Myanmar–Laos Strategic Push: President U Min Aung Hlaing’s state visit to Laos lifted ties to a “strategic partnership,” with plans for direct flights, trade expansion, and joint work against drugs and online scams. Mekong Hydropower Feasibility: Myanmar and Laos signed agreements for a Mekong border hydropower feasibility study, with up to 2,790MW capacity and a 34-month timeline. Solar Deal for Myanmar: Trinasolar signed a 200MW MoU with Shwe Wah Yaung Agriculture to expand distribution of Vertex N G3 and Vertex S+ G3 modules across Myanmar over three years. Severe Weather in Myanmar: Tornadoes and strong winds damaged 100+ buildings in Yangon, Bago, and Arakan, injuring residents and displacing hundreds. Religious Repression: A Catholic nun aiding internally displaced people was jailed for eight months under a repressive law. Rakhine Border Tensions: Fighting in Rakhine has raised fears of renewed Rohingya displacement into Bangladesh and prompted border alerts. Cyber Scam Crackdown Spillover: Starlink disruptions reportedly cut communications in resistance areas after deactivations tied to anti-scam efforts. Myanmar Rice Exports: Myanmar shipped over 529,000 tonnes of rice and broken rice in Q1 FY2026-27, earning about $167 million.