Mar 9, 2013
Energy Security: Energy has always played a significant role as a key input in economic development. The evidences are as vast as the oil reserves in the OPEC region, strategic oil reserves in the OECD nations, the natural gas pipelines in the northern hemisphere, the coal mines in China, India and Australia and the soaring energy demand in the BRICS nations.
Energy issues have underpinned the foreign policy of the developed and developing nations [... Read More]
Mar 5, 2013
The finance ministers of two countries sign the agreement
Economy: The finance minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu yesterday signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Indian finance minister, P Chidambaram.
Double taxation is levying of tax by two or more authorities on the same declared income. It occurs when an individual or a corporation is required to pay two or more taxes for the same income, asset, or financial transaction in different countries.
For example for an Indian investor (X) who earned income of [... Read More]
Feb 25, 2013
Giving forty winks a nod of approval, as it makes up — no question —the happiest time of our lives
The truth shall get you sleep
I have a confession to make. This finale to the long and winding essay, I set off on a month ago, gets to first base at last. All that rigmarole … er … preamble served as a ruse to mask what was really on my mind. You might say I sort [... Read More]
Feb 24, 2013
Giving forty winks a nod of approval, as it makes up — no question —the happiest time of our lives
Yaw-awn! Back from a month-long hibernation
FOOLED you, didn’t I? Thought this piece on sleep had been put to bed, eh? If so, then, sorry to turn up like a bad penny, but I’m just warming to the theme; there’s lots of hot stuff left.
I dropped a hint in part two of this ‘pillow talk’ [... Read More]
Feb 9, 2013
An open letter to the Steering Committee for the New Development Paradigm, the Gross National Happiness Commission, the International Expert Working Group (IEWG), and other interested parties.
Having attended the recent IEWG meeting in Thimphu as an observer, and as a visitor to this beautiful country with a great interest in GNH, I am left wondering about the attempt to translate it beyond the unique context of Bhutan. While the New Development Paradigm is based in [... Read More]
Feb 5, 2013
The Constitution is the triumph of truth and virtue over vitriolic criticisms and lurking suspicions. Therefore, we were cautious and conscious of the sacred responsibility. The Drafting Committee had honest disagreements reflecting diversities of opinion and interest leading to progressive development and solutions. Consequently, the Constitution is morally defensible, socially rational and politically democratic.
It has interlocking system and enshrined principles, doctrine and legal paradigms. It is rigid to establish normative values and flexible to be [... Read More]
Feb 3, 2013
Conclusion
Bhutan witnessed a peaceful transition to democracy under the leadership of the Wangchuck dynasty with the adoption of the Constitution. The Constitution was drafted on the personal initiative and, the wise and courageous decision of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Following the royal command, the Constitution Drafting Committee was established. It comprised of representatives from the twenty Dzongkhags directly elected by the people1, two members from the Dratshang2, the Speaker of [... Read More]
Feb 2, 2013
Suggestions to improve the condition of our buildings, dogs and garbage
I have been in Thimphu for less than three weeks, and will spend the next six months here, on an international work placement. I write here as a concerned private citizen and, first of all, let me thank the people and government of Bhutan for their hospitality and warmth in my time here so far. Now, taking advice from an outsider is always difficult, [... Read More]
Jan 26, 2013
Article 35
Amendment & Authoritative Text
continued
(c) Actually, we have drafted our constitution keeping in view that at least it shall not be amended for the next 100 years, but with the change in time that will not be possible. With passing times, amendments cannot be avoided…One decided by the Parliament may be amended by the people through referendum. That is why people have the highest power to amend the Constitution. In one way, it [... Read More]
Jan 24, 2013
Article 35
Amendment & Authoritative Text
The Constitution must solve the difficulties of the present and future dangers. It must identify the difficulties and think of the welfare of the people, safeguard the sovereignty and independence of the country.205 Therefore, with changing times and situation, the Constitution may require certain amendments. His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo explained that there were two ways to amend any of the Articles, including Article 2, which deals with the institution [... Read More]
