A mental health support event will be held at the Japan Foundation in Bahan Township on 17 May to provide relief to those suffering from mental health issues, including the earthquake victims.
Dr San San Oo and Dr Aung Min from the Aung Mental Health Initiative, with mental health expertise on disaster and trauma, will be hosting a support group to provide comfort to those suffering from stress and emotional distress due to unfortunate events.
It will take place from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Japan Foundation, No 70, Natmauk Lane 1, Bahan Township, Yangon, and is expected to help those in Myanmar struggling with mental health issues.
Dr San San Oo, a holder of a Master of Science in Mental Health (MSc, 2023) and an attendee of many international trainings, including the Disaster Mental Health (HITS, Kobe, Japan), is currently working as a Counselling Psychotherapist and EMDR Psychotherapist. Dr Aung Min graduated from Yangon University of Medicine, has worked as a doctor for three decades, and currently provides care to patients as an art therapist. Aung Clinic has been working with Tokyo Soteria since 2023 to provide mental health support programmes.
Free registration can be made at https://forms.office.com/r/RLkft7bwW8. For a limited number, those who register first will be contacted by phone to attend, and the event is also available for online viewing. — MT/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, exercising the powers granted under Sub-section (e) of Section 6 of the 2018 Forest Law, has officially designated a 325-acre area within Tangyan Township, Tangyan District, Shan State, as the “Nampon Protected Public Forest” by Notification No 46/2025, effective from the 4th waxing of Kason, 1387 ME (30 April 2025).
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has established this protected forest to conserve former commercial (pine) plantations and adjacent areas, intending to protect biodiversity, maintain climate balance, and ensure the sustainable extraction and use of forest products.
By designating the Nampon Protected Public Forest, the Forest Department will be able to effectively safeguard the restricted teak trees planted within the area and prevent illegal encroachment and destruction. Additionally, it will help preserve the habitats of wildlife, including squirrels, jungle fowls, partridges, and various bird species, within the area.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Issued at 19:00 hours M.S.T on 13-5-2025

According to the observations at 17:30 hrs MST today, due to the unstable air condition over the Andaman Sea and South Bay of Bengal, continuations of southwest monsoon advancement and development of the convective clouds, rain or thundershowers are likely to be fairly widespread to widespread in Naypyitaw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady, Taninthayi Regions and Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan States from tonight to 16-5-2025 and rain or thundershowers are likely to be fairly widespread to widespread in Sagaing Region and Kachin, Chin, Rakhine, Shan States and scattered in Naypyitaw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Ayeyarwady, Taninthayi Regions and Kayah, Kayin, Mon States with likelihood of isolated heavyfalls in some areas during 17-5-2025 to 20-5-2025.

Advisory                                                                                                                     

People should be awared the natural disasters such as the heavy rainfall with strong wind, thunder, Lightning strike, lightning, hails, flash flood and landslide in the hilly areas and near small rivers and inland water transport and domestic flight.

Source: www.moezala.gov.mm

JAKARTA, May 12 (Xinhua)

At least 13 people were killed when the Indonesian army destroyed expired ammunition in West Java province on Monday, a military officer said.

The incident occurred at 09:30 a.m. Jakarta time in Sagara village, Garut Regency. The victims included four soldiers and nine residents, said Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana, spokesperson for the Indonesian Army.

"Four personnel of the Indonesian Army and nine members of the community were killed," he told a press conference.

"The detonations in two holes were successfully conducted. However, when the team was preparing detonators in the third hole, an unexpected explosion occurred, killing four soldiers and nine residents," he explained.

Yudhayana noted that the army team had previously inspected all equipment and confirmed they were in safe condition. Additionally, the site had been routinely used for disposing of expired ammunition.

All victims were taken to Pameungpeuk General Hospital, the spokesman said.

An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fatal incident, Yudhayana added.

Ref : Xinhua

The Myanmar high-level delegation led by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid a goodwill visit to the Russian Federation from 7 May at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and attended the military parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 and related events.

The Myanmar high-level delegation led by the Senior General left Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow yesterday morning for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar by special aircraft.
On the way back to Myanmar, the Senior General replied to queries raised by the media onboard the special flight. The full text of the questions and answers was mentioned as follows: –

Q: Senior General, during the Myanmar-Russia goodwill visit from 3 to 9 May, the outcomes of the discussions and negotiations were highly beneficial for Myanmar. Now, regarding this trip to attend the military parade for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, I would like to know what kind of benefits or results for our country.
Senior General: This ceremony is something the Russian people deeply value and take pride in. They sacrificed over 26 million lives fighting back against the fascist Nazis who invaded the Soviet Union, in order to reclaim their country’s sovereignty. That’s why they hold it in such high regard. It’s something we should also respect. Myanmar, too, has a history of resistance against fascism. There is a historical account of how Tatmadaw and the people united to fight for independence. It’s a proud and strong part of our history. Therefore, I would like to say that it is necessary for us to continue maintaining and carrying out this matter. Another point is that it’s clear that if the country’s defence capacity is strong, and if Tatmadaw is strong, then the nation itself will also be powerful.

It will also be necessary to further instil and promote patriotism and national pride among all citizens. Only then will all the people be able to contribute to Myanmar’s development and progress — that’s what I see.

Q: During the visit, we saw you met with national leaders who also attended the military parade. What were the notable highlights?”

Senior General: We had the opportunity to meet and have informal discussions with some State leaders, and we were also able to engage in formal talks. Especially from the perspective of Myanmar, I personally accept and support the move towards a multiparty democratic system. That is the direction we must go. I also explained to them that, following this path, we will be organizing a free and fair election by the end of this year.

I see that all meeting counterparts were supportive and expressed their support. Regarding Myanmar, we were able to explain the current situation and changes to some countries, and in other cases, it was more of an introductory meeting with some countries. Overall, I’d like to say that everything went well and all the meetings were positive.

Q: During the trip, we also saw that there was a meeting and discussion with the President of the People’s Republic of China, a neighbouring country of Myanmar. What would you like to say regarding this meeting and discussion?

Senior General: Myanmar and China are countries with close ties as the Pauk-Phaw relationship, like long-time friends. China is a strategic partner and also neighbouring country that cannot be separated. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have now surpassed 75 years. That’s why I would say China is a country with a special relationship with us. Regarding the Mandalay earthquake, the President also expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and damage suffered by the people. After the incident, he even sent me a message of condolence. He also sincerely stated that China will continue to assist in the reconstruction efforts following the earthquake. He expressed strong support for Myanmar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development. He also told us that he supports Myanmar’s peace and stability, as well as its development. As for me, I stated our firm position on the Belt and Road Initiative and that Myanmar is actively committed to participating in it. I was also able to briefly explain the current situation in Myanmar. Furthermore, I had discussions regarding the promotion and implementation of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor. Then, regarding the upcoming multiparty democratic elections to be held in Myanmar, he reaffirmed his support and encouragement for Myanmar’s preparations and the electoral process. I would also like to say that our meeting and discussion yielded good and positive outcomes. MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light Of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the military parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 of the Russian Federation, together with Heads of State and officials from international countries, at the Red Square in Moscow yesterday morning.

President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and Heads of State from other countries at the Senate Place of the Kremlin Palace. The Russian President, together with the Prime Minister and Heads of State of international countries and officials, arrived on the dais where they will view the military parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945.

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Army General Oleg Salukov took the position while the clock tower from the Kremlin Palace rang rings of 10 o’clock. The military parade was launched, and all participants saluted the flag of the Russian Federation and the flag to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Russian Minister of Defence Mr Andrei Ramovich Belousov took the salute of the parade units and inspected them in a motorcade. He delivered a speech in honour of the 80th Victory Day, and the parade units shouted Hooray three times. They all observed a one-minute silence in memory of heroes who were posthumous in the Great Patriotic War and the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Russia.

Supreme Commander-in-Chief Mr Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin delivered a speech in honour of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, while the military parade units shouted Hooray three times. The military band played the national anthem of Russia, and then, guns were fired.

Military parade units, including those from foreign countries, led by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, marched past the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Russia. Also, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery units, air defence units, and strategic ballistic missile corps marched past the Supreme Commander-in-Chief while aircraft from the air force flew over the parade. Meanwhile, the military band played the honorary song to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

After the ceremony, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Mr Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin greeted leaders of parade units from the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

The Prime Minister, Heads of State of foreign countries and officials proceeded to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the wall of the Kremlin and waved to attendees to the parade.

The Prime Minister, Heads of State from foreign countries, officials and Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin laid wreaths at the Tomb. They all had documentary photos taken.

At the Office of President Putin of the Kremlin Palace, they had a luncheon hosted by President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin.

While attending the military parade and related ceremonies, the Senior General cordially greeted Heads of State from foreign countries and officials and reciprocally discussed diplomatic relations, friendship and promotion of cooperation with these countries.

The Soviet Union participated in the Great Patriotic War in 1941-1945 to drive out invasion of Fascist Nazis on 11 June 1941. On the morning of 9 May 1945, Nazi Germans signed the German Instrument of Surrender in Berlin of Germany, and the Second World War came to an end. At about 2 am on 9 May 1945, the people living in the Soviet Union learned of Nazi Germany’s defeat in the war. That afternoon, Soviet citizens gathered in Moscow’s Red Square to celebrate by singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing, launching fireworks, and firing 36 celebratory salutes into the sky using guns. The Victory Day celebrations were filled with joy and enthusiasm. As a result, the Soviet Union officially designated 9 May as a public holiday known as Victory Day, commemorating their triumph over Fascist Nazi Germany. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, starting from the 60th Anniversary Victory Day celebration in 2005, the 9th May Victory Day has become one of the most popular ceremonies and a public holiday in the Russian Federation. It is commemorated as the day of victory in the Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945, and military parades are held to mark the occasion. It is a tradition for military parade units from various countries to participate in these events. Military parade members from Myanmar also marched for the first time alongside contingents from other countries in this year’s military parade commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 of the Russian Federation. MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ACCORDING to the observations at 4:30 pm MST today, due to the unstable air condition over the Andaman Sea and South Bay of Bengal and likelihood of advancement of southwest monsoon, rain or thundershowers are likely to be scattered to fairly widespread in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing regions and Kachin, Chin, Rakhine and northern Shan states and widespread in Yangon, Bago, Ayeyawady and Taninthayi regions and Kayah, Kayin, Mon and (southern and eastern)Shan states with likelihood of isolated heavyfalls during 10 May 2025 to 15 May 2025.
Advisory
People should be aware of the natural disasters such as the heavy rainfall with strong wind, thunder, lightning strike, lightning, hails, flash floods and landslides in the hilly areas and near small rivers and inland water transport and domestic flight. — DMC

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Monday night marked one of the world's biggest nights of fashion, as stars served up their most iconic looks for the annual Met Gala in New York City.

The theme for this year's event was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," the first since 2003 to focus exclusively on menswear.

It was inspired by a newly unveiled exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's costume institute featuring the "black dandy", which Vogue says "examines the importance of clothing and style to the formation of black identities in the Atlantic diaspora".

More: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20xvd10xv5o

Source: BBC

THE Yangon Region Young Entrepreneurs Association has announced that it will donate houses worth K5 million each to 100 households in earthquake-stricken areas.
YRYEA has been providing relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas by opening mobile clinics, providing health care, and donating tents, and home starter kits. Moreover, it will continue to implement the “Build a House Together” programme to alleviate the suffering of people in these disaster-hit cities as humanitarian aid for rehabilitation.
The house’s dimensions will be 12 feet by 40 feet for K5 million. Well-wishers are invited to donate to a whole house or make any contributions for collective participation in the “Build a House Together” programme. They can contact the YRYEA Office at 09 266559323 and 09 266559324. — MT/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Day meals offered to Sangha members dedicated to monks, people who lost lives in powerful Mandalay earthquake

THE State Administration Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held a ceremony to offer day meals to members of the Sangha as a one-month memorial donation dedicated to monks and people who lost their lives in the incident of the powerful Mandalay earthquake, in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory yesterday morning.
Before the ceremony, a documentary video clip on loss and damage caused by the Mandalay earthquake, and the tireless endeavours of internal and international rescue teams in rescue and relief operations and the progress of rehabilitation measures was presented.
The congregation took the Five Precepts from State Ovadacariya of Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru Bhaddanta Acinna Maha Thihanada Monastery of Tatkon.
Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and attendees listened to the recitation of Metta Sutta by members of the Sangha. The Senior General and his wife donated offerings to Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru Bhaddanta Janinda, Presiding Patron of Paukmyaing Monastery from Lewe in Nay Pyi Taw.
SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe offered alms to Maha Thihanada Sayadaw while the Council Secretary and his wife, the Joint Secretary and his wife, and council members and their wives presented offerings to members of the Sangha.
Presiding Patron of Pali Tekkatho Mingala Zeyon Monastery, Aggamaha Pandita Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vimalabuddhi delivered a sermon, and the congregation, led by the Senior General and his wife, shared merits dedicated to members of the Sangha and people who lost their lives in the incident of the Mandalay Earthquake.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife, the Vice-Senior General and his wife and the congregation offered day meals to members of the Sangha.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the Sangha, the Council Secretary and his wife, the Joint Secretary and his wife, council members, Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, deputy ministers and officials. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar