Latest News
What's happening across Bhutan, updated daily.
Poverty, climate risks and GNH indicators guide Thimphu’s gewog budget allocations
Thimphu district has allocated about Nu 706 M in the capital budget for the 2026-27 financial year, covering the district administration and eight gewogs. But the amount allocated to each gewog is det
via BBS News
Trade deficit widens to nearly Nu 24bn in Q2
Bhutan is importing considerably more goods than it exports, and the gap has widened in recent years. In the second quarter of this year alone, the country imported goods worth nearly Nu 43bn, leaving
via BBS News
India approves Nu 3bn for 12 new PTA projects under 13th FYP
Bhutan will see new investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, disaster management, and urban development. This comes under the latest tranche of Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects fr
via BBS News
Calls grow to expand and upgrade Samdrupcholing Hospital
Residents of Samdrupcholing Drungkhag in Samdrup Jongkhar are calling for the expansion and upgrading of the dungkhag hospital. The 10-bed facility, built about two decades ago, is no longer adequate
via BBS News
Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu calls for crematorium expansion
Crematoriums provide an important place for families to perform final rites and pay respects to their loved ones. Recognising its importance, the recent Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu discussed the need to
via BBS News
Papaling’s voting arrangement remains unresolved ahead of LG elections
The next Local Government election will be held next year. Residents of Papaling village in Chhukha remain concerned about their unique administrative arrangement. The issue was raised again during th
via BBS News
Chapchha residents seek relocation of RNR Centre closer to Gewog office
For residents of Chapchha Gewog in Chhukha, accessing certain public services can mean extra travel and longer waiting times. The Chapcha Gup said the distance between the Renewable Natural Resources
via BBS News
Homes in Paro, census in Haa: Three Bachakha households face service gaps
Three households in Bachakha Village, on the Haa-Paro border, are caught between two districts. Their homes and land fall in Paro’s Naja Gewog, while their census is registered under Samar Gewog in Ha
via BBS News
Home-based dialysis offers new option for kidney patients
Kidney patients in the country can now undergo dialysis from the comfort of their home, at a lower cost. Peritoneal Dialysis, or PD, was launched in the capital today, offering an alternative to hospi
via BBS News
Thukten Nyendra to represent Bhutan at Eurovision Song Contest Asia
Thukten Nyendra will represent Bhutan at the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia after winning the inaugural ‘Rhythm of Bhutan’ singing competition last night. He beat four other finalists to take
via BBS News
Keeping Bhutanese values alive in a changing world
In a country where traditions are closely tied to identity, some of the most important lessons are passed down not through books, but through stories and lived experiences. Today, during International
via BBS News
Engineers, planners trained to strengthen infrastructure against disasters
What happens when the next major flood hits our town? Or when an earthquake tests the strength of the buildings we live and work in? Several assessments revealed that Bhutan is not ready if such disas
via BBS News
Plan to establish education centre in Kanglung remains stalled after a decade
Plans to develop Kanglung in Trashigang into an education centre are unlikely to materialise in the current Five-Year plan. The plan did not make it to the government’s priority list for the 13th Five
via BBS News
Two cabinet ministers resign
Two ministers have voluntarily resigned from their Cabinet portfolios – Minister for Home Affairs Tshering and Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering. According to a news release from
via BBS News
Bhutan to expand complex surgeries with Thai medical expertise
Some complex surgeries that currently require Bhutanese patients to seek treatment abroad could eventually be performed in the country with support from Thai medical specialists. The National Medical
via BBS News
RMA reviews BNB over double deduction of maintenance charges
The Royal Monetary Authority is reviewing Bhutan National Bank’s double deductions of annual maintenance charges from some accounts recently. It affected more than 54,000 account holders. Action could
via BBS News
Workshop owners support Olakha infrastructure development, raise business concerns
Most workshop owners at Olakha in Thimphu have cleared scrap materials and other obstructions from areas identified for removal, following a notice from Thimphu Thromde to clear encroachments on state
via BBS News
Five voices, one ticket to the world stage: Bhutan set to crown its first Eurovision Asia star
The stage is set. Tomorrow night, five finalists step into the spotlight for Rhythm of Bhutan, the grand finale that will crown the country’s first-ever representative at the inaugural Eurovision Song
via BBS News
Paro FC, Abu Muslim Farah FC eye AFC Challenge League group stage
Paro FC will host Afghanistan’s Abu Muslim Farah FC at Changlimithang Stadium tomorrow, with a place in the AFC Challenge League group stage at stake. During this afternoon’s pre-match press conferenc
via BBS News
Result of the Selection Interview for the Post of Assistant ICT Officer
Result of the Selection Interview for the Post of Assistant ICT Officer Bhutan Broadcasting Service is pleased to announce the results of the selection interview for the post of Assistant ICT Officer.
via BBS News
Taktse businesses see new hope with student return
The resumption of student enrolment at the Trongsa College for Heritage and Contemporary Studies has brought renewed hope to businesses in Taktse village. Shops and rental buildings near the college h
via BBS News
Tender for the supply of Annual Stationery Items
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited would like to invite sealed quotations from eligible firms for the “Supply of Annual Stationery Items” for the Financial Year 2026-2027. The bid det
via BBS News
Hailstorm damages chilli saplings, hits farmers’ income
For many farmers in Changray village under Dragteng Gewog in Trongsa, chilli cultivation is an important source of income. Farmers earn not only from selling chillies but also from chilli saplings, wh
via BBS News
24-Hour SDF waiver to expand beyond Rinchending from September
Regional tourists using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver will soon be able to travel beyond Rinchending and visit two new destinations in Phuentshogling. The move is part of efforts to turn the border town
via BBS News
BFDA tightens controls on imported Langra mangoes after calcium carbide detected
The Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, BFDA, has strengthened controls on imported Langra mangoes after it detected calcium carbide in 12 out of 34 mango samples tested. Calcium carbide is a toxic chemic
via BBS News
Foreign reserves fall by USD 31M but remain above critical level
The country’s foreign reserve stood at USD 1.19bn as of July this year. During the Meet the Press session, the finance minister said although this is a slight decrease compared with the previous month
via BBS News
Haa communities risk losing farm road funding over poor maintenance
Communities in Haa could lose future farm road development funding if they fail to maintain existing roads. The Haa Dzongkhag Tshogdu has decided to link future road funding to community responsibilit
via BBS News
Local leaders seek 24-hour fuel service at Pam depot in Trashigang
Local leaders in Trashigang have unanimously decided to write to Tashi Oil Distributor, requesting the company to resume round-the-clock refuelling service at the Pam fuel depot. Local leaders said th
via BBS News
Breastfeeding and ‘Warm Chain’: why support around mother matters
Breastfeeding is often spoken about as a mother’s responsibility. But for many women, especially in the first weeks after childbirth, breastfeeding can come with pain, exhaustion, sleepless nights and
via BBS News
SP+ capsules most commonly trafficked drug, OAG Annual Report says
Spasmo Proxyvon Plus, SP+ capsules made up nearly 80 per cent of all drug trafficking cases handled by the Office of the Attorney General, OAG, in the last financial year. According to the OAG’s annua
via BBS News
Industrial park access road awaits repair despite years of complaints
Despite repeated complaints, the access road to the Phuntsho Rabtenling Industrial Park in Samdrup Jongkhar has remained unrepaired for more than two years now. Navigating the poorly maintained road h
via BBS News
Half a year that changes everything
A single policy gave Bhutan’s civil servants half a year at home with their newborns and, with it, the ability to breastfeed the way doctors advise. For the mothers it reaches, it has changed everythi
via BBS News
Surgical, precise, contained – Bhutan’s blueprint for mining without scars
Bhutan is among the few countries globally that absorb more carbon than it releases. The Constitution mandates that most of its land stay forested for all time. Now, after its first nationwide survey,
via BBS News
Health ministry to expand lactation management units nationwide by year-end
Exclusive breastfeeding is not just about how much breast milk a mother can produce. It is more about understanding the techniques of proper breastfeeding. To help mothers in their breastfeeding journ
via BBS News
Residents rely on temporary water source after flash flood damages system
A flash flood on Tuesday evening has cut off the main water supply to 55 households in Tangsibi Chiwog in Bumthang’s Ura Gewog. The flood washed away the community’s water collection tank and primary
via BBS News
Doctor shortage behind Damphu Hospital’s limited consultation tokens
Seeking a medical appointment at Damphu Hospital in Tsirang is becoming not only difficult but also costly for some patients. Many return home without seeing a doctor after failing to secure consultat
via BBS News
Paro FC’s road to AFC Challenge League begins Tuesday
Paro FC are preparing for another continental test as they chase a third consecutive AFC Challenge League group stage appearance. The reigning Bhutan Premier League champions will host Afghanistan’s A
via BBS News
Three sentenced for smuggling USD 450,000 out of Bhutan
The Paro District Court has sentenced three individuals for smuggling USD 450,000 out of Bhutan. The case surfaced when one of them was caught with the cash in Bangkok by Thai customs officials in Jun
via BBS News
Bhutan’s industries struggle to grow beyond small scale: Annual Industry Report 2026
More than 95 per cent of Bhutan’s industries are still operating as cottage and small businesses, with very few growing into medium or large enterprises. According to the latest Annual Industry Report
via BBS News
Bhutan maps what lies beneath; finds copper, tungsten and promise of heat
Bhutan now has a detailed picture of what lies beneath most of its mountains. The Department of Geology and Mines (DGM), under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), has completed the i
via BBS News
World Breastfeeding Week highlights lifelong benefits of breast milk
Breast milk is often described as a baby’s first vaccine. According to the World Health Organisation, breast milk is safe, clean and rich in antibodies that protect children from infections and may lo
via BBS News
Many businesses still adjusting to GST compliance as DRC tightens enforcement
For thousands of businesses across Bhutan, the Goods and Services Tax, GST is no longer just a new tax system. It has become part of their daily operations. Businesses are now required to issue GST-co
via BBS News
New paver block road ends years of monsoon disruptions in Garpawoong village
What was once one of Garpawoong village’s biggest challenges has become one of its biggest improvements. After years of washed-out roads and difficult journeys, residents now have a stronger, longer-l
via BBS News
Insurance companies pay over Nu 15 M in June earthquake claims
Close to one thousand affected individuals across the country have filed insurance claims for damages their properties sustained from the magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck Bhutan in June this year.
via BBS News
Caregiver support programme strengthens emotional wellbeing and parenting skills
In 2021, 75 ECCD facilitators and district education officers in Tsirang, Trashigang and Punakha were trained to help caregivers manage stress, build confidence and strengthen relationships with child
via BBS News
Tergola to become model for Red Panda conservation-led ecotourism
Tergola in Haa, home to Bhutan’s largest recorded population of Red Pandas, is set to become a model for conservation-led ecotourism. The initiative aims to protect one of the country’s most important
via BBS News
30 Years of climate data to guide farmers under new Agriculture Resilience Plan
Climate change is making farming less predictable. Changing rainfall, rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather are forcing farmers to rethink what they grow. To help them make better deci
via BBS News
Bhutan Sports Ventures launched to build sustainable sports economy
Bhutan has taken a major step towards building a sustainable sports economy with the launch of Bhutan Sports Ventures, the commercial arm of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, BOC, in Thimphu, yesterday. T
via BBS News
Dungna-Maedtekha road remains incomplete, local leaders raise concerns
It has been more than a decade since residents of Dungna and Maedtekha Gewogs in Chhukha were promised a fully blacktopped road. But even to date, the road remains in poor condition, forcing residents
via BBS News
Bhutan recurve archer Kinley Tshering clinches gold in Dhaka
Bhutan’s recurve archery team delivered an encouraging performance at the World Archery Asia President’s Challenge Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with Kinley Tshering winning the gold medal. The tournament
via BBS News
CLCS renamed, adopts new academic direction
A college that once struggled with declining enrolment is taking a new approach to remain relevant. The College of Language and Culture Studies in Trongsa has been renamed the Trongsa College of Herit
via BBS News
New East-West Highway to boost airport access and GMC connectivity
As Gelephu Mindfulness City continues to take shape, attention is turning to the roads that will keep the city moving. A new East-West Highway is set to improve access to the airport while linking key
via BBS News
Harvester failures delay wheat harvest in Bumthang
Wheat is a major cash crop for farmers in Bumthang. However, farmers there are often unable to harvest their crop on time due to delays caused by harvester machine failure. Local leaders raised the co
via BBS News
Local leaders raise concerns over revised FLT
As the country prepares for the Local Government elections, the revised Functional Literacy Test is drawing mixed reactions. During the Chhukha Dzongkhag Tshogdu, local leaders called for a minimum ed
via BBS News
A personal tribute that became a world record
A deeply personal tribute inspired by love and gratitude for Bhutan’s Monarchs has brought international recognition to the country. What began as one Bhutanese man’s way of honouring the Kings has gr
via BBS News
Paro calls for permanent gynaecologist after 10-year gap
Paro has one of the strongest maternal-health records in the country. Nearly every baby born in a hospital, and last year, not a single mother or newborn was lost. Yet the district has gone a decade w
via BBS News
Gewogs within GMC to retain elected local leaders, says ECB
People of gewogs within the Gelephu Mindfulness City, GMC, will keep their elected local leaders. The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) confirmed that the establishment of the GMC will not cost resi
via BBS News
New investment plan aims to strengthen Bhutan’s water security
Bhutan’s relationship with water is growing uncertain. Climate change is putting increasing pressure on its water resources, threatening drinking water supplies, agriculture, hydropower, and increasin
via BBS News
One man’s plantation helps preserve an age-old tradition
In homes and temples across Bhutan, the day often begins the same way with a curl of fragrant smoke rising in prayer. It is a tradition almost as old as the faith itself. But the plants and trees that
via BBS News
National Remote Sensing Framework to improve use of satellite and drone technology
From monitoring forests and glaciers to preparing for disasters and planning infrastructure, remote sensing has become an important tool for governments around the world. It uses satellites and drones
via BBS News