India–Bhutan Ties Strengthen with Hydropower Launch

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan for a two-day state visit to celebrate the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and inaugurate the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. Received warmly by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Paro International Airport, Modi’s visit aims to deepen India–Bhutan relations and enhance cooperation in [...]

Changing Monsoons Threaten Nation’s Forests, Farms, and Hydropower

The country is facing increasing climate instability as changing monsoon patterns cause floods, droughts, and landslides, disrupting agriculture, forests, and hydropower. The World Meteorological Organization warns of record-high temperatures and erratic rainfall between 2025 and 2029, with wetter summers and drier winters threatening rural livelihoods. Farmers are struggling with unpredictable planting seasons, declining crop yields, [...]

Rising Inflation Puts Pressure on Bhutan’s Low-Income Families

With inflation at 3.8% and expected to hit 5.8% by December, many low-income families in Bhutan earning below Nu. 300,000 are struggling as food, fuel, and transport costs rise. While tax cuts were introduced, they bring no relief to those already exempt from income tax. Economist Dr. Pema Dorji attributes the inflation mainly to [...]

Bhutan’s Schools See Sharp Drop in Bullying Through Compassion and Connection

Across Bhutan, bullying in schools is declining as education shifts from punishment to compassion. Guided by the School Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Guidelines for Anti-Bullying Mechanisms in Educational Institutions launched by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck in 2022, schools are fostering empathy, connection, and emotional intelligence among students. Programs such [...]

Heavy Rains Devastate Bhutan: Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc

Heavy rain in Bhutan on October 4–5 caused flash floods, landslides, and bridge damage across many areas, including Haa, Chhukha, Samtse, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, and Thimphu. The floods destroyed roads, bridges, homes, and cut off several communities from help. In Haa, bridges and roads were washed away. In Chhukha, the Wangchhu River overflowed and [...]

Bhutan Faces Rising Public Health Crisis from Alcohol Use

In Bhutan, alcohol has shifted from being a cultural companion to a serious public health and social crisis, contributing to domestic violence, accidents, illnesses, and mental health disorders. Drinking is still normalized, with abstinence often stigmatized. Experts argue that Bhutan needs a long-term, multi-sectoral strategy, not fragmented policies, to address the issue. While alcohol sales [...]

No Registered Churches Leaves Believers Vulnerable

In Bhutan, Christianity is not officially recognised, and all citizens are assumed to be Buddhists. Converting to Christianity is viewed with suspicion, and converts often face pressure to return to Buddhism. Since no churches are registered, Christians meet secretly in homes, but these gatherings are considered illegal and risk punishment. Believers also face discrimination from [...]

72% of Deaths in Bhutan Linked to Lifestyle Diseases

Globally, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) cause 41 million deaths yearly, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. In Bhutan, 72% of deaths are due to NCDs, with cardiovascular diseases alone causing 28%. Risk factors include tobacco use (31.4%), harmful alcohol consumption (40.2%), low fruit and vegetable intake (74.6%), physical inactivity (18.3%), high blood pressure (30.3%), and rising [...]

Bhutan’s Aging Population Exposes Fragile Social Safety Net

Bhutan faces growing social protection challenges as its population ages, with 14% expected to be elderly by 2040. Only 8% of workers are covered by pensions, leaving most to depend on family or charity. A UNICEF–EU report found that 92% of Bhutanese lack social insurance, exposing the elderly, poor, and disabled to hardship. Even pensioners [...]

Bhutan Raises Legal Marriage Age for Women to 18

For decades, Bhutan widely practiced 18 as the minimum legal marriage age, yet the Marriage Act of 1980 still allowed girls to marry at 16. This legal contradiction was resolved on June 25, 2025, when a Joint Sitting of Parliament passed the Marriage (Amendment) Bill of 2024, officially setting the minimum marriage age for women [...]

Window International Network (WIN)

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