AS its fourth international flight schedule, Myanmar Airways International said a new direct flight from Mandalay Airport to Chiang Mai was launched on 10 February. 

MAI said it is the fourth direct international flight, to provide more options for more convenient travel for passengers, after previous direct flights to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok-Don Mueang and Novosibirsk from Mandalay. 

The Mandalay-Chiang Mai flight will run on every Monday and Friday weekly, it said. — MT/ ZS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ACCORDING to the Research and Development Division of the Department of Fisheries, a total of 35 new fish species were recorded in Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar’s largest lake — a home to over 80 species of amphibians and reptiles and more than 90 species of fish — and its surrounding creek areas in January 2025. 

“Since the establishment of the sanctuary, amphibian and reptile species have been systematically observed and recorded in Indawgyi Lake and its surrounding areas. New species are also being tracked and documented. The total number of fish species is now 100. We are conducting community-based fish conservation activities with the help of local people to continue identifying new fish species and preventing the extinction of currently recorded fish species,” said an official from the department. 

The department is also working to conserve endangered Myanmar freshwater fish species. It is conducting extensive research along rivers and lakes where these fish breed and migrate in groups, and plans will be developed to protect and conserve these areas. 

Indawgyi Lake in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, is the largest freshwater lake in Myanmar and Southeast Asia’s third largest. The lake spans 314.67 square miles, measuring 14 miles north to south and seven miles east to west, and is located 700 feet above sea level. — ASH/TH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received Indian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the humanitarian leader and peace envoy, at the Credentials Hall of the Office of the SAC Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

At the meeting, the Senior General extended greetings, expressing that he warmly welcomed the visit of the Indian Gurudev who has been striving to forge peace worldwide in various ways and means. The Indian Gurudev mentioned that his visit to Myanmar is to provide support in any possible way for the peace and prosperity of the country. It is also an honour and a pleasure to meet and discuss with the State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister. 

They cordially exchanged views on political changes from the post-independence era to date in Myanmar, occurrences of armed conflicts of ethnics due to external instigations from the post-independence era, efforts to restore internal peace in successive eras, democratization process starting from 2011, discharging State responsibilities by Tatmadaw due to voting fraud in the 2020 multiparty democratic general elections, occurrences of terror acts based on unrest triggered by different political ideologies, endeavours of the State Administration Council emphasizing peace and stability of the State and development undertakings, negotiation efforts of the Indian humanitarian leader and peace envoy to restore peace in many countries worldwide, plans of the Indian Gurudev to help Myanmar ensure peace and stability, and Myanmar’s efforts to make preparations to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election.

Also, present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Ministers U Than Swe and U Tin Oo Lwin. Delegation members accompanied the Indian Gurudev.

The Senior General conducted the Indian Gurudev around the honorary hall where paintings are displayed. MNA/TTA

Source: www.moi.gov.mm

Artistes were urged to uphold national and ethnic interests based on their expertise in the arts through a national spirit for the benefit of the nation and its people.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that it is necessary to take measures to eliminate the actions carried out through social networks and unethical media that undermine religion, national culture, and unity, mislead young people in their thoughts and beliefs, and weaken the attempts that could harm the nation’s interests.
The Myanmar Motion Pictures Outstanding Award Presentation ceremony for 2024 took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who delivered an opening address and awarded the outstanding artistes.
The Senior General and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla viewed the documentary photos bearing motion pictures of outstanding award winners, films and outstanding artistes and technicians from 1952 to 2023 displayed along the entrance to the Jade Hall.
The Senior General opened the ceremony for 2024 by keeping an Academy Statue on the digital machine board.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General delivered an opening address. He said: Myanmar motion pictures, with their rich history spanning over 100 years, have not only entertained the public by providing relaxation and a variety of artistic experiences across different eras but have also played a significant role in reflecting the nation’s important affairs and real situations through art. As a result, it has fulfilled its responsibility to both the country and its people.
Film artistes played a role in inspiring patriotism and unity among ethnic communities during the struggle for independence. Through their artistic talents, they encouraged national spirit, cultural preservation, and solidarity. Even after independence, they continued to contribute to internal peace, national unity, and national development through their artistic endeavours.
Everybody must continuously strive to preserve and document valuable existing national cultural heritage as part of the world’s cultural heritage for all of humanity. For the success of this endeavour, all citizens of Myanmar have to work together and contribute.

The principles conveyed through an art form reflect a nation’s cultural values, making motion pictures an extremely significant medium. As a fusion of art, craftsmanship, and technology, motion pictures possess a profound influence, subtly yet effectively touching the hearts and minds of the people, standing as a powerful form of media and a key instrument of soft power.
All film artistes have to create films that leave a lasting impact on people’s hearts and bring meaningful benefits.
Through artistic expression, they have to aim to raise international awareness of Myanmar and people, fostering deeper connections and understanding seeking to use art as a means to spread knowledge and insights, ensuring that public thoughts and perspectives align with the nation’s progress. Ultimately, these works must initiate collective participation from all citizens in nation-building through powerful and effective artistic works.
As the actions carried out through social networks and unethical media that undermine religion, national culture, and unity, mislead young people in their thoughts and beliefs, and weaken their morale are deliberate attempts that could harm the nation’s interests, it is necessary to take measures to reduce and eliminate them.
Artistes from all arenas have to contribute to the successful implementation of national peace, prosperity, development, and the achievement of goals.
A special request is made to ensure that Myanmar’s traditions and customs do not fade or disappear, to prevent the influence of foreign cultures from overshadowing own culture, and to preserve Myanmar’s cultural identity without losing its essence.
The Senior General also urged all to adapt harmoniously to the changing times while upholding national and ethnic interests based on their expertise in the arts through a national spirit for the benefit of the nation and its people.
Chairman of the Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization Academy U Kyi Soe Tun spoke words of appreciation.
Receptionists of the academy awarding ceremony were introduced to the audiences, and artistes from the MMPO and the National University of Arts and Culture presented a dancing performance with the song titled Myu-hmaung-way-kin.
Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn announced the winners of the Lifetime Awards for Motion Pictures Achievement for 2024.
The Senior General and his wife presented Lifetime Awards for Motion Pictures Achievement to veteran actor U Kyi Soe, veterans Academy director Maung Hnin Moe, Academy Wah Wah Win Shwe and Academy Khin Than Nu who spoke words of appreciation.
At the announcement of Film Academy Awards for the year 2024, the Best film award was handed to the film ‘Chitthuthar Pantapwint Phyitkhehlyin’ produced by Taurus V Production, the Best cinematography award to Kaung Zan from the film ‘Chitthuthar Pantapwint Phyitkhehlyin’, the Best film music award to Di Ra Mo from the film ‘Eainmet Karyan’, the Best Film Sound Award to Aung Myo Myat and Ye Win from the film ‘Mee’, the Best Film Editing Award to Arkar Kyaw from the film ‘Hnaung’, the Best Film Script Award to Aye Thiri Ko from the film ‘Tein Pachi’ and the special award to makeup performer Lon Lon (Linkadipa).
Myanmar Academy Fashion Awards for 2024 were presented to Yan Aung, Soe Moe Kyi, Htet Aung Shine and Nann Su Yati Soe.
The Best Director Award was presented to Win Lwin Htet from film ‘Eainmet Karyan’, the Best Supporting Actress Award to Chuu Lay from the film ‘Bodaw Kin’, the Best Supporting Actor Award to Aye Chan Maung from the film ‘Mee’, the Best Actress Award to Wut Hmon Shwe Yi from the film ‘Tein Pachi’, and the Best Actor Award to Nay Toe from the film ‘Hnaung’.
Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn and veteran Academy award winner artistes presented gold statues for Academy Award to relevant winners.

During the ceremony, artistes from MMPO, Myanmar Music Association and Myanmar Theatrical Association performed songs and dances.
The Senior General and his wife cordially greeted intellectuals, intelligentsia and artistes from motion picture, literary, theatrical and music arenas.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, the Council Joint Secretary, council members and their wives, union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, regional and state chief ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, patrons, the chair and members of MMPO, officials from Myanmar Motion Pictures Assessment Board, Myanmar Theatrical Association, Myanmar Music Association (Central), Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Comedian’s Association, international organizations and guests.
The Myanmar motion pictures which started in 1920 turn 105 years now. For the sake of improving standard of the Myanmar’s motion pictures, the Myanmar Motion Pictures Assessment Board has been selecting and awarding outstanding artistes and technicians since 1952. This year’s event was the 66th time in 73 years. — MNA/TTA

Source: www.moi.gov.mm

Rebuilt Sishay Bridge enhances cultural heritage of Myanansankyaw Golden Palace

A ceremony to inaugurate the Sishay Bridge rebuilt in its original form took place near Shishay Gate at the western wall of the Royal Mandalay City in Mandalay Region yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Mandalay Region Minister for Development Affairs Mandalay City Development Committee Chairman Mayor U Kyaw Hsan reported to the Senior General on the construction of the Sishay Bridge.
Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung presented a commemorative gift to mark the opening of the rebuilt bridge to the Senior General.
Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Director of Military Engineers Maj-Gen Zaw Naing Oo and Mandalay Mayor U Kyaw Hsan cut the ribbon to open the bridge.
The Senior General unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge and sprinkled scented water on it. The Senior General, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and his entourage strolled along the bridge and cordially greeted residents.
Also present at the ceremony were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, the Mandalay Region Chief Minister, senior Tatmadaw officers and their wives of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, and officials.
King Mindon constructed the Sishay Bridge along the western wall of the Royal Mandalay City in 1221 ME (Myanmar Era), alongside the magnificent Myanansankyaw Golden Palace. This historical project stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the era. These were damaged in World War II. Sishay Bridge is the main exit of the western wall of the royal city. Following the guidance of the SAC Chairman Prime Minister to rebuild the bridge in its original form and ensure its long-term existence, the Directorate of Military Engineers started construction tasks in August 2024. The bridge was commissioned into service successfully yesterday. Four dimensions of the walls of the Mandalay Palace were built with three gates, totalling 12. Significant titles were given to the central one of three gates each. Thanks to the reconstruction of the Sishay Bridge, Myanansankyaw Golden Palace can be filled with better characteristics of national cultural heritage. — MNA/TTA

Source: www.moi.gov.mm

The Research and Development Division of the Department of Fisheries found over 80 species of amphibians and reptiles and 90 species of fish inhabit Indawgyi Lake in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State.
“The research findings showed that over 80 amphibians and reptiles were found residing in Indawgyi Lake by December 2022. More than 90 fish species are found in the lake. As the lake is associated with the Ayeyawady River, some fish species are researched to lay eggs in Indawgyi Lake as well. Fish species living in Ayeyawady River moved to the lake to spawn when river flooding occurred and then, they returned to their habitats.
Therefore, the department will conserve and protect fish spawning habitats,” said an official of the division. The Department has been researching habitats across lakes to protect the critically endangered freshwater fish originated in Myanmar and more conservation activities will be implemented.
Indawgyi Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Myanmar and Southeast Asia’s third largest. It is home to a large number of mammals, amphibians, waterbirds, reptiles and fish species, boosting its rich biodiversity, surrounding wetlands and forests. The lake is 14 miles
north to south and seven miles east to west. It is located 700 feet above sea level, spanning 314.67 square miles. —ASH/KK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Yangon is going EV all the way. EV private vehicle boom has been encouraged by the government through the abolition of import taxes on EVs. The imports become so popular that some auto traders are setting up entities to operate taxis from unsold stocks. Then came the coaches. Some of the popular coach companies are using EV tour buses to ply Yangon – Nay Pyi Taw route.The tide is not ending there. Now, another company has planned EV buses to be used in public transportation service in Yangon, said an official of the company.
“It is still underway. We need to seek approval for some requirements. The process is very strict so we need to ensure making our proposal more complete,” he said. Power Eleven Company is willing to test EV buses in YBS service so that weaknesses and advantages can be identified, and current buses are old, he said.
“We can identify weaknesses and advantages if we test it now. We will use EV buses in YBS services. It is very expensive and no one will consider trying it. But we won’t give up. It is less possible but we need to acquire feasibility. The problem is the project is very expensive so it might be difficult to ensure cost-effective. But we have planned to run on a trial so that we can identify its feasibility. It was not easy to run air-conditioned buses last seven or eight years, but we acquired feasibility to implement but lost as expected. However, we will have to try again after making calculations based on the data we acquired. It is impossible to do public transport like a commercial business,” he said.

Source : Myanmar Insider

THE Department of Urban and Housing Development declared qualified applicants who are entitled to draw lots for purchasing 88 apartment units of the Thilawa affordable housing complex with low-interest home loans.
There are 1,891 persons who have deposited K3 million at the CHID Bank and 393 of them submitted applications to purchase the units between 20 and 24 January 2024. Out of them, 88 applicants on top of the registration list of the Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Development Bank (CHID) are allowed to draw lots.
Drawing lots will take place on 28 January 2025 at the DUHD in Botahtaung Township. The applicants or their authorized representatives can attend the event to draw lots. The representative must provide an authorization letter and identification of the applicant entitled to draw lots. All the attendees must present the citizenship scrutiny card and arrive on time at 9:30 am.
Those prospective buyers will receive a notification letter to review the bank loan amount. They can still take it out by 7 February. They must contact the CHID Bank to proceed with the loan before 11 February. Failure to do so will lose the chance to buy the apartment units. — NN/KK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander in-Chief of  defence  Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing  met with officers, other ranks and families of Thanlyin Station in Yangon Command and delivered an address to them at the hall of the local command headquarters this afternoon.

Present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Commander-in-Chief (Navy)  Admiral Htein Win, Commander in-Chief (Air) General Tun  Aung,  senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services, the  commander of Yangon Command, officers, other ranks and families of Thanlyin Command.

The Senior General delivered an address at the meeting, explaining the political developments and changing administrative systems of the country, tasks implemented by the Tatmadaw to adopt the multiparty democracy  system aspired by the entire people, voting irregularities in the 2020 election, attempts to control the state power illegally without settling election disputes, assumption  of the state power by declaration of the state of  emergency by  the Tatmadaw in accordance with the constitution (2008) and action taken against acts of terrorism in the country by security forces.

Then, the Senior General continued to say that the main duty of the Tatmadaw is national defence and personnel are required to perform duties anywhere out of military and security awareness and consciousness and apply military tactics taught at training schools in the practical field.

To apply military tactics in the practical field, it is necessary to practice them constantly and to be fit and healthy for respective age groups. In connection with national defence, duties  must be performed bravely and the spirit of bravery and willingness to perform duties must be cultivated. One must be able to use one's weapons skillfully.

As personnel join the Tatmadaw out of their own volition to perform defence and security duties of the country without being urged to do so, it is necessary to appreciate the life of a soldier. It is necessary to be proud of the life of soldiers who  are performing noble duties of the country and  people and duties assigned to personnel must be performed responsibly.

The population of the country is about 52 million including 47 percent of males and 53 percent of females. As only a few of them can serve in the  Tatmadaw and perform noble duties of national defence and security, one must appreciate the life of soldiers, which most people cannot undergo, and one must be proud of oneself.

To perform national defence and security duties, individual personnel are required to do  exercises for fitness and performing duties of each individual properly amounts to doing exercises.

It is necessary to supervise individuals and teams to ensure that they do their daily, weekly  and monthly fitness exercises properly. In connection with training, one must always study changing military tactics without losing sight of them in accordance with the motto "Study, Practice and Follow up," and one must always practice military tactics one has learnt so that they can be applied more skillfully. As one will lag behind others in any tasks assigned to him without studying , it is necessary to study and exert effort constantly for the development of individuals and one's own organization. In connection with training, one must be able to lead the life of a genuine soldier in accordance with the saying "the more you sweat, the less you bleed," for the development of qualities of individuals and the organization.

In administrative affairs, a unified and fair administrative model must be adopted and tasks must be carried out by understanding the nature of humans.

The spine of the Tatmadaw is discipline and discipline means urging people to do what they should and prohibiting them from doing what they should not. As morale will be high If individual personnel observe military discipline and administrative support is provided to  them, emphasis must be placed on a unified and fair administrative model.

For the welfare of personnel, administrative affairs are closely related to welfare and a good administrative model can contribute to welfare. If administrative affairs and welfare are strong, morale will be high spontaneously. The Tatmadaw  has been providing rights and benefits appropriate to the ranks of all personnel. Welfare tasks must be  implemented by ensuring that one must enjoy benefits that one should. It is necessary to help solve personal difficulties and hardships of personnel. Individual personnel are urged to take care of themselves by abstaining from alcoholic drinks, inappropriate pleasure and unhealthy food. Welfare can be ensured if expenditure and income is proportionate.

One must be able to distinguish between useful expenditure and wasteful spending. The Tatmadaw has been encouraging agriculture and livestock breed tasks owned by units and by personnel. The agriculture and livestock breeding tasks are carried out not for profits but for enabling families of personnel to consume meat, fish and vegetables at cheaper prices in the outside markets.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the welfare of each family and the unit by successfully carrying out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks. Welfare of surrounding areas can be ensured by selling surplus agriculture and livestock products to local staff and residents at reasonable prices.

Battalion building tasks such as training, administration, welfare and morale are interconnected  and each personnel is responsible for nurturing good morale. Re-sponsible officers are required to help nurture high morale in personnel by carrying out training, administrative and welfare tasks. Good morale can be nurtured by organizing sport events and occasional funfairs and fulfilling their needs.

As it is necessary to read books without fail for the development of personality of individual personnel, all personnel are required to seek knowledge by reading. Personnel are urged to use the knowledge gained by reading books and taking note in the practical field beneficially.

It is also a good habit to share one's knowledge with others. As the saying goes "One can survive for only one morning without water; one can survive only seven days without food," one will face difficulties in one's entire life if one is illiterate. In conclusion, the Senior General urged personnel to read books.

Then, the Senior General presented foodstuff and sport equipment for officers, other ranks and families of the station to responsible officers. After the meeting, the Senior General and party cordially greeted the officers,  other ranks and families who attended the meeting.

Source: Myawady Web Portal

 U Ko Ko Hlaing, Union Minister of the Ministry 2 at the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council received Mr Sajjad Mohammad Sajid, Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) yesterday at the State Administration Council Office in Nay Pyi Taw.
They cordially discussed extending humanitarian assistance to those in need, to provide proper support to affected people, in doing so, the government and international agencies should foster mutual understanding to strengthen cooperation and coordination and expand ongoing humanitarian assistance in 2025. —MNA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar