Bhutan

The small Himalayan kingdom is focusing on virtual currencies to modernise its economy and attract digital nomads. The government is generating its reserves (the sixth largest in the world) with hydroelectric power, an abundant and sustainable resource in the country. However, challenges remain, related to digital market volatility, the need for training, and fraud.

An absolute travel ban has been imposed on citizens from the kingdom nestled between India and China, causing surprise and uproar. In the absence of official explanations, several ideas have been put forward: Bhutan’s migration policy vis-à-vis exiles, a fake refugee scandal, overstaying. Whatever the case, existing data do not justify the measure. Some speculate a possible mix-up with Bangladesh.

Monks and nuns of the Central Monastic Body will have a chatbot designed to answer questions, in English. The technology was created together with Japanese partners. An initial period of six months of experimentation is in the works, with full introduction by 2027.

Using satellite images, a recent report shows 20 new Chinese settlements with about 7,000 residents in Bhutanese territory. For experts, China’s strategy began in the 1990s and is aimed at India, becoming more aggressive in recent years. In the last year alone, seven new villages have been built in strategically important areas at around 4,000 metres above sea level.

Today's news: at least 36 victims in Guangdong in highway collapse; Ankara wants to join South Africa in genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice; Bhutan is a pioneer in South Asia for primary health care (PHA); Heat wave and mismanagement cause a fish die-off in a reservoir in southern Vietnam, hundreds of thousands of animals dead.

The latest data on international arms transfers over the past five years come from Sweden-based SIPRI. India is the world's top importer, while the United States, for the first time in 25 years, is Asia’s largest supplier. Driving rearmament, experts explain, is the perception of a Chinese threat (which continues to boost its war production).

Today's news: attacker who shot opposition leader in South Korea wanted to prevent him from becoming president; In Myanmar at least 34 people died in prison in 2023; Diplomatic dispute between the Maldives, India, and China continues; In Hong Kong a man wearing a T-shirt with pro-democracy slogans arrested.

Today's news: One of Hezbollah's leaders eliminated in southern Lebanon; Chinese President Xi Jinping said more efforts are needed in the fight against corruption; Former Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif is free to participate in the upcoming elections; Polling stations open for the Bhutan runoff.

Today's news: Israel renews attacks on the Strip, the UN says it will not rule out Jabalia refugee camp attack being considered a 'war crime'; The Cambodian government establishes an authority for civil cases, separate from the ordinary courts; Beijing tightens regulations on bank capital to contain financial risks; Senior officials of an Indonesian pharmaceutical company convicted over a drug linked to the deaths of 200 children; Bhutan appoints an interim government ahead of parliamentary elections; Entire Russian settlements beyond the polar circle without heating,wood or coal as winter sets in.

Today's news: Hong Kong’s new cardinal says a liaison office is a matter “between the two governments," but stresses his diocese’s role as a potential "bridge" between China and the Vatican. India and Bhutan report a significant rise in the number of wild tigers. The United Arab Emirates will allow protesters to “assemble peacefully” during COP28. A “delicacy" in many countries, frog legs shortages are reported in Indonesia and Vietnam. Russia speeds up building its own "sovereign internet".

Today's headlines: in Siberia, permafrost melts causing the methane-releasing Batagaika depression to sink further; Israeli army kills two teenagers in the West Bank; U.S. semiconductors in Russia despite sanctions through Maldives; Chinese youth stop at Propaganda Fide in Rome on their way to WYD.

The kingdom's goal is to reach pre-pandemic visitors level while preserving nature. But this could prove in vain due to global warming. According to a new report, Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate.