The numbers are in, and the data shows that there is a major drop in Bhutanese heading for Australia in 2024 compared to 2023. In January and February 2024, a total of 1,787 Bhutanese got student and dependent visas compared to 3,169 in January and February 2023. However, the 2024 …
Read More »Tourism numbers improve in first three months of 2024 but a long way to go
The Department of Tourism said Bhutan welcomed 25,003 guests between January and March 2024 which is compared to 12,696 arrivals in the same period last year. While the numbers have doubled from 2023 this is still a far cry from the 2019 peak when Bhutan saw 53,124 tourists from January …
Read More »Important outcomes of Their Majesties visit to Bangladesh
His Majesty The King is in Bangladesh on a State Visit, accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, on the invitation of the President of Bangladesh, His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin. Their Majesties were warmly welcomed …
Read More »Bhutan’s former Lottery Agent is highest contributor to Indian Political parties
Several illegal online lotteries still operational in Bhutan’s name in India In a surprise revelation, it has been found that the largest donor to Indian political parties is Bhutan’s former Lottery Agent Santiago Martin. Martin’s company Future Gaming and Hotel Services purchased Rupees (Rs) 13.68 billion (bn) of Electoral Bonds …
Read More »32 bn internal debt in Government Bonds and T-Bills
USD Reserves at USD 589 mn When the new government came into office they were left with Nu 22.1 bn in government bonds debt and Nu 9.8 bn in Treasury bill debts, both of which are the highest ever. Both borrowings are from the domestic market and primarily from Financial …
Read More »Headless body of dead baby found in Taba
On 17th March, 2024 at around 9 am the North Thimphu Police Station (NTPS) received a complaint of the body of a dead baby being found near Rinchenling Home, Taba, Thimphu. Upon receiving the complaint, the joint investigation team from NTPS and forensic team of JDWNRH proceeded to the scene. …
Read More »Addressing a Nu 59 bn shortfall in the 13th plan
The draft 13th plan at the moment is Nu 512 billion (bn) and so far, the plans submitted by the ministries is taking the plan up to Nu 600 bn even. However, this is expected to be rationalized and brought down to a more realistic figure in the coming weeks. …
Read More »Nu 100 bn commitment includes 13th plan support and ESP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announce a total grant package of Nu 100 bn for the next five years for Bhutan. This includes Nu 85 bn as support for the Nu 512 bn 13th Plan and Nu 15 bn for the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) requested by the current …
Read More »What Modi’s visit means for Bhutan
It is said that the Himalayas and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always had a special relationship. At a time when younger people look for comfort and security PM Modi at the young age of 17 travelled for two years in the Himalayas taking early morning icy baths , seeking …
Read More »Advanced talks with Tata on 600 MW Kholongchu project
More IG model projects unlikely as Bhutan-India hydro cooperation evolves Negotiations are at an advanced stage for Tata Power to be involved in the 600 MW Kholongchu hydro project. Around two to three rounds of meeting have already been held and it has been agreed in principal that Tata power …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.