Bhutan Daily News 25-03-23

1. Besides the religious and spiritual significance, Buli lake is an asset to the people of Buli in Nangkor Gewog of Zhemgang. Homestay, which is a relatively new concept in the village, is fast becoming a lucrative business as an increasing number of pilgrims from across the country visit the sacred Buli Moenmo lake.

2. Nettle plant has traditionally been used to make ropes, jackets, bags and blankets among others. The practice of making yarns from nettle plants lost its popularity in many parts of the country after cotton became easily available. But in Lauri Gewog of Samdrup Jongkhar, people are not only keeping the tradition of producing nettle yarn alive but also making a good income from its sale.

3. After five years of venturing into complete organic farming, Gungring village of Chhuzom Gewog in Sarpang is on the right track. In 2018, the Department of Agriculture identified the village as a Model Organic Village to improve the livelihood of people through crop diversification and income generation.

4. With a proposed budget of around Nu 260 M, the fourth National Council or NC elections will be the most expensive NC election to date. This is despite the Election Commission of Bhutan or the ECB taking various cost-cutting measures. The state already spent around Nu 22.5 M in campaign funds for the candidates.

5. Bhutanese footballer Chencho Gyeltshen is set to join Nepalese side Machhindra Football Club soon. Although the contract has not been signed officially due to his international engagement, he said transfer talks are complete and the signing will be done after the international break. Machhindra FC is a two-time and the defending champion of Nepal's A-Division League.

6. Today, de-suups in Thimphu will begin a campaign for a green and clean city. The intention is to help beautify the city, but more importantly, to create awareness and encourage residents to help maintain green and clean spaces in Thimphu hereafter.

7. Many a time, when tourists try to pay their visa and sustainable development fee (SDF) through international payment gateway in Bhutan, the transaction fails. The tourists panic, and there is not much that can be done.

8. Consecutive national reports in recent years pointed out that the Bhutanese people need to eat more fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. Consumers in urban areas say that their monthly income cannot afford a healthy eating habit.

9. Gelephu Gewog has been seeing a growth in waste problems over the years without adequate waste collection and management services.