Editorial

The comprehensive town development plan for Nganglam reflects a timely and strategic approach to balanced regional growth. By prioritising infrastructure, industrial investment and integrated urban planning, the initiative addresses both immediate needs and long-term objectives. This form of guided development is not only relevant to Nganglam but offers valuable lessons for every dzongkhag. What sets this effort apart is its …

The recent wave of outward migration, particularly to Australia, has stirred renewed debate on whether the country is witnessing a genuine case of brain gain or simply masking deeper structural challenges through rising remittances. While the World Bank’s latest update paints an optimistic picture of diaspora-driven development, a closer examination suggests that the story is more complex and demands urgent …

As global markets move toward cleaner, smarter and more resilient systems, the thoughtful integration of renewable energy with blockchain technology presents a practical economic pathway for smaller nations seeking sustainable development. The transition is not about chasing trends but about leveraging existing strengths to build economic independence and future relevance. Renewable energy, particularly hydropower, has long been considered a pillar …

Bhutan’s challenging terrain has long shaped the country’s development priorities. Roads remain the backbone of connectivity, but they are often vulnerable to monsoon disruptions and landslides. In this context, the government’s decision to explore domestic airstrips is a practical and forward-thinking step. With technical assessments completed for two sites in Samtse and Samdrup Jongkhar, the initiative represents a broader shift …

In a country that has long prided itself on decentralization and citizen-centric governance, it is deeply troubling that numerous gewogs across the country are functioning without the very personnel who make local governance possible. While national leaders continue to advocate for greater autonomy and service delivery at the grassroots, their words ring hollow when basic administrative roles such as Gewog …

In the vast sweep of our nation’s history, there are moments that define generations- not just by what leaders do, but by how the people respond. Today, Bhutan stands at such a moment. With the launch of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Nation Building Bond (GNBB), His Majesty The King has offered every Bhutanese citizen within the country a rare and …

The state visit of Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana to Bhutan on April 25, 2025, marks an extraordinary chapter in the diplomatic history of the two kingdoms. It is not merely an expression of ceremonial goodwill but a profound affirmation of the spiritual, cultural, and strategic ties that have quietly matured over decades. This …

The recent directive from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has, quite expectedly, stirred a national conversation. Whenever significant reform touches education, the foundation of any nation’s future, it naturally invites scrutiny, praise, and disagreement. Yet beneath the rising debate lies something deeper- an effort to restore the values and direction of Bhutan’s education system. This is not merely …

Bhutan, a country proud of its carbon-negative status, stands as a rare global beacon in combating climate change. Yet, ironically, it is facing severe repercussions from the very crisis it strives to mitigate. The glaciers that sustain the kingdom’s vital river systems are melting at an alarming rate, triggering cascading effects on both the environment and the people who rely …

Bhutan is increasingly targeted by growing narcotics trafficking networks, particularly heroin and brown sugar. The Royal Bhutan Police has reported 20 drug trafficking cases this year alone, signaling a troubling surge in narcotics entering the country. Bhutan’s position as a transit point for international drug syndicates is a serious concern, and the question is: how do we prevent this crisis …