HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- Pyidaungsu Hluttaw: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw debates extension of retirement age: "Nay Pyi Taw, 9 July — The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw heard vigorous debate Thursday from MPs arguing for and against extending the retirement age for civil servants from the current 60 years. Fourteen representatives discussed two separate proposals on the issue — one seeking to keep the retirement age at 60 and the other pushing to raise it to 63. U Khin Maung Nyo of Loikaw constituency supported maintaining the status quo, while L t - C o l Hlaing Win, representative of defence services, spoke in favour of raising the age, arguing civil servants aged 60 and above with rich experience would contribute a lot to the country, provided they were healthy enough to continue working. U Htan Lain of Mintut constituency was against the proposed extension, saying it could become a barrier to promotion for subordinates. In a similar vein, U Sai Than Naing of Phapun constituency said extension of the retirement age would fuel the unemployment problem. U Kyaw Thu, Chairman of the Union Civil Services Board, said the issue had undeniable pros and cons, but hinted that the board would extend the retirement age if it was deemed to be in the interests of the country and civil workforce. The parliament approved three bills — the boiler bill, the election commission amendment bill and the dams bill — that came from the president with remarks. The parliament also put on record four bills concerning television and radio broadcasting, preservation and maintenance of ancient artefacts and buildings, and development of border areas and national races. Also put on record were issues related to reformation of village-tracts in Rakhine State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, Yangon Region and Ayeyawady Region."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: Gov?t pledges K3.2 billion assistance for flood-hit Rakhine State...MYANMAR GAZETTE...UEC allows registration of two political parties...Scholarship winner hopes to improve country?s science sector...Tatmadaw combs areas of Asia Highway...Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham meets villagers in Lashio...Jetties reinstalled at storm-hit Dala port...Myanmar firm partners with Hitachi to produce transformers...New rules ease parking dilemma for freight truck drivers...1st Myanmar Financial Inclusion Conference set for 2 Aug...Water supply project for Thilawa SEZ, townships nears completion...Monywa apartment complex set for completion in fiscal year...Cement maker donates earthquake safety material..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: SMBC scholarship offers Japan internships for university students...Myanmar ratifies Chemical Weapons Convention...KBZ receives two banking awards in Singapore...Myanmar, Thailand discuss anti-drug cooperation, boat people issue..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Public trust is crucial issue for winning election" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE: "A Brief Introduction to Health Care of India" by Sayar Mya