Myanmar Politics & Culture: Myanmar’s resistance is said to have “grown up” with the March 30, 2026 formation of a Steering Council for a Federal Democratic Union, tying together the National Unity Government, parliamentarians, and major ethnic armed groups under a charter to place armed forces under elected civilian command. Diplomacy: Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing begins a high-profile state visit to China, meeting Xi Jinping as Beijing looks to secure borders and resources like rare earths. Buddhism & Heritage: An exhibition-style explainer revisits the Buddha’s Maha Parinirvana and the sharing of relics across eight caskets, tracing how Ashoka later redistributed them into shrines. Environment & Health: A Mekong “toxic time bomb” story links rising arsenic in the river to illegal mining in Myanmar, with Thai fishermen reporting shrinking livelihoods and doctors finding elevated toxins. Education Under Threat: A new global report says attacks on education rose by over 40% in 2024–2025, with Myanmar among the worst-hit for students and staff harmed. Refugees & Media: DVB and MAP Foundation plan “podcast to broadcast” Burmese news for migrant communities in Thailand, plus education and women-focused shows. Culture & Storytelling: The 10th Korea Refugee Film Festival returns with refugee-led storytelling, including a Myanmar refugee filmmaker’s premiere. Scams & Mobility: Finland investigates a recruitment scam that charged Myanmar students up to €10,000 for study promises, after residence permits were denied. Human Rights: UN human rights chief Volker Türk urges the Human Rights Council to keep pushing toward “larger freedom” amid setbacks.