |
26 July, 2007 - The chief justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, was conferred a Honorary Doctorate in Law by the National Legal Studies and Research University (NALSAR) in Hyderabad, India, during a NALSAR convocation ceremony on July 21 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to law and jurisprudence.
|
| Cheki Wangmo |
26 July, 2007 - Cheki Wangmo, 26, is one of the youngest candidates aspiring to join the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and if she gets a party ticket she will be contesting against the former Anti-Corruption commissioner, Dorji Choden, from Kangpara-Thrimshing constituency in Trashigang.
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| Dr. Mani Kumar Rai |
26 July, 2007 - If the National Council demands members from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Mani Kumar Rai, who declared his interests to run from Samtse dzongkhag fits in well.
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26 July, 2007 - On the morning of July 21 the Mongar Dratshang umze and two young monks made offerings of liquor and performed the labsang thruesel (purification ceremony) to mark the launch of the Bhutan National Banks Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the dzongkhag.
26 July, 2007 - A complaint filed by the Dhug and Meto Transport Company this week against the Bhutan Oil Distributors (BOD) in Thimphu of mixing water to its fuel tank is likely to see results only after fuel samples sent to the Indian Oil Company for investigation returns back.
| Another tusker calf found dead The Statesman, India - 11 hours ago The latest that was detected today had died inside the Makrapara Tea Estate adjacent to the Bhutan foothills. According to forest officials, the calf was a … Chamurchi on brink of change The Statesman all 2 news articles |
| TCA Diary, Day Whatever: When things open and when they close National Post, Canada - 15 hours ago Darkness is so enveloping is feels as if surely it must be this dark everywhere else on the planet, middle of the night from Beverly Hills to Bhutan and in … How to win fans and influence TV critics National Post all 2 news articles |
| Sikkim can play a major role in energy market: Saran Economic Times, India - Jul 23, 2007 23 Jul, 2007, 2048 hrs IST, PTI GANGTOK: Sikkim can play a major role in cross border energy trading with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and … Sikkim can play a major role in energy market: Saran Hindu all 3 news articles |
| Pan American Games Results International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 22, 2007 3, Brazil (Andre Paro, Renan Guerreiro, Fabricio Salgado and Carlos Paro). 48kg_1, Yanet Bermoy, Cuba. 2, Daniela Polzin, Brazil. 3 (tie), Paula Pareto, … |
| Sudhir Mishra to make Devdas NDTV.com, India - Jul 23, 2007 Reportedly, Shiney Ahuja is being finalized to play this contemporary version of Devdas. The casting of Paro and Chandramukhi is yet to be done. |
| Bhutan to hold first elections in Feb-March 2008 Reuters India, India - Jul 2, 2007 By Biswajyoti Das GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - The reclusive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will hold its first national polls in February and March next year, … |
Goal.com |
Juventus Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa Goal.com, Netherlands - Jun 27, 2007 Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa The young Juventus midfielder is very close to join the Rossoblu according to the latest transfer speculation coming from … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Domestic liquor industry unduly protected Business Standard, India - Jul 8, 2007 The government also decided to deepen the duty cuts on import of select items from Bangladesh , Bhutan , Maldives and Nepal. On both the issues, … |
| Assam flood situation grim Hindu, India - Jul 23, 2007 Kokrajhar district in upper Assam is threatened by flash flood as the Sankosh river fed by the rivers of neighbouring south Bhutan have swollen alarmingly. … |
Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, the new party in town
 |
| The leaders of DPT (Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley not in the picture) preparing to enter the Pangrizampa Lhakhang |
25 July, 2007 - The members of the All
Peoples Party, the
Bhutan Peoples United Party and five cabinet ministers who will be resigning at the end of this month to join politics have come to a consensus to call themselves the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) party.
Kidu for the needy
25 July, 2007 - A total of 111 people from
the most vulnerable
sections of Bhutanese society received an audience with His Majesty the King at Tashichhodzong on July 24. His Majesty granted kidu to the people who came from different parts of the country including the Lhop community of Samtse, Chuzagang in Sarpang, Radhi and Buli in Zhemgang, the Moenpa community in Trongsa, Udzorong village in Trashigang, and Khoma village in Lhuentse.
 |
| Pranab Mukherjee |
25 July, 2007 - The agreement on the
construction of the 1095
MW Punatshangchu I hydro-electric project is expected to be signed by the External Affairs Minister of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, who is scheduled to visit Bhutan from July 27 to 29.
Student hit by a speeding car
25 July, 2007 - A seven-year-old student of
Changbangdu primary
school is recovering at the National Referral hospital in Thimphu after he was hit by a speeding Alto car on the new Thimphu-Babesa road link.
66-year old widow kills 68-year old widow
25 July, 2007 - A 66-year old widow was
arrested by the Trashiyangtse
police in connection with the murder of her 68-year old cousin, also a widow, in Khamdang, Trashiyangtse.
RCSC revokes grade six promotions of 15 engineers
Engineers used up governments foreign vehicle quota; seeks justification from RCSC
25 July, 2007 - For the last few weeks, 15
engineers of the Ministry
of Works and Human Settlement have been knocking on the doors of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) trying to find out why their promotions which their ministry had given them on July 2006 was revoked by the RCSC a year later on July 2007.
 |
| The RIHS goalie looks on as the ball hit the back of the net |
Sports 25 July, 2007 - The Yeedzin players look almost bored as they kick the ball to one another, almost in jest. The RIHS players, their faces red, go after the ball almost half-heartedly, as if chasing a fast fading dream.
Yangphel Open Archery begins
Sports 25 July, 2007 - An unprecedented 112 teams from across the country are taking part in the annual Yangphel Open Archery Tournament, which started on July 21.
Values intact
25 July, 2007 - The massive crowd that thronged for blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo on the RBP grounds in Thimphu on Sunday, with estimates ranging up to 30,000 people, said much about our society. As the country and the people, undergo unprecedented change, it is reassuring that the basic tenets of our traditional values are intact.
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BBS and United Cable Television fight for dominance in the market. Who will win?
24 July, 2007 - When Star Movies went off air from June 27, many cable subscribers were livid. But like all the best plot twists, there was more to it than met the ordinary eye.
Bhutans two Multi Service Operator, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and the United Cable Television (UCTV), were locked in a combat, fists clenched, teeth gnashed, bumps here and there.
| Nepal takes tip from Bhutan Hindustan Times, India - Jul 22, 2007 Taking a lesson from the neighbouring Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, Nepal's Election Commission have started organising "mock" elections in the … |
| Sikkim can play a major role in energy market: Saran Economic Times, India - 16 hours ago 23 Jul, 2007, 2048 hrs IST, PTI GANGTOK: Sikkim can play a major role in cross border energy trading with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and … Sikkim can play a major role in energy market: Saran Hindu all 3 news articles |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
 Voice of America |
Price for Prized Himalayan Fungus Soars to Record High Voice of America - Jul 21, 2007 VOA's Steve Herman recently went to the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu to found out why. To scientists the fungus that invades caterpillars' bodies and kills … |
| Sudhir Mishra to make Devdas NDTV.com, India - 22 hours ago Reportedly, Shiney Ahuja is being finalized to play this contemporary version of Devdas. The casting of Paro and Chandramukhi is yet to be done. Just for the hic of it Times of India all 2 news articles |
| Pan American Games Results International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 22, 2007 3, Brazil (Andre Paro, Renan Guerreiro, Fabricio Salgado and Carlos Paro). 48kg_1, Yanet Bermoy, Cuba. 2, Daniela Polzin, Brazil. 3 (tie), Paula Pareto, … |
| Education criteria confuses aspiring politicians in Bhutan Times of India, India - Jul 15, 2007 THIMPHU: With Bhutan's draft constitution saying any citizen willing to contest the country's polls must possess a formal university degree, … |
| The importance of being happy Jakarta Post, Indonesia - Jul 21, 2007 In Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas, GNP plays a lesser role in reaching the goals that have been set for society. Bhutan's constitution regards … |
Goal.com |
Juventus Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa Goal.com, Netherlands - Jun 27, 2007 Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa The young Juventus midfielder is very close to join the Rossoblu according to the latest transfer speculation coming from … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
|
BBS and United Cable Television fight for dominance in the market. Who will win?
24 July, 2007 - When Star Movies went off air from June 27, many cable subscribers were livid. But like all the best plot twists, there was more to it than met the ordinary eye.
Bhutans two Multi Service Operator, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and the United Cable Television (UCTV), were locked in a combat, fists clenched, teeth gnashed, bumps here and there.
Making Internet affordable
24 July, 2007 - With mounting accusations that its free Internet dial up service, which started in April this year, was more of a con job Bhutan Telecom officials say that it has taken measures to improve connectivity and speed.
Certificate to qualify you for jobs
 |
| The new occupational profile will set new stanards for waiters like Dawa Shangbo, 20 |
24 July, 2007 -
Vacancy: Hotel receptionist fluent spoken English and Dzongkha; minimum qualification class XII; preference will be given to those with skills and experience.
Sounds familiar? Now you have the required skills and experience - how do you convince that to your employer? In Bhutan its not that easy without a hotel management institute to certify such profession.
Stable power for Phuentsholing
24 July, 2007 - Phuentsholing town will soon bid farewell to the overhead power cables with the Bhutan Power Corporation Limiteds underground electrification project to be completed by the end of this month.
The Way Ahead
contd.
23 July, 2007 - Druk Yellow Party,
which stood for the preservation of tradition and values, came out as the overwhelming winner. We all knew Yellow would win, because it had our unconditional support. Every true Bhutanese is for heritage. It is more than just important. We live with it. We live by it. We live for it.
Nu. 35 billion Punatsangchhu-I
23 July, 2007 - The government of Indias (GOI) UnionCabinet approved on July 20, the signing of the inter-governmental agreement between India and Bhutan on the Hydropower Project in Bhutan, according to a news release from the GOIs Press Information Bureau.
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| The swollen Wangchhu |
23 July, 2007 - Ever so often Thimphus Wangchhu claims a child. This time it was a nine-year-old student Kencho Tshering.
 |
| Dorji Choden |
23 July, 2007 - The Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Dorji Choden, became the second ACC official to resign and join politics. After in the civil service for 22 years, Dorji Choden resigned last week to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
 |
| D B Rana |
23 July, 2007 - Sarpang became the first dzongkhag to produce three candidates for the National Council.
The latest aspirant is Retired Major D B Rana from Gangatey village in Hilley. He said that the people in his village urged him to stand for the elections.
Yusipang livestock complex to help farmers
 |
| Ambassador Sudhir Vyas (left) with the agriculture minister |
23 July, 2007 - The Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Sudhir Vyas, and Bhutans agriculture minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, on July 19, inaugurated the National livestock Breeding Complex in Yusipang, which will house the office of the National Livestock Breeding Programme, the National Pig Breeding Centre, and the horse and dairy unit.
A fungus that grows out of the head of dead caterpillars has evolved into a lucrative pursuit for farmers and others seeking riches in the Himalayas. This year the elusive medicinal mushroom, known as nature’s Viagra, is fetching record prices, and in some cases has led to armed clashes. VOA’s Steve Herman recently went to the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu to found out why.
To scientists the fungus that invades caterpillars’ bodies and kills its host is known as cordyceps sinensis.
The people of Bhutan refer to it as yarchagumba where it has long been a folk medicine. For buyers in China it is a remedy for everything from anemia to impotence. And it is rapidly becoming a popular herbal treatment in the United States and Europe.
Sellers showing up at Bhutan’s annual cordyceps auctions this month are finding very receptive buyers. The fungus is fetching a record price of nearly $9,000 a kilogram, an increase of 250 percent from last year. In the early 1990’s, it could be had for as little as $5 a kilo.
One of the buyers at the auctions, Bio Bhutan managing director Karma Yangzom, explains what traders believe is causing the most recent price surge.
“This year in the world market the supply has gone down, because the harvest was not good in China and Tibet,” she noted. “They were able to harvest a lot of cordyceps in Nepal but that was seized by the Maoist rebels which left only the Bhutanese cordyceps available in the world market.”
Even in the best of times collecting cordyceps is more art than science. Some farmers and herders abandon their crops and animals in Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet to crawl flat on the harsh terrain more than 4,000 meters above sea level, hoping to spot the fungus protruding from the soil.
Nepal banned collecting cordyceps until 2001. In Bhutan, a similar prohibition was in place until 2004 to protect the rare fungus. Now limited trade is permitted so farmers can supplement meager incomes.
With prices so high for the fungus, harvesters are willing to use violence to protect supplies. A human rights organization in Hong Kong reported that earlier this month, gunfights broke out among groups of ethnic Tibetans fighting over the right to harvest cordyceps in southwestern China.
Bhutanese exporter Karma Yangzom and other buyers, hoping to satisfy a swelling demand overseas, are not satisfied with what has been brought to this season’s auctions.
“Usually the price is very much based on the quality,” she added. “But this year in the auctions everything has become so crazy. In some cases, even the poor quality cordyceps is fetching very high prices because the competition is more, because the demand is high in the five auctions that we’ve attended not much has come into the auctions in terms of quantity. It has been very low, so everybody is competing for it.”
Officials here say some 700 kilograms is exported annually - about one-third of Bhutan’s estimated potential yield. But many of those hardy enough to brave the climate to search for it come up empty-handed. The lucky ones make it to the auctions, some clutching as little as a few precious grams. But even that now brings enough to provide several months of food and other necessities for a typical rural Himalayan family.
| Nepal takes tip from Bhutan Hindustan Times, India - 13 hours ago Taking a lesson from the neighbouring Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, Nepal's Election Commission have started organising "mock" elections in the … |
| Govt. approves accord with Bhutan for hydel project Hindu, India - Jul 20, 2007 New Delhi, July 21 (PTI): The government on Friday approved signing of an inter-governmental agreement with Bhutan for setting up 1095 Megawatt … |
Goal.com |
Juventus Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa Goal.com, Netherlands - Jun 27, 2007 Paro Rejects Empoli, Wants Genoa The young Juventus midfielder is very close to join the Rossoblu according to the latest transfer speculation coming from … |
| A happy country fears democracy Times of India, India - Jul 7, 2007 This April and May, Bhutan took its first nervous steps towards something called elections. Two mock polls were held. People were encouraged to choose from … |
| Home away from home Bangkok Post, Thailand - Jul 21, 2007 In addition to the Nepalese who arrived via Burma, there is a small group of Nepalese who arrived via Bhutan, and some who flew directly from Nepal. … |
| India offers to buy 8 mn garment items from Bangladesh Hindu, India - 23 hours ago Besides benefiting Bangladesh, it would benefit Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal. India will also prune the sensitive list for such countries, he said. … India-Bangladesh Chamber launched Hindu Govt to set up hilsa testing facility Times of India all 48 news articles |
| Domestic liquor industry unduly protected Business Standard, India - Jul 8, 2007 The government also decided to deepen the duty cuts on import of select items from Bangladesh , Bhutan , Maldives and Nepal. On both the issues, … |
| Now all we need are the fans Bangkok Post, Thailand - Jul 13, 2007 Even if it had been a win over Bhutan reserves it still would have been cause for celebration. Any victory in a major competition is welcome. … |
| Chief Justice laments loss of public faith in legal process Hindu, India - Jul 21, 2007 D degrees were awarded to Jusitce Sonam Tobgye, Chief Justice of Bhutan and Head of the State and Vepa P Sarathi, a renowned writer and teacher of law. … |
| Smoking bans worldwide Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - Jun 29, 2007 In November 2004, Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban tobacco sales completely. Here is a factbox on some other countries which have banned … |
The Way Ahead
contd.
23 July, 2007 - Druk Yellow Party,
which stood for the preservation of tradition and values, came out as the overwhelming winner. We all knew Yellow would win, because it had our unconditional support. Every true Bhutanese is for heritage. It is more than just important. We live with it. We live by it. We live for it.
Nu. 3.5 billion Punatsangchhu-I
23 July, 2007 - The government of Indias (GOI) UnionCabinet approved on July 20, the signing of the inter-governmental agreement between India and Bhutan on the Hydropower Project in Bhutan, according to a news release from the GOIs Press Information Bureau.