Trade & Finance: India eased rules for rupee export payments, letting exporters invoice and settle in Indian rupees (or other currencies) for many destinations, aiming to widen rupee use in global trade and unlock trade-policy benefits. Public Health: Maldives is pushing its five-year tobacco control plan through stakeholder consultation and research, including a generational ban and expanded free cessation services under the “Dhen Huttaalamaa” campaign. Marine Science: Scientists tracked tiger sharks and found they can act as long-distance connectors across ocean basins, adding urgency to shark conservation and better marine data. AI for Care: Maldives’ National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to use AI in drug rehabilitation and mental health support, targeting gaps in treatment and post-recovery reintegration. Economy Data: Maldives Business School launched the Maldives Consumer Sentiment Index with University of Michigan support to track household expectations and guide faster policy decisions. Research & Innovation: Maldives National University opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers, spanning AI, climate, health, and society. Cyber Risk: A new warning highlights how ransomware can cause physical production shutdowns that may fall outside standard cyber or property coverage. Tourism Tech: Resort Life Travel rolled out AI tools to help travellers plan Maldives trips using live resort data and guided experiences.