Indian illustrator and visual artist Anand RK and investigative journalist Suparna Sharma, along with Bloomberg’s investigative reporter Natalie Obiko Pearson, have won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for trAPPed
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Amazon Great Summer Sale 2026 starts 8th May: Big discounts on appliances, extra bank deals, and early offers revealedAmazon Great Summer Sale is coming in 3 days: Huge price cuts on
Chennai Super Kings travel to the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday for their IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, as the cash-rich T20 franchise league enters the business end of the season. The enticing matchup will pit CSK head coach Stephen Fleming against DC’s Hemang Badani
Mirinda’s ‘Smile Please’ Campaign Brings a Fresh, Youth-First Energy to Everyday MomentsWith 'Smile Please', Mirinda introduces a vibrant visual identity and interactive packaging to inspire joy and community connection. Published on: May 05
After three weeks on the sidelines nursing a hamstring injury, Rohit Sharma made a grand return to IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Rohit wasted little time reminding everyone of his class, producing 84 off 44 balls (6x4, 7x6) to breathe life back into Mumbai Indians’ flickering
Myanmar and Thailand's busiest trade crossing was closed for a second day on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) after the military junta pledged to throttle black markets funding armed opposition groups ahead of a disputed December election. The military, which seized power in a 2021 coup, controls the Myawaddy bridge that carries more than $120 million of trade between the neighbouring nations every month, according to Thai customs figures.
Thai-Myanmar crossing shut as junta clamps down on trade
Myanmar and Thailand's busiest trade crossing was closed for a second day on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) after the military junta pledged to throttle black markets funding armed opposition groups ahead of a disputed December election.
The military, which seized power in a 2021 coup, controls the Myawaddy bridge that carries more than $120 million of trade between the neighbouring nations every month, according to Thai customs figures.
However, along the highway linking the crossing to the commercial capital Yangon, its troops are fighting a civil war against an array of guerrillas who fund their fighting with lucrative toll gates.
Naing Maung Zaw, a spokesman for the military's Border Guard Forces, said the crossing had been shut "for trading vehicles" since Monday.
The military has pledged to clamp down on illicit trade funding its opponents ahead of a December 28 election, which is already being criticised abroad as a ploy to rebrand continuing military rule.
The vote is also set to be blocked in huge tracts of the country administered by a kaleidoscope of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed organisations that have found common cause since the coup.
A Thai security source based at the border, speaking anonymously, said the junta had "set regulations to make it uncomfortable for minority groups, to try to stop them from earning money or benefits".
As the junta shut the crossing on Monday, it announced the late December start date for phased elections that it has trumpeted as an off ramp to the civil war.
The military has made limited gains against rebels in recent weeks, seizing back ground where it can now hold the election. The poll is expected to take weeks to complete.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing pledged last week to combat border-based opposition fighters that "use the profits collected from illegal trade to strengthen their forces".
Ahead of the polls, democratic figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi remains jailed after being deposed, with her party dissolved and other ousted lawmakers calling for a boycott.
The junta has also introduced harsh new laws dictating prison sentences of up to 10 years for critics or those who protest against the vote.
Published - August 19, 2025 09:31 pm IST
Thailand / Myanmar
Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: Spanning 68 KM & Connecting Busiest Traffic Zones At world's busiest port ISRO gets ready for one of its busiest times in recent memory Netanyahu Orders Rafah Border Crossing Closed ‘Until Further Notice’ Over 600 flee Myanmar scam centre to Thailand after crackdown Thailand sees second crane collapse in two days following deadly train accident Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for second day Crossing all limits 14 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested By Sri Lankan Navy For Crossing IMBL Angelina Jolie Visits Rafah Crossing
IPL 2026 DC vs CSK Live Cricket Score, Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Today Match Updates: Delhi Capitals must rediscover consistency after three painful home defeats as they face Chennai Super Kings, with both sides on eight points from nine games.IPL 2026 DC vs CSK Live Cricket Score
4 hours ago
Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a new four-year deal at Manchester City. The 25-year-old's current contract was due to expire next summer but fresh terms will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2030, with the option of another year
4 hours ago
Where is KC-135 tanker? US flying gas station reportedly goes missing over Qatar: ‘7700 distress signal issued’A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker transmitted a 7700 distress signal over the Persian Gulf, but CENTCOM has not confirmed any crash or emergency. Updated on: May 05
4 hours ago
Study of seasonal pollutant trends key to tackling air pollution: DataStudy of seasonal pollutant trends key to tackling air pollution: Data Published on: May 05, 2026 5:09 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, A decade-long analysis of air quality data shows that pollutants in Indian cities
4 hours ago
AP POLYCET Result 2026 Out: The State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Andhra Pradesh, has announced the Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (POLYCET) or AP POLYCET 2026 results today, May 5. Candidates who took the exam can check their results and rank cards on the official website
4 hours ago
Zoë Kravitz keeps her rumoured engagement ring hidden behind her gown at 2026 Met Gala; Harry Styles skips eventFans eager to get a peak at Zoe Kravitz's rumoured engagement ring were left disappointed after the Met Gala, as she chose to hide it in photos. May 5, 2026
4 hours ago
Sensex Today: The Nifty50 and Sensex gave up their previous session’s gains, dragged lower by weakness in banking, realty, oil and gas stocks amid rising concerns over escalating tensions in West Asia. The Nifty50 declined 86.50 points, or 0.36%, to close at 24,032.80, while the Sensex fell 251
4 hours ago
Arsenal’s fledgling and uncertain hopes for a long-awaited English Premier League title received a massive boost on Monday, after title challengers Manchester City drew 3-3 with Everton and dropped points, helping Arsenal strengthen their position at the top
4 hours ago
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Monday dismissed two petitions by Vedanta Limited against Adani Enterprises being selected to acquire debt-ridden company Jaiprakash Associates, The Indian Express reported. Vedanta had not made any grounds for the National Company Law Tribunal to
4 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Need instant cooling? These heavy-duty ACs cool a room in under 5 minutesRooms heating up fast? These ACs cool in minutes, handle voltage swings, and run efficiently
4 hours ago
RSSB Lab Assistant Admit Card 2026 releasing today at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in, here's how to downloadRSSB Lab Assistant Admit Card 2026 will be released today, May 5, 2026. The steps to download the hall ticket is given here. Published on: May 05
4 hours ago
The Trinamool Congress focused on Bengali identity, but voters prioritized economic issues. Unemployment and corruption overshadowed cultural concerns. The BJP countered by highlighting governance failures. This shift proved decisive, leading to a verdict on administration rather than identity
4 hours ago
Are you eating watermelons wrong? Doctor shares this one big mistake: ‘Avoid eating late at night to prevent…’Find out what the correct timings and healthy portion sizes are to eat watermelon properly. Published on: May 05, 2026 5:34 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Watermelon is a
4 hours ago
As temperatures continue to soar across India, heatwaves are no longer just a seasonal discomfort but a growing public health concern. Increasingly frequent and intense, these extreme weather events are affecting not only vulnerable populations but also otherwise healthy individuals
4 hours ago
Skeet shooters miss out on final spots in ISSF World Cup ShotgunSkeet shooters miss out on final spots in ISSF World Cup Shotgun Published on: May 05, 2026 5:09 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Almaty , Indian skeet shooters disappointed as they failed the reach the finals in both the men's and
4 hours ago
The US and Iran are locked in a dangerous standoff, fueled by mutual miscalculations and overconfidence. Ancient Greek concepts of error and pride offer a framework for understanding the irrational risk of renewed war, as both sides overestimate their strengths and underestimate their weaknesses
4 hours ago
Film star-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay is on the cusp of history in Tamil Nadu state. On Monday, his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) defied all naysayers to almost sweep the state election, marking a break in the established political order
4 hours ago
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced applications for its 2026 paid internship programme, offering engineering students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in defence research and technology. The internship
4 hours ago
AI is transforming India’s healthcare ecosystem, enabling faster diagnostics, smarter treatments, and wider access to care. The Healthcare & MedTech category recognises solutions delivering real-world impact and clinical accuracy. It celebrates innovations that are scalable, responsible
4 hours ago
An explosion at a fireworks factory in China's Hunan province has killed 26 people and left 61 wounded, according to state media. Rescue operations have wrapped up at the Huasheng Fireworks plant in the southern city of Liuyang, after an explosion on Monday afternoon forced authorities to evacuate
4 hours ago
Apple has held exploratory discussions about using Intel and Samsung Electronics to produce the main processors for its devices, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the deliberations. Apple executives have made visits to a Samsung plant under development in
4 hours ago
Exclusive | Mehreen Pirzada on first meeting with husband Arsh Aulakh: I went to say no but…Actor Mehreen Pirzada who married Arsh Aulakh on April 26, shares all about their first meeting, brother-actor Gurfateh's reaction, honeymoon plans and more Published on: May 05
4 hours ago
Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF has seen a dramatic decline in Assam. The party, once a major force for Muslim minorities, now holds only two Assembly seats. This electoral rout signifies a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Minority votes have largely moved to the Congress party
4 hours ago
GSEB SSC Result 2026 Date, Time: Gujarat Board 10th results releasing tomorrowGSEB SSC Result 2026 has been announced. The Gujarat Board 10th results will be declared tomorrow at 8 am. Updated on: May 05, 2026 3:22 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link Gujarat
4 hours ago
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked members of his party and others to avoid “gloating” about the defeat of the Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly elections. “Put petty politics aside,” said the Opposition leader. “This is not about one party or another
4 hours ago
For years, most of us have grown up believing that a cavity automatically means a trip to the dentist for a filling. The familiar drill-and-fill approach has long been considered the default solution. But modern dentistry is gradually moving away from this mindset. Today
4 hours ago
An audio clip of an employee angrily confronting his manager has caught the attention of social media users, many of whom said they could relate to the frustration in his voice. The man is heard complaining about long working hours, workplace pressure and a promotion that allegedly came with
4 hours ago
