State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has revealed that the Mechanical Training Center being constructed in K. Thulusdhoo is a project designed and built by the company’s own employees. The construction of this building began in June of last year. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), STELCO’s Managing Director Hussain Fahmy said that he commends the dedication shown by the company’s employees in making this project a reality.

Fahmy noted that STELCO employees have been directly involved in every phase of the project, from developing the concept to the completion of construction work. He also highlighted that the building’s design was entirely done by STELCO employees.

This center aims to train youth in the field of mechanical engineering, as well as provide training for current STELCO employees. It is worth noting that this project demonstrates the importance STELCO places on the training and development of its employees.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that his views and those of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are aligned regarding the relationship between the Maldives and India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on the occasion of India’s Republic Day, the President extended his greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the people of India. In the post, the President said that he will always value the close friendly relations with India and the support that country continues to provide to the Maldives.

“The relationship between the two countries is built on trust and respect. And this relationship has proven its resilience even in the face of the tests of time,” the President said. The President stated that he will work to further strengthen the relationship with India and that he will always work together on issues that are challenging for the people of both countries and on matters that will benefit the citizens.

In response to the President’s post, Modi made a post thanking President Muizzu for his well wishes. Modi also said that President Muizzu’s characterization of the long-standing relationship between the two countries reflects his sentiments as well.

The Malé City Council has begun work on decorating the mosques under its supervision in preparation for the upcoming month of Ramadan. The Malé City Council said that currently, planting trees is underway at Al-Thani Mosque in Hulhumalé, while the termite-infested minbar at Masjid Al-Aziza Musa Mosque in Hulhumalé has been replaced. Additionally, renovation and cleaning work is being carried out at Masjid Al-Amani, the first mosque built in Hulhumalé.

Furthermore, the council has discussed the renovation work to be done at Furqan Mosque, and it has been decided that in addition to a private party installing air conditioning, the mosque will be decorated. The Malé City Council said that the doors and tiles of the toilets at Hulhumalé Masjid Al-Khattab have been replaced and the ablution area has been renovated, while it has been decided to decorate Masjid Al-Taqwa mosque, expand the prayer area, and build an additional toilet.

In addition to renovating mosques, in preparation for Ramadan, work is being carried out in various areas of Malé to remove pallets from the streets and make it easier for pedestrians, according to the council. The council also said that the Municipal Department is working on checking if households have left garbage on the pavement, removing garbage that has been put out, and maintaining the streets of Malé better than before.

The fire that broke out in the marshland of Hulhudhoo, Addu City, has been extinguished by firefighters from the MNDF Southern Area Command, Hulhumidhoo Fire Station.

MNDF stated that upon receiving the report of this incident at the Southern Area Command, Hulhumidhoo Fire Station at around 17:30 this evening, firefighters from the station went to the area and worked to extinguish the fire. As a result of the firefighters’ efforts, the fire was extinguished around 20:40 tonight.

MNDF said that a lot of assistance was received from many parties in extinguishing the fire that had spread to a large area. This included soldiers from the MNDF Southern Area Command, firefighters from the Command’s Hithadhoo Fire Station, police from Hulhumidhoo Police Station, staff from Addu City Council’s Meedhoo Ward Office, and significant help from the general public.

No injuries have been reported in this incident.

The First Lady, Madam Sajida Mohamed, has stated that the broadcasting service of the Maldives is a valuable servant of national unity that connected islands scattered in the shadows of tall waves of a vast ocean. She said this in her speech while gracing the award ceremony of the “Visions of the Future” drawing competition held today at the National Art Gallery.

Shedding light on the service of the broadcasting field, she said that it is important to teach students about the importance of the broadcasting field and to create interest in that area. She noted that through activities like this drawing competition organized by the Broadcasting Commission, it can help in building students’ careers. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of newer generations understanding the role that TV and radio play on a national level.

The First Lady presented the most prestigious awards at today’s ceremony. After presenting the awards, there was also a special photo session. She also viewed the “Visions of the Future” drawings at this ceremony.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today assured that a park would be built this year as requested by the children of R. Kinolhas. The President made this statement while speaking at a meeting held during his current trip to R. Atoll, when he visited Kinolhas today. The President said that while he was greeting people in line, children were handing him small pieces of paper. These notes read, “It’s so sad that there’s no park for little ones to play, please make a park for us,” the President said.

“Building parks for children to play in both large and small populations without any discrimination is actually a very important aspect of bringing development. It’s not just about developing buildings and roads in the islands. Along with that, there need to be facilities where young children and families can relax. These are things that should be seen when the government brings comprehensive development,” the President said.

The President said that when he held various positions earlier, he approached things with this mindset when he had the opportunity to do different things in Malé. He said that although Malé is a very congested place, many parks have been created there by finding space in various ways. He said that creating such spaces brings contentment to the people and that mental satisfaction is important.

“Our policy is to build a park in every island. Not much work of this kind was done last year. Last year, a lot of work had to be done to bring economic progress,” the President said. He mentioned that in the current approved and implemented budget, priority is given to building parks and establishing sports facilities among the social sector projects. He said that emphasis is placed on doing things necessary for well-being and mental development. The President said that a park will be developed in Kinolhas within this year.

FBI Assistance Sought for Zakiyya’s Death Investigation

The Maldives Police Service has begun seeking assistance from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the case of Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead with injuries in N. Holhudhoo last September, due to suspicions surrounding the circumstances of her death.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan, told “Vaguthu” that they are seeking FBI assistance in this case.

“We are seeking FBI assistance in the case of Zakiyya’s death,” Shifan said.

The police did not disclose any further details about this matter.

It is believed that FBI assistance is being sought to conduct a review of how the police investigation was carried out and to clear up suspicions through an independent investigative agency, as complaints from the islanders have increased.

Zakiyya, 50, was found dead with severe injuries near a storage room adjacent to the kitchen of her residence around 10:00 AM on September 10. Initially, rumors spread that she had died by suicide as she was being treated for depression, but police are conducting a criminal investigation. Suspicions arose due to wounds on her neck and a knife found nearby. While many islanders suspect Zakiyya was murdered, police have stated that no such evidence has been found yet.

In previous information provided by the police, it was stated that a pathologist doctor had advised that no signs of injuries inflicted by another person were found on Zakiyya’s body. However, the police have not yet fully determined whether Zakiyya died by suicide or was murdered.

This case has led to unrest on the island, with Zakiyya’s eldest child, Moosa Rimzy, being arrested and later released. Various accusations are also being made among Zakiyya’s family members, and many rumors are spreading throughout the island.