Bhutan

The Royal Academy of Performing Arts RAPA is transforming into the Royal Institute of Performing Arts RIPA: to preserve Bhutanese culture a new four-year diploma will train artists, foster research, expand global collaborations for cultural sustainability

Starlink’s launch in Bhutan promises high-speed internet, especially in remote areas, but sparks concerns over competition, regulation and affordability; while it challenges local providers, its long-term impact on the telecom industry remains uncertain

Ed Sheeran delivered a historic concert in Thimphu, marking a milestone as the first international star singer to perform in Bhutan

Yak farming in Bhutan faces threats from declining populations, wildlife conflicts and rural depopulation; new Ministry’s Five-Year Plan provides for improved rangelands, breeding programs and support for highlanders to sustain this traditional livelihood

A transplant-policy change has been proposed to allow ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, offering hope to over 411 dialysis patients; the plan also suggests raising daily allowances for patients referred to India to approximately $4,65

Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter lit up Bhutan’s National Day, projecting dragons, tigers, prayer flags and more cultural symbols onto landmarks such as the Buddha Dordenma and Tiger’s Nest in a celebration of Bhutanese identity

Bhutan won two prestigious tourism awards in 2024: International Wellness Destination for Travel+Leisure India and Runner-Up for Favourite Overseas Destination by Condé Nast Traveller, highlighting its appeal for wellness, culture and sustainable travel

Her Majesty The Druk Gyaltsuen at first Bhutan Mental Health Symposium highlighted the importance of collaboration for mental wellbeing and inaugurated two key facilities: PEMA Home for vulnerable children and Mitshey Yarab Lamzang for substance recovery

To boost yak farming the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is implementing a number of initiatives, allocating $240.000 for breeding programs and a semen processing lab, and $180.000 for medicines to tackle climate-exacerbated diseases

Events like the Snowman Race and the rising popularity of cricket have fueled growing enthusiasm for sports; Bhutan has thus launched training programs to develop professional commentators, aiming to improve sports coverage and audience engagement

The kingdom of Bhutan has its first and only artificial intelligence startup, NoMindBhutan, created by two computer science engineering students at Thimphu’s Royal University; headquarters are in a college dorm room and employees are fellow students

In Thimphu, five new schools will become 'inclusive', ensuring access to support, resources and tailored education for children with disabilities; the initiative is part of a broader national plan to enhance inclusive education

Government is expanding mental health services nationwide through The PEMA Center, which offers key helpline support and early intervention programs, focusing on reducing mental health stigma and providing accessible care across the country