BBSCL

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...

A decade ago, the people of Khangma Chiwog in Pema Gatshel’s Yurung Gewog began growing cardamom to boost their income and improve their livelihood. While the crop helped them make money, it didn’t meet their expectations. However, cardamom prices have doubled this year, bringing farmers significant financial relief. The residents of Khangma Chiwog began cultivating cardamom about ten years ago...

With the country’s elderly population projected to double by 2047, concerns about age-friendly infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and public services have become pressing issues. Two months ago, the Cabinet Secretariat organised a multi-sectoral workshop supported by the United Nations Population Fund to develop action plans for Senior Citizen Policy. To garner support, the Royal Society for Senior Citizens conducted a high-level...

In its latest report, the Royal Audit Authority revealed several audit issues concerning the laying of Granular Sub-Base (GSB) on farm roads. These include the rapid appearance of potholes, erosion, and GSB washouts shortly after project completion. The report also highlighted the use of improperly graded GSB materials and inadequate compaction. The authority stated that such practices compromise road durability...