You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for December 2009

Bhutan News archive for 31 December 2009

December 31, 2009 - From

International Sources

BANGLADESH: Ever so vulnerable to storms, floods and sea level rises – Reuters AlertNet
In a report entitled A Global Report: Reducing Disaster Risk: A Challenge for Development, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has identified Bangladesh as the country most vulnerable to tropical cyclones and sixth most vulnerable to floods …    [read more]

Quake shakes North East, no injuries reported – Hindustan Times
An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale shook parts of the North East today, the second in two days, officials said here. The quake which occurred at 15.28 pm has its epicentre somewhere in Bhutan, about 183 km North West from here and …    [read more]

Second quake in 3 days rocks NE – New Kerala
Meteorological department sources informed that an earthquake of 5.5 magnitude jolted the region at 1527 hrs. It was epicentred in Bhutan and no damage of life or property has been reported yet. A quake of same magnitude had jolted the region on …    [read more]

New struggles await refugees – PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Amisa Dayikunda smiles as she listens intently to every conversation in the room, never losing focus on the page she is coloring. She energetically contributes her thoughts, while still making sure she keeps her crayon inside the lines of the “Sesame …    [read more]

Griego: Help draw a picture of what defines us – Denver Post
I was driving from Lakewood, heading east toward the city. I can’t remember the name of the street, but I crested a hill and suddenly downtown lay before me. On a clear afternoon with the sun low on the horizon, the buildings blaze with light and …    [read more]

It was a tough but hopeful year in cultural communities: Robert L … – Cleveland Plain Dealer
Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer Bhutanese refugee Lal Bhujel, left, harvests some kohlrabi in fields belonging to Mark Mackovjak, in background, in Madison in September. Mackovjak helped Bhutanese immigrants grow vegetables and sell their harvests in …    [read more]

Isolated Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan to get its first railway link – Times Online
The reclusive Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is to have its first railway after its newly crowned monarch finalised a plan with India to build an 11-mile (18km) link between the two countries. The railway, funded by India, will be Bhutan’s boldest …    [read more]

Earthquake hits North-East India; no casualties reported – Mynews India
Guwahati: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter Scale shook parts of the North East on Thursday, the second in two days, officials said here. The quake which occurred at 15.28 pm IST has its epicentre somewhere in Bhutan, about 183 km North West …    [read more]

NHPC inks DPR preparation pact with Bhutan govt – MyIris
NHPC , the largest hydroelectric power (HEP) generator in the country, announced on Thursday it inked pact with Royal Government of Bhutan for the preparation of DPRs for Chamkharchhu-I (670 mw) and Kuri-Gongri (1,800 mw) HE Projects in Bhutari on …    [read more]

Four Score and More – York News-Times
For those readers who have been skeptical about the subject of global warning, please pick up a copy of the Dec. 14 issue of Time magazine and turn to the article on “A River Ran Through It” by Bryan Walsh. It is a real eye opener about what is …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Images from today's snowfall in Thimphu

   [read more]

Picture story

31 December, 2009 – His Majesty the King granted an audience to the outgoing IMTRAT commandant, Major General Gyan Bhushan (left) and the new IMTRAT commandant, Major General V K Pillai yesterday
   [read more]

Indian PSUs keen on more joint ventures
Bhutan more comfortable with inter-governmental projects

10,000 MW Projects 31 December, 2009 –

Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) are lobbying with the Indian government to get more joint venture (JV) projects for the 10,000 MW hydro projects in Bhutan. The PSUs are also lobbying for getting majority shareholdings in these projects.    [read more]

Giving IT another go
Multinational employment 31 December, 2009 –

The government is once again attempting to send young Bhutanese to work for IT companies outside the country, even though an attempt earlier this year failed to take off as hoped.
   [read more]

One life sentence for two murders
31 December, 2009 – The Paro district court yesterday sentenced a 43-year old gomchen to life imprisonment for poisoning two men to death in February last year.
   [read more]

Professionalising govt. ad policy
Circulation Audit 31 December, 2009 –

Circulation auditors from India will soon be in Bhutan to audit the circulation figures and reach of the six newspapers, four radio stations and one television station in the country.    [read more]

Thimphu hotspots to paint the town red
New Year’s Eve 31 December, 2009 –

Decided how you’re going to usher in the New Year? Unable to make up your mind? Several places in the city are organising parties to welcome 2010.
   [read more]

Kilu 3-week music crash course
31 December, 2009 – The Kilu Bhutan music school in Thimphu is organising a special three-week winter program, starting January 4, to give an opportunity to people, particularly children, to learn about singing, reading and writing music, music theory and rhythm.    [read more]

Fire sparks Haap interest in insurance
TROUBLE INDEMNITY Haap house-owners have learnt the hard way the value of fire insurance. File Photo

31 December, 2009 – The recent fire, which gutted three houses and partially burnt a fourth in upper Haa town, has changed the attitude of many house-owners towards the comprehensive insurance scheme against natural disaster, especially fire.    [read more]

ATM in Trashigang, courtesy BNB
CASH ON THE NAIL No middlemen between client, machine and money

31 December, 2009 – Clients of Bhutan National bank (BNB) in Trashigang will not have to wait in queue any longer with the branch starting the automatic teller machine (ATM) on December 29.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

IMF commends Bhutan for its economic performance
The IMF today commended the strong economic performance of Bhutan and said its interest rates should be appropriately adjusted to that of India to avoid unwarranted pressures on rupee reserves.
At the conclusion of the Article IV Consultation with Bhutan on December 15, the Executive Board of International Monetary Fund said its strong economic performance is [...]    [read more]

Spending spree in Bangalore
Bhutanese students in Bangalore, India, say they spend more than what they learn.
They stay on their own, in groups or individually. Four students living in a posh apartment with one hall, two bed rooms and a kitchen (2HBK) pays at least Rs 6,000 as rent. Those staying outside the campus as paying guests (PG) have [...]    [read more]

CSO registration end of this month
Nedup Tshering, an environmentalist in Thimphu, has been waiting for almost a year to start a civil society organization (CSO). Similarly, 43 non-governmental organizations (NGO), mutual benefit organizations (MBO) and other interested individuals have been waiting for registration.
Their wait is finally expected to be over at the end of this month with the CSO Authority [...]    [read more]

Lhakhang construction stalled
The construction of the first lhakhang in Gopini village in Tsirang has been stalled after the contractor disappeared from the worksite for the past two months.
The Nu 2.14-million work had been awarded to Dorji Construction in last June. The lhakhang was scheduled to be completed in June 2010, but six months after the construction started, [...]    [read more]

Addressing social issues through sports
The Youth Development Fund (YDF) and ‘Partners of Bhutan’ are undertaking a project called ‘Sports Coalition in Action’ for the youth in Thimphu.
Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sports and coordinated by Henk De Jong, the project would target youth who are out of schools, unemployed and at risk of juvenile [...]    [read more]

Movie industry aching for theatres
The Bhutanese movie industry is burgeoning, but not movie theatres.
O n average, 18 movies are produced in a year. The number is expected to increase. But there has not been any increase in the number of movie halls, which are concentrated in a few dzongkhags like Thimphu and Phuentsholing.
Two movie halls in Thimphu and one [...]    [read more]

Tsirang get three farm roads
The construction of farm roads in three gewogs of Dunglagang, Shemjong and Tsholingkhar in Tsirang is in full swing. But it is not without a controversy.
In Dunglagang Gewog, the farmers have proposed realignment of 3 km of the 6-km power tiller lane. The present alignment of the lane does not benefit the gewog equally, according [...]    [read more]

Emphasizing health and physical education
JICA Bhutan office will be organizing a three-day JICA Physical Education Festival from December 28 to 30 in Thimphu.
Physical instructors from JICA will be co-coordinating the event with the objective to promote and raise awareness about the importance of health and physical education (HPE) in schools, stated a press release from JICA.
According to the press [...]    [read more]

People prepare to light their homes
The people of Dunglagang and Shemjong Gewogs in Tsirang Dzongkhag are making preparations for internal wiring in their homes to receive electricity.
They are looking for electricians and making enquiries about the prices of wires, tubes, bulbs, sockets, and other electrical equipment to start internal wiring.
Since every household cannot afford to do internal wiring, villagers have [...]    [read more]

On MPs’ salary raise
I was following the online news, forums and blogs on the recent pay hike of our MPs. It makes me uncomfortable to learn that not a single opinion is in favor of the raise and the majority of the Bhutanese are disappointed with the decision. Now let me clearly state my appreciation for the hard [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 30 December 2009

December 30, 2009 - From

International Sources

SAF Games football: India face Afghanistan in opener – Rediff
The Indian football team will open their campaign in the South Asian Games with a match against Afghanistan on January 29 at M A Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. Four-time champions India [ Images ] have been clubbed in Group B alongside defending …    [read more]

Agreement reached on Wilton dam reply – Milford Cabinet
Steve Paro, whose house is the only one directly involved should there be a dam failure on Mill Brook, attended the selectmen’s meeting Monday night and asked about being on a list of people to be informed should there be a problem.    [read more]

2010 South Asian Games draw held in Dhaka – New Kerala
In the men’s tournament our India Under-19 boys would face Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Group B; while in Group A would consist of Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. Our India Under-19 boys would face their three opponents at the M.    [read more]

LOOSING DISTINCTION BETWEEN A ‘TRAITOR’ AND PATRIOTS: BY VIJAY … – Phayul
One funny thing that has always intrigued me regarding Tibet is the laid back attitude of the Lord Chamberlain in Lhasa in 1950 when the radio message from Lhalu Tsewang Dorje, the Governor General of Eastern Tibet arrived him in the form of a …    [read more]

Indian colts to face Afghanistan in South Asian Games opener – New Kerala
India, who field an U-19 team, have been placed in Group B which also includes arch-rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Group A consists of Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. The football tournament at the South Asian Games is an U-23 event, but the …    [read more]

Motivated by Faith: Retired teacher helps refugees – Arizona Daily Star
Shama Qureshi finds helping others to be her solace. Public service has almost always been part of her life, first as a teacher and then — after she retired in 1996 — as an advocate and tutor to children and refugees. Her volunteer work became …    [read more]

GJM sponsored blockades disrupt traffic in Himalayan range – Webindia 123
Economic activities in the Himalayan region of Sikkim, Darjeeling and neighbouring Bhutan, and plains of Terai and Dooars suffered for the fourth-day today following road and rail blockades put up by GJM activists, demanding resumption of talks on …    [read more]

GJM suspends strike in govt offices till Jan 7 – Webindia 123
The GJM also announced lifting of blockade in the Dooars which leads to the north east and neighbouring Bhutan from tomorrow. Economic activity in the Himalayan region of Sikkim and Darjeeling and plains of Terai and Dooars besides, Bhutan suffered …    [read more]

Happiness is mind over climate – The Province
As winter drags on in this country, it might surprise you to learn the identity of one of the world’s happiest places – at least according to the World Database of Happiness. According to the group’s measurements, this Eden of contented bliss is …    [read more]

Govt blinks, says will review ‘tough’ visa rules in six months – Financial Express
Updated: Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 1205 hrs IST New Delhi: The Government has made it clear that its tough new visa restrictions — calling for a two-month gap before those with multiple-entry tourist visas can return — which came into effect …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Sugaring the pill of ACC service
The commission hopes to attract and retain quality staff with its new perk package

30 December, 2009 –
Anti Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigators and related professionals will receive a 45 percent allowance on their basic salary and 20 percent for all the administrative support staff, with effect from 1 January next year. This initiative, according to ACC officials, is expected to attract and retain people with the desired qualities.

   [read more]

70/30 proposal on power projects
Hydro projects 30 December, 2009 –

The Indian government has proposed that future hydro projects be done on a 70 percent loan and 30 percent grant basis, according to reliable sources. The Bhutanese government has not yet agreed to it.    [read more]

Picture story:

30 December, 2009 – His Holiness the Je Khenpo conferred a scarf on Gyeltshen Trulku in recognizing of his service to dharma during the moenlam chhenmo ceremony in Trashigang on December 20
   [read more]

Committee to tackle malpractice
Fronting in Phuentsholing 30 December, 2009 –

Difficult times may be ahead for people into trade business fronting in the border town of Phuentsholing with more regular inspections to become the order of the day.    [read more]

Trashigang Moenlam Chhenmo ends tomorrow
PRAYER CEREMONY Reciting Zangchoed moenlam to liberate all sentient beings from samsara

30 December, 2009 – The eight-day Moenlam Chhenmo (Great Prayer ceremony), which is being conducted by His Holiness the Je Khenpo in Trashigang, concludes tomorrow with the Marme moenlam (Butter Offering prayers).
   [read more]

The battle for eyeballs begins
With the imminent introduction of DTH, TV viewers will soon be spoiled for choice

30 December, 2009 – With the government on the lookout to license direct to home (DTH) TV operators in the country, cable operators are worried that they might go under if authorities do not create a level playing field.    [read more]

Physical education festival
Keeping fit and having fun At the 3-day JICA-organised festival

30 December, 2009 – If health is wealth, you cannot have either without physical education. This was the message as nine health physical education (HPE) instructors began training 125 Thimphu students during a three-day physical education festival organised by JICA.
   [read more]

Ugyen academy is national champion
Victory Lap By Pick-up Ugyen Academy emerged dark horse winners in the higher secondary school traditional bow tournament.

30 December, 2009 – Punakha’s Ugyen academy defeated Sherbuling higher secondary school (HSS) of Trongsa in two straight games to win the national level traditional archery for higher secondary schools on Christmas day at Samtengang, Wangdue.
   [read more]

One killed in truck accident
30 December, 2009 – A 23-year old man was killed on the spot when the truck he was travelling in met with an accident near Maymelakha landfill on the Thimphu- Punakha highway on December 27.
   [read more]

Special audit of postal fraud
30 December, 2009 – A special audit investigation is being carried out at the Gelephu post office, following a request from Sarpang court, to reinvestigate the misappropriation of Nu 305,785 by the postal in-charge of the branch office in Panbang, Zhemgang.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Lhakhang construction stalled
The construction of the first lhakhang in Gopini village in Tsirang has been stalled after the contractor disappeared from the worksite for the past two months.
The Nu 2.14-million work had been awarded to Dorji Construction in last June. The lhakhang was scheduled to be completed in June 2010, but six months after the construction started, [...]    [read more]

Addressing social issues through sports
The Youth Development Fund (YDF) and ‘Partners of Bhutan’ are undertaking a project called ‘Sports Coalition in Action’ for the youth in Thimphu.
Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sports and coordinated by Henk De Jong, the project would target youth who are out of schools, unemployed and at risk of juvenile [...]    [read more]

Movie industry aching for theatres
The Bhutanese movie industry is burgeoning, but not movie theatres.
O n average, 18 movies are produced in a year. The number is expected to increase. But there has not been any increase in the number of movie halls, which are concentrated in a few dzongkhags like Thimphu and Phuentsholing.
Two movie halls in Thimphu and one [...]    [read more]

Tsirang get three farm roads
The construction of farm roads in three gewogs of Dunglagang, Shemjong and Tsholingkhar in Tsirang is in full swing. But it is not without a controversy.
In Dunglagang Gewog, the farmers have proposed realignment of 3 km of the 6-km power tiller lane. The present alignment of the lane does not benefit the gewog equally, according [...]    [read more]

Emphasizing health and physical education
JICA Bhutan office will be organizing a three-day JICA Physical Education Festival from December 28 to 30 in Thimphu.
Physical instructors from JICA will be co-coordinating the event with the objective to promote and raise awareness about the importance of health and physical education (HPE) in schools, stated a press release from JICA.
According to the press [...]    [read more]

People prepare to light their homes
The people of Dunglagang and Shemjong Gewogs in Tsirang Dzongkhag are making preparations for internal wiring in their homes to receive electricity.
They are looking for electricians and making enquiries about the prices of wires, tubes, bulbs, sockets, and other electrical equipment to start internal wiring.
Since every household cannot afford to do internal wiring, villagers have [...]    [read more]

On MPs’ salary raise
I was following the online news, forums and blogs on the recent pay hike of our MPs. It makes me uncomfortable to learn that not a single opinion is in favor of the raise and the majority of the Bhutanese are disappointed with the decision. Now let me clearly state my appreciation for the hard [...]    [read more]

I will neither fail nor falter
The nomination of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court came through when His Majesty, on December 17, accepted the six-member royal commission’s nominee, 60-year-old former Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, who superannuated on November 15. Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye served the country for 38 years, 18 and a half years in the judiciary. He [...]    [read more]

CST receives 30 European scholarships
The College of Science and Technology (CST) in Phuentsholing has received 30 scholarships from the European Union partner universities after becoming a partner in the EU funded project eLINK.
445,200 euros has been allotted for Bhutan under the east-west link for innovation, networking and knowledge exchange project.
The scholarships have been divided into three categories: 12 slots [...]    [read more]

Real GDP growth increases
With a growth rate of 5 percent, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country increased from Nu 36,170.3 million in 2007 to Nu 37,964.2 million in 2008.
The latest report on national account statistics by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that the nominal GDP also increased by Nu 4,768.2 million. In 2008, it was [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 29 December 2009

December 29, 2009 - From

International Sources

Quake measuring 5.5 shakes northeast India – Rediff
The highest intensity tremor was on September 21 when Assam and Bhutan were shaken by a 6.3 magnitude quake that killed 12 in the neighbouring country. Some buildings in Guwahati had also developed cracks then and two apartment buildings had tilted.    [read more]

Moderate quake shakes Bangladesh – Investors Business Daily
DHAKA, Dec 29, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) — A moderate tremor measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale was felt in the Bangladeshi capital city Dhaka and many other places of the country on Tuesday evening, a senior official said. Assistant Director of the …    [read more]

Quake rocks northeast, buildings damaged in Guwahati – MSN India
Guwahati: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale rocked India’s northeast and neighbouring Myanmar Tuesday causing damage to properties and leading to cracks developing in apartments and other concrete structures. According to the Regional …    [read more]

Readers’ Comments on ” Ngabo — Yes Tibetan, No Patriot ” – Phayul
Ngabo Ngawang Jigme did have a choice. After the Chinese invaded Tibet & forced Tibet to sign the 17-Point Agreement, Ngabo could have chosen not to work w/ the Chinese. After the 1959 Uprising & the flight of His Holiness into exile, Ngabo could …    [read more]

Year of the Tiger Dawns With Just 3,200 Wild Tigers Left – WOAI
… course was attended by 16 law enforcement officials from tiger range states, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. Its goal was to …    [read more]

NTPC-Bhutan pact for Amochhu hydel plant – MyIris
… entered into a preliminary agreement with Bhutan to set up the Amochhu Reservoir hydel project. The agreement for preparing a detailed project report was signed in the presence of prime minister Manmohan Singh and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar …    [read more]

North Country Briefs – WatertownDailyTimes.com
PHILADELPHIA — A two-story farmhouse at 32573 Route 11 suffered minor fire damage Monday morning after a chimney malfunctioned, igniting the wall around it. The property’s owners, Harry A. and Alice L. Moore, were home at the time of the fire …    [read more]

Quake rocks northeast, buildings damaged in Guwahati (Lead) – Thaindian.com
The highest intensity tremor was Sep 21 with a 6.3 magnitude quake rocking Assam and Bhutan. There was extensive damage in Bhutan as 12 people were killed and scores of buildings collapsed. Several apartments in Guwahati also developed cracks in the …    [read more]

Top 10 scariest runways – The Province
SYDNEY – Nervous fliers, stop reading! Travel website Travel + Leisure has come up with a list of the world’s scariest runways that can make even the most relaxed travelers grip their armrest. 1. Paro Airport, Bhutan Tucked into a tightly cropped …    [read more]

Seminal changes in Indian politics in 2009 – New Kerala
For the first time after a longish period, the divisive elements have taken a back seat. Since these include both the Communists and the rightist forces represented by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the list encompasses those cutting across the …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Dish TV on the doorstep
But, with several details to be worked, it may still be some ways from the living room

29 December, 2009 – A stumbling block to introducing direct to home (DTH) TV in Bhutan has been removed with the Indian government agreeing to facilitate the use of Indian satellites and downlinking Bhutan Broadcasting Services corporation (BBSC), the country’s only TV channel, in the DTH-TV package.
   [read more]

RUB rebuts teachers’ charges
Lecturers’ Selection Update
29 December, 2009 –

Officials of the royal university of Bhutan (RUB) have refuted allegations by some Bhutanese teachers that the recent selection of lecturers was flawed.
   [read more]

Private sector seeks slice of IT pie
ICT Conference
12 December, 2009 –

Although supportive of the government’s information communications technology (ICT) mission, the private sector voiced concerns, during the annual ICT conference held last week, that it is not getting enough of the IT pie.
   [read more]

Winter weavers of bamboo mats
Off-Season Earnings Women of Sephu hard at work along the east-west highway.

29 December, 2009 – At this time of the year, vehicles plying the Wangdue-Trongsa highway may unknowingly lend a helping hand to the women of Sephu in Wangduephodrang.
   [read more]

Tsangkha: Where bigamy is a way of life
But its days do seem to be numbered
HAPPY TWOGETHER Peaceful coexistence would appear to be more the exception than the rule

29 December, 2009 – Thanmati cannot remember clearly how her elder sister tied the nuptial knot not long ago. There was not much celebrations or a feast for the neighbours. After a simple ceremony in their village in Galeychu, Dagana, her sister got married.
   [read more]

Chamkhar’s long march to Dekiling ends
After a 15-year wait, residents will finally move to new town site next year
SPACE CRUNCH The number of shops has more than doubled since plots were first allotted in 2000

29 December, 2009 – After waiting for more than 15 years, residents of Chamkhar town in Bumthang will finally be moving to the new town site at Dekiling next year.
   [read more]

Behind-the scenes bringers of good health
UNSUNG HEROES Around 30 Trashigang VHWs attend a refresher course to keep updated

Village Health Workers 29 December, 2009 –

They are just ordinary peasant folk, but much of the improvement in the health of remote villagers in their dzongkhag should be credited to them, as they are the link between the health services and the community.
   [read more]

Thailand returns Laos refugees finally
29 December, 2009 – Thailand began deporting the 4,000 Hmong refugees from the Huay Nam Khao camp in Phetchabun province to Laos yesterday amid international criticisms and concerns.
   [read more]

Can content ever be contained?
29 December, 2009 – Content regulation has once again become the topic of discussion after several cable TV channels were yanked off the air in the past week.
   [read more]

Picture Story

28 December, 2009 – Kharsa in Choekhortoe valley, Bumthang, sees a few Black necked cranes every winter    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Tsirang get three farm roads
The construction of farm roads in three gewogs of Dunglagang, Shemjong and Tsholingkhar in Tsirang is in full swing. But it is not without a controversy.
In Dunglagang Gewog, the farmers have proposed realignment of 3 km of the 6-km power tiller lane. The present alignment of the lane does not benefit the gewog equally, according [...]    [read more]

Emphasizing health and physical education
JICA Bhutan office will be organizing a three-day JICA Physical Education Festival from December 28 to 30 in Thimphu.
Physical instructors from JICA will be co-coordinating the event with the objective to promote and raise awareness about the importance of health and physical education (HPE) in schools, stated a press release from JICA.
According to the press [...]    [read more]

People prepare to light their homes
The people of Dunglagang and Shemjong Gewogs in Tsirang Dzongkhag are making preparations for internal wiring in their homes to receive electricity.
They are looking for electricians and making enquiries about the prices of wires, tubes, bulbs, sockets, and other electrical equipment to start internal wiring.
Since every household cannot afford to do internal wiring, villagers have [...]    [read more]

On MPs’ salary raise
I was following the online news, forums and blogs on the recent pay hike of our MPs. It makes me uncomfortable to learn that not a single opinion is in favor of the raise and the majority of the Bhutanese are disappointed with the decision. Now let me clearly state my appreciation for the hard [...]    [read more]

I will neither fail nor falter
The nomination of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court came through when His Majesty, on December 17, accepted the six-member royal commission’s nominee, 60-year-old former Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, who superannuated on November 15. Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye served the country for 38 years, 18 and a half years in the judiciary. He [...]    [read more]

CST receives 30 European scholarships
The College of Science and Technology (CST) in Phuentsholing has received 30 scholarships from the European Union partner universities after becoming a partner in the EU funded project eLINK.
445,200 euros has been allotted for Bhutan under the east-west link for innovation, networking and knowledge exchange project.
The scholarships have been divided into three categories: 12 slots [...]    [read more]

Real GDP growth increases
With a growth rate of 5 percent, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country increased from Nu 36,170.3 million in 2007 to Nu 37,964.2 million in 2008.
The latest report on national account statistics by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that the nominal GDP also increased by Nu 4,768.2 million. In 2008, it was [...]    [read more]

Where are media headed?
The coming of a new newspaper, The Journalist, raised several questions among the media players in Bhutan. According to the managing director of Bhutan Today, Tenzin Dorji, the already small media market is shrinking.
He said the growth of the private and corporate sectors is not keeping pace with the rapidly growing media business.
The editor of [...]    [read more]

Secretaries to be reappointed
The reappointment of secretaries to the government will start after the RCSC bill is passed, according to Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim. He said it would be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the constitution He said that there might be submission of names for appointment, and those with position level Ex1B might get elevated [...]    [read more]

Bhutan and Kolkata come closer
The Royal Bhutan Consulate in Kolkata was opened by Foreign Minister Ugyen Tshering and the Governor of West Bengal, Devanand Konwar, on December 17 followed by a three-day Bhutan Fruit and Tourism fair.
Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering said the opening of the consulate, which is located at 6 Mall Road Dum Dum, was not just about economic and commercial activities, but [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 28 December 2009

December 28, 2009 - From

International Sources

Body of senior Chinese legislator, political advisor cremated in … – People’s Daily Online
Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with a relative of Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, a senior Chinese legislator and political advisor, in Beijing, capital of China, on Dec. 28, 2009. The body of Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme was cremated here on Monday …    [read more]

NTPC in pact with Bhutan Govt for Amochhu hydel plant – Hindu Business Line
… into a preliminary agreement with Bhutan to set up the Amochhu Reservoir hydel project. The agreement for preparing a detailed project report was signed in the presence of Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh and Bhutanese King, Jigme Khesar …    [read more]

Vermont business careers news – Burlington Free Press
• Burlington attorney Robert D. Rachlin, senior director of the law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, celebrated his 50th anniversary recently. He was honored at the firm’s annual holiday dinner, held at the Stoweflake Resort and Conference Center …    [read more]

Top 10 scariest runways – Vancouver Sun
SYDNEY – Nervous fliers, stop reading! Travel website Travel + Leisure has come up with a list of the world’s scariest runways that can make even the most relaxed travelers grip their armrest. 1. Paro Airport, Bhutan Tucked into a tightly cropped …    [read more]

Tibet: Dalai Lama Inaugurates 5th Tibetan General Conference on … – United Nations and Peoples Organisation
Over 238 participants consisting of directors, principals, headmasters and senior teachers, from 85 Tibetan schools, including three higher studies centres, from across India, Nepal and Bhutan are taking part in the conference. The conference will …    [read more]

Year of the Tiger Dawns With Just 3,200 Wild Tigers Left – Environment News Service
KATHMANDU, Nepal , December 28, 2009 (ENS) – To mark 2010 as Year of the Tiger, the government of Nepal has announced the expansion of Bardia National Park in the Terai Arc landscape by 900 square kilometers (347 square miles), which will increase …    [read more]

NTPC Signs Initial Agreement to Build Bhutan Hydropower Plant – BusinessWeek
Dec. 28 (Bloomberg) — NTPC Ltd., India’s biggest power producer, signed a preliminary agreement with Bhutan to set up a hydro-electric project in the eastern Himalayan nation. The Indian power utility agreed to prepare a report for the Amochhu …    [read more]

Crafts Bazaar to focus on sustainable livelihood – Hindu
NEW DELHI: The Dastkari Haat Samiti is hosting its fortnight-long Annual Crafts Bazaar at Dilli Haat here beginning this coming Tuesday. This year’s bazaar will showcase exquisite crafts from South Asian countries. Samiti president Jaya Jailty says …    [read more]

Smart robots are on the way – Times Colonist
Cybernetics experts predict that by 2020, most homes will have at least one live-in robot to help with the housework. A few crude models are already making an appearance. You can buy a self-navigating, cordless vacuum cleaner that will trundle around …    [read more]

Who’s eligible to be an SC judge? – Kuensel Online
28 December, 2009 – The judiciary will no longer entertain appointments from the executive, legislature or the civil service to serve as judges like in the past, according to Bhutan’s first chief justice (CJ) of the Supreme Court (SC). Only serving …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Picture Story

28 December, 2009 – Kharsa in Choekhortoe valley, Bumthang, sees a few Black necked cranes every winter    [read more]

Who’s eligible to be an SC judge?
Only serving judges or eminent jurists qualify

28 December, 2009 – The judiciary will no longer entertain appointments from the executive, legislature or the civil service to serve as judges like in the past, according to Bhutan’s first chief justice (CJ) of the Supreme Court (SC).    [read more]

Kidnapper nabbed in joint operation
28 December, 2009 – The royal Bhutan police, with the help of their Indian counterparts, rescued a five-year-old boy from his kidnapper without having to pay a single chhetrum of the Nu 150,000 demanded in ransom.
   [read more]

Few tourists, mixed reviews
Yak rides were part of the festival

Nomad’s Festival 28 December, 2009 –

The first nomad’s festival in Bumthang did not draw as many tourists as hoped, mainly because not many knew about it, but did receive mixed responses from the few that attended.    [read more]

Road contractor sues S/J dzongkhag
28 December, 2009 – Paro-based K Gangri construction has sued the Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag administration for terminating the Nu 9.9mn contract to build a 13.77 km farm road in Jomotsangkha dungkhag, previously known as Diafam.    [read more]

Portering for a pittance
Deepak and his friends

28 December, 2009 -Lines of dry perspiration mark his unwashed face and the skin of his feet and hands are chapped and scaly.
   [read more]

Beyond the Highlander Festival
28 December, 2009 – Bjobs or brokpas (highlanders) have never been in the limelight as much as this week when they were the highlight of the three-day nomad festival in Bumthang.
   [read more]

3-day nomad festival in Bumthang
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS Nomads from all over the country at the Wangchuck centennial park in Nangsiphel

Community-Based Tourism 27 December, 2009 –

Nomads from across the country have come together to take part in the first ever nomad’s festival, that begins today at the usually quiet Wangchuck centennial park (WCP) in Nagsiphel, Bumthang.

   [read more]

Fundamentally flawed?
Lecturer Selection Procedure 27 December, 2009 –

Almost a month after the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) selected eight lecturers for the Paro and Samtse colleges of education, teachers are alleging that the selection procedure was “fundamentally flawed”.    [read more]

DIT will get things done
ICT Conference 27 December, 2009 –

The first annual information communications technology (ICT) conference, ‘Empowering Bhutan’ ended yesterday, without power.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

People prepare to light their homes
The people of Dunglagang and Shemjong Gewogs in Tsirang Dzongkhag are making preparations for internal wiring in their homes to receive electricity.
They are looking for electricians and making enquiries about the prices of wires, tubes, bulbs, sockets, and other electrical equipment to start internal wiring.
Since every household cannot afford to do internal wiring, villagers have [...]    [read more]

On MPs’ salary raise
I was following the online news, forums and blogs on the recent pay hike of our MPs. It makes me uncomfortable to learn that not a single opinion is in favor of the raise and the majority of the Bhutanese are disappointed with the decision. Now let me clearly state my appreciation for the hard [...]    [read more]

I will neither fail nor falter
The nomination of the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court came through when His Majesty, on December 17, accepted the six-member royal commission’s nominee, 60-year-old former Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, who superannuated on November 15. Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye served the country for 38 years, 18 and a half years in the judiciary. He [...]    [read more]

CST receives 30 European scholarships
The College of Science and Technology (CST) in Phuentsholing has received 30 scholarships from the European Union partner universities after becoming a partner in the EU funded project eLINK.
445,200 euros has been allotted for Bhutan under the east-west link for innovation, networking and knowledge exchange project.
The scholarships have been divided into three categories: 12 slots [...]    [read more]

Real GDP growth increases
With a growth rate of 5 percent, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country increased from Nu 36,170.3 million in 2007 to Nu 37,964.2 million in 2008.
The latest report on national account statistics by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that the nominal GDP also increased by Nu 4,768.2 million. In 2008, it was [...]    [read more]

Where are media headed?
The coming of a new newspaper, The Journalist, raised several questions among the media players in Bhutan. According to the managing director of Bhutan Today, Tenzin Dorji, the already small media market is shrinking.
He said the growth of the private and corporate sectors is not keeping pace with the rapidly growing media business.
The editor of [...]    [read more]

Secretaries to be reappointed
The reappointment of secretaries to the government will start after the RCSC bill is passed, according to Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim. He said it would be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the constitution He said that there might be submission of names for appointment, and those with position level Ex1B might get elevated [...]    [read more]

Bhutan and Kolkata come closer
The Royal Bhutan Consulate in Kolkata was opened by Foreign Minister Ugyen Tshering and the Governor of West Bengal, Devanand Konwar, on December 17 followed by a three-day Bhutan Fruit and Tourism fair.
Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering said the opening of the consulate, which is located at 6 Mall Road Dum Dum, was not just about economic and commercial activities, but [...]    [read more]

ADB to reconstruct four schools
Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will finance a project worth about US$ 3 million through Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the reconstruction of properties damaged by the September 21 earthquake in Mongar and Trashigang.
The amount, which is 100 percent grant, would increase if more funds were available, said Makiko Watanabe, ADB’s Rural Development Specialist for [...]    [read more]

His Majesty comes home
His Majesty the King will arrive back home tomorrow after a five-day state visit to India.
This is His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his coronation.
During the visit, India and Bhutan signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the presence of His Majesty the King and the Indian Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House in [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 27 December 2009

December 27, 2009 - From

International Sources

Smart robots are on the way – Times Colonist
Consider a clever new robot called Paro, that provides comfort to the frail elderly. This mechanical charmer is shaped like a baby seal. It can recognize light and dark, and reacts to being picked up by cooing. It also responds to a variety of words …    [read more]

Tibetan culture can benefit humanity: Dalai Lama – Thaindian.com
More than 200 participants representing 85 Tibetan schools from across India, Nepal and Bhutan are attending the three-day conference. The Nobel laureate also emphasised the need to introduce study of Buddhist philosophy and dialectic in the school …    [read more]

Laughing with Buddha: The delights of teaching in a Tibetan monastery … – Great Falls Tribune
Most of the monks are from Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet. The Chinese have exerted intense cultural disruption on Tibetan monasteries so that whole populations of Tibetans and their culture have been resettled in Nepal and India. We taught two …    [read more]

RBI likely to raise CRR by mid-Jan: J&K Bank – Financial Express
Updated: Sunday, Dec 27, 2009 at 1409 hrs IST BoB sees 23-25 pct home loan growth ICICI Bank to raise up to Rs 1,200 cr via bonds PNB Dubai branch and Bhutan venture to operate fro… New Delhi: The Reserve Bank may raise the cash reserve ratio by up …    [read more]

Bhutanese Marriage Customs – Salon
Since the Hong Kong entertainment industry’s top two stars Tony Leung and Carina Lau wedding held in Bhutan, and Bhutan do as the Romans to wear traditional clothing, the use of local wedding customs Then I’d let people have a right piece of the …    [read more]

From Bangkok to Shangri-la – Bangkok Post
I have wanted to visit Bhutan since I was 10 years old after being enchanted by a feature in a National Geographic magazine. So when destiny called on the phone to my studio in Bangkok last May, asking if I would be interested in helping The Centre …    [read more]

3 Idiots – The Top Five Movies of 2009 – Entertainment and Showbiz!
Dev D.: Kashyap is the true flag bearer of New Wave Cinema in India. This year will always be remembered for this movie. He chose a story, which has been told many times, contemporized it, poured in some brilliant & innovative direction & cinematic …    [read more]

India and Bhutan ink pact for 4 hydel projects – SteelGuru
The HIndia and Bhutan stepped up their engagement in the power sector by signing new pacts, including a memorandum of understanding for four new hydel projects and for initiating consultancy services aimed at the preparation of a transmission grid …    [read more]

Stopping the Toorsa carwash practice – Kuensel Online
27 December, 2009 – Among others, such as serving as a picnic spot, the Toorsa river, which flows on one side of the border town of Phuentsholing, is also regularly used as a car wash area. There are no restrictions that prohibit washing vehicles in …    [read more]

Hindu Dharma Samudaya Of Bhutan opens office in Mothithang – Kuensel Online
27 December, 2009 – All religious activities related to Hinduism will be organised and conducted by the Hindu dharma samudaya of Bhutan (HDSB), whose members inaugurated their head office in Motithang yesterday. HDSB, a non-profit, non-political and …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

3-day nomad festival in Bumthang
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS Nomads from all over the country at the Wangchuck centennial park in Nangsiphel

Community-Based Tourism 27 December, 2009 –

Nomads from across the country have come together to take part in the first ever nomad’s festival, that begins today at the usually quiet Wangchuck centennial park (WCP) in Nagsiphel, Bumthang.

   [read more]

Fundamentally flawed?
Lecturer Selection Procedure 27 December, 2009 –

Almost a month after the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) selected eight lecturers for the Paro and Samtse colleges of education, teachers are alleging that the selection procedure was “fundamentally flawed”.    [read more]

DIT will get things done
ICT Conference 27 December, 2009 –

The first annual information communications technology (ICT) conference, ‘Empowering Bhutan’ ended yesterday, without power.
   [read more]

Hindu Dharma Samudaya Of Bhutan opens office in Mothithang

27 December, 2009 – All religious activities related to Hinduism will be organised and conducted by the Hindu dharma samudaya of Bhutan (HDSB), whose members inaugurated their head office in Motithang yesterday.    [read more]

Bhutanese VP for world bodybuilding federation
27 December, 2009 – The world bodybuilding & physique sports federation (WBBPSF) is in the process of nominating a Bhutanese candidate as the vice president of the federation.    [read more]

Turning the garbage tide around
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM HILLS The City (with JICA help) hopes to partner with the private sector and turn a problem into an opportunity

27 December, 2009 – Work will begin shortly to expand Thimphu city’s garbage landfill lifespan by, at most, another four years.    [read more]

Stopping the Toorsa carwash practice
GAREY GHAT Lack of cleaning services leads vehicles, light and heavy, for a dip in the river with dire ecological consequences

27 December, 2009 – Among others, such as serving as a picnic spot, the Toorsa river, which flows on one side of the border town of Phuentsholing, is also regularly used as a car wash area.
   [read more]

His Majesty returns today
His Majesty with Dr Manmohan Singh

26 December, 2009 – His Majesty King Jigme Khesar returns today after a historic five-day state visit to India from December 21 to 26, which leaders of the two countries hailed as a milestone in Indo-Bhutan cooperation.    [read more]

Rs 2.05bn grant for ICT development
India also commits Rs 250mn to rehabilitate earthquake affected areas

26 December, 2009 – As His Majesty the King concludes a historic six-day state visit to India today, the government of India (GoI) agreed to grant Rs 2.05 billion for the development of ICT in Bhutan and Rs 250 million as assistance towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction works for the earthquake affected areas in eastern Bhutan.    [read more]

Against all odds
26 December, 2009 – Women swept this year’s top positions in the Bhutan Civil Service Examinations. It is not the first time women have achieved this and it will definitely not be the las    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

CST receives 30 European scholarships
The College of Science and Technology (CST) in Phuentsholing has received 30 scholarships from the European Union partner universities after becoming a partner in the EU funded project eLINK.
445,200 euros has been allotted for Bhutan under the east-west link for innovation, networking and knowledge exchange project.
The scholarships have been divided into three categories: 12 slots [...]    [read more]

Real GDP growth increases
With a growth rate of 5 percent, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country increased from Nu 36,170.3 million in 2007 to Nu 37,964.2 million in 2008.
The latest report on national account statistics by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that the nominal GDP also increased by Nu 4,768.2 million. In 2008, it was [...]    [read more]

Where are media headed?
The coming of a new newspaper, The Journalist, raised several questions among the media players in Bhutan. According to the managing director of Bhutan Today, Tenzin Dorji, the already small media market is shrinking.
He said the growth of the private and corporate sectors is not keeping pace with the rapidly growing media business.
The editor of [...]    [read more]

Secretaries to be reappointed
The reappointment of secretaries to the government will start after the RCSC bill is passed, according to Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim. He said it would be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the constitution He said that there might be submission of names for appointment, and those with position level Ex1B might get elevated [...]    [read more]

Bhutan and Kolkata come closer
The Royal Bhutan Consulate in Kolkata was opened by Foreign Minister Ugyen Tshering and the Governor of West Bengal, Devanand Konwar, on December 17 followed by a three-day Bhutan Fruit and Tourism fair.
Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering said the opening of the consulate, which is located at 6 Mall Road Dum Dum, was not just about economic and commercial activities, but [...]    [read more]

ADB to reconstruct four schools
Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will finance a project worth about US$ 3 million through Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the reconstruction of properties damaged by the September 21 earthquake in Mongar and Trashigang.
The amount, which is 100 percent grant, would increase if more funds were available, said Makiko Watanabe, ADB’s Rural Development Specialist for [...]    [read more]

His Majesty comes home
His Majesty the King will arrive back home tomorrow after a five-day state visit to India.
This is His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his coronation.
During the visit, India and Bhutan signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the presence of His Majesty the King and the Indian Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House in [...]    [read more]

Folks, let’s give it a push, this fuel-less engine of growth
   [read more]

Agreeing in disagreement
As an emerging democratic society, we are seeing differences of opinions on big issues in the parliament to small matters in the communities. This is a healthy democratic engagement for debates and assertion of opinions form the building blocks of a democracy. But there is a thin line between expressions of democratic rights and giving [...]    [read more]

Women top civil service exams
From 678 general graduates, Gaki Wangmo, a BA Geography honours graduate from Sherubtse College, topped the 2009 civil service common exams with 66.10 percent.
Pema Choezom, an English graduate from Monash University, Australia, came second with 65.21 percent, followed closely by Dechen Wangmo, a B.Sc. Catering Science and Hotel Management from PSG College of Arts and [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 26 December 2009

December 26, 2009 - From

International Sources

PNB Dubai branch, Bhutan venture to operate from next month – New Nation
India’s second largest public sector lender, Punjab National Bank, yesterday said its Bhutan joint venture and Dubai branch would start operating from next month. “We are doing a soft launch of the Dubai branch. It will be in operation from January …    [read more]

India-Bhutan agree to conclude MoU on rail line – New Kerala
New Delhi, Dec 26 : India and Bhutan have agreed to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Golden Jubilee Rail Line by completing the requisite technical survey as soon as possible. The two countries have also …    [read more]

Construction Magazine in india – PRLog (free press release)
THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT of Bhutan had planned to construct a city road in the heart of Thimpu called Hospital Link Road, which would ease the traffic congestion on the main road and establish a parallel corridor to the Secretariat complex. One of the …    [read more]

Interfaith volunteers bring gifts to Utah’s refugee families – ABC 4
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – As many Utahns celebrated Christmas with family opening presents by the tree and enjoying traditions, others shared their day with families they don’t even know. Members of Utah’s Jewish and Muslim communities spent …    [read more]

His Majesty returns today – Kuensel Online
26 December, 2009 – His Majesty King Jigme Khesar returns today after a historic five-day state visit to India from December 21 to 26, which leaders of the two countries hailed as a milestone in Indo-Bhutan cooperation. During the visit, 12 …    [read more]

Rs 2.05bn grant for ICT development – Kuensel Online
26 December, 2009 – As His Majesty the King concludes a historic six-day state visit to India today, the government of India (GoI) agreed to grant Rs 2.05 billion for the development of ICT in Bhutan and Rs 250 million as assistance towards the …    [read more]

Ngabo — Yes Tibetan, No Patriot – Phayul
The death of Ngabo Ngawang Jigme has stirred emotions on both sides of the Himalayas. While the official Chinese media carried flowery obituaries and praised him for his contributions to the Motherland, the Kashag of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile …    [read more]

School offers a haven in a world of woe – Kansas City Star
Swar Bit (from left), Ya Zar Tun and Ishar Noh, students from Myanmar, recently received help from teacher Jeanette Quinn. The school has students from more than 20 countries. This time, the anxious face belonged to the father of an Iraqi student …    [read more]

Around Town – Abilene Reporter-News
The International Rescue Committee has recently received a need to help Bhutanese refugees furnish their living quarters. They need rice cookers, bicycles and sleeping bags, sheets and/or pillows. The refugees work in dairies in the panhandle of …    [read more]

Endangered takin sighted in Arunachal – Hindustan Times
Takin, the animal that is said to have fuelled the mythological Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece, has been officially sighted for the first time in India. The ‘success’ has come almost two decades after the Dehradun-based Wildlife …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

His Majesty returns today
His Majesty with Dr Manmohan Singh

26 December, 2009 – His Majesty King Jigme Khesar returns today after a historic five-day state visit to India from December 21 to 26, which leaders of the two countries hailed as a milestone in Indo-Bhutan cooperation.    [read more]

Rs 2.05bn grant for ICT development
India also commits Rs 250mn to rehabilitate earthquake affected areas

26 December, 2009 – As His Majesty the King concludes a historic six-day state visit to India today, the government of India (GoI) agreed to grant Rs 2.05 billion for the development of ICT in Bhutan and Rs 250 million as assistance towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction works for the earthquake affected areas in eastern Bhutan.    [read more]

Against all odds
26 December, 2009 – Women swept this year’s top positions in the Bhutan Civil Service Examinations. It is not the first time women have achieved this and it will definitely not be the las    [read more]

Bhutan: An Eye To History
Unique photographic exhibition extends from the first snap of Bhutan to pictures taken by His Majesty
In 1864, the first photographer to focus the lens of his camera on Bhutan was Dr Benjamin Simpson, who accompanied Ashley Eden’s British mission to Bhutan as the medical in-charge of the trip. Campsite of the Ashley Eden mission to Bhutan, possibly at Haa

25 December, 2009 – A photograph taken by Dr Benjamin Simpson in 1684, when he accompanied Ashley Eden’s British mission to Bhutan as the medical in-charge, is one of the earliest photographic records of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.    [read more]

Women sweep top three

CSCE Results 25 December, 2009 – Women graduates this year dominated the civil service common examinations (CSCE), taking the top three positions.    [read more]

‘Changing World and Timeless Values’
His Majesty speaks at the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on December 23

25 December, 2009 – During my year at the National Defence College in Delhi, I came to value my visits to this auditorium as a place, at which one would hear words of wisdom delivered, often very memorably. I always thought of myself as the humble listener. Even though I am here today as a Head of State, this auditorium fills me with the same reluctance to speak – I wish I was here to listen. I know that there are others present and others who have preceded me on this platform with far greater experience in leadership and with much greater achievements behind them. And then there are those of you who are poised on the brink of remarkable careers in the service of a great nation and people. I feel humbled in your presence.    [read more]

Central resource pool proposed
To eliminate the need for all organisations to maintain ICT teams and thus lower costs
‘CAPTAINS OF THE VOYAGE’ Entrusted to lead the nation down the information highway to becoming a knowledge society

ICT Conference 25 December, 2009 – As Bhutan heads down the information highway, the country’s information and communication (ICT) officers are made the “captains of the voyage” to create an informed society. The country’s 225 ICT professionals were given the task by the information and communication minister, Lyonpo Nandalal Rai, yesterday as they gathered in Thimphu for the first national ICT conference.    [read more]

Timeless values
25 December, 2009 – There is only one starting point to resolve any problem – big and small – that is one’s self. Each one of us must embark upon our personal journey towards the timeless goal of living a good life – being a good human being – even as we tackle the world’s largest problems.    [read more]

Gelephu waits … and waits … to get a move on
Despite its boom potential, bureaucratic redtape saps optimism
TIMBER IN ABEYANCE It looks like stockpiled construction material will have to survive another monsoon

25 December, 2009 – Pleasant weather, vast stretches of flat land, a huge army cantonment nearby, and a plan for an international airport. Gelephu has all the potential to become a major commercial centre for central Bhutan like Phuentsholing is for Thimphu.    [read more]

Moenlam Chenmo memorial ceremony
NINE-DAY PRAYER MEET: Monks, lopons, anims and gomchens from 31 goendeys gather in Trashigang

25 December, 2009 – There is an atmosphere of tranquillity in Trashigang, the worst affected dzongkhag by the September 21 earthquake, as hundreds of monks, lopons, anims and gomchens from 31 goendeys (religious centres) have gathered for the moenlam chenmo ceremony.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Real GDP growth increases
With a growth rate of 5 percent, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the country increased from Nu 36,170.3 million in 2007 to Nu 37,964.2 million in 2008.
The latest report on national account statistics by National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that the nominal GDP also increased by Nu 4,768.2 million. In 2008, it was [...]    [read more]

Where are media headed?
The coming of a new newspaper, The Journalist, raised several questions among the media players in Bhutan. According to the managing director of Bhutan Today, Tenzin Dorji, the already small media market is shrinking.
He said the growth of the private and corporate sectors is not keeping pace with the rapidly growing media business.
The editor of [...]    [read more]

Secretaries to be reappointed
The reappointment of secretaries to the government will start after the RCSC bill is passed, according to Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim. He said it would be done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the constitution He said that there might be submission of names for appointment, and those with position level Ex1B might get elevated [...]    [read more]

Bhutan and Kolkata come closer
The Royal Bhutan Consulate in Kolkata was opened by Foreign Minister Ugyen Tshering and the Governor of West Bengal, Devanand Konwar, on December 17 followed by a three-day Bhutan Fruit and Tourism fair.
Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering said the opening of the consulate, which is located at 6 Mall Road Dum Dum, was not just about economic and commercial activities, but [...]    [read more]

ADB to reconstruct four schools
Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will finance a project worth about US$ 3 million through Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the reconstruction of properties damaged by the September 21 earthquake in Mongar and Trashigang.
The amount, which is 100 percent grant, would increase if more funds were available, said Makiko Watanabe, ADB’s Rural Development Specialist for [...]    [read more]

His Majesty comes home
His Majesty the King will arrive back home tomorrow after a five-day state visit to India.
This is His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his coronation.
During the visit, India and Bhutan signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the presence of His Majesty the King and the Indian Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House in [...]    [read more]

Folks, let’s give it a push, this fuel-less engine of growth
   [read more]

Agreeing in disagreement
As an emerging democratic society, we are seeing differences of opinions on big issues in the parliament to small matters in the communities. This is a healthy democratic engagement for debates and assertion of opinions form the building blocks of a democracy. But there is a thin line between expressions of democratic rights and giving [...]    [read more]

Women top civil service exams
From 678 general graduates, Gaki Wangmo, a BA Geography honours graduate from Sherubtse College, topped the 2009 civil service common exams with 66.10 percent.
Pema Choezom, an English graduate from Monash University, Australia, came second with 65.21 percent, followed closely by Dechen Wangmo, a B.Sc. Catering Science and Hotel Management from PSG College of Arts and [...]    [read more]

Universal connectivity by 2010
Every village in the country would have mobile network coverage by the end of 2010 and remote communities would receive broadband internet connection in two years. This was revealed by Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley during the two-day annual ICT conference in Thimphu, which started yesterday.
“Ours is the aim to achieve a universal connectivity towards realizing [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 25 December 2009

December 25, 2009 - From

International Sources

Cycling in Bhutan is a magical adventure – Windsor Star
The grin on my face is as wide as the Bhutanese suspension bridge I’m flying across is long. And it defies all logic. I’m terrified of heights and way out of my comfort zone. But I’m cycling in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, a wonderful …    [read more]

PNB Dubai branch, Bhutan venture next month – Hindu Business Line
NEW DELHI: Punjab National Bank said on Friday its Bhutan joint venture and Dubai branch would start operating from next month. “We are doing a soft launch of the Dubai branch. It will be in operation from January, 2010,” PNB Chairman and Manging …    [read more]

PNB Dubai branch and Bhutan venture to operate from Jan – Financial Express
Updated: Friday, Dec 25, 2009 at 1330 hrs IST New Delhi: The country’s second largest public sector lender, Punjab National Bank, said its Bhutan joint venture and Dubai branch would start operating from next month. “We are doing a soft launch of the …    [read more]

Readers’ Comments on ” Tibetan who signed peace accord with China dies … – Phayul
First of all I want send my deepest condolences to Ngabo’s family and May my prayer help Ngabo’s Journey to heaven peacefully. Om ah hom….. Let us think carefully what is situation was while Nagbo signed 17 agreement. It didn’t matter for Chinese …    [read more]

Changing World and Timeless Values’ – Kuensel Online
25 December, 2009 – During my year at the National Defence College in Delhi, I came to value my visits to this auditorium as a place, at which one would hear words of wisdom delivered, often very memorably. I always thought of myself as the humble …    [read more]

Gelephu waits … and waits … to get a move on – Kuensel Online
25 December, 2009 – Pleasant weather, vast stretches of flat land, a huge army cantonment nearby, and a plan for an international airport. Gelephu has all the potential to become a major commercial centre for central Bhutan like Phuentsholing is for …    [read more]

United by Ngabo’s death, Dharamsala and Beijing mourn – Phayul
Mao Zedong greets Ngabo/Ngapoi (file photo) a day after signing the seventeen point agreement in 1951 Dharamsala, December 25 – The difference in Beijing and Dharamsala’s reaction to the death of a former Tibetan minister was visible only in the …    [read more]

Finnish govt to help set up regional flood information system – Himalayan Times
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The project is aimed to minimise loss of lives and livelihoods by providing timely warning of floods and thus reducing flood vulnerability in the region — in particular, in the Ganges …    [read more]

Sports Betting Christmas Wish List – Doc’s Sports Service
I hear Bhutan is nice – maybe Favre would be happy there. Finally, Santa, I wish for a Kansas-Kentucky national championship game in early April . There is still a whole lot of basketball to play, and we still don’t know everything about the top …    [read more]

Why Investing’s Better in Bhutan – Motley Fool
Imagine a stock market where you could only trade twice a week — where there were so few stocks, and so little volume, that buy or sell orders took weeks to get filled, and stock prices sometimes didn’t budge for months. That’s life in the nation of …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Bhutan: An Eye To History
Unique photographic exhibition extends from the first snap of Bhutan to pictures taken by His Majesty
In 1864, the first photographer to focus the lens of his camera on Bhutan was Dr Benjamin Simpson, who accompanied Ashley Eden’s British mission to Bhutan as the medical in-charge of the trip. Campsite of the Ashley Eden mission to Bhutan, possibly at Haa

25 December, 2009 – A photograph taken by Dr Benjamin Simpson in 1684, when he accompanied Ashley Eden’s British mission to Bhutan as the medical in-charge, is one of the earliest photographic records of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.    [read more]

Women sweep top three

CSCE Results 25 December, 2009 – Women graduates this year dominated the civil service common examinations (CSCE), taking the top three positions.    [read more]

‘Changing World and Timeless Values’
His Majesty speaks at the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on December 23

25 December, 2009 – During my year at the National Defence College in Delhi, I came to value my visits to this auditorium as a place, at which one would hear words of wisdom delivered, often very memorably. I always thought of myself as the humble listener. Even though I am here today as a Head of State, this auditorium fills me with the same reluctance to speak – I wish I was here to listen. I know that there are others present and others who have preceded me on this platform with far greater experience in leadership and with much greater achievements behind them. And then there are those of you who are poised on the brink of remarkable careers in the service of a great nation and people. I feel humbled in your presence.    [read more]

Central resource pool proposed
To eliminate the need for all organisations to maintain ICT teams and thus lower costs
‘CAPTAINS OF THE VOYAGE’ Entrusted to lead the nation down the information highway to becoming a knowledge society

ICT Conference 25 December, 2009 – As Bhutan heads down the information highway, the country’s information and communication (ICT) officers are made the “captains of the voyage” to create an informed society. The country’s 225 ICT professionals were given the task by the information and communication minister, Lyonpo Nandalal Rai, yesterday as they gathered in Thimphu for the first national ICT conference.    [read more]

Timeless values
25 December, 2009 – There is only one starting point to resolve any problem – big and small – that is one’s self. Each one of us must embark upon our personal journey towards the timeless goal of living a good life – being a good human being – even as we tackle the world’s largest problems.    [read more]

Gelephu waits … and waits … to get a move on
Despite its boom potential, bureaucratic redtape saps optimism
TIMBER IN ABEYANCE It looks like stockpiled construction material will have to survive another monsoon

25 December, 2009 – Pleasant weather, vast stretches of flat land, a huge army cantonment nearby, and a plan for an international airport. Gelephu has all the potential to become a major commercial centre for central Bhutan like Phuentsholing is for Thimphu.    [read more]

Moenlam Chenmo memorial ceremony
NINE-DAY PRAYER MEET: Monks, lopons, anims and gomchens from 31 goendeys gather in Trashigang

25 December, 2009 – There is an atmosphere of tranquillity in Trashigang, the worst affected dzongkhag by the September 21 earthquake, as hundreds of monks, lopons, anims and gomchens from 31 goendeys (religious centres) have gathered for the moenlam chenmo ceremony.    [read more]

Picture Story

25 December, 2009 – Nine Evils, No Holiday: Boys in Trashigang take off to the archery fields on the day of Nyenpa Guzom (meeting of nine evils) on December 22. Although not officially a government holiday, Nyenpa Guzom is celebrated in eastern Bhutan as a losar every year.
   [read more]

Relation stands the test of time
His Majesty with PM Dr Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil

HM’s State Visit 24 December, 2009 – “We consider Bhutan as our closest friend and neighbour,” said President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, welcoming His Majesty King Jigme Khesar, who is on a five-day state visit to India.

The President said that His Majesty’s visit, the first abroad after the coronation in November 2008, is a milestone in the special relationship between the two countries.    [read more]

Pvt. sector wants salary ceiling axed
Business community asks government to remove salary ceilings

24 December, 2009 –
The Bhutan chamber of commerce and industry (BCCI) is requesting the government to remove salary ceilings for the private sector, so that companies and businesses can attract better employees.    [read more]

Bhutan Observer

ADB to reconstruct four schools
Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will finance a project worth about US$ 3 million through Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the reconstruction of properties damaged by the September 21 earthquake in Mongar and Trashigang.
The amount, which is 100 percent grant, would increase if more funds were available, said Makiko Watanabe, ADB’s Rural Development Specialist for [...]    [read more]

His Majesty comes home
His Majesty the King will arrive back home tomorrow after a five-day state visit to India.
This is His Majesty’s first visit abroad after his coronation.
During the visit, India and Bhutan signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the presence of His Majesty the King and the Indian Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House in [...]    [read more]

Folks, let’s give it a push, this fuel-less engine of growth
   [read more]

Agreeing in disagreement
As an emerging democratic society, we are seeing differences of opinions on big issues in the parliament to small matters in the communities. This is a healthy democratic engagement for debates and assertion of opinions form the building blocks of a democracy. But there is a thin line between expressions of democratic rights and giving [...]    [read more]

Women top civil service exams
From 678 general graduates, Gaki Wangmo, a BA Geography honours graduate from Sherubtse College, topped the 2009 civil service common exams with 66.10 percent.
Pema Choezom, an English graduate from Monash University, Australia, came second with 65.21 percent, followed closely by Dechen Wangmo, a B.Sc. Catering Science and Hotel Management from PSG College of Arts and [...]    [read more]

Universal connectivity by 2010
Every village in the country would have mobile network coverage by the end of 2010 and remote communities would receive broadband internet connection in two years. This was revealed by Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley during the two-day annual ICT conference in Thimphu, which started yesterday.
“Ours is the aim to achieve a universal connectivity towards realizing [...]    [read more]

Bhutan through the lens of the King
During his five-day state visit to India, His Majesty inaugurated a photo exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Titled Bhutan: An eye to History, the exhibition featured 86 photographs of Bhutan, out of which 36 had been taken by His Majesty himself.
Photographs of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck’s visit to Calcutta [...]    [read more]

Do you think that GNH can be integrated into school curriculum?
   [read more]

Transformers thrash Shadows
Transformers thrashed Shadows 60-36 in the ongoing annual Coronation Cup at the Swimming Pool complex in Thimphu on December 23.
In the first quarter, the match was competitive with Transformers leading 9-7. In the second quarter, Transformers came with more steals, blocks and free throws, the gap rose to six baskets with 24- 10 points. Shadows [...]    [read more]

Inter- college football semi-finals today
Sherubtse College will play against Gedu Business College and Paro College of Education against Samtse College of Education in the semi-finals of the ongoing inter-college football tournament in Paro today.
On December 23, the first men’s quarter final match was played between Gedu Business College and College of Science and Technology. It was a competitive match [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 24 December 2009

December 24, 2009 - From

International Sources

Ushering in a climate of change for industry – Hindu Business Line
Seven countries namely China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam and Bhutan would take part in the fair this year. “This year the fair will lay special emphasis on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and the handicrafts sector …    [read more]

Why Investing’s Better in Bhutan – Motley Fool
Imagine a stock market where you could only trade twice a week — where there were so few stocks, and so little volume, that buy or sell orders took weeks to get filled, and stock prices sometimes didn’t budge for months. That’s life in the nation of …    [read more]

Hasina flies to India Jan 10 – The Daily Star
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave for India on the night of January 10 to hold crucial summit talks with her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on January 11. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, announcing the PM’s date of departure, told …    [read more]

Many Utahns still need holiday help – Salt Lake Tribune
This year, the volunteers expect to dis­tribute food to 1,400 families. When the father asked to skip English class because he hadn’t eaten anything that day and very little the two days before, everyone knew the Bhutanese refugee was in trouble.    [read more]

ITrekNepal Introduces Winter Holiday Treks, Cultural Tours and … – YAHOO!
ITrekNepal provides personalised, high quality trekking services throughout the Himalayan region, including Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet ; it is the only international trekking company which operates its own local ground operations in Nepal year-round.    [read more]

Tibetan official Ngapoi Ngawang dies at 99 – 环球在线
Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, a senior Chinese legislator and political advisor, passed away in Beijing yesterday. He was 99. Ngapoi, of Tibetan ethnicity, died at 4:50 pm, according to a statement issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China …    [read more]

Tibetan monasteries grapple to find Chinese teachers for monks – Hindustan Times
… wishes – The Dalai Lama, Tibetan department of Religion and Culture had proposed to introduce Chinese language for Tibetan monks in monasteries scattered across India, Nepal and Bhutan. Tibetan monasteries have spent two years in fruitless …    [read more]

Bhutan King meets Army Chief, NSA – Thaindian.com
New Delhi, Dec 24 (ANI): Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck met Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and National Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan here today. Wangchuk held separate meetings with General Kapoor and Narayanan Security and defence …    [read more]

Cycling in Bhutan is a magical adventure – The Province
Buses, cars and four wheel drives fill roadways closer to the towns of Paro and Thimphu, the capital. We started our trip in the Paro Valley. After two days of acclimatizing by hiking 900 metres up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and peddling up-valley …    [read more]

ROBOTS MOVING IN – Scranton Times-Tribune
Robotic companions, like Paro the harbor seal, comfort the elderly. By 2015, personal robot sales in the U.S. will exceed $5 billion, more than quadrupling what they are now, according to ABI Research, which analyzes technology trends. ”    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Relation stands the test of time
His Majesty with PM Dr Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil

HM’s State Visit 24 December, 2009 – “We consider Bhutan as our closest friend and neighbour,” said President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, welcoming His Majesty King Jigme Khesar, who is on a five-day state visit to India.

The President said that His Majesty’s visit, the first abroad after the coronation in November 2008, is a milestone in the special relationship between the two countries.    [read more]

Pvt. sector wants salary ceiling axed
Business community asks government to remove salary ceilings

24 December, 2009 –
The Bhutan chamber of commerce and industry (BCCI) is requesting the government to remove salary ceilings for the private sector, so that companies and businesses can attract better employees.    [read more]

Stick-in-the-mud stock market
Will private brokerage firms inject liquidity into a sluggish exchange?

24 December, 2009 –
Private individuals will be allowed to set up brokerage firms to trade in the stock market, according to the draft financial services bill that will be enacted in June next year.    [read more]

The shape of things to come
24 December, 2009 – His Majesty the King’s first state visit to India after formally becoming the Fifth Druk Gyalpo is of great significance to the two friendly neighbours in the region. It is not only a testimony of bilateral relations at its height, continuously nurtured through times, but a sign of things to come.    [read more]

Poor toilet usage in rural Bhutan
Sanitation/Hygiene Survey 24 December, 2009 –
Despite the 90 percent coverage of latrines, their poor condition — and poorer usage in rural Bhutan — was one of the main reasons why Bhutan is not seeing a decrease in sanitation and water-related diseases, according to the public health engineering division (PHED) survey.    [read more]

Latest P/ling daylight robbery
The scene of the crime The building in Kabraytar occupied by Gamon India staff

24 December, 2009 –
An Indian couple, working for Gamon India, an Indian construction firm, was the latest victim of daylight robbery in Phuentsholing, when their flat was burgled of cash and jewelry on December 17.    [read more]

Bhutan-Thai Posts’ tie-up
24 December, 2009 –
The Thailand Post will help Bhutan Post develop and reform itself as a postal organization, according to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was signed between the two organisations in Dochula, Thimphu on December 18.    [read more]

Gelephu balks at sewerage charge
LONG OVERDUE: Bhutan’s third urban centre awaits connection to sewage network

24 December, 2009 –
Residents of Gelephu, the third largest urban centre in the country to have a modern sewerage system after Thimphu and Phuentsholing, are not so keen to have one.    [read more]

Work on 4 projects from 2012
10 agreed projects with a total capacity of 11636 MW will be in progress by then
His Majesty the King inspects the guard of Honour at the Rastrapati Bhavan yesterday

Hydropower 23 December, 2009 –

Bhutan and India have agreed that the construction of four hydropower projects, with a total generation capacity of 3576 MW, will begin in 2012. That means that all the 10 agreed projects with a total installed capacity of 11636 MW would be in progress by then, according to Bhutan embassy officials in New Delhi.
   [read more]

Not a legal leg to stand on
MP Pay Hike 23 December, 2009 –

The finance secretary has clarified that the letter, which was sent to parliament in April 2008, and is being used as the main basis by MPs to say that their pay was never fixed, is no longer valid.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Transformers thrash Shadows
Transformers thrashed Shadows 60-36 in the ongoing annual Coronation Cup at the Swimming Pool complex in Thimphu on December 23.
In the first quarter, the match was competitive with Transformers leading 9-7. In the second quarter, Transformers came with more steals, blocks and free throws, the gap rose to six baskets with 24- 10 points. Shadows [...]    [read more]

Inter- college football semi-finals today
Sherubtse College will play against Gedu Business College and Paro College of Education against Samtse College of Education in the semi-finals of the ongoing inter-college football tournament in Paro today.
On December 23, the first men’s quarter final match was played between Gedu Business College and College of Science and Technology. It was a competitive match [...]    [read more]

The end of dusty games
Tshering Pem, a 27-year-old mother, is seeing a totally different generation of children growing up with a more sophisticated taste for games.
She belongs to the generation of modern Bhutanese children, who played marbles, guli danda, five stones, seven stones, and rubber bands putting cheap sweets, pencils and erasers as bets.
Empty spaces would be occupied by [...]    [read more]

Bhutanese band performs in bands festival
Who’s Your Daddy, a Bhutanese rock band, performed for the second time in the South Asian Bands Festival on December 13 in Delhi.
The third South Asian Bands Festival took place between December 11 and 13 at the Purana Qila in Delhi.
Organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Collaboration with India’s Ministry of External [...]    [read more]

Lyonchhen’s address at Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
Below is the closing remarks by Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley at the Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
“Honourable Ministers, Dashos, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kudos to our facilitator, Ivy Ang, who somehow magically and graciously opened up the space to allow that expression within an atmosphere of  complete respect, safety, and warmth, while at the same time moving [...]    [read more]

His Majesty arrives in New Delhi
His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in New Delhi for a five-day State Visit to India. On his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, His Majesty the King was received by the Indian minister of state for commerce & industry – Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, the foreign secretary – Nirupama Rao and [...]    [read more]

Amo Chhu project eyes foreign investment
After two years of delay, the cabinet secretariat has directed the Ministry of Works and Human Settlements to explore possibilities of foreign investments to implement the Ammo Chhu land reclamation project in Phuentsholing.
Phuentsholing Thrompon Kunzang Norbu said the project implementation was delayed due to lack of funds and the parliamentary elections.
“We presented the project to [...]    [read more]

Singing show controversy
Druk Star, the organizer of a similar show, Bhutan Star, which started a year earlier, says it is not fair that someone starts the same programme without informing him.
Nguldrub Dorjiks, the organiser of Bhutan Star, said that when he first brought in the concept of the show, he had a lot of hindrances but someone [...]    [read more]

Bhutan’s first industrial design certificate
The Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs handed over the first industrial design certificate to the creator on December 14 in Thimphu.
Kinzang Wangdi was the first person to receive the industrial design certificate after the Industrial Designs Registry became operational on May 1, 2009. Two of his designs were approved and registered, which means [...]    [read more]

Ngultrum- rupee peg prudent, RMA
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) says the existing peg exchange rate arrangement with India is prudent for Bhutan’s economy.
According to Managing Director of RMA, Daw Tenzin, because of the close economic ties with India and low level of integration with the international financial market, the RMA’s choice on peg arrangement is appropriate. In addition, [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 23 December 2009

December 23, 2009 - From

International Sources

Denver cops give 911-only cellphones to refugees worried about recent … – Vail Daily News
Recent beatings of South Asian refugees have prompted Denver police to hand out cellphones to newcomers from abroad. The hope is that the emergency-only phones, which require no payments, will help refugees reach paramedics and police to prevent …    [read more]

Conditions Of Refugee Sibilings Hurt In High Point House Fire Improve – digtriad.com
High Point, NC — Three siblings seeking refuge in the Triad from their home country were still hospitalized Wednesday after a Tuesday morning house fire, but their conditions had improved. Baptist Hospital says 23-year-old Bhuwan Ranapahelee and 25 …    [read more]

Gross National Happiness – DAILY KOS
Traditionally when talking about or measuring the overall health and prosperity of a nation, policy makers and academicians turn to economic measures. While there are many different economic measures that are used, one of the most common is Gross …    [read more]

We owe it to India, says Bhutan King – Hindu
A TRUE FRIEND : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck admires a picture at an exhibition, “Bhutan: An Eye to History,” organised by the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Indo-Bhutan Foundation in New Delhi on Tuesday. NEW DELHI: Bhutan …    [read more]

India-Bhutan relations model for bilateral ties: Bhutanese King – Hindustan Times
India and Bhutan’s relations are a model for an ideal bilateral partnership, visiting King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said in New Delhi on Wednesday. “Despite vast differences in size and population, our relationship stands as a model …    [read more]

India, Bhutan ink 12 accords – The Daily Star
Wangchuck is in India for a six-day state visit. Photo: AFP Ani, New Delhi India and Bhutan on Tuesday inked a dozen agreements, including four on hydropower generation, after Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held extensive talks with …    [read more]

High Point fire victims are Nepalese refugees – Greensboro News & Record
HIGH POINT (MCT) — The three siblings injured in a house fire Tuesday morning are refugees from Nepal. Brothers Bhuwan and Suman Ranapahelee and their sister, Hema, spent 18 years in refugee camps in Nepal before being accepted into a U.S …    [read more]

Dhaka moves to revive Nepal transit plan – Bangladesh News 24 hours
Dhaka, Dec 23 (bdnews24.com)—Bangladesh has sent a draft deal to Kathmandu, ahead of prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit next month, to activate a 1976 transit treaty allowing Nepal to use Mongla port for export of goods to a third country …    [read more]

Move to revive transit treaty with Nepal – New Nation
Bangladesh has sent a draft deal to Kathmandu, ahead of prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit next month, to activate a 1976 transit treaty allowing Nepal to use Mongla port for export of goods to a third country. Government officials say …    [read more]

Indo-Bhutan relations model for bilateral ties: Bhutan King – Zee News
New Delhi: India and Bhutan’s relations are a model for an ideal bilateral partnership, visiting King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said here Wednesday. “Despite vast differences in size and population, our relationship stands as a model …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

Work on 4 projects from 2012
10 agreed projects with a total capacity of 11636 MW will be in progress by then
His Majesty the King inspects the guard of Honour at the Rastrapati Bhavan yesterday

Hydropower 23 December, 2009 –

Bhutan and India have agreed that the construction of four hydropower projects, with a total generation capacity of 3576 MW, will begin in 2012. That means that all the 10 agreed projects with a total installed capacity of 11636 MW would be in progress by then, according to Bhutan embassy officials in New Delhi.
   [read more]

Not a legal leg to stand on
MP Pay Hike 23 December, 2009 –

The finance secretary has clarified that the letter, which was sent to parliament in April 2008, and is being used as the main basis by MPs to say that their pay was never fixed, is no longer valid.
   [read more]

Local elections still on hold
23 December, 2009 – Election officials, who had expected to start formal preparation for the long overdue local government (LG) elections soon after the fourth session of the parliament, have not been able to proceed at all.
   [read more]

GNHUSA – Vermont in the vanguard
23 December, 2009 – To add to a growing list of countries and communities experimenting or embracing the concept of gross national happiness (GNH), a small GNH movement is kicking off in Montpelier, the capital city of the state of Vermont in the USA.
   [read more]

Industry heartened by HM’s award
Motion Picture Association Of Bhutan 23 December, 2009 –

The gold medal awarded by His Majesty the King to the motion picture association of Bhutan (MPAB) during the 102nd National Day has boosted the confidence of each and every person involved with making movies, music and involved in the art, said the association’s president, Ugyen Tshechup Dorji at a meeting yesterday in Thimphu.    [read more]

‘Empowering Bhutan’ Meet
To make Bhutan an IT habitat

23 December, 2009 – The first ever nationwide meeting of Bhutanese geeks begins tomorrow. The information and communications ministry will host the largest congregation, till date, of Bhutanese information technology (IT) professionals for a two-day meeting called ‘Empowering Bhutan – Connecting the Professionals’, in the capital.
   [read more]

No news on the vaccine front
23 December, 2009 – The health ministry is yet to hear from the center for disease control and prevention, (CDC), in Atlanta, USA, where a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was sent for testing a month ago as part of ongoing investigations into the pentavalent vaccine.
   [read more]

A rose by any other name …
23 December, 2009 – How people are addressed, particularly those who have held or hold rank and file in the government, is not an issue when it comes to oral traditions.    [read more]

12 MoUs to be signed
Development cooperation in power, aviation, health and ICT to be formalised
His Majesty is received in New Delhi by the Indian minister of state for commerce & industry, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, the foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao and the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma

HM’s State Visit to India 22 December, 2009 – The governments of Bhutan and India will sign 12 memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreements for development cooperation in the power, aviation, health and ICT sectors at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi today.
   [read more]

To do or to do away with?
The jury is out as MoE mulls over the issue

Lower Primary Exams 22 December, 2009 –

The education ministry will soon deliberate on whether Bhutanese schools should do away with year end written examinations in the first four years of primary education, i.e., classes PP to III.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

The end of dusty games
Tshering Pem, a 27-year-old mother, is seeing a totally different generation of children growing up with a more sophisticated taste for games.
She belongs to the generation of modern Bhutanese children, who played marbles, guli danda, five stones, seven stones, and rubber bands putting cheap sweets, pencils and erasers as bets.
Empty spaces would be occupied by [...]    [read more]

Bhutanese band performs in bands festival
Who’s Your Daddy, a Bhutanese rock band, performed for the second time in the South Asian Bands Festival on December 13 in Delhi.
The third South Asian Bands Festival took place between December 11 and 13 at the Purana Qila in Delhi.
Organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Collaboration with India’s Ministry of External [...]    [read more]

Lyonchhen’s address at Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
Below is the closing remarks by Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley at the Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
“Honourable Ministers, Dashos, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kudos to our facilitator, Ivy Ang, who somehow magically and graciously opened up the space to allow that expression within an atmosphere of  complete respect, safety, and warmth, while at the same time moving [...]    [read more]

His Majesty arrives in New Delhi
His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in New Delhi for a five-day State Visit to India. On his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, His Majesty the King was received by the Indian minister of state for commerce & industry – Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, the foreign secretary – Nirupama Rao and [...]    [read more]

Amo Chhu project eyes foreign investment
After two years of delay, the cabinet secretariat has directed the Ministry of Works and Human Settlements to explore possibilities of foreign investments to implement the Ammo Chhu land reclamation project in Phuentsholing.
Phuentsholing Thrompon Kunzang Norbu said the project implementation was delayed due to lack of funds and the parliamentary elections.
“We presented the project to [...]    [read more]

Singing show controversy
Druk Star, the organizer of a similar show, Bhutan Star, which started a year earlier, says it is not fair that someone starts the same programme without informing him.
Nguldrub Dorjiks, the organiser of Bhutan Star, said that when he first brought in the concept of the show, he had a lot of hindrances but someone [...]    [read more]

Bhutan’s first industrial design certificate
The Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs handed over the first industrial design certificate to the creator on December 14 in Thimphu.
Kinzang Wangdi was the first person to receive the industrial design certificate after the Industrial Designs Registry became operational on May 1, 2009. Two of his designs were approved and registered, which means [...]    [read more]

Ngultrum- rupee peg prudent, RMA
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) says the existing peg exchange rate arrangement with India is prudent for Bhutan’s economy.
According to Managing Director of RMA, Daw Tenzin, because of the close economic ties with India and low level of integration with the international financial market, the RMA’s choice on peg arrangement is appropriate. In addition, [...]    [read more]

Prank callers misuse toll-free numbers
Toll-free numbers like 113 and 112 have become a pain for police stations and hospitals in the eastern dzongkhags with increasing number of prank calls.
113 is a toll-free service in police stations to report crime, fire and road accidents. 112 is a toll-free service in hospitals to report accidents and other medical emergencies.
According to police [...]    [read more]

Druk Star audition begins
The first round of audition for Druk Star, a singing show, was held in Thimphu on December 15.
Thirty-three eager contestants, most of them students, turned up for the audition at Norbuling Drayang.
Thirty-year-old Nim Dorji, a traffic policeman, was the first to be auditioned. He was participating in a singing competition for the first time. He [...]    [read more]

Bhutan News archive for 22 December 2009

December 22, 2009 - From

International Sources

India will help Bhutan’s democracy cause – Hindu
FIRST VISIT: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk being welcomed by President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. NEW DELHI: Describing Bhutan as …    [read more]

PM bats for success of democracy in Bhutan – Tribune
India pulled out all stops to accord a warm welcome to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk on his first overseas visit since his coronation in November last year, signing as many as a dozen agreements in hydropower, civil aviation, health and …    [read more]

Bhutan King arrives on 6-day State visit – New Kerala
New Delhi, Dec 21 : India and Bhutan will sign four agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for strengthening cooperation in hydel projects, information and communication technology, health and civil aviation during the six-day visit of …    [read more]

Pact with Bhutan for 4 hydel projects – Hindu Business Line
India and Bhutan stepped up their engagement in the power sector by signing new pacts, including a memorandum of understanding for four new hydel projects and for initiating consultancy services aimed at the preparation of a transmission grid master …    [read more]

Three Sibilings Hurt In High Point House Fire – digtriad.com
… siblings are originally from Bhutan and have spent the past 17 or 18 years living in primitive refugee camps in Nepal to escape persecution in their home country, according to World Relief, the non-profit agency contracted by the US State …    [read more]

India-Bhutan ink 12 agreements, four in hydropower (Second Lead) – Thaindian.com
New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) India and Bhutan Tuesday inked a dozen agreements, including four on hydropower generation, after Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held extensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The other agreements …    [read more]

India-Bhutan ink 12 agreements, four in hydropower – New Kerala
New Delhi, Dec 22 : India and Bhutan Tuesday inked a dozen agreements, including four on hydropower generation, after Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held extensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The other agreements were in …    [read more]

3 Refugees Hospitalized After High Point House Fire – My Fox 8
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Three Bhutanese refugees were hospitalized after their Asheboro St. home burned early Tuesday morning, according to Assistant Fire Marshall Don Hinshaw. The fire started at a rental home at 1200 Asheboro St. where three siblings …    [read more]

Bhutan King Wangchuck meets PM, signs several agreements – Newstrack India
New Delhi, Dec. 22 (ANI): Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday signed agreements in various sectors, including water resources to civil aviation. The 29-year-old Bhutanese sovereign is on his …    [read more]

India and Bhutan ink key pacts, MoUs – IndiaTimes
… agreements and as many MoUs in fields ranging from hydro power to health to IT to civil aviation were signed between India and Bhutan today in the presence of visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar … New Delhi will help Thimphu to achieve a …    [read more]

Kuensel – Bhutan’s National Newspaper

To do or to do away with?
The jury is out as MoE mulls over the issue

Lower Primary Exams 22 December, 2009 –

The education ministry will soon deliberate on whether Bhutanese schools should do away with year end written examinations in the first four years of primary education, i.e., classes PP to III.
   [read more]

BCCI submits updated wish list
A compendium of private sector concerns across the board

Economic Development Policy 22 December, 2009 –

The Bhutan chambers of commerce and industry (BCCI), representing various business organisations, submitted a list of grievances to the government last week, mainly revolving around the economic development policy (EDP).
   [read more]

Rabies outbreak in Thakurgoan, Samtse
22 December, 2009 – Although no new cases have been reported, veterinary officials have confirmed a rabies outbreak in Thakurgoan village, Samste, after the death of two calves and two suspected cases that were reported early this month.
   [read more]

Bound for Bodh Gaya
PROFIT FROM PIETY Fly-by-night ventures like this make it possible for pilgrims to reach their destination

22 December, 2009 – They get conned. They get robbed. They fall sick and some have even died. But the annual peace prayer in Bodh Gaya in Bihar draws Bhutanese like a magnet to the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
   [read more]

Bhutanese ambushed on Indian highway
22 December, 2009 – Two Bhutanese men, on their way to Phuentsholing from Samtse, were attacked by five Indian men, one armed with a khukuri, on the evening of December 19 on the Indian highway.
   [read more]

Three die in road accident
22 December, 2009 – Three people were killed on the spot on December 20 when the Alto car, they were travelling in, veered off the road and fell about 90 feet below the road, about two kilometres from the Taktikoti canteen on the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway.
   [read more]

Memey Ralang runaway winners
Trashigang Archery Tournament 22 December, 2009 –

The presence of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, the ruling party, in Trashigang will remembered for a long time, at least for archery enthusiasts.    [read more]

Zshongar best with bamboo
Traditional Archery Tournament 22 December, 2009 –

Archers of Zshongar XI call for a karey in the finals of the Druk Wangyel traditional archery tournament that was played at the Changlimithang archery range in Thimphu on December 18.

   [read more]

MPs may pay for more pay
22 December, 2009 – Whichever part of the globe it may be, salaries and perks of parliamentarians have never failed to draw a lot of flak.    [read more]

His Majesty arrives in New Delhi
21 December, 2009 – His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has arrived in New Delhi on a five-day State Visit to India.
   [read more]

Bhutan Observer

Bhutanese band performs in bands festival
Who’s Your Daddy, a Bhutanese rock band, performed for the second time in the South Asian Bands Festival on December 13 in Delhi.
The third South Asian Bands Festival took place between December 11 and 13 at the Purana Qila in Delhi.
Organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Collaboration with India’s Ministry of External [...]    [read more]

Lyonchhen’s address at Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
Below is the closing remarks by Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley at the Educating for Gross National Happiness conference
“Honourable Ministers, Dashos, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kudos to our facilitator, Ivy Ang, who somehow magically and graciously opened up the space to allow that expression within an atmosphere of  complete respect, safety, and warmth, while at the same time moving [...]    [read more]

His Majesty arrives in New Delhi
His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in New Delhi for a five-day State Visit to India. On his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, His Majesty the King was received by the Indian minister of state for commerce & industry – Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, the foreign secretary – Nirupama Rao and [...]    [read more]

Amo Chhu project eyes foreign investment
After two years of delay, the cabinet secretariat has directed the Ministry of Works and Human Settlements to explore possibilities of foreign investments to implement the Ammo Chhu land reclamation project in Phuentsholing.
Phuentsholing Thrompon Kunzang Norbu said the project implementation was delayed due to lack of funds and the parliamentary elections.
“We presented the project to [...]    [read more]

Singing show controversy
Druk Star, the organizer of a similar show, Bhutan Star, which started a year earlier, says it is not fair that someone starts the same programme without informing him.
Nguldrub Dorjiks, the organiser of Bhutan Star, said that when he first brought in the concept of the show, he had a lot of hindrances but someone [...]    [read more]

Bhutan’s first industrial design certificate
The Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs handed over the first industrial design certificate to the creator on December 14 in Thimphu.
Kinzang Wangdi was the first person to receive the industrial design certificate after the Industrial Designs Registry became operational on May 1, 2009. Two of his designs were approved and registered, which means [...]    [read more]

Ngultrum- rupee peg prudent, RMA
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) says the existing peg exchange rate arrangement with India is prudent for Bhutan’s economy.
According to Managing Director of RMA, Daw Tenzin, because of the close economic ties with India and low level of integration with the international financial market, the RMA’s choice on peg arrangement is appropriate. In addition, [...]    [read more]

Prank callers misuse toll-free numbers
Toll-free numbers like 113 and 112 have become a pain for police stations and hospitals in the eastern dzongkhags with increasing number of prank calls.
113 is a toll-free service in police stations to report crime, fire and road accidents. 112 is a toll-free service in hospitals to report accidents and other medical emergencies.
According to police [...]    [read more]

Druk Star audition begins
The first round of audition for Druk Star, a singing show, was held in Thimphu on December 15.
Thirty-three eager contestants, most of them students, turned up for the audition at Norbuling Drayang.
Thirty-year-old Nim Dorji, a traffic policeman, was the first to be auditioned. He was participating in a singing competition for the first time. He [...]    [read more]

Bhutan and carbon trading – The neo comparative advantage?
That Bhutan is at the forefront of preservation and conservation is well known worldwide. Now is the time for Bhutan to use the advantage that accrues from its policies on environmental conservation for bargaining in the global carbon bazaar.
Bhutan’s story on environmental conservation and abatement of climate change has been one of consistency and sustainability. [...]    [read more]