Rizal appeals US to talk with Nepal, Bhutan and India to end refugees’ plight (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutanese refugee leader Tek Nath Rizal, on Wednesday, said that if the United States is, indeed, serious regarding ensuring [Bhutanese] refugees their rights then it should be able to talk with Nepal, Bhutan and India together at the same time.

DPT’s Punakha tour ends on a high (Kuensel)
31 October, 2007 – After a lukewarm response through most of Punakha dzongkhag, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa ended its familiarization tour of the district on a positive note with about 500 people attending its last meeting in Toebesa on October 29.

Bhutanese refugees must go back for polls: Nepali PM (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Kathmandu, Oct 28 (Xinhua) Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Sunday said Bhutanese refugees living in the country must return to their homes before the 2008 general elections in Bhutan.

NEPAL: Bhutanese refugee children want new lives (AlertNet)
Source: IRIN Basudev Osti, a 17-year-old Bhutanese citizen, grew up in the refugee camp of Khudanabari in Jhapa district, about 500km east of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. “My dream is to be liberated from my state as a refugee…” Osti said.

Bhutan blanked in opening game (Kuensel)
31 October, 2007 – Bhutan lost 0-4 to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the AFC U-16 championships qualifiers played at the Prince Mohammed Ben Fahd stadium in Dammam on October 27.

UN Provides Rehabilitation Info For Bhutanese Refugees (Bernama)
KATHMANDU, Oct 30 (Bernama) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has begun providing information to the Bhutanese Refugees on matters relating to rehabilitation in the third countries, China’s Xinhua said quoting a report in a local newspaper, “The Rising Nepal”, Tuesday.

Refugees should be repatriated before Bhutanese general election: PM Koirala (Nepalnews. com)
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Bhutanese refugees who wish to go back to their country should be repatriated before 2008 so that they would be able to participate in the general election scheduled to take place in Bhutan that year.

Bhutan declares war on littering (BBC News)
Bhutan passes new laws imposing heavy fines on people found guilty of littering.

Gross National Happiness is enlightening (Kuensel)
31 October, 2007 – The path that Bhutan had chosen for development and change, inspired by Gross National Happiness, was not just a unique philosophy but had scientific basis and, in that sense, was enlightening, according to His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, Willem Alexander of the Netherlands.

US Asst Secy to visit Nepal to gear up resettlement of Bhutanese refugees (Nepalnews. com)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey is arriving in Nepal on October 29 as part of her 12-day long visit to Nepal, Bhutan and India, making fresh effort for resettlement of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

It’s time to know
31 October, 2007 – Our political debate is, in many ways, decided by the level of frustration among political parties. Now it has become a crossfire of allegations, apparently spurred by the comments and indirect exchanges during the familiarization campaign.

Gross National Happiness is enlightening

His Majesty King Khesar with His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange and Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands

31 October, 2007 – The path that Bhutan had chosen for development and change, inspired by Gross National Happiness, was not just a unique philosophy but had scientific basis and, in that sense, was enlightening, according to His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, Willem Alexander of the Netherlands.

ACC, OAG to appeal
31 October, 2007 – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) have decided to appeal against last week’s judgment by Phuentsholing dungkhag court, which acquitted 72 RICBL employees.

DPT’s Punakha tour ends on a high
31 October, 2007 – After a lukewarm response through most of Punakha dzongkhag, the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa ended its familiarization tour of the district on a positive note with about 500 people attending its last meeting in Toebesa on October 29.

From one TCC to another

The disputed property

31 October, 2007 – In yet another legal battle between the government and a private company, the court has ruled in favour of the latter.

Bhutan blanked in opening game

Better luck, next time, boys

31 October, 2007 – Bhutan lost 0-4 to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the AFC U-16 championships qualifiers played at the Prince Mohammed Ben Fahd stadium in Dammam on October 27.

Warmth at a premium this winter
30 October, 2007 – With winter creeping in, many Thimphu residents are desperate for fuel. Only there is no briquette and kerosene is rationed.

Two more hats in the Tsirang NC ring

Gauri Shankar Upadhyay Adhikari

Jiwan Gurung

30 October, 2007 – Two more candidates, Gauri Shankar Upadhyay Adhikari, 56 and 40-year old Jiwan Gurung, have declared their intention to contest the National Council (NC) seat from Kikorthang gewog in Tsirang.

Car up for grabs in golf tournament
30 October, 2007 – A Maruti Zen Estilo car will be the coveted first prize of the India House Maruti Golf Tournament, which will be held from November 10-13 at the India House Golf Course to coincide with the birthday celebrations of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Test your taste buds

29 October, 2007 – Thimphu, the world’s fastest growing city, is experiencing a quiet culinary revolution. Thanks to enterprising restaurateurs in the city, gourmands can try out a variety of cuisines from Middle Eastern to American fast food to Italian, Chinese, Thai and Indian.

The revolution perhaps took root years ago when tourism began in 1974 and opened the floodgates for gourmet foods for dollar paying tourists. A number of Bhutanese went out to train as chefs and in time branched out to set up their own places to eat.

Bhutanese refugees must go back for polls: Nepali PM (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Kathmandu, Oct 28 (Xinhua) Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Sunday said Bhutanese refugees living in the country must return to their homes before the 2008 general elections in Bhutan.

UN Provides Rehabilitation Info For Bhutanese Refugees (Bernama)
KATHMANDU, Oct 30 (Bernama) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has begun providing information to the Bhutanese Refugees on matters relating to rehabilitation in the third countries, China’s Xinhua said quoting a report in a local newspaper, “The Rising Nepal”, Tuesday.

Refugees should be repatriated before Bhutanese general election: PM Koirala (Nepalnews. com)
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Bhutanese refugees who wish to go back to their country should be repatriated before 2008 so that they would be able to participate in the general election scheduled to take place in Bhutan that year.

NEPAL: Bhutanese refugee children want new lives (AlertNet)
Source: IRIN Basudev Osti, a 17-year-old Bhutanese citizen, grew up in the refugee camp of Khudanabari in Jhapa district, about 500km east of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. “My dream is to be liberated from my state as a refugee…” Osti said.

Bhutan declares war on littering (BBC News)
Bhutan passes new laws imposing heavy fines on people found guilty of littering.

US Asst Secy to visit Nepal to gear up resettlement of Bhutanese refugees (Nepalnews. com)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey is arriving in Nepal on October 29 as part of her 12-day long visit to Nepal, Bhutan and India, making fresh effort for resettlement of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

Showing Pride in Bhutan (Arizona Daily Sun)
Dancers from the Black Neck Crane Dance Troupe of Bhutan performed the ‘Dance of the Ging with Drums’ Thursday afternoon in front of a crowd in the du Bois Ballroom on NAU’s campus. Members of the troupe put on a show featuring sacred mask dances as well as traditional folk dances of Bhutanese heritage.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

Continued Danish support to health and education (Kuensel)
29 October, 2007 – Bhutan’s health and education sector will receive Danish support of DKK 140 million (about Nu 1,000 million), according to a new agreement, which was signed in Thimphu on October 25.

Where in the World is Matt Lauer? He’s in Bhutan… (About.com)
Time Magazine designated Bhutan as one of the world’s few remaining “Nanny States” where the government dictates many of the details of life a few years ago. NBC’s Matt Lauer…

Warmth at a premium this winter
30 October, 2007 – With winter creeping in, many Thimphu residents are desperate for fuel. Only there is no briquette and kerosene is rationed.

Two more hats in the Tsirang NC ring

Gauri Shankar Upadhyay Adhikari

Jiwan Gurung

30 October, 2007 – Two more candidates, Gauri Shankar Upadhyay Adhikari, 56 and 40-year old Jiwan Gurung, have declared their intention to contest the National Council (NC) seat from Kikorthang gewog in Tsirang.

Car up for grabs in golf tournament
30 October, 2007 – A Maruti Zen Estilo car will be the coveted first prize of the India House Maruti Golf Tournament, which will be held from November 10-13 at the India House Golf Course to coincide with the birthday celebrations of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Test your taste buds

29 October, 2007 – Thimphu, the world’s fastest growing city, is experiencing a quiet culinary revolution. Thanks to enterprising restaurateurs in the city, gourmands can try out a variety of cuisines from Middle Eastern to American fast food to Italian, Chinese, Thai and Indian.

The revolution perhaps took root years ago when tourism began in 1974 and opened the floodgates for gourmet foods for dollar paying tourists. A number of Bhutanese went out to train as chefs and in time branched out to set up their own places to eat.

A Layap comes to Thimphu

29 October, 2007 – Carying whatever she could on her back, Tenzin Om, 36, from Laya in Gasa travelled by foot for four days, up and down mountains and across valleys, to where the road appears in Damji. From there she was bound for the capital, a place she loves for the comforts it provides.

Ten questions

29 October, 2007 – Tshering, 22, from Jimina, Thimphu, helps her family run Rice bowl, a Chinese restaurant in the capital. With its splendid ambience and fast food, Rice bowl is a hotspot for most urbanites.

Effective delivery of kidu to the people

Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck

29 October, 2007 – In the course of His Majesty King Khesar’s many tours around the country, His Majesty has granted kidu to the most vulnerable sections of society including, among many others, the disabled, aged, destitute and also students needing financial aid to attend school. In order to ensure the effective delivery of such kidu to the beneficiaries, His Majesty has instructed Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses to constantly travel and work in various dzongkhags. While Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck is based in Thimphu, Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck lives in Mongar and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in Bumthang.

Beating slur laid against teacher
29 October, 2007 – An eight-year old class II student of Weling community primary school in Samdrup Jongkhar is being treated at the intensive care unit in Thimphu after his teacher allegedly hit him several times on the head.

Local leaders nailed for misusing power
29 October, 2007 – Phobjikha gewog elected a new gup and a new mangmi yesterday after Wangduephodrang dzongkhag terminated their services on October 13 for corruption and misuse of power.

BPUP: Raring to go
29 October, 2007 – The newly formed Bhutan People’s United Party (BPUP) is optimistic that the Election Commission of Bhutan will certify them next week and, while some feel they are a “Johnny-come-lately,” the party is “beyond words” confident and prepared to overcome all challenges that may lie ahead.

Bhutanese refugees must go back for polls: Nepali PM (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Kathmandu, Oct 28 (Xinhua) Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Sunday said Bhutanese refugees living in the country must return to their homes before the 2008 general elections in Bhutan.

Refugees should be repatriated before Bhutanese general election: PM Koirala (Nepalnews. com)
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Bhutanese refugees who wish to go back to their country should be repatriated before 2008 so that they would be able to participate in the general election scheduled to take place in Bhutan that year.

US Asst Secy to visit Nepal to gear up resettlement of Bhutanese refugees (Nepalnews. com)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey is arriving in Nepal on October 29 as part of her 12-day long visit to Nepal, Bhutan and India, making fresh effort for resettlement of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

Showing Pride in Bhutan (Arizona Daily Sun)
Dancers from the Black Neck Crane Dance Troupe of Bhutan performed the ‘Dance of the Ging with Drums’ Thursday afternoon in front of a crowd in the du Bois Ballroom on NAU’s campus. Members of the troupe put on a show featuring sacred mask dances as well as traditional folk dances of Bhutanese heritage.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

Continued Danish support to health and education (Kuensel)
29 October, 2007 – Bhutan’s health and education sector will receive Danish support of DKK 140 million (about Nu 1,000 million), according to a new agreement, which was signed in Thimphu on October 25.

Netherlands royalty to visit Bhutan (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands will visit Bhutan from October 28-31 on the invitation of His Majesty the King.

Where in the World is Matt Lauer? He’s in Bhutan… (About.com)
Time Magazine designated Bhutan as one of the world’s few remaining “Nanny States” where the government dictates many of the details of life a few years ago. NBC’s Matt Lauer…

Mob burns Bhutanese truck (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – An angry mob in Tamalpur, in the Indian state of Assam, set afire a Bhutanese truck at around 9:00 am on October 26, after it ran over a local businessman, who died on the spot.

U.S. Assistant Secretary To Visit Nepal, Bhutan And India (Phayul)
Siddique Islam – AHN South Asia Correspondent Washington, DC (AHN) – The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey will visit Nepal, Bhutan and India. She will visit those nations from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.

Test your taste buds

29 October, 2007 – Thimphu, the world’s fastest growing city, is experiencing a quiet culinary revolution. Thanks to enterprising restaurateurs in the city, gourmands can try out a variety of cuisines from Middle Eastern to American fast food to Italian, Chinese, Thai and Indian.

The revolution perhaps took root years ago when tourism began in 1974 and opened the floodgates for gourmet foods for dollar paying tourists. A number of Bhutanese went out to train as chefs and in time branched out to set up their own places to eat.

A Layap comes to Thimphu

29 October, 2007 – Carying whatever she could on her back, Tenzin Om, 36, from Laya in Gasa travelled by foot for four days, up and down mountains and across valleys, to where the road appears in Damji. From there she was bound for the capital, a place she loves for the comforts it provides.

Ten questions

29 October, 2007 – Tshering, 22, from Jimina, Thimphu, helps her family run Rice bowl, a Chinese restaurant in the capital. With its splendid ambience and fast food, Rice bowl is a hotspot for most urbanites.

Effective delivery of kidu to the people

Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck

29 October, 2007 – In the course of His Majesty King Khesar’s many tours around the country, His Majesty has granted kidu to the most vulnerable sections of society including, among many others, the disabled, aged, destitute and also students needing financial aid to attend school. In order to ensure the effective delivery of such kidu to the beneficiaries, His Majesty has instructed Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses to constantly travel and work in various dzongkhags. While Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck is based in Thimphu, Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck lives in Mongar and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in Bumthang.

Beating slur laid against teacher
29 October, 2007 – An eight-year old class II student of Weling community primary school in Samdrup Jongkhar is being treated at the intensive care unit in Thimphu after his teacher allegedly hit him several times on the head.

Local leaders nailed for misusing power
29 October, 2007 – Phobjikha gewog elected a new gup and a new mangmi yesterday after Wangduephodrang dzongkhag terminated their services on October 13 for corruption and misuse of power.

BPUP: Raring to go
29 October, 2007 – The newly formed Bhutan People’s United Party (BPUP) is optimistic that the Election Commission of Bhutan will certify them next week and, while some feel they are a “Johnny-come-lately,” the party is “beyond words” confident and prepared to overcome all challenges that may lie ahead.

City gets teeth in anti-pollution drive

Illegal litter leads, inter alia, to clogged drains

29 October, 2007 – The next time you throw a chocolate wrapper or a bottle from the balcony or a cigarette stub out of the car window, you could end up paying a fine of anywhere between Nu 100 and 500.

Solution Exchange Bhutan
The knowledge sharing platform

29 October, 2007 – Looking for solutions or ideas for developmental projects but can’t find the time to go around and talk to people who might know?

Water, a real liquid asset
29 October, 2007 – So far, Bhutan has had very little or no problem in managing its precious water resources.

But with rapid urbanisation and acclerated rural-urban migration, specialists and resource persons in water sciences say that there is bound to be pressure on this resource, the main foundation of the country’s economy.

Bhutanese refugees must go back for polls: Nepali PM (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Kathmandu, Oct 28 (Xinhua) Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala Sunday said Bhutanese refugees living in the country must return to their homes before the 2008 general elections in Bhutan.

Refugees should be repatriated before Bhutanese general election: PM Koirala (Nepalnews. com)
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has said that Bhutanese refugees who wish to go back to their country should be repatriated before 2008 so that they would be able to participate in the general election scheduled to take place in Bhutan that year.

US Asst Secy to visit Nepal to gear up resettlement of Bhutanese refugees (Nepalnews. com)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey is arriving in Nepal on October 29 as part of her 12-day long visit to Nepal, Bhutan and India, making fresh effort for resettlement of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

Showing Pride in Bhutan (Arizona Daily Sun)
Dancers from the Black Neck Crane Dance Troupe of Bhutan performed the ‘Dance of the Ging with Drums’ Thursday afternoon in front of a crowd in the du Bois Ballroom on NAU’s campus. Members of the troupe put on a show featuring sacred mask dances as well as traditional folk dances of Bhutanese heritage.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

Netherlands royalty to visit Bhutan (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands will visit Bhutan from October 28-31 on the invitation of His Majesty the King.

Mob burns Bhutanese truck (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – An angry mob in Tamalpur, in the Indian state of Assam, set afire a Bhutanese truck at around 9:00 am on October 26, after it ran over a local businessman, who died on the spot.

U.S. Assistant Secretary To Visit Nepal, Bhutan And India (Phayul)
Siddique Islam – AHN South Asia Correspondent Washington, DC (AHN) – The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey will visit Nepal, Bhutan and India. She will visit those nations from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.

Ellen R. Sauerbrey To Visit Nepal, Bhutan, India (Scoop.co.nz)
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey will travel to Nepal, Bhutan and India from October 29 to November 9. During her trip she will meet with refugees benefiting from United States government funded programs in the region.

The Annual Textile Fashion Show (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – Bhutanese walk the ramp at the annual textile fashion show in Thimphu, which paraded entries from 39 weavers and designers, from October 24-26.

New natural resource policy will benefit the people
27 October, 2007 – “…My hope is that every single citizen will have the opportunity to own a home of his or her own and become an equal partner in, and beneficiary of, the nation’s progress and growth …”

Mob burns Bhutanese truck
27 October, 2007 – An angry mob in Tamalpur, in the Indian state of Assam, set afire a Bhutanese truck at around 9:00 am on October 26, after it ran over a local businessman, who died on the spot.

The mob also vandalized five other trucks and six light vehicles from Bhutan, that were following the truck.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

PDP alleges unlawful DPT activities
27 October, 2007 – The People’s Democratic Party has submitted nine specific complaints to the Election Commission of Bhutan about “unlawful activities” by the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa.

PDP winds up eastern tour
27 October, 2007 – The President of the People’s Democratic Party, Sangay Ngedup, returned to the capital on October 24 after a 29-day familiarisation tour of 14 constituencies of the six districts of Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Pemagatsel and Lhuentse.

The Annual Textile Fashion Show

27 October, 2007 – Bhutanese walk the ramp at the annual textile fashion show in Thimphu, which paraded entries from 39 weavers and designers, from October 24-26.

Netherlands royalty to visit Bhutan
27 October, 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands will visit Bhutan from October 28-31 on the invitation of His Majesty the King.

Missing morals?
27 October, 2007 – We have yet another court judgment on a much-publicised case. The judgment closes the case but does not solve the problem. In fact, it raises many questions and a dilemma that we cannot ignore.

Gasa gets its first NC candidate

26 October, 2007 – Remote Gasa dzongkhag has got its first National Council candidate in 27-year old Yeshey Dorji from Damji, Khamey gewog.

Rain plays spoilsport with Punakha’s paddy

Making hay while the sun shines

25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhag’s agriculture office.

US Asst Secy to visit Nepal to gear up resettlement of Bhutanese refugees (Nepalnews. com)
US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey is arriving in Nepal on October 29 as part of her 12-day long visit to Nepal, Bhutan and India, making fresh effort for resettlement of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

Showing Pride in Bhutan (Arizona Daily Sun)
Dancers from the Black Neck Crane Dance Troupe of Bhutan performed the ‘Dance of the Ging with Drums’ Thursday afternoon in front of a crowd in the du Bois Ballroom on NAU’s campus. Members of the troupe put on a show featuring sacred mask dances as well as traditional folk dances of Bhutanese heritage.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

Netherlands royalty to visit Bhutan (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands will visit Bhutan from October 28-31 on the invitation of His Majesty the King.

Mob burns Bhutanese truck (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – An angry mob in Tamalpur, in the Indian state of Assam, set afire a Bhutanese truck at around 9:00 am on October 26, after it ran over a local businessman, who died on the spot.

Ellen R. Sauerbrey To Visit Nepal, Bhutan, India (Scoop.co.nz)
Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ellen Sauerbrey will travel to Nepal, Bhutan and India from October 29 to November 9. During her trip she will meet with refugees benefiting from United States government funded programs in the region.

The Annual Textile Fashion Show (Kuensel)
27 October, 2007 – Bhutanese walk the ramp at the annual textile fashion show in Thimphu, which paraded entries from 39 weavers and designers, from October 24-26.

Resettlement of Bhutanese refugee in Nepal set to start (People’s Daily)
The resettlement process of Bhutanese refugees is to begin after Tihar festival with more than 10 thousand refugees having shown interest in voluntary third country resettlement, local leading media group’s website Nepalnews reported on Fri …

India plans road all along Nepal, Bhutan border (Indian Express via Yahoo! India News)
After embarking on better road links to the Chinese border, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has turned its attention to Nepal with an ambitious plan for a road running right along the border to strengthen border surveillance. The 1,600-km “garland road” will also cover stretches along the Bhutan border. The proposal will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval soon, said official …

Rain plays spoilsport with Punakha’s paddy (Kuensel)
25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhag’s agriculture office.

New natural resource policy will benefit the people
27 October, 2007 – “…My hope is that every single citizen will have the opportunity to own a home of his or her own and become an equal partner in, and beneficiary of, the nation’s progress and growth …”

Mob burns Bhutanese truck
27 October, 2007 – An angry mob in Tamalpur, in the Indian state of Assam, set afire a Bhutanese truck at around 9:00 am on October 26, after it ran over a local businessman, who died on the spot.

The mob also vandalized five other trucks and six light vehicles from Bhutan, that were following the truck.

Lukewarm reception to DPT in Punakha
27 October, 2007 – The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa is in Punakha with the strong presence of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, and senior leader, Yeshey Zimba, to support their candidate, Tshering Penjor, who will run against the PDP president, Sangay Ngedup.

PDP alleges unlawful DPT activities
27 October, 2007 – The People’s Democratic Party has submitted nine specific complaints to the Election Commission of Bhutan about “unlawful activities” by the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa.

PDP winds up eastern tour
27 October, 2007 – The President of the People’s Democratic Party, Sangay Ngedup, returned to the capital on October 24 after a 29-day familiarisation tour of 14 constituencies of the six districts of Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Pemagatsel and Lhuentse.

The Annual Textile Fashion Show

27 October, 2007 – Bhutanese walk the ramp at the annual textile fashion show in Thimphu, which paraded entries from 39 weavers and designers, from October 24-26.

Netherlands royalty to visit Bhutan
27 October, 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands will visit Bhutan from October 28-31 on the invitation of His Majesty the King.

Missing morals?
27 October, 2007 – We have yet another court judgment on a much-publicised case. The judgment closes the case but does not solve the problem. In fact, it raises many questions and a dilemma that we cannot ignore.

Gasa gets its first NC candidate

26 October, 2007 – Remote Gasa dzongkhag has got its first National Council candidate in 27-year old Yeshey Dorji from Damji, Khamey gewog.

Rain plays spoilsport with Punakha’s paddy

Making hay while the sun shines

25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhag’s agriculture office.

Showing Pride in Bhutan (Arizona Daily Sun)
Dancers from the Black Neck Crane Dance Troupe of Bhutan performed the ‘Dance of the Ging with Drums’ Thursday afternoon in front of a crowd in the du Bois Ballroom on NAU’s campus. Members of the troupe put on a show featuring sacred mask dances as well as traditional folk dances of Bhutanese heritage.

Resettlement of Bhutanese refugee in Nepal set to start (People’s Daily)
The resettlement process of Bhutanese refugees is to begin after Tihar festival with more than 10 thousand refugees having shown interest in voluntary third country resettlement, local leading media group’s website Nepalnews reported on Fri …

Bus accident claims one Bhutanese life (Kuensel)
25 October, 2007 – A 54-year old Bhutanese man was killed on the spot and several others injured when the bus they were travelling in toppled near Bijni in Assam, India, on October 14 around 12:30 pm.

Rain plays spoilsport with Punakha’s paddy (Kuensel)
25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhag’s agriculture office.

Q&A: Introducing refugees from Bhutan to the world (AlertNet)
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees A young American filmmaker who grew up in Nepal has returned to document refugees from Bhutan, in a film that sweeps from the refugee camps of the Nepalese countryside to New York City.

Bhutan Upper House polls on Dec 26 (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU: Political frenzy has gripped Bhutan with the poll panel announcing that elections to the country’s National Council – the Upper House of parliament – will be held on December 26.

Bhutan upper house polls on Dec 26 (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, Oct 22 (IANS) Political frenzy has gripped Bhutan with the poll panel announcing that elections to the country’s National Council — the Upper House of Parliament — will be held on Dec 26.

Bhutan upper house polls on Dec 26 (EARTHtimes.org)
Thimphu, Oct 22 – Political frenzy has gripped Bhutan with the poll panel announcing that elections to the country’s National Council — the Upper House of Parliament — will be held on Dec 26.

Bhutan elections on December 26 (The Hindu)
Thimphu: The elections to Bhutan’s National Council — the upper house of parliament — will be held on December 26, the Himalayan nation’s poll panel has announced. The National Council will have 20 directly …

Bhutan to hold National Council elections on Dec 26 (Press Trust of India)
Thimphu, Oct 21 (PTI) The elections to Bhutan’s National Council — the upper house of parliament — will be held on December 26, the Himalayan nation’s poll panel has announced.

Gasa gets its first NC candidate

26 October, 2007 – Remote Gasa dzongkhag has got its first National Council candidate in 27-year old Yeshey Dorji from Damji, Khamey gewog.

Rain plays spoilsport with Punakha’s paddy

Making hay while the sun shines

25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhag’s agriculture office.

Electoral race hots up
25 October, 2007 – The people of Drakten-Langthel constituency in Trongsa barely know their constituency candidates contesting the National Assembly elections but they have already started making choices.

Glut of new hotels eats into profits
25 October, 2007 – The mushrooming of new hotels in Bumthang town is pulling down the revenue of established hotels, which, just a year ago, was on an upward swing, riding on the growth of tourist arrivals in the country.

3 years after construction, school yet to function

The “ghost” school of Langthel gewog

25 October, 2007 – Except for the marijuana plants and dried cow dung lying around the new Shebenbi Community Primary School in Langthel gewog, Trongsa, the place looks abandoned.

Women’s forum in Wangdue

Women at the meet

25 October, 2007 – The non-availability of condoms in remote areas, teenage pregnancy and prevention of HIV/AIDS were some of the issues raised by the women of Wangduephodrang at an October 20 meeting organised by the women and youth department of the People’s Democratic Party.

Bus accident claims one Bhutanese life
25 October, 2007 – A 54-year old Bhutanese man was killed on the spot and several others injured when the bus they were travelling in toppled near Bijni in Assam, India, on October 14 around 12:30 pm.

Bhutan commemorates UN Day

24 October, 2007 – The Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Bhutan, Mr. Nicholas Rosellini, the Tshennyi Lopon and the caretaker prime minister, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji lit butter lamps at the Tashichhodzong this morning to mark the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations.

No room for mediocrity
24 October, 2007 – Addressing the closing ceremony of an orientation programme for more than 1000 university graduates on Saturday, His Majesty the King spoke to the nation this week. The depth and horizon of the royal thoughts provide a much-needed perspective of the political evolution today and a clear view of the royal vision for the nation’s future.

His Majesty the King’s Address to Graduates of 2007

His Majesty King Khesar with the graduates of 2007

24 October, 2007 – There are only three things that I always keep in mind when I am working – three things that influence all decisions that I take. The first is the Peace, Security and Prosperity for Bhutan now and in the future. Second issue that I consider very important for our country’s future is the Achievement of the goals of Gross National Happiness. The third is Building a Vibrant Democracy for our country.

Rain plays spoilsport with PunakhaÂ’s paddy

Making hay while the sun shines

25 October, 2007 – Punakha, one of the leading paddy producing dzongkhags in the country, could see their paddy yield considerably depleted this year because of a spell of hostile seasonal conditions, which struck much of its fields, says the dzongkhagÂ’s agriculture office.

Electoral race hots up
25 October, 2007 – The people of Drakten-Langthel constituency in Trongsa barely know their constituency candidates contesting the National Assembly elections but they have already started making choices.

Glut of new hotels eats into profits
25 October, 2007 – The mushrooming of new hotels in Bumthang town is pulling down the revenue of established hotels, which, just a year ago, was on an upward swing, riding on the growth of tourist arrivals in the country.

3 years after construction, school yet to function

The “ghost” school of Langthel gewog

25 October, 2007 – Except for the marijuana plants and dried cow dung lying around the new Shebenbi Community Primary School in Langthel gewog, Trongsa, the place looks abandoned.

WomenÂ’s forum in Wangdue

Women at the meet

25 October, 2007 – The non-availability of condoms in remote areas, teenage pregnancy and prevention of HIV/AIDS were some of the issues raised by the women of Wangduephodrang at an October 20 meeting organised by the women and youth department of the PeopleÂ’s Democratic Party.

Bus accident claims one Bhutanese life
25 October, 2007 – A 54-year old Bhutanese man was killed on the spot and several others injured when the bus they were travelling in toppled near Bijni in Assam, India, on October 14 around 12:30 pm.

Bhutan commemorates UN Day

24 October, 2007 – The Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Bhutan, Mr. Nicholas Rosellini, the Tshennyi Lopon and the caretaker prime minister, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji lit butter lamps at the Tashichhodzong this morning to mark the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations.

No room for mediocrity
24 October, 2007 – Addressing the closing ceremony of an orientation programme for more than 1000 university graduates on Saturday, His Majesty the King spoke to the nation this week. The depth and horizon of the royal thoughts provide a much-needed perspective of the political evolution today and a clear view of the royal vision for the nationÂ’s future.

His Majesty the KingÂ’s Address to Graduates of 2007

His Majesty King Khesar with the graduates of 2007

24 October, 2007 – There are only three things that I always keep in mind when I am working – three things that influence all decisions that I take. The first is the Peace, Security and Prosperity for Bhutan now and in the future. Second issue that I consider very important for our countryÂ’s future is the Achievement of the goals of Gross National Happiness. The third is Building a Vibrant Democracy for our country.

Free and fair elections?
Graduates are optimistic

24 October, 2007 – Will Bhutan experience a free and fair election in 2008?

The 2007 graduates believe it would, provided Bhutanese, many of whom are illiterate and live in rural areas, were adequately educated on democracy, peopleÂ’s fundamental right of franchise, and the significance of electing the right leader.

Hindu

33 Assam militants surrender, lay down arms Hindu, India - 21 hours ago I had undergone training in Bhutan. I have decided to come over ground as I realised that I have been following a path which has no future,? said Ranima …

BBC News

Indian elephants 'electrocuted' BBC News, UK - Oct 23, 2007 North-east India falls in the great elephant corridor that stretches from northern Thailand to the foothills of Bhutan – a corridor used by hordes of Asian … Elephants die after beer binge News24 all 148 news articles

BBC News

India's malnourished tea workers BBC News, UK - Oct 2, 2007 In this remote region, not far from India's border with Bhutan, tea has been the bedrock of the local economy for more than 150 years. …

Bhutan commemorates UN Day

24 October, 2007 – The Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Bhutan, Mr. Nicholas Rosellini, the Tshennyi Lopon and the caretaker prime minister, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji lit butter lamps at the Tashichhodzong this morning to mark the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations.

No room for mediocrity
24 October, 2007 – Addressing the closing ceremony of an orientation programme for more than 1000 university graduates on Saturday, His Majesty the King spoke to the nation this week. The depth and horizon of the royal thoughts provide a much-needed perspective of the political evolution today and a clear view of the royal vision for the nationÂ’s future.

His Majesty the KingÂ’s Address to Graduates of 2007

His Majesty King Khesar with the graduates of 2007

24 October, 2007 – There are only three things that I always keep in mind when I am working – three things that influence all decisions that I take. The first is the Peace, Security and Prosperity for Bhutan now and in the future. Second issue that I consider very important for our countryÂ’s future is the Achievement of the goals of Gross National Happiness. The third is Building a Vibrant Democracy for our country.

Free and fair elections?
Graduates are optimistic

24 October, 2007 – Will Bhutan experience a free and fair election in 2008?

The 2007 graduates believe it would, provided Bhutanese, many of whom are illiterate and live in rural areas, were adequately educated on democracy, peopleÂ’s fundamental right of franchise, and the significance of electing the right leader.

RICBL employees acquitted
24 October, 2007 – After months of stress and anxiety, 72 RICBL employees breathed a sigh of relief when the Phuentsholing dungkhag court declared them innocent of charges of forgery and misconduct in a case prosecuted by the Attorney GeneralÂ’s Office.

“No room for mistakes”
24 October, 2007 – As Bhutan prepares to go to polls starting with the National Council election in December this year, the Election Commission of Bhutan says that “there is no room for mistakes if a standard must be set for future elections.”

Feng Shui, kadrinchey!

24 October, 2007 – For Phub Zam, a businesswoman and owner of Yarkey Group of Companies, getting a Toyota hilux, for free is no thrill. After all, she has the means to have several at a time.

BNB and YDF accountant to face the law
24 October, 2007 – The Office of the Attorney General filed a case against the former Youth Development Fund (YDF) accountant and the Bhutan National Bank (BNB) on October 23.

10 questions

23 October, 2007 – Nado, 28, from Chendebji in Trongsa, has been in the snooker business for the last five years and has lived his life so far in the capital. He left school and took up a job as a marker for one the many snooker joints in the capital. That was five years ago, now he runs his own poolroom at Zangtopelri shopping complex.

Celebrating victory over evil

23 October, 2007 – It is yet again that time of year when you see the Lhotsampa community coming together to celebrate their main festival Dashain and commemorate the victory over evil.

BBC News

Indian elephants 'electrocuted' BBC News, UK - 7 hours ago North-east India falls in the great elephant corridor that stretches from northern Thailand to the foothills of Bhutan – a corridor used by hordes of Asian …

Reuters

FACTBOX: Tibet, Dalai Lama and relations with China Reuters - Oct 16, 2007 Wedged between the Himalayan mountain range to the south and the Kunlun range in the north, Tibet borders Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal. …

10 questions

23 October, 2007 – Nado, 28, from Chendebji in Trongsa, has been in the snooker business for the last five years and has lived his life so far in the capital. He left school and took up a job as a marker for one the many snooker joints in the capital. That was five years ago, now he runs his own poolroom at Zangtopelri shopping complex.

Celebrating victory over evil

23 October, 2007 – It is yet again that time of year when you see the Lhotsampa community coming together to celebrate their main festival Dashain and commemorate the victory over evil.

Autumn

23 October, 2007 – Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, golden leaves and temperature falls, dry skin and moisturizers, chapped lips and lip balms, knee-length boots and warm coats, short days and long nights Â…

Like in other seasons, with fall too descends many changes – in weather, fashion, landscape and so on and so forth.

The Future of Tertiary Education in Bhutan
23 October, 2007 – This is the sixth instalment in a series of articles written by
Dr Austin Reid setting out the challenges and the choices facing Bhutan in its development of a tertiary education policy.

What is the quality of the degrees that are brought back to Bhutan?

As is well recognised, India produces some of the best educated people in the world and has a world class reputation at the top of the scale especially in Maths Computing and IT; and the current world champion in Chess is from India. It has a number of world class institutions. However, it would be idle to ignore that it also has a large number of colleges and universities that offer poor quality education. The best quality in India higher education lies not in its university and college system but outside that system in the IITs and IIMs. Although there are good universities, the system is based on an old model of instruction where students prepare for external examinations. It is derived from the old University of London external examination system. It may be suitable for schools; but it was abandoned in UK in the 60s, but has been retained in India.

JourneyÂ’s End
22 October, 2007 – If I ask you what the
capital of Japan is and
you answer “Islamabad,” I will understand two things, which you may or may not know.

Druknet Addiction
“ItÂ’s too much! Go home. YouÂ’re keep
ing me from my work,” said Dad, rather annoyed. I checked my watch: it was 3:00 pm. I tried to remember when I first entered his office and found the answer to be 8:30 in the morning. Since then, I’ve been ‘chatting’ with all and sundry.

Land kidu for Beldrok community

Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck with the kidu recipients

22 October, 2007 – In continuation of the tradition of granting land kidu to the most deserving sections of society, a total of 46 households from the remote community of Beldrok under Kazhi gewog in Wangduephdrang, comprising more than 300 people, received land kidu from His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo.

Poverty alleviation through creativity
22 October, 2007 – Observing the international day for the eradication of poverty on October 17 in Thimphu, Bhutan looked at the possibility of incorporating the concept of cultural industries into government policy to address poverty.

Zhemgang expectant mothersÂ’ plight
22 October, 2007 – Zhemgang dzongkhag people are used to being left out.

They have long accepted, among others, the fact that they have to walk, in the absence of roads, close to 40 km just to reach a hospital. But what bothers the people here is the plight of pregnant women, some nearing due dates, who too have to trudge up and down hills to get to the nearest hospital in Yebilaptsa. Basic health units are there in the geogs, of course, but woefully ill equipped to handle pregnancy complications, so many get referred to Yebilaptsa hospital.

Call centres still on hold
22 October, 2007 – Low band wave and costly connectivity are still the source of major headaches for BhutanÂ’s call centre business hopefuls and perhaps that can explain, say observers, why the centres are not taking off as some of them said they would by now.

Reuters

FACTBOX: Tibet, Dalai Lama and relations with China Reuters - Oct 16, 2007 Wedged between the Himalayan mountain range to the south and the Kunlun range in the north, Tibet borders Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal. …

MLS – Major League Soccer

Italy Del Piero Rolls Back The Years In Juventus Victory Goal.com, Switzerland - Oct 21, 2007 The only other change from week seven was in midfield where Omar Milanetto replaced Matteo Paro. Juventus started strongly and Cristiano Zanetti and … Juventus Gigli: Nothing Is Impossible For Juventus Goal.com all 19 news articles

test
uiu

JourneyÂ’s End
22 October, 2007 – If I ask you what the
capital of Japan is and
you answer “Islamabad,” I will understand two things, which you may or may not know.

Druknet Addiction
“ItÂ’s too much! Go home. YouÂ’re keep
ing me from my work,” said Dad, rather annoyed. I checked my watch: it was 3:00 pm. I tried to remember when I first entered his office and found the answer to be 8:30 in the morning. Since then, I’ve been ‘chatting’ with all and sundry.

Land kidu for Beldrok community

Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck with the kidu recipients

22 October, 2007 – In continuation of the tradition of granting land kidu to the most deserving sections of society, a total of 46 households from the remote community of Beldrok under Kazhi gewog in Wangduephdrang, comprising more than 300 people, received land kidu from His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo.

Poverty alleviation through creativity
22 October, 2007 – Observing the international day for the eradication of poverty on October 17 in Thimphu, Bhutan looked at the possibility of incorporating the concept of cultural industries into government policy to address poverty.

Zhemgang expectant mothersÂ’ plight
22 October, 2007 – Zhemgang dzongkhag people are used to being left out.

They have long accepted, among others, the fact that they have to walk, in the absence of roads, close to 40 km just to reach a hospital. But what bothers the people here is the plight of pregnant women, some nearing due dates, who too have to trudge up and down hills to get to the nearest hospital in Yebilaptsa. Basic health units are there in the geogs, of course, but woefully ill equipped to handle pregnancy complications, so many get referred to Yebilaptsa hospital.

Call centres still on hold
22 October, 2007 – Low band wave and costly connectivity are still the source of major headaches for BhutanÂ’s call centre business hopefuls and perhaps that can explain, say observers, why the centres are not taking off as some of them said they would by now.

A tastier dish of forbidden fruit
22 October, 2007 – It is illegal in Bhutan to have a Direct-to-Home (DTH) Dish TV connection but more and more Bhutanese are opting for the service, which offers, at almost the same cost, more channels and better viewing clarity than cable TV.

Transformer thieves strike again

22 October, 2007 – Power supply to about 20 households on the southern fringes of Babesa, Thimphu, was abruptly cut off on the night of October 15 after thieves ripped apart a 100 kw power transformer feeding power to the area.

Rural artisans get business tips
22 October, 2007 – Coinciding with the International Day for Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, a group of rural artisans received some tips on how to fix the prices for their products.