Amidst looming environmental crisis and rising sea level, a floating city is being made just 10-minute boat ride from Maldives’ Male city in the Indian Ocean.

According to CNN, the city will be designed resembling a brain coral. It will consist of 5,000 floating units including houses, restaurants, shops and schools, with canals running in between.

The first units will be unveiled this month (June), with prices starting at $150,000 for a studio apartment, and going up to $250,000 for a family home.

The developers are expecting residents to begin moving into the island in early 2024, with the whole city due to be completed by 2027.&nbsp;

The Maldives Floating City, developed jointly by the Dutch firm Waterstudio and the Maldives government, aims to house 20,000 people in less than five years.

Notably, this will be the second floating city in world. The first one was announced in April by the United Nations off South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan. Known as Oceanix City, it plans to provide homes for a community of 12,000 people, potentially rising to 100,000, with construction due to start in 2023.

This is "new hope" for the more than half a million people of the Maldives, said Koen Olthuis, founder of Waterstudio, the architecture firm that designed the city.

"It can prove that there is affordable housing, large communities, and normal towns on the water that are also safe. They (Maldivians) will go from climate refugees to climate innovators," he told CNN.

Features of Maldives Floating City includes rainbow-colored homes designed to attract local people. Wide balconies and seafront views are added onto each home. For transportation, residents will get around on boats, or they can walk, cycle or drive electric scooters or buggies.
<img alt="Floating city" data-caption="&amp;nbsp;The city will consist of 5,000 modular units including houses, restaurants, health care units and schools" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93c1ce61-51e3-4e58-b06e-cf2e1304bc57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/city%202.jpg" />
“Tech is not the problem, but it is the regulatory framework that takes time to adjust,” Olthuis explained.

“Money talks and so this means when authorities understand that the cost of floating development are lower than the cost of destruction of waterfront infrastructure and properties then this next shift in city development will fly.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amidst looming environmental crisis and rising sea level, a floating city is being made just 10-minute boat ride from Maldives’ Male city in the Indian Ocean. According to CNN, the city will be designed resembling a brain coral.

Amidst looming environmental crisis and rising sea level, a floating city is being made just 10-minute boat ride from Maldives’ Male city in the Indian Ocean. According to CNN, the city will be designed resembling a brain coral. It will consist of 5,000 floating units including houses, restaurants, shops and schools, with canals running in between. The first units will be unveiled this month (June), with prices starting at $150,000 for a studio apartment, and going up to $250,000 for a family home. The developers are expecting residents to begin moving into the island in early 2024, with the whole city due to be completed by 2027. The Maldives Floating City, developed jointly by the Dutch firm Waterstudio and the Maldives government, aims to house 20,000 people in less than five years. Notably, this will be the second floating city in world. The first one was announced in April by the United Nations off South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan. Known as Oceanix City, it plans to provide homes for a community of 12,000 people, potentially rising to 100,000, with construction due to start in 2023. This is "new hope" for the more than half a million people of the Maldives, said Koen Olthuis, founder of Waterstudio, the architecture firm that designed the city. "It can prove that there is affordable housing, large communities, and normal towns on the water that are also safe. They (Maldivians) will go from climate refugees to climate innovators," he told CNN. Features of Maldives Floating City includes rainbow-colored homes designed to attract local people. Wide balconies and seafront views are added onto each home. For transportation, residents will get around on boats, or they can walk, cycle or drive electric scooters or buggies. “Tech is not the problem, but it is the regulatory framework that takes time to adjust,” Olthuis explained. “Money talks and so this means when authorities understand that the cost of floating development are lower than the cost of destruction of waterfront infrastructure and properties then this next shift in city development will fly.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A floating city is coming up in Maldives amidst rising sea level

Unable to look beyond your mobile phone, being male and unfamiliar with avalanche forecast can be highly risky on Scotland’s mountains, said a female climbing expert of the country. &nbsp;

Taking up the role of chief instructor at Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, Glenmore Lodge, earlier this month, Heather Morning has urged visitors to “think winter” this springtime. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-uk-inadequate-care-left-300-babies-dead-or-brain-damaged-says-report-465900" hreflang="en">In UK, inadequate care left 300 babies dead or brain-damaged, says report</a>

This comes as police in Scotland said on Friday that mountain rescues have increased by 40% in recent weeks as climbers have been misreading treacherous conditions on the peaks. In this month, seven people have already been killed on the hills. &nbsp;

Based in Aviemore, which is 50 miles north-east of Fort William, Morning, said, “Into March, we get longer daylight hours, and down in the glen here it very much feels like summer. People aren’t switched on to the fact they might still need an ice axe and crampons up high.” &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UK consumer confidence slides as inflation and war worries mount

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“Inevitably, we see fatalities of people stepping on old hard snow, taking flight and rattling off into rocks or off cliffs. Loss of life is complex, but there are definitely some trends. Virtually all fatalities on the Scottish mountains are men. Men over 60 are the demographic that get into difficulties,” Morning added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Unable to look beyond your mobile phone, being male and unfamiliar with avalanche forecast can be highly risky on Scotland’s mountains, said a female climbing expert of the country.

Unable to look beyond your mobile phone, being male and unfamiliar with avalanche forecast can be highly risky on Scotland’s mountains, said a female climbing expert of the country. Taking up the role of chief instructor at Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, Glenmore Lodge, earlier this month, Heather Morning has urged visitors to “think winter” this springtime. Also Read: In UK, inadequate care left 300 babies dead or brain-damaged, says report This comes as police in Scotland said on Friday that mountain rescues have increased by 40% in recent weeks as climbers have been misreading treacherous conditions on the peaks. In this month, seven people have already been killed on the hills. Based in Aviemore, which is 50 miles north-east of Fort William, Morning, said, “Into March, we get longer daylight hours, and down in the glen here it very much feels like summer. People aren’t switched on to the fact they might still need an ice axe and crampons up high.” Watch: UK consumer confidence slides as inflation and war worries mount × “Inevitably, we see fatalities of people stepping on old hard snow, taking flight and rattling off into rocks or off cliffs. Loss of life is complex, but there are definitely some trends. Virtually all fatalities on the Scottish mountains are men. Men over 60 are the demographic that get into difficulties,” Morning added. (With inputs from agencies)

Being male, stuck on mobile phone can be risky on Scotland’s mountains, says expert

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) issued guideline telling the people to answer the sex question according to how they self-identify and not on the basis of the details on their birth certificate or a gender recognition certificate, if they have. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Know how to stay happy and healthy in old age

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“If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You do not need a gender recognition certificate (GRC),” it said. &nbsp;

“If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport,” it further said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-tools-as-cutlery-wild-cockatoos-extract-seeds-from-tropical-fruit-409990" hreflang="en">With tools as ‘cutlery’, wild cockatoos extract seeds from tropical fruit</a>

Without a formal legal process, a person’s sex can be altered on the passport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the census also includes a voluntary question about transgender status or history for the first time, for those aged 16 or over. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said.

According to a new guideline, people can answer queries regarding their gender in Scotland’s 2022 census on the basis of how they identify themselves rather than as per the legal status, the body responsible for the survey has said. On Tuesday, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) issued guideline telling the people to answer the sex question according to how they self-identify and not on the basis of the details on their birth certificate or a gender recognition certificate, if they have. Watch: Know how to stay happy and healthy in old age × “If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You do not need a gender recognition certificate (GRC),” it said. “If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport,” it further said. Also Read: With tools as ‘cutlery’, wild cockatoos extract seeds from tropical fruit Without a formal legal process, a person’s sex can be altered on the passport. Delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the census also includes a voluntary question about transgender status or history for the first time, for those aged 16 or over.

People can self-identify to answer gender queries in Scotland’s 2022 census

Female hummingbirds typically have muted feathers, but a study published Thursday in Current Biology found that about 20% of female White-necked Jacobins have bright feathers – like their male counterparts – which protects them from social harassment.

Young birds are frequently born with female feather coloration, but in the case of this hummingbird species, they are born looking like males, according to study author Jay Falk, who worked as a doctoral student at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute during this study.

He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington in Seattle.&nbsp;

Experiments by the researchers revealed that the flashy male-like garb helped females avoid aggressive male behaviours during feeding, such as pecking and body slamming.

The researchers discovered that all of the young or juvenile Jacobins had bright colours when they examined the captured birds.

In most bird species, juvenile birds resemble the corresponding sex of adult birds.&nbsp;

The ornamental, flashy plumage of many species is thought to have evolved as a result of mate competition.

When the females were sexually mature and looking for mates, however, the majority of them lost their colourful plumage, indicating that so-called sexual selection was not the cause.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Female hummingbirds typically have muted feathers, but a study published Thursday in Current Biology found that about 20% of female White-necked Jacobins have bright feathers – like their male counterparts – which protects them from social harassment.

Female hummingbirds typically have muted feathers, but a study published Thursday in Current Biology found that about 20% of female White-necked Jacobins have bright feathers – like their male counterparts – which protects them from social harassment. Young birds are frequently born with female feather coloration, but in the case of this hummingbird species, they are born looking like males, according to study author Jay Falk, who worked as a doctoral student at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute during this study. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington in Seattle. Experiments by the researchers revealed that the flashy male-like garb helped females avoid aggressive male behaviours during feeding, such as pecking and body slamming. The researchers discovered that all of the young or juvenile Jacobins had bright colours when they examined the captured birds. In most bird species, juvenile birds resemble the corresponding sex of adult birds. The ornamental, flashy plumage of many species is thought to have evolved as a result of mate competition. When the females were sexually mature and looking for mates, however, the majority of them lost their colourful plumage, indicating that so-called sexual selection was not the cause. (With inputs from agencies)

Female hummingbirds that look like males face less social harassment: Study

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project.

Highlighting the shared democratic tradition, Foreign Secretary said, "both India and the Maldives have placed an abiding faith in democracy" and "India stands with the Maldives on this chosen path of democracy, to assist your democratic journey".

On the Indian Project, he highlighted, that "the end beneficiaries of Indian projects, big and small, are the people of the Maldives. As elected representatives of the people, we seek your support for the successful implementation of these projects which will bring development and prosperity to the Maldives and its people."

The Greater Malé Connectivity Project, biggest in the Indian ocean country involves the construction of a series of bridges and causeways connecting Malé to Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, together with the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu. The total length of the entire infra project is 6.7 kilometres.&nbsp;

Other MoUs include Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs, the establishment of 2 projects under High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. These projects are the Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo.

Hanimaadhoo and development of Drug Detoxification Centre, both being financed by India.&nbsp;

During the visit, FS also handed over children's park for 67 islands in the Maldives. Sports is a key component of India's diplomacy with the Maldives, and New Delhi is helping build a cricket stadium in the country. Coaching sessions have been organised for coaches and umpires and coaching of the country's 30 member men’s and 30 member women’s team will commence soon in Chennai.

During the visit, the foreign secretary called on President Solih, called on Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom and held talks with Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor.

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project.

During his 2-day visit to the Maldives, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla extended New Delhi's support for the country's "democratic journey" and signed a number of memorandum of understanding on infrastructure projects, including on $100 million grant for Greater Malé Connectivity Project. Highlighting the shared democratic tradition, Foreign Secretary said, "both India and the Maldives have placed an abiding faith in democracy" and "India stands with the Maldives on this chosen path of democracy, to assist your democratic journey". On the Indian Project, he highlighted, that "the end beneficiaries of Indian projects, big and small, are the people of the Maldives. As elected representatives of the people, we seek your support for the successful implementation of these projects which will bring development and prosperity to the Maldives and its people." The Greater Malé Connectivity Project, biggest in the Indian ocean country involves the construction of a series of bridges and causeways connecting Malé to Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, together with the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu. The total length of the entire infra project is 6.7 kilometres. Other MoUs include Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs, the establishment of 2 projects under High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. These projects are the Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo. Hanimaadhoo and development of Drug Detoxification Centre, both being financed by India. During the visit, FS also handed over children's park for 67 islands in the Maldives. Sports is a key component of India's diplomacy with the Maldives, and New Delhi is helping build a cricket stadium in the country. Coaching sessions have been organised for coaches and umpires and coaching of the country's 30 member men’s and 30 member women’s team will commence soon in Chennai. During the visit, the foreign secretary called on President Solih, called on Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom and held talks with Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor.

In Male, Foreign Secretary says India stands with Maldives's democratic journey; MOUs on infra projects signed

The second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg.

The Navy in a statement said, "Even as heavy rains at Male made conditions difficult, the ship made arrangements to ensure safety of people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-aboard-ins-jalashwa-return-from-maldives-as-a-part-of-repatriation-mission-297742">Also read:&nbsp;Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission</a>

The ship is expected to arrive on the Indian shores in 48 hours time. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir thanked Indian Navy for its support.

He said, "Operation Vande Bharat is the largest evacuation operation ever conducted by the government of India. We are sending 202 Indian nationals to Kochi onboard INS Magar. Grateful to Indian navy for its operation Samudra Setu and sparing INS Jalashwa and INS Magar for this major operation which means so much to Indian community members who will soon be getting back to meet families."&nbsp;

INS Jalashwa with 687 repatriated Indians reached Kochi harbour on Sunday morning. INS Jalashwa was the first repatriation ship sent last week on May 08 to get back stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

India started its mega repatriation process last week to bring back foreign Indian nationals who are stranded due to COVID-19 crisis by air and sea.&nbsp;

The second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg.

The second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg. The Navy in a statement said, "Even as heavy rains at Male made conditions difficult, the ship made arrangements to ensure safety of people." Also read: Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission The ship is expected to arrive on the Indian shores in 48 hours time. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir thanked Indian Navy for its support. He said, "Operation Vande Bharat is the largest evacuation operation ever conducted by the government of India. We are sending 202 Indian nationals to Kochi onboard INS Magar. Grateful to Indian navy for its operation Samudra Setu and sparing INS Jalashwa and INS Magar for this major operation which means so much to Indian community members who will soon be getting back to meet families." INS Jalashwa with 687 repatriated Indians reached Kochi harbour on Sunday morning. INS Jalashwa was the first repatriation ship sent last week on May 08 to get back stranded Indian nationals. India started its mega repatriation process last week to bring back foreign Indian nationals who are stranded due to COVID-19 crisis by air and sea.

Operation Setu Samudra: INS Magar departs from Male; to bring back 202 stranded Indians

Day 2 of India's repatriation mission is underway. In this segment of WION, we bring to you exclusive visuals from Malé ahead of evacuation.

Operation Samudra Setu: Exclusive visuals from Malé airport ahead of evacuation

As part of India's neighbourhood first policy, four&nbsp;projects will be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Maldives President&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih which include lighting up the city of Male with over 2500 LED lights today.&nbsp;Other than lighting the city, 2,00,000 LED bulbs have already been distributed to households across the country. The other three&nbsp;projects include&nbsp;the launch of RuPay card, gifting&nbsp;Fast Interceptor Craft and three&nbsp;Fish processing plants.PM Modi and President Solih will inaugurate the project at 4 pm via video conferencing.&nbsp;

The other three&nbsp;projects are&nbsp;the launch of RuPay card, gifting Fast Interceptor Craft and 3 Fish processing plants. PM Modi and President Solih will inaugurate the project at 4 pm via video conferencing.&nbsp;

With the launch of RuPay card, Maldives will join the growing list of countries, Singapore, Bhutan, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia where RuPay is acceptable.&nbsp;

RuPay which is India’s version of Master Card and Visa is wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites across India. There are close to 500 million RuPay cards in circulation in India.&nbsp;

India will also gift Fast Interceptor Craft Vessel to Maldives national defence force (MNDF) which will help the Indian ocean Island country patrol its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

India has been strengthing the MNDF and earlier this year, India built Coastal Surveillance Radar System and a composite training facility for the defence force was inaugurated during PM Modi's visit to the country, earlier this year.&nbsp;

As part of the growing engagement between Male and New Delhi, &nbsp;PM Modi visited the Maldives as his first foreign destination in his second term.&nbsp;

Last year, that is November 2018, he visited the country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Solih. December this year marks one year since the visit of President Solih to India, his first foreign visit abroad after being elected as President.

Other than assistance and infrastructure development, India is also helping human resource development by training Maldiving civil servants and BCCI coaching the Maldives Men and women cricket team.

As part of India's neighbourhood first policy, four projects will be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih which include lighting up the city of Male with over 2500 LED lights today.

As part of India's neighbourhood first policy, four projects will be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih which include lighting up the city of Male with over 2500 LED lights today. Other than lighting the city, 2,00,000 LED bulbs have already been distributed to households across the country. The other three projects include the launch of RuPay card, gifting Fast Interceptor Craft and three Fish processing plants.PM Modi and President Solih will inaugurate the project at 4 pm via video conferencing. The other three projects are the launch of RuPay card, gifting Fast Interceptor Craft and 3 Fish processing plants. PM Modi and President Solih will inaugurate the project at 4 pm via video conferencing. With the launch of RuPay card, Maldives will join the growing list of countries, Singapore, Bhutan, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia where RuPay is acceptable. RuPay which is India’s version of Master Card and Visa is wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites across India. There are close to 500 million RuPay cards in circulation in India. India will also gift Fast Interceptor Craft Vessel to Maldives national defence force (MNDF) which will help the Indian ocean Island country patrol its exclusive economic zone. India has been strengthing the MNDF and earlier this year, India built Coastal Surveillance Radar System and a composite training facility for the defence force was inaugurated during PM Modi's visit to the country, earlier this year. As part of the growing engagement between Male and New Delhi, PM Modi visited the Maldives as his first foreign destination in his second term. Last year, that is November 2018, he visited the country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Solih. December this year marks one year since the visit of President Solih to India, his first foreign visit abroad after being elected as President. Other than assistance and infrastructure development, India is also helping human resource development by training Maldiving civil servants and BCCI coaching the Maldives Men and women cricket team.

Male to get lit with Indian LED bulbs, get vessel for patrolling from India

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First'&nbsp;policy. New Delhi, on the other&nbsp;hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation.

The Maldives also requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is looking into. India recently gifted LED bulbs and LED street lights for the city of Malé.&nbsp;

Remember, External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-sushma-swaraj-reviews-bilateral-issues-with-maldivian-counterpart-203886">Sushma Swaraj is on a 2-day trip to the Maldives</a>. This is the first full-fledged bilateral visit at the political level from India after Maldives' new government took office in November 2018.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, Maldives' foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues."

Maldives government also said that the country would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns.&nbsp;

India said that it attaches the "highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity."

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, said that in line with the "Government of India’s 'neighbourhood first' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of the Maldives in its socio-economic development."

Both sides have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and strengthening coordination in enhancing regional maritime security.&nbsp;

The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa and Asia.

The Maldives has also announced that it will provide land in Hulhumalé Island in the north Maldives for the Indian Embassy. Male has also expressed support to India's candidature for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council and for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.&nbsp;

During Swaraj's visit, three agreements were signed - Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects and Collaboration in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.&nbsp;

PM Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the Maldives last year. After assuming office, Solih had visited New Delhi.&nbsp;

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First' policy. New Delhi, on the other hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation.

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First' policy. New Delhi, on the other hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation. The Maldives also requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is looking into. India recently gifted LED bulbs and LED street lights for the city of Malé. Remember, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on a 2-day trip to the Maldives. This is the first full-fledged bilateral visit at the political level from India after Maldives' new government took office in November 2018. In a joint statement, Maldives' foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues." Maldives government also said that the country would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns. India said that it attaches the "highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity." External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, said that in line with the "Government of India’s 'neighbourhood first' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of the Maldives in its socio-economic development." Both sides have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and strengthening coordination in enhancing regional maritime security. The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa and Asia. The Maldives has also announced that it will provide land in Hulhumalé Island in the north Maldives for the Indian Embassy. Male has also expressed support to India's candidature for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council and for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21. During Swaraj's visit, three agreements were signed - Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects and Collaboration in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. PM Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the Maldives last year. After assuming office, Solih had visited New Delhi.

Maldives requests India to construct cricket stadium; New Delhi, Male reaffirm ties

In conversation with Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister, Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male. Solih took oath as the President of Maldives, at National Stadium in Male on Saturday.

India was the only country mentioned in Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's speech at his swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

According to news agency ANI, a meeting was held between PM Modi and &nbsp;Maldives President Solih immediately after swearing-in.&nbsp;

India was the only country invited at the head of state/government level, sources added.&nbsp;

Modi travelled to Male to attend the oath-taking ceremony in which representatives of more than 40 countries were also present.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male. <a href="https://t.co/xkWawPECsW">pic.twitter.com/xkWawPECsW</a>
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Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi.

This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011.&nbsp;

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Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. <a href="https://t.co/uoqhqnJcBx">pic.twitter.com/uoqhqnJcBx</a>
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According to the latest report, Modi left for Delhi after attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male. Solih took oath as the President of Maldives, at National Stadium in Male on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male. Solih took oath as the President of Maldives, at National Stadium in Male on Saturday. India was the only country mentioned in Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's speech at his swearing-in ceremony. According to news agency ANI, a meeting was held between PM Modi and Maldives President Solih immediately after swearing-in. India was the only country invited at the head of state/government level, sources added. Modi travelled to Male to attend the oath-taking ceremony in which representatives of more than 40 countries were also present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male. pic.twitter.com/xkWawPECsW — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2018 × Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi. This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011. Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Delhi after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. pic.twitter.com/uoqhqnJcBx — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2018 × According to the latest report, Modi left for Delhi after attending the swearing-in ceremony.

PM Modi meets Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Male

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and &nbsp;Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians.&nbsp;

The ban was imposed three months ago.

The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport.

"The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.

The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi.

But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development.&nbsp;

New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year.

Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large.

Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector.

This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians. The ban was imposed three months ago. The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport. "The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn. Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels. The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi. But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development. New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector. This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

Maldives government imposes 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians

More than 21,000 more males pursue PhDs in the country than females, contrary to the popular perception, according to HRD Ministry data.

According to the data accessed by PTI for the last three years, the student enrolment in the PhD programmes has also increased.

While 1,00,792 students enrolled for the PhD programmes in universities across the country in 2014-15, the number of students registering in 2015-16 and 2016-17 was 1,09,552 and 1,23,712 respectively.

In the year 2014-15, over 21,000 more males had enrolled in the PhD programmes than females. Similarly, in the subsequent years, the number was higher by 21,688 and 21,882.

The data also reveals that maximum PhDs are enrolled in-state public universities, followed by institutions of national importance.

While 41, 566 students enrolled in the state public universities for a 2016-17 academic session, 26,012 of them had enrolled in institutions of national importance.

A total of 17,715 students had registered for PhD in central universities in the year whereas 16,595 of them enrolled in private universities.

Similar trends were witnessed in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16.&nbsp

According to the data accessed by PTI for the last three years, the student enrolment in the PhD programmes has also increased.

More than 21,000 more males pursue PhDs in the country than females, contrary to the popular perception, according to HRD Ministry data. According to the data accessed by PTI for the last three years, the student enrolment in the PhD programmes has also increased. While 1,00,792 students enrolled for the PhD programmes in universities across the country in 2014-15, the number of students registering in 2015-16 and 2016-17 was 1,09,552 and 1,23,712 respectively. In the year 2014-15, over 21,000 more males had enrolled in the PhD programmes than females. Similarly, in the subsequent years, the number was higher by 21,688 and 21,882. The data also reveals that maximum PhDs are enrolled in-state public universities, followed by institutions of national importance. While 41, 566 students enrolled in the state public universities for a 2016-17 academic session, 26,012 of them had enrolled in institutions of national importance. A total of 17,715 students had registered for PhD in central universities in the year whereas 16,595 of them enrolled in private universities. Similar trends were witnessed in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16.

More males pursue PhDs than females: HRD Ministry data

The nation of a 1,000 islands is currently battling a thousand problems. Mayhem, bloodshed and a ruthless dictatorship are now threatening the peaceful people of the Maldives. Maldivian citizens, the country&#39;s judiciary and its joint opposition have been making fervent appeals to India, and India alone, to come to their rescue.

India has been guarded. The appeals are now expanding to address other countries. Does India have to act and act now? Yes.

At the root of the Maldives&rsquo; worst crisis is its current, authoritarian president, Abdulla Yameen. Whatever views one may hold about western definitions of democracy which are usually applied on everyone and his uncle elsewhere in the world when it comes to twisting arms in exchange for other, bilateral gains,&nbsp; one thing can be said with certainty : no individual in no matter how powerful an office, could hold his entire country to ransom &ndash; like President Yameen is doing, unless he has the backing and the support of someone or something very powerful.&nbsp;

Media across the world have reported in depth about President Yameen&rsquo;s two closest allies: The Wa&rsquo;habi kingdom of Saudi Arabia and The People&rsquo;s Republic of China. But are they really backing him?

The Maldivian opposition has united like never before. Former foes have joined hands. They are determined to save their country from spiralling out of control and joining the ranks of nations that are viewed as rogue states under ruthless dictators. such as North Korea. The country&rsquo;s first democratically-elected president, Mohammed Nasheed, remains is in exile. For years, Mr Nasheed has been appealing to big neighbour, India, to help.

Even the judges of Maldive&rsquo;s Supreme Court &ndash; who are at the heart of this crisis - have directed their urgent pleas to India, which has often come to the rescue of the Maldives in the past: in 1988, to shake off and kill 19 Tamil terrorists from neighboring Sri Lanka and quell a coup against the then President Maumoon Gayoom; to provide drinking water to Male both in ships and by air, when the tiny capital&rsquo;s water purification plant gave up the ghost in more recent years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ever since President Mohammed Nasheed was toppled in a dubious run-off vote which saw Yameen take the reigns, India has turned an icy shoulder. PM Narendra Modi must be the world leader who has clocked the maximum flight miles in the shortest span of time, both within and outside the South Asia region. And yet, the Maldives - conspicuously - remains the only country Mr Modi has not touched down in.

And yet, India is playing its usual game of wait-and-watch. It&rsquo;s understandable in a way. India-bashing remains a favourite past-time across South Asia. The Big Brother is not terribly keen on now being abused as the Big Bully. In all likelihood, New Delhi will not go for unilateral military intervention.&nbsp;

But there are signs to watch out for. Perhaps sensing India&rsquo;s reticence, a recent appeal from Mr Nasheed&rsquo;s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was subtle re-worded.

&ldquo;President Nasheed continues to engage with concerned international partners, including India and other neighbouring countries, seeking resolution to the ongoing crisis and urges India to act swiftly,&rdquo; read a late night press release, even as army boots stomped into Male&rsquo;s Supreme Court and arrested judges.

So who are the &ldquo;other neighbouring countries&rdquo;, who share South Asian cousinhood with the Maldivians? And the concerned international partners from outside the South Asia region?

The Maldives&rsquo;international partners include China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Europe, the U.K. and almost the entire international community, for whose jeunesse d&rsquo;oree,&nbsp; the beautiful Maldives and its expensive resorts remain a favourite playground.&nbsp; All those countries have expressed concern at the alarming events unfolding in Male. The United States, Canada and others have demanded that Mr Yameen respect his Supreme Court and uphold democracy and India and Sri Lanka have reacted along the same lines of the western nations.

But Male&rsquo;s closest strategic and investment partner, China,&nbsp; has merely issued a travel advisory to its citizens.

&nbsp;And at least till this report went to press, Pakistan has - remained silent.

The Maldives is part of China&rsquo;s multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. But the project is under fire in the many nations it touches across the Indian Ocean all the way up to Africa for its brand of debt-trap diplomacy and soft loans in exchange for strategic favours.&nbsp; Uppermost on Beijing&rsquo;s mind will be the protection of its investments and assets in the Maldives, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Where does Saudi Arabia stand? The country which has slowly and steadily spread its brand of Wa&rsquo;habi Islam across the Maldives with the full support of President Yameen?&nbsp; There&rsquo;s just one inconvenience: the new and reportedly dynamic Saudi Crown Prince Salman. Observers say that under Prince Salman and for whatever reason, President Yameen&rsquo;s Saudi dalliance is over.

And what&rsquo;s with Pakistan? The biggest Muslim country in the community of South Asian nations, home to the world&rsquo;s second-largest Muslim population?

President Yameen and ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif met in 2017 and signed several bilateral agreements. Pakistan and the Maldives under President Yameen share a mutual friend: China.

So why has Pakistan not breathed a word about the standoff in the Maldives so far? What is Islamabad thinking?

China cannot intervene directly in the Maldives without incurring even more mistrust than it already has through its controversial honey-trap diplomacy and investment in the Indian Ocean region. But it could certainly use some South Asia genetics to do the job:&nbsp; like those of its close ally, Pakistan, as a front face. In this case, of any initiative to defuse the tension in the Maldives.&nbsp; Pakistan&rsquo;s international image is down the tubes. Being seen as the author of a&nbsp; diplomatic grand gesture &ndash; even if a compromise with Yameen &ndash; will give the country with the unenviable reputation of being a nursery for terrorists, a tremendous boost.&nbsp;

New Delhi must act, and act fast.&nbsp; To avoid the label of big bully, India, too, can proceed in a collective international effort.&nbsp; The United States and India are on the same page, as far as the events in the Maldives are concerned.&nbsp; The United States has said loudly and clearly that it views India as its key strategic ally in South Asia. Now there&rsquo;s even a Quad -involving Japan and eventually, Australia, all of whom have made the Indian Ocean their business. A major diplomatic success in averting a stultifying crisis, could lend weight and depth to that new alliance and &ndash; save our ears from more India-bashing too.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The nation of a 1,000 islands is currently battling a thousand problems

The nation of a 1,000 islands is currently battling a thousand problems. Mayhem, bloodshed and a ruthless dictatorship are now threatening the peaceful people of the Maldives. Maldivian citizens, the country's judiciary and its joint opposition have been making fervent appeals to India, and India alone, to come to their rescue. India has been guarded. The appeals are now expanding to address other countries. Does India have to act and act now? Yes. At the root of the Maldives’ worst crisis is its current, authoritarian president, Abdulla Yameen. Whatever views one may hold about western definitions of democracy which are usually applied on everyone and his uncle elsewhere in the world when it comes to twisting arms in exchange for other, bilateral gains, one thing can be said with certainty : no individual in no matter how powerful an office, could hold his entire country to ransom – like President Yameen is doing, unless he has the backing and the support of someone or something very powerful. Media across the world have reported in depth about President Yameen’s two closest allies: The Wa’habi kingdom of Saudi Arabia and The People’s Republic of China. But are they really backing him? The Maldivian opposition has united like never before. Former foes have joined hands. They are determined to save their country from spiralling out of control and joining the ranks of nations that are viewed as rogue states under ruthless dictators. such as North Korea. The country’s first democratically-elected president, Mohammed Nasheed, remains is in exile. For years, Mr Nasheed has been appealing to big neighbour, India, to help. Even the judges of Maldive’s Supreme Court – who are at the heart of this crisis - have directed their urgent pleas to India, which has often come to the rescue of the Maldives in the past: in 1988, to shake off and kill 19 Tamil terrorists from neighboring Sri Lanka and quell a coup against the then President Maumoon Gayoom; to provide drinking water to Male both in ships and by air, when the tiny capital’s water purification plant gave up the ghost in more recent years. Ever since President Mohammed Nasheed was toppled in a dubious run-off vote which saw Yameen take the reigns, India has turned an icy shoulder. PM Narendra Modi must be the world leader who has clocked the maximum flight miles in the shortest span of time, both within and outside the South Asia region. And yet, the Maldives - conspicuously - remains the only country Mr Modi has not touched down in. And yet, India is playing its usual game of wait-and-watch. It’s understandable in a way. India-bashing remains a favourite past-time across South Asia. The Big Brother is not terribly keen on now being abused as the Big Bully. In all likelihood, New Delhi will not go for unilateral military intervention. But there are signs to watch out for. Perhaps sensing India’s reticence, a recent appeal from Mr Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was subtle re-worded. “President Nasheed continues to engage with concerned international partners, including India and other neighbouring countries, seeking resolution to the ongoing crisis and urges India to act swiftly,” read a late night press release, even as army boots stomped into Male’s Supreme Court and arrested judges. So who are the “other neighbouring countries”, who share South Asian cousinhood with the Maldivians? And the concerned international partners from outside the South Asia region? The Maldives’international partners include China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Europe, the U.K. and almost the entire international community, for whose jeunesse d’oree, the beautiful Maldives and its expensive resorts remain a favourite playground. All those countries have expressed concern at the alarming events unfolding in Male. The United States, Canada and others have demanded that Mr Yameen respect his Supreme Court and uphold democracy and India and Sri Lanka have reacted along the same lines of the western nations. But Male’s closest strategic and investment partner, China, has merely issued a travel advisory to its citizens. And at least till this report went to press, Pakistan has - remained silent. The Maldives is part of China’s multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. But the project is under fire in the many nations it touches across the Indian Ocean all the way up to Africa for its brand of debt-trap diplomacy and soft loans in exchange for strategic favours. Uppermost on Beijing’s mind will be the protection of its investments and assets in the Maldives, of course. Where does Saudi Arabia stand? The country which has slowly and steadily spread its brand of Wa’habi Islam across the Maldives with the full support of President Yameen? There’s just one inconvenience: the new and reportedly dynamic Saudi Crown Prince Salman. Observers say that under Prince Salman and for whatever reason, President Yameen’s Saudi dalliance is over. And what’s with Pakistan? The biggest Muslim country in the community of South Asian nations, home to the world’s second-largest Muslim population? President Yameen and ousted Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif met in 2017 and signed several bilateral agreements. Pakistan and the Maldives under President Yameen share a mutual friend: China. So why has Pakistan not breathed a word about the standoff in the Maldives so far? What is Islamabad thinking? China cannot intervene directly in the Maldives without incurring even more mistrust than it already has through its controversial honey-trap diplomacy and investment in the Indian Ocean region. But it could certainly use some South Asia genetics to do the job: like those of its close ally, Pakistan, as a front face. In this case, of any initiative to defuse the tension in the Maldives. Pakistan’s international image is down the tubes. Being seen as the author of a diplomatic grand gesture – even if a compromise with Yameen – will give the country with the unenviable reputation of being a nursery for terrorists, a tremendous boost. New Delhi must act, and act fast. To avoid the label of big bully, India, too, can proceed in a collective international effort. The United States and India are on the same page, as far as the events in the Maldives are concerned. The United States has said loudly and clearly that it views India as its key strategic ally in South Asia. Now there’s even a Quad -involving Japan and eventually, Australia, all of whom have made the Indian Ocean their business. A major diplomatic success in averting a stultifying crisis, could lend weight and depth to that new alliance and – save our ears from more India-bashing too. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Who is going to rescue the Maldives?

People&rsquo;s Majlis Secretariat or the parliament secretariat of the Maldives has claimed in a statement that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-military-takes-over-parliament-to-stop-presidents-impeachment-18238">Monday&rsquo;s military lockdown</a> in its premises was within legal bounds and the Maldives National Defence Force was acting on a request to &ldquo;thwart any unconstitutional or unlawful acts&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Upon receiving credible reports that some Honourable Members and political activists had broken through a police cordon, scaled the perimeter walls of the Majlis and engaged in unconstitutional and unlawful acts in the confines of the People&rsquo;s Majlis, security forces were instructed to ensure that law and order was restored and additional measures taken to guard against further unlawful acts in the Majlis. These instructions were issued in accordance with Majlis Rules of Procedure to ensure speedy restoration of law and order and to ensure that the security arrangements in the Majlis are not comprise,&rdquo; the statement read.&nbsp;

In the statement, the parliament secretariat said the no-confidence motion was not included in the agenda for July 24 at any point and on July 20 the Deputy Speaker of the Majlis had notified the MPs that the no-confidence motion against the speaker had been adjudged as invalid.&nbsp;

The secretariat went on to say that there were enhanced security arrangements in the Maldivian capital of Male due to Independence Day celebrations and the lawmakers were notified that no sessions or committees of the parliament would be scheduled between July 23 and July 31.&nbsp;

&ldquo;In spite of the clear and methodical processes that had been followed in recent days, some elements had called for direct action on 24 July, under the guise of parliamentary procedures. These actions were in gross violation of the Constitution, governing laws and Majlis Rules of Procedure.&rdquo; the parliament secretariat said. &nbsp;

President Abdulla Yameen&rsquo;s office cited the Parliament Secretariat&rsquo;s statement and said that the MNDF took steps to &ldquo;ensure the security and safety of the premises&rdquo;.

&ldquo;The Government of Maldives refutes claims made by some media outlets that the Parliament has been taken over by the Military.&rdquo; the president&rsquo;s office added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Maldives Independent reported that the organisation of national legislatures, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, on Monday expressed concern over opposition lawmakers being &ldquo;subjected to a campaign of intimidation and coercion&rdquo; ahead of the no-confidence vote.

&ldquo;The IPU is deeply worried that these actions are seemingly intended to take away the small majority in Parliament that wanted to dismiss the Speaker in today&rsquo;s vote of no-confidence, which was thwarted as a result,&rdquo; the organisation said in a statement, Maldives Independent reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Maldives military on Monday took over the country&#39;s Parliament and barred lawmakers from entering the building in a bid to stop the impeachment of Speaker and the President&#39;s close ally Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed over allegations of corruption, mismanagement and rights abuses.

The no-confidence motion against the Speaker, supported by 45 of the Parliament&#39;s 85 lawmakers as per the Opposition, was to be taken up on Monday. The Opposition accuses the Speaker of blocking its requests to summon government officials accused of corruption.&nbsp;

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President Abdulla Yameen?s office also cited the Parliament Secretariat?s statement and said that the MNDF took steps to 'ensure the security and safety of the premises'

People’s Majlis Secretariat or the parliament secretariat of the Maldives has claimed in a statement that Monday’s military lockdown in its premises was within legal bounds and the Maldives National Defence Force was acting on a request to “thwart any unconstitutional or unlawful acts”. “Upon receiving credible reports that some Honourable Members and political activists had broken through a police cordon, scaled the perimeter walls of the Majlis and engaged in unconstitutional and unlawful acts in the confines of the People’s Majlis, security forces were instructed to ensure that law and order was restored and additional measures taken to guard against further unlawful acts in the Majlis. These instructions were issued in accordance with Majlis Rules of Procedure to ensure speedy restoration of law and order and to ensure that the security arrangements in the Majlis are not comprise,” the statement read. In the statement, the parliament secretariat said the no-confidence motion was not included in the agenda for July 24 at any point and on July 20 the Deputy Speaker of the Majlis had notified the MPs that the no-confidence motion against the speaker had been adjudged as invalid. The secretariat went on to say that there were enhanced security arrangements in the Maldivian capital of Male due to Independence Day celebrations and the lawmakers were notified that no sessions or committees of the parliament would be scheduled between July 23 and July 31. “In spite of the clear and methodical processes that had been followed in recent days, some elements had called for direct action on 24 July, under the guise of parliamentary procedures. These actions were in gross violation of the Constitution, governing laws and Majlis Rules of Procedure.” the parliament secretariat said. President Abdulla Yameen’s office cited the Parliament Secretariat’s statement and said that the MNDF took steps to “ensure the security and safety of the premises”. “The Government of Maldives refutes claims made by some media outlets that the Parliament has been taken over by the Military.” the president’s office added. Meanwhile, Maldives Independent reported that the organisation of national legislatures, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, on Monday expressed concern over opposition lawmakers being “subjected to a campaign of intimidation and coercion” ahead of the no-confidence vote. “The IPU is deeply worried that these actions are seemingly intended to take away the small majority in Parliament that wanted to dismiss the Speaker in today’s vote of no-confidence, which was thwarted as a result,” the organisation said in a statement, Maldives Independent reported. Maldives military on Monday took over the country's Parliament and barred lawmakers from entering the building in a bid to stop the impeachment of Speaker and the President's close ally Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed over allegations of corruption, mismanagement and rights abuses. The no-confidence motion against the Speaker, supported by 45 of the Parliament's 85 lawmakers as per the Opposition, was to be taken up on Monday. The Opposition accuses the Speaker of blocking its requests to summon government officials accused of corruption. The Maldivian army has locked down the country's parliament after the opposition vowed to move ahead with a vote against a key ally of President Abdulla Yameen. WION brings you more on this (WION) ×

Maldives Parliament lockdown: Military acted on request, says parliament secretariat

Every week, scientists in southern China release three million bacteria-infected mosquitoes on a three kilometre (two-mile) long island in a bid to wipe out diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. 
 
The scientists inject mosquito eggs with wolbachia bacteria in a laboratory, then release infected male mosquitoes on the island on the outskirts of the city of Guangzhou. The bacteria, which occurs naturally in about 28 per cent of wild mosquitoes, causes infected males to sterilise the females they mate with. 
 
&quot;The aim is trying to suppress the mosquito density below the threshold which can cause disease transmission,&quot; said Zhiyong Xi, who is director of the Sun Yat-sen University Centre of Vector Control for Tropical Diseases and pioneered the idea. &quot;There are hot spots,&quot; Xi said. &quot;This technology can be used at the beginning to target the hot spots ... it will dramatically reduce disease transmission.&quot; 
 
Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for more than one million deaths worldwide every year and Zika has become a concern for athletes at this year&#39;s Olympic Games, which open in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. Some athletes, including the top four ranked male golfers, have declined to take part. 
 
An outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil last year has spread through the Americas and beyond, with China confirming its first case in February. 
 
US health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. 
 
The World Health Organization has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that causes temporary paralysis in adults. 
 
Sun Yat-sen&#39;s Xi said that several countries had expressed interest in his experiments, especially Brazil and Mexico. In the laboratory, mosquito eggs are collected from breeding cages containing 5,000 females and 1,600 males and injected with the wolbachia bacteria. 
 
Xi&#39;s facility has the capacity to breed up to five million mosquitoes a week. While a female mosquito that acquires wolbachia by mating is sterile, one that is infected by injection will produce wolbachia-infected offspring. Dengue, yellow fever and Zika are also suppressed in wolbachia-injected females, making it harder for the diseases to be transmitted to humans. 
 
Xi set up his 3,500 square metre (38,000 square feet) &quot;mosquito factory&quot; in 2012 and releases the males into two residential areas on the outskirts of Guangzhou. 
 
Xi said the mosquito population on the island has been reduced by more than 90 per cent. One villager on the island, 66 year-old Liang Jintian, who has lived there for six decades, said the study was so effective he didn&#39;t have to sleep with a mosquito net any longer. 
 
&quot;We used to have a lot of mosquitoes in the past. Back then some people were worried that if mosquitoes were released here, we would get even more mosquitoes,&quot; he said. &quot;We have a lot less mosquitoes now compared to the past.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Scientists inject mosquito eggs with wolbachia bacteria, then release infected male mosquitoes to sterilise females they mate with

Every week, scientists in southern China release three million bacteria-infected mosquitoes on a three kilometre (two-mile) long island in a bid to wipe out diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. The scientists inject mosquito eggs with wolbachia bacteria in a laboratory, then release infected male mosquitoes on the island on the outskirts of the city of Guangzhou. The bacteria, which occurs naturally in about 28 per cent of wild mosquitoes, causes infected males to sterilise the females they mate with. "The aim is trying to suppress the mosquito density below the threshold which can cause disease transmission," said Zhiyong Xi, who is director of the Sun Yat-sen University Centre of Vector Control for Tropical Diseases and pioneered the idea. "There are hot spots," Xi said. "This technology can be used at the beginning to target the hot spots ... it will dramatically reduce disease transmission." Mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for more than one million deaths worldwide every year and Zika has become a concern for athletes at this year's Olympic Games, which open in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. Some athletes, including the top four ranked male golfers, have declined to take part. An outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil last year has spread through the Americas and beyond, with China confirming its first case in February. US health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. The World Health Organization has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that causes temporary paralysis in adults. Sun Yat-sen's Xi said that several countries had expressed interest in his experiments, especially Brazil and Mexico. In the laboratory, mosquito eggs are collected from breeding cages containing 5,000 females and 1,600 males and injected with the wolbachia bacteria. Xi's facility has the capacity to breed up to five million mosquitoes a week. While a female mosquito that acquires wolbachia by mating is sterile, one that is infected by injection will produce wolbachia-infected offspring. Dengue, yellow fever and Zika are also suppressed in wolbachia-injected females, making it harder for the diseases to be transmitted to humans. Xi set up his 3,500 square metre (38,000 square feet) "mosquito factory" in 2012 and releases the males into two residential areas on the outskirts of Guangzhou. Xi said the mosquito population on the island has been reduced by more than 90 per cent. One villager on the island, 66 year-old Liang Jintian, who has lived there for six decades, said the study was so effective he didn't have to sleep with a mosquito net any longer. "We used to have a lot of mosquitoes in the past. Back then some people were worried that if mosquitoes were released here, we would get even more mosquitoes," he said. "We have a lot less mosquitoes now compared to the past." (Reuters)

China: Scientists release 3 million bacteria-infected mosquitoes to combat Zika, other diseases

Almost 22 months ago, Maldivian journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, 28, disappeared in Mal?. He was last seen&nbsp;on a closed-circuit television camera while trying to buy a ferryboat ticket on his way home. His family still believes he will return one day, but his colleagues have a far more grim take on this. They believe Ahmed has been murdered.&nbsp; 
 
A police chief inspector recently confirmed that he was in fact abducted on the same night from his apartment. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;The situation is very bad. The media is under attack from all fronts,&quot; said Zaheena Rasheed, editor of the online newspaper, The Maldives Independent, where Rilwan worked as a reporter. 
 
For most travellers, Mal?, the capital city of the Maldives, is just a quick stopover on their way to dreamlike beaches and crystal blue waters. However, the dreamy landscape has a much more sinister side to it and Zaheena has good reason to be worried. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;I am very afraid. I myself have received death threats. I could disappear or I could be killed. My office has already been attacked. Other media offices have been burned to the ground,&quot; he fears are not unfounded. 
 
The streets of Mal? are home to criminal gangs involved in drug dealing, robberies and violence on commission. A survey by the Asia Foundation, based on interactions with 130 gang affiliates, reports that there are &quot;between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Mal?, with 50 to 400 members in each group.&quot; This means that more than a thousand individuals are involved in such criminal activities in a city of 150,000. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
These gangs often carry out violence on behalf of political groups. The report reads: &quot;Politicians and businessmen often offer drugs and alcohol when they (the gang members) complete an illegal task (commissioned by them). Hence, there is a reciprocal relationship between gang members and politicians and businessmen.&quot; They often act in an atmosphere of impunity.&nbsp; 
 
Gang members are most likely to get away with it given the protection offered by the rich and influential. Even if some are caught they are able to get out of police stations without their crimes being brought to book. Escaping a gang is nearly impossible for a designated victim. Mal? is a small town on an island. Hiding is not really a viable option.&nbsp; 
 
It is not only about the fear of gangs. The Maldivian media is facing an increasingly difficult situation. In April, a group of journalists was arrested for a day. They were part of a protest against a draft law aiming to reintroduce defamation as a crime that was abolished seven years ago. Just a month before, the Civil Court had halted the printing of Haveeru, the oldest and most widely-circulated Maldivian newspaper. An order issued against a three-decade old ownership dispute. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The turbulent situation took off in 2008, a turning point in the history of the archipelago. The human rights activist and environmentalist Mohamed Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the country. His victory ended three decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving politician in South Asia. Gayoom granted economic growth to the archipelago, but democracy paid a high price. One-party elections, politicians appointed only by the president, heavy restrictions on freedom of press, religion and dissent were the norm. 
 
Nasheed&#39;s liberal agenda came as a break with the past. After decriminalising defamation, his government passed a bill to establish a Media Council &quot;to preserve the freedom of media&quot;. He allowed foreign journalists to travel freely to the country and granted greater access to the local press. Minivan News, then the only local English online newspaper, could start working in the Maldives rather than in exile in Sri Lanka. &nbsp; 
 
Young democracies, however, are often fragile, and so was Nasheed`s presidency. After less than three years, a police mutiny and weeks of protest staged by his opponents, he decided to resign &ndash; or was forced to do so &quot;at &nbsp;gunpoint&quot;. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
In a contested run-off, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, half-brother of the man who ruled for 30 years, became the new Maldivian President. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
In 2015, events abruptly turned and Nasheed&#39;s situation plummeted. Following a trial that Amnesty International called &quot;deeply flawed and politically motivated&quot;, the former president was sentenced to 13 years for terrorism. He was accused of arbitrarily removing the criminal court chief judge during his presidency. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Some Maldivians did not accept the verdict in silence and took to the streets in Mal?. The police arrested many protesters, including three reporters, who were covering the protest. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There is a big crackdown on media freedom. It is very difficult for a person who is critical of the government to find any kind of work in the country,&quot; said Azra Naseem, a Maldivian research fellow at the Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction in Dublin City University. &quot;If you are not with the government there is no space for you in the Maldives.&quot; 
 
Former president Nasheed is currently in London. 
 
He was authorised to leave his prison cell for a delicate surgery on the condition that he would return to jail once the treatment was done. However, that may not happen now. The British government has granted former president Nasheed political refugee status. A news welcomed by the media community and sections of Maldivian citizens who are not keen to toe the totalitarian line. 
 
&quot;Maldivians want to see better days. I am not alone and this is my home. I grew up in a dictatorship and I don&#39;t want to see my country regress into fear. I want to see a freer and more equal Maldives,&quot; Zaheena Rasheed said.

Journalists arrested, a former president on the run, criminal gangs, political unrest, radical Islamists and more...

Almost 22 months ago, Maldivian journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, 28, disappeared in Mal?. He was last seen on a closed-circuit television camera while trying to buy a ferryboat ticket on his way home. His family still believes he will return one day, but his colleagues have a far more grim take on this. They believe Ahmed has been murdered. A police chief inspector recently confirmed that he was in fact abducted on the same night from his apartment. "The situation is very bad. The media is under attack from all fronts," said Zaheena Rasheed, editor of the online newspaper, The Maldives Independent, where Rilwan worked as a reporter. For most travellers, Mal?, the capital city of the Maldives, is just a quick stopover on their way to dreamlike beaches and crystal blue waters. However, the dreamy landscape has a much more sinister side to it and Zaheena has good reason to be worried. "I am very afraid. I myself have received death threats. I could disappear or I could be killed. My office has already been attacked. Other media offices have been burned to the ground," he fears are not unfounded. The streets of Mal? are home to criminal gangs involved in drug dealing, robberies and violence on commission. A survey by the Asia Foundation, based on interactions with 130 gang affiliates, reports that there are "between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Mal?, with 50 to 400 members in each group." This means that more than a thousand individuals are involved in such criminal activities in a city of 150,000. These gangs often carry out violence on behalf of political groups. The report reads: "Politicians and businessmen often offer drugs and alcohol when they (the gang members) complete an illegal task (commissioned by them). Hence, there is a reciprocal relationship between gang members and politicians and businessmen." They often act in an atmosphere of impunity. Gang members are most likely to get away with it given the protection offered by the rich and influential. Even if some are caught they are able to get out of police stations without their crimes being brought to book. Escaping a gang is nearly impossible for a designated victim. Mal? is a small town on an island. Hiding is not really a viable option. It is not only about the fear of gangs. The Maldivian media is facing an increasingly difficult situation. In April, a group of journalists was arrested for a day. They were part of a protest against a draft law aiming to reintroduce defamation as a crime that was abolished seven years ago. Just a month before, the Civil Court had halted the printing of Haveeru, the oldest and most widely-circulated Maldivian newspaper. An order issued against a three-decade old ownership dispute. The turbulent situation took off in 2008, a turning point in the history of the archipelago. The human rights activist and environmentalist Mohamed Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the country. His victory ended three decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving politician in South Asia. Gayoom granted economic growth to the archipelago, but democracy paid a high price. One-party elections, politicians appointed only by the president, heavy restrictions on freedom of press, religion and dissent were the norm. Nasheed's liberal agenda came as a break with the past. After decriminalising defamation, his government passed a bill to establish a Media Council "to preserve the freedom of media". He allowed foreign journalists to travel freely to the country and granted greater access to the local press. Minivan News, then the only local English online newspaper, could start working in the Maldives rather than in exile in Sri Lanka. Young democracies, however, are often fragile, and so was Nasheed`s presidency. After less than three years, a police mutiny and weeks of protest staged by his opponents, he decided to resign – or was forced to do so "at gunpoint". In a contested run-off, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, half-brother of the man who ruled for 30 years, became the new Maldivian President. In 2015, events abruptly turned and Nasheed's situation plummeted. Following a trial that Amnesty International called "deeply flawed and politically motivated", the former president was sentenced to 13 years for terrorism. He was accused of arbitrarily removing the criminal court chief judge during his presidency. Some Maldivians did not accept the verdict in silence and took to the streets in Mal?. The police arrested many protesters, including three reporters, who were covering the protest. "There is a big crackdown on media freedom. It is very difficult for a person who is critical of the government to find any kind of work in the country," said Azra Naseem, a Maldivian research fellow at the Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction in Dublin City University. "If you are not with the government there is no space for you in the Maldives." Former president Nasheed is currently in London. He was authorised to leave his prison cell for a delicate surgery on the condition that he would return to jail once the treatment was done. However, that may not happen now. The British government has granted former president Nasheed political refugee status. A news welcomed by the media community and sections of Maldivian citizens who are not keen to toe the totalitarian line. "Maldivians want to see better days. I am not alone and this is my home. I grew up in a dictatorship and I don't want to see my country regress into fear. I want to see a freer and more equal Maldives," Zaheena Rasheed said.

Mal?: Political hit jobs, drugs, robberies - the grime under the sun and sand

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