BBSCL

Delays in fully commissioning the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project are expected to affect economic growth in 2024. The country’s economy is now projected to grow by five per cent this year, over one percentage point lower than earlier estimates. The finance ministry, in its latest macroeconomic situation report, said that the downward revision was mainly due to the PHPA-II commissioning delay...

The health ministry said they are closely monitoring the situation regarding Mpox along the country’s borders. The ministry has strengthened surveillance at airports and border areas, ensuring that health facilities are prepared to detect and manage potential cases. Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation in August. Nepal...

In Samdrup Jongkhar, residents of Langchenphu Gewog are turning moringa leaves into a source of income. Farmers in the gewog sell the leaves to a youth-led enterprise that processes them into moringa tea. The Moringa tree, which is also called ‘the miracle tree’ or ‘the tree of life’, is considered one of the most nutrient-dense plants. The tree, known to...

The National Health Survey 2023 reveals that areca nut consumption among Bhutanese aged 15 to 69 rose to nearly 60 per cent last year, marking a three per cent increase since 2019. The health ministry attributes the rise to the product being cheap, easily available and culturally accepted in the country. To address this, the ministry plans to introduce measures...