Bhutan Daily News 01-02-24

1. Bhutan's Loss to Indonesia in ACC Men’s T20 International Challenger Cup

In the ongoing ACC Men’s T20 International Challenger Cup in Thailand, Bhutan lost its opening group match to Indonesia by 16 runs. Bhutanese bowlers did a decent job of restricting Indonesia to 132 runs. However, despite gallant efforts by Captain Thinley Jamtsho and Suprit Pradhan, Bhutan fell short of the target.

---

2. Archery's Cultural Significance in Bhutan

Archery in Bhutan is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and tradition. Archery is not just a sport in Bhutan but also a significant social and festive activity. Archery tournaments are an integral part of the Bhutanese way of life. One such tournament is the “Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk Memorial Archery Tournament” conducted in Phuentshogling for decades. One of the regular participants is an 86-year-old man whose passion for the sport knows no bounds.

---

3. Revival of Bala-Bonko Festival in Wangdue Phodrang

The Bala-Bonko in Wangdue Phodrang, a culture once on the brink of fading has now returned to its vibrancy. In the past, the festival saw fewer participants as students returned to schools and many villagers moved to summer residences during the time of the event. The festival which was conducted in the first month of the Bhutanese calendar until a few years ago is now being performed a month early.

4. Executive Order on Contract Employees Regularization

The Office of the Prime Minister has issued rationales behind the executive order to explore the feasibility of regularizing contract employees. According to the PMO, one of the compelling factors behind the recent executive order was considering the lengthy duration most contract employees have served in various positions, with some having worked on contract for more than a decade. The Cabinet Sub-Committee will now study contract employees in all government agencies and ministries throughout the country.

---

5. Reconstruction of Nimzhong Village Temple in Trongsa

From conducting prayer ceremonies to holding rituals for the deceased, the community temple plays a crucial role in any rural village. But Nimzhong residents in Trongsa have been facing problems for many years as the village’s only temple was almost falling apart until the reconstruction work started in 2019. With the reconstruction works complete, Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body consecrated the new Lhakhang yesterday.

---

6. Fatal Car Crash Involving Bhutanese in Nepal

Two Bhutanese have died in a car crash at Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal. The mishap happened yesterday. The accident injured five others including the Nepali driver. According to the Kathmandu Post, the jeep carrying six Bhutanese passengers was on its way to Milarepa cave when the accident occurred. The jeep reportedly skidded off a dirt road and plunged some 50 meters below. Following the incident, the district has banned vehicles that are more than 10 years old from carrying tourists in the region.

---

7. Recognition for DHI’s CEO Ujjwal Deep Dahal

Druk Holding and Investments, DHI’s Chief Executive Officer, Ujjwal Deep Dahal has been selected among the top ten sovereign wealth fund executives in Asia by the AsianInvestor. AsianInvestor is a part of the UK-based publishing group Haymarket Media. It is the leading publication dedicated to Asia’s investment industry, with a particular focus on asset owners. It has identified 10 outstanding executives implementing best practices and innovative thinking across sovereign wealth funds operating in the region.

---

8. Winter Buzz in Phuentshogling: 'Family Night Out' Event

During winter, Phuentshogling emerges as a vibrant hub, drawing visitors nationwide for shopping and leisure. Capitalizing on this seasonal influx, the Phuentshogling Thromde is gearing up for the 'Family Night Out' event scheduled for this Friday and Saturday.

---

9. Increase in Bhutan's Public Debt

The country’s total public debt has increased by almost Nu 7bn in the fourth quarter of last year as compared to the preceding quarter. According to the finance ministry’s quarterly Public Debt Situation Report, the total public debt stands at almost Nu 280bn as of 31st December. The majority of the total debt, which is 90 per cent constitutes external debt.

---

10. Bhutanese Representation at the Orion 37th Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship

Five golfers are representing the country at the Orion 37th Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship underway in Bangladesh. The tournament, which kicked off today, has 100 golfers from eight other countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Australia. The four-day championship will end on Saturday. After the first two days, scores will be calculated to decide the players advancing to the championship's second half.