WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

In a concerning turn of events, law enforcement authorities in Punakha have come under criticism for their failure to act promptly in a case involving the marriage of a 27-year-old man to a minor in 2019. The delayed response has raised serious questions about the enforcement of laws pertaining to child marriage and the potential consequences of retroactively applying these laws. The arrest of the man on 6th December 2023 has brought attention to the issue of child marriage and its impact on the lives of those involved. The couple, now with two children aged three and seven months, has found themselves in a complex legal situation. However, recent revelations have shown that the girl is now 21 years old and is no longer considered a minor under the law. This case has sparked a broader discussion on the challenges of enforcing laws on child marriage, particularly when it comes to applying them retroactively. If the law were to be strictly enforced based on past offenses, it ...

The Office of the Media Arbitrator (OMA) has issued a warning to Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited (BBSCL) and Kuensel for their alleged biased news coverage during the upcoming elections. In letters addressed to both media outlets, the OMA expressed concerns over the lack of balanced reporting and potential influence on the electoral process. The letter sent to BBSCL on December 21st highlighted a news article published by the broadcasting service on December 20th. According to the OMA, the article focused solely on penalties imposed on one political party, omitting other perspectives. This unbalanced approach could potentially sway the election outcome, either directly or indirectly, the OMA cautioned. Similarly, a letter was also sent to Kuensel, one of Bhutan's leading newspapers, regarding their coverage of a story titled "OMA fines PDP coordinator for violating social media news." The OMA expressed concerns about potential bias in the cover...

In a monumental accomplishment for the Bhutanese film industry, "The Monk and the Gun"has been shortlisted for the Best International Film category at the highly esteemed 96th Oscars. This prestigious recognition has instilled immense joy and pride in the Bhutanese people who are grateful to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for providing them with this invaluable opportunity to showcase their rich culture on an international platform. Despite its small size compared to other nations, Bhutan's success with "The Monk and The Gun"has elevated its film industry to new heights globally. Director Pawo Choyning Dorji's vision and unwavering dedication have played a vital role in achieving this remarkable recognition, serving as inspiration not only for aspiring filmmakers in Bhutan but worldwide. Director Pawo Choyning Dorji conveyed his gratitude towards every individual involved in making this film a reality including crew members, cas...

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming "Temple Dam" project in Gelephu. Anticipated to be an architectural marvel, this grand structure is set to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Bhutan, and possibly even the world. Drawing inspiration from iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Temple Dam promises to become a symbol of cultural heritage and a testament to human ingenuity. Designed to harmoniously blend traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern concepts, the Temple Dam is poised to captivate visitors with its sheer beauty and intricate craftsmanship. The fusion of local cultural elements and cutting-edge engineering techniques will create a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience for all those who have the privilege of witnessing it. Beyond its visual appeal, the Temple Dam carries significant historical and spiritual significance. As an embodiment of Bhutan's rich cultur...

In a heartwarming display of unity and generosity, the volunteers of Bhutan Red Cross Society  in various branches, including Thimphu, Merak Sub Branch, and Trongsa, came together to celebrate the 116th National Day with a series of voluntary services. Their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions truly exemplified the essence of volunteerism and left a lasting impact on the community. The Bhutan Red Cross Society, known for its humanitarian efforts and commitment to helping those in need, expressed their gratitude towards the selfless volunteers who wholeheartedly dedicated their time and energy to make the National Day celebration a memorable one. These volunteers, with their unwavering spirit, showcased the true meaning of unity and selflessness. The Thimphu Branch, Merak Sub Branch, and Trongsa Branch, in particular, witnessed an outpouring of support from these remarkable volunteers. They organized various activities and services that brought joy and com...

Exactly 20 years ago, on December 15-16, 2003, Bhutan's Fourth King, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, led a courageous and historic military operation. In a display of strategic and tactical brilliance, the Bhutanese armed forces, under the leadership of our revered King, successfully flushed out three groups of Indian militants from our peaceful nation. This remarkable feat, now known as "The Two-Day War" or "Operation All Clear," showcased the valiant efforts of Bhutan's armed forces, as they employed a combination of guerilla warfare and conventional tactics. Surpassing established military doctrines, this operation demonstrated the strength of Bhutan's military prowess while remaining faithful to the principles of non-aggression and restraint rooted in Buddhism. Prior to the operation, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck visited the sacred Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that holds great significance in Bhutan. The king's prese...

In a recent Cabinet meeting held on Monday, the Nepali government reached a decision to ban TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned app, citing its negative impact on social harmony. Although the date when the ban will come into effect has not been determined, the government has emphasized that the decision was made due to the criticism of a significant portion of society for the tolerant attitude towards hate speech that prevailed on the app. Additionally, 1,647 cases of cybercrime relating to the video-sharing platform have been reported in the past four years alone. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, and TikTok representatives met earlier last week to discuss the matter. The government is expected to complete technical preparations before the ban is enforced. This ban follows the recent implementation of the 'Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023' by the government, indicating the move towards tighter regulations concerning social ...