BBSCL

Once considered a taboo, discussions on sexual health, sexual harassment, teenage pregnancy, and personal hygiene will now be taught in monastic institutions. Starting this year, young monks and nuns in primary classes will be taught life skills to navigate these issues alongside traditional scriptures. Through the initiative, the United Nations Population Fund and the Central Monastic Body will integrate Life...

With nearly 80 per cent of the work completed, the reconstruction of Sangchen Choekhor monastery in Paro is progressing well. The project, which began in 2021, is led by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development. Funded by the government of India with over Nu 400 M, it is on track for completion by 2027. Nearly 100 masons, carpenters and...

The Indonesian province of Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is considering adopting a tourism policy similar to Bhutan’s. They are planning to introduce a daily tourist fee to manage the growing number of visitors and its adverse impacts. As Bali considers implementing a daily tourism levy identical to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Bhutanese tourism officials...

Boulder exporters in Samtse are urging the government to expedite the formalisation and reopening of the Duarpani trade route. Despite infrastructure readiness on the Bhutanese side for nearly two years, the trade route still remains closed. Exporters say the prolonged closure has significantly impacted exports, leading to increased operational costs and reduced profitability. The exporters' group in Samtse constructed a...