WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

Once the last country in Asia to embrace television and the internet, Bhutan is now carving out a place in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Leading  the way is  iMerit Bhutan , a subsidiary of a California-based company that has operated from Thimphu TechPark since 2019. The firm employs 140 Bhutanese nationals—65 per cent women—who train AI systems for industries such as autonomous vehicles, medical research, ecommerce, and satellite imaging. Bhutan’s global appeal lies not just in its skilled workforce but also in its reputation as the world’s first carbon-negative nation, offering investors a sustainable and ethical destination. This fits naturally with the country’s guiding philosophy of  Gross National Happiness (GNH) , which emphasizes well-being and sustainability alongside economic growth. The government has pledged $114 million under its latest five-year plan to expand digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and skills training for 400,000 ci...

In a sweeping move that could reshape Nepal’s digital landscape, the government has decided to block 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, after they failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. The decision, made during a ministerial-level meeting chaired by Communications and IT Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung on Thursday, follows a Supreme Court directive mandating tighter regulation of online platforms. Sources in the ministry confirmed that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority has been instructed to begin enforcing the ban immediately. “ We gave them enough time to register and repeatedly requested compliance, but they ignored the notices, leaving us no choice but to shut their operations in Nepal ,” Minister Gurung said. Why the ban was imposed? The move stems from a mandamus order by the Supreme Court, where a joint bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Sha...

For years, Bhutan has spoken of its youth as the “future of the nation.” Yet today, many of those very young people are quietly leaving, seeking opportunities beyond the country’s borders. This silent departure, often unnoticed in daily conversations, is reshaping Bhutan’s social and economic landscape. The reasons behind this movement are clear. Limited job prospects, low wages, and a lack of recognition have left many young Bhutanese feeling undervalued and uncertain about their future at home. While some stay out of deep love for the country and a commitment to serve, others see migration as the only path to survival, growth, and dignity The impact of this exodus runs deeper than numbers. Each young person who leaves carries the skills, ideas, and energy that Bhutan needs for its progress. When the educated and talented choose to build their lives abroad, the nation loses potential entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who could have driven development and strengthened ...

Thimphu, Bhutan – More than 753 parents and counting have signed an online petition requesting the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) to reconsider its decision to raise the minimum age for Pre-Primary (PP) admission to six years starting February 2026. The petition, initiated by journalist and social media influencer Namgay Zam at the request of concerned parents, voices strong apprehension that the new policy could inadvertently disadvantage hundreds of children currently enrolled in kindergartens.   Parents Highlight “Gap Year” Risk In a joint letter addressed to the Honourable Lyonpo, parents acknowledged the government’s intention to strengthen early childhood education but warned of unintended consequences. “ Under the revised rule, a large number of children will be ineligible for admission to PP in 2026 as well as in 2027,” the letter states. “This creates a ‘gap year,’ leaving children caught between the early learning system, which currently ends at ag...

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck , the Dragon King of Bhutan, has once again demonstrated why his leadership is a beacon of hope for the world. On a historic visit to the southern region of Bhutan this week, the King unveiled a series of new initiatives that will transform the nation's approach to sustainable development, education, and international cooperation. The 45-year-old monarch, who is beloved for his down-to-earth style and innovative approach, announced a new national campaign aimed at significantly reducing Bhutan’s carbon footprint and enhancing the country's unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) model. Under this new strategy, Bhutan will ramp up its renewable energy projects, particularly in wind and solar, positioning the kingdom as a global leader in environmental sustainability. A Green Revolution “Bhutan will continue to lead by example. This is not just about preserving our environment—it’s about shaping a future where happiness and well-b...

In a heartening step toward rehabilitation and societal reintegration, the Prison Service Division of the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) is set to showcase the talents and transformation of incarcerated individuals at the upcoming Trade Fair for Bhutanese Products. The event will be held at Clock Tower Square in Thimphu on 21 June 2025. Operating under the guiding belief that skill development can be a powerful tool for change, the Prison Service Division has been actively equipping inmates with vocational training across various trades. These programs aim to reduce recidivism, support successful reintegration, and foster a sense of dignity and purpose among inmates. The upcoming trade fair, organized in collaboration with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), provides a valuable platform for inmates to display handcrafted products—each item a reflection of the personal growth, discipline, and skill honed behind prison walls. “We extend our heartfelt gr...

In a development that has stirred concern across the peaceful Kingdom of Bhutan, the United States — under President Donald Trump’s administration — is reportedly planning to significantly expand its travel restrictions, potentially banning citizens from 36 additional countries , including Bhutan . This controversial move, revealed through an internal cable from the U.S. State Department, marks a sharp escalation of President Trump’s immigration and national security policies during his second term. But the inclusion of Bhutan — a country globally renowned for its commitment to peace, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness (GNH) — has raised eyebrows and questions. 🔹 What Is the U.S. Doing to the GNH Country? Bhutan, with no known history of terrorism or anti-American activity, has been included in a list of countries under scrutiny for possible entry suspensions to the U.S. . According to the leaked directive, the reasoning centers on alleged concerns over passpor...