Common drugs taken by up to 10million Americans for anxiety and high blood pressure may lower the risk of stroke in some at-risk people, a study suggests. 

Propranolol, a type of drug known as a 'beta blocker' which dampens the effects of adrenaline, reduced the risk of stroke by up to 50 percent in women with chronic migraines.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University combed through more than 3million medical records and found while the drug made a notable difference for women, there was no effect in men with migraines. 

Scientists believe migraines lead to spasms in the brain's arteries and, over time, these block blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes.

It's thought propranolol prevents blood vessels from dilating and causing spasms.

The findings, therefore, suggest using propranolol, which costs less than a dollar per pill, to treat migraine in women may lower their risk of stroke.

Stroke is one of America's leading causes of death, striking 800,000 Americans each year, or one every 40 seconds. About 160,000 people die from a stroke every year. 

Dr Mulubrhan Mogos, lead study author and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, said: 'Migraine is an often-ignored risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Until recently, preventive treatments for people who have migraines were not available.' 

Dr Mogos continued: 'Many women suffer from migraines, and it’s important to note that propranolol may be beneficial for these women... This is an important discovery for those dealing with migraines.' 

About 28million adult women in the US - one in six  - are thought to deal with regular migraines. 

Propranolol is a beta blocker, a type of drug typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. 

It has also been shown to stop the effects of anxiety, such as shaky hands and a wobbly voice, which is why doctors also prescribe it for performance anxiety.  

It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. 

This allows blood to flow to the brain more easily, preventing clots and strokes.  

In the new study, which will be presented at the upcoming International Stroke Conference next week, researchers reviewed 3million electronic health records spanning 15 years from two large databases.

The study included men and women with migraine who were divided into two groups: those who had suffered a stroke after their first migraine and those who did not have a stroke.

The team then looked at if the patients were treated with propranolol for migraine. 

The team found propranolol lowered the risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine by 52 percent in one analysis and 39 percent in the other.

However, the medication made no difference for men. 

There are multiple types of stroke, but the most common is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood supply and depriving brain cells of oxygen, causing them to die. 

The team said it's possible no effect was seen in men because migraine has been more closely associated with stroke in women than men, though the exact mechanism for the difference is unclear. 

Women are between two to four times more likely than men to have migraine. One 2023 study found 43 percent of women and 18 percent of men have had at least one. 

The researchers said propranolol's low cost - around $10 to $20 for a month's supply - could provide a more accessible solution for treating migraines and, in the long term, stroke.

Dr Mogos said: 'Our findings indicate that women and health care professionals should discuss the advantages of preventive migraine interventions. 

'For under-resourced individuals who bear a greater burden from this condition and may lack access to new treatments, we must ensure these treatments are available to them. This approach can help reduce health disparities.'

The study findings could be significant given the number of people, especially young people, having strokes has surged in the last several years.

There has been about an eight percent increase overall in strokes, with a 15 percent increase in people 18 to 44 years old.  

While propranolol may prevent strokes, additional research suggests other common medications like blood thinners, anti-psychotics, and opioids could increase the risk of stroke. 

Anti-psychotic medications like clozapine and haloperidol, taken by 3.8million adults in the US, have been shown to cause weight gain, which in turn can raise blood pressure and lead to the narrowing of arteries, increasing stroke risk. 

Additionally, blood thinners like warfarin - taken by 8million Americans - reduce the blood's ability to clot. However, blood being too thin can lead to hemorrhages in the brain, another form of stroke. 

Source: Myawady Web Portal

What is scamming? How does it work? How are young people connected to it? How can we avoid scamming businesses? I am going to answer these questions, so I would like to encourage you to read it up to the end.
The word “scamming” comes from the Chinese language and is pronounced as “Zhàpiàn,” (in Myanmar “ကျားဖြန့်”). In Chinese, it means “cheating” or “fraud.” Today, scamming businesses are well known in Southeast Asia as fraud operations, mostly working online to trick people.
One important question is: Who started these scamming businesses? Since the word comes from Chinese, many people believe that scamming businesses started in China. When IT technology developed rapidly in China, these businesses also grew internationally.
Scamming businesses have different types. Some mainly target Western countries, especially rich people, retirees, and those over 40 years old. They often focus on wealthy people in America and Europe.
Scamming businesses are not simple fraud operations. They are large-scale businesses that include human trafficking, forced labour, illegal weapons trade, drug smuggling, gambling, and many other illegal activities.

Where are scamming businesses based?
Where do they operate the most? The answer is simple. These businesses are mostly found in poor Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and Myanmar. They set up large offices and hire workers in these developing countries.

How do they find workers?
There are two main ways. First, they attract people by offering high salaries but later force them to work. Second, they use human trafficking to kidnap people and make them work against their will. In Myanmar, most of these businesses are located in border areas. They do not operate secretly but in large, well-protected buildings.

How Scamming Businesses Operate
Understanding how scamming businesses operate is very important. It is also their biggest secret. The process includes setting up a base, collecting information, recruiting workers, starting operations, and finally running scams.

Setting Up the Base
As mentioned earlier, scammers choose poor and underdeveloped countries. They negotiate with local border authorities to establish their business. They rent land for 30 to 50 years and build strong buildings with high walls. For security, they also hire armed groups to protect their operations.
Another important need for scammers is the internet. They either use local internet services or connect to better internet from neighbouring countries. For example, reports say that scam businesses in Myanmar use internet services from Thailand.

Collecting Information
Many people think that scammers only recruit uneducated or low-skilled workers. However, this is not true. Scamming businesses use digital platforms, IT equipment, and online transactions, so they need skilled workers. Most employees have at least a high school education and are skilled in using the Internet and computers. Some scammers even hire IT experts.

Language Skills in Scam Operations
Workers in scam businesses need to speak at least two or three languages. For example, in Myanmar’s border areas, scammers can speak Myanmar and Chinese or Myanmar and Thai. News reports also confirm this.
Scamming is not just a simple fraud activity. It is a highly organized business that includes illegal activities such as human trafficking, forced labour, illegal trade, and cyber fraud. Understanding their operations helps people become more aware and avoid these dangerous businesses.

How Mid-Level Scammers Operate
Scamming businesses are not run randomly; they follow a well-organized system. Mid-level scammers play an important role in collecting information, avoiding detection, and managing fraud operations efficiently.

Collecting Information Before Scamming
Before they begin their fraud operations, scammers prepare fake bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, stock market accounts, and fake websites. These are used to make their scams look real and professional.
When searching for victims, scammers mainly target wealthy people from developed countries. However, there are also scam operations targeting the middle class in Myanmar and other countries. They carefully collect personal details, such as home address, name, family information, job details, and financial status, before approaching their victims.

Scammers gather this information in different ways:

• Buying personal data from businesses or authorities.

• Using online conversations (called “chatting dialogue”) to trick victims into revealing information.

• Following a scripted communication strategy, where senior scammers train employees on what to say based on the victim’s responses.

• Hiring psychology experts to analyze victim behaviour and improve scamming techniques.

• Avoiding Law Enforcement Detection

Scammers operate systematically and take precautions to avoid being caught. Their businesses generate billions of dollars, allowing them to invest in better technology, security, and well-trained employees.
For example, scammers often target retired bankers, stock investors, or foundation managers handling large donations. They study these people’s online activities and gather detailed information before making contact. Their ability to carefully research, plan, and execute fraud makes them highly organized criminal networks rather than simple scammers.

Recruitment Process in Scam Operations
Recruiting workers is a crucial part of scam operations. As mentioned earlier, scammers mainly target developing countries, poorer regions, and low-wage workers when hiring employees. They lure educated individuals with high-salary job offers and then force them to participate in scam activities.

Target Countries for Recruitment
Scammers recruit workers from China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and African nations. They reach out to potential employees through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.

Common fake job postings include:

• Translator jobs near border areas.

• Factory jobs with attractive salaries.

• Online marketing or customer service positions.
  A 2024 report revealed that there were over 500 Telegram groups dedicated to recruiting Myanmar workers into scam operations.

High Recruitment Fees
To hire workers, scammers are willing to pay huge amounts to recruiters. For example, in 2024, a single Myanmar worker could be sold to scam groups for 40,000 Thai Baht (about 600,000 MMK).
For workers from poor countries, where salaries range between K300,000 to K500,000 per month, these job offers seem extremely attractive. This is why many educated people from low-income countries fall victim to scam networks.

Scam Business Structure
Scam operations generally have three key departments:

• Technical Team – Consists of IT specialists (mainly foreigners) who manage online scams.

• Target Searching Team – Responsible for finding victims.

• Communication Team – Handles conversations with victims.

Each department has around 15 to 20 employees working systematically.

Role of the Technical Team
The technical team is mainly composed of IT professionals who operate scam activities. They create fake social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Skype using attractive photos of young women to gain victims’ trust.
They maintain these fake accounts for three to four months to make them look real. They also post random social media updates to appear legitimate. This is an ongoing task within the technical team.

Final Stages of the Scam Operation
Once the search team has found potential victims, they begin engaging them in conversation.

Using fake social media accounts created by the technical team, they initiate chats in different ways:

• Casual conversations to build trust.

• Flirtatious messages for male targets.

• Job opportunities, such as investing in new businesses or earning money by watching videos.

As the conversation progresses and the victim becomes emotionally or professionally invested, they are handed over to the communication team for deeper engagement.

Manipulation by the Communication Team

This team, consisting of around 15 people, is responsible for fully convincing the victim. They engage in carefully planned dialogues:

• Sharing fake personal stories to gain trust.

• Showing edited photos as proof of their “authenticity”.

• Talking about their “successful business ventures”.

Through constant interaction, the victim is slowly pulled into the scammers’ trap.

Executing the Final Scam
At this stage, the scammers persuade the victim to invest in fake stock markets, trading platforms, or cryptocurrency exchanges created by the technical team.
Initially, small profits are given to victims, making them believe they are earning real money.

• This psychological trick encourages them to invest larger amounts.

• Eventually, once a significant amount is invested, the scammers:

• Shut down the platform and disappear.

• Use fake links and QR codes to hack victims’ bank accounts.

• Steal money through mobile payment apps.

• Many victims only realize they have been scammed when it’s too late.

In conclusion, this article has provided a step-by-step breakdown of how scam operations function. In the end, these scams exploit human greed – the desire for easy money. While everyone has some level of greed, scammers manipulate it to trap victims into financial ruin. By understanding these tactics, people can protect themselves and others from falling prey to these deceptive schemes.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

As I am a master student attending the Yangon University of Foreign Languages, I always find myself confined to the classroom on week days. But, last Monday, a cultural show was staged at the university. So, the class was dismissed earlier. When I arrived at the gate of the university, it was just 1 p.m. I decided to wend my way to Inya Lake, on whose bunds I had not set my foot for some days.   

The vehicles coming from the direction of Hledan was held up by the traffic light. So, I crossed University Avenue hurriedly and turned into Inya Road. I saw the Inya Hostel on the left and tall shady trees on the right. Many vehicles of different sizes, shapes and colours are streaming along the road. As I walked along the road with the brisk steps, I came to the western bund of Inya Lake after twenty minutes. I found a row of stalls along the bank selling various snacks. Opposite it, I found “Minlam” Monhti (Rakhine traditional rice vermicelli ) stall packed with the customers .To my joy , the immediate environs of the Lake was so pleasant .Ornament coconut palms were standing on either side of the concrete foot-path at the foot of the western bund. Near them were the plants with the colourful flowers. When I walked along the footpath beside the green grass. I felt that the atmosphere was laden with the sweet fragrance of the flowers. The butterflies were flitting to and fro among the flowers and the plants. Suddenly, I heard some calls of a cuckoo from afar. There were many trees near the car parking.

These green trees afforded a welcome shade for the visitors. Along the bund were the roofed benches built with the sponsorship of a company. Some youths who seemed university students were sitting relaxingly on them. When I threw my look towards the vast extent of the water, I saw some ripples rising on the surface. Some birds were riding on the water. Some were wheeling about in the sky. Some were swooping down upon the fish bobbing up to the surface of water. I espied the University Boat Club established in the 1920s, which stood on the headland jutting out into the lake. When I looked eastwards across the lake, I sighted some skyscrapers against the skyline.

While gazing at the wooded island on the water surface, I thought of the history of the lake. It was formerly called “Kamarwat” in Mon meaning "Lake of Jewel". The village near it was named “Kamaryut” after it. It developed gradually to a town in subsequent times. In ancient times, the lake was connected with Hlaing River by a creek. So it was affected by tide. However, when it came to 1882, the British built Pyay Road  by damming this lake with embankments . Since then, it turned into a land-locked lake .It is said that before the British occupied Myanmar , it was called “Kokaing Lake” after the  village near it .When Myanmar fell into the hand of the British, its name was changed into “Victoria Lake” after their queen. Only after Myanmar had restored her independence, it was called  “Inya Lake” .It is  learnt that there was a British military camp some distance on the south of it during the Second World War , where some Japanese war prisoners were kept .Today, there are embassies, diplomatic residences, well-known politicians' residences, monastery along the bank of  the south. There are wooded islets huddling together in the south-eastern corner of the lake. While thinking of the history of Inya Lake and its well-known places, I got down the bund and took a bus to Kabar Aye, where my house was Located.       

In conclusion, Inya Lake is a large body. So it can help regulate the climate. Besides, greening and beauty of its environment can make the visitors fresh, happy and free from the anxieties. So it can serve them as a good place of recreation and relaxation. Therefore, I think that it is necessary to conserve this lake in pristine purity. Anyho, my visit to Inya Lake that day was indeed an exhilarating one for me.

Looking at the current situation in the country, it can be seen that due to the actions of certain ethnic armed organizations and terrorist groups, local communities in some areas are deprived of security and peace, facing numerous hardships and suffering.
The various hardships and suffering faced by local ethnic people are not theirs alone but are the shared struggles of all the people living together in the Union, as national brethren born on the same land. Just as in a family, when one sibling faces hardship, the other siblings also feel sorrow and distress, sharing the burden of grief and pain.

Regretful emotion
Due to various domestic and international influences, as well as the malicious and destructive schemes originating from abroad, we should recognize the fact that the devastating situations affecting both sides often involve our fellow citizens. Even now, due to misunderstandings, misguided beliefs, and incitement, Myanmar citizens have been engaging in conflicts, killing, and destruction among themselves. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Myanmar citizens have died, gone missing, suffered injuries, or endured immense hardship. This is a deeply saddening reality for all of us as fellow citizens and members of the same national family.
Since Myanmar gained independence in 1948 until the present day, it is possible to estimate the number of people across the country who have lost their lives or been injured due to various armed conflicts. These conflicts have resulted in the loss of countless lives and the destruction of countless bodies of the nation’s citizens. The lives of families affected, as well as significant human resources, have been lost, which constitutes a great loss to the nation. This is a tragedy that deeply saddens all citizens. Therefore, it is time to cease all armed conflicts.

Initiate unity
Due to internal and external influences, actions that lack careful consideration and harm the nation and its people, along with armed conflicts, have caused significant damage and losses. A large majority of those affected are young individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. We would like to draw the public’s attention to this issue. Therefore, it is essential to reflect deeply on activities that incite conflict, create divisions, or promote hatred among one another. Instead, we should cultivate empathy, compassion, and unity among all national brethren, ensuring the youth are not wasted or lost to such conflicts. Let us nurture and develop a generation of strong, capable young people who contribute to building a modern, prosperous, and peaceful Union with unity and harmony.
In recent periods, various insurgent groups have carried out violent attacks, resulting in significant damage to towns and villages. Armed terrorists residing within states and regions are engaging in actions that destroy their communities. The residents of these regions must take responsibility for the development and stability of their areas. It is essential for the local population to proactively prevent and safeguard against actions that aim to disrupt development and undermine peace and stability in their regions. The terror attacks carried out by local ethnic groups demonstrate a lack of national spirit and misguided ideologies. These actions reflect political immaturity and betrayal of their birthplace and people.

Lesser development
To establish a peaceful and prosperous nation, the unity and solidarity of national brethren are as vital as life itself during this critical time for the nation. It is essential to strive for everlasting durable peace among ethnic nationalities and to work collectively for the nation’s benefit with the unified strength of all ethnic people. Due to the prolonged armed conflicts over many years, countless lives and resources have been lost, and the nation has significantly lagged compared to neighbouring countries. This reality must be recognized. If divisions and conflicts persist among national brethren, further losses and destruction will occur among the ethnic communities. The nation’s development will fall even further behind than it already has.
The main objective is to restore durable peace for the Union. Engaging in political dialogue and advancing a multiparty democratic system are essential steps toward achieving peace in the Union. It is necessary to reduce and eliminate differences in political views, ideologies, ethnic matters, religious beliefs, and racial issues. Everyone must strive to resolve these differences peacefully through democratic methods and parliamentary procedures. When considering peace, political dialogue is not the only approach. Solutions can also be found through democratic means. Only then can political issues be resolved through political methods. (Verse 1)

Cycle of conflicts
It has been over 70 years since armed conflicts began, and fostering peace for Myanmar can only succeed through political means, grounded in a spirit of unity and mutual understanding among national brethren. This requires meeting, discussing, and negotiating to find solutions. Peace demands sincerity. However, if political solutions are merely proclaimed as a facade, while strategies shift opportunistically and actions lack honesty, the journey toward peace will not only remain out of reach but will also perpetuate the cycle of conflict. In such a scenario, ethnic communities will suffer even more, and the nation will continue to decline further.
The government is steadily advancing following the people’s aspirations, and adhering to a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system. To strengthen this authentic and disciplined multiparty democracy and to establish a Union based on democratic and federal principles, the government is tirelessly and vigorously carrying out initiatives. These efforts are being made in the interest of the nation and its ethnic peoples. In this regard, preparations are underway to organize free and fair general elections under a multiparty democratic system.
The essential requirement for the nation’s development and the building of a democratic State is the intellectual advancement and rational thinking of all its people. It is being nurtured to enable citizens to safeguard and manage the nation’s interests through their wisdom and knowledge.

Effective initiatives
For regional development, it is essential to collaborate on inclusive and sustainable development centred around the people in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, education, health, communications, and others. Efforts must be made to establish economic frameworks that enable fair and equitable use of natural resources while ensuring their long-term preservation. The government is actively working to advance agriculture and livestock industries to achieve food security. Regional development can only be effectively secured when residents work hand in hand with the government. This collective effort is vital for the progress and prosperity of one’s state, region, and nation.
Foreign instigation, support, ideologies, beliefs, and misunderstandings that distort perceptions should not be allowed to exploit the interests of the Union and its people, leading to terror acts through armed conflicts. If such actions persist, resulting in divisions and destruction among the people of Myanmar, we must realize that it will threaten the future of our regions and our people. To ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and developed Union and region, the spirit and strength of all national brethren living within these areas are crucial. As the strength of the nation lies within, the strength of regions and states also depends on the collective unity and effort of all ethnic citizens residing within them.

Unied strength
The Panglong Agreement, which served as the foundation for Myanmar’s independence, stands as strong evidence of unity and solidarity. It is a result of the collective strength and support of all national brethren working together. The invaluable legacy of unity and solidarity established firmly by our national leaders and forefathers must be preserved and safeguarded without fail. It is the responsibility of all ethnic people in the present era to ensure this. We must continue to build upon the strength of unity among the people to initiate non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, through the united strength of the entire people.

Union spirit
For the enduring stability and sustainability of the Union, we must prioritize the Our Three Main National Causes and uphold a spirit of patriotism among ethnic communities, a spirit of unity and solidarity among ethnic groups, and a spirit of Union. With these principles, we must protect and safeguard the nation and the people.
We must protect, nurture, and develop valuable human resources to ensure the future generations of the nation do not face destruction. The ethnic people in states and regions must also come together and collaborate in the reconstruction process with correct thinking, ideas, and concepts, working with a spirit of unity so that the entire Union can achieve peace and prosperity, progressing in all aspects. This is a call to action and encouragement to carry out these efforts with the spirit of the Union.

Translated.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Every day, we hear the word "love"—spoken in conversations, sung in songs, seen in movies and celebrated in literature. All major religions and spiritual teachings remind us of the importance of love. From the biblical command to "Love others as you love your own heart" to the Buddhist principle of compassion, love is universally presented as the foundation of human harmony. Yet, despite these teachings, our world remains plagued by war, conflict, and division. Why is there such a profound disconnect between the ideals of love and the reality of human behavior?

One poignant reminder of this disconnect comes from the lyrics of the song "Where Is the Love?" by Black Eyed Peas, which challenges us to reflect on the state of the world we live in, asking questions like, “Can you practice what you preach?” In a world where hatred and violence often seem to dominate, love remains a powerful, yet underutilized, force.

The Universality of Love

Love is a force that transcends all barriers—cultural, religious, and geographical. It is a universal language, uniting humanity across the globe, and has been celebrated by countless spiritual leaders and philosophers throughout history. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,’ highlighting that love is not about personal gain, but about selflessness and service to others. Similarly, Nelson Mandela taught that, ‘No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.’ These timeless insights remind us that love is not simply an emotion—it is a transformative power, capable of bridging divides, healing wounds, and bringing lasting peace to our world.

Buddhism, for instance, teaches metta, or loving-kindness, as a core discipline. Practicing metta involves cultivating an unconditional, inclusive love for all beings, even those who may have wronged us. This practice challenges individuals to transcend ego and fear, fostering compassion that can heal divisions.

The Consequences of a Love-Deficient World

As of 2024, the world continues to grapple with an unprecedented number of violent conflicts. Over 110 armed conflicts are being monitored globally, marking the highest number of violent disputes in recent decades. These conflicts have left an indelible mark on women and children. Over 473 million children—more than one in six globally—now live in areas affected by conflict. Similarly, nearly 600 million women and girls are enduring the ravages of war, with the number increasing by 50% over the past decade. By the end of 2024, 47.2 million children had been displaced due to conflict and violence. In conflict zones, 70% of women experience sexual violence, a staggering figure that is double the global average.

The trauma faced by women and children underscores the dire need for action to protect the most vulnerable in these regions. Such grim realities reflect a world where love and compassion are overshadowed by greed, hatred, and power struggles. The lack of love manifests in systemic injustices, exploitation, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. As the Dalai Lama aptly stated, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

The Power of Love to Heal and Transform

Throughout history, love has been heralded as the ultimate force for healing and unity. The Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Through love, we recognize the suffering of others as our own and nurture understanding." This perspective highlights love's transformative power, emphasizing that it fosters empathy and shared humanity, even in the darkest times.

The teachings of Maya Angelou echo this sentiment: "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." His words underscore the vital role of love in our collective survival and well-being. In the face of war and division, love serves as a counterweight, enabling individuals and communities to heal and rebuild.

Even in modern conflict zones, love finds a way to manifest. Stories of individuals risking their lives to protect others, communities supporting displaced families, and survivors forgiving their oppressors serve as testaments to the enduring power of love. For instance, Huda Sha'arawi, an Egyptian feminist, defied societal norms and dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights and empowerment, showing how love for justice can transcend cultural boundaries. Similarly, Carlos Arredondo, during the Boston Marathon bombing, risked his own safety to save the lives of strangers, embodying how love and empathy can drive selfless action in the face of tragedy. These acts remind us that love is not passive; it is an active force capable of overcoming hatred.

Why Love is the Answer

In a world rife with division, love emerges as the antidote to conflict and suffering. Love is not just a feeling; it is an active choice and a transformative force. By choosing love, we create ripples of empathy and understanding that counteract hatred and violence.

Acts of love, no matter how small, have the power to bridge divides and heal wounds. Stories of solidarity—such as neighbors helping each other in times of crisis or communities uniting after tragedies—remind us of love’s capacity to restore hope. Desmond Tutu’s words ring true: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

Moreover, love is at the heart of peacebuilding efforts. Diplomats, activists, and leaders who prioritize empathy and forgiveness can foster dialogue and reconciliation. Love compels us to see the humanity in others, even those we might perceive as adversaries.

Let’s Rediscover Love

If we want to create a world where love triumphs over conflict, we must begin with ourselves. Love must extend beyond words and manifest in our actions. It requires us to challenge our prejudices, listen to those who are different from us, and work toward common ground.

The teachings of love from religions and philosophies are not outdated ideals; they are more relevant than ever in today’s divided world. They remind us that while conflict and hatred may dominate the headlines, love remains humanity’s greatest strength and hope.

So, where is the love? It’s in the choices we make every day—to be kind, to forgive, to understand, and to stand together. By embracing love as a way of life, we can begin to heal a fractured world and pave the way for a more peaceful future.

Reference List:

• Black Eyed Peas. (2003). Where Is the Love? [Song]. In Elephunk. Interscope Records.
• Gandhi, M. (n.d.). The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Retrieved from Gandhi Foundation
• Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Little, Brown and Company.
• Dalai Lama. (n.d.). Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Retrieved from Dalai Lama's official website
• Hanh, T. N. (1996). The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. Parallax Press.
• Angelou, M. (2008). Letter to My Daughter. Random House.
• Sendler, I. (n.d.). Irena Sendler: The Woman Who Saved 2,500 Jewish Children. Retrieved from Irena Sendler Project
• Arredondo, C. (2013). Carlos Arredondo and the Boston Marathon Bombing. Retrieved from PBS News
• Sha'arawi, H. (1920s). Feminism and Women’s Rights in Egypt: Memoirs of Huda Sha'arawi. The Feminist Press.
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (2024). Armed Conflict and Peace Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.sipri.org/
• International Committee of the Red Cross. (2024). The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Women and Children. Retrieved from https://www.icrc.org/
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2024). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2024. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/

In contemporary times, with an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and a modern approach to healing tactics, we unknowingly keep accumulating micro assaults on our immune system without allowing our body to address them. Here’s how the ancient albeit simple practices of yoga can be utilised to boost our immunity and lead a healthier life.
The human body to a great extent is a self-regulating, preserving, repairing and maintaining entity. Nature has designed this wonderful machinery with an inherent capability to heal; provided the natural laws of healing are allowed to operate, our health is in its entirety, a natural outcome of all the encounters we have in life. This healing capacity that we are endowed with is called vitality or immunity. Our body has a self-reliant system of protecting its tissues against assaults by bacteria, viruses, harmful proteins and oxidative stress through an interplay of nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
In today’s world, these systems are constantly challenged due to our fast-paced lifestyle, stress, unhealthy eating habits and a lot of exposure to pathogens. Yoga asanas and pranayama can reduce stress and improve the body’s immune response to fight infections and allergies. Yogic practices have been known to improve human body’s immunity.

Yoga and immunity
Yoga can help to modulate this immune response in an appropriate way. Yoga as a mind-body intervention has been used globally to combat these lifestyle-related diseases where stress is believed to play a role. Yoga helps calm down the mind, bring stability and balance the vital energies. Studies have shown yoga to improve immunity in the population during influenza epidemics. Yoga is a system of holistic living, having its roots in Indian traditions and culture. It is a discipline to develop one’s inherent power in a balanced manner. Now it is being practiced as a part of healthy lifestyle. Yoga is popular globally because of its spiritual values, therapeutic credentials, its role in the prevention of diseases, promotion of health and management of lifestyle-related disorders.
One of the most useful and popular mode of yogic exercises which provides the benefits of Asanas, Pranayama and Mudras altogether is the Surya Namaskar. It consists of a series of twelve postures which are performed early in the morning facing the rising Sun. Each step of Surya Namaskar is accompanied by regulation of breath. Its regular practice energises all systems of the body and ensures perfect harmony between them. It makes the body flexible and improves immunity. Our body has its own set of immuno-responses, amongst them, inflammation is the most common. A natural counter which is often helpful when it comes to healing injuries and infections, inflammation often becomes chronic under constant psychological and physical stress, thereby weakening our immune system. Most asanas involve systematic stretching that alleviates inflammation and increases flexibility. The immunity-boosting capabilities of even basic yogic practices also find mention in a new research published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine. Today, even Western researchers vouch for yoga’s benefits. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga: 8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, and Flexibility, says that regular practice of yoga can lead to greater muscle and bone strength, improved sleep, better stress management and resilience, strengthened immune system and enriched brain health.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
The main characteristic feature of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is alternate breathing through the left and right nostrils without or with retention of breath (kumbhaka). Sit in a comfortable posture. Keep the spine and head straight with eyes closed. Relax the body with a few deep breaths. Keep the left palm on the left knee in Jnana mudra and the right palm should be in Nasagra mudra. Place the ring and small fingers on the left nostril and fold the middle and index finger. Place the right thumb on the right nostril. Open the left nostril, breathe in from the left nostril, close the left nostril with the small and ring fingers and release the thumb from the right nostril; exhale through the right nostril. Next, inhale through the right nostril. At the end of inhalation, close the right nostril, open the left nostril and exhale through it. This completes one round of the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing). Repeat for another 4 rounds. The duration of inhalation and exhalation should be equal for beginners. Breathing should be slow, steady and controlled and not be forced or restricted.

Benefits of Pranayama
The main goal of Pranayama is to nourish the body as a whole by cleansing the main channels that distribute energy throughout it. In addition to boosting vitality and lowering stress and anxiety levels, this technique promotes calmness and improves focus. Pranayama can also help with coughing, mental calmness, and concentration. Its advantages go beyond boosting immunity, making it a comprehensive strategy for general health.

Cleansing with kriyas
Cleansing techniques called kriyas also help in removing excess mucous and restore mucosal immunity. Shatkriyas are yogic cleansing techniques used to purge the internal organs and systems of the body. These are a part of the process of detoxification. These techniques are classified into six divisions as under: Neti (nasal washing); Dhauti (stomach washing); Basti (colon washing); Kapalbhati (purificatory yogic breathing); Nauli (isolation of abdominal recti muscles) and Trataka (yogic visual gaze).
These kriyas cleanse, activate and revitalise organs and develop deep internal awareness. The practice of Surya Namaskara, deep breathing exercises, pranayama, meditation and deep relaxation is also highly beneficial. Pranayama is the fourth constituent of Ashtanga yoga, which deals with the regulation of Prana and energy, grossly translated as breath. It is a practice which helps to regulate vital energies through the regulation of breathing. The main purpose of Pranayama is to gain control over the autonomous nervous system and through it to influence the mental functions. Regular practice of Pranayama makes the mind calm.

Understanding immunity
Though exposure to pathogens help build adaptive immunity, surviving such an exposure may sometimes become fatal. Research has shown that there is a heterogeneity in susceptibility to infections during a flu epidemic. Psychologic stress, fitness and physical activity, nutrition, sleep, comorbid conditions and lifestyle play a vital role in shaping this immune response. A growing body of evidence identifies stress as a co-factor in infectious disease susceptibility and outcomes. It has been suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may mediate the relationship between stress and infectious disease. Stress increases stress hormones that dampen immune response and also reduce the ability of the cells to repair the damage caused due to infections.

Meditate on wellness
The process of keeping one’s attention focussed with sustained concentration on an object is commonly known as meditation. It is an integral part of all yogic practices and is beneficial for psychological and spiritual growth. Over the years, the stress relieving benefits of regular meditation have been known to achieve a sense of calm which has a positive impact on an individual’s health and promotes a healthy lifestyle. It has been known to be beneficial when it comes to overcoming addictions of tranquilizers, reducing hypertension, insomnia, migraines, depression, anxiety, and other psychosomatic illnesses. It stabilises the mind, increases awareness, concentration and will power while simultaneously improving memory and alertness. It is an effective tool for rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul, and even helps in coping with the stressful situations of everyday life.

Dr Raghavendra Rao M, BNYS, PhD is the Director, Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), under the Ministry of AYUSH, Delhi. He has completed several research projects on the use of both yoga and naturopathy interventions.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Photo: Pinterest

What is Tax?
1. A tax is money charged to a taxpayer, an individual or a legal entity, to support government spending and public expenditures. All countries have a tax system in place to pay for the functions of government. In terms of economics, taxation is the compulsory transfer of payment from households or businesses to the government. Taxes comprise direct and indirect taxes. Direct tax is paid to the government directly by the taxpayers such as income tax, corporate tax and property tax. Indirect taxes are levied on goods and services and these are transferable with consumers ultimately paying the tax. Examples of indirect taxes are Sales Tax, Value-added Tax, Goods and Services Tax and Customs Duties. The taxation process involves two primary players, taxpayers and the tax office. The taxpayer is responsible for paying taxes and the tax office is responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the government.

When did tax start in Myanmar?
2. In Myanmar, during the Bagan dynasty, the citizens paid taxes and the authorities levied taxes. Those duties and responsibilities to levy taxes and pay taxes on both sides were stated in Razabiseka Adeikhtan (oath) and Singaha Taya Lay-pa, which are the basic concepts of taxation administration of Myanmar kings. In the ceremony of the king’s coronation, he was asked to rule his country according to the law and order in receiving public taxes, and in exploiting one-tenth of the public tax and govern his people with justice and mercy. In the periods of Bagan, Sagaing, Pin-ya, Inwa, Toungoo, Nyaung-Yan and Konbaung, taxes were levied throughout the period. The records of collecting taxes can be found in the inscriptions of Bagan. In those periods, paying taxes could be in the form of garments, copper or paddy. However, the rates of tax on land varied from region to region because different production rates depended on different kinds of soil and the attitudes of the local chief who levied taxes. In addition, taxes were collected on different resources such as gold, silver, ruby, topaz, white copper and bronze.
After the British annexation of the whole of Myanmar in 1886, the colonial administration was introduced by the British. Then, Division, Subdivision, Districts, Townships and Villages are divided to administer in Myanmar. In 1888, a financial commissioner was entrusted to control the revenue collection. The revenue collected from the respective townships was submitted to the central treasury in Yangon. The most important taxation under British rule was land tax and other taxes practised in the colonial period include Tha-tha-me-da Tax, Capitation Tax, Excise Tax and Municipal Tax.
After Independence, the Internal Revenue Department was established on 1-10-1972 to develop the new administration system by merging all separate departments. At the time of establishment, IRD collected ten types of tax listed as income tax, profit tax, trade tax, excise tax, Aung Ba Lay Thein Su tax, stamp duty, land tax, water tax and dam tax, In-Ai tax, and mineral tax.
After 1988, when the government changed to a market economy, to make the tax collection system more effective, five types of tax, namely land tax, water tax, embankment tax, excise tax and mineral tax were transferred to the General Administration Department. At the moment, IRD is responsible for collecting five types of taxes, namely income tax, commercial tax, specific goods tax, state lottery tax and stamp duty.

What are the different types of tax systems?
3. Tax systems are structured depending on the ability-to-pay principle. This principle states that taxes should be levied on people according to how well they can carry the burden. Three types of tax are listed as
(i) Proportional taxes
(ii) Regressive taxes
(iii) Progressive taxes
Proportional taxes also known as flat taxes require all taxpayers to pay the same fraction of their income whatever their level of income is. The tax rate doesn’t change whether income increases or decreases. The weak point in proportional taxes is that the gap between the rich and the poor is becoming higher as time passes by. Regressive taxes require high-income taxpayers to pay a smaller fraction of their income than low-income taxpayers. That means as income rises, the tax rate decreases. A regressive tax is practised by countries when collecting indirect taxes. No matter someone’s income level, he or she can purchase the product or services at the same price. Progressive taxes mean when income rises, the tax rate increases which means high-income taxpayers are required to pay a larger fraction of their income than low-income taxpayers. The tax rates differ based on the amount of income with a threshold. Many developing countries practice progressive income tax structures to alleviate poverty by redistributing wealth. Myanmar also practices progressive taxes, which means higher income levels are taxed at increased rates.

Who administers taxes in Myanmar?
4. The Internal Revenue Department is the tax agency which is authorized to collect different types of taxes in Myanmar. The Ministry of Planning and Finance merged the previously independent Profit Tax Department, Commercial Tax Department, Excise Department, State Lottery Department, Stamp Duty Department, Revenue Section of the General Administration Department, and the Office of the Financial Commissioner and originated the Internal Revenue Department on 1 October 1972, to oversee all tax assessments. Two methods of tax collection system practised by IRD are;
(i) Official Assessment System (OAS)
(ii) Self-Assessment System (SAS)
Under the Official Assessment System, the tax office makes assessments based on the facts provided by the taxpayer. That system puts a lot of authority in the hands of a tax officer as the individual tax officer is responsible for taxpayer service, tax audit and tax collection. According to human nature, their reluctance to pay tax out of their pocket, that system could lead to a lot of negotiations between tax authorities and taxpayers. Hence, IRD attempts to put the Self-Assessment System into practice as a part of their reform process. The four tax offices using the Self-Assessment System are the Large Taxpayers’ Office (1), (2) and Medium Taxpayers’ Office (1), (2). The tax collection of these offices is 80 per cent of the total tax collection. In a self-assessment system, taxpayers must calculate the amount of tax due from the income they receive or will receive and pay it within a specified period. In addition, quarterly tax return forms and annual tax return forms must be submitted on time within the prescribed time limit according to law. Taxpayers may request an extension of time if such timely filing is difficult. Taxpayers may inquire about matters related to tax laws in person, in writing, or by telephone at the Taxpayer Service Department of IRD.

What is a Tax Appeal?
5. Tax disputes occur when taxpayers disagree with the assessment order provided by tax authorities. When tax disputes occur, tax appeals become effective. Tax appeal is a common way to resolve any tax disagreements taxpayers have with the tax agency. Under a particular tax law, the right to tax appeal if one is dissatisfied with the assessment order is provided. Thus, tax appeals are a legal process by which taxpayers can challenge tax assessments or decisions made by tax authorities. Tax appeal aims to ensure fairness and accuracy in tax administration.
In the tax appeal process, there are two stages listed as
(i) Internal Review
(ii) External Review
An internal review is a tax appeal process where the dispute is reviewed by officials within the same tax authority or department that made the initial decision. This review is conducted within the tax agency or department and tax authorities reassess the original tax decision. Internal review is often quicker, less formal and cheaper than going through external channels. If the taxpayers reach satisfaction, they are not required to go through an external review. An external review is a tax appeal process which takes place outside the tax authority and involves an independent body or tribunal. If the tax dispute remains unresolved after the internal review, taxpayers can proceed to external review. The external review process is more impartial and formal. The judgment passed by the external body is binding on both the taxpayer and the tax authority. In some countries, the decision passed by such an external body is final and conclusive and in some countries, if the taxpayer remains dissatisfied, he can proceed to the highest jurisdiction in the country.

How was the Revenue Appellate Tribunal formed in Myanmar?
6. In Myanmar, tax appeal was introduced in 1954 and the Income Tax Tribunal was formed under subsection (a) of Section 5 of the Burma Income Tax Act and only income tax appeals were adjudicated at that time. In 1972, the Revenue Appellate Tribunal was formed by Notification 120 dated 23-10-1972 of the Ministry of Planning and Finance with four members including the Chairperson to hear and adjudicate not only income tax appeal cases but also appeals, revisions, reviews and references related to customs duties, excise duties and stamp duties. Subsequently, the Income Tax Tribunal was changed into the Revenue Appellate Tribunal. Later, the Revenue Appellate Tribunal was formed by Notification 12 dated 11-12-1976 of Cabinet in 1976, Notification 6/89 dated 28-7-1989 of Government of the Union of Myanmar in 1989, Notification 54/2017 dated 31-5-2017 of Government of Republic of the Union of Myanmar in 2017 respectively and cases were heard. The Tribunal was formed by Notifications of the Cabinet without legislation and cases were heard for a long time. In 2018, the Revenue Appellate Tribunal bill was submitted and the Law was enacted by Law 23 of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 1-8-2018.
7. The Revenue Appellate Tribunal has quasi-judicial power, it is constituted of experts and experienced persons in the fields of law, taxation, accounting and auditing per international standards to adjudicate cases filed to the Tribunal regarding revenues collected by the Union Government and such cases are being heard independently and adjudicated impartially. In the exercise of the power conferred by sub-section (a) of Section 4 of the Revenue Appellate Tribunal Law, the Tribunal comprising eight members including the Chairperson was formed and assigned by the Union Government Notification in 2020.

Which types of cases can be filed to the Tribunal?
8. Four types of cases can be filed to the Tribunal such as appeal, revision, review and reference.
Appeal
Appeal means an appeal filed to the Tribunal against an assessment order passed by any department responsible for collecting internal revenue or by the Customs department or against a final decision on an assessment order made by any government department or organization assigned by the Union Government through a notification from time to time. An appeal may be filed to the Revenue Appellate Tribunal using the form prescribed by the Tribunal within 90 days from the date of the receipt of the said order. Even though filing has not been made during the limitation period, the appeal may be accepted if there is sufficient cause.

Revision
Revision means a case re-filed by an aggrieved person to the Tribunal, to revise, with respect to issues of fact, against the order passed by the Tribunal. Revision may be filed to the Tribunal using the form prescribed by the Tribunal within 60 days from the date of the receipt of the decision of the Tribunal.

Review
Review means a case re-filed to the Tribunal by any person receiving the decision of the Tribunal, to review the decision. The power is conferred upon the Revenue Appellate Tribunal to review its decision under the law. Review may be filed to the Revenue Appellate Tribunal using the form prescribed by the Tribunal within 90 days from the date of the receipt of the decision of the Tribunal. Review may be filed to the Tribunal where there is reasonable ground following Rule 1, Order 47 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Reference
Reference means a case referred to the Supreme Court of the Union regarding issues of law, after hearing it by the full bench. When the applicant or respondent applies for a reference or any issue arises to refer the case to the Supreme Court of the Union, the full bench shall decide whether it should be referred. Reference may be filed to the Tribunal using the form prescribed by the Tribunal within 60 days from the date of the receipt of the judgment of the Tribunal.

The role of the Revenue Appellate Tribunal
9. Notwithstanding anything in any existing laws, revenue appeals shall be filed and heard only under Revenue Appellate Tribunal Law, which is promulgated in section 41 of the Revenue Appellate Tribunal Law. Thus, an appeal against orders or decisions of all kinds of revenue (taxes, fees, licence fees, permit fees or fines), against all forms of revenue in the schedule (1) of Union Taxation Law and customs duties shall be submitted to the Revenue Appellate Tribunal in line with the rules. Cases submitted to the Tribunal have been heard and adjudicated independently under the law and for cases heard by the Tribunal, the decision on issues of fact is final.
10. To conclude, the location of the Revenue Appellate Tribunal and its office is Office No 57, north of Thirimantine Road, Ottarathiri Township. Anyone willing to file an “appeal”, everyone is welcome to reach the Revenue Appellate Tribunal office. RAT members and its staff have made earnest efforts to prevent revenue loss and provide the best service to every taxpayer. The Revenue Appellate Tribunal has strived to ensure justice, equality, the right of defence and the right of appeal for Myanmar citizens and taxpayers.
References
– The Internal Revenue Department website
– The Revenue Appellate Tribunal website
– Taxpayers’ Perception of Service of the Tax Office Under the Self-Assessment System
– Access to Tax Justice by Michael Walpole
– Revenues of Myanmar in the British Administration
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MILLIONS of people from the world including the Chinese dwell in the caves. They lived in the caves for several reasons. No need to pay taxes for the poor people, so they live in the caves. Others dwell on fashion. Over 5,000 years ago in China, Chinese culture started to develop. They dug the sand and created caves in the Yellow River region and lived. Nowadays the people from that region are living in the caves for the cost of cheap. Besides the weather is warm in the winter and cold in the summer.
Millions of people from the provinces of Shaanxi and Shanxi lived in caves. As the Chinese become rich, they plan to live comfortably in the caves. They decorated the caves with modern precious things. They curved the caves where they lived and sculpted the Buddha stupas in the caves. The amazing sculptures are in Dunhuang, situated in Gansu province. The trains which carried camels, rested in Dunhuang before they went to the Taklamakan Desert. To pay homage that carved the walls of caves, the merchants must pay tax. Colourful wood carvings are beautified in the walls of the cave.
At that time the experts’ sculptures and the art of wood carving had appeared. Plenty of years ago wood carvings were in the caves
and the entrances of caves are covered with sand. In 1920, Aurel Stein from Britain dug this sand. He kept Buddha images and Bibles from the deserts. The visitors from abroad arrived and watched the colourful paintings and wood carvings and bought. So, they acquired a lot of money. The ancient cave is located in Jiaohe, east of China. That cave is near Turpan and it was dug from earth. It has temples, government offices and a jail. Jail is not damaged till nowadays. At this moment the people who live in the caves of China repair the caves to be beautiful and modernized.
The new buildings that are located in the Granada region are worth nearly 100,000 American dollars. On the Sierra Nevada hills that are situated in Guadix, people made caves and about 5,000 people live in these caves. People constructed houses, stores, and hotels in the caves that are located in the North of Spain.
Lately, in the 21st century, more people lived in caves. To prevent heat, people lived in caves at Coober Pedy in Australia. Agates are found in Coober Pedy. People lived in the caves and searched agates. They found agates, so they made a bathroom, and sofa in the living room. About 3000 people lived in Coober. Tourists visited Coober Pedy and excursed under Coober Pedy. They bought agate rings and lockets. The merchants of that city became rich by selling agates. Chinese merchants from Hong Kong made agate rings and lockets and sold them to jewel shops.
There are many famous caves in Myanmar. The most famous cave is the Kaba Aye Cave in Yangon. It is a Sasananika building. The monks teach Bibles to young monks, nuns and people. It is a place of performing good merit. Many donations had done in that cave. In the compound of the cave, there are many buildings of monks to teach the bible.
I and my brother also learned Abhidhamma and other Buddhist languages from Sayadaws. There are many astonished caves in Taunggyi. When I was young, I went with my elder sister and other relatives to Taunggyi.
We visited one of the astonished and fearful caves. Its name is Kyat Cave. It is a big and long cave. Villagers took firesticks and went into the cave. They said that anyone could not go to the end of the cave. The person who tried to go to the end of the cave is not alive. They also told me the exit of the cave was in another country. My elder sister shouted and told me not to see the walls of the cave.
But I looked at the walls of the cave. Oh! How horrible things are curved in the walls of the caves. There are many skulls, witches and devils carved into the walls of the cave. Besides there are many coffins in the cave. Coffins are six feet long. There are many tales about the cave. Alibaba and 500 thieves. The princess and the harpist loving tale. When the king knew his daughter was loved by a harpist and lived in the cave, the angry king closed the entrance of the cave with a rock.
The cave had on existing. They gave their lives for their love. The famous singer Daw Tin Tin Mya sang about that. The title of this song is “Tawagu”. The song is very popular nowadays. Long ago there was a famous cave where 500 bats lived in this cave. When they heard Buddha’s sermons and after they died, they reached the deva. So, we should listen to the sermon. Another famous is Akauk Taung. Akauk Taung is a mountain extending from Pyay District to Hinthada District, renowned for its numerous ancient Buddha images carved into the rock wall along the Ayeyawady River bank. Historically, the mountain served as a tollgate for passing boats and ships. Artisans carved the mountain walls, resulting in 370 Buddha images depicted in various positions standing, sitting and lying.
Most of these Buddha images date back to the Konbaung era, with some originating from the Inwa era. Therefore astonishing, beautiful and fearful caves are around the world. Good people live in the caves to do good things. They pay good benefits for the people and creatures, but bad and wicked people live in the caves to do evil things. They stay in the caves and hide money, and jewels when they get from theft. I pay homage to the Buddha to disappear the worst people from the world, so the people can live safely and peacefully.
Reference: Gimme Shelter, HPH World, 21 June 2007.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Your smart watch alerts you of a new social media post from a friend. She just shared a video of her dog jumping in mud. You probably don’t think at all about how that video got to you. Or consider how your emojis will get back to your friend.
You and your friend could be on the same block, or on two different continents, yet the internet connects you. Almost like magic. But the internet is not magic. The simple explanation is that the internet “is a network of computers where people can share information,” says Anne Lee. She is an expert in telecommunications at Nokia Bell Labs in Naperville, Ill.
Telecommunications includes any exchange of information — also called data — over a distance. The global internet is more than just computers, though. It’s a massive structure, with components that crisscross the globe. Cables snake below your feet. Wireless signals fly over your head. Numerous devices hide within your community. Your devices tap into this structure whenever they exchange data.
When the internet first became commonplace, people called it the “information superhighway.” Thinking about roads can really help you understand how it all works.

Cables are the roads of the Cables are the roads of the internet
When your family goes on a road trip, you probably start out on smaller side streets. Then you merge onto a highway where you can travel quickly with lots of other drivers. The internet’s infrastructure is similar. Its vast network of roadlike cables direct data from far-flung places toward large central channels. Traveling data are even called “internet traffic.”
Fiber-optic cables are the roads of the internet. They contain glass filaments that carry data as bursts of light. Over 500 of these cables stretch beneath the oceans. Even more are buried underground or strung up on poles. If you could stretch out all the fiber-optic cable on Earth end-to-end, it would reach around 4 billion kilometers (2.5 billion miles).
All that cable would stretch from the sun past the orbit of Uranus! Just as roads have different numbers of lanes, these cables also come in different sizes.
Bigger cables with more filaments can carry more data at once. Bandwidth is the rate of data passing through every second. The thickest cables, about the size of a garden hose, are like an interstate highway. They have the highest bandwidth.

Routers and exchanges are like intersections
Traveling somewhere on roads requires making lots of turns. Devices called routers exist anywhere that internet cables come together, like an intersection where roads meet. These devices direct data toward a final destination.
If the ISPs that operate different networks of cables and routers kept their systems separate, that would be a problem. It would be like having entire road systems that people couldn’t reach. To connect the entire world, ISPs have to link up.

Data centers are like parking garages
It may seem like your friend’s silly dog video went directly from her device to yours. But that’s not usually what happens. When people share, or upload, a video or anything else to the internet, the content ends up in a building called a data center.
This is like a parking garage for data. A data center is filled with computers called servers. It also contains systems to supply electricity and keep everything cool. Videos and other content sit waiting on those servers until someone asks for them. But that’s not all servers do. They also store the programs required to run many of the apps and software that you use. Keeping content and pro-
grams in a data center means that these files and programs are available whenever anyone wants to use them. So your devices don’t need to keep a copy of every single program or piece of content you need. And your devices can be quite small in size.

Wireless goes off-road
For a car to get somewhere, there generally has to be a road to follow. Internet data, though, can easily go off-road. That’s because data can travel through the air in the form of radio signals. A home or business often has its own Wi-Fi network. In a simple home network, there’s just one router. It has an antenna that sends and receives radio signals from all the devices in the home.
If you are outside without any Wi-Fi, you can often still use the internet. You have to connect to a cellular network. This network uses tall structures called cell towers to send and receive radio signals. You can often see these towers when you’re out driving around. “They have what looks like plates at the top,” says Lee.
“Those are antennas.” Cellular networks also contain smaller antennas that aren’t as easy to notice. Wi-Fi routers and cellular antennas have cables that connect them to the rest of the network.
Each cellular antenna can only reach devices located within a certain radius. 5G antennas send signals at the fastest rates.This gives people the highest internet speeds. But these signals also reach the shortest distance. In many areas, wireless antennas are spaced around 1.6 to 5 kilometers (about 1 to 3 miles) apart.

A video’s internet road trip
Imagine that you just captured a pic of your cat yawning. You know your friends would love it. You tap to post it to a shared photo album. That single tap triggers a flurry of activity. First, says Lee, “the picture itself is broken up into small pieces.” These are called packets. Each packet gets bundled with a lot of extra information, such as what the picture is and how to put its packets back together. There’s also info on how to fix any errors that might happen during the journey.
And there may be a layer of encryption to keep the packet safe, so no one but the receiver can read its data. There are also two addresses, one for the sender (you) and another for the receiver. If you’re using an Apple device, the receiver would be a server inside a data center owned by Apple. That data center may be located quite far from you.
Your device sends these packets out into the air as radio signals. The router in your home picks up the signals. It sends them into the fiber-optic network. Now, they are traveling as bursts of light. The packets zip along through many routers and cables. They pass through internet exchange points. 

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

PYATHO, the 12th month of the Myanmar calendar, brings cool, dew-drenched days. Clematis smilacifolia blooms during this time, infusing the northern air breezes with its fragrant scent.
Farmers harvest the paddy and heap up them in Pyatho. The month also sees bountiful winter crops. The weather is fine and the donation ceremonies are usually held this month. Myanmar people donate the whole year round.
Another flower that blooms in Pyatho alongside Clematis smilacifolia is the Bulbophyllum auricomum. This flower is considered the most valuable flora, adorned with various poetic names in U Toe’s poem “Ramayakan”.
Myanmar’s ancient kings held the equestrian festivals in Pyatho. It was not just a festival, but it also was a competition to select the heroes. According to the ancient Myanmar poem (Trachin) bearing the words “wearing gold embroidery on the waist”, the equestrian festival was held in the reign of Tasishin Thiha Thu during the Pinya era. Moreover, the poem “Myin Saing Shwe Pyi” by Ngasishin Kyaw Swa in the Pinya era featured practice sessions with elephants and horses by the king and his entourage.
Therefore, it can be said that the equestrian festival emerged since then. Heroes were selected based on their elephant and horse-riding skills, and other martial arts.
The equestrian festival requires a space one mile long and two furlongs wide. Additionally, the area includes space for 37 types of horse-riding skills demonstrations and showcases of Myanmar’s martial arts, including Bando and Banshay. A royal tent is erected for the King to enjoy the festivities. To the right of the ring are spear targets at heights of 25, 40, and 60 cubits.
Horse riders must first don their armour and ride skilfully around the ring. Then, they proceed to throw spears at the targets, aiming at the 25-, 40-, and 60-cubit marks step by step.
During the equestrian festival, the royal princes, king’s entourage and subjects can participate in the competitions. The contestants must have special awareness not to lose their hats and Longyis (sarongs for males) during the competitions. If not, he will feel ashamed and it is a sign of their poor skills. The queen and princesses throw their shawls and flowers to the outstanding ones. The outstanding horse rider enters the palace wearing the shawl on his chest and flowers on his ears.
The outstanding horse rider demonstrated his 37 types of horse-riding skills during the spear-throwing event. The leader of the Myanma Hsaing Waing, a traditional Myanmar orchestra under the King’s command, led the Hsaing Waing during the competitions. Heroes were grandly selected, and unique horse-riding champions emerged in Myanmar’s history. During the reign of King Min Khaung of the Inwa era, Thamein Bayan, who triumphed over the Chinese hero Garmani, became a renowned horse-riding hero.
The month of Pyatho is marked by unique festivals and a historic event: the country regained its independence on 4 January 1948 (9th Waning of Pyatho 1309 ME). Consequently, Pyatho is a month that embodies the warlike spirit of independence, along with celebrations of flowers and donation events. — Translated by KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar