BBSCL

Bhutanese living abroad collectively remitted more than USD 210 M between August last year and October this year, according to the Central Bank’s monthly statistical bulletin. December last year saw the highest monthly remittance, nearly USD 29 M. Australia emerged as the top source of remittances, with contributions rising from USD 1.87 M in August 2023 to a peak of...

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...

The Lingzhi Dzong, a historically significant fortress in north Thimphu, was officially inaugurated today. Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, inaugurated the dzong following its extensive renovation in October. Restoration work, part of the Lingzhi Dzong Conservation Project, began in 2018 after the Dzong was severely damaged in the September 2011 earthquake. The dzong was renovated with the funding support...

Farmers of Tashichhoeling Gewog in Samtse, who depend on areca nut farming, are struggling with frequent elephant attacks. These elephants damage homes, threaten lives, and destroy betel nut trees, undoing years of hard work. Frustrated by the losses, the affected farmers are urging authorities to implement stronger measures and provide damage compensation caused by elephants and other wildlife. Elephants have...