Friday, March 5 ,2021 - a podcast by TRT World

*) Myanmar hit by new protests as junta's UN pick quits

People in Myanmar are out on the streets once again to join anti-coup demonstrations as military rulers face tussles over diplomatic loyalties overseas, the threat of a global arms embargo, and frozen US funds.

This comes a day after the US slapped more sanctions on the country. Myanmar saw its worst violence since last month's coup after security forces killed at least 38 people on Wednesday.

But it hasn't stopped thousands continuing to rally – calling for a return to democracy.

*) Large quakes spark Pacific-wide tsunami threats

Authorities in New Zealand have lifted tsunami evacuation orders triggered by multiple Pacific quakes in the northeast.

The National Emergency Management Agency says everyone who evacuated can now return to their homes.

Earlier, thousands of people on the east coast of North Island were evacuated to higher ground.

*) China boosts 2021 defence spending by 6.8%

China has increased its defence spending by 6.8 percent, amid high government debt and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A national budget report issued on Friday said China will spend $210 billion on national defence in the coming year.

That's up from the 6.6 percent increase last year to $180 billion, the lowest percentage increase in at least two decades.

*) Pope Francis embarks on four-day visit to Iraq

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq on Friday. It will be the first visit by a head of the Roman Catholic Church to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

It's also the Pontiff's first trip abroad since the pandemic started.

The March 5-8 trip is expected to provide a spiritual boost to Iraq’s Christians while furthering the Vatican’s bridge-building efforts with the Muslim world.

And finally…

*) Banksy takes credit for prison artwork

Street artist Banksy has claimed responsibility for a painting on the wall of a former British prison that once held playwright Oscar Wilde.

The artwork shows a prisoner escaping on a rope made of bedsheets tied to a typewriter.

The elusive artist confirmed he was responsible in a video posted on his Instagram account.

The footage shows the artist carrying out the painting, and parodies the cult instructional videos of late US artist Bob Ross.

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