Land & SOE Housing: MTCC says it has started steps to restart its suspended staff housing “Hiyaa” project, meeting HDC and asking the President’s Office to secure land after corruption-linked suspension. Dollar & Press Freedom: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee approved amendments to the Foreign Currency Act to criminalise public reporting/advertising of black-market USD rates, drawing backlash from MDP and the Maldives Journalists Association over media freedom and enforcement. Tobacco Policy: Health Minister Geela Ali says tobacco-control decisions are research-led, including a generational ban and free cessation services, as a five-year national campaign is planned. Fisheries Support: Fisheries launched the World Bank-funded “Aaruveri Matching Grant” (MVR 278m) offering 40% non-reimbursable grants to boost energy efficiency, sustainable production, mariculture, and youth/women-led SMEs. Public Appointments: Pension Administration Office appointed Yazmeed Mohamed as CEO for a five-year term starting 23 Aug after recent top-management resignations. Foreign Affairs: Maldives Foreign Ministry denies claims about consulates in Addu/Bengaluru, saying no island consulate decision has been made beyond Malé. Humanitarian Diplomacy: President Muizzu marks World Humanitarian Day calling for protection of aid workers and condemning obstruction in Gaza. International Trade Facilitation: Maldives signed with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh an agreement to exchange pre-arrival customs data to speed clearance and strengthen controls. Health & Environment: MoU signed for Maldives’ first cancer treatment waste storage facility in Addu, aimed at safe disposal of cytotoxic waste. Security/Regional: UKMTO reports six armed men boarded an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden and redirected it toward Somalia, urging caution.