Bhutan Daily News 08-01-24

Saidpiece
Jan 8, 2024
2 min read

1. Preserving Tradition and Livelihood in Monggar

Efforts in Gongdu Gewog to preserve bamboo crafting and enhance villagers’ livelihoods are supported by the Queen’s Project Office. The formation of a Dagsa Tsharzo Detshen by farmers, aided by the office, has 13 members.

2. Closure of International Border Gates

Gelegphu and Phuentshogling international border gates have closed at 6 PM today and will remain shut until 6 PM tomorrow.

3. Bhutan Gears Up for General Elections

Tomorrow marks the general round of the Fourth National Assembly Elections in Bhutan. Over 6,000 officials, including security personnel, are deployed across 812 polling stations. Polls will open at 8 AM and close at 5 PM.

4. Winter Break Activities for Students

While many students use the winter vacation for leisure or studies, a growing number engage in sports coaching. Federation officials note an increasing trend in student participation in such coaching activities.

5. Consumer Price Index Report

The National Statistics Bureau’s report reveals a year-on-year Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 4.60% for November 2023, indicating a nearly five per cent rise in costs compared to the same period in 2022.

6. AI's Impact on Cybersecurity

Despite AI's positive impact, its negative influence in cyberspace is growing, causing harm through misinformation and deepfake videos. A story highlights the mental health impact of an AI-generated deepfake video and the legalities surrounding cybercrimes.

7. Transmission of Buddhist Text by His Holiness

His Holiness the Je Khenpo concluded a 10-day oral transmission of Gongdue, attended by various significant figures from Zhung Dratshang and monks from six eastern districts.

8. Electrification Milestone in Garsabi

Garsabi village, previously without power, received electricity for the first time on January 4, 2024, marking a transformative moment for its two households and aligning with broader development initiatives.

9. Forest Fire in Changidhaphu, Thimphu

A forest fire in Changidhaphu, Thimphu, broke out around 2:40 PM but has been brought under control with no reported casualties. The cause remains unknown.

10. Voter's Dilemma in Dagana

A 71-year-old man from Gozhi gewog aims not to miss voting this time, despite his dilemma in supporting one candidate over another in his constituency, Drukjegang-Tseza.