THE NATION

Employers struggling to recruit skilled workers as demand grows for service and technical occupations and experience outweighs academic qualifications According to the Establishment Survey and Employee Survey Report 2026 released by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), worker shortages and skills mismatches have emerged as the country’s most …

As part of a comprehensive infrastructure strategy, the government has approved a budget of Nu 584.115 million (mn) for the construction, maintenance, and emergency preparedness of bridges across the nation for the 2026–2027 financial year. Managed by the Department of Surface Transport under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, this …

After making significant strides towards creating a tangible impact among the youth in Bhutan, youth-led group YUMRA (Youth Upliftment through Media, Reflection and Advocacy) is now on its way to begin a nationwide assessment on child protection, cyberbullying and technology-facilitated violence and abuse. Under the stewardship of the Bhutan Media …

The Prime Minister graced the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) Thimphu Branch Volunteer Appreciation Programme, organized to honor the dedication, compassion, and selfless service of BRCS volunteers. In his address, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen for Her visionary leadership in establishing and nurturing the …

Bhutan’s declining fertility rate, falling birth numbers, and growing aging population have raised concerns over the country’s demographic future.  While many young Bhutanese are delaying parenthood as they pursue higher education, employment opportunities and careers, some couples wish to have children but face challenges with infertility. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck …

Bhutan’s native fish species called Yue Nya (Snow Trout and also known asla/asala) has seen a significant decline in the years after the introduction of the invasive fish species called the Brown Trout. Dasho Benji Dorji shares a story from his younger days about how the yue nya population has greatly declined over the span of decades after the Brown Trout was introduced to Bhutanese rivers. He said that the Brown Trout species had …

Most of the funding will support development projects, while the remaining borrowings will finance government reform programs The government has planned to borrow Nu 5.6 billion (bn) from external sources during the 2026–27 fiscal year to finance project-tied and program borrowings. According to the budget document, project tied borrowings amount …

If you were to walk into Sarpang Dzong today, you would be greeted by a subtle fragrance of saffron and camphor, and the devoted focus of revered hands at work. 20 Zung Lopens and 60 supporting monks are gathered at Sarpang Dzong. Day in and day out, they are crafting …

Thimphu and Phuentsholing are set for a period of significant urban transformation. The newly elected Thrompons have released detailed manifestos to guide their respective cities. Ugyen Dorji begins his second term as Thimphu Thrompon with a focus on resilience and transparency. Deepen Ghalley takes the lead in Phuentsholing with a …

The month-long Khathrid Empowerment at Kuenselphodrang concluded with thousands of devotees attending the sacred event, supported by an extensive network of monks, government agencies, armed forces, volunteers, and benefactors working largely behind the scenes. According to the Khathrid Committee, the empowerment was held under the blessings of His Holiness the …