WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) is set to construct a fully-fledged campus for its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at Wangchutaba in Babesa, Thimphu. The project, funded by Nu 684 million under the Government of India's Project Tied Assistance (PTA) in the 13th Plan, will be developed on 19.81 acres of university-owned land. However, 11.21 acres are currently designated as Landscape and Open Space under the Thimphu Structure Plan (2023-2024). KGUMSB is collaborating with relevant authorities to reclassify the remaining 8.60 acres for institutional use to meet international standards requiring at least 20 acres for an MBBS campus. The new campus aims to address the critical need for high-quality medical education and clinical training, leveraging the high patient caseload at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. The current MBBS programme operates from a cramped 1.288-acre site in Taba, Thimphu...

In a landmark move for Bhutanese women’s football, 22-year-old Sonam Choden, affectionately known as ‘Chungku,’ has signed with Karnataka-based Kickstart FC for the remainder of the Indian Women’s League season. Hailing from Punakha, Sonam’s journey to professional football began at the tender age of 14 when she joined the Gelephu Football Academy in 2015. Over the years, she has honed her skills, playing for Mandala Women’s FC and RTC Women’s FC, and representing Bhutan in prestigious tournaments such as the AFC Championships, FIFA Friendlies, and SAFF Women’s Championships.   Sonam’s impressive career includes 18 national team appearances, six goals, and three Bhutan National Women’s League titles, two with RTC Women’s FC and one with BFF Academy FC. Her stellar performance in the 2023 season earned her the title of Most Valuable Player, solidifying her reputation as one of Bhutan’s brightest football talents.   Expressing her excitement, Sonam said, “I...

In a notable policy shift, the Trump administration has revised its draft proposal for the U.S. travel ban, removing Bhutan from the red list and reclassifying it to the yellow list. Initially, Bhutan’s inclusion among 11 countries deemed high-risk came as a surprise, given the country’s peaceful reputation and historically low migration concerns with the United States. After a comprehensive review, U.S. officials acknowledged that Bhutan posed no security threat, and its inclusion on the red list had been a mistake. Upon learning of its initial designation, the Bhutanese government quickly reached out to U.S. officials, requesting a reevaluation of the decision. Following careful consideration, the Trump administration recognized Bhutan’s unique governance model, which is centered on the globally praised concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This progressive framework prioritizes the well-being of citizens over conventional economic indicators, positioning Bhutan as ...