Mandalay Division plans big increase in rice production: THE Myanma Agricultural Service says an extra 90,000 acres will be put under paddy in Mandalay Division during the fiscal year beginning in April to ensure better food sufficiency...Yangon artist wins international prize: A MYANMAR artist has won a first prize in an international poster competition held as part of activities last year to mark World Population Day, which falls on July 11... Minister urges gradual pace with privatisation process: PRIVATISATION must occur at a gradual pace to be successful, a senior government minister said in an interview late last month...Expect to sizzle this month: forecaster: YANGON can expect hotter than average weather until mid-April, an official at the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said last Wednesday... With a mere K500,000 students make solar car: STUDENTS at Yangon?s International Language and Business Centre have built what they say is the country?s first solar-powered vehicle... Talks continue on ways to cooperate over forced labour issue: THE government and the International Labour Organisation are holding talks to adopt an action plan on the eradication of forced labour, the ILO?s liaison officer in Yangon, Ms Hong-Trang Perret-Nguyen, said in a report last week... Govt chides Washington over ‘insensitive? decision: THE government has described a decision by the United States last week to retain Myanmar on a list of countries alleged to violate religious freedom, as "improper" and "insensitive"... Asean-Japan year to strengthen ties - FM: MUTUAL understanding between Japan and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations will be enhanced by a range of special cultural and economic activities this year, the Foreign Minister, U Win Aung, said earlier this month... Media can help raise awareness in fight against cancer, says specialist: A MEDICAL specialist has urged the media to improve public awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for cancer, a medical specialist told Myanmar Times last week... Neonatal consultant welcomes ‘essential? infant deaths survey: A SURVEY on infant mortality rates, being conducted by the Department of Health, has been hailed as "essential" for planning by a neonatal consultant... Investment urged in Mandalay bus lines: ENTREPRENEURS have been urged to invest in buses in Mandalay to help improve transportation services in the city...Tokyo provides $44,000 for tuberculosis project: THE JAPANESE government has provided a grant of nearly US$ 44,000 for the improvement of tuberculosis diagnosis and care in Thongwa township in Yangon Division... Prominent Myanmar monks receive honorary doctorates: YANGON University has awarded honorary doctorates to two prominent Buddhist monks in recognition of their role in spreading the Dhamma (Lord Buddha?s teachings) among all levels of society...Yangon monasteries hold language courses: FOREIGN language courses at two monasteries in Yangon are booming because they are much cheaper than their commercial counterparts... Bangladeshi trade fair to boost bilateral trade: THE fourth Bangladeshi trade fair, to be held at the Yangon Trade Centre from March 20 to 22, will help boost bilateral trade ties, said a spokesperson from the Bangladesh embassy last week...Quality the key to success for Myanmar Brewery MYANMAR Brewery Ltd has become the first company in Myanmar to be simultaneously awarded three international quality standard certificates... Permanent tiger reserve could provide safe haven: DEEP in the remote wilderness of Myanmar?s Kachin State lies the 2500 square mile Hukaung Valley Wildlife sanctuary...Women urged to create opportunities, increase contribution to society: THE founder of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs? Association, Professor Daw Yi Yi Myint, says women in challenging circumstances should make a greater effort to contribute to society... Red Cross Society to mount retrospective: THE MYANMAR Red Cross Society is seeking old publications and documentation about its past activities... Thai princess to visit this week: THAILAND?S Princess Sirindhorn is due to arrive in Yangon on March 10 as the first stop on a five-day tour of Myanmar, a diplomatic source said...Rakhine wrestlers to compete in Yangon: A RAKHINE traditional wrestling competition will be held in Yangon on March 21... YCDC seeks Thingyan contestants; PRIVATE companies, government departments, schools and other organisations are invited to participate in cultural competitions in Yangon during the water festival, said U Zaw Win, section head of the Inspection Department of the Yangon City Development Committee... Australia chooses new envoy: THE Australian government last week announced that it had chosen Mr Paul Grigson as its next ambassador to Myanmar. He will replace Mr Trevor Wilson, whose term ends in June, said a statement released last Wednesday by the Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Alexander Downer... Earthquakes pose little risk in capital - Survey: A SURVEY by the Meteorology and Hydrology Department has found that earthquakes are unlikely to pose a threat to high-rise buildings in Yangon... Beach resorts offer best tourism potential - S1: MYANMAR beach resorts present the greatest potential for tourism growth, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, General Khin Nyunt, said at a tourism industry meeting in Yangon last week.