BBSCL

Bhutan is taking the lead in strengthening cultural cooperation amongst the BIMSTEC region with the establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Office (BCIO) in Thimphu. The office will serve as a hub for promoting cultural industries, reducing poverty, strengthening regional development, and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. With this, the country fulfils the commitment made at the Paro Initiative...

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...

A place of worship or a site of neglect? The newly built Hindu temple in Tsirang’s Tsirang Toed Gewog remains locked in the absence of relics and statues for worship. However, repeated break-ins have left the temple littered, with some even destroying electric bulbs and wiring, before it could serve its purpose. The main temple was constructed under the previous...

The Sangshingzor Vegetable Group in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Phuentshogthang Gewog has increased its income through off-season vegetable farming. The group aims to expand production to supply vegetables to local schools and training centers.  However, a water shortage is impeding farmers from scaling up cultivation.  The 17-member group recently harvested around 5,000 kilograms of early potatoes cultivated on an acre of land. ...