A centuries-old partnership between fishermen and critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Myanmar is threatened by environmental destruction and political upheaval.

New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- In the latest episode of HT In-Depth, Sreeparna Banerjee, Associate Research Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), delves into the escalating drug problem in Myanmar, which has now become the world's 2nd-largest producer of opium, after Afghanistan. The episode highlights the alarming rise in opium production, which has surged by 36% this year to an estimated 1,080 tonnes, driven by the ongoing civil war and economic turmoil that have pushed many farmers towards this lucrative but illegal crop. With the country ruled by military and shadow of China, how is India handling the sensitive situation on its northeastern border?

The Bulgarian Military service reports an unusual transaction between Russia and Myanmar (formerly Burma). As part of a diplomatic gesture coinciding with the delivery of six Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets, Myanmar was to present six elephants to the Kremlin—one for each jet. The elephants were intended as a symbol of goodwill between the countries, aligning with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Myanmar, according to the Bulgarian Military. Although the transfer of elephants appears to be a symbolic gesture, some reports suggest that the animals may also be part of the funding agreement for the six Su-30SME aircraft.

Officials said they have been recovering different types of Myanmar-manufactured weapons and other equipment from militants.