Hydropower & Flood Risk: Myanmar’s Paunglaung Dam in Nay Pyi Taw hit full supply level at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 17, with 20 spillway gates raised to store extra water for power and reduce downstream flooding; authorities say any spillway overflow will be reported in real time as river levels remain sensitive. Electricity Pricing for Industry: The Ministry of Electricity and Energy introduced discounted nighttime power tariffs for large industries, cutting rates to 600 kyats per unit from 900 kyats between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., aiming to stabilize the grid and lower production costs. Sanctions, Finance & Banking Pressure: A World Bank-linked report says Myanmar’s banking system is under severe strain under junta rule, with the kyat losing about three-quarters of its dollar value and lenders squeezed by sanctions and financial isolation. Russia-Myanmar Economic Push: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin, with expectations of new bilateral documents and a focus on energy and infrastructure, including the Dawei SEZ. Cybersecurity Threat: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte/Mustang Panda upgraded its CoolClient backdoor with a signed Windows kernel rootkit, targeting organizations including Myanmar and making detection harder. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Myanmar reportedly banned a book documenting trafficking of workers into illegal “cyberscam compounds” along its borders, highlighting forced-labour conditions in Myawaddy and Shan State.