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Religious programmes to begin targeting elderly citizens

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Isravvehinge Naadhee has initiated discussions with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to organise religious programmes specifically for elderly citizens. 

The discussions centered on the feasibility of hosting a monthly religious event at Isravvehinge Naadhee, an institution developed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development to enhance the mental and physical well-being of individuals over 55.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, where the content and objectives of the proposed programmes were thoroughly reviewed. The ministry committed to supporting various religious activities, including the Risalat programme, Q&A sessions, religious quiz competitions, and a Holy Quran competition.

While a formal agreement is still pending, there are plans to begin these programmes promptly. Both the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Isravvehinge Naadhee aim to foster a spiritually enriching environment for the elderly in the Maldives.

The government emphasises that such initiatives are part of a broader effort to provide equal opportunities in social affairs, ensuring no segment of society is excluded, according to the Islamic ministry.

Maldives will advocate for financial assistance in SIDS

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Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has affirmed comprehensive discussions will be held in the 4th Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), pertaining to the financial assistance to combat the impacts of climate change in small nations. The SIDS Conference is a significant conference held once in every ten years. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will depart for Antigua and Barbuda on May 24 to attend the conference, which will be held from May 27-30. 

Providing insight on the SIDS Conference, Minister Thoriq revealed plans to discuss the provision of financial aid for small and developing countries, overcoming the devastating effects caused due to climate change. Highlighting that the Maldives will be organising three activities for the conference, the minister disclosed that the Maldives will shed light on the adaption issues within the nation and projects which can be launched with a public-private partnership, in the National Side Event. He additionally stated that the side events will outline how technology can be utilised to strengthen the progress of the projects and other measures implemented in the nation.

Speaking regarding the conference, Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Shareef asserted that the conference will advocate for 
amending the policies in which the financial assistance is provided to small countries. He stated that international authorities, multilateral banks and nations which provide aid often provide the financial assistance depending on the Gross National Income (GNI) and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index.

The 4th SIDS Conference will focus on strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with other significant issues. A total of 39 countries are members of the SIDS.

State records increase in revenue so far this year

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The Ministry of Finance has recorded an increase in state revenue so far this year compared to last year.

The Weekly Fiscal Development Report released by the finance ministry show that the state had received USD860 million in revenue as of May 16 this year, marking a 4% increase from the USD820 million received during the same period last year.

The statistics show that tax revenue constituted the largest portion of the state’s income during this period, amounting to USD707 million, up from USD630 million last year. Non-tax revenue also rose to Rs 2.1 billion. In addition, the state received more in free grants this year, with USD6 million as of May 16, compared to USD4 million last year.

The report also shows a significant decline in government expenditure during this period, with expenditures totaling USD966 million, down from USD1 billion in the same period last year.

The government is implementing measures to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, contributing to a rapidly growing economy. Officials have expressed optimism about the future economic outlook, citing the positive impact of these measures.

Vice President expresses optimism in incoming parliament

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Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has expressed confidence that the incoming parliament will be highly successful and serve as a testament to public welfare and gain. 

These remarks were made following the approval of Abdul Raheem Abdulla as the Speaker of Parliament and Ahmed Nazim as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament by the contested parliamentarians of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Moreover, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who also serves as the President of PNC, held a meeting with all contested parliamentarians from PNC at the President’s house. During this meeting, President Muizzu presented the names of the contested parliamentarians, fulfilling his role as the party leader. He specifically put forward Abdul Raheem Abdulla for Speaker of Parliament and Ahmed Nazim for Deputy Speaker of Parliament. These nominations were further unanimously approved by the PNC parliamentary group.

The swear-in ceremony for the incoming parliament is scheduled for May 28, with the PNC having secured a supermajority. Following the ceremony, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament will appoint individuals to various positions, with the appointments being determined by secret vote.

66 contested candidates successfully secured their seats with the PNC ticket in the incoming parliament. Additionally, seven independently contested parliamentarians have joined PNC, bringing the total number of PNC parliamentarians to 74.

BCC assists over 6,000 SMEs so far

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Business Center Corporation (BCC) has released a statement commemorating its 7th anniversary, which highlighted that the corporation has assisted over 6,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). BCC was established in 2017, with the primary objective of developing and supporting SMEs.

Commemorating the 7th anniversary of the corporation, the Managing Director of BCC Ibrahim Ziyau Mohamed reiterated the corporation’s target of assisting firms in all sectors, highlighting that their top priority of building an innovative and ingenious society. He further affirmed that efforts are underway to enhance the laws and regulations relating to small businesses.

The statement released by BCC shed light on several efforts and initiatives undertaken by the corporation. As such, a shop under the name of “Authetic Maldives” was established, aiming to expand and obtain a market for SMEs, along with the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Hub and a co-workspace; SEED. Additionally, the statement revealed that BCC has provided its services, actively assisting over 6,000 SMEs up to date. 

BCC disclosed its plans to formulate its future initiatives and plans, focusing on fields that have been devoid of economic assistance in the past. On this stance, BCC recognised the policy of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu regarding the development of SMEs, claiming that it was a huge encouragement for the corporation.

Operation Kurangi: Information collected from 164 immigrants

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Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that information and data have been collected of 164 immigrants within four hours, under the first phase of Operation Kurangi. Operation Kurangi is an initiative undertaken by the government aiming to address the issue of illegal immigrants in the Maldives. 

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, the Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Uz. Ahmed Siddeeq stated that the information collected were from Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, while revealing plans to conduct the operation at a nation-wide level, identifying the total number of illegal immigrants. As such, the operation launched will embark on a data collection initiative, gathering fingerprints, photographs, and pertinent information of all foreign residents within the Maldives over the course of a year.

Highlighting that the operation will be conducted in a joint collaboration with the Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service (MPS), Minister Siddeeq disclosed that a special task force teams was formed to conduct the operation. The minister further revealed that these teams will travel to resorts and islands under industrial development, while stating that Councils will also assist in overseeing the operations.

The post-initial phase of the operation includes biometric identification procedures which will target undocumented immigrants, culminating in their deportation through coordinated efforts with the respective embassies. Minister Siddeeq affirmed that this phase is significant in order to determine the total number of immigrants and the number of illegal immigrants within the nation. 

Aiming to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants, initiatives were taken under the previous administration as well. However, as the top-priority was given to solve the issue within Male’ City, no immigrants residing in islands were monitored from the system. Meanwhile, the current government has an overarching goal to resolve the illegal immigration challenge sustainably, within a three-year timeframe.