27 January, 2010 - The department of civil aviation has invited international and domestic companies to submit proposals to operate domestic air services that should cater to a 100,000 tourists by 2012 and also offer disaster rescue and medical evacuation services.

The ambassador of India to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma, hands over a Nu 250 million cheque to Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday as contribution to the government’s disaster relief fund.

27 January, 2010 - The ambassador of India to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma, met prime minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley last evening in Thimphu to hand over a Nu 250 million (25 crore) contribution cheque towards the government’s disaster relief fund.

Presenting the cheque the ambassador said that the contribution is a small token of deep concern and assistance to reinforce the effort for the rehabilitation and reconstruction caused by the September 21 earthquake. He also stated that India has been closely watching and appreciating the great efforts made by the government officials in trying to rehabilitate and succor the victims.

Gyalpoi Zimpoen Dasho Penjore offers a khadar to Ambassador Varma at the Indian embassy

27 January, 2010 - As India celebrated its 61st republic day yesterday, the Indian community in Thimphu marked the occasion with festivities and ceremonies at the Indian Embassy grounds.

Gyalpoi Zimpoen Dasho Penjore and other senior Bhutanese officials joined the celebration.

After hoisting and unfurling the Indian flag, Indian ambassador to Bhutan, Mr Pavan K Varma read out the republic day address of the President of India.

In her address, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil highlighted India’s completion of six decades of working and striving along the principles and objectives of the Constitution, adopted in 1950.

27 January, 2010 - The Himalayan black bear, which had been tormenting Dhur farmers by attacking their cattle has moved north to attack yaks, according to Dhur villagers.

 27 January, 2010 - “Literature cultivates good attitudes which can contribute to strengthening a nation’s spiritual well-being,” according to prime minister, Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley who released five new Dzongkha books on Monday, January 25.

“In the olden days people changed their minds after listening to Bhutan’s literary tradition- religious texts and Namthar (biographies). Similarly, the newly composed Dzongkha literature could help change the mind of people in today’s material world.”

The five new books -  Dzongkha-English phonetic dictionary, Guidelines on usage of proverbs, A guide to Dzongkha honorific and polite usage, Teaching methodology and official correspondence were the work of four Dzongkha experts. The books were published by Dzongkha Development Training Institute (DDTI), a private institute in Thimphu. About 3,000 copies each were published at the time of launch.