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...

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...

The country's public debt rose by over Nu 5bn in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter. The finance ministry's quarterly Public Debt Situation Report reveals that as of September, the total public debt surpassed Nu 290bn. Of this amount, external debt accounts for a significant 92 per cent. Total public debt refers to the total amount...

An unidentified predator has been attacking goats in Dogaag Chiwog of Gozhi Gewog in Dagana. Livestock farmers suspect the predator to be a leopard. In more than a month, it has attacked 19 goats.   Since the 20th of last month, the predator has attacked goats belonging to 13 households. Of these, 14 goats have died and five are critically...