January, 2008
Public debates under discussion
January 27, 2008-Thimphu: The two political parties and the Election Commission of Bhutan are currently thrashing out an acceptable format and timing of the debates for the National Assembly elections. According to various sources from the two parties, the date tabled for the first debate is February 10 where the discussion ... [more]
100% FDI in hydropower not true
January 27, 2008-Thimphu: The Ministry of Economic Affairs refuted Friday news reports that Bhutan is considering 100% foreign direct investment from Indian companies in the hydropower sector. A January 19 Press Trust of India (PTI) news release stated, "Bhutan is considering to allow 100% foreign direct investment by Indian companies in ... [more]
The national call
Our move to democracy has been on the basis of peace. It has come from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo that a peaceful state of affairs is a bonus to embark on to a political transition. It warrants a cushion of peace that almost none of the democracies around ... [more]
Local government scenario
26 January, 2008 - We are anticipating significant and exciting political changes in the next few months. Some of us, especially our politicians, are preparing for the scenario. Some of us are not. Given the momentum of change, it might be time to give it serious thought. In two months we ... [more]
The party member
23 January, 2008 Around the world the nature of membership to political parties seems to be divided into many categories, two of them broadly contrasting. In communist countries a party member seems to "submit" himself or herself to the party in his or her political as well as personal life. ... [more]
Indian community celebrates 59 Republic Day
The Gyalpoi Zimpon, Penjore offers khada to the Indian ambassador Sudhir Vyas 26 January, 2008 - The Gyalpoi Zimpon, Penjore, the Zhung Kalyon, Dasho Rinzin Gyeltshen, foreign secretary, Yeshey Dorji, and other senior Bhutanese government officials joined the Indian community at around 10 am at the Indian Ambessy ground today ... [more]
Gasa Dzong survives fire
Charred statues of the ka-gye lhakhang 26 January, 2008 - The ka-gye (eight pillars) lhakhang, the koenyer's (caretaker) room, and an engineering cell of the Gasa dzong were reduced to rubble and the main statues inside the lhakhang were charred. But the 17th-century dzong and its main nangten (spiritual treasures) survived ... [more]
The astrologers say…
26 January, 2008 - The next step in Bhutan's general election will be decided by the stars. Both the registered political parties will launch their official campaigns on auspicious days identified through astrological calculations. Their letters of intent and manifestos will be submitted when the zakar is good. The letters of ... [more]
10 dzongkhags experience snow fall
26 January, 2008 - Kanglung under a blanket of snow, the first in 14 years. Villagers in Trashigang woke up to a surprise on the morning of January 23 to see their surroundings covered in snow. They saw it as a harbinger to a good year. Villagers in Bikhar, Trashigang, ... [more]
An autonomous tourism board
26 January, 2008 - The government announced yesterday the creation of an autonomous agency to take the lead role in managing and developing the tourism industry in the country.To be called the National Tourism Board, it will function as an intergovernmental agency with its broad policy guidelines directed by the ... [more]