On March 31, a similar satellite, the Resurs-P Number 4, was launched into orbit aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Baikonur. Sputnik brings you live coverage as the Russian Resurs-P satellite launches from Baikonur aboard the 2000th Soyuz-2.1b rocket, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The satellite's journey into orbit is expected to take exactly 9 minutes and 23 seconds. The Resurs-P satellites are capable of capturing Earth images with a resolution of 70 centimeters (27.5 inches).

During the trekking season of Mount Taungwine located in Mawlamyine resumed in December, the arrival of walkers and pilgrims has reached even over 2,000 on weekends, according to the Sasananwe Foundation. On 21 and 22 December, there were 1,200 and 2,000 walkers respectively and around 1,500 on some days. It is expected that the visitor arrival will be larger during coming long holidays, said residents. “Taungwine is like Mandalay Hill. We can view our town, Mawlamyine from the top of Mount Taungwine so people enjoy visiting here. The trekking path is crowded from 5 am,” said a resident.

CHAUNGTHA Beach, located in Chaungtha Town of Pathein District, saw an influx of visitors from various regions on 25 December for the Christmas holiday.
According to a street vendor U Ko Ko Naing, “Visitor numbers vary daily, but holidays like Christmas bring significant crowds. Hotels and guesthouses receive bookings, and with the New Year approaching, the beach is becoming increasingly lively”.

Preparations are in progress in Hpa-an, Kayin State, for the Kayin New Year celebration, scheduled for 30 December 2024, which coincides with the first waxing of Pyatho. The first waxing day of Pyatho in the Myanmar lunar calendar marks the Kayin New Year. This year, 11 January also fell on the first waxing day of Pyatho, making the upcoming celebration the second Kayin New Year in 2024. “According to the Myanmar calendar, this rare occurrence happens every four or five years. During the last New Year, a large frog drum and a buffalo horn sculpture were crafted in the field of Taungkalay.