Dhauru

Episodet

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  Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa Ep.41 | Reforming the JSC & Safeguarding Judicial Independence | Husnu Suood 01.10.2026 43min

  Welcome to Episode 41 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Supreme Court Justice and legal expert Husnu Suood for a discussion on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), judicial independence and the reforms he believes are needed within the Maldivian judiciary.Suood examines the current structure and composition of the JSC and discusses how the institution’s role and decision-making can affect the functioning and independence of the judiciary.Drawing on his experience within the judicial system, he also discusses the structural changes he believes are necessary to reform the JSC, strengthen accountability and better protect judges and the courts from external influence.In this full episode, we discuss:The current structure and composition of the Judicial Service Commission.How the JSC’s role affects the judiciary and judicial independence.Concerns surrounding political and institutional influence over the judiciary.Changes Suood believes are needed to reform the JSC.What is required to strengthen an independent and impartial judicial system in the Maldives.
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  Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa Ep.40 | Rethinking Aasandha, Health Insurance & Overseas Treatment | Ahmed Ameel 24.09.2026 46min

  Welcome to Episode 40 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir Mohamed Usham are joined by Ahmed Ameel, Managing Director of Dhivehi Insurance, for a discussion on Aasandha, health insurance and the future of healthcare financing in the Maldives.Ameel discusses the current structure of the state-funded Aasandha scheme, the changes he believes are needed to make the system more sustainable, and the role private insurance providers can play alongside government-funded healthcare.The conversation also looks at the Maldives’ continued dependence on overseas medical treatment, whether stronger insurance coverage can reduce the financial burden on individuals and the state, and how the country can build a more effective healthcare financing model.In this full episode, we discuss:The current structure and future of the Aasandha scheme.Changes needed to strengthen state-funded health insurance.The role of private insurance providers in healthcare.The Maldives’ dependence on travelling abroad for medical treatment.How insurance can better support individuals, families and the wider healthcare system.
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  Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa Ep.39 | Climate Change, El Niño & the Future of Urban Planning | Mohamed Aslam 17.09.2026 51min

  Welcome to Episode 39 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. This week, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by former Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam for a discussion on climate change, urban planning and the choices the Maldives faces as environmental pressures continue to shape development.Aslam discusses the impact of climate change and the current El Niño conditions on the Maldives, and how rising environmental risks should influence the way islands, cities and infrastructure are planned.The conversation also examines whether development policies are adapting quickly enough to changing climatic conditions, the role of long-term planning, and the political will required to make difficult decisions on infrastructure and climate adaptation.In this full episode, we discuss:The impact of climate change and El Niño on the Maldives.How climate risks should be incorporated into urban planning.Planning infrastructure for changing environmental conditions.The balance between development priorities and climate adaptation.Whether there is sufficient political will to pursue long-term climate-resilient development.
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  Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa Ep.38 | Rethinking Education: Syllabus Reform & Life Skills | Ashia Leela Ahmed 11.09.2026 47min

  Welcome to this week’s episode of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Mohamed Usham are joined by Ashia Leela Ahmed (Leela), Dean of Students at The Maldives National University (MNU), for a conversation on education, curriculum reform and how schools and universities can better prepare young people for life beyond the classroom.As discussions continue around the future of education in the Maldives, Leela shares her perspective on where reforms are needed, how the syllabus can evolve to meet the changing needs of students, and why academic knowledge alone is not enough to prepare young people for the challenges they will face.In this conversation, Leela explores the importance of equipping students with practical life skills alongside their formal education, and discusses how the education system can better support young people as they move into higher education, employment and adulthood.In this full episode, we discuss:- Reforms needed within the Maldivian education system.- How the school syllabus can be adapted to better serve students.- The balance between academic learning and practical skills.- Why life skills should form a stronger part of students’ education.- Preparing young Maldivians for higher education, employment and life beyond the classroom.Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered conversations and deep dives into the issues shaping the Maldives.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep37 | Corruption in the System: How Deep Does It Go? | Ismail Sajid 04.09.2026 51min

  Welcome to a brand new episode of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir take a deeper look at one of the Maldives’ most persistent challenges: corruption, how it takes root, and how it spreads through different levels of governance.We are joined by Ismail Sajid, former head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) at the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), to examine corruption not simply as a series of isolated cases, but as a systemic problem shaped by institutions, political influence, weak accountability and the way power is exercised.Drawing on his experience within the country’s financial intelligence framework, Sajid discusses how corruption can become embedded within systems, why efforts to tackle it often fall short, and what happens when accountability mechanisms themselves are weakened.In this full episode, we discuss:-The Roots of Corruption: How corruption becomes entrenched within institutions and governance structures.-The Systemic Problem: Why corruption cannot be addressed by focusing only on individual cases or individuals.-Following the Money: The role of financial intelligence, oversight and enforcement in identifying suspicious financial activity and protecting public institutions.-Accountability and Influence: How political and institutional pressures can affect efforts to investigate and prevent corruption.-Corruption at Every Level: How weaknesses within one part of the governance system can spread across institutions and undermine public trust.Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered analysis and deep dives into the stories shaping the Maldives.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep36 | The Tourism Trap: The OTA Tax & The USD Scapegoat | Mohamed Shaaz Waleed 28.08.2026 45min

  Welcome to a brand new episode of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir connect two massive economic issues threatening the backbone of the Maldivian economy: the new OTA tax and the ongoing dollar shortage.We are joined by Mohamed Shaaz Waleed, founder of Resort Life Maldives, to unpack the reality on the ground. The government has repeatedly pointed fingers at the tourism sector, accusing businesses of hiding foreign currency and triggering the national USD crisis. But at the same time, the state has passed the "Destination Principle" tax on foreign booking platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. Because these billion-dollar companies won't pay out of pocket, the tax burden will fall directly onto local guesthouses through higher commissions—squeezing their margins even further.In this full episode, we discuss:-The USD Scapegoat: Is it fair to blame the tourism sector for the dollar crisis while government debt skyrockets?-The Commission Trap: How the new OTA tax will force Agoda and Booking.com to hike fees for local guesthouses.-The Mid-Market Collapse: Why these combined pressures will make the Maldives too expensive for budget travelers, pushing them to Sri Lanka and Bali.-The "One-Size-Fits-All" Flaw: Why policies designed to tax luxury resorts are actively destroying small island businesses.Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered analysis and deep dives into the stories shaping the Maldives.
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  EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep 35: The Broken Majlis, MP Privileges & Systemic Reform with Imthiyaz Fahmy (Inthi) 21.08.2026 46min

  In Episode 35 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, Imthiyaz Fahmy (Inthi) draws on his 15 years of parliamentary experience to expose the systemic flaws within our legislature. We explore how the Majlis has become a "rubber stamp" for the government, failing to adequately question the state on critical issues like national debt, healthcare, and social protection.The conversation tackles the toxic culture of citizens begging MPs for personal favors—like jobs, money, and medical help—and how this dependency opens the door for wealthy businessmen to control parliament. We also question the ethics of MPs setting their own salaries and post-term benefits, and debate powerful reforms: Should the 5-year term be shortened? Should we have mid-term elections? And is it time to give citizens a "recall mechanism" to remove their MPs?Listen to this hard-hitting 45-minute episode now. A Dhauru original production.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep 33: The Thilafushi Crisis & Malé's Waste Problem with Afrah Ismail 14.08.2026 53min

  We thought the toxic smoke from Thilafushi was a thing of the past. However, recent fires have exposed the severe capacity limits and systemic failures of our current waste management strategy.In this episode of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir sit down with Afrah Ismail, Co-founder of Zero Waste Maldives. Together, they break down the uncomfortable reality of Malé's mounting garbage problem and discuss why simply dumping waste onto an island is no longer a viable solution.In this episode, we discuss:The Thilafushi Reality: The recent fires and what they reveal about our waste capacity limits. Infrastructure Delays: The setbacks in Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects and large-scale incinerators. Household Habits: Why source segregation (separating plastics, glass, and organics) is failing at the community level. Single-Use Plastics: Our cultural reliance on disposable plastics and how to break the cycle. The Circular Economy: How upcycling, creative recycling, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can turn waste into an economic opportunity. Listen to this essential conversation on the future of our environment now. A Dhauru original production.Watch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H-wiCUgx7bE
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  Fannuveri Ekuverin: The Huvan Band 10.08.2026 23min

  With Huvan Band’s upcoming show on the 15th of August, band members Po and Yoosuf reflect on how the band came together and the making of their debut album ‘Mithan’.
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  #EhbasveDhebasmaa Ep 33: The Maldives Drug Crisis: Synthetics, Relapse & Systemic Failure with Ali Adeeb 07.08.2026 52min

  Has the Maldivian drug crisis evolved faster than our national response? While chemical synthetics like Meth and party drugs flood the streets—causing alarming spikes in drug-induced psychosis—our rehabilitation framework remains stuck in outdated models built for a previous generation.In Episode 33 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir sit down with Ali Adeeb—Internationally Certified Addiction Professional, Global Recovery Coach, and Master Trainer in Drug Demand Reduction from NGO 'Journey'.Together, they break down the uncomfortable realities of the crisis and where the system is failing those seeking recovery.In this episode:Operating in the Dark: The total lack of up-to-date, evidence-based national research on circulating substances.The Shift to Synthetics: How Meth and party drugs are replacing heroin and creating severe mental health challenges among youth.Outdated Rehab Models: Why traditional detox centers cannot treat psychological and synthetic addiction.The Relapse Trap: Why the absence of community aftercare networks leaves recovering individuals without support.Overhauling NDA: What it will take to transform state policy from reactive enforcement into a functioning public health strategy.Listen to this hard-hitting, essential conversation now. A Dhauru original production.Watch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdrJf22CNkM&feature=youtu.be
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep 32 | Did the Country Neglect Our Youth? | Mohamed Nazeef & Ibrahim Maahil 31.07.2026 55min

  Why are young Maldivians stepping back from traditional economic roles, and is it fair to label an entire generation as "lazy"?In Episode 32 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by vocational education expert Mohamed Nazeef and youth journalist Ibrahim Maahil Mohamed. We break down the systemic barriers facing young people today—from unaffordable housing in Malé to the gap between education and employment. We explore how today's youth are channeling their discipline into fitness and self-care, how they redefine independence in a globalized economy, and why the nation needs to mentor its youth instead of lecturing them.Listen to the full, hard-hitting conversation now. A Dhauru original production.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa | The Malé Traffic Crisis & Planning Failures | Hussain Ziyath 24.07.2026 47min

  Welcome to Episode 31 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir tackle the daily nightmare of Malé’s urban gridlock.We are joined by Hussain Ziyath, Urbanist and President of the Association of Maldivian Planners, to analyse the physical and economic carrying capacity of the capital. We dive deep into the statistics and policies driving the congestion, analysing everything from time and fuel wasted in traffic to the controversial "garage letter" system. Has Malé officially exceeded its capacity, or is this just decades of terrible traffic management?In this full episode, we discuss:-The transition of Malé from a walking city to a heavily motorised urban centre.-The economic cost of congestion, including lost time and logistics impacts.-Whether public transport like RTL buses can solve gridlock without strict limits on car imports.-Decentralisation vs. the continuous expansion of the Greater Malé Region.Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered analysis and deep dives into the stories shaping the Maldives.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep 30 | The Super El Niño Crisis & Climate Threats | Thahumeena 17.07.2026 45min

  Welcome to Episode 30 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir tackle one of the most pressing existential threats to the Maldives: extreme climate events and the impending Super El Niño.We are joined by Thahumeena, a weather forecaster from the MET Office, to break down exactly what these massive climate shifts mean for our islands. From erratic and severe weather patterns to the crucial importance of early warning systems, we discuss the harsh realities of climate change and how the MET Office is fighting to ensure the public remains informed and prepared.In this full episode, we discuss:-The science and immediate dangers of the Super El Niño effect on the Maldives.-The broader impacts of climate change on our environment and economy.-The challenges the MET Office faces in forecasting extreme weather.-Why public awareness and early warnings are the first line of defense.Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered analysis and deep dives into the stories shaping the Maldives.
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  #EhbasveDhebasvamaa Ep29 | The Aging Crisis & The Care Economy | Shadiya Ibrahim 10.07.2026 50min

  Welcome to Episode 29 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, for our World Population Day special, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir look beyond the concrete infrastructure and focus on the humans driving the statistics.We are joined by Shadiya Ibrahim, Head of Office at UNFPA Maldives, to discuss a quiet crisis: the Maldives is graying rapidly. With birth rates dropping and the cost of living skyrocketing in Malé, young people are delaying starting families. We explore the heavy burden of the "care economy," the looming pressure on Aasandha and the national pension scheme, and why policymakers need to urgently rethink their long-term demographic strategies before it is too late.In this full episode, we discuss:*The transition from a "youth bulge" to a rapidly aging population.*Why young Maldivians are delaying family formation and having smaller families.*The unmonetized "Care Economy" and how elder care keeps capable people—mostly women—out of the formal workforce.*Solutions for professionalizing care workers and decentralizing health systems.
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  Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa Ep.28 | Maldives’ Economic Choices and Policy Divides | Dr Ahmed Inaz 03.07.2026 57min

  Welcome to Episode 28 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by former Finance Minister Dr Ahmed Inaz for an in-depth discussion on the Maldives’ economy, public policy and the decisions shaping the country’s financial future.Dr Inaz served as Minister of Finance and Treasury from April 2011 to 2012 under the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed. He later served as Chairperson of the Maldives Pension Administration Office, stepping down from the position in February 2026 following policy disagreements.In this unfiltered conversation, Dr Inaz reflects on his time in government, examines the country’s current economic direction and discusses the challenges facing public institutions. He also explains the policy differences that led to his resignation from the Pension Office and shares his assessment of the choices facing the Maldives.In this full episode, we discuss:The current state and direction of the Maldivian economy.Economic decisions made during the Nasheed administration.The role and independence of public institutions.The policy disagreements behind his resignation from the Pension Office.The fiscal and economic choices facing the Maldives in the years ahead.Watch More:Subscribe to Dhauru News for weekly unfiltered analysis and deep dives into the stories shaping the Maldives.
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  Ep 27 | The Future of the Fayyaz & Nasheed Alliance | Fayyaz Ismail 25.06.2026 49min

  Welcome to Episode 27 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa. Today, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail to unpack one of the most heavily debated dynamics in the country today.As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on the relationship between Fayyaz Ismail and former President Mohamed Nasheed. In this unfiltered sit-down, Fayyaz addresses the rumors, the strategies, and the reality of their political pairing. We discuss the hurdles they face, their shared vision for the Maldivian Democratic Party, and what happens next for this alliance.In this full episode, we discuss:The current reality of the Fayyaz and Nasheed political pair.Internal MDP dynamics and strategies for the future.How this alliance plans to navigate the current political climate.The road ahead for the party's leadership and grassroots members.Watch More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8YuTjcGpOg
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  Ep 26: The End of Coalitions & MDP’s Future with Hassan Latheef 12.06.2026 42min

  Are political coalitions actually necessary in our presidential system, or are they just a recipe for backdoor deals?In Episode 26 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by former parliamentarian Hassan Latheef to debate the complex math and hidden realities of Maldivian elections.With PNC winning the 2023 election essentially on their own, and smaller parties like JP and MRM securing a mere 1-2% of the vote, we ask the big question: Is the era of coalition politics finally over?We dive deep into the conflicting strategies for the upcoming 2028 elections. While former President Ibu Solih insists coalitions remain the only way to win, former President Mohamed Nasheed argues MDP is strong enough to win in a single round. Hassan Latheef breaks down this divide, alongside the grassroots frustration over disproportionate ministries being handed to untested parties like Adhaalath, and the glaring lack of transparency in past coalition agreements.If you want to understand the numbers, the strategy, and the future of Maldivian politics, this is a must-listen. A Dhauru original production.
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  Ep 25: The Reality of Maldivian Prisons with Adhadhu Journalists Shahuzan & Leevaan 05.06.2026 50min

  The tipping point for democratic change in the Maldives was the national outrage over prison torture. So why are the cells still fundamentally the same?In Episode 25 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by Adhadhu journalists Shahuzan and Leevaan. They bravely detail the inhuman treatment, the psychological toll, and the shocking physical conditions they endured while jailed.This is a chilling, necessary look at the reality of the Maldivian penal system. We explore why true reform is still missing, the historical parallels to our democratic uprising, and the ongoing risks faced by reporters fighting for the truth.Listen to the full, hard-hitting conversation now. A Dhauru original production.Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBidoldzhTM
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  Ep 24: The Struggle for Addu's Development with Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) 22.05.2026 42min

  What is really holding Addu City back?In Episode 24 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by a man whose political career is deeply intertwined with the south: Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe).As a three-term Mayor, former State Minister for Addu Development, and the current MDP candidate for the Hithadhoo Uthuru by-election, Sobe brings a wealth of insider knowledge to the table. We dive straight into the persistent roadblocks to Addu's growth, discussing why successive administrations have struggled to deliver on their promises to the southern hub. Sobe lays out his vision for the future, explaining what needs to change at a systemic level to finally unlock Addu's economic potential.Tune in for an essential deep dive into the politics and future of the south. A Dhauru original production.
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  Ep 23: The Criminal Justice System as a Political Weapon with Hussain Shameem 15.05.2026 48min

  Is the Maldivian criminal justice system being hijacked for political gain?In Episode 23 of Ehbasve Dhebasvamaa, hosts Naaif Ahmed and Hiriga Ahmed Zahir are joined by former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem for an unfiltered look into the state of our courts and law enforcement.We dive straight into the systematic tactics driving modern political witch-hunts, exposing the reality of fake police intelligence reports and the manufacturing of artificial evidence. Shameem explains exactly why the recent wave of gag orders is deeply problematic for a democratic society, the vital importance of a strong defense, and his roadmap for genuine judicial reform to make the system fairer for everyone.Listen to the full, hard-hitting conversation now. A Dhauru original production.