Bhutan to host ministerial meeting

June, 28 – The third SAARC home ministers’ conference in Islamabad on June 26 adopted the Islamabad statement on cooperation against terrorism, which reiterates the resolve to further strengthen cooperation to fight and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations through coordinated and concerted response. The conference also unanimously welcomed Bhutan’s offer to host the fourth meeting of SAARC home ministers during the term of its chairmanship of the association. Dates of... Read more

Fuel and LPG become costlier

June 27: The price of petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG will increase from today. A litre of petrol will cost Nu. 47.69. That is an increase of Nu. 3.5. A litre of diesel will cost Nu. 37.13. The price of diesel has increased by Nu.2. The price of kerosene has increased by Nu. 3 a litre. The new price for kerosene will be Nu. 13.22. The price of LPG has increased by Nu. 35. It will now cost Nu. 422.28. The price hike was announced today following a hike in India.  Read More →

Druknet websites hacked

June, 19 – Local internet service provider (ISP) Druknet is currently recovering, after 50 of its websites were hacked early yesterday. Users trying to access certain websites hosted by the ISP were greeted with a blank home page and a message that said the website had been hacked. Although some of the hacked websites were back online by afternoon, many websites were still down as of last night. Druknet’s web server, on which the websites are stored, was also taken offline periodically throughout... Read more

Indian CoAS calls on PM

June, 10 – The Indian army chief of staff, General Vijay Kumar Singh, who is on a four-day visit to Bhutan, met the prime minister yesterday and assured him of India’s continued support to Bhutan’s security interests. Calling on the prime minister at the Gyalyong Tshokhang, the general, who had served as an instructor at headquarters with IMTRAT in Bhutan from 1979 to 1981, said that the relationship between the two countries was growing ever stronger. “I see the bonds becoming deeper... Read more

Nancy Strickland honoured for work in Bhutan

June, 9 – Nancy Strickland, executive director of The Bhutan Canada foundation and long time supporter of education in Bhutan, was awarded an honorary degree from her alma mater, Trent university, in Peterborough, Ontario, in recognition of her work overseas, notably in Bhutan. “For being a global citizen, committed to the creation and exchange of ideas that make the world a wiser, richer, more compassionate, and happier place, Trent university is proud to award its highest honour,” stated... Read more

GoI to refund close to Nu.1.3 billion

June 5: As a gesture of good relationship between Bhutan and India, the Government of India (GoI) has agreed to refund an excise duty of close to Nu. 1.3 billion. The excise duty was levied on the manufactured products Bhutan imported from India in 2007. The agreement was signed between the Director General of Inspection and Central Excise of India, H.K. Sharma and the Director of Department of Revenue and Customs, Choyzang Tashi. The present refund has shown an increase of some Nu. 200 million compared... Read more

15 students confirmed positive H1N1

June 5: Fifteen students have now confirmed positive with H1N1 influenza A in Sherubtse College, Kanglung. They have been admitted and kept in isolation and put on anti-viral medication. Blood sample of 16 students were collected by the Trashigang hospital and sent for confirmation to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu. Dr. Dhakal said the outbreak is not rampant and there is nothing to be alarmed. Officials from the Trashigang hospital have also visited Sherubtse College... Read more

Drukair to fly to Guwahati

June 5: After almost five years of feasibility study, Drukair has finally decided to fly to Guwahati. The flight operation is expected to start from this October. Drukair will be the only international flight to connect to Guwahati. The flight will take off from Paro to Guwahati via Bagdora and then proceed to Bangkok. Flights will operate twice a week. Drukair’s General Manager, Tshering Penjor, said the introduction of flights to Guwahati will not only benefit the organization but the general... Read more

Bhutan ecological society Launched

June 5: The Bhutan ecological society (BEST) will be launched today in a function at the clock tower in Thimphu, where two individuals will also be awarded the Jigme Singye Wangchuk outstanding environmental stewardship award. Dasho Paljor J Dorji will receive the award for policy leadership, and Sonam Phuntsho for field leadership. Her Royal Highness, Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, the royal patron of BEST, will deliver the keynote address and also confer the awards. Her Royal Highness will also... Read more