ULFA eyeing Bhutan again for setting base? (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Guwahati, April 9 (IANS) Separatists in India’s northeast may again become active in Bhutan. The Assam Police have seized a large cache of explosives from two people, one of who hails from Bhutan, authorities said Wednesday.

Grenade-packed auto seized near Bhutan (The Telegraph)
Guwahati, April 8: Police today seized 30 high-explosive grenades along with 30 detonators from an auto-rickshaw near the Bhutan bus stop at Rangia in Kamrup district.

Watch Tower: Bhutan after the polls (Central Chronicle)
Bhutan must be a truly unique country, something more than an idyllic nest high on the Himalayas.

Bhutan’s first ever publisher’s fair (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - A variety of books ranging from encyclopedia, sports and physical education, to leisure and children books are on display in the first ever book fair organized by the ministry of education at the new YDF complex in Thimphu.

Jigmi Thinley, Bhutan’s Prime Minister-elect (The Hindu)
Kolkata: Jigmi Y Thinley, president of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), that won a landslide victory in Bhutan’s first parliamentary elections held on March 24, has been unanimously endorsed by the party as the country’s Prime …

ULFA trying to set up base in Bhutan (rediff.com)
Police on Tuesday recovered 30 grenades along with equal number of explosives laden in an auto rickshaw that was coming from Daranga Mela on the India-Bhutan border in Baksa district of Assam to Ghograpar in Nalbari district where some ULFA militants were awaiting the consignment. Police, which intercepted the auto rickshaw midway near Bhutan bus stop at Rangiya in Kamrup district, arrested two …

Weekends in the Field, Where Play Is the Point (Washington Post)
YIWAKHA, Bhutan It is about 6:45 a.m. on a Sunday when Bhakta Shangshou receives the call on his cellphone. The sunlight has just begun pouring through the pine forests and apple orchards. His wife and children are still in their beds, tucked under thick, itchy blankets made from yak wool, insul…

ULFA eyeing Bhutan again for setting base? (Calcutta News)
Separatists in India’s northeast may again become active in Bhutan. The Assam Police have seized a large cache of explosives from two people, one of who hails from Bhutan, authorities said Wednesday.

Explosives seized on the border between India and Bhutan (People’s Daily)
The Assam police and the Indian Central Reserve Police Force seized explosives meant for the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the Bhutan border on Tuesday, according to The Hindu Wednesday. At least 30 grenades and …

Explosives seized on Bhutan border (The Hindu)
Guwahati: The Assam police and the Central Reserve Police Force on Tuesday seized explosives meant for the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the Bhutan border. At least 30 grenades and detonators fitted with time …

Being a ‘politician’ in St Stephen’s College
10 April, 2008 - St Stephen’s College (Delhi University) is India’s most elite and well known humanitarian college with a high profile alumni of India’s current batch of top leaders, journalists, academics, intellectuals, corporate, senior bureaucrats and so on. Even some of Bhutan’s ministers and senior bureaucrats graduated from there, including the newly elected Prime Minister.

The DPT government's cabinet ministers

10 April, 2008 -

Global warming guarantees GLOF
First phase of mitigation work to begin this year

There’s a real danger, as the picture shows, of the two lakes merging

10 April, 2008 - If UNDP’s projection of a possible outburst of Thorthormi glacier-lake in Lunana by 2010 comes to pass, the destruction downstream may be catastrophic.

TashiCell formally launched

HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck does the honours

10 April, 2008 - With its infrastructure in place in the six western dzongkhags, the first private cellular company, Tashi InfoComm Limited, was formally launched on April 6.

GREF employee gets egg on his face

The contraband that was seized by BAFRA

10 April, 2008 - A general road engineering Force (GREF) employee of Project DANTAK was slapped a fine of Nu 5,680 by Bhutan agricultural food regulatory authority (BAFRA) officials for attempting to illegally import 16 live birds and six cartons of eggs on the evening of April 6.

Spate of chorten desecrations in Bumthang

The unholy work of vandals

10 April, 2008 - Chorten vandals struck Bumthang valley last week desecrating four chortens in Gaytsa, Chakar and Kurkubi.

Sentences handed down in tourist theft case
10 April, 2008 - Thimphu district court sentenced three men and a woman yesterday to prison terms ranging from 3 to 9 years in connection with the robbery of an American tour group in October last year.

Child rapist sentenced to 12 years
10 April, 2008 - Sarpang district court sentenced a 33-year-old man to 12 years in prison this week for raping a six-year-old girl in Singye gewog on January 13 this year.

The treacherous Tshachugang trek

An uphill battle with a high mortality rate for mules

10 April, 2008 - Every time 32-year-old Chimi from Digala goes out to buy basic necessities, she literally risks her life.

Construction delay slows down education

Incomplete floor addition subtracts classrooms

10 April, 2008 - The 2008 academic session began in the last week of February but not quite for students of Baling community primary school on the Trongsa-Zhemgang highway.

ULFA eyeing Bhutan again for setting base? (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Guwahati, April 9 (IANS) Separatists in India’s northeast may again become active in Bhutan. The Assam Police have seized a large cache of explosives from two people, one of who hails from Bhutan, authorities said Wednesday.

ULFA trying to set up base in Bhutan (rediff.com)
Police on Tuesday recovered 30 grenades along with equal number of explosives laden in an auto rickshaw that was coming from Daranga Mela on the India-Bhutan border in Baksa district of Assam to Ghograpar in Nalbari district where some ULFA militants were awaiting the consignment. Police, which intercepted the auto rickshaw midway near Bhutan bus stop at Rangiya in Kamrup district, arrested two …

Grenade-packed auto seized near Bhutan (The Telegraph)
Guwahati, April 8: Police today seized 30 high-explosive grenades along with 30 detonators from an auto-rickshaw near the Bhutan bus stop at Rangia in Kamrup district.

Bhutan’s first ever publisher’s fair (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - A variety of books ranging from encyclopedia, sports and physical education, to leisure and children books are on display in the first ever book fair organized by the ministry of education at the new YDF complex in Thimphu.

Watch Tower: Bhutan after the polls (Central Chronicle)
Bhutan must be a truly unique country, something more than an idyllic nest high on the Himalayas.

Jigmi Thinley, Bhutan’s Prime Minister-elect (The Hindu)
Kolkata: Jigmi Y Thinley, president of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), that won a landslide victory in Bhutan’s first parliamentary elections held on March 24, has been unanimously endorsed by the party as the country’s Prime …

ULFA eyeing Bhutan again for setting base? (Calcutta News)
Separatists in India’s northeast may again become active in Bhutan. The Assam Police have seized a large cache of explosives from two people, one of who hails from Bhutan, authorities said Wednesday.

Explosives seized on the border between India and Bhutan (People’s Daily)
The Assam police and the Indian Central Reserve Police Force seized explosives meant for the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the Bhutan border on Tuesday, according to The Hindu Wednesday. At least 30 grenades and …

Explosives seized on Bhutan border (The Hindu)
Guwahati: The Assam police and the Central Reserve Police Force on Tuesday seized explosives meant for the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the Bhutan border. At least 30 grenades and detonators fitted with time …

Explosives seized on Indo-Bhutan border (The Hindu)
Guwahati: The Assam police and the Central Reserve Police Force on Tuesday seized explosives meant for the banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom near the Indo-Bhutan border. At least 30 powerful grenades and …

The DPT government's cabinet ministers

9 April, 2008 -

Remaining constant through change
9 April, 2008 - What is democracy going to bring us? How is it going to be different from the past? A straight answer to this would be that, looking back at an era of incredible development, we will be extremely lucky if can achieve nearly as much as we have in the past four decades.

His Majesty to confer Dakyen on PM today

9 April, 2008 - His Majesty the King will confer Dakyen on the Prime Minister of Bhutan’s first democratically elected government, Jigmi Yoezer Thinley, at the Throne Room in Tashichhodzong today.

PDP’s petition dismissed
9 April, 2008 - The High Court has dismissed the election petition filed against the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) by two representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds that it failed to present prima facie evidence.

Meet the opposition leader

9 April, 2008 - Although it has not been formally announced, PDP’s Haa candidate, Tshering Tobgay, will be the leader of the world’s smallest opposition, chosen by the electorate of the world’s youngest democracy.

Saboteurs nabbed in WB
9 April, 2008 - The West Bengal Police have arrested three people, all members of the Communist Party of Bhutan based in Nepal, who were assembling bombs in Siliguri to carry out sabotage operations in Bhutan.

Rehab centre to be rehabilitated …
… but the primary problem of alcohol-abuse still looms large

8 April, 2008 - Twenty-three-year-old Tshering from Punakha is a teetotaler. If there is anyone who is totally against alcoholism and substance abuse, it would be him. He lost seven of his relatives to liver cirrhosis.

Bidding good-bye to bedtime stories?
8 April, 2008 - In a small makeshift tent in Merak, north Trashigang, grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren are seated around the hearth and 12-year-old Wangmo, like her three siblings, is rather impatient.

High Court dismisses PDP’s election petition
7 April, 2008 - The High Court today dismissed the election petition filed against the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa by two representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds that it failed to present prima facie evidence.

Going conventional against a modern disease
Commonly known as a “rich man’s disease”, diabetes is on the rise in Bhutan. Kuensel’s Sonam Pelden finds out how people are switching from western to traditional medication to treat diabetes.

A diabetic patient taking a shot of the ser khab

7 April, 2008 - For the past one year, Kinley Gyeltshen has been under Western medication to overcome diabetes. It worked, to an extent. His blood sugar level was slightly higher than what was considered normal at 80-110mg.

Bhutan’s first ever publisher’s fair (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - A variety of books ranging from encyclopedia, sports and physical education, to leisure and children books are on display in the first ever book fair organized by the ministry of education at the new YDF complex in Thimphu.

Watch Tower: Bhutan after the polls (Central Chronicle)
Bhutan must be a truly unique country, something more than an idyllic nest high on the Himalayas.

Jigmi Thinley, Bhutan’s Prime Minister-elect (The Hindu)
Kolkata: Jigmi Y Thinley, president of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), that won a landslide victory in Bhutan’s first parliamentary elections held on March 24, has been unanimously endorsed by the party as the country’s Prime …

US school aid for science education (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - The Royal University of Bhutan will collaborate with the Teton Science School in the United States to develop a master’s program in science education for Bhutanese teachers to upgrade their teaching skills and knowledge of the subject.

The Youngest Democracy (Sin Chew Jit Poh)
GEARING FOR POLLS : Bhutanese voters check their voters ID cards as they line up to cast their votes outside a polling station at Kabesa on the outskirts of Thimphu on 24 Mar.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

Advertisement starts (Tiscali)
PARO, BHUTAN - Dorji,17, takes in the views after walking from the Taktshang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest ) April 3, 2008 outside of Paro, Bhutan.

‘A Society on the Threshold of Change’ (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The children pounced on Nordon Gurung’s lap, tugging on her long hair, spilling apple juice on her traditional skirt and singing songs in her ear, as if she were their grandmother.

Bhutan Telecom Lanches Flood of Mobile Data Services (Cellular-News.com)
Bhutan Telecom has announced that it will be introducing GPRS, EDGE and 3G services on its B-mobile GSM network later this month. The EDGE service is expected to start trials this week and the 3G service will start tests on the 21st April 2008.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Rehab centre to be rehabilitated …
… but the primary problem of alcohol-abuse still looms large

8 April, 2008 - Twenty-three-year-old Tshering from Punakha is a teetotaler. If there is anyone who is totally against alcoholism and substance abuse, it would be him. He lost seven of his relatives to liver cirrhosis.

Bidding good-bye to bedtime stories?
8 April, 2008 - In a small makeshift tent in Merak, north Trashigang, grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren are seated around the hearth and 12-year-old Wangmo, like her three siblings, is rather impatient.

High Court dismisses PDP’s election petition
7 April, 2008 - The High Court today dismissed the election petition filed against the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa by two representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds that it failed to present prima facie evidence.

Going conventional against a modern disease
Commonly known as a “rich man’s disease”, diabetes is on the rise in Bhutan. Kuensel’s Sonam Pelden finds out how people are switching from western to traditional medication to treat diabetes.

A diabetic patient taking a shot of the ser khab

7 April, 2008 - For the past one year, Kinley Gyeltshen has been under Western medication to overcome diabetes. It worked, to an extent. His blood sugar level was slightly higher than what was considered normal at 80-110mg.

Spring is in the air

7 April, 2008 - Trees have regained their colour and flowers are blooming. The city has a new look with the pink and white petals of cherry blossoms dotting most parts of the city.

Ten question

7 April, 2008 - Bhim Maya Chettri, 35 from Dungpha, Samdrupjongkhar, has been running a pharmacy in Thimphu for two years. This is what she has to say about diabetic medicines and test kits available in pharmacies.

1. What did you do before opening this pharmacy?
I worked as a nurse in Thimphu and Paro.

B-mobile upgrades to multimedia service

From computer to cell phone - Surfing the internet gets more user-friendly

7 April, 2008 - Starting today, B-mobile’s 50 highest post paid subscribers and distributors within Thimphu will be able to download songs and browse high speed internet for free.

Gelephu + Airport = “Hub of Hubs”
7 April, 2008 - Of the numerous development strategies outlined in the draft 10th plan, building an international airport in Gelephu seems to have caught the attention of many people.

Civil servant pips private employee to post
7 April, 2008 - Equipped with 18 years of experience in the tourism industry, Sangay Wangchuk, the research and development director of Etho Metho Tours and Treks, sat for a job interview, which he said was ‘tailor made’ for his experience and qualifications.

BNB revises its interest rates
7 April, 2008 - The Bhutan National Bank Limited has revised its interest rates on individual and corporate fixed deposits and individual savings deposits to increase inflow of funds towards more lending.

Bhutan’s first ever publisher’s fair (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - A variety of books ranging from encyclopedia, sports and physical education, to leisure and children books are on display in the first ever book fair organized by the ministry of education at the new YDF complex in Thimphu.

Watch Tower: Bhutan after the polls (Central Chronicle)
Bhutan must be a truly unique country, something more than an idyllic nest high on the Himalayas.

Jigmi Thinley, Bhutan’s Prime Minister-elect (The Hindu)
Kolkata: Jigmi Y Thinley, president of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), that won a landslide victory in Bhutan’s first parliamentary elections held on March 24, has been unanimously endorsed by the party as the country’s Prime …

US school aid for science education (Kuensel)
7 April, 2008 - The Royal University of Bhutan will collaborate with the Teton Science School in the United States to develop a master’s program in science education for Bhutanese teachers to upgrade their teaching skills and knowledge of the subject.

The Youngest Democracy (Sin Chew Jit Poh)
GEARING FOR POLLS : Bhutanese voters check their voters ID cards as they line up to cast their votes outside a polling station at Kabesa on the outskirts of Thimphu on 24 Mar.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

Advertisement starts (Tiscali)
PARO, BHUTAN - Dorji,17, takes in the views after walking from the Taktshang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest ) April 3, 2008 outside of Paro, Bhutan.

‘A Society on the Threshold of Change’ (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The children pounced on Nordon Gurung’s lap, tugging on her long hair, spilling apple juice on her traditional skirt and singing songs in her ear, as if she were their grandmother.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Bhutan Telecom Lanches Flood of Mobile Data Services (Cellular-News.com)
Bhutan Telecom has announced that it will be introducing GPRS, EDGE and 3G services on its B-mobile GSM network later this month. The EDGE service is expected to start trials this week and the 3G service will start tests on the 21st April 2008.

High Court dismisses PDP’s election petition
7 April, 2008 - The High Court today dismissed the election petition filed against the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa by two representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds that it failed to present prima facie evidence.

Going conventional against a modern disease
Commonly known as a “rich man’s disease”, diabetes is on the rise in Bhutan. Kuensel’s Sonam Pelden finds out how people are switching from western to traditional medication to treat diabetes.

A diabetic patient taking a shot of the ser khab

7 April, 2008 - For the past one year, Kinley Gyeltshen has been under Western medication to overcome diabetes. It worked, to an extent. His blood sugar level was slightly higher than what was considered normal at 80-110mg.

Spring is in the air

7 April, 2008 - Trees have regained their colour and flowers are blooming. The city has a new look with the pink and white petals of cherry blossoms dotting most parts of the city.

Ten question

7 April, 2008 - Bhim Maya Chettri, 35 from Dungpha, Samdrupjongkhar, has been running a pharmacy in Thimphu for two years. This is what she has to say about diabetic medicines and test kits available in pharmacies.

1. What did you do before opening this pharmacy?
I worked as a nurse in Thimphu and Paro.

B-mobile upgrades to multimedia service

From computer to cell phone - Surfing the internet gets more user-friendly

7 April, 2008 - Starting today, B-mobile’s 50 highest post paid subscribers and distributors within Thimphu will be able to download songs and browse high speed internet for free.

Gelephu + Airport = “Hub of Hubs”
7 April, 2008 - Of the numerous development strategies outlined in the draft 10th plan, building an international airport in Gelephu seems to have caught the attention of many people.

Civil servant pips private employee to post
7 April, 2008 - Equipped with 18 years of experience in the tourism industry, Sangay Wangchuk, the research and development director of Etho Metho Tours and Treks, sat for a job interview, which he said was ‘tailor made’ for his experience and qualifications.

BNB revises its interest rates
7 April, 2008 - The Bhutan National Bank Limited has revised its interest rates on individual and corporate fixed deposits and individual savings deposits to increase inflow of funds towards more lending.

Phuentsholing clamps down on poultry import
7 April, 2008 - More than 12,000 eggs, 42.5 kg of dressed chicken, three live birds and 61 feather brooms were seized and destroyed by Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) since the ban on the import of poultry and related products from India was imposed on January 16 this year.

US school aid for science education
7 April, 2008 - The Royal University of Bhutan will collaborate with the Teton Science School in the United States to develop a master’s program in science education for Bhutanese teachers to upgrade their teaching skills and knowledge of the subject.

The Youngest Democracy (Sin Chew Jit Poh)
GEARING FOR POLLS : Bhutanese voters check their voters ID cards as they line up to cast their votes outside a polling station at Kabesa on the outskirts of Thimphu on 24 Mar.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

‘A Society on the Threshold of Change’ (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The children pounced on Nordon Gurung’s lap, tugging on her long hair, spilling apple juice on her traditional skirt and singing songs in her ear, as if she were their grandmother.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Bhutan Telecom Lanches Flood of Mobile Data Services (Cellular-News.com)
Bhutan Telecom has announced that it will be introducing GPRS, EDGE and 3G services on its B-mobile GSM network later this month. The EDGE service is expected to start trials this week and the 3G service will start tests on the 21st April 2008.

Bhutan voters demand return of the king (Times Online)
Almost two weeks after Bhutan’s first parliamentary election, there is an unfamiliar rumble of discontent around the forests and mountainside monasteries of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Mail and Guardian)
Schoolchildren in Bhutan are warned — one word of disrespect against their teacher, and they will be reborn as a dog, for the next 500 lives.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
By Simon Denyer

DPT endorses Jigmi Y Thinley as Prime Minister

Jigmi Y Thinley

5 April, 2008 - A total of 150 Druk Phuensum Tshogpa members and key supporters unanimously endorsed the nomination of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, as the Prime Minister of the newly elected DPT government, at a party meeting today in Thimphu.

From gossip to discourse to reflection
5 April, 2008 - Bhutanese society came alive in more ways than one in the past months. The excitement of the first general election stirred lively discussions, although it has been largely mixed with speculation. But that was only to be expected because of the confrontational nature of the campaign period and the election itself.

Politicians unite under His Majesty the King

His Majesty the King takes part in a khuru game with the parliamentarians

5 April, 2008 - In a most dignified close to months of political activity marked often by acrimonious debate and dispute, members of Bhutan’s new parliament received an Audience with His Majesty the King at the garden palace, Lingkana, yesterday.

“We cannot discriminate”
The president of DPT, Jigmi Y Thinley, missed a couple of archery rounds as he paused to speak to the Bhutanese media at the Royal palace ground yesterday. He had scored only a daya when he spared his time for the interview around noon

5 April, 2008 - Q: Will there be women ministers in your cabinet?
JYT: I’m not yet qualified to comment on this until the executive committe meeting. I will offer to the Excom a list of candidates for the ministers’ portfolios. The Excom will also discuss the number of ministries in the first place and then, against the number and structure of the government we decide, I will offer the candidates.

PDP files petition
5 April, 2008 - The People’s Democratic Party filed a petition with the High Court this week against 13 Druk Phuensum Tshogpa candidates and DPT’s unlawful activities in 19 dzongkhags.

A probe into the police
5 April, 2008 - With 9 blasts in the last three months, rising crime rates, emerging new crimes, democratic changes (and its complications), the new government will have its hands full keeping the peace. Crucial to handling all this is the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), which as of now is plagued by a sore lack of funds, ancient forensic facilities, no sniffer dogs, no bomb squads, poor technology, bare facilities, poor living conditions, and no skilled manpower.

Bottom drops out of edible oil industry
5 April, 2008 - Business for country’s most lucrative industry, palm oil, hit the wall on March 31 when the government of India scrapped all import duties on crude edible oil as a measure to control inflation and rising food prices in India.

Tala project loan to be cleared by 2019
5 April, 2008 - Bhutan will pay, in installments, Nu 2.6 billion annually to the government of India to liquidate by 2019 its loan, along with interest, for the Tala Project. The first installment was paid in January 2008.

Losing candidates gainfully employed
5 April, 2008 - Most candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, who left secure jobs in the government sector, have joined or are joining the private sector, but 25 percent are leaving politics for good.

TashiCell hits the market
5 April, 2008 - The much-awaited second cellular network in the country, Tashi InfoComm Ltd., was launched on April 1.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Bhutan Telecom Lanches Flood of Mobile Data Services (Cellular-News.com)
Bhutan Telecom has announced that it will be introducing GPRS, EDGE and 3G services on its B-mobile GSM network later this month. The EDGE service is expected to start trials this week and the 3G service will start tests on the 21st April 2008.

‘A Society on the Threshold of Change’ (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The children pounced on Nordon Gurung’s lap, tugging on her long hair, spilling apple juice on her traditional skirt and singing songs in her ear, as if she were their grandmother.

Bhutan voters demand return of the king (Times Online)
Almost two weeks after Bhutan’s first parliamentary election, there is an unfamiliar rumble of discontent around the forests and mountainside monasteries of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Mail and Guardian)
Schoolchildren in Bhutan are warned — one word of disrespect against their teacher, and they will be reborn as a dog, for the next 500 lives.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
By Simon Denyer

Bangladesh-Bhutan trade ties: Good but can grow (Kuensel)
3 April, 2008 - As Bangladesh celebrated its 37th independence and national day, Kuensel looks at the progress of the trade relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh over the years.

DPT endorses Jigmi Y Thinley as Prime Minister

Jigmi Y Thinley

5 April, 2008 - A total of 150 Druk Phuensum Tshogpa members and key supporters unanimously endorsed the nomination of the party president, Jigmi Y Thinley, as the Prime Minister of the newly elected DPT government, at a party meeting today in Thimphu.

From gossip to discourse to reflection
5 April, 2008 - Bhutanese society came alive in more ways than one in the past months. The excitement of the first general election stirred lively discussions, although it has been largely mixed with speculation. But that was only to be expected because of the confrontational nature of the campaign period and the election itself.

Politicians unite under His Majesty the King

His Majesty the King takes part in a khuru game with the parliamentarians

5 April, 2008 - In a most dignified close to months of political activity marked often by acrimonious debate and dispute, members of Bhutan’s new parliament received an Audience with His Majesty the King at the garden palace, Lingkana, yesterday.

“We cannot discriminate”
The president of DPT, Jigmi Y Thinley, missed a couple of archery rounds as he paused to speak to the Bhutanese media at the Royal palace ground yesterday. He had scored only a daya when he spared his time for the interview around noon

5 April, 2008 - Q: Will there be women ministers in your cabinet?
JYT: I’m not yet qualified to comment on this until the executive committe meeting. I will offer to the Excom a list of candidates for the ministers’ portfolios. The Excom will also discuss the number of ministries in the first place and then, against the number and structure of the government we decide, I will offer the candidates.

PDP files petition
5 April, 2008 - The People’s Democratic Party filed a petition with the High Court this week against 13 Druk Phuensum Tshogpa candidates and DPT’s unlawful activities in 19 dzongkhags.

A probe into the police
5 April, 2008 - With 9 blasts in the last three months, rising crime rates, emerging new crimes, democratic changes (and its complications), the new government will have its hands full keeping the peace. Crucial to handling all this is the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), which as of now is plagued by a sore lack of funds, ancient forensic facilities, no sniffer dogs, no bomb squads, poor technology, bare facilities, poor living conditions, and no skilled manpower.

Bottom drops out of edible oil industry
5 April, 2008 - Business for country’s most lucrative industry, palm oil, hit the wall on March 31 when the government of India scrapped all import duties on crude edible oil as a measure to control inflation and rising food prices in India.

Tala project loan to be cleared by 2019
5 April, 2008 - Bhutan will pay, in installments, Nu 2.6 billion annually to the government of India to liquidate by 2019 its loan, along with interest, for the Tala Project. The first installment was paid in January 2008.

Losing candidates gainfully employed
5 April, 2008 - Most candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, who left secure jobs in the government sector, have joined or are joining the private sector, but 25 percent are leaving politics for good.

TashiCell hits the market
5 April, 2008 - The much-awaited second cellular network in the country, Tashi InfoComm Ltd., was launched on April 1.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

‘A Society on the Threshold of Change’ (Washington Post)
THIMPHU, Bhutan — The children pounced on Nordon Gurung’s lap, tugging on her long hair, spilling apple juice on her traditional skirt and singing songs in her ear, as if she were their grandmother.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Mail and Guardian)
Schoolchildren in Bhutan are warned — one word of disrespect against their teacher, and they will be reborn as a dog, for the next 500 lives.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
By Simon Denyer

Bangladesh-Bhutan trade ties: Good but can grow (Kuensel)
3 April, 2008 - As Bangladesh celebrated its 37th independence and national day, Kuensel looks at the progress of the trade relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh over the years.

Bhutanese refugees restricted to travel out of camps (Nepalnews. com)
Jhapa district administration on Friday asked the Bhutanese refugees not to come out of their camps on the election day, April 10. In a notice, the district administration said the refugees would not be allowed to go out of the camps on the day at any pretext.

People appeal to His Majesty (Kuensel)
2 April, 2008 - More than 400 people from Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Thimphu gathered in the capital to submit petitions on their concerns over the democratic transition to His Majesty the King, who granted an audience to more than 80 of their representatives.

The extended families of Langdurbi

The tsigpai mai residence: More in it than meets the eye

4 April, 2008 - Given the pressures of finding affordable accommodation, there are apartments in Thimphu that are occupied by more than one family.

Druk Air out of the red once more
3 April, 2008 - Despite losing Nu 142.526 million from the sale of its two old BAE-146 aircraft, Druk Air has managed to stay out of the red, for the second year in a row, by making a net profit of Nu 31.15 million in the 2006-07 financial year.

Rewa trial starts
3 April, 2008 - The trial against nine staff of Rewa rehabilitation centre, who were accused of beating a 31-year-old recovering addict to death on January 8 at the centre, began this week in the Thimphu district court.

Bangladesh-Bhutan trade ties: Good but can grow
3 April, 2008 - As Bangladesh celebrated its 37th independence and national day, Kuensel looks at the progress of the trade relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh over the years.

Junior ambassadors from Japan

A programme to foster the spirit of fraternity and existing ties between two countries

3 April, 2008 - Fifteen junior ambassadors between 10 and 18 years from *****okuoka, Japan, are living with Bhutanese host families to learn about the unique Bhutanese tradition and culture.

The mobile in a modern democracy
3 April, 2008 - A few hours before the election, Thinley, a fresh graduate in Thimphu, received a message from an unknown number at around 11 pm. It read: “Let our voices be heard, justice and equity, vote for DPT, (please forward this message)”.

Abandoned mother bears twins

Here’s hoping they’ll be happy two-gether

3 April, 2008 - Like every woman, Ugyen Zangmo had a dream.
Her dream was simple: a working husband, who would take care of her and her children. But dreams are dreams and not many are fulfilled.

Overburdened purveyors of education

A class held alfresco due to classroom crunch

3 April, 2008 - It is a dry day outside but Sonam Chogyal is bathed in sweat from standing for five hours continuously, in front of 45 students, in a class built for only 32 students.

Runaway tracked down
3 April, 2008 - Yeshi Wangmo, 16, who went missing since October 31 last year, was found in Paro on March 30.

New executive postings
3 April, 2008 - The Royal Civil Service Commission has appointed several senior civil servants to new positions.

WITNESS: Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well. He visited Bhutan last May when it had a dry run of its first real democratic elections, and last month for the real thing.

WITNESS - Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
Simon Denyer is the India bureau chief for Reuters, with responsibility for Bhutan and Nepal as well.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Mail and Guardian)
Schoolchildren in Bhutan are warned — one word of disrespect against their teacher, and they will be reborn as a dog, for the next 500 lives.

Democracy with a difference stuns humble Bhutanese (Reuters via Yahoo! India News)
By Simon Denyer

Bangladesh-Bhutan trade ties: Good but can grow (Kuensel)
3 April, 2008 - As Bangladesh celebrated its 37th independence and national day, Kuensel looks at the progress of the trade relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh over the years.

People appeal to His Majesty (Kuensel)
2 April, 2008 - More than 400 people from Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Thimphu gathered in the capital to submit petitions on their concerns over the democratic transition to His Majesty the King, who granted an audience to more than 80 of their representatives.

Bhutan: The World’s Youngest Democracy (The Globalist)
The last time a monarch abdicated power to make way for democracy was in 1932, when Thai King Rama VII gave up the throne. To some, the recently held elections in Bhutan signal the dawn of a new future for the nation. But, as author Aim Sinpeng argues, the change might just be for appearances’ sake.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland. For in the tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, ethnically, culturally and linguistically close to its giant northern neighbor Tibet, demonstrations are not allowed. Young Tibetans were even reluctant to give their names for …

Druk Air out of the red once more
3 April, 2008 - Despite losing Nu 142.526 million from the sale of its two old BAE-146 aircraft, Druk Air has managed to stay out of the red, for the second year in a row, by making a net profit of Nu 31.15 million in the 2006-07 financial year.

Rewa trial starts
3 April, 2008 - The trial against nine staff of Rewa rehabilitation centre, who were accused of beating a 31-year-old recovering addict to death on January 8 at the centre, began this week in the Thimphu district court.

Bangladesh-Bhutan trade ties: Good but can grow
3 April, 2008 - As Bangladesh celebrated its 37th independence and national day, Kuensel looks at the progress of the trade relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh over the years.

Junior ambassadors from Japan

A programme to foster the spirit of fraternity and existing ties between two countries

3 April, 2008 - Fifteen junior ambassadors between 10 and 18 years from *****okuoka, Japan, are living with Bhutanese host families to learn about the unique Bhutanese tradition and culture.

The mobile in a modern democracy
3 April, 2008 - A few hours before the election, Thinley, a fresh graduate in Thimphu, received a message from an unknown number at around 11 pm. It read: “Let our voices be heard, justice and equity, vote for DPT, (please forward this message)”.

Abandoned mother bears twins

Here’s hoping they’ll be happy two-gether

3 April, 2008 - Like every woman, Ugyen Zangmo had a dream.
Her dream was simple: a working husband, who would take care of her and her children. But dreams are dreams and not many are fulfilled.

Overburdened purveyors of education

A class held alfresco due to classroom crunch

3 April, 2008 - It is a dry day outside but Sonam Chogyal is bathed in sweat from standing for five hours continuously, in front of 45 students, in a class built for only 32 students.

Runaway tracked down
3 April, 2008 - Yeshi Wangmo, 16, who went missing since October 31 last year, was found in Paro on March 30.

New executive postings
3 April, 2008 - The Royal Civil Service Commission has appointed several senior civil servants to new positions.

There’s work ahead
2 April, 2008 - We have had a number of post election issues to deal with. After the results of the election, when the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa overwhelmed the People’s Democratic Party with a 45-2 constituent victory, we saw one result reversed, two PDP candidates proposing to withdraw and then reversing that decision, and a range of allegations, observations, and comments on the results of the election. Then we saw about 1,000 people appealing to His Majesty the King for intervention.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

People appeal to His Majesty (Kuensel)
2 April, 2008 - More than 400 people from Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Thimphu gathered in the capital to submit petitions on their concerns over the democratic transition to His Majesty the King, who granted an audience to more than 80 of their representatives.

Bhutan: The World’s Youngest Democracy (The Globalist)
The last time a monarch abdicated power to make way for democracy was in 1932, when Thai King Rama VII gave up the throne. To some, the recently held elections in Bhutan signal the dawn of a new future for the nation. But, as author Aim Sinpeng argues, the change might just be for appearances’ sake.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland. For in the tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, ethnically, culturally and linguistically close to its giant northern neighbor Tibet, demonstrations are not allowed. Young Tibetans were even reluctant to give their names for …

Opposition seeks probe after Bhutan’s historic poll (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 31 (IANS) The first visible signs of protest and anguish over Bhutan’s transition from monarchy to democracy has been made public with the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) hinting that last week’s historic parliamentary elections was not fair.

Even after polls for change, Bhutanese keep faith in king (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU : Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Boston Globe)
In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland. For in the tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, ethnically, culturally and linguistically close to its giant northern neighbor Tibet, demonstrations are not allowed. Young Tibetans were even reluctant to give their …

Indian experts begin consultation on Bhutanese refugee issue (Nepalnews. com)
Amidst two important incidents – third country resettlement of Bhutanese refugees and Bhutan’s transition to democracy through recent elections – Indian experts have begun discussion on the protracted issue of Bhutanese refugees on Monday.

Bhutan’s democracy experiment (BBC News)
Bhutan is praised for the orderly staging of its first ever parliamentary election - but the new government faces big challenges. Chris Morris reports.

There’s work ahead
2 April, 2008 - We have had a number of post election issues to deal with. After the results of the election, when the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa overwhelmed the People’s Democratic Party with a 45-2 constituent victory, we saw one result reversed, two PDP candidates proposing to withdraw and then reversing that decision, and a range of allegations, observations, and comments on the results of the election. Then we saw about 1,000 people appealing to His Majesty the King for intervention.

Keeping DPT honest
2 April, 2008 - A large set of local constituency level promises made by DPT candidates before the elections may soon come back to haunt the government.

PDP will form small but vocal opposition
2 April, 2008 - A few days after the People’s Democratic Party announced the withdrawal of their two MP-elects from Ha and Gasa, the party has decided to form the opposition party in parliament.

Safeguards against a “tyranny of the majority”
2 April, 2008 - Bhutan’s draft Constitution contains adequate checks and balances to prevent a “tyranny of the majority”, where voices of the opposition might be oppressed by an absolute majority of a ruling government in parliament, according to the chief justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, who chaired the Constitution drafting committee.

People appeal to His Majesty

Concerned citizens await audience with His Majesty

2 April, 2008 - More than 400 people from Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Thimphu gathered in the capital to submit petitions on their concerns over the democratic transition to His Majesty the King, who granted an audience to more than 80 of their representatives.

Gang rapists feel full weight of the law
2 April, 2008 - Thimphu district court sentenced five soldiers of the Royal Bhutan Army to a prison term ranging from nine months to 13 years yesterday for the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Thimphu last year.

Bhutan becomes the world’s youngest democracy
1 April, 2008 - Bhutan has become the youngest member in the club of parliamentary democracies. The peaceful elections on March 24 marked a key turning point in the smooth transition from monarchy to democracy. With the success of this historic process, the Bhutanese people have fulfilled the vision of the “father of democracy” the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

On the green weekend ritual

31 March, 2008 - With the regular vendors and sellers gone home to cast their ballot in the National Assembly election, Thimphu’s dusty vegetable market had little to offer last weekend.

The Tomorrow Syndrome
31 March, 2008 - Hey, procrastinator: Don’t you dare bookmark this to read later:

In 1956, George Armitage Miller, a professor of psychology at Princeton University wrote a paper entitled, The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. He had discovered that people can only focus on five to nine things at a time — anything beyond this has to be held in the unconscious mind. For most of us, it would be a dream come true if we only had to focus on five — or even nine — things!

Ten questions

31 March, 2008 - Thinley Om, 37, from Phuentsholing is a vegetable vendor at the Thimphu
vegetable market. She spends about three days at the market.

1. When do you open and close the shop?
We open by Thursday afternoon and close late in the evening on Sunday.

Bhutan says all refugees are not Bhutanese (Nepalnews. com)
Bhutan has questioned the identity of Bhutanese refugees taking asylum in Nepal stating that all those registered in the camps are originally not Bhutanese.

Bhutan opposition resigns amid vote row (TODAYonline)
A Bhutanese voter wears a badge commemorating the country’s first elections as he lines up outside a polling station in Kabesa,on the outskirts of Thimphu, on March 24. Bhutan’s first week as the world’s newest democracy has been marred by the resignation of its opposition amid allegations of foul-play in historic elections that ended a century of absolute monarchy.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland. For in the tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, ethnically, culturally and linguistically close to its giant northern neighbor Tibet, demonstrations are not allowed. Young Tibetans were even reluctant to give their names for …

Opposition seeks probe after Bhutan’s historic poll (IANS via Yahoo! India News)
Thimphu, March 31 (IANS) The first visible signs of protest and anguish over Bhutan’s transition from monarchy to democracy has been made public with the embattled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) hinting that last week’s historic parliamentary elections was not fair.

Even after polls for change, Bhutanese keep faith in king (Gulf Times)
THIMPHU : Bhutan’s century old monarchy may be on the way out, but the 28-year-old king will continue to wield considerable influence in shaping his Himalayan nation’s future policies if the results of the historic parliamentary election this week are any guide.

Bhutan: The World’s Youngest Democracy (The Globalist)
The last time a monarch abdicated power to make way for democracy was in 1932, when Thai King Rama VII gave up the throne. To some, the recently held elections in Bhutan signal the dawn of a new future for the nation. But, as author Aim Sinpeng argues, the change might just be for appearances’ sake.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Boston Globe)
In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland. For in the tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, ethnically, culturally and linguistically close to its giant northern neighbor Tibet, demonstrations are not allowed. Young Tibetans were even reluctant to give their …

Indian experts begin consultation on Bhutanese refugee issue (Nepalnews. com)
Amidst two important incidents – third country resettlement of Bhutanese refugees and Bhutan’s transition to democracy through recent elections – Indian experts have begun discussion on the protracted issue of Bhutanese refugees on Monday.

Bhutan’s democracy experiment (BBC News)
Bhutan is praised for the orderly staging of its first ever parliamentary election - but the new government faces big challenges. Chris Morris reports.

In Bhutan, Tibetan refugees yearn to join protests (Reuters via Yahoo!Xtra News)
HONGTSHO, Bhutan (Reuters) - In a remote corner of the Himalayas, a small Tibetan refugee community felt helpless as it watched protests erupt all over the world against Chinese rule in their homeland.

Bhutan becomes the world’s youngest democracy
1 April, 2008 - Bhutan has become the youngest member in the club of parliamentary democracies. The peaceful elections on March 24 marked a key turning point in the smooth transition from monarchy to democracy. With the success of this historic process, the Bhutanese people have fulfilled the vision of the “father of democracy” the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

On the green weekend ritual

31 March, 2008 - With the regular vendors and sellers gone home to cast their ballot in the National Assembly election, Thimphu’s dusty vegetable market had little to offer last weekend.

The Tomorrow Syndrome
31 March, 2008 - Hey, procrastinator: Don’t you dare bookmark this to read later:

In 1956, George Armitage Miller, a professor of psychology at Princeton University wrote a paper entitled, The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. He had discovered that people can only focus on five to nine things at a time — anything beyond this has to be held in the unconscious mind. For most of us, it would be a dream come true if we only had to focus on five — or even nine — things!

Ten questions

31 March, 2008 - Thinley Om, 37, from Phuentsholing is a vegetable vendor at the Thimphu
vegetable market. She spends about three days at the market.

1. When do you open and close the shop?
We open by Thursday afternoon and close late in the evening on Sunday.

The National Council is complete

His Majesty’s five eminent appointees to the NC

31 March, 2008 - “Tomorrow’s citizens and their leaders must be nurtured. Young people must be made a part of the important decisions of the nation. They must play a part in determining the future that they will live in.”

Neglect of agriculture aggravates poverty

ESCAP report presented to media and government representatives

31 March, 2008 - Chronic neglect of the agricultural sector in Asia and the Pacific is condemning 218 million people to continuing extreme poverty, and widening the gap between the region’s rich and poor, according to the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008, which was released in multiple locations, including Thimphu, on March 27 by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

.

31 March, 2008 - Bhutan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Tshering Dorji, presents his credentials to the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr Mahinda Rajapakse, on 17 March 2008 in Colombo, as the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Bhutan to Sri Lanka.

TB to a full stop
31 March, 2008 - Tuberculosis (TB) in Bhutan was well under control and in keeping with international standards, according to the programme manager for TB of the health ministry, Dr Pandup Tshering. But, as Bhutan observed World TB Day at Khasadrapchu, Thimphu, on March 28, the programme manager warned that TB could get out of hand because of the increasing number of people infected with HIV/AIDS and the MDR (multi drug resistant) variant of TB.

SAARC telemedicine project in place
31 March, 2008 - Except for a few complex cases, not all referrals will have to be sent to India with the inception of telemedicine facility in the country within the next few days.

The “con”tractor and the orange growers
31 March, 2008 - It was on a pleasant afternoon in December last year when 53-year-old Yangka from Budashi met a well-dressed man near Phangkhar Zam.