For grocers and shopkeepers, every plastic bag handed to a customer for “free” is a direct hit to their struggling businesses. While shoppers view these bags as a basic convenience, small-scale vendors in Thimphu are facing rising costs and a lack of effective plastic policy, forcing some to hike product …

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is proving that the path to wildlife conservation runs through the hearts and economies of local communities. By transforming potential threats like illegal fishing into sustainable ventures such as climate-smart agriculture and professional entrepreneurship, RSPN has turned residents into the primary guardians …

After more than two decades, Bhutan has hit a record-breaking conservation milestone with a population of 31 White-bellied herons. The announcement served as the main highlight of the 2026 International Conference in Thimphu. Bhutan holds the largest and most secure population of White-bellied herons, with a total of 31 individuals …

In the quiet corners of Thimphu’s buildings, humble doma (betel leaf with areca nut and lime paste) shops, also known as “pan” shops, are facing a harsh reality. For owners like Karma, soaring rents and the introduction of GST are turning small-scale entrepreneurship into a daily struggle, forcing some to …

The luxury of owning gold is becoming increasingly out of reach for the average Bhutanese citizen as prices soar, and jewelry stores worry that the introduction of GST could further cripple the market. Jewelry stores in Thimphu face a dilemma, especially as gold prices have surged significantly this year. On …

Despite the rising cost of global oil prices, public transport fares and delivery rates remain unchanged. The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) reports that the current price fluctuations are not yet abnormal enough to trigger a formal revision. Chief Program Officer at BCTA, Tshongdu,  said, “Currently, all the rates …

The Ministry of Information, Communication and Employment (MoICE) has provided an update on the government’s pledge to support one youth from each household that has not previously benefited from study or work abroad. As of 28th February 2026, the ministry said that 559 students have already enrolled in 47 colleges …

In order to advance Bhutan’s carbon market agenda, the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) revealed that currently the nation has finalized four project proposals in collaboration with Singapore. According to the United Nations Framwork Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Article 6 …

Owing to concerns over air quality and air pollution in the capital city, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) provided a thorough and a clearer overview on the air quality status. The air quality is characterized by an increasing level of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations in …

Gold and silver prices have experienced a significant rise and fall during January and February months. Jewellers in Thimphu say that while there are relatively fewer customers, there are no sharp trends of buying and selling of gold and silver amid surging prices. According to APMEX (a leading ecom platform …