DOMESTIC NEWS: 2nd National-level Political Dialogue?s CSO Peace Forum continues in Nay Pyi Taw...Botahtaung BEHS No.6 to host Children?s Literature Festival...New Year Dhamma Donation Ceremony continues in Yangon...Four guns lost during ARSA attacks in Maungtaw discovered...Independence Day message from the president...Opening ceremony of independence movement, international film festival held in Yangon...Painting show to mark the new year opened...Yangon Zoo hosts 1.5 million visitors last year...New Year Festival of Larhu Ethnic People held...The Sixth Literature Talk in Mawlu being held...New homes to benefit ethnic Mro people...Over 70 people die in road accidents in Myeik district in 2017...Armed groups attack regional HQ in Kachin State.....EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Chinese national involves in gambling ring arrested in Myitkyina...China imports honey from Muse border...International Finished Gemstone and Jewellery Exhibition...Government exports increased by $572 million in current FY....."OPINION": "Independence Day and National Obligation" - By Maung Khaing Mar [upper Minhla], "Myanmar?s Independence and Myanmar politics".....ARTICLE: " The role of pen and sword in regaining Myanmar Independence" - By Maha Saddhamma Jotika Dhaja, Sithu Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt