International Sources

Select a Region or Country: - Jaunted.com
Africa And Middle East Asia Australia And South Pacific Central America And Caribbean Europe South America North America United States View All Alphabetically —– Afghanistan Albania American Samoa Anguilla Argentina Armenia Aruba …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the Central …    [read more]

Bhutan Maoists aiding Gorkha stir? - Times of India
JALPAIGURI: Intelligence agencies are worried over reports that Bhutan Maoists have extended support to the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling Hills, spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Under the circumstances, it is being feared that the …    [read more]

Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project - Financial Express
Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Satyam stake to expand L&T Infotech: L&T Thimphu: Infrastructure and construction firm Maytas Infra, promoted by the family of …    [read more]

Leaders of UK, Pak, Bhutan send get well soon messages to PM - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 25: Leaders of UK, Pakistan and Bhutan sent good wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recuperating from a bypass surgery. An official press release today said Dr Singh has received a bouquet and good wishes …    [read more]

World leaders wish Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery - Newstrack India
New Delhi, Jan.25 (ANI): Leaders from across the world have sent their good wishes to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is recuperating in the All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) undergoing a coronary by-pass surgery to overcome multiple …    [read more]

Blitzwing Product Sightings - Seibertron.com
Country: - Select a Country - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina …    [read more]

Global Voices Online - Global Voices Online.org
Regions and Countries » Americas » Central Asia & Caucasus » East Asia » Eastern & Central Europe » Middle East & North Africa » Oceania » South Asia » Sub-Saharan Africa » Western Europe Countries » Afghanistan » Albania » Algeria …    [read more]

New citizens proudly show off their sense of freedom - Age
The Sharma Luital family dressed in Bhutanese costume for a citizenship ceremony at Station Pier. Photo: Rebecca Hallas PARSURAM Sharma-Luital was once arrested for not wearing the compulsory Bhutanese national dress while wading across a river in …    [read more]

Time to prepare for the crisis - Kuensel Online
26 January,2009 - There are dark clouds in the horizon for Bhutanese tour operators and hoteliers, whose businesses were hurt by the global financial crisis. More than 1,500 tourists have cancelled their trip to Bhutan in 2009 following the …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

same name, a coincidence?
Bhutanese today are opting for more unique names

31 January, 2009 - What is it that you own but others use it more than you do? The answer is a name. But in the Bhutanese scenario, its just not owned by you alone but by many others.    [read more]

Land Commission in dilemma
1,000 backlog cases
and counting

31 January, 2009 - The National Land Commission, established in 2007 to expedite land transactions and improve service delivery, is yet to make an impact in sorting out people’s long-standing land problems.
   [read more]

Brekha boys weave bamboo mats to compensate loss
Students toil on vacation to supplement farm income

31 January,2009Like last year and many past years, farmers in Brekha, Trashigang have lost portions of their crops to wild animal. Officials estimate that wild animal damaged 18 acres of maize crops this year alone in Brekha.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Political parties still in financial quagmire
The ruling party has now decided to extend the Nu 15 million overdraft period for another year.
“Our overdraft period ended on December 31 last year and, within this month, we will have to renew the overdraft period till the end of December 31 this year,” said Tshewang Rinzin, the head of Administration and Finance Division […]    [read more]

Denchi town plan takes shape
Pemagatshel will have a new well-planned model town at Denchi. Many features of the proposed town will be designed to set an example for future town plans in the country, said Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley in a meeting between senior government officials and the people’s representatives on January 26 at Denchi.
“Not only should the new […]    [read more]

Ministers’ allowance increased without debate, opposition
The Prime Minister and ministers are not getting a salary raise but there has been a raise in their discretionary allowance.
“The proposal to increase discretionary allowance was approved with no debate at all,” said the Opposition Leader.
According to the pay commission report on the pay hike, the only additional benefit given to the Prime Minister […]    [read more]

Lovelorn youth commits suicide
Madan Kumar Rai, 21, hanged himself from a suspension bridge at Namseyling at 6.00 pm on January 26.
On that day, Madan went to Namseyling to meet his girlfriend, 17-year-old Dil Maya Subba. They had been seeing each other for the last six months.
According to Dil Maya, Madan had asked her if she would marry him […]    [read more]

Four babies in 30 months
If children are a gift from heaven, a couple in Lhuentse have it all. In just 30 months, 46- year-old Dendup and his 43-year-old wife Tshomo from Tsongthormi in Metsho Gewog begot two pairs of twins. For a well-off couple, the birth of the double twins would have been a double blessing. But not for […]    [read more]

Lyonchhen losars in Pemagatshel
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley kept his promise of spending every Traditional Day of Offering, widely celebrated in the east as Chunyipa Losar with the people of his constituency. As soon as the second session of the first parliament drew to a close, Lyonchen made his second visit to his constituency after assuming the helm of […]    [read more]

We
Our deepest fear is not that we are not enough.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond reason.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be light, attractive, talented and good?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of god.
Your playing small doesn’t […]    [read more]

Where is happiness?
Happiness is a small nine-letter word but worth more than a million dollars. It is not bought and sold. Only rich people would have been happy had it been sold. The common men would have been completely deprived their share of happiness.
The rich people get pleasure but not necessarily happiness. But too much of any […]    [read more]

Gomtu archery to begin
The annual Penden Foundation Archery Cup organised by Penden Cement Authority will start from February 5, 2009, in Gomtu, Samtse. It is a compound bow tournament with teams participating from all over the country.
The first match will be played between Lhaki Group of Companies and Penden Cement Authority.
The participants from the winning team will take […]    [read more]

Basketball final today
The final of a six-day under- 17 basketball training and tournament held at the swimming pool complex in Thimphu is underway today.
Students, including some studying in India have been undergoing the training and tournament since January 25. Of 58 participants, 15 are girls. The participants formed 9 teams. Four matches have been played everyday.
“This training […]    [read more]

International Sources

Tigers kill at least 7 in north India - Ledger-Enquirer
– All United States – Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for Manmohan Singh’s recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the …    [read more]

BHUTAN: CEHURDES condemns imprisonment of the Bhutanese journo - Asia Media
The Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) — a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group — has condemned the imprisonment of Shantiram Acharya, a young Bhutani journalist, by the Bhutanese authorities. According to …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s heart surgery was “successful”, doctors at AIIMS said, describing his condition as “stable” after an operation that went on for nearly eight hours. Plan of action | Who is in charge? Prime Minister undergoing heart …    [read more]

Bhutan Maoists aiding Gorkha stir? - Times of India
JALPAIGURI: Intelligence agencies are worried over reports that Bhutan Maoists have extended support to the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling Hills, spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Under the circumstances, it is being feared that the …    [read more]

Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project - MSN India
Thimphu: Infrastructure and construction firm Maytas Infra, promoted by the family of Satyam Computers’ founder B. Ramalinga Raju, may bag the construction rights of Bhutan’s Dagachu Hydropower Plant as it emerged as the lowest bidder for the project …    [read more]

Tibetan Youth Dies in Custody - Radio Free Asia
Pema Tsepak, age 24. KATHMANDU—A Tibetan youth detained for his role in a nonviolent protest has been beaten to death by police, Tibetan sources say. Pema Tsepak, 24, a resident of Punda town in the Dzogang county of Tibet’s Chamdo prefecture …    [read more]

Leaders of UK, Pak, Bhutan send get well soon messages to PM - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 25: Leaders of UK, Pakistan and Bhutan sent good wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recuperating from a bypass surgery. An official press release today said Dr Singh has received a bouquet and good wishes …    [read more]

World leaders wish Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery - New Kerala
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have sent bouquets and good wishes for speedy recovery of Dr.Singh. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk has also wished for the speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan …    [read more]

New citizens proudly show off their sense of freedom - Age
The Sharma Luital family dressed in Bhutanese costume for a citizenship ceremony at Station Pier. Photo: Rebecca Hallas PARSURAM Sharma-Luital was once arrested for not wearing the compulsory Bhutanese national dress while wading across a river in …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Wedded to violence
The plight of Sangay Pemo, a domestic violence victim

Sangay Pemo (left) with mother and daughter

29 January,2009Born and brought up in one of the country’s most remote villages, Langdurbi in Zhemgang, Sangay Pemo, 24, like many had dreamt of raising a family and living a comfortable life in a town.    [read more]

Hands on

29 January,2009Farmers from three eastern dzongkhags of Mongar, Lhuentse and Pemagatshel attached with the RNR-RC, Wengkhar learn orchard management, seedling raising, grafting, and pruning. The month-long attachment, which will end on February 5 was supported by JICA.    [read more]

Indian community celebrates Republic Day

A band display by IMTRAT at the celebrations

29 January,2009With much jollity and patriotic fervour, the Indian community in Bhutan celebrated their country’s 60th Republic Day on Monday.    [read more]

Allowance revised for doctors and teachers
Nurses and clinical staff included in allowance system

Shortage of doctors lead to long queue at hospitals

28 January ,2009 -A week after the National Assembly approved the civil servant pay hike, the cabinet has revised the scarcity allowance system for teachers and doctors, including nurses and clinical staff.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Political parties still in financial quagmire
The ruling party has now decided to extend the Nu 15 million overdraft period for another year.
“Our overdraft period ended on December 31 last year and, within this month, we will have to renew the overdraft period till the end of December 31 this year,” said Tshewang Rinzin, the head of Administration and Finance Division […]    [read more]

Denchi town plan takes shape
Pemagatshel will have a new well-planned model town at Denchi. Many features of the proposed town will be designed to set an example for future town plans in the country, said Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley in a meeting between senior government officials and the people’s representatives on January 26 at Denchi.
“Not only should the new […]    [read more]

Ministers’ allowance increased without debate, opposition
The Prime Minister and ministers are not getting a salary raise but there has been a raise in their discretionary allowance.
“The proposal to increase discretionary allowance was approved with no debate at all,” said the Opposition Leader.
According to the pay commission report on the pay hike, the only additional benefit given to the Prime Minister […]    [read more]

Lovelorn youth commits suicide
Madan Kumar Rai, 21, hanged himself from a suspension bridge at Namseyling at 6.00 pm on January 26.
On that day, Madan went to Namseyling to meet his girlfriend, 17-year-old Dil Maya Subba. They had been seeing each other for the last six months.
According to Dil Maya, Madan had asked her if she would marry him […]    [read more]

Four babies in 30 months
If children are a gift from heaven, a couple in Lhuentse have it all. In just 30 months, 46- year-old Dendup and his 43-year-old wife Tshomo from Tsongthormi in Metsho Gewog begot two pairs of twins. For a well-off couple, the birth of the double twins would have been a double blessing. But not for […]    [read more]

Lyonchhen losars in Pemagatshel
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley kept his promise of spending every Traditional Day of Offering, widely celebrated in the east as Chunyipa Losar with the people of his constituency. As soon as the second session of the first parliament drew to a close, Lyonchen made his second visit to his constituency after assuming the helm of […]    [read more]

We
Our deepest fear is not that we are not enough.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond reason.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be light, attractive, talented and good?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of god.
Your playing small doesn’t […]    [read more]

Where is happiness?
Happiness is a small nine-letter word but worth more than a million dollars. It is not bought and sold. Only rich people would have been happy had it been sold. The common men would have been completely deprived their share of happiness.
The rich people get pleasure but not necessarily happiness. But too much of any […]    [read more]

Gomtu archery to begin
The annual Penden Foundation Archery Cup organised by Penden Cement Authority will start from February 5, 2009, in Gomtu, Samtse. It is a compound bow tournament with teams participating from all over the country.
The first match will be played between Lhaki Group of Companies and Penden Cement Authority.
The participants from the winning team will take […]    [read more]

Basketball final today
The final of a six-day under- 17 basketball training and tournament held at the swimming pool complex in Thimphu is underway today.
Students, including some studying in India have been undergoing the training and tournament since January 25. Of 58 participants, 15 are girls. The participants formed 9 teams. Four matches have been played everyday.
“This training […]    [read more]

International Sources

Inferno Product Sightings - Seibertron.com
Country: - Select a Country - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina …    [read more]

Georgia budget cuts threaten school nurses - Ledger-Enquirer
– All United States – Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota …    [read more]

Democratic Bhutan Government Hindering Free Press - Newsblaze.com
The Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) Bhutan reports they are concerned by the increasing government meddling against the free press even after the formation of a ‘democratic’ government. Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (BBSC) was …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for Manmohan Singh’s recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the Central …    [read more]

BHUTAN: CEHURDES condemns imprisonment of the Bhutanese journo - Asia Media
The Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) — a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group — has condemned the imprisonment of Shantiram Acharya, a young Bhutani journalist, by the Bhutanese authorities. According to …    [read more]

Bhutan Maoists aiding Gorkha stir? - Times of India
JALPAIGURI: Intelligence agencies are worried over reports that Bhutan Maoists have extended support to the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling Hills, spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Under the circumstances, it is being feared that the …    [read more]

Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project - Financial Express
Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project Satyam stake to expand L&T Infotech: L&T Thimphu: Infrastructure and construction firm Maytas Infra, promoted by the family of …    [read more]

Leaders of UK, Pak, Bhutan send get well soon messages to PM - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 25: Leaders of UK, Pakistan and Bhutan sent good wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recuperating from a bypass surgery. An official press release today said Dr Singh has received a bouquet and good wishes …    [read more]

News & Features Navigation - Minnesota Public Radio
Photo: #Bandana Pyakurel, 17, and her cousin Phul Maya Khatiwada, play with Khatiwada’s 6-month-old daughter, Ruby. Bandana’s brother, Prakash, looks on. They are part of a small Bhutanese community that has resettled in an apartment complex on St …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Wedded to violence
The plight of Sangay Pemo, a domestic violence victim

Sangay Pemo (left) with mother and daughter

29 January,2009Born and brought up in one of the country’s most remote villages, Langdurbi in Zhemgang, Sangay Pemo, 24, like many had dreamt of raising a family and living a comfortable life in a town.    [read more]

Hands on

29 January,2009Farmers from three eastern dzongkhags of Mongar, Lhuentse and Pemagatshel attached with the RNR-RC, Wengkhar learn orchard management, seedling raising, grafting, and pruning. The month-long attachment, which will end on February 5 was supported by JICA.    [read more]

Indian community celebrates Republic Day

A band display by IMTRAT at the celebrations

29 January,2009With much jollity and patriotic fervour, the Indian community in Bhutan celebrated their country’s 60th Republic Day on Monday.    [read more]

Allowance revised for doctors and teachers
Nurses and clinical staff included in allowance system

Shortage of doctors lead to long queue at hospitals

28 January ,2009 -A week after the National Assembly approved the civil servant pay hike, the cabinet has revised the scarcity allowance system for teachers and doctors, including nurses and clinical staff.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Q&A with an AIDS patient
Tashi Lhundup (name changed) is one of 160 officially reported HIV/AIDS patients in Bhutan. In a country of GNH, he finds family support and compassion wanting for people like him. He opens himself up to our reporter Phuntsho Wangmo.
Q. When did you know that you were infected?
A. In 2001. My wife was diagnosed first when […]    [read more]

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

The flavour of condoms
Condoms. They are plain, dotted or ribbed. They are banana-flavoured, vanilla-flavoured, or lemon-flavoured. They are rubbery or ultra thin. Tashi Phuntsho finds out the Bhutanese taste for condoms.
Dorji, a Thimphu resident, used to buy his preferred dotted condoms from the town. Not any more.
The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) introduction of flavoured, dotted and ribbed condoms […]    [read more]

Father walks out, son steps in
Kuenzang Jurmey was doing his Geography homework when he was informed that someone from his village had come to see him. He thought that his father must have come. But it was his neighbour, who came to inform him that his parents had divorced and his father left the village. Kuenzang was then studying in […]    [read more]

After money or education
It is winter vacation and students are either after education or money.
While students from rural areas work by the roadside to make some money, students from urban areas spend on computer courses.
Tshering Dorji, Assistant Engineer of Road Department, who is in-charge of urban roads in Thimphu, said that they involved 150 students last year in […]    [read more]

Single ‘cam’ winning many
In 1994, a Bhutanese travelling in the United States came across a bow, quite unknown in Bhutan and barely known in the US, made by a company called Mathews. During that time, it had been only about 10 years that compound bow had been in Bhutan, mainly of Hoyt made. He bought it and brought […]    [read more]

Going APE with resolutions
Flashback: New Year’s Eve. I go about the watering holes. Like mine, they are chock-full of pompous overcast faces anxious to usher in the New Year (more out of pattern than delight). Resolutions are talked about. Another yearly malaise that infects remorseful souls! For me, resolutions are proof of how history keeps repeating itself. But […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

International Sources

Focus on the Fruit & Vegetables Global Industry - Earthtimes
NEW YORK - (Business Wire) Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report related to the Fruits - industry is available in its catalogue. Datamonitor’s Fruit & Vegetables: Global Industry Guide is an essential resource for top-level …    [read more]

Recalls: children’s canopies, warming gloves - WNYT
_About 2,400 Home Sweet Playhome canopies, made in India by The Land of Nod of Northbrook, Ill., because a child’s head could get trapped in the canopy’s window openings, posing entrapment and strangulation hazards. The company received two …    [read more]

Bhutan jails reporter for over seven years - Gulf Times
KATHMANDU: A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him. Shantiram …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for Manmohan Singh’s recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the Central …    [read more]

BHUTAN: CEHURDES condemns imprisonment of the Bhutanese journo - Asia Media
The Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) — a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group — has condemned the imprisonment of Shantiram Acharya, a young Bhutani journalist, by the Bhutanese authorities. According to …    [read more]

Maytas may bag Bhutan hydropower project - MSN India
Thimphu: Infrastructure and construction firm Maytas Infra, promoted by the family of Satyam Computers’ founder B. Ramalinga Raju, may bag the construction rights of Bhutan’s Dagachu Hydropower Plant as it emerged as the lowest bidder for the project …    [read more]

1 - 1 - Soccerway
AC Milan is unbeaten in their last three home matches. They are still in touch with the top two, being six points behind Inter and three behind Juventus. Left-back Marek Jankulovski returns from suspension and will replace Giuseppe Favalli while …    [read more]

Leaders of UK, Pak, Bhutan send get well soon messages to PM - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 25: Leaders of UK, Pakistan and Bhutan sent good wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recuperating from a bypass surgery. An official press release today said Dr Singh has received a bouquet and good wishes …    [read more]

Thimphu running out of fuel wood - Kuensel Online
22 January, 2009 - Winter in Thimphu is at its heights but the news from the Department of Forestry Services (DFS) is even chillier. The DFS may not meet even a third of Thimphu’s demand for firewood this year, according to officials. This is …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Allowance revised for doctors and teachers
Nurses and clinical staff included in allowance system

Shortage of doctors lead to long queue at hospitals

28 January ,2009 -A week after the National Assembly approved the civil servant pay hike, the cabinet has revised the scarcity allowance system for teachers and doctors, including nurses and clinical staff.    [read more]

Soil borne disease kills wild pigs

The boar found dead in Kuenzangdrak being examined by veterinary officials

28 January, 2009 -An outbreak of clostridial infection (a soil borne disease) was responsible for the death of 17 wild pigs in Bumthang in recent weeks, according to veterinary doctors in Bathpalathang, Bumthang.    [read more]

Bhutan cricket dreams big

The senior cricket team in Thailand

28 January, 2009 -Bhutan made it to the ‘Elite Cricket Group’ and would face some of the bigger cricket playing nations in Asia although Bhutan lost to Oman in the finals of the ACC challenge trophy in Thailand on January 21.    [read more]

OUTING

28 January, 2009 -A family enjoys a picnic at the Centenary Park, Thimphu to celebrate the traditional day of offering (chunipa losar) yesterday    [read more]

The threat from Lake Thorthormi
Global warming is melting Lake Thorthormi fast

The 1994 flood: A scene below Wangduephodrang Bridge

27 January, 2009 - Of the 14 risky glacial lakes in Lunana, Lake Thorthormi is on the brink of breaching its walls. Geology department say they are working on it.
   [read more]

almost original

26 January,2009 -All that glitters is not gold… as clichd as it may sound, it holds true in the case of the latest trends in fashion jewellery. They are glittery, trendy and modern in designs, these jewelleries look almost real.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Q&A with an AIDS patient
Tashi Lhundup (name changed) is one of 160 officially reported HIV/AIDS patients in Bhutan. In a country of GNH, he finds family support and compassion wanting for people like him. He opens himself up to our reporter Phuntsho Wangmo.
Q. When did you know that you were infected?
A. In 2001. My wife was diagnosed first when […]    [read more]

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

The flavour of condoms
Condoms. They are plain, dotted or ribbed. They are banana-flavoured, vanilla-flavoured, or lemon-flavoured. They are rubbery or ultra thin. Tashi Phuntsho finds out the Bhutanese taste for condoms.
Dorji, a Thimphu resident, used to buy his preferred dotted condoms from the town. Not any more.
The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) introduction of flavoured, dotted and ribbed condoms […]    [read more]

Father walks out, son steps in
Kuenzang Jurmey was doing his Geography homework when he was informed that someone from his village had come to see him. He thought that his father must have come. But it was his neighbour, who came to inform him that his parents had divorced and his father left the village. Kuenzang was then studying in […]    [read more]

After money or education
It is winter vacation and students are either after education or money.
While students from rural areas work by the roadside to make some money, students from urban areas spend on computer courses.
Tshering Dorji, Assistant Engineer of Road Department, who is in-charge of urban roads in Thimphu, said that they involved 150 students last year in […]    [read more]

Single ‘cam’ winning many
In 1994, a Bhutanese travelling in the United States came across a bow, quite unknown in Bhutan and barely known in the US, made by a company called Mathews. During that time, it had been only about 10 years that compound bow had been in Bhutan, mainly of Hoyt made. He bought it and brought […]    [read more]

Going APE with resolutions
Flashback: New Year’s Eve. I go about the watering holes. Like mine, they are chock-full of pompous overcast faces anxious to usher in the New Year (more out of pattern than delight). Resolutions are talked about. Another yearly malaise that infects remorseful souls! For me, resolutions are proof of how history keeps repeating itself. But […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

International Sources

Nicaragua eliminates Belize in Nations Cup 1-1 tie - SLAM! Sports
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - Belize was eliminated from the UNCAF Nations Cup on Monday after a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua in Group A. The UNCAF Cup serves as qualifying for Central American nations into the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The regular participants are …    [read more]

Bhutan jails refugee reporter for over 7 years - Thaindian.com
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (IANS) A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the Central …    [read more]

Leaders of UK, Pak, Bhutan send get well soon messages to PM - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 25: Leaders of UK, Pakistan and Bhutan sent good wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recuperating from a bypass surgery. An official press release today said Dr Singh has received a bouquet and good wishes …    [read more]

World leaders wish Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery - Newstrack India
New Delhi, Jan.25 (ANI): Leaders from across the world have sent their good wishes to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is recuperating in the All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) undergoing a coronary by-pass surgery to overcome multiple …    [read more]

Global Voices Online - Global Voices Online.org
Regions and Countries » Americas » Central Asia & Caucasus » East Asia » Eastern & Central Europe » Middle East & North Africa » Oceania » South Asia » Sub-Saharan Africa » Western Europe Countries » Afghanistan » Albania » Algeria …    [read more]

Step 2 - Zd Net Asia.com
Profession: Select Job Function —– Technology-Related: [select below] —– Computer Product Reseller Database Administration Development Project Management …    [read more]

Aba IPP project makes progress despite disruptions - Businessday Online
Geometric Power Limited (GPL), an indigenous electric power provider handling the independent power project (Aba IPP) for Aba, Abia State, says the kidnap attempt on one of its expatriate workers will not discourage them from completing the project …    [read more]

Now the Holy See beckons - Border Mail
IF former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer believes there are lessons to be learnt from the Bhutanese about the work/life balance, it seems he’s not quite ready to take them on board. With his departure to Rome as Australia’s first Ambassador to …    [read more]

Yobe loses governor to leukaemia - Businessday Online
Governor Mamman Ali of Yobe State has passed on, his aides confirmed yesterday.The aides told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ali, who won the 2007 governorship election on the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) platform, died in the US. The …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

The threat from Lake Thorthormi
Global warming is melting Lake Thorthormi fast

The 1994 flood: A scene below Wangduephodrang Bridge

27 January, 2009 - Of the 14 risky glacial lakes in Lunana, Lake Thorthormi is on the brink of breaching its walls. Geology department say they are working on it.
   [read more]

almost original

26 January,2009 -All that glitters is not gold… as clichd as it may sound, it holds true in the case of the latest trends in fashion jewellery. They are glittery, trendy and modern in designs, these jewelleries look almost real.    [read more]

10?

26 January,2009 -N.B Gurung is the proprietor of Galaxy, a video parlour at Zangtopelri. He has been into the business for the past six years.

1) What are some of your observations?
It’s amazing how children familiarise and develop computer skills. I feel that they can compete with a stenographer.    [read more]

Cabinet Sub-Committee to review security clearance issues

26 January,2009 -A sub committee formed under the cabinet, called the cabinet sub-committee (CSC) will now review the security clearance certificate (SCC) and census related issues, informed the home minister, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji after the house discussed the security clearance issue at the Assembly.
   [read more]

Collective effort needed to battle HIV/AIDS

26 January,2009 -Battling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS in Bhutan is not the responsibility of the health ministry alone. There was a need for a collective effort from all sectors to combat this national concern.    [read more]

So close yet so far
Lack of money blocks power supply into the homes of some farmers in Langthel, Trongsa.

Dangdung village

26 January,2009 -With more and more households connected with electricity, Bhutan seems to be well on track to achieve its vision of “Electricity for all by 2020.”    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

The flavour of condoms
Condoms. They are plain, dotted or ribbed. They are banana-flavoured, vanilla-flavoured, or lemon-flavoured. They are rubbery or ultra thin. Tashi Phuntsho finds out the Bhutanese taste for condoms.
Dorji, a Thimphu resident, used to buy his preferred dotted condoms from the town. Not any more.
The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) introduction of flavoured, dotted and ribbed condoms […]    [read more]

Father walks out, son steps in
Kuenzang Jurmey was doing his Geography homework when he was informed that someone from his village had come to see him. He thought that his father must have come. But it was his neighbour, who came to inform him that his parents had divorced and his father left the village. Kuenzang was then studying in […]    [read more]

After money or education
It is winter vacation and students are either after education or money.
While students from rural areas work by the roadside to make some money, students from urban areas spend on computer courses.
Tshering Dorji, Assistant Engineer of Road Department, who is in-charge of urban roads in Thimphu, said that they involved 150 students last year in […]    [read more]

Single ‘cam’ winning many
In 1994, a Bhutanese travelling in the United States came across a bow, quite unknown in Bhutan and barely known in the US, made by a company called Mathews. During that time, it had been only about 10 years that compound bow had been in Bhutan, mainly of Hoyt made. He bought it and brought […]    [read more]

Going APE with resolutions
Flashback: New Year’s Eve. I go about the watering holes. Like mine, they are chock-full of pompous overcast faces anxious to usher in the New Year (more out of pattern than delight). Resolutions are talked about. Another yearly malaise that infects remorseful souls! For me, resolutions are proof of how history keeps repeating itself. But […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

Do MPs make an allowance for simple math?
   [read more]

International Sources

Global Voices Online - Global Voices Online.org
Regions and Countries » Americas » Central Asia & Caucasus » East Asia » Eastern & Central Europe » Middle East & North Africa » Oceania » South Asia » Sub-Saharan Africa » Western Europe Countries » Afghanistan » Albania » Algeria …    [read more]

New citizens proudly show off their sense of freedom - Age
The Sharma Luital family dressed in Bhutanese costume for a citizenship ceremony at Station Pier. Photo: Rebecca Hallas PARSURAM Sharma-Luital was once arrested for not wearing the compulsory Bhutanese national dress while wading across a river in …    [read more]

Bhutan jails refugee reporter for over 7 years - Thaindian.com
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (IANS) A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for Manmohan Singh’s recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the Central …    [read more]

India to help set up Bhutan’s first medical college - Times of India
A three-member team of experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which returned to India on Sunday night, told TOI that the college would be ready by February 2011. To be attached to the 350-bed Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National …    [read more]

India, the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 19: Commerce Minister Kamal Nath today said that India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. During the bilateral interaction with Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Khandu Wangchuk, he informed …    [read more]

Bhutan Maoists aiding Gorkha stir? - Times of India
JALPAIGURI: Intelligence agencies are worried over reports that Bhutan Maoists have extended support to the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling Hills, spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Under the circumstances, it is being feared that the …    [read more]

Bhutan and Oman in final - Bangkok Post
Bhutan and Oman will meet in the final of the ACC Trophy Challenge 2009 tomorrow in Chiang Mai. Bhutan beat Thailand by 92 runs at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana ground and Oman beat Maldives for 102 runs on the Prem Centre turf, yesterday. Weak-kneed …    [read more]

World leaders wish Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery - Top News India
New Delhi, Jan. 25 : Leaders from across the world have sent their good wishes to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is recuperating in the All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) undergoing a coronary by-pass surgery to overcome multiple …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

almost original

26 January,2009 -All that glitters is not gold… as clichd as it may sound, it holds true in the case of the latest trends in fashion jewellery. They are glittery, trendy and modern in designs, these jewelleries look almost real.    [read more]

10?

26 January,2009 -N.B Gurung is the proprietor of Galaxy, a video parlour at Zangtopelri. He has been into the business for the past six years.

1) What are some of your observations?
It’s amazing how children familiarise and develop computer skills. I feel that they can compete with a stenographer.    [read more]

Cabinet Sub-Committee to review security clearance issues

26 January,2009 -A sub committee formed under the cabinet, called the cabinet sub-committee (CSC) will now review the security clearance certificate (SCC) and census related issues, informed the home minister, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji after the house discussed the security clearance issue at the Assembly.
   [read more]

Collective effort needed to battle HIV/AIDS

26 January,2009 -Battling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS in Bhutan is not the responsibility of the health ministry alone. There was a need for a collective effort from all sectors to combat this national concern.    [read more]

So close yet so far
Lack of money blocks power supply into the homes of some farmers in Langthel, Trongsa.

Dangdung village

26 January,2009 -With more and more households connected with electricity, Bhutan seems to be well on track to achieve its vision of “Electricity for all by 2020.”    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

The flavour of condoms
Condoms. They are plain, dotted or ribbed. They are banana-flavoured, vanilla-flavoured, or lemon-flavoured. They are rubbery or ultra thin. Tashi Phuntsho finds out the Bhutanese taste for condoms.
Dorji, a Thimphu resident, used to buy his preferred dotted condoms from the town. Not any more.
The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) introduction of flavoured, dotted and ribbed condoms […]    [read more]

Father walks out, son steps in
Kuenzang Jurmey was doing his Geography homework when he was informed that someone from his village had come to see him. He thought that his father must have come. But it was his neighbour, who came to inform him that his parents had divorced and his father left the village. Kuenzang was then studying in […]    [read more]

After money or education
It is winter vacation and students are either after education or money.
While students from rural areas work by the roadside to make some money, students from urban areas spend on computer courses.
Tshering Dorji, Assistant Engineer of Road Department, who is in-charge of urban roads in Thimphu, said that they involved 150 students last year in […]    [read more]

Single ‘cam’ winning many
In 1994, a Bhutanese travelling in the United States came across a bow, quite unknown in Bhutan and barely known in the US, made by a company called Mathews. During that time, it had been only about 10 years that compound bow had been in Bhutan, mainly of Hoyt made. He bought it and brought […]    [read more]

Going APE with resolutions
Flashback: New Year’s Eve. I go about the watering holes. Like mine, they are chock-full of pompous overcast faces anxious to usher in the New Year (more out of pattern than delight). Resolutions are talked about. Another yearly malaise that infects remorseful souls! For me, resolutions are proof of how history keeps repeating itself. But […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

Do MPs make an allowance for simple math?
   [read more]

International Sources

Wreck-Gar Product Sightings - Seibertron.com
Country: - Select a Country - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina …    [read more]

Bhutan jails refugee reporter for over 7 years - Thaindian.com
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (IANS) A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for Manmohan Singh’s recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Thimphu: Bhutanese on Saturday held special prayers in many parts of the country for the speedy recovery of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who underwent a complex heart bypass surgery in New Delhi. As a gesture of goodwill and concern, the …    [read more]

Opinion - Fischer’s need for an enquiring mind on Bhutanese abuses - CathNews
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer is a great Australian who injects positive energy into almost everything he touches. This month he takes up his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See. As a result, he’s had to step down from …    [read more]

Bhutan holds special prayers for PM’s recovery - Hindustan Times
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s heart surgery was “successful”, doctors at AIIMS said, describing his condition as “stable” after an operation that went on for nearly eight hours. Plan of action | Who is in charge? Prime Minister undergoing heart …    [read more]

BHUTAN: CEHURDES condemns imprisonment of the Bhutanese journo - Asia Media
The Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) — a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group — has condemned the imprisonment of Shantiram Acharya, a young Bhutani journalist, by the Bhutanese authorities. According to …    [read more]

India to help set up Bhutan’s first medical college - Times of India
A three-member team of experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which returned to India on Sunday night, told TOI that the college would be ready by February 2011. To be attached to the 350-bed Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National …    [read more]

Messages pour in for Manmohan - Hindustan Times
World leaders, including Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, have wished Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister’s Office received two bouquets, one each from the Pakistani …    [read more]

PM could be out of hospital in four days: Doctors - Times of India
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could be out of hospital within the next four days. The team of surgeons, who conducted a 12-hour long marathon coronary bypass surgery on Singh at AIIMS on Saturday, told TOI that the PM, who was making …    [read more]

World leaders wish Manmohan Singh a speedy recovery - Daily News and Analysis
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have sent bouquets and good wishes for speedy recovery of Dr.Singh. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk has also wished for the speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

The Invasion Of The Gaming Culture

24 January, 2009 - Treasure Hunt, Raven Heart, War Craft / Dota, Halo 3, Age Of Empire, God Of War, Zuma, Spiderman. The lists are endless, but these are not title of books children in Thimphu are reading.    [read more]

Saving the White-bellied Heron

Habitat encroached? A line of trucks on the banks of Punatsangchhu

24 January, 2009 - The rare and endangered White-bellied Heron, spotted mainly along the Punatsangchhu basin in Punakha, might, after all, have a protected home.    [read more]

JAWS & MAGIC to help visually impaired
Soft ware brings IT closer to visually challenged

23 January,2009 With limited resources available in braile, preparing for exams was a challenging task for Ugyen Wangdi, a visually impaired student of Sherubtse College in Kanglung.

   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Father walks out, son steps in
Kuenzang Jurmey was doing his Geography homework when he was informed that someone from his village had come to see him. He thought that his father must have come. But it was his neighbour, who came to inform him that his parents had divorced and his father left the village. Kuenzang was then studying in […]    [read more]

After money or education
It is winter vacation and students are either after education or money.
While students from rural areas work by the roadside to make some money, students from urban areas spend on computer courses.
Tshering Dorji, Assistant Engineer of Road Department, who is in-charge of urban roads in Thimphu, said that they involved 150 students last year in […]    [read more]

Single ‘cam’ winning many
In 1994, a Bhutanese travelling in the United States came across a bow, quite unknown in Bhutan and barely known in the US, made by a company called Mathews. During that time, it had been only about 10 years that compound bow had been in Bhutan, mainly of Hoyt made. He bought it and brought […]    [read more]

Going APE with resolutions
Flashback: New Year’s Eve. I go about the watering holes. Like mine, they are chock-full of pompous overcast faces anxious to usher in the New Year (more out of pattern than delight). Resolutions are talked about. Another yearly malaise that infects remorseful souls! For me, resolutions are proof of how history keeps repeating itself. But […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

Do MPs make an allowance for simple math?
   [read more]

Nurse humiliated our son
Sir,
This is with reference to January 2, 2008, Bhutan Observer story entitled “Nurse Protests: They abused me”. We feel very unfortunate for having encountered Namgey Dem at the Hospital Emergency ward on December 25, 2008.
We the family of the patient, would like to clarify to all readers how wrongly she has portrayed the victim’s status.
1. […]    [read more]

International Sources

Starscream Product Sightings - Seibertron.com
Country: - Select a Country - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina …    [read more]

Andy Murray overpowers Melzer in 3rd-round win - Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Andy Murray has reached the fourth round at the Australian Open. The fourth-seeded Murray beat Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in a third-round match Saturday and at one stage was just one point away from winning 12 straight …    [read more]

Bhutan Maoists aiding Gorkha stir? - Times of India
JALPAIGURI: Intelligence agencies are worried over reports that Bhutan Maoists have extended support to the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling Hills, spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Under the circumstances, it is being feared that the …    [read more]

Bhutan jails reporter for over seven years - Gulf Times
KATHMANDU: A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him. Shantiram …    [read more]

Opinion - Fischer’s need for an enquiring mind on Bhutanese abuses - CathNews
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer is a great Australian who injects positive energy into almost everything he touches. This month he takes up his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See. As a result, he’s had to step down from …    [read more]

India to help set up Bhutan’s first medical college - Times of India
A three-member team of experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which returned to India on Sunday night, told TOI that the college would be ready by February 2011. To be attached to the 350-bed Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National …    [read more]

Bhutan MPs to earn more; no hike for PM, ministers - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: Bhutanese MPs and civil servants will earn more but Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley and his 10 Cabinet ministers will still carry home the same money they have been doing till now. The Pay Commission has fixed civil servant s pay raise at 35 …    [read more]

India, the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan - New Kerala
New Delhi, Jan 19: Commerce Minister Kamal Nath today said that India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. During the bilateral interaction with Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Khandu Wangchuk, he informed …    [read more]

AIIMS-like medical college to come up in Bhutan - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will provide technical and administrative support in establishing Bhutan’s first medical college by February 2011. A team from AIIMS and an official from India’s External Affairs Ministry …    [read more]

The ride of a lifetime: 20 unforgettable ways to see the world - The Independent
Want to travel in style? Then forget planes and automobiles, and try bikes, elephants and airships instead. In this special issue, we present 20 unforgettable ways to see the world from a new perspective The glacial T-junction where Glen Gairn …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

The Invasion Of The Gaming Culture

24 January, 2009 - Treasure Hunt, Raven Heart, War Craft / Dota, Halo 3, Age Of Empire, God Of War, Zuma, Spiderman. The lists are endless, but these are not title of books children in Thimphu are reading.    [read more]

Saving the White-bellied Heron

Habitat encroached? A line of trucks on the banks of Punatsangchhu

24 January, 2009 - The rare and endangered White-bellied Heron, spotted mainly along the Punatsangchhu basin in Punakha, might, after all, have a protected home.    [read more]

JAWS & MAGIC to help visually impaired
Soft ware brings IT closer to visually challenged

23 January,2009 With limited resources available in braile, preparing for exams was a challenging task for Ugyen Wangdi, a visually impaired student of Sherubtse College in Kanglung.

   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

Do MPs make an allowance for simple math?
   [read more]

Nurse humiliated our son
Sir,
This is with reference to January 2, 2008, Bhutan Observer story entitled “Nurse Protests: They abused me”. We feel very unfortunate for having encountered Namgey Dem at the Hospital Emergency ward on December 25, 2008.
We the family of the patient, would like to clarify to all readers how wrongly she has portrayed the victim’s status.
1. […]    [read more]

When rock meets bone
The Lyonchen recently admitted to the government’s past mistakes in a landmark interaction with civil servants. This admission was more than just a statement of the obvious. It heralded the first baby step into an uncharted era of bold openness. Our culture has always had an intimate interface with reality.
Most altars at home are adorned […]    [read more]

Contention is support
Pre-March, 2008: The National Assembly (NA) devises, discusses and resolves policies and plans. It is also its own reviewer.
May, 2008: Winning party makes government with overwhelming majority in the Lower House, the NA. A new legislative body, the National Council (NC) enters the fray as the Upper House. Parliament proceedings are dominated by discussions on […]    [read more]

The promise of a brighter days
The promise of a brighter days: The leaders of Bhutan’s destiny enjoy a moment in the sun. The Prime Minister escorting His Majesty the King after a photoshoot at the conclusion of the second session of parliament yesterday.
   [read more]

Carelessness causes forest fire
A forest fire broke out above Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School yesterday at about 11:45 am. The fire was caused by a 15 year old boy who was burning some garbage above his house.
Lobzang, District Forest Officer, Thimphu, said, “This forest fire occured in spite of awareness campaigns by our department on burning waste. Carelessness causes […]    [read more]

International Sources

Register » - Scotsman
Comment on stories on this website and on all other Johnston Press newspaper websites. See a list of our websites here. Set up a personalised homepage featuring content from any Johnston Press newspaper website or from any site with a RSS feed …    [read more]

BHUTAN: CEHURDES condemns imprisonment of the Bhutanese journo - Asia Media
The Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES) — a Kathmandu-based freedom of expression monitoring group — has condemned the imprisonment of Shantiram Acharya, a young Bhutani journalist, by the Bhutanese authorities. According to …    [read more]

Bhutan jails refugee reporter for over 7 years - Thaindian.com
Kathmandu, Jan 21 (IANS) A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him …    [read more]

Opinion - Fischer’s need for an enquiring mind on Bhutanese abuses - CathNews
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer is a great Australian who injects positive energy into almost everything he touches. This month he takes up his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See. As a result, he’s had to step down from …    [read more]

India to help set up Bhutan’s first medical college - Times of India
A three-member team of experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which returned to India on Sunday night, told TOI that the college would be ready by February 2011. To be attached to the 350-bed Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National …    [read more]

India, the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan - Newstrack India
New Delhi, Jan 19 (ANI): Commerce Minister Kamal Nath today said that India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. During the bilateral interaction with Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Khandu Wangchuk, he …    [read more]

Bhutan MPs to earn more; no hike for PM, ministers - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: Bhutanese MPs and civil servants will earn more but Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley and his 10 Cabinet ministers will still carry home the same money they have been doing till now. The Pay Commission has fixed civil servant s pay raise at 35 …    [read more]

AIIMS-like medical college to come up in Bhutan - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will provide technical and administrative support in establishing Bhutan’s first medical college by February 2011. A team from AIIMS and an official from India’s External Affairs Ministry …    [read more]

NHPC bets big on overseas mkts,eyes Bhutan, Myanmar & Nepal - Economic Times
NEW DELHI: NHPC, India’s largest hydropower producer, is planning to give a major thrust to its overseas operations by setting up power projects in Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal. The company has been assigned the job to prepare detailed project reports …    [read more]

Thimphu running out of fuel wood - Kuensel Online
22 January, 2009 - Winter in Thimphu is at its heights but the news from the Department of Forestry Services (DFS) is even chillier. The DFS may not meet even a third of Thimphu’s demand for firewood this year, according to officials. This is …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

JAWS & MAGIC to help visually impaired
Soft ware brings IT closer to visually challenged

23 January,2009 With limited resources available in braile, preparing for exams was a challenging task for Ugyen Wangdi, a visually impaired student of Sherubtse College in Kanglung.

   [read more]

Buddhist answers to common questions

23 January,2009 Lam Shenphen Zangpo answers basic questions that every Bhutanese man, woman, and child on the street wants to know.

My co-worker is quite difficult to get along with. As a Buddhist, how can deal with her?
   [read more]

Advocacy to tackle drug problems

22 January, 2009 - Advocacy is the new tool the Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency (BNCA) would use to tackle the pressing drugs problem in Bhutan.    [read more]

A working holiday
Rural students cash in on orange season to fund schooling

Sherub reaches the depot from Kheng edi

22 January, 2009 - For many students, the two-month long winter vacation is a time to refresh, rejuvenate, and spend time with parents and friends. But for a group of students in Gelephug, the winter break is an opportunity to ease the pressure on their parents for their next academic session.

   [read more]

Negligence caused most accidents

22 January, 2009 - Six people died in motor vehicle accidents in the capital and 198 were injured in 2008, according to records with the Thimphu traffic police division.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

We Need You…
To celebrate the birthday of His Majesty, ‘The People’s King’, on February 21, 2009, the Bhutan Observer invites all his loyal subjects to join us in creating a very special commemorative poster.
To celebrate this glorious occasion we will create a unique poster from thousands of photos of Bhutanese faces and we need you to send […]    [read more]

Are you happy with the Parliament’s decision on pay revision?
   [read more]

Bhutan come second
Bhutan lost to Oman in the Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai in Thailand by 213 runs. The same team Bhutanese lost in their first match. Bhutan won the toss and elected to field first. Oman in the first inning put a target of 322 for 9 after 50 […]    [read more]

Do MPs make an allowance for simple math?
   [read more]

Nurse humiliated our son
Sir,
This is with reference to January 2, 2008, Bhutan Observer story entitled “Nurse Protests: They abused me”. We feel very unfortunate for having encountered Namgey Dem at the Hospital Emergency ward on December 25, 2008.
We the family of the patient, would like to clarify to all readers how wrongly she has portrayed the victim’s status.
1. […]    [read more]

When rock meets bone
The Lyonchen recently admitted to the government’s past mistakes in a landmark interaction with civil servants. This admission was more than just a statement of the obvious. It heralded the first baby step into an uncharted era of bold openness. Our culture has always had an intimate interface with reality.
Most altars at home are adorned […]    [read more]

Contention is support
Pre-March, 2008: The National Assembly (NA) devises, discusses and resolves policies and plans. It is also its own reviewer.
May, 2008: Winning party makes government with overwhelming majority in the Lower House, the NA. A new legislative body, the National Council (NC) enters the fray as the Upper House. Parliament proceedings are dominated by discussions on […]    [read more]

The promise of a brighter days
The promise of a brighter days: The leaders of Bhutan’s destiny enjoy a moment in the sun. The Prime Minister escorting His Majesty the King after a photoshoot at the conclusion of the second session of parliament yesterday.
   [read more]

Carelessness causes forest fire
A forest fire broke out above Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School yesterday at about 11:45 am. The fire was caused by a 15 year old boy who was burning some garbage above his house.
Lobzang, District Forest Officer, Thimphu, said, “This forest fire occured in spite of awareness campaigns by our department on burning waste. Carelessness causes […]    [read more]

International Sources

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,229 - Rocky Mount Telegram
The figure includes eight military civilians killed in action. At least 3,404 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military’s numbers. The AP count is the same as the Defense Department’s tally, last updated …    [read more]

Bhutan jails reporter for over seven years - Gulf Times
KATHMANDU: A 20-year-old exiled journalist of Nepali origin has been sentenced to jail for seven and a half years for terrorist activities by the royal government of Bhutan even as the party in question denied having any links with him. Shantiram …    [read more]

Opinion - Fischer’s need for an enquiring mind on Bhutanese abuses - CathNews
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer is a great Australian who injects positive energy into almost everything he touches. This month he takes up his appointment as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See. As a result, he’s had to step down from …    [read more]

Now the Holy See beckons - Border Mail
IF former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer believes there are lessons to be learnt from the Bhutanese about the work/life balance, it seems he’s not quite ready to take them on board. With his departure to Rome as Australia’s first Ambassador to …    [read more]

India, the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan - Newstrack India
New Delhi, Jan 19 (ANI): Commerce Minister Kamal Nath today said that India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. During the bilateral interaction with Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Khandu Wangchuk, he …    [read more]

Bhutan MPs to earn more; no hike for PM, ministers - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: Bhutanese MPs and civil servants will earn more but Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley and his 10 Cabinet ministers will still carry home the same money they have been doing till now. The Pay Commission has fixed civil servant s pay raise at 35 …    [read more]

AIIMS-like medical college to come up in Bhutan - That’s Cricket
Thimphu: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will provide technical and administrative support in establishing Bhutan’s first medical college by February 2011. A team from AIIMS and an official from India’s External Affairs Ministry …    [read more]

NHPC bets big on overseas mkts,eyes Bhutan, Myanmar & Nepal - Economic Times
NEW DELHI: NHPC, India’s largest hydropower producer, is planning to give a major thrust to its overseas operations by setting up power projects in Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal. The company has been assigned the job to prepare detailed project reports …    [read more]

Anuncian paro de transporte en Uruguay - Miami Herald
MONTEVIDEO — Los sindicatos del transporte resolvió ir a un paro nacional del transporte por 24 horas para el sábado a raíz del asesinato de un taxista, informó el gremio. El viernes de madrugada apareció muerto en el departamento (provincia …    [read more]

Rinchen HSS wins archery meet - Kuensel Online
21 January,2009 - Rinchen Higher Secondary School, a Thimphu based private school won the fourth national level archery meet for higher secondary schools, which was played in Punakha from January 15 to 18. Five schools participated in the meet after …    [read more]

Kuensel - Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Celebrating Obama and Bhutan

21 January,2009 - A group of 13 American tourists celebrate the inauguration of the President of United States of America, Barack Obama, at a lodge in Paro after successfully completing a six-day experience of Bhutan.    [read more]

Bhutan faces Oman in the finals

Dampo receiving the man of the match trophy from the match umpire

21 January,2009 - Bhutan bounced back impressively to reach the finals of the Asian cricket council (ACC) trophy challenge after thrashing Brunei and Myanmar by eight wickets and Thailand by 92 runs in the semi-final on Monday, January 19.    [read more]

Rinchen HSS wins archery meet

Winners Rinchen HSS celebrates a Karey (hit)

21 January,2009 - Rinchen Higher Secondary School, a Thimphu based private school won the fourth national level archery meet for higher secondary schools, which was played in Punakha from January 15 to 18.
   [read more]

The right man for the job

Druk Thuksey Medallist - Dasho Pema Wangchuk with his grandson

PROFILE20 January, 2009Born in 1942 in Gaselo, young Pema Wangchuk spent his early life herding cows in the jungles of Sewalakha. At nine, he was sent to school in Wangduephodrang but spent his holidays helping his parents in the fields and also doing woola (labour contribution to the government) for his family.
   [read more]

Dawala – The backwoodsman of Bhutan

20 January, 2009Half his life has been spent in the forest.

He has walked through its groves, drank water from its streams, and observed diverse animals most people would feel lucky to see just once in their lifetime. He has a job that affords him such opportunities.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Rising above the darkness
Bhutan’s first visually impaired physiotherapy student rises above his impairment to treat patients, sing and
write a book. Eshori Gurung delves into his life.
Lhakpa Dorji, 21, from Geylingkha in Wangdue is the first visually impaired Physiotherapy student at the Royal Institute of Health Sciences in Thimphu.
The second semester student has treated three patients – one stroke […]    [read more]

2009 – The year for procreation?
Why does everybody want to have babies this year? Tandin Pem finds out.
Most Bhutanese couples are planning to have babies this year because they believe that this year (mewa gumar) is a good year to have babies.
Mewa is originally a Chinese word which means number and gumar means nine. According to Buddhist astrology, the years […]    [read more]

Zhabto Lemi or ABTO Lemi?
Annually, each household from Ungar village in Metsho Gewog, Lhuentse, spends at least seven days contributing Zhabto Lemi (mandatory labour contribution) to clear bushes along the tourist trail (Ura-Tangmachhu-Kurtoe) that passes through the village.
In return, villagers don’t get anything.
The trail is said to have been once used by Gongsar Jigme Namgyel, father of the first […]    [read more]

Landslides empty villages
In the villages of Thrumnang and Gangtong in Trashigang, it is neither urban life nor wild animal infestation that is forcing villagers out of their villages. It is the destructive force of landslides.
Today, at least three other villages, Kotsorong, Mochema and Laishingzor, are empty after residents resettled elsewhere in 2007. 108 households moved to Tsirang, […]    [read more]

Non-formal education loses to babysitting
Lumang Gewog in Trashigang has been losing a considerable number of students to babysitting business over the last two years, according to Karchung, Non- Formal Education Instructor at Lumang Kurichilo Community Primary School.
He said that, since his arrival in the school, a considerable number of NFE students have gone to babysit in urban areas. “In […]    [read more]

Vegetable shed, a transit camp
A vegetable shed in Gyalpoizhing in Mongar serves as shelter for the people from remote villages, who have come to sell their farm produce and do shopping .
People from Jurmey and Kengkhar gewogs walk two days to reach Gyalpoizhing from where they buy their daily requirements. They bring their only cash crop, oranges, on horseback.
The […]    [read more]

Recession - not a rumour
It is not a rumor anymore. The world economic crisis has now slipped into recession making it the worst since the Second World War.
This downturn was worse than expected and it is becoming harder to contain it as it spreads from urban to rural areas quickly. Further, economists fear that the global economy may slither […]    [read more]

Samtse NC member speaks
Sir
Please refer to the letter to editor column of January 2 issue of Bhutan Observer where one Dorji had written that after election I did not visit my constituency to thank the voters.
I would like to inform Dorji that immediately after the first session of the parliament, all the members were occupied with their commitment […]    [read more]

Oh! Come on, a little policing won’t hurt you now!
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How about ‘Excellence’ Model for Education?
Time and again there have been debates about the quality of our education, leading to the initiation of the recent seminar on the same theme and the Education quiz at the second Parliament session. But, Has our education system really deteriorated in quality over the years? If so, how do we know?
My view is that […]    [read more]