The Maldives and China have signed an $85 million development agreement, introducing a two-year concessional loan scheme for SMEs and opportunities for vessel procurement. Additionally, customs services have transitioned to 24-hour operations, and bunkering services have generated MVR 282 million in revenue. With ongoing development projects in Faresmaathodaa and Fiyoari, 2026 has been designated as the National Year of Productivity.

As the academic year ends and students begin their break, the Ministry of Higher Education has received reports regarding student grievances. Additionally, the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) has mandated that PhDs will only be recognized upon completion of three years of full-time study, while IUM and Villa College have introduced new scholarship opportunities.

Construction is progressing rapidly with 30% of the Ras Malé project and Naifaru land reclamation complete, while work on installing hybrid energy systems across various islands began today. Additionally, weather warnings have been issued as heavy rain is forecasted across the Maldives.

Key events in the Maldives on December 25, 2025, included the sentencing in the murder case of a 13-year-old and the postponement of the K-Park hearing due to the absence of "Manday." A fire on a speedboat in Maafushi was successfully extinguished. Security forces arrested several suspects with a large quantity of drugs during a special operation in Hulhumalé, seized 40kg of drugs smuggled in chocolate syrup bottles, and detained three individuals for attacking a police officer. Additionally, the Anti-Scam Center recovered 37% of funds lost to scams. Other developments included a mosquito control program in Bodufolhudhoo and site visits for the design phase of Vilingili Hospital.

Key political developments last Thursday included the release of former Immigration Controller Shamman from custody and HDC’s order to vacate social housing units illegally sublet to foreigners. Additionally, HRCM condemned the harassment of Supreme Court Justice Shujune, while former Presidents Nasheed and Solih met and agreed to cooperate. The government also gazetted a new framework for providing financial state aid to media outlets. President Muizzu held discussions regarding the development of Madifushi and met with taxi drivers. Other highlights included a decision to withhold allowances for retired police officers holding other state positions and opposition criticism regarding government spending.

Police have launched "Operation Riveli" to enhance security for the New Year, including special inspections of businesses operated by illegal migrants. While efforts to identify and regularize undocumented expatriates continue, police also destroyed a large quantity of confiscated vaping products today.

The government today increased the allowance for single parents to MVR 15,000, while residents of Meedhoo visited Tulhadhoo to mark National Unity Day. Additionally, a lawsuit was filed to recover an iPhone gifted as a marriage proposal, over 7,700 Maldivians departed for Umrah during the holidays, and the National Library received a significant book donation.

The Maldives national women's volleyball team has advanced to the final of the CAVA Women's Volleyball Cup after winning today's semifinal match. This marks a historic achievement as the first time the team has reached the final of an international tournament. The Maldives secured its place in the final following a competitive performance and a hard-fought victory.