့HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- Amyotha Hluttaw: Amyotha Hluttaw forms Inter-parliamentary associations, committee: "THE Second Amyotha Hluttaw?s first regular session approved the formation of inter-parliamentary friendship associations and the committee of the development of agriculture, livestock and fisheries yesterday. During its 11th day session, Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than announced the parliamentary approval of the formation of the Myanmar-Viet Nam Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association, the Myanmar-Lao PDR Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association, the Myanmar-Thailand Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association, the Myanmar- Japan Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association and the Myanmar-Singapore Inter-parliamentary Friendship Association. The process of approving the 15-member Amyotha Hluttaw Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development Committee was carried out."...Pyithu Hluttaw: El Niño urgent motion approved, another submitted and two parliamentary committees formed: "THE second Pyithu Hluttaw?s first regular session continued for its 11th day with the processes of approving the El Niño urgent motion, submitting another urgent motion and forming two parliamentary committees yesterday. In response to discussions of parliamentarians on the possible impacts of El Niño which is expected to hit Myanmar shortly, deputy ministers from ministries concerned elaborated on preparedness and response plans for the ill-effects of upcoming weather event. Next, the Pyithu Hluttaw approved the El Niño urgent motion submitted by Dr Maung Thin of Meiktila Constituency. Then, U Lagan Zal Jone of Waingmaw Constituency put forwards an urgent motion calling on the Union government to support mass participation in the fight against narcotic drugs, protect them from possible attacks and extend necessary assistance to them. While seeking parliamentary approval of the urgent motion, Pyithu Hluttaw approved the motion to be discussed. Next, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Win Myint announced that Investment and Industrial Development Committee and Electricity and Energy Development Committee were formed with 15 members each."..... DOMESTIC NEWS: Rubber growers face hardship from plunge in rubber price...Holding it together: JMC-U to penalise NCA violators...Transition teams set agenda for presidential swearing-in...Mindat fire victims receive cash assistance from KBZ foundation...Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham addresses opening of 8th APCRSHR in Nay Pyi Taw...Monitoring efforts will be carried out by MRPF to mitigate El Nino?s impact on the agricultural sector...Wooden grinding machine replaces ox with motor...Shan United FC to recruit talented youth...Police arrested a man for stabbing girl...Unattended stove causes lacquerware shop fire in NyaungU...Car accident kills man, injures two...Pregnant woman commits suicide...Mrauk U commercial boat services going under...Myanmar seafood exports drop by $40 million since last fiscal year...High-speed water transport companies dry-docked by lack of passengers...Pyay farmers prosper on high chickpea prices...Festival highlights Myanmar traditional folk dances, drama...68th Chin National Day held in Mandalay...Traditional martial arts course aims to generate qualified trainers...Nyaung Chaungthar beach to be opened on 28th February...Cattle in Singaing receive foot-and-mouth virus vaccine..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Number of foreign tourists visiting Dawei rises this year...President felicitates Emir of the State of Kuwait...President felicitates PM of Kuwait...Union Foreign Affairs Minister felicitates FM of Kuwait...Appointment of Ambassador agreed on...Thai authorities arrested 35 Myanmar workers...Myanmar seafood exports drop by $40 million since last fiscal year..... "PERSPECTIVES": "A joy to behold" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE: "Democracy and Human Rights" by Dr. Khine Khine Win