Singapore-Malaysia Economic Ties: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Master Plan is set for an official launch in December, to be jointly conducted by Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, with a ministerial-level meeting under the Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) planned for November. Cross-border Digital Payments: The Maldives Monetary Authority says Favara has been operationally integrated with India’s UPI, enabling real-time P2P transfers from Maldives bank apps to UPI-enabled Indian accounts in rupees, starting with Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank. Maritime Security: The Republic of Singapore Navy has deployed RTsys COMET-MCM autonomous underwater drones for mine countermeasures in the Strait of Singapore, marking a modernization milestone for RSN capabilities. Legal Profession Watch: The Law Society of Singapore is seeking to strike Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh off the rolls at a disciplinary hearing on Aug 13, following his conviction for lying under oath. Public Order Case: Singapore authorities fined a French tourist $600 for a straw-licking stunt that sparked public outrage and a disturbing public order charge. Security Investigation: Singapore police are investigating British band Massive Attack after a Palestinian flag was displayed at a concert, with IMDA also checking possible licensing breaches.