WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

 An unusual sight along Argentina’s Atlantic coastline has caught the attention of residents and social media users after seawater appeared to retreat unusually far from the shore. In areas including Mar del Plata, large sections of the seabed were temporarily exposed, leaving small boats sitting on the sand and revealing rocks and underwater formations that are normally hidden beneath the waves. Images and videos of the scene quickly spread online, with some posts suggesting that the sea was somehow “disappearing.” But experts say there is no evidence that Argentina’s coastline is permanently losing its seawater. Why did the sea move so far back? The dramatic change in the shoreline is linked to a combination of an exceptionally low tide and strong offshore winds. Tides naturally rise and fall as a result of the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. Under certain conditions, the water level along a coastline can fall considerably lower than people normally expect. St...

THIMPHU — Bhutan has once again put itself on the world map — this time for something truly special: silence and tranquillity. According to the newly released Noise-Free Nations Index 2026 , created by travel company Go2Africa , Bhutan has been ranked the quietest country in the world , scoring an impressive 89.44 out of 100 .a The ranking looked at seven factors, including population density, tourist density, rural land, protected areas, motor vehicles, airports and railway networks. Bhutan’s vast mountains, forests, valleys and relatively low levels of infrastructure helped place the country at the top. Bhutan — 89.44 Namibia — 86.69 Botswana — 80.86 Zambia — 80.64 Gabon — 80.61 Bhutan’s natural landscape appears to be one of its greatest strengths. With large areas of forested mountains and protected land, many parts of the country remain far removed from the traffic, crowds and constant noise found in major cities around the world. The country’s approach to tourism...

Thinking the new internet gateway means cheaper internet right away? Think again! The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) has clarified that while the 3IIG will make our internet much more reliable, it will not immediately reduce retail internet tariffs. Here’s what you need to know: 🔹 Focus on Resilience: Managed by GovTech Agency and Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL), the 3IIG adds backup routes to keep Bhutan connected if main cables fail. 🔹 Why No Price Drop? The new infrastructure requires significant capital investment and recurring operational costs for operators. 🔹 Government First: Bulk bandwidth savings under the ACCESS project's IRU initiative currently benefit government networks, so consumers will have to wait longer for retail price drops. 🔹 Fair Rules: BICMA will monitor operators closely under the Telecommunications Tariff Order and enforce strict Quality of Service (QoS) standards. 💡 Looking for internet options in Thimphu? While national...

The Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DOEE), under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), recently conducted a consultation on the development of a Part-Time Jobs Framework . The consultation explored how Bhutan's existing employment ecosystem, labour market services, entrepreneurship initiatives, and youth engagement programs can support the creation and implementation of structured part-time employment opportunities. The presentation highlighted the department's vision, mandates, employment services, entrepreneurship support programs, labour market information systems, career guidance initiatives, and youth employment interventions that collectively contribute to a stronger and more inclusive labour market. DOEE Vision and Mission Vision A nation where citizens have access to gainful and quality employment. Mission To promote and facilitate employment through employment services, entrepreneurship development, career guidance, labou...

The two notices released by the Bank of Bhutan  regarding the ESP Education Loan Scheme for the 2026 Summer Intake have raised serious concerns among students and parents. The first notice announced that the application window had opened and invited eligible students to submit their applications before 30 June 2026. This gave the impression that applicants would have adequate time to prepare documents, submit applications, and be fairly assessed based on their financial needs and eligibility. However, the second notice, issued only hours later, stated that the application window had been closed effective 2 June 2026  due to the exhaustion of allocated funds. This sequence of events raises an important question: Was the application process genuinely intended to evaluate students based on need, or was it effectively operating on a first-come, first-served basis from the very beginning? The purpose of an education loan scheme, particularly one designed to support stud...

The Bhairabkunda Shiva Mandir, located at Bhairabkunda in Jomotshakha, has emerged as the largest Hindu temple in Bhutan, becoming a major spiritual landmark and symbol of the country’s religious harmony. The newly constructed temple stands on the site of an older, smaller shrine that had served devotees for decades. With the growing number of pilgrims visiting Bhairabkunda every year, the need for a larger and more accommodating structure led to the construction of the present grand mandir. The temple has been built as a gift from His Majesty The King, reflecting Bhutan’s deep respect for faith, culture, and peaceful coexistence. A Sacred Tirtha Dham Bhairabkunda is regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bhutan and is widely recognized as a Tirtha Dham. The site holds immense spiritual significance rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and long-held religious traditions. According to belief, Lord Indra, the King of the Gods, descended at Bhairabkunda rid...

Bhutan has officially implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from January 1, 2026, marking a major shift in the country’s taxation system. While GST registration is mandatory only for businesses with an annual turnover of Nu. 5 million and above, concerns are growing among small businesses operating below this threshold. Many small traders report that they are being charged 5% GST by larger, GST-registered suppliers. As a result, even unregistered small businesses are indirectly bearing the tax burden. To recover these added costs, small businesses say they have no option but to increase their prices by around 5%, passing the impact on to consumers. This situation has raised public concern, as GST—intended to be progressive—may be affecting small enterprises and daily prices more than expected. Business owners and consumers alike are calling for clearer guidelines and support measures to protect small businesses and ensure a smooth GST transition. #BhutanGST #GST2026 ...