Bhutan Daily News 19-01-24
- Saidpiece
- Jan 20, 2024
- 3 min read
1. Rising Hypothermia-Related Deaths in Bhutan During Winter
As Bhutan grapples with severe winter conditions, hypothermia cases, often associated with alcohol intoxication, have resulted in over 20 deaths annually for the past three years. Records from the Royal Bhutan Police highlight the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent further fatalities during the cold season.
2. Fatal Car Accident Claims Lives of Father and Son
Tragedy struck near Chaplichu, with a fatal car accident claiming the lives of a father and son on their way to Bumthang. The vehicle veered off the road, plunging 300 meters down a steep cliff. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident, while the mother and daughter, injured in the incident, receive treatment at Gelephu Hospital.
3. Nikachhu Hydropower Project Milestone Achieved
A significant milestone is reached as one unit of the Nikachhu Hydropower Project in Trongsa is connected to the national electricity grid. With two units generating 59 megawatts each, the project is poised to contribute significantly to the country's energy security, aiming for an annual revenue of Nu 1.6 billion.
4. Empowering CSIs and SMEs in Policymaking Through "Voice for Green Change"
The Handicraft Association of Bhutan, alongside other organizations, launches the "Voice for Green Change Partnership" project. This initiative seeks to empower Cottage and Small Industries (CSIs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Civil Society Organizations by involving them in policymaking, thereby strengthening their capacities.
5. Bhutan Participates in the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit
A Bhutanese delegation, led by Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, attends the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda. The theme, "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," underscores the importance of multilateral engagement for developing nations. Bhutan has been a member of NAM since 1973.
6. Irrigation Woes Force Shift in Farming Practices in Samkhar Village
Farmers in Samkhar village, Trashigang, face challenges due to the lack of irrigation water. Damaged pipelines, occurring three years ago during farm road construction, compel farmers to leave paddy fields fallow. Some have transitioned to cultivating vegetables, highlighting the impact of irrigation issues on agricultural practices.
7. Village Youths Preserve Tradition by Learning Mask Dances
In Pema Gatshel, the shortage of mask dancers during Nangkor Tshechu is addressed as a group of students step forward to learn and perform traditional mask dances. This initiative by youths helps sustain cultural traditions during tshechus, especially in rural areas facing a shortage of skilled performers.
8. 15-Year Sentence for School Sports Instructor Convicted of Statutory Rape
Zhemgang District Court sentences a 28-year-old school sports instructor, Kelzang Dawa, to 15 years in prison for statutory rape. The convict, from Yangneer Gewog in Trashigang, admitted to raping a 12-year-old girl. The severity of the crime led to legal consequences, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
9. Detection of New COVID Variant JN.1 in Bhutan
Bhutan reports the presence of the latest COVID variant, JN.1, in the community. The Royal Centre for Disease Control confirms its detection through routine surveillance. While the variant is deemed more transmissible, health authorities prioritize vaccination efforts, focusing on high-risk populations, with global health organizations providing guidance on the variant's impact.
10. Bhutanese Delegation Attends Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Uganda
Foreign Secretary Pema Choden leads a Bhutanese delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda. The summit, themed "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," highlights Bhutan's commitment to multilateral engagements and cooperation with other developing nations.
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