HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- Pyithu Hluttaw: Pyithu Hluttaw approves amendments to five bills: "AT the 19th meeting of the current Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) session in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, MPs agreed to amendments proposed by the bill committee to the Pest Control Bill and the Botanical Species Protection Bill, which were returned by the Amyotha Hluttaw with amendments. The Botanical Species Protection Bill was sent back with 35 amendments by Amyotha Hluttaw, three of which were approved by the Pyithu Hluttaw. During the meeting, U Myint Soe, an MP from Pyawbwe Constituency, asked for a plan to invite foreign investment for vehicle manufacturing in Myanmar in order to stimulate the car market with cheaper options. In response to the question, U Myo Aung, the Deputy Minister for Industry, said an Automobile Policy has been drafted by relevant ministries in April last year. Inviting foreign investment to produce cars at home is included in the draft, the deputy minister added."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: Laying the foundation: President says peace will strengthen new democracy...Historic Dala dockyard eyes corporatisation...Govt, NLD discuss smooth transfer of government duties...Ceremony held at Yangon General Hospital to celebrate free cleft-adjustment surgeries...President says second five-year plan will target economic growth and investment...Govt to submit Union budget for 2016-17 FY...WHO: Reported Malaria Cases reach 150,000 per year in Myanmar...New houses for floodvictims of Kalay Township to be completed soon...Thayet town to celebrate Mother?s Day...Locals of Kawlin Township to have MPT access...Seasoned thief charged with many counts of burglary...Man charged for burglary...6 wheel passenger vehicle plunged down 50 foot hill...Greater investment in education can help Myanmar secure higher ranking: HDI report...Field workers thrive on Monywa onion plantations...MIC approves 5 new firms, expects 1,600 new jobs..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Japan-funded ADB project to support small businesses in Mon State...President U Thein Sein felicitates Bhutan King on Bhutan?s National Day...President U Thein Sein sends message of felicitations to Bhutan Prime Minister...U Wunna Maung Lwin sends message of felicitations to Bhutan Counterpart...New Pump Station Opened in Nyaunghnapin..... "OPINION": "When does a true politician?s campaign period start?" By Myint Win Thein..... ARTICLE: "Apocalypse is Just Around the Corner" by Khin Maung Myint..."One nation, united in peace" by Hla Maung..."How Can Rapidly Aging East Asia Sustain Its Economic Dynamism?" by Axel van Trotsenburg