Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Advocates Say Govt Too Light on Officers Who Botched Toddler Rape Investigation

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:57 AM PDT

Lawyers and campaigners in Myanmar slammed the government's "light punishment" of senior police officers who mishandled the investigation of a high-profile toddler rape case.

Myanmar Back at Work After No Local COVID-19 Transmissions for Two Weeks

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:48 AM PDT

Most shops, restaurants and workplaces in Myanmar's large cities are now open as the country has reported no new local transmissions of COVID-19 for two weeks.

First Rohingya Death From COVID-19 Reported in Bangladesh Refugee Camp

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:39 AM PDT

A 71-year-old resident of the Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar on Monday became the first Rohingya refugee confirmed to have died of COVID-19, Bangladeshi officials said.

Opening of the First Airport in Myanmar’s Chin State Delayed Amid COVID-19

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 05:14 AM PDT

The opening of Surbung Airport in Falam is being delayed by coronavirus but the impoverished state hopes it will boost development and tourism.

Deputy Mayor of Myanmar’s Capital Nominated as Yangon Finance Minister

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 03:38 AM PDT

The Yangon regional government has nominated U Ye Min Oo, the deputy mayor of Naypyitaw and a veteran banker, as the commercial hub's next finance and planning minister.

Displaced Children in Western Myanmar Unable to Attend Reopening Schools

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 03:15 AM PDT

Families driven from their homes by fighting with the Arakan Army will struggle to send their children to schools when COVID-19 restrictions end.

South Korea’s SK Telecom to Help Myanmar Boost Cybersecurity

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 02:56 AM PDT

Cyber experts from Korea's biggest telecom firm will help Myanmar's NCSC set up a Security Operation Center to spot cybersecurity weaknesses and respond to threats.

Govt to Build Temporary Classrooms to Aid Social Distancing in Schools

Posted: 02 Jun 2020 02:44 AM PDT

The Education Ministry plans to build temporary classrooms to allow for social distancing at schools ahead of their gradual opening in July.

China Vows to Take Countermeasures Against US Over Hong Kong

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 10:14 PM PDT

Beijing has promised to take retaliatory measures in response to the United States' plan to end its special financial relationship with Hong Kong.

WHO Chief Urges Trump to Think Twice About US Withdrawal

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 10:06 PM PDT

The director general of the World Health Organization expressed hope that US President Trump will reconsider his decision to withdraw from the agency.

Trump Threatens to Use Troops to Quell Protests Over Police Killing of Black Detainee

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 09:48 PM PDT

US President Trump vowed to deploy military personnel to crack down on nationwide protests over Minnesota police's killing of George Floyd if local officials did not act.

The Building That Exploited Myanmar’s Oil Wealth

Posted: 01 Jun 2020 06:30 PM PDT

Burmah Oil Company's headquarters in Yangon enabled the British firm to generate huge profits while its employees lived in squalor on tiny wages.
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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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