WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing plans to terminate the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program, a decades-old immigration initiative that randomly awards 50,000 green cards annually to applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Sources within the administration confirm that discussions are underway, reigniting fierce debates over immigration policy and America’s commitment to global diversity. Background on the DV Lottery Established in 1990 under the Immigration Act, the DV Lottery aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by granting visas to individuals from underrepresented regions, including Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. Applicants must meet strict educational or work experience requirements, with winners selected through a randomized computer drawing. Administration's Rationale President Donald Trump has long criticized the program, labeling it a “security risk” following a 2017 terror ...

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 ...

The introduction of Starlink, the satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, has marked a transformative moment for internet users in Bhutan. Since its official launch on February 11, 2025, the service has garnered significant attention for its high-speed connectivity, competitive pricing, and ease of use, offering a stark contrast to traditional broadband options in the country. Jigme Wangdi, a corporate employee based in Thimphu, is among the early adopters of Starlink. Intrigued by its launch announcement, Wangdi conducted a quick research and was impressed by the promised internet speeds. He opted for the Starlink Mini kit, which cost him Nu 18,000, including shipping, and subscribed to the Residential Standard package at Nu 4,200 per month. This plan offers speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps, far surpassing the performance of his previous internet service. "Reliable internet at an affordable price is what everyone wants, and that is something Starlink delivers,...

In a landmark move to enhance medical services and improve patient care, Bhutan has announced the introduction of private and foreign investments in its healthcare sector. The new regulatory framework, titled The Healthcare Services Rules and Regulations 2025 , was unveiled yesterday by the Ministry of Health. This initiative aims to expand healthcare infrastructure while maintaining strict oversight to ensure quality and compliance. The framework outlines a comprehensive licensing system for private healthcare centers, categorizing facilities into nine distinct types: Super-specialty hospitals, multi-disciplinary hospitals, traditional medicine hospitals, general hospitals, primary healthcare centers, diagnostic centers, allied healthcare centers, clinics, and other services. Each category will be subject to rigorous evaluation and approval by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that all facilities meet national standards. Licensing and Compliance Under the new rules, healthcare provider...

In a bold declaration that challenges China's claims over Tibetan Buddhist succession, the Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation will be born in the "free world," outside of Chinese control. This announcement, made in his newly released book, Voice for the Voiceless, marks a significant escalation in the long-standing dispute over the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama lineage. The statement, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising, underscores the Dalai Lama's commitment to preserving Tibetan culture and the spiritual mission of his lineage, free from Chinese interference. "The reincarnation will occur in the free world, where the values of compassion and cultural preservation flourish without oppression," the Dalai Lama wrote, directly rejecting Beijing's assertion that it holds the authority to approve his successor. China has long maintained that the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor...