Monday, June 1, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Parliament Rejects Move to Oust House Speaker

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 05:20 AM PDT

The Parliament voted down a proposal by military-backed and military-appointed lawmakers on Monday to impeach the house speaker over the recent constitutional reform process.

Japan to Provide US$46 M Emergency Loan to Small Businesses in Myanmar

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 04:44 AM PDT

The Japan International Cooperation Agency announced an emergency loan program for businesses in Myanmar as part its plans to help Myanmar weather the impacts of COVID-19.

Myanmar’s Third COVID-19 Lab Begins Operating in Mandalay

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 04:42 AM PDT

Capable of conducting more than 400 coronavirus tests a day, the new lab in Mandalay will serve all of Upper Myanmar, easing the workload on Yangon's two labs.

Arakan Army Releases Civilians Seized in Raid on Myanmar’s Border Police

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 03:34 AM PDT

The rebel group reportedly killed four police officers and six others are missing after an attack on a Rakhine State outpost.

NLD Warns Yangon Chief Minister Over Breach of COVID-19 Rules

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 02:22 AM PDT

The Yangon chief minister held a Buddhist gathering in breach of Myanmar's COVID-19 measures, prompting an inquiry by the President's Office and a lawsuit by a local resident.

World Bank Approves $460 Million Funding for Power Generation, Health Services in Myanmar

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 02:16 AM PDT

The World Bank announced a package of $460 million in loans and grants to boost power generation in Yangon and fund essential health services around the country.

India Starts Lifting Lockdown in Some Areas

Posted: 31 May 2020 09:58 PM PDT

India started a phased reopening of its economy on Monday outside of designated COVID-19 'containment zones'.

US Launches First NASA Astronauts From American Soil Since 2011

Posted: 31 May 2020 09:54 PM PDT

Two NASA astronauts were successfully launched into space on board a commercial rocket bound for the International Space Station on Saturday.
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Sunday, May 31, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Day Britain’s Queen Visited Myanmar’s Imperial Pavilion

Posted: 31 May 2020 12:15 AM PDT

The natural and cultural riches of colonial Burma were displayed for Londoners in 1924 at the British Empire Exhibition.
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Saturday, May 30, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 29 May 2020 07:30 PM PDT

This week Myanmar's government approved international loans, pushed e-commerce, signed a deal with Singapore, lifted a ban on liquor imports and approved new investments.

This Week in Parliament

Posted: 29 May 2020 06:30 PM PDT

The Irrawaddy briefs you on the week that was in the national legislature.
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Friday, May 29, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

What Do We Want a Post-Pandemic Myanmar to Look Like?

Posted: 29 May 2020 07:42 AM PDT

Myanmar must look beyond short-term recovery from COVID-19 and set a new course based on respect for the environment, sustainable development and economic equality.

NLD Vows to Veto USDP and Military’s Bid to Impeach Speaker

Posted: 29 May 2020 06:12 AM PDT

The National League for Democracy says it will stand by Union Parliament Speaker U T Khun Myat, despite claims the independent parliamentarian violated the Constitution.

Ta’ang Armed Group Attacks Myanmar Military Convoy in Shan State

Posted: 29 May 2020 05:48 AM PDT

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army intercepted a military convoy in northern Shan State on Friday morning, damaging vehicles but apparently resulting in no casualties.

COVID-19 Forces Ceremony for Depayin Massacre to Downsize

Posted: 29 May 2020 05:40 AM PDT

The commemoration of the Depayin massacre, in which junta thugs killed at least 70 people and attacked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, will go on with just a few locals due to COVID-19.

Myanmar Lower House Passes Law Boosting Govt’s Powers to Fight Epidemics

Posted: 29 May 2020 05:24 AM PDT

The Lower House passed a draft law making it easier for the Health Ministry to introduce containment measures during epidemics and boosting punishments for violators.

Myanmar Human Rights Commission Fails to Stop Abuses: NGOs

Posted: 29 May 2020 04:58 AM PDT

The commission is a toothless body of former civil servants which does nothing to condemn ongoing abuses, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, say rights advocates.

Myanmar Extends Ban on Mass Gathering Until June 15

Posted: 29 May 2020 02:51 AM PDT

The ban on mass gatherings will remain in place, though some groups are now exempt, and stay-at-home restrictions in areas of Yangon will also be lifted.

10 Police, Three Others Missing After AA Attacks Border Guard Outpost in Myanmar’s Rakhine

Posted: 28 May 2020 11:36 PM PDT

A search operation is under way for 10 policemen and three civilians who have been missing since the Arakan Army overran a Border Guard Police outpost in Rakhine State.

At a COVID-19 Hospital in India, Doctors See No End in Sight

Posted: 28 May 2020 11:10 PM PDT

The largest hospital in New Delhi dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients has seen a surge in cases and its waiting list continues to grow.

Frontline Health-Care Workers in Japan Face Discrimination Due to Virus Fears

Posted: 28 May 2020 10:33 PM PDT

A medical workers union in Japan said nearly 10 percent of its offices had reported cases of discrimination against health-care staff due to public fears over COVID-19.

Attack on Taiwan an Option to Stop Independence, Top Chinese General Says

Posted: 28 May 2020 10:20 PM PDT

A senior Chinese general said Beijing reserves the right to use force to prevent Taiwan from asserting independence from the mainland.
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Thursday, May 28, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Parliament Slashes Military’s Budget Request for First Time

Posted: 28 May 2020 07:04 AM PDT

US$7.5 million removed from military's extra budget request, marking the first time the armed forces' full spending request has been denied by the NLD government.

Europe’s Rich Continue to Buy Myanmar’s Illegal Teak: EIA

Posted: 28 May 2020 06:18 AM PDT

Alec Dawson, a forestry campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency, tells The Irrawaddy that illegally logged teak continues to end up in European yachts.

Myanmar’s Opposition, Military Lawmakers Seek House Speaker’s Impeachment

Posted: 28 May 2020 05:48 AM PDT

The MPs have called for the Parliament Speaker to be removed over his handling of the charter change debate and for allegedly failing to fulfill his duties.

Myanmar Govt Borrows US$925 M from Central Bank to Cover Deficit

Posted: 28 May 2020 05:16 AM PDT

The loan was approved by Parliament on Wednesday and will cover 20 percent of Myanmar's deficit for the year as spending increases due to impacts of COVID-19.

When a Burmese Cane Ball Juggler Dazzled London

Posted: 28 May 2020 05:03 AM PDT

On this day in 1924, a Burmese juggler performed at the British Empire Exhibition in London, entertaining audiences with a display of traditional chinlone cane ball prowess.

Myanmar Parliament Approves Half-Million USD for ICJ Genocide Defense After Debate

Posted: 28 May 2020 03:28 AM PDT

Lawmakers and ministers debated whether the proposed budget to cover the cost of the ICJ defense was in line with laws and procedures.

Singapore Agency to Help Myanmar Find Partners for Key Infrastructure Projects

Posted: 28 May 2020 01:19 AM PDT

Singapore's Infrastructure Asia has signed an agreement to help Myanmar find 'quality' investors and partners for its Project Bank of high-priority development plans.

Hundreds Arrested as Hong Kong Citizens Protest Chinese Anthem Law

Posted: 27 May 2020 10:44 PM PDT

Hong Kong police arrested hundreds of people protesting a bill that would make it illegal to abuse China's national anthem.

US Coronavirus Deaths Top 100,000 as Country Reopens

Posted: 27 May 2020 10:39 PM PDT

The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States has passed 100,000, making it the eighth-most severely affected country in terms of fatalities per capita.

Huawei Executive Meng Loses Key Court Fight Against Extradition to US

Posted: 27 May 2020 10:29 PM PDT

A court in Canada ruled that there are legitimate legal grounds for extraditing Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou to the US, angering Beijing.

No Way Back: Indian Workers Shun City Jobs After Lockdown Ordeal

Posted: 27 May 2020 10:26 PM PDT

The hardship endured by Indian migrant workers left jobless and forced to find a way home due to COVID-19 has made many reluctant to seek work in cities again.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

A tribute to United Nations Peace Keepers and the Women of Peace in Myanmar

Posted: 27 May 2020 07:25 AM PDT

Women in Myanmar make invaluable contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, and their participation in the peace process increases the chances it will succeed.

Myanmar Govt, LIFT Fund Announce Extra Cash Payments to Help Most Vulnerable During COVID-19

Posted: 27 May 2020 06:30 AM PDT

With the help of the LIFT fund, the government will send one-time cash payments to mothers, pregnant women and the elderly in disadvantaged regions amid COVID-19.

Apparently, Myanmar Govt’s COVID-19 Rules Don’t Apply to Yangon Chief Minister

Posted: 27 May 2020 06:12 AM PDT

The Yangon chief minister's weekend outing—seemingly to hold a religious gathering—suggests a double standard in the enforcement of the government's anti-COVID-19 orders.

No Local COVID-19 Transmissions Reported in Myanmar for 10 Days

Posted: 27 May 2020 05:05 AM PDT

Since May 18, Myanmar reports 22 patients. They are all imported cases.

Myanmar Tourism Sector Needs More Govt Support During COVID-19: New Survey

Posted: 27 May 2020 03:44 AM PDT

Over 80 percent of tourism businesses surveyed are extremely affected by the pandemic, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism-backed survey says.

Myanmar to Borrow $200 Million From World Bank to Assist Farmers

Posted: 27 May 2020 01:09 AM PDT

Myanmar will obtain $200 million in loans from the World Bank to fund a post-COVID-19 recovery for the agriculture sector, a deputy minister told Parliament.

Trump Hints at US Action Against China on Hong Kong Law This Week

Posted: 26 May 2020 10:57 PM PDT

US President Donald Trump has hinted that Washington is preparing to take action against China over its plans to impose a national security law on Hong Kong.

Thailand Extends Virus Emergency Powers Amid Opposition Suspicion

Posted: 26 May 2020 10:36 PM PDT

Thailand's opposition has raised suspicions over the government's motive for extending emergency powers as the COVID-19 crisis starts to ease.

Death of ‘Mr Big’ Stirs Memories of Singapore’s Gangland Past

Posted: 26 May 2020 10:23 PM PDT

The death of a high-profile figure from Singapore's gangster heyday has revived interest in the city-state's history as a onetime hotbed of organized crime.

India Has Low COVID-19 Death Rate But Concerns Rise About Migrants on the Move

Posted: 26 May 2020 10:08 PM PDT

With 4,167 fatal COVID-19 cases so far, India's death rate remains low, but fears are growing that poor villages will bear the brunt as infections rise.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Timeline: Myanmar’s Government Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted: 26 May 2020 07:06 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy provides an overview of key events in the Myanmar government's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Myanmar Submits First Report to World Court on Provisional Measures to Protect Rohingya

Posted: 26 May 2020 06:28 AM PDT

The ICJ said Myanmar had submitted its first report on steps to protect Rohingya, in compliance with a court order as part of Gambia's genocide case against the country.

Abducted Villagers in Western Myanmar Blame Arakan Army

Posted: 26 May 2020 06:22 AM PDT

The rebel group and Myanmar military are both accused of detaining and beating civilians in Chin State's Paletwa Township.

Myanmar Parliament Approves $700-Million IMF Loan for COVID-19 Spending

Posted: 26 May 2020 05:30 AM PDT

Parliament has approved an IMF loan package worth US$700 million to meet budget shortfalls as the government boosts spending to curb the economic impact of COVID-19.

Solar Investors Slam Myanmar’s One-Month Bid Deadline

Posted: 26 May 2020 04:13 AM PDT

COVID-19 restrictions make bidding impossible for 30 solar power plants across Myanmar, according to interested firms.

Yangon Nursing University Collapse Caused by Design Flaws, Committee Finds

Posted: 26 May 2020 03:06 AM PDT

A committee of engineers says the partial collapse of the Yangon Nursing University in mid-May was caused by design flaws.

Shan Pants, Burmese Longyi and Teenagers: Finding the Moral Imagination for Peace in Myanmar

Posted: 26 May 2020 01:40 AM PDT

Political structures, constitutions and peace processes cannot confer dignity or legitimacy; those things come from people's attitudes toward, and trust in, one another.

The Missionary School That Educated Many of 20th-Century Myanmar’s Most Prominent Figures

Posted: 26 May 2020 01:37 AM PDT

Occupying its current site since 1886, the Yangon school once known as St. Paul High turned out many of the leading figures of the colonial and post-independence periods.

The Day Myanmar’s Capital Erupted Into Race Riots

Posted: 26 May 2020 01:35 AM PDT

On this day in 1930, violence between Myanmar and Indian workers over jobs at Yangon Port led to days of bloody clashes between the two communities across the country.

Hong Kong’s Leader Says New Security Laws Won’t Affect Rights, Freedoms

Posted: 25 May 2020 11:24 PM PDT

Hong Kong's chief executive told residents of the city there is 'no need to worry' about the impact of Beijing's proposed national security legislation on their freedoms.

Japan Says Avigan Won’t Be Approved as COVID-19 Drug This Month

Posted: 25 May 2020 10:58 PM PDT

Further studies and tests are needed before Fujifilm's drug Avigan can be approved as a treatment for COVID-19, Japan's health minister said.

In Land of Big Data, China Sets Individual Privacy Rights

Posted: 25 May 2020 10:17 PM PDT

China is set to pass legislation that will for the first time enshrine an individual's right to privacy and to have their personal information protected.

WHO Chief Deems Japan’s Battle Against Coronavirus a ‘Success’

Posted: 25 May 2020 09:49 PM PDT

As Japan lifted a nationwide state of emergency, the WHO praised the country's success in reducing the spread of infections and limiting deaths from COVID-19.
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