Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Maldives’ Media Crackdown: Muizzu’s Regime Tightens Grip on Press Amid Corruption and Loyalist-Parliament
Ras Online
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In a calculated move to curb press freedom, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration introduced a sweeping media regulation bill to the People’s Majlis on August 19, 2025, tabled by MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. Framed as a defense of religious...
“Media must be operated without corrupting society” – Saleem
The Maldives Journal
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Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has stated that the media must function in a manner that does not corrupt society or violate the dignity and honor of individuals. Speaking during the debate on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in...
Media Commission Bill Aligns with International Standards: Nazim
The Maldives Journal
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Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has said the Media Commission Bill is drafted in line with international standards. Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the bill, which proposes merging the Maldives Media Council...
Visit Maldives Unveils “From Tiraṅgā to Turquoise” Campaign to Boost Indian Tourism
Maldives Business Review
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Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has launched a new destination marketing campaign for the Indian market titled “From Tiraṅgā to Turquoise,” symbolizing the journey from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag to the turquoise lagoons and...
New bill aims to gag media using religion as pretext to silence reports on gov’t corruption
Raajje
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The controversial media regulation bill under review at parliament includes broad new mandates for the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, empowering it to take action against what it defines as platforms disseminating “fake news” and...
Solih condemns media bill as threat to press freedom
Sun Online International
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Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday asserted that the bill currently before Parliament, proposing stringent measures against specific journalists, would utterly dismantle press freedom in the Maldives. The controversial legislation...
Gov't funds media, backs contentious media bill
Sun Online International
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The government has gazetted a regulation committing 0.1 percent of the estimated state revenue to registered private media outlets, effective from this year onwards. This allocation, excluding grants and new revenue increases, fulfills a...
MJA condemns draconian media bill, calls for rejection of proposal to cancel media registrations, punish journalists
Raajje
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The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has strongly called for the outright rejection of the proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which includes provisions for cancelling newspaper registrations and punishing individual journalists....
MJA calls for withdrawal of bill curbing media freedom
Maldives Voice
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The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has urged the withdrawal of the proposed Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it poses a serious threat to press freedom. The association expressed concern that the bill would place media...
27.9M media fund tied to staff qualifications, gender
Sun Online International
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Starting this year, 0.1 percent of the state budget's projected revenue will be allocated annually to the media, and the distribution of these funds will consider the educational qualifications of employees and the number of female employees...
Parliament suspends session amid protest against media bill
The Press Maldives
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August 19, 2025
Journalists protests inside the press chambers in the Parliament The Parliament suspended its session for today after it suspended its work on the newly submitted media bill amid protests from journalists in the country. MP for Thulhaadhoo...
Maldives Commissions Donated Turkish Doğan-Class Fast Attack Craft Enhancing Regional Naval Balance
Defense News Security News Army Recognition
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On August 15, 2025, the Maldives National Defence Force officially commissioned the former Turkish Navy fast attack craft TCG Volkan, renamed Dharumavantha, as reported by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defence. The vessel, donated...
Maldives commissions ex-Türkiye fast attack craft
Janes
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Turkish Naval Forces Doğan-class fast attack craft-missile Volkan (P 343). (C D Yaylali) The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commissioned the Doğan-class fast attack craft that was formerly in service as TCG Volkan on 15 August, the Turkish...
Explainer: How tourism can bring the dollars home
Financial Express
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Tourism could be India’s biggest source of export earnings, free from tariffs. However, that will require a massive infusion of funds not just to promote India as a prime destination for foreign tourists but also build the necessary...
Dive into Paradise at the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
The islandchief
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Nature takes center stage in the Maldives as manta ray season returns to the protected waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve until November this year. Located at the heart of this renowned atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a...
MP Meekail alleges media control bill drafted by AGO
Sun Online International
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Ahmed Meekail Ahmed, a lawmaker from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) alleged on Tuesday that the contentious media control bill was drafted not by Thulaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr who sponsored it, but by the Attorney...
India needs to talk about over-tourism, before the great asset becomes the greatest liability
The Print
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August 19, 2025
In 2024, travel and tourism contributed around $10.9 trillion to global GDP, accounting for 10 per cent of the world economy. The sector also supports 35.7 crore jobs worldwide, providing a major boost to employment. Domestically, tourism...
Cocoon Maldives Appoints Abdulla Anish as Executive Assistant Manager
The islandchief
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Cocoon Maldives has announced the promotion of Abdulla Anish to the position of Executive Assistant Manager, effective immediately. Anish, who has been a part of The Cocoon Collection family for several years, brings extensive experience and a...
Slump in Momentum: Maldives Sees Tourist Growth Dip to 4.4% in August
Maldives Business Review
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Tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 107,847 in the first half of August 2025—a 4.4% year-on-year increase but notably slower than the double-digit growth seen earlier this year. Daily arrivals averaged 6,740 visitors, reflecting moderated...
Maldives sets sights on 200,000 Indian visitors
Hotelier Maldives
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August 18, 2025
Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has unveiled its new destination marketing campaign for the Indian market, “From Tiraṅgā to Turquoise.” The campaign symbolises the journey from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag to the turquoise waters...