Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Abbot’s Comments on Bagan and ‘Islamic’ UNESCO Spark Online Melee

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 06:45 AM PDT

Social media firestorm erupts after Sitagu Sayadaw says World Heritage listing puts Myanmar's cultural heritage in the hands of UN's 'Islamic backers'

Religion Ministry Done Leaving Sangha to Govern Ma Ba Tha

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 05:13 AM PDT

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture says it's done leaving the disciplining of leaders of a Buddhist nationalist group solely to religious authorities.

Time to Review the Peace Process in Myanmar

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 04:09 AM PDT

Past shortcomings in the peace process have come back to haunt current negotiations, resulting in the present stalemate.

Finance Minister U Soe Win to Head Scandal-Hit Industry Ministry

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 02:29 AM PDT

He will handle the two portfolios concurrently following the resignation of U Khin Maung Cho amid probe of controversial procurements.

Myanmar Govt to Launch Satellite, Improve Communications

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 02:06 AM PDT

A government newspaper says Myanmar Sat 2, built by US-based Maxar Technologies, will launch next week, improving mobile and internet connectivity even in remote areas.

‘I’ve Been Running Most of My Life’

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 01:49 AM PDT

For displaced Karen—including repatriated refugees and those receiving housing support in new settlements—peace is always fragile and jobs remain scarce.

Cub Sightings Raise Hopes for Myanmar’s Tiger Population

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 01:37 AM PDT

Three young animals have been photographed in a Sagaing Region wildlife reserve over the past five years, conservation group says.

Locals Fear Coal-Powered Fish Factory in Southern Rakhine

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 12:51 AM PDT

The factory, almost ready to run but news to state officials, has raised environmental concern. "Who is going to take accountability?" one ANP lawmaker demanded to know.

Military Rejects Call to Return Unused Funds

Posted: 31 Jul 2019 12:21 AM PDT

Some money for 1st half of fiscal 2018-19 has yet to be dispersed pending the results of tender process, deputy minister tells Parliament in response to NLD proposal.

Indian Coffee Tycoon Siddhartha’s Body Found: Police

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 10:07 PM PDT

V.G. Siddhartha, the Café Coffee Day chain founder has been missing since Monday night. His body was found in the Nethravathi River, in southern Karnatak State.

India’s Parliament Votes to Outlaw Muslim Instant Divorce

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 10:00 PM PDT

The bill makes practitioners of "triple talaq" liable to prosecution. India is one of the few countries where the practice has survived in law.

Huawei Warns of US Ban After China Smartphone Sales Drive H1 Revenue

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 09:30 PM PDT

The sales numbers are the first to come out since the Chinese telecom giant was placed on Washington's so-called entity list in May.

Vietnamese Fishermen Call for Action Against China

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 09:12 PM PDT

The latest clash in the global flashpoint of the South China Sea comes as Vietnamese and Chinese ships engage in a weeks-old standoff near an offshore oil block.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

H1N1 Death Toll Inches Up

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:55 AM PDT

Of 81 deaths related to H1N1 flu infections so far this year, 65 of them were due to complications of preexisting health issues. Once again, Yangon lead the count.

More than 20 Village Administrators in N. Shan Quit to Protest Leader’s Arrest

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:16 AM PDT

The army detained Sai Sai Tin Cho, a village chief in Kyaukme Township, for collecting money for an armed group; locals say they're caught between rebels and military.

NLD Parliamentarians Unbothered by Military Absence in Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 05:03 AM PDT

"If [they] join the debate, I am afraid we will have to debate for a long time," an Upper House lawmaker said. "One stage of the process may finish quickly and smoothly."

Shan State Residents, Civil Groups Call for Transparent, Green Energy Policy

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 03:20 AM PDT

Open letter urges Union, state officials to use caution when tapping foreign investment and to ensure local input into decision-making.

In the NLD’s Cabinets, a High Rate of Turnover

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 02:50 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy's infographics illustrate the nearly 20 ministerial changes that have taken place at all levels since the party came to power in 2016.

India, Myanmar Strengthen Military Ties

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 01:47 AM PDT

During a 9-day trip to India, Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing signed an MOU in New Delhi with an eye toward strengthening Myanmar's military capabilities.

Chinese Tourism in Myanmar Growing, While Industry Still Adapts

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 11:05 PM PDT

With Chinese tourism in Myanmar up, the local travel industry must contend with zero-budget Chinese travel packages and a lack of local Mandarin speakers, sources say.

Hong Kong Protesters Disrupt Train Services, Cause Commuter Chaos

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:55 PM PDT

Activists blocked train doors during the early-morning rush hour, halting service and forcing hundreds to stream out of stations in search of alternative transport.

Pray and Protect: Faith Saves Forests of Cambodia

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 10:14 PM PDT

A dozen or so monks manage a project hailed as a model for conservation in a nation with one of the world's fastest rates of deforestation.
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Monday, July 29, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Military Lawmakers Withdraw from Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 05:59 AM PDT

With the Union Parliament set to begin discussing proposals brought by the Charter Amendment Committee on Tuesday, military-appointed lawmakers decline to debate.

Detained Journalist Says He’s Being Targeted for Covering Labor Dispute

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 05:20 AM PDT

Khun Zaw Oo, a reporter for DVB in Lashio, was arrested over a motoring offense after reporting on water park employees' claims that they were not paid.

17 Killed, 1 Missing in Landslide in Hpakant Jade Mining Area

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 03:42 AM PDT

Heavy rains cause hillside to collapse; 3 policemen working as guards among those buried in the Kachin State disaster.

Plan Int’l Says Employee Shot, Wounded by Army Troops in Mrauk-U

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 02:19 AM PDT

Army says soldiers opened fire after a man ignored order to stop motorbike; military reportedly taking legal action against injured man under counterterrorism law.

Govt Investigation Team to Probe Deadly Magwe Land Dispute

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 02:04 AM PDT

Magwe Region police told reporters they'll wait for autopsy results before filing charges in a land dispute that exploded into violence last week, leaving dozens dead.

Founder Denies Newly Formed DNP Serves Military Interests

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 12:33 AM PDT

Former General U Soe Maung downplays ties to former Senior General Than Shwe at Saturday's launch of the Democratic Party of National Politics.

Vietnam Seizes 125kg of Rhino Horns, Seven Tiger Carcasses

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 10:03 PM PDT

The rhino horns are believed to have medicinal value in Vietnam. They came hidden in plaster blocks on an Etihad Airways flight from the United Arab Emirates.

The Feud Involving Members of Singapore’s First Family

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 09:56 PM PDT

Children of deceased Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew say their eldest relative—the current prime minister—is ignoring their father's will for his own political gain.

After Weekend of Violent Clashes, Beijing to Address Hong Kong Unrest

Posted: 28 Jul 2019 09:20 PM PDT

In a rare move, Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office will hold a press conference on the situation—Hong Kong's worst crisis since 1997.
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Saturday, July 27, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Why Peace Remains Evasive

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 08:00 PM PDT

If one wonders why the peace process does not progress smoothly, the answer lies with the Tatmadaw.

The Day the Butcher of Yangon Began His 17-Day Presidency

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 07:00 PM PDT

Exactly 31 years ago today, U Sein Lwin began the shortest-lived presidency in modern Myanmar history, still managing to kill hundreds.
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Friday, July 26, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Frontiir Receives $30M Investment from UK’s CDC

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 06:46 AM PDT

The money, representatives from both organizations say, will help the internet service provider expand low-cost coverage to poor communities in Yangon and beyond.

Myanmar, ASEAN Team to Visit Rohingyas Camp

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 06:42 AM PDT

Last time a similar envoy visited the camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazaar, they refused to answer Rohingya concerns over post-repatriation citizenship and safety.

No Room for ’88 Museum, Says Company Renovating Yangon Secretariat

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 06:37 AM PDT

Anawmar Art Group, which has ties to a senior junta figure, says historic Yangon building's museum space is intended to honor Gen. Aung San and national Martyrs.

Art Exhibit Builds Bridges and Distorts Experience  

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 06:25 AM PDT

A dizzying array of global artistic talent in a range of new media exhibits is on display at Building Bridges Yangon. Writer Myint Myat Thu shares some favorites.

Four Police Injured in AA Attack on Outpost in N. Rakhine

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 05:05 AM PDT

One AA fighter killed in early morning assault in Buthidaung Township, military says.

Local Entrepreneur Offers Plastics Alternatives

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 04:42 AM PDT

Ko Kyaw Kyaw Htike's Zero Plastic brand offers reusable products made from biodegradable materials to lessen the burden of single-use-plastic waste.

China Leads Investment in Yangon

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 04:06 AM PDT

Of 113 projects worth more than $200 million launched in the region in the first nine months of fiscal 2018-19, 65 are from China.

More Than 100 Tons of Plastic Waste Enter Irrawaddy River Daily: Survey

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 02:25 AM PDT

Workshop participants call for increased public education, regulation on waste sorting.

‘The Ugly American’: A Remembrance

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 01:57 AM PDT

This much-misunderstood prototype of American engagement with the world deserves revisiting, even if the novel and film that made it famous are rightfully forgotten.

Work on City Side of Yangon-Dala Bridge to Start Next Month

Posted: 26 Jul 2019 12:34 AM PDT

Structure is due to be complete by early 2022; Yangon's Bonegyi St. will be closed to buses for a year and a half.

All Sewn Up? Vietnam Garment Makers Face Hitches in Lucrative EU Trade Deal

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 10:10 PM PDT

Low pay and long hours are making it hard to meet new factories' growing demand for workers, which had already increased by 7 percent since 2018.

Global Warming Reshapes Almanac for Tea Growers in China’s Yunnan

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 09:47 PM PDT

"The entire precipitation pattern has changed due to global warming," said Xiao Chan, head of weather services at Beijing's National Climate Center.

India’s Parliament Approves Changes to Right to Information Law Despite Protests

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 09:41 PM PDT

Once the amendments were passed in the Indian parliament's upper house on Thursday, the entire opposition walked out of parliament.
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Thursday, July 25, 2019

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

For Peace, Arakanese Lawmakers Must Temper Rhetoric: Tatmadaw

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 05:39 AM PDT

"They criticized us in the media … some remarks were extreme," Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun said. "Extreme remarks will not contribute to peace and stability."

Mother of Abused Toddler Calls Teacher a Suspect

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 04:36 AM PDT

Giving the sole testimony of the second court hearing in the widely-followed case of an alleged toddler rape, the victim's mother asked to widen the circle of suspects.

Military Lawmakers to Outnumber Others in Charter Amendment Debate

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 03:58 AM PDT

Tatmadaw appointees and their USDP allies plan a parliamentary show of force against constitutional changes proposed by NLD, ethnic parties.

Foreign Partners Poised to Aid Growth in Myanmar’s Life Insurance Sector

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 03:04 AM PDT

Myanmar opened to private life insurance just six years ago. Aided by joint-ventures with foreign investors just now starting, the market could triple in size in the next decade.

Police Suing 6 Arakanese Deportees under Terrorism Law

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 02:35 AM PDT

Recently deported from Singapore, the six have been held for two weeks without access to family. Now they face terrorism and possible defamation charges.

President Reportedly Set to Fire Industry Minister for Corruption

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 01:21 AM PDT

Pharmaceutical, ambulance procurement scandals are likely to cost U Khin Maung Cho his job, NLD insider says.

American Detained in Cannabis Plantation Case Granted Bail

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 01:17 AM PDT

John Fredric Todoroki, who says he is growing commercial hemp, not marijuana, released on health grounds after paying 300 million kyats.

Save Mrauk-U Heritage by Ending the Rakhine War

Posted: 25 Jul 2019 12:46 AM PDT

Union and state-level authorities, including the AA, must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of UNESCO inspectors in September for the city's future.

Satellite Images Show Myanmar’s ‘Minimal Preparations’ for Rohingya Return: Think-Tank

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 10:24 PM PDT

"The continued destruction of residential areas … raises serious questions about the willingness of the Myanmar government" to offer a safe return, said one researcher.

China Warns of War in Case of Move Towards Taiwan Independence

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 10:14 PM PDT

The warning comes after the U.S. approved sales of weapons requested by Taiwan worth an estimated $2.2 billion, including tanks and Stinger missiles, earlier this month.

Hong Kong Anti-Government Protests Spill into Manchester City Game

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 09:48 PM PDT

Soccer fans sang protest songs and waved anti-government banners during a friendly game involving English Premier League champs, who easily won, 6-1.

Food for… Trash? India’s First ‘Garbage Cafe’ to Offer Meals for Plastic

Posted: 24 Jul 2019 09:28 PM PDT

In exchange for one kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of plastic, the cafe will serve a curry with rice, lentils, and papadams, estimating that would take a couple of hours to collect.
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