Financial Crime Crackdown: Malawi has gazetted tighter banking rules to verify customer identity and strengthen due diligence, including biometric and database checks, as authorities target money laundering. Governance & Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has summoned NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa over a reported $403,605 (about K700m) payment tied to “fraudulent correspondence,” with arrests also reported in the case. Agriculture Transformation: LUANAR’s Prof Joseph Dzanja says Malawi’s agriculture is stuck without better marketing systems, while the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre spotlights value addition, input access, and agro-processing partnerships. Climate & Food Security: Climate scientists warn Southern Africa may see drier-than-normal rains in parts of the region, linked to a strengthening El Niño, with above-normal temperatures expected. Energy & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower’s North Rumphi 51MW project has secured a grid connection agreement with ESCOM, aiming to add generation capacity. Public Health: Mulanje District Hospital is pushing to cut neonatal deaths after refurbishment of its nursery ward, with targets moving toward single digits. STEM Education: Airtel Malawi has handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students to support STEM learning and digital transformation. Science in Society: A debate on placenta encapsulation highlights the gap between cultural practice and strong scientific proof. Electricity Strain: Load-shedding and transformer overloads are disrupting small businesses in Dedza, affecting production and refrigeration. Research & Training: Mzuzu University received K105m to renovate its diagnostic laboratory for parasitology and disease vector control.