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...

Non-performing loans or NPLs with the financial institutions surged to a staggering more than Nu 8bn by October this year. This is a jump of over Nu 1.16bn in just a year. Of the sectors, trade & commerce tops the list while the forestry and logging sector saw a sharp decline. Any loans that are overdue by 91 days or...

The Buddha Statue at Kuensel Phodrang in Thimphu came alive last night with Gerry Hofstetter’s light art. His projections featured the national flag, masks and mandala, among other things, For the Swiss light artist and filmmaker, Bhutan marks the 88th country where he has showcased his art. Despite the cold at Kuensel Phodrang, around a hundred people gathered to witness...

Access to water is essential for daily life, but not everyone has it 24/7. In Khainorong Village of Samdrup Jongkhar’s Gomdar Gewog, residents have been struggling with severe drinking water shortages. Their only water supply system, built 20 years ago, has never been upgraded, leaving the community desperate for a solution. The water supply has become inadequate with no major...