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...

Producing furniture using locally sourced wood has not only helped the Wood Craft Centre stop rubberwood import but also made furniture more affordable to consumers. The centre, which earlier used rubberwood, has been utilizing domestic timber for furniture production since 2020.  At the centre’s recent furniture exhibition, locally made pieces were found to be 20 per cent cheaper than the...

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 development of Gelephu International Airport is progressing, with a geotechnical investigation currently underway in Samtenling Gewog. Four teams are conducting surveys at various locations to gather data about the soil and rock conditions at the proposed site. During the 117th National Day celebrations on Tuesday, His Majesty The King announced that the airport construction will begin next year and...