Every year on 1 December, nations around the world commemorate World AIDS Day, reflecting on the profound human, social and economic impact of HIV and renewing commitments to confront one of the world’s longest-running health emergencies. As the world enters 2025, the message is clear: while extraordinary progress has been made, HIV remains an unfinished agenda. Millions continue to live with the virus, new infections occur daily, and inequalities still hinder access to prevention, testing and treatment services.

It might be wondered who wrote this open letter to Founder President Mr Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). I am simply an ordinary citizen who loves our country and people. Particularly, I am an ordinary person who cannot accept one-sided accusations and pressure from international organizations and individuals, that aim our country and people to be in ruins.

MYANMAR shares borders with five neighbouring countries, and some of these borders are easily crossable and difficult to monitor. This makes it challenging to control illegal trade and contributes to the occurrence of illicit commerce. According to the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), it is estimated that over US$460 billion worth of goods are traded illegally worldwide each year.

THE month of Tazaungmone is the eighth month of the Myanmar lunar calendar. The term “Tazaung” means “lighted oil lamp post.” The constellation associated with the month of Tazaungmone is shown with the zodiac sign Scorpio, the guardian spirit Sagittarius, and the flower of the month, the chrysanthemum.

At the invitation of the Chinese government, the Myanmar media delegation, including 11 representatives, had to visit Nanjing and Shanghai, China, for a five-day study tour from 13 to 17 October.

IN MYANMAR, some 70 per cent of the population lives in rural areas, while around 30 per cent reside in urban areas. Of this population, approximately 50 per cent earn their livelihoods in agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries sectors. Therefore, promoting agricultural and livestock production is crucial for boosting the national economy. By developing the rural economy, the overall national economy can grow, while simultaneously reducing poverty.

THE government is accelerating its efforts to develop school libraries and promote reading habits. It aims to enhance the functions of libraries, enable students to access books and publications, and apply the knowledge gained from reading in practical contexts.

THE recent trips of the Head of State brought positive outcomes for the Union by signing agreements with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the World Atomic Forum Week 2025, the Head of State discussed the topic of peaceful use of nuclear energy for the public interest.

The “Seinn Lann Myaing” Family moved to the United States in 2001. At that time, they faced an important decision that would affect not only their own lives but also the lives of their children. Like many immigrant families who arrive in a new country, they wanted to integrate quickly into society. They thought the best way to do this was by adopting the language of their new home. Therefore, they made a deliberate choice: they would stop speaking their native language, Myanmarsar (Burmese), at home and would communicate only in English. Their reasoning was simple. Since they were now living in an English-speaking country, they believed that English should completely replace their mother tongue.

There is something almost magical about the idea of a gift. Since childhood, gifts have been symbols of affection, small treasures that make our eyes light up, and tokens that seem to hold a piece of someone’s heart. But as life unfolds, we begin to realize that not all gifts are wrapped in bright paper or tied with ribbon. Many of the most powerful gifts are invisible, exchanged quietly in our daily lives: a smile across the room, a patient silence when words could wound, a touch that speaks of comfort, or even a sigh that carries irritation. These are the gifts that truly shape our relationships, for better or for worse.