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𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 The number of wage dispute cases reported to the Department of Labour has been increasing over the years. This year alone saw almost 300 cases reported as compared to 330 cases in the whole of last year. The majority of wage dispute cases have been reported from the construction sector. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185198 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 Phuentshogling police recently arrested a 24-year-old man for an alleged burglary in more than twenty homes. The suspect, who is a truck driver, targeted the homes on the outskirts of Phuentshogling town between 6th and 19th of April. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185207 𝗥𝘂𝗲𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗮’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 The country’s only two wind turbines generating renewable electricity in Wangdue Phodrang’s Ruebisa Gewog are out of service. Wind turbine unit-two has been down since February 2021, while wind turbine unit-one was shut down in September of last year due to high voltage issues. The wind turbines were built as a pilot project in 2016 with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185192 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗳 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 In Trongsa, the construction of the first artificial turf football ground in the district is almost 90 per cent complete. However, the district does not have a budget for the main component of the ground, the artificial turf. There is also no budget allocated for the installation of a floodlight facility. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185194 An outbreak of African Swine Fever has been confirmed in Kuendrelthang Chiwog under Lhamoi Dzingkha Gewog in Dagana. According to livestock officials, the viral disease was detected in the chiwog after a pig died. Following the outbreak, the movement of live pigs, pork and pork products from and into the Lhamoi Dzingkha Gewog are restricted. The cause of the outbreak is being investigated. Livestock officials from the district veterinary hospital visited the site to assess the outbreak. This is the second time the Lhamoi Dzingkha Gewog reported the outbreak of the viral disease after Lungsila Chiwog in the Gewog reported the disease in February this year. The Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association is currently organising an inter-school tournament for under-15 students at Motithang Higher Secondary School in Thimphu to select the national players. Students from four schools in Thimphu are participating in the tournament. In the opening match today, both the boys and girls’ team of Dechencholing Higher Secondary School won against Taba Lower Secondary School. According to the association, the initial tournament which was held last year only featured baseball, a sport exclusively for boys; however, the current tournament also features softball for girls. The match will be played every Sunday until next month. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮 A team of researchers have identified two new species of orchid from Punakha. The species are new to science and belong to the Bulbophyllum genus. Although 62 species of orchids have been documented in Bhutan, the journal published by the researchers says the diversity of this genus is poorly surveyed and documented in the country compared to the neighbouring countries. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185171 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗬𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘁𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗵𝗵𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 With the Kholongchhu hydropower project yet to resume its work, businesses in Trashi Yangtse have started shutting down. From snooker halls to hotels to futsal business, all spheres of the business community have been affected after the project’s joint-venture model was dropped last year. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185154 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗞𝗮 𝗝𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗺 Punakha is vibrant on Zhabdrung Kuchoe, with the opening of a beautiful new Ka Ja Throm. The Punakha Ka Ja Throm opened today to enthusiastic visitors, who came to enjoy the gardens, food, live music, and the festive atmosphere of the farmer’s market. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185146

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His Majesty The King offered prayers at the sacred Machen Lhakhang of the Punakha Dzong on Zhabdrung Kuchoe today. On the auspicious occasion, His Majesty granted a Royal Charter for the establishment of Gerab Nyed-Yon, an autonomous entity to hold and manage the assets and investments of the Zhung Dratshang. His Majesty also granted dhar to appoint Trongsa and Gasa Dzongda. Wangdi Gyeltshen, who was serving as the Director of Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, was appointed the Trongsa Dzongda, and Jigme Namgyel, who was serving as the Director of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at JDWNRH is the new Gasa Dzongda. His Majesty granted red scarf to Tashi Dorji, the 3rd Chairperson of the National Council. Hundreds of devotees have gathered at the courtyard of Punakha Dzong to receive blessings from Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa Thongdroel today. The forest fire which started above YHSS in Thimphu at around 10 am is now contained. The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained. 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀’ 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹 It is not often that people who undergo training implement the knowledge they acquire from such training into action. However, in Nganglam Dungkhag under Pema Gatshel, a group of housewives who received a three-month tailoring training are now some of the newest tailors in the town. The tailoring business they started some seven months ago is now successfully running. 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗷𝗶 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗴 Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark has bestowed the Order of Dannebrog to Palden Dorji, Honorary Consul General of Denmark to Bhutan. The Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane presented the Order of Dannebrog to Palden Dorji yesterday in Thimphu. The Order of the Dannebrog is bestowed on doing an extraordinary service in the interest of Denmark. It was conferred in 2021 but due to COVID restrictions, it was presented yesterday. Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck graced the event. The diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Denmark were established in 1985. The Ministry of Finance and the United Nations Development Programme signed a new USD 1.54 M project to promote innovative, low-carbon, and technology-enabled farming solutions in eight districts of the country. The year-long project will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The new project will assist Bhutan’s efforts to transform its agri-food system for resilience in the face of climate change and other crises. It will support more than 2,000 farmers, including women and youth, and entrepreneurs in eight districts. The latest support is keeping in line with a series of projects supported by the Government of Japan and the UNDP. 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟! The 10th edition of the Enduring Friendship Mountain Bike Challenge finally returned after a three-year hiatus. In partnership with the Bhutan Olympic Committee and the Border Roads Organization Project Dantak, the race kicked off today at 7am, with over 49 participants in 100km category and 95 in 65 km. The event even have four women participants in both the category. This year’s event offers a unique opportunity for participants to take on a scenic route through the picturesque mountains of Bhutan. The race will be held in the following format: i) 100 km race ii) 65 km race The challenge caters to participants of all ages and skill levels. To add to the excitement, the event boasts of total prize money of over Nu 550,000 along with medals and certificates for all finishers. 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀 A queue of 10-wheeler trucks bearing Bhutanese and Indian registration numbers waiting to exit Phuentsholing is a common sight between 7pm and 11pm every day. https://kuenselonline.com/boulder-business-may-not-be-a-viable-with-suvidha-fees/ 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗮 Without household waste collection, many residents in Dagapela town resort to open pit burning which according to the Waste Prevention and Regulation, is an offense. https://kuenselonline.com/open-air-waste-burning-a-nuisance-in-dagapela/

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗲 – 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗻𝗮, 𝗗𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗮 The farmers of Pangna Chiwog under Drujeygang Gewog in Dagana have been facing challenges to guard their crops due to wildlife attacks for over a decade now. The reason, according to the farmers is because of the uncleared bushes by most of the landowners. The Drujeygang Gewog office is, however, exploring other measures to address the issue. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185106 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲- 𝗗𝗛𝗜 The country can expect to have a better future according to the Druk Holding and Investments or DHI. The company, which manages the country’s national wealth, says this is possible thanks to its investment in emerging technologies, including blockchain and digital asset mining projects. Blockchain is a digital ledger which records transactions in a secure and decentralized way. Digital assets are digital currency such as Bitcoin and Ethereum that uses blockchain technology to facilitate these transactions. According to a statement by the DHI, the company manages a number of investments that are spread across different locations around the world. Today, they are also investing in new and modern technology, like digital identity and blockchain. This is in line with their goal to create a sustainable and connected future for the country by investing and building a diversified investment portfolio that will help the country grow and be in a position to be a frontier in innovation and technology and stay relevant in the world fueled by the exponential growth of technology. According to Ujjwal Deep Dahal, DHI’s Chief Executive Officer, realizing the huge potential, Bhutan was able to make investments early on and current positions are good. One of the criticisms of digital asset mining is that the mining process uses a lot of energy, which contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. DHI clarifies that Bhutan is using 100% green energy to power the digital asset mining activities. Also the priority on the usage of energy is the least for this project considering that it has the least priority for consuming the domestic generation in the winter months. Digital asset mining is the process for verifying transactions by solving math equations using specialized computers. And those who solve the equations are rewarded with a certain amount of the asset. In the recent international article which has put DHI’s investment in a negative light, the CEO says although there were some payment and timing issues in closing the deal, it has now been settled and has no net negative impact in the portfolio. He clarified that the investment portfolio is in the net positive at this point in time considering the diversified portfolio DHI has created and risk management framework in place. And while there may be challenges and criticisms along the way, DHI says it is looking to the future with utmost confidence and is committed to investing today to deliver a better tomorrow for the people of Bhutan. Press Release The minister of the erstwhile Ministry of Information and Communications, Lyonpo Karma Donnen Wangdi officially resigned from the Cabinet position today. This is in keeping with the reorganization of the ten ministries to nine, a component of the ongoing Civil Service reform. Choosing to voluntarily step aside, Lyonpo Karma Donnen said it was an honor to play the critical role, as his stepping aside contributes to the shaping of the transformation initiatives. “As we embrace the changes to build a more progressive system in the country, it is gratifying to witness the merging, creation and dissolution of organizations and agencies,” Lyonpo said. “We are all part of the jigsaw that must fit well to create a dynamic and resilient structure that serves the nation.” Lyonpo Karma Donnen said he would always cherish being the part of the government that served the nation through the pandemic and now through the historic transformation under His Majesty’s guidance. “I will continue to serve my country in all possible ways, irrespective of the place and position,” he said. Thanking Lyonpo for the display of leadership spirit, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said it was a proud moment for the government as the move indicated implementation of the reform process. It also revealed the selflessness of the Cabinet as more than three ministers came forward with offers to resign from ministership. “They all considered the bigger interest of the nation rather than personal claims to stick to the position,” the prime minister said. “While we all seek change, it must start from oneself and this is what we are seeing.” According to the Lhengye Zhungtshog Act, a minister may resign after submitting an application of resignation in writing to the Prime Minister, at least 30 days in advance and subject to acceptance by the Druk Gyalpo. 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The construction of the country’s tallest stupa at Ura in Bumthang is now entering its ninth year. However, the construction of the external structure of the gigantic monument is nearing completion. Once complete, the Chorten will become the largest Namgyel Chorten in the country. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185034 𝗕𝘂𝗺𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗼-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Bumthang is renowned not just for its cultural significance and sacred landmarks. It is also known for its local delicacies and food. One of the widely sighted local edibles in the market is the chogo or dried cheese snack. In this report, we will look at how a man who is now in his 70s kick-started making his homemade soft chogos and passed on his craft to many others. 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘁𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 Bhutanese taxi drivers in Samtse are not happy with the neighboring Indian taxis doing local trips within Samtse town. According to a meeting held between the erstwhile RSTA office and taxi drivers of the two sides in 2019, a mutual agreement was met wherein Indian taxis can only bring and drop off passengers at the taxi stand in Samtse town. However, the Bhutanese cab drivers say today no one is following the agreement and it is severely affecting their business. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185072 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 As water sources in some areas of the country continue to dry up, it has become essential to find alternative water sources. One way is by developing springshed. A springshed is an area of land that contributes groundwater to a spring.  Officials said springshed development was tried in some villages as a pilot project and it proved to be a success. Today, the Tarayana Foundation is executing an eight-year springshed project in nine districts to revive dried water sources. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185074 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗗𝗣 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 Traders and drivers at the Mini Dry Port in Phuentshogling are questioning the time taken at the port to get goods cleared through customs. They say they have to wait a minimum of five hours and that the introduction of the new system, the electronic customs management system has made it worse. However, customs officials deny their claims. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185067 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼 Aspiring Bhutanese athletes’ love for the game of football initially began as a means of exercise. Over the years, the game drew bigger attention as the country saw some of its young athletes playing for international clubs. Many young Bhutanese football enthusiasts and parents alike started to see career prospects in pursuing the game as a profession and are undergoing training from a young age. In Paro, over a hundred youths are undergoing grassroots football coaching at the Wochu sports arena. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185069

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗲-𝗣𝗜𝗦 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 The National Referral Hospital has recently introduced the Electronic Patient Information System or e-PIS to enhance health care services by digitizing medical records. However, the hospital is unable to utilize the system to its full capacity as the health officials encountered network connectivity issues. The health ministry, the hospital and the GovTech agency are working collaboratively to improve the network. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185010 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 Overlooked by society, persons with disabilities are often brushed aside when it comes to receiving skills development programmes. Thus, they are left feeling the brunt of a lack of financial stability and independence later in life. Even with many policies in favour of Persons with disabilities, without firm implementation, they struggle to earn for themselves. To reverse this trend, Rural Education and Development Bhutan or READ Bhutan provided a three-day entrepreneurship programme in Thimphu for persons with disabilities. It intends to promote inclusive socio-economic development for socially vulnerable groups including people with disabilities. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185011 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – 𝗣𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹 The landowners of Bafudhar in Chhoekhorling and Gongribalay in Norbugang Gewog in Pema Gatshel are awaiting approvals to construct houses on their farmland. The land which the district administration developed for cultivation purposes is registered as a wetland. As it is far from the settlement, the farmers say it is difficult for them to guard their fields against wild animals. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185025 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 The day has finally dawned for 42-year-old Purkey Rai and her three special needs sons; they now have a place to call home. Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a UK-based charity has made this dream come true for the family. Up until today, the single mother who is the sole bread earner in the family has been living in a semi-permanent structure with her three sons who all suffer from cerebral palsy. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185027 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 – 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗷𝗲𝘆𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗴 The farmers of Pangna chiwog at Drujeygang Gewog in Dagana are looking forward to increasing their agricultural output. The Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Wangdue Phodrang has completed the construction of a water-storing pond using bentonite and red clay. The water stored in the pond will now help farmers to water their crops during the lean season and irrigate their paddy. The ARDC from Bajo handed over the pond to the Gewog administration recently. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185021 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗲 Stray dogs in Chamkhar town, Bumthang have become a menace loitering around the town, barking all night and biting children. Residents said that the dogs could be seen in packs of around 12 at different locations. https://kuenselonline.com/chamkhar-battles-stray-dog-menace/ 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀 There are more vehicles for sale than buyers going by the market situation today. While there are no statistics or studies to prove, many say thousands of Bhutanese leaving for abroad have saturated the market with used or second-hand vehicles. https://kuenselonline.com/sale-of-used-cars-drops/ 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗸𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗯𝘆𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗿𝗮 The Sanskrit school established almost 70 years ago still stands in Mendrelgang in Tsirang—a few kilometres from the gewog centre. Since the 1990s, the school has remained closed. However, in 2008, the government took it over and opened an Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre. https://kuenselonline.com/sanskrit-school-of-a-bygone-era/ 𝗕𝗣𝗟 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱𝘀 Pepsi Bhutan Premier League (BPL) Qualifiers 2023 which begins on April 30 will witness four new teams battle for a place in the league. Tsirang FC, Samtse FC, Phuentsholing City FC, and South Druk United FC from Gelephu will play with Tensung FC, Namlha FC, Thimphu Raven FC, and BFF Academy at Royal Thimphu College ground until the first week of June. https://kuenselonline.com/bpl-qualifiers-2023-to-feature-four-new-squads/

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴 Some farmers in Trashigang are unhappy with the quality of the plastic films in the greenhouse. According to the farmers, their greenhouses got damaged within a few months of installation. The Trashigang district administration provided the greenhouse material on a cost-sharing basis during the last financial year. The farmers have reported the matter to the district administration requesting intervention. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=185019 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗗𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼 Visiting Jela Dzong, a sacred site in Paro, has become much more accessible and convenient for visitors. Thanks to a hardworking group of volunteers who constructed a road leading to the dzong. In the past, the journey to the holy site involved hours of walking over rugged terrain. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=184971 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗵𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 If you are constructing a house at the moment, we have some bad news for you. The Natural Resources Development Cooperation’s sand stockyard in Wangdue Phodrang, which supplies sand to the western region, is about to run out of sand in a few weeks. The NRDCL says the sand deposits in the Punatsangchhu are also low this time and could lead to a drastic decrease in sand supply from next month. http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=184979 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 To address the issue of teacher shortage in schools under Thimphu Thromde, about 70 national contract teachers will be recruited in the coming months. https://kuenselonline.com/teacher-shortage-is-a-serious-problem/ 𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗗𝗙 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 The government waived the sustainable development fee (SDF) for 24-hour visitors in border towns starting April 14 this year. However, hoteliers in Gelephu are yet to enjoy the returns. https://kuenselonline.com/gelephu-hoteliers-yet-to-reap-sdf-waiver-benefits/ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮 Determining the value of land mortgaged for loans, loan interest rates, waste management and many more were on the minds of the people when an idea of a Community Engagement Platform (CEP), also known as Nangzom, was shared with the villagers of Chubu gewog, Punakha yesterday. https://kuenselonline.com/introduction-of-community-engagement-platform-in-punakha/ 𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗗𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 Dagaps chose Birendra Chimoria giving him a landslide victory over three other candidates from the dzongkhag when he contested for the second time. https://kuenselonline.com/we-chose-the-most-talented-candidate-dagana-voters/ 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 Namgay Dorji, a 28-year-old farmer, is staring at the five acres of farmland in Nobgang village in Samar, Haa where he has been working with his three friends. https://kuenselonline.com/youth-group-finds-hope-in-agriculture/ 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 A project aimed at reducing slope disasters on Bhutanese roads has been successful, thanks to a five-year collaboration between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). https://kuenselonline.com/japanese-expertise-to-help-reduce-slope-disasters-on-bhutanese-roads/

In line with the national priorities to transform education in the country, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development partnered with UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development to implement Digital Teacher Course last year. Since then, more than 5,000 teachers have undergone the course across the country so far. Unlike the ‘chalk-and-talk’ method of teaching, the Digital Teacher course helps teachers create relevant, authentic, and engaging learning experiences using digital technology. Although he has retired from his job, 61-year-old Samten Lhendrup, a popular master artisan in the east has not stopped sharing his wealth of knowledge with the young hands. He is now voluntarily nurturing and guiding the students of the College of Zorig Chusum in Trashi Yangtse, where he previously worked for 19 years. The Royal Civil Service Commission has increased the retirement age of all civil servants. The commission in a notification last week announced that the decision was made considering the increase in life expectancy to 70.2 years. The last revision of the superannuation age was made two decades ago. The immigration office in Phuentshogling has collected over Nu 30 M from user fees levied upon entering and exiting the pedestrian terminal until the end of March. The user fee of Nu 10 was introduced in November of last year. To meet the local demand and help cut down the import of pork and chicken from India, piggery and poultry farm owners started production in Pema Gatshel. However, due to a mismatch of pricing between the farm owners and the meat vendors in the district, farm owners have been facing difficulty in selling meat for more than a year now. For the villagers of Chhungen chiwog at Phangyuel Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, the threat of wild animals destroying their crops has been a cause of concern for years. A decade ago, it was wild boars and deer that wreaked havoc in their fields, but the installation of electric fencing in 2014 proved to be an effective solution. However, a new challenge has emerged in recent years. This time, it is the monkey which the electric fencing cannot keep at bay. Monkeys have been destroying crops and entering homes. The cold storage facilities in Sarpang and Wangdue Phodrang built at a combined cost of over Nu 94 M are still not in use after they were opened to the public around five months ago. People point out the lack of awareness of the availability of the facilities. They also say the facilities were inaugurated when fruits and vegetables were mostly out of season. However, officials in both districts started reaching out to the people recently in preparation for the upcoming harvest season. At least 39 of the total 82 promoters, who have leased land for their industrial ventures at Jigmeling industrial park, Sarpang have been terminated. The Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fab Lab (JNWSFL) has launched the National Fab Student Challenge to complement the National School Innovation Tournament of the education ministry.

Despite the ban on the import of pork, southern districts in the country continue to report frequent outbreaks of African swine fever. The government has spent nearly Nu 30 M in managing nine outbreaks and compensating the affected farm owners since 2021 when Phuentshogling reported the first outbreak.Despite the ban on the import of pork, southern districts in the country continue to report frequent outbreaks of African swine fever. The government has spent nearly Nu 30 M in managing nine outbreaks and compensating the affected farm owners since 2021 when Phuentshogling reported the first outbreak. The Education and Skills Development Ministry introduced Code Monkey, a game-based coding platform into the education curriculum in 2020. It was to encourage young Bhutanese minds to code and keep up with the rapidly changing digital world. Schools across the country have started teaching coding as part of the ICT curriculum. However, unreliable electricity and internet connectivity is a challenge. But Gasa is implementing Code Monkey in every part of the district against all odds. Leaseholders in Chamkhar town say they are not ready to vacate the old Chamkhar town and relocate their businesses to the new Local Area Plans or LAPs. They claim that basic amenities and infrastructure are not ready in the new town planning areas yet. Moreover, with land prices skyrocketing after the relocation announcement was made last year, they say buying plots in the three LAPs has become impractical. The Korean government has provided Bhutan with three garbage compactor trucks. The Korean Ambassador to Bhutan handed over the garbage compactor trucks to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources today. Two trucks will be allocated to Thimphu and one to Trashigang. The trucks will contribute to the effective collection and disposal of waste in urban areas. The compactor trucks cost more than Nu 4 M each. The residents of Lumpa village of Lingmukha Gewog in Punakha now have a safe drinking water supply. The Gewog Administration handed over the new safe drinking water project to the villagers recently. This brings an end to the water woes facing some 20 households in the village. The new water source, located about seven kilometers from the village, has been constructed by spending Nu 2 M. Schools under Thimphu Thromde say the School Strategic Plan which was implemented at the start of this academic year will benefit them in the long run. The Thromde’s education division initiated the plan that is intended to help guide the schools to focus on prioritized areas from 2023 to 2027. Moreover, the plans which are formulated by the respective schools will align with the 13th Five-Year-Plan. Money may not buy happiness, but for Tandin Wangchuk, it certainly comes close. The 28-year-old who works as a Barista at a café in the United Arab Emirates has become an instant millionaire, having won a lottery with a prize worth 1 million Dirhams, which is about 22.3 million ngultrum. He won the Weekly Raffle Draw of the Mahzooz Lottery last Saturday. The Health Minister says the people shouldn’t be worried amid the rise in cases of new COVID variants in India. This is because of the ongoing surveillance system in place and also due to the low COVID infection rate in the country according to the minister. Meanwhile, the fifth dose for elderly citizens above 65 years and people aged 18 and above with commodities will be rolled out on Thursday. Three waste collection trucks were handed over to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan by the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Bhutan this afternoon. Two of the trucks will be stationed to be used in Thimphu Thromde and one truck will be stationed in Dzongkhag Administration, Trashigang. The handing over of the trucks signifies the Republic of Korea's support in Bhutan's endeavor towards waste management.

The irrigation channel worth over Nu 18 M in Kanakha village of Dagana is expected to be completed within a few months. It was supposed to be ready by October last year but the pandemic and procurement of pipes delayed the work progress. Since the paddy transplantation season is next month, the villagers of Kanakha in Kana Gewog are worried that they will not be able to cultivate paddy this year. Tsherzam motorable bridge in Trashi Yangtse which was in dire need of maintenance is finally renovated. The district administration has replaced the old wooden panels with new ones which are also blacktopped. The bridge connects Yangtse town to Bumdeling Gewog. Long before the arrival of science based medical treatment, Bhutanese ancestors resorted to hot stone baths, locally known as Menchhu, to cure diseases. A Hot stone bath is a method of soaking in fresh water heated by roasted river stones for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Although still in practice among some Bhutanese today, this tradition is vanishing in some places of the country. In Chhoekhorling Gewog of Pema Gatshel, the villagers are trying to revive this tradition to turn it into an income generating venture. Situated in a high-altitude region, Gasa is known for its extreme climatic conditions which is not suitable for agriculture most times of the year. Add to this is what the locals call impacts of climate change which has made the climate even more erratic. To encourage the farmers there to practise agriculture, the district administration is exploring different alternatives. This year, the district is trying out a new method of using infrared heating system to grow fresh vegetables during cold and long winter season. The people of Serkhagphu-Yengkhartshing Chiwog of Dramedtse Gewog in Monggar are disappointed with their hazelnut production. According to the growers, they were told that the hazelnut trees would start bearing fruits after three to four years and boost their income. However, even after a decade, the trees have yet to bear fruits. There are more than 60 households that have planted hazelnut trees in the chiwog. His Majesty The King concluded a 9-day Royal Tour of the southern dzongkhags and arrived in Thimphu this evening. During the Tour, His Majesty visited Punakha, Tsirang, Sarpang and Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse and Phuentsholing, meeting with members of the community represented by sector heads, civil servants, local leaders, and the private sector. His Majesty also granted Audiences to the participants of the 57th Batch Accelerated Desuung training programme. The 57th Batch training is ongoing simultaneously in Dewathang, Tendruk, Tashicholing, Jigmeling, and Tashigatshel. With 1,159 participants, the 57th batch training takes up the number of DeSuups trained so far to 38,935. His Majesty also visited the Gyalsung Academy site being developed in Jamtsholing, Samtse, and met with the people working on the site, including participants of the Desuung for Gyalsung programme, who are being trained on the job in high-quality infrastructure development works. The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa revealed six candidates in Trashigang yesterday. The candidates will represent the party from constituencies in Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, and Monggar. Two-day Takila Annual Tshechu ended today in Lhuentse with Guru Tshengye Wang to the public. People were able to witness the Tshechu in-person for the first time after the Covid pandemic. More than 1,500 people gathered from the nearby districts to witness the Tshechu. The Jigme Namgyal Wangchuck Super Fab Lab will be hosting the International Fab Lab Fest in July. The event is expected to run a diverse range of programmes, talks, panels, and workshops ahead of and during the event. As a build-up programme for the international fest, the Super Fab Lab is conducting a National Fab Student Challenge in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Without access to a reliable irrigation water source, farmers of Uesarkha in Punakha’s Toewang Gewog have left most of their agricultural land fallow. The farmers, who depend on agriculture for their livelihood, have been leasing other’s land to grow paddy. An effort to revive their income, which is proving futile Dagana is known for its many sacred sites, each of which has a unique history and cultural significance. One such revered site is the Tha Namkhai Dzong located in Dagana’s Laja Gewog. Although the exact century or year of its construction remains unknown, it is believed that the sacred site was sanctified by the revered Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Pushing the boundaries of traditional paintings, Gempo Wangchuk, a Bhutanese contemporary artist, is exhibiting his latest collection of artworks in Taiwan. The exhibition titled ‘Worlds Within Us’, opened yesterday at the Tansbao Art Gallery in Taipei. The paintings are reflections on impermanence and spiritual transcendence. and awakening. As the ratio of women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM-related careers and activities remains below average, Women in STEM Bhutan launched the Girls Mentorship Programme coinciding with its first anniversary in the capital yesterday. As a pilot programme, 40 girls from schools across the country will be mentored for six months. This is to encourage young girls to engage in STEM-related activities. For years, residents of Haa have been rearing livestock for livelihood. The majority of the people there continue to practice this age-old tradition even today and they do it the traditional way. The households keep their cattle on the ground floor of their homes which is unhygienic. To change this practice, the Katsho Gewog Administration and the Gewog Livestock Extension office are helping farmers build separate sheds for livestock. Gyempo Wangchuk, a traditionally trained Bhutanese contemporary artist who was recently shortlisted for the 2023 Sovereign Asian Art Prize, is having a collection of his works exhibited at Tansbao Art Gallery in Taipei, Taiwan. The Exhibition titled “Worlds Within Us”, features a selection of the artist’s newest works. The exhibition started today with a seminar on “Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary”, with panelists Dr Liu Kwo Wei, researcher at the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, and Dr Li Bu-Yan, Professor of Fine Arts at Huafan University. Gyempo, who is attending the opening seminar, provided a collection of his reflective works, which take inspiration from Buddhist precepts and traditional Bhutanese art. On 21st April, the Sovereign Art Foundation announced that Gyempo’s work, titled “The Virus” was among 20 shortlisted for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize, from over 300 entrants. The website for the Foundation says that the Prize increases the international exposure of artists in Asia-Pacific while raising funds for programmes that support disadvantaged children using expressive arts. “Worlds Within Us” is Gyempo’s second Solo exhibition with Tansbao Gallery, which has been promoting Bhutanese artists abroad. The exhibition will be in place until the end of May, 2023. Meanwhile, the Gallery will also host a solo exhibition by Kama Wangdi, recipient of the National Order of Merit (Gold) in 2010, Bhutan’s foremost contemporary artist and founder of VAST Bhutan. The exhibition, titled “Sacred Presence” features new works by Kama Wangdi, who is popularly known as Asha Kama. It is set to begin on April 29th, and will be in place until 5th July. The paintings, in a uniquely recognizable style and vibrant palette, are reflections on impermanence, spiritual transcendence, and awakening. Border Roads Organisation :ENDURING FRIENDSHIP MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE 30 APR 2023 Tour operators who had bookings confirmed to visit Bhutan before June 20, 2022 could bring in tourists by December 31 this year at the old Sustainable Development Fee of USD 65. The decision helped many operators bring in tourists who had already confirmed their visit. The focal person of the Bhutan Football Federation Mr. Phuntsho Wangdi conducted the integrity workshop for the participants of the ongoing BFF-AFC 'C' Diploma Coaching Course.

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Archers playing traditional archery in Phuentshogling are still waiting for a designated range. The lone archery range in the Thromde is occupied by compound bow players almost every time. Although Phuentshogling Sports Association plans to construct a range, budget constraints have hindered the efforts. Pitched against her four male counterparts in Zhemgang, 39-year-old Tshering Tshomo began her National Council Elections campaign a few months ago with zeal and determination. And her efforts during the campaign were rewarded by the people of Khenrig Namsum when Tshering Tshomo got elected as Zhemgang’s National Council Member of Parliament. As a cost-cutting measure, the Election Commission reduced the number of polling stations during this National Council Elections. However, for the voters of Shumar village in Pema Gatshel, the commission set up an additional polling station given the high number of registered voters. And this provided voters from near and far in the village an opportunity to cast their votes without fail. Heavy rain accompanied with hailstorms and strong winds in the past two days has affected over 100 households in Samtse. Damaged houses, crops and vegetables, and temporary sheds were reported in almost all 15 gewogs of the district. However, there are no reports of human or livestock casualties as of yet. The State Trading Corporation of Bhutan Limited held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a fuel depot in Dhamdum, Samtse today. The Nu 14 M project is expected to complete in the next eight months. Once complete, the fuel depot is expected to help meet the increasing demand for fuel in the district. Besides the sale of fuel, the depot will sell tires, tubes, lubricants, agricultural tools, machinery, and other STCBL products. Forest officials rescued a Himalayan black bear from a shop in Tsimalakha, Chhukha, today. The bear was found searching for food in a grocery shop at around 2 AM. The rescued bear was released into the forest away from human settlement. Forest officials attended to a similar case a month ago. Meanwhile, officials are urging people to take care of their waste as it is the primary reason why bears enter human settlements. Many students are facing mental health issues that affect them academically, socially, and emotionally. But tackling the problem is more challenging without enough counsellors. Of 175 full-fledged counsellors in the country, 27 of them resigned between last year and March this year. Due to erratic water supply, residents of Kuenzangling village of Yoeseltse Gewog in Samtse are resorting to drinking water from an old well. Residents say the one-hour water supply that they get in a day is not enough. They want a permanent solution to the never-ending water problem in the village. His Holiness the Je Khenpo will preside over the oral transmission of 11 volumes of his Kabum at the Autsho Central School in Lhuentse from 3rd May onwards. This will be the first-ever oral transmission of any kind in the eastern districts. Preparations are in full swing at the Autsho Central School football ground for the two-week event. The oral transmission will be conducted at the request of the administration and rabdey of the six eastern districts.