The National Council (NC) has adopted the Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on 18th May 2026. The agreement has been endorsed unanimously by all the 24 members voting in favour. To give a brief background on the deliberation of the framework agreement, it …
Read More »Nu 1.58 billion budget allocated for the energy sector
Bhutan is charging toward its ambitious 25,000 MW target by 2040. The FY 2026-27 budget allocates Nu 1.58 billion (bn) to the energy sector, aiming to nearly double its GDP contribution. Key investments include the Nu 25.0 million (mn) for a 1 MW turbulent micro hydropower pilot, Nu 568.2 mn …
Read More »Dagachhu Hydropower Project set to resume operations after months long shutdown
The Dagachhu Hydropower Project, which has remained non-operational since October 2025 after severe monsoon flooding damaged several critical components, is now preparing to resume operations, according to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR). The Director General (DG) of the Department of Energy, Karma Penjor Dorji, said the flooding …
Read More »Multi-layered support system rolled out to tackle youth substance use
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is strengthening its response to substance use among young people through a multi-layered approach that focuses on care, early intervention, and community support. The initiative is being implemented alongside existing recovery and rehabilitation efforts, including support systems such as the Yarabling Recovery …
Read More »MTR for Foreign Ministry
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) was chaired by the Prime Minister. The session focused on Bhutan’s evolving role in the international community, strengthening diplomatic ties, and expanding its global economic footprint under the 13th Five-Year Plan. The Ministry has made significant …
Read More »Importers face rising costs amid global shipping delays
Several importers in Bhutan are facing mounting challenges as global shipping disruptions continue to affect supply chains, leading to rising costs, delayed shipments, and increasing financial strain. Sonam, an importer said that freight costs have surged sharply since the onset of the conflict in the Gulf region. She said that …
Read More »Restoration work at Dagachhu Hydropower crosses halfway mark after October flood
The restoration of the hydropower project damaged by the 5th October flood has made significant progress, with 160 meters of the total 261 meters of the Water Conductor System (WCS) already completed, and works on track for completion by the end of April. Officials at the site said, “Restoration work …
Read More »Bhutan’s GDP growth revised down by 0.2 percent amid global oil surge
Bhutan’s projected GDP growth for Financial Year (FY) 2025/26 has been revised downward by 0.2 percentage points from pre-conflict estimates, assuming an average Brent crude price of USD 94 per barrel in calendar year 2026, according to the World Bank’s Bhutan Development Update. On the supply side, growth projections for …
Read More »No Bhutanese harmed in Gulf, government closely monitoring situation
The government has confirmed that no Bhutanese nationals have been harmed or injured in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries despite the increasingly deteriorating regional situation, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo DN Dhungyel. Speaking during the 26th Meet-the-Press session, which was conducted virtually to …
Read More »PGDE training duration reduced to one year at Samtse College
Recent changes to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) program at Samtse College of Education (SCE), including a reduction in training duration, have come into effect this year. Earlier batches were required to undergo 18 months of training, which included six months of School Immersion and Teaching Practice (SITP). However, …
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