Bhutan Daily News 25-01-24

1. Hydroponic Farming Enthusiasm in Lhamoi Dzingkha, Dagana

Hydroponic farming gains attention in Bhutan, with a young man in Lhamoi Dzingkha, Dagana, setting up a hydroponic farm. Growing various vegetables and fruits using water-based nutrient solutions, he faces challenges in determining the most suitable vegetables for this innovative farming method.

---

2. Delay in Completion of Irrigation Water Project in Kanakha Village, Dagana

An 18-million-ngultrum irrigation water project in Kanakha village, Dagana's Kana Gewog, initiated three years ago, remains incomplete despite missing multiple deadlines. The project is part of the Water Flagship Programme and is crucial for paddy cultivation in the chiwog. Delays have led to concerns, with people starting to leave their villages.

---

3. Launch of Pilot Bus Priority Lane Raises Questions on Readiness

The pilot bus priority lane, introduced more than six months after its announcement, has started. Allowing specific vehicles to use the left lane during peak hours, opinions vary on whether Bhutan is ready for such priority bus lanes. While some appreciate the effort to ease traffic congestion, others express uncertainty.

---

4. Winter Traditional Archery Coaching Camp Promotes National Sport

The Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association organizes a Winter Traditional Archery Coaching Camp in Thimphu to preserve and promote the national sport. Children learn archery techniques, archery dance, safe bow drawing, and the significance of the sport during the five-day camp.

---

5. Commencement of the Fourth Parliament with Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

The first sitting of the National Assembly of the Fourth Parliament begins, marking the end of the 10-day petition period. Lungten Dorji and Sangay Khandu are elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, through a secret ballot. The session sets the stage for parliamentary engagements and the pursuit of Bhutan's collective welfare.

---

6. Appeal to Allow Regional Tourists Beyond Ammo Chhu Bridge

Restaurant and hotel owners in Panbari, Tading Gewog, Samtse, urge authorities to permit regional tourists and day visitors to explore beyond the Ammo Chhu bridge. Currently limited to the bridge, businesses miss potential customers. The appeal seeks authorization for visitors to explore up to Panbari.

---

7. Growing Trend of Vlogging in Bhutan

With easy access to social media platforms, Bhutanese are increasingly engaging in vlogging on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. While vlogging serves as a form of self-expression and entertainment, it has also become a lucrative source of income for some content creators.

---

8. MoU for Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Wood Engineering Technology

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed in Switzerland, focusing on cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, specifically in Wood Engineering Technology. The collaboration involves the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Bern University of Applied Sciences, and the Centre for Sustainable Development and Cooperation (CDC), Switzerland.

---

9. Change of Kabney/Rachu and Oath of Affirmation at the First Sitting of the Fourth National Assembly

The First Sitting of the Fourth National Assembly commences with Members taking the Oath of Affirmation of Office. A ceremonial change of Kabney/Rachu signifies their official roles as Members of Parliament. Lungten Dorji is elected as Speaker, and Sangay Khandu is elected as Deputy Speaker, setting the stage for parliamentary proceedings.

---

10. Sangay Khandu Elected as Deputy Speaker

Sangay Khandu, the MP-elect from Trashicholing, is elected as Deputy Speaker with 40 'Yes' votes and 7 'No' votes. This election follows the commencement of the Fourth National Assembly's First Sitting, highlighting the democratic process in Bhutan's parliamentary system.