The Media and Broadcasting Commission ordered Dhauru to remove a cartoon image from its news article about the regulator's directive against circulating an Adhadhu political cartoon. In a letter to the editor, the commission advised Dhauru to remove the photo of the cartoon from its website and X post, pending the outcome of its investigation. The cartoon depicted a man resembling President Muizzu with a Pinocchio nose stealing money from the pocket of another man prostrating in prayer. The commission also issued a second order for Adhadhu to remove the cartoon and halt the segment.
After the government's decision to permit oil and gas exploration as well as deep-sea mining in Special Economic Zones drew criticism from former Environment Minister Aminath Shauna, who called it "a grave mistake" that threatens marine biodiversity, fishing grounds, and tourism, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam defended the move as a necessary step toward economic diversification. The Maldives has one of the world's largest exclusive economic zones at around 900,000 square kilometres, "yet we've only scratched the surface, primarily through tuna fisheries," he said. Any exploration would undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments and partnerships would be limited to reputable investors aligned with national interests, Shiyam said. "Maintaining the status quo is not viable," he added.
A Bangladeshi man reported missing at Thilafushi was found dead at the island's landfill site. He is believed to have been struck by an excavator bucket and buried under debris. The incident was reported by the excavator operator, police said.
The MDP requested a 10-day extension for submitting candidacy papers for the April 4 local council elections. MP Abdullah Waheed, the campaign spokesman, cited delays in processing criminal record clearances, and noted that form processing alone takes four days. The current registration deadline is February 1 at 3pm. The Elections Commission extended daily nomination hours by two hours through February 1. Submissions are now accepted from 8:30am to 5:30pm on weekdays and from 3:30pm to 8pm on Fridays.
Local blood donation app Ley App declared a National Blood Supply Emergency due to critically low blood stocks threatening emergency surgeries, trauma care, and cancer treatments. The shortage stems from reduced donor turnout during school holidays, seasonal illnesses, deteriorating air quality, and declining donations ahead of Ramadan. The public was urgently requested to donate at IGMH, Maldives Blood Services (Orange Hiya), and Hulhumalé Hospital.
The housing ministry announced a lottery draw on Saturday to reassign plot locations for recipients of land from the Giraavaru lagoon after a revised land use plan changed the layout of the reclaimed island. A total of 4,072 plots will be allocated under the Binveriya scheme: 2,605 plots of 1,250 square feet, 1,213 of 1,650 square feet, 253 of 2,050 square feet, and one plot of 2,450 square feet. The draw will be held at the Social Centre in Malé at 9:30am with results available immediately on the Hiyavahi Portal and sent via text message. The ministry said it will announce arrangements for signing handover agreements and issuing land registry documents after the draw.
Bank of Maldives announced it will increase credit card foreign transaction limits starting February 1. Classic card limits will rise from US$ 750 to US$ 1,400, from US$ 750 to US$ 1,500 for Gold, and from US$ 1,500 to US$ 3,000 for Platinum. President Muizzu first announced the increase in September 2024, following previous customer-friendly changes including reduced merchant fees and increased debit card transaction limits.
The transport ministry amended taxi regulations to lower entry barriers and boost competition in Greater Malé. Taxi centres now need only 50 vehicles and 50 drivers instead of 100 each, must maintain accessible offices, and have 60 days to comply or face license cancellation. Additionally, drivers may now register with up to two taxi centres simultaneously.
