Latest News
What's happening across Bhutan, updated daily.
BCCI elects new president and two vice presidents
Dr Trashi Wangyel will lead the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He secured the presidency in a closely contested second round of voting, while Jamtsho and Tenzin Jamtsho were elected as the t
via BBS News
Drukair calls off five proposed charter flights between Paro and Tel Aviv
Proposed direct flights between Bhutan and Israel will not go ahead. Drukair has decided not to operate five planned charter flights between Tel Aviv and Paro after assessing the safety and security r
via BBS News
Lingmukha farmers guard paddy day and night as ageing fence fails to keep wildlife out
Farmers in Lingmukha Chiwog in Punakha are struggling to protect their paddy from wildlife as the harvest season approaches. They spend their days chasing birds from their fields and their nights guar
via BBS News
Team Bhutan wins two awards at FIRST Global Challenge 2026 in South Korea
Team Bhutan has won two awards at the FIRST Global Challenge 2026 in South Korea, where four students and two mentors represented the country at the international robotics competition. The team finish
via BBS News
RCSC and RIM launch three programmes to strengthen civil service skills
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) and the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) have launched three programmes to strengthen the skills of civil servants, promote the responsible use of artifici
via BBS News
Lungta Art Festival brings traditional weaving and contemporary art together
The Lungta Art Festival 2026 is bringing traditional weaving and contemporary art together through an exhibition by Bhutanese contemporary artist Kunzang Wangmo, featuring 35 artworks alongside handwo
via BBS News
RTA opens exhibitions on Bhutanese textiles and the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s legacy
The Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu has opened two exhibitions, Beyond the Weave and Yabsay, showcasing contemporary interpretations of Bhutanese textile traditions and the life and legacy of His Maj
via BBS News
Thimphu Thromde opens two service centres, launches WhatsApp chatbot
Thimphu Thromde has opened two extended service centres and launched an official WhatsApp service chatbot to make municipal services more accessible to residents. The initiatives are part of the Throm
via BBS News
BFF Academy marks milestone with first Cambridge Checkpoint examination
BFF Academy has been combining classroom learning with football training since it was established in 2022. Now, the academy is introducing another academic pathway for its students. Its first batch of
via BBS News
Tourist arrivals up more than 28 per cent in September
The country received more tourists in September this year than in the same month last year. According to the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) monthly tourism bulletin, tourist arrivals last month increas
via BBS News
NCHM’s pilot siphon system achieves stable flow at Thorthormi Glacial Lake
The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) has successfully tested a pilot siphon system at Thorthormi Glacial Lake in Lunana yesterday. The technology is being explored as an alternativ
via BBS News
Bhutan’s electricity production rises by 40 per cent, but oil imports remain high
Bhutan’s electricity production increased by 40 per cent last year, with exports to India rising by nearly 45 per cent. However, the country continues to depend heavily on imported petroleum products,
via BBS News
Tender for the Supply of Chairs
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited would like to invite sealed quotations from eligible firms for the “ Chairs ” supply. The bid details are as follows: For further clarification, con
via BBS News
Bumthang farmers urge FMCL to provide more paddy harvesters
Paddy farmers in Bumthang are struggling to harvest their crops on time because of a shortage of working paddy harvesters. Farmers say frequent machine breakdowns and delays are forcing them to resort
via BBS News
Old Babesa sewerage ponds being transformed into ecological park
Thimphu residents seeking outdoor leisure could have an additional recreational park to explore. Tshalumarphey Ecological Park in south Thimphu is 20 per cent complete, with key infrastructure works f
via BBS News
Trongsa’s Monpa community works to preserve Kulungma Osa tradition
What happens to a community’s cultural identity when a tradition survives only in memory? For the Monpa community in Trongsa, the question is a real one. Kulungma Osa, their traditional dress, is at r
via BBS News
Some Indian banks yet to accept UPI payments from Bhutanese banking apps
Bhutanese users may continue to face difficulties making digital payments in India as the second phase of the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, linkage is gradually rolled out. According to the Fore
via BBS News
Long-awaited bailey bridge construction begins in Wangphu Gewog
Residents of Serchhenmo and Haila villages in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Wangphu Gewog have long struggled with the daily commute to the Gewog Centre, even though a farm road connects them. That is now set to
via BBS News
MoIT working on long-term measures and faster response for Wangdue-Thimphu highway
The Wangdue Phodrang-Thimphu Road corridor is facing growing pressure from extreme weather, with landslides, road damage and poor drainage affecting several stretches. The Ministry of Infrastructure a
via BBS News
Investigation report on Zhemgang Dzongda to be forwarded to RCSC
The investigation report regarding the local government leaders seeking the Zhemgang Dzongda’s transfer will be forwarded to the Royal Civil Service Commission. The Prime Minister said this during the
via BBS News
Bhutan and Japan mark 40 years of ties with focus on local community cooperation
Bhutan and Japan are marking 40 years of diplomatic relations, with renewed focus on strengthening cooperation between local communities. A symposium in Thimphu brought together representatives from t
via BBS News
His Royal Highness Gyaltshab graces consecration of Riwang Choeling Monastery in Lhuentse
His Royal Highness Gyaltshab graced the consecration of Riwang Choeling Monastery at Khoma Gewog in Lhuentse yesterday. Goshri Gyaltshab Rinpoche presided over the ceremony. Ashi Yeatso Lhamo, Yab Das
via BBS News
Bhutan short of about 700 health professionals
A health system is only as strong as the people who keep it running. However, Bhutan continues to face a shortage of healthcare professionals. Although recruitment has increased in recent years, gaps
via BBS News
Government identifies nearly 400 issues affecting businesses
The government’s review of business rules has identified nearly 400 issues that businesses say are making it harder to operate. The main concerns are access to land, taxes, markets and licensing. The
via BBS News
Dzongkha pronunciation and spelling remain challenge for students, educators say
Many Bhutanese students struggle to speak and write Dzongkha correctly, even though it is the country’s national language. Educators say the language environment at home and school, along with the way
via BBS News
OnMyMind campaign sees 16 per cent increase in children seeking support
More adolescents in the country are now aware of signs of stress. If the findings of the OnMyMind campaign are any indication, many of them are also willing to seek help. The campaign officially concl
via BBS News
Bhutan wins 11 awards at South Asian Travel Awards
Bhutan’s cultural heritage and diverse hospitality offerings earned regional recognition at the 10th South Asian Travel Awards in the Maldives. The country was named the Best Leading Heritage Destinat
via BBS News
Mental health problems among older people often overlooked
Mental health problems among older people are often overlooked, as symptoms related to depression and cognitive decline are frequently dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Psychiatrists say this can
via BBS News
List of Shortlisted candidates for the post of Cameraman.
List of Shortlisted candidates for the post of Cameraman. The Practical test will be conducted o n 13 October, 2026 at BBS head Office from 9:30 AM.
via BBS News
New national strategy aims to improve eye care coverage by 2030
Untreated eye conditions remain a leading cause of preventable blindness and visual impairment in Bhutan. Coinciding with World Sight Day, the Ministry of Health today launched a five-year National St
via BBS News
Over 30,000 vehicles expected in Gelephu for 108 Stupas raising
More than 30,000 vehicles have registered to travel to Gelephu for the raising of 108 Stupas on the first of November, with the number expected to increase. With thousands of people expected to gather
via BBS News
Regional Dialogue discusses how governments can prepare for future challenges
Governments need to anticipate and prepare for rapid changes in technology, climate, demographics and the global economy. This was discussed at the two-day Regional Dialogue on Future-Ready Governance
via BBS News
DK Bank gets in-principle approval to expand to Abu Dhabi
The Gelephu Mindfulness City could soon have a new financial gateway to the Middle East. DK Bank received In-Principle Approval (IPA) to establish a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi. However, DK Bank will stil
via BBS News
Communities trained to tackle climate risks
Erratic weather is making farming increasingly difficult in eastern Bhutan, with farmers facing unpredictable rainfall, drying water sources, and more pest and disease outbreaks. To help communities r
via BBS News
TENDER FOR OPERATION OF BBS CANTEEN SERVICES
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited (BBSCL) would like to re-invite sealed quotations from eligible and qualified firms/individuals for the operation of the “BBSCL Canteen Services”. T
via BBS News
Gelephu prepares to welcome tens of thousands for 108 Stupa event
Gelephu is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of devotees and visitors as the town gets ready for the raising of 108 Jangchub Chorten on November 1. Around 100,000 people are expected to gather fo
via BBS News
Pelsung marks first anniversary, nearly 1,000 youth trained
A year ago, Pelsung was established with a vision of giving Bhutanese youth a greater role in shaping the future of Gelephu Mindfulness City and the country. Since then, nearly a thousand young people
via BBS News
Bhutan U-15 team hopes to gain international exposure at FIFA festival
Bhutan is preparing to take part in the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, which begins on the 22nd of this month. For the young players, the tournament will be an opportuni
via BBS News
‘Tunnel 26’ opens new possibilities for Bhutanese cinema
A story that crosses borders, a production that brings together two film industries, and a technical sophistication that sets it apart. Tunnel 26: The Curse Beneath the Mountain has brought together f
via BBS News
Bhutanese students rethink plans to study in Australia
New student visa rules in Australia are prompting some Bhutanese to reconsider their plans. The changes barred most international students from bringing their partners or children, while those onshore
via BBS News
Civil service exits rise, but voluntary resignations decline
More than 2,500 civil servants left the civil service in the last financial year. The Royal Civil Service Commission, RCSC says the increase was mainly due to contract completions and retirements. But
via BBS News
Motithang Higher Secondary School among finalists for Zayed Sustainability Prize
Motithang Higher Secondary School is among the Top 10 finalists in the Global High Schools category of the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize for its smart agriculture project aimed at reducing water use
via BBS News
Cricket coaching programme expands to monastic institutions
Cricket is being introduced more systematically in monastic institutions through a new train-the-trainer programme in Thimphu. Some 50 monks and nuns from 22 monasteries and six nunneries across the c
via BBS News
Students with special educational needs put skills on display
Recognising every child’s unique abilities and giving them the space to shine can make all the difference. At Changangkha Middle Secondary School, students with Special Educational Needs took centre s
via BBS News
Three stolen phurbas recovered and returned to Thadra Goenpa
If not for the two Singaporeans, Thadra Goenpa in Thimphu would never have found its three phurbas or ritual daggers. They were stolen from the goenpa back in 2023. But today the ritual daggers are ba
via BBS News
Cordyceps income reshapes gender roles in Lunana
Nestled in the far north of Bhutan, Lunana is known for its remote landscape and rapidly receding glaciers. But beyond these visible changes, another transformation is quietly unfolding. Over the year
via BBS News
Bhutan looks to grow its own hybrid vegetable seeds
Producing more vegetables is not just about having more farmland or better farming techniques. It starts with something much smaller: the seed. Bhutan is now looking to strengthen its capacity to prod
via BBS News
Tender for the supply of Tyres and Tubes
The Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited would like to invite sealed quotations from eligible firms for the “Supply of tyres and tubes” for the Financial Year 2026-2027. The bid details are
via BBS News
Black Mountain Festival brings Trongsa’s oral traditions to life
What if the stories behind Trongsa’s past could come alive on stage? At the fifth Black Mountain Festival, communities did just that, bringing generations-old stories and traditions to life through pe
via BBS News
Empowering women through solar-powered irrigation
Women make up more than half of Bhutan’s agricultural workforce, according to the Industry Census Report. Yet, they have often had little say in the technologies designed to make farming easier. In Pu
via BBS News
Dewachen Spiritual Centre to take shape in Gelephu Mindfulness City
A new spiritual destination envisioned as a landmark within Gelephu Mindfulness City is taking shape in the south. The Dewachen Spiritual Centre aims to establish a world-class sanctuary for spiritual
via BBS News
Forensic lab saves more than Nu 8.5 M in overseas costs
What once took months now takes less than a week. Since Bhutan’s forensic science laboratory opened some three years ago, police say the entire process, from analysing evidence to producing a report,
via BBS News
Trashigang archery tournament turns entry fees into community funding
Thirty-six teams, one champion, and a top prize. A mega archery tournament is underway in Trashigang. But the tournament is doing more than crowning a winner. The entry fees are helping build a commun
via BBS News
Long-awaited access road finally reaches Bangtsho
Bangtsho has been part of Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde since 2011. But for the residents, urban life felt a bit distant, with the road to their homes existing only as a promise. Now, that promise is final
via BBS News
Seven Bhutanese hotels to represent country at South Asian Travel Awards
Putting Bhutan’s hospitality services before a regional audience, seven hotels will represent the country at the 10th South Asian Travel Awards in the Maldives next week. The event will offer an oppor
via BBS News
The long way down: Scout leaders walk Monggar’s old route, and invite the world
Some trails are built. Others are worn into the hillside by generations of feet. In Monggar, 48 Scout leaders, all of them teachers, walked one of the second kind on Friday. Their aim was to give an o
via BBS News
Bhutan ranks 74th in Global Innovation Index 2026
Bhutan has been ranked 74th out of 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2026, with strong performance in areas such as filmmaking and low-carbon energy. But officials say the bigger challenge
via BBS News
GMCA awards airfield construction contract for Gelephu International Airport
The Gelephu International Airport is moving into its next major phase of construction. With earthworks nearing completion, the focus is now shifting to the runway and other permanent airfield infrastr
via BBS News
Hundreds gather at Changlimithang for Tshigduen Soeldep Bumthrak Chhenmo
A sacred prayer dedicated to Guru Rinpoche is bringing together hundreds of devotees, monks and nuns in the capital. The seven-day 13th Tshigduen Soeldep Bumthrak Chhenmo is being held at Changlimitha
via BBS News
Gelephu flood protection project completed
Gelephu’s flood protection project is now complete, with the government formally handing over the completed works to Gelephu Mindfulness City today. The project strengthens four vulnerable river stret
via BBS News