Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung met with officials from the Mandalay City Development Committee on Friday. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to improve urban cleanliness and city development by addressing weaknesses and working together across departments.

He also called for greater public cooperation. Officials reported ongoing efforts to develop the city, maintain cleanliness, and create a pleasant living environment for residents. The Chief Minister coordinated and provided necessary support based on the discussions.

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The delegations representing the foreign governments arrived at Nay Pyi Taw in the evening of 9 April to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the new President which will be held on 10 April.

They were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and officials at the Nay Pyi Taw Tatmadaw Airport.

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Deputy Minister of Energy U Kyaw Naing Win visited the Maubin (South) oil and natural gas field on April 9, to review ongoing operations. They inspected wells No. 16, 18, and 20, where natural gas and condensates are being extracted efficiently after research and sand layer management.

Currently, the field produces about 1.5 to 1.6 million cubic feet of natural gas and 7 to 8 barrels of condensate per day from each well. The gas contains valuable C3 (propane) and C4 (butane), suitable for LPG and naphtha production, which are then distributed to factories, power plants, and fuel stations.

The increased gas output will help supply Yangon’s vehicles and reduce fuel shortages. Exploration for new underground oil reserves is ongoing, with seismic surveys and test drilling planned under the Ministry of Energy.

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The 79th Anniversary Ceremony of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, under the Office of the Commander in Chief (Army), was held in the morning of April 8 at No. 2 Tatmadaw Television Broadcasting Unit in Taung Nyo Town, Ottarathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.

The ceremony was attended and graced by the Secretary of the State Security and Peace Commission, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, General Ye Win Oo, who delivered an honorary address. First, the Myawady Music Band performed the song "Myawady of Ka Ka Pyi," followed by a screening of the commemorative video for the 79th Anniversary of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare. In his address, the SSPC| Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services reflected on the history of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, which evolved alongside the history of the Tatmadaw.

He noted that it first emerged as the "Education Department Section" on August 1, 1947, was reorganized as the "Directorate of Education and Psychological Warfare" on August 31, 1956, and then as the "Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare" on April 1, 1990, adapting to the times.

Regardless of name changes and reorganizations over the years, the Directorate has diligently fulfilled its four primary missions: public relations, psychological warfare, mobilization, and education. He highlighted the crucial role of the Directorate and its subordinate education units and schools.

Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, a new education sector will be implemented, establishing Tatmadaw Youth Education Training Schools in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to provide high school level education for the children of active-duty Tatmadaw officers and ranks, retired Tatmadaw officers and ranks, and fallen Tatmadaw officers and ranks.

The Commander-in-Chief stated that personnel under the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare must continue to preserve the esteemed reputation of their unit, diligently strive to fulfill the duties assigned by the state and the military, and thereby enhance both their own honor and that of their unit. Following the address, the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services presented awards to those from units and schools under the Directorate who had won prizes in national-level domestic competitions.

The recipients received their awards accordingly. Subsequently, on behalf of the elected President SSPC Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services presented a congratulatory cash award of 7.9 million Kyats for the 79th Anniversary, which was received by the Director of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare. The Director of the Directorate then respectfully presented an anniversary gift to the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.

Afterwards, the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services and officials enjoyed the honorary performances jointly presented by the Myawady Music Band, personnel from the units under the Directorate, artists from MRTV, and film and performing arts artists. After the performances, the Commission member Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Commander-in-Chief (Army), General Kyaw Swar Lin, presented honorary cash awards to the performing artists and troupes, while the Commission Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services presented honorary bouquets, which were received by responsible officials.

Following the ceremony, the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and officials toured the TV studio at Myawady Television (Nay Pyi Taw) broadcasting station, observed program recordings, the operations of equipment in the master control room, and the live production of daily news programs and television broadcasts. Responsible officials from each sector provided explanations, and the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services asked questions and gave necessary guidance.

Then, they toured the exhibition galleries and photo galleries displaying activities commemorating the 79th Anniversary of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare. They listened to explanations from gallery officials, asked questions, and provided necessary guidance.

Then, the SSPC Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services signed the guestbook at No. 2 Tatmadaw Television Broadcasting Unit and had lunch with the attending guests and staff. Afterwards, he signed the commemorative signing board before departing, and officials and staff of Myawady Television under the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare bade him farewell.

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The Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association stated that the National-Level Licence Screening Committee in Nay Pyi Taw has approved over 6,000 gold shops to operate gold trading services between October 2024 and March 2026. A total of 6,428 gold shop owners have applied for a gem (gold) trading licence.
“Applicants must submit applications to the committee in the respective regions and states. After initial screening, they are forwarded to the committee in Nay Pyi Taw. The number of applications is not as high as before. The first meeting for screening has been done. The screening teams are on the inspection tour for now”, said an official of the Mining Department.
As per 2023 data, there are about 600-member gold shops of the Yangon Region Gold Entrepreneurs Association, and there are over 10,000 gold shops across the region. Despite the increasing number of gold shops, only over 6,000 are licensed gold shops. — ASH/KK

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A ceremony to present commemorative gifts to Union Ministers and senior military officers who have served their duties diligently, as well as officials who performed exceptionally well in natural disaster recovery efforts including Cyclone Mocha, was held in the afternoon of April 8 at the Banquet Hall of the Office of the Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw.

The ceremony was attended and addressed by the elected President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Chairman of the State Security, Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who also presented the commemorative gifts. The ceremony was attended by SSPC Vice-Chairman, Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Commission Member Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Member U Aung Lin Dwe, Commission Secretary Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, General Ye Win Oo, Commission members, Union-level dignitaries and Union Ministers, senior military officials from the Office of the Commander in Chief, retired senior military officials, the Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and responsible officials. First, the elected President SSPC Chairman delivered an address.

He stated that due to the irregularities in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw had to declare a state of emergency and, in accordance with the Constitution, has been carrying out the duties entrusted by the state from February 1, 2021, to the present. He noted that everyone is aware that since assuming state responsibilities, Commission members, government members, and Tatmadaw personnel together with him, has been able to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges with the support of the people. He also expressed his gratitude and recognition to all senior military officials, officers, and Tatmadaw personnel who effectively and swiftly planned and coordinated the military's participation in recovery efforts from natural disasters, including Cyclone Mocha. Similarly, he wished to acknowledge and recognize the efforts of the Union Minister for Industry, who worked diligently to develop industrial sectors and to promote MSMEs, which are the foundation of the country's economy, during the five-year period of the responsibilities.

He further reiterated his special thanks for the Tatmadaw's unity and collaboration with the government and the people whenever the nation faces critical challenges, and expressed his respect and recognition for the senior military officers who supervised, commanded, and managed such efforts. He urged that in the future, whenever the nation faces critical needs, the Tatmadaw must plan and act to effectively shoulder the interests of the people, to serve the people with the conviction that "the people are the mother, the people are the father," and to tirelessly undertake public welfare tasks from their respective sectors.

Afterwards, the elected President SSPC Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, presented commemorative gifts to Commission members General Maung Maung Aye, Lt-Gen. Phone Myat, Lt-Gen.  Yar Pyae, r General Kyaw Swar Lin, Union Minister for Industry Dr. Charlie Than, and senior military officials and retired senior military officials from the Office of the Commander in Chief. Subsequently, the elected President SSPC Chairman, and attendees partook of the commemorative tea reception. After the ceremony, the elected President SSPC Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, warmly greeted those who attended the ceremony.

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A preliminary coordination meeting was held at the Yangon branch of the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) on 6 April to prepare for the hosting of the 23rd South-East Asia (SEA) Leadership Meeting.
The 23rd SEA Leadership Meeting, which will be attended by leaders from Red Cross and Red Crescent societies across Southeast Asia, is scheduled to be hosted by Myanmar in the second week of September 2026. During the preliminary session, participants engaged in detailed discussions regarding the agenda for the upcoming meeting and matters concerning regional humanitarian cooperation.
The coordination meeting was attended by the president of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, along with Executive Committee members, deputy general secretaries and officials. Also in attendance were Ms Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the general secretary and officials from the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, which hosted the 22nd meeting, and the general secretary and officials from the Philippine Red Cross, which will host the 24th meeting. — ASH/KZL

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The 5th Movement Partners Call was held on 7 April afternoon in a hybrid format by the Myanmar Red Cross Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Asia Pacific region to mark one year since the launch of the Myanmar earthquake emergency appeal.
The discussion was led by Professor Dr Myo Nyunt, President of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, joining from the Yangon branch, together with Mr Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Regional Director of the IFRC, and Mr Régis Savioz, Regional Director of the ICRC.
Professor Dr Tin Maung Hlaing, Executive Director of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, Ms Nadia Khoury, IFRC Country Representative in Myanmar, and Mr Arnaud de Baecque, ICRC Country Representative in Myanmar, then presented updates on cooperation and rehabilitation efforts in earthquake-affected areas. The meeting was attended by the President and members of the Executive Committee of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, Deputy General Secretaries, and other officials, as well as representatives from the ICRC, the IFRC, and partner National Societies, including the Danish Red Cross, German Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, and Korean Red Cross. — MNA/MKKS

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President-elect and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed appreciation and presented honorary gifts to the Union Ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers who served for the State, and officials who dutifully performed in rehabilitation processes after natural disasters, including the Mocha storm.
He delivered a speech at the ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Office of the National Defence and Security Council Chairman yesterday.
In his speech, the Senior General stated that Tatmadaw, under his leadership, had assumed responsibility for the State in accordance with the Constitution after the declaration of a state of emergency due to electoral irregularities in the 2020 general election, and has been carrying out State responsibilities from 1 February 2021 up to the present. Since taking office, numerous difficulties and challenges have been encountered, but these have been overcome through the collective efforts of the commission members, government officials, Tatmadaw personnel, and the people.
At the beginning of the tenure, the country was facing a severe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through joint efforts of Tatmadaw personnel and healthcare workers in prevention and treatment measures, the pandemic was overcome with minimal loss. He also expressed recognition and appreciation for those who organized and participated in these efforts. Similarly, the extremely powerful Cyclone Mocha struck Rakhine State, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to offices, residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings on 14 May 2023.
He mentioned his instant visit to Rakhine State after the storm to encourage the storm victims and conduct rehabilitation activities with strong momentum by forming the National Disaster Management Committee. Tatmadaw members and the government cooperated to conduct rescue works and rehabilitation processes, and Tatmadaw force was mainly applied in clearing debris and restoring the affected areas to conditions better than before.
He also highlighted the cooperation among the government, departments and Tatmadaw members, as such effective rehabilitation activities were conducted in a short period, the transportation processes of relief items, construction materials and food, including the donated items, with the Tatmadaw aircraft and vessels utilized promptly.
He then talked about the main reason for the event, to express gratitude and present honorary gifts to senior Tatmadaw officers who served duties eagerly during the Mocha storm and rehabilitation processes, sacrificing their lives.
He continued that on 11 September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, originating from the South China Sea, caused the heaviest rainfall in 70 years across Nay Pyi Taw, Kayin State, Kayah State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, and Mon State, resulting in severe flooding. During this disaster, Tatmadaw cooperated with the government and the people in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Similarly, the powerful Mandalay earthquake on 28 March 2025 caused significant damage in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and Sagaing, and also in other regions. Tatmadaw members actively participated in rescue, clearance, and rehabilitation work. He expressed gratitude to all senior Tatmadaw officers, other ranks and members who ensured swift and effective participation in disaster response, including Cyclone Mocha and other natural disasters.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Union Minister for Industry for improving industrial businesses and MSMEs, the backbone of the State economy, during the five years.
The Senior General urged Tatmadaw to serve for the interest of people in times of the country’s need, uphold the mindset “the people are the mother, the people are the father” and serve public service activities in different sectors.
President-elect and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presented gifts of honour to commission members General Maung Maung Aye, Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, General Kyaw Swa Lin, Union Minister for Industry Dr Charlie Than and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and retired Tatmadaw senior officers.
After the ceremony, the Senior General cordially greeted the attendees. — MNA/KTZH

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Zoos across the country, including the Yangon Zoological Garden, have issued a call for public participation in environmental and wildlife conservation efforts starting from Zoo Lovers Day, which falls on 8 April.

Every year, Zoo Lovers Day is a special day for those who value and cherish animals and the nature, highlighting the vital importance of zoos and encouraging everyone to participate in protecting wildlife and global conservation initiatives.

While zoos were once viewed merely as places for recreation, they have now transformed into conservation centres. Modern zoos play several key roles, including safe havens for animals, education and research,  breeding and reintroduction and genetic preservation.

According to zoo officials, Zoo Lovers Day is not only about celebrating animals but also about striving to pass down wildlife and biodiversity to future generations. It noted that supporting zoos—whether through visiting, donating, or spreading awareness—greatly contributes to ensuring the world’s magnificent creatures survive for many years to come.

Therefore, the public is urged to join hands in environmental and wildlife conservation efforts starting from this Zoo Lovers Day.

MT/ZN

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