Naval Launch: India’s GRSE has launched the second Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessel, “Shruti,” as part of a four-ship build for the Indian Navy, with the vessel designed for longer endurance and greater firepower. Regional Politics: The AU-COMESA Election Observation Mission has deployed 93 observers to monitor Zambia’s August 13 general election, with Seychelles Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd among leadership and a preliminary findings update due August 15. Seychelles in Culture: The Seychelles National Choir helped headline Beijing’s “Super Weekend, World Harmony” canal choral gala, drawing a reported 74,000+ live audience. Climate & Opinion: A Seychelles-based op-ed warns that the “Earth is burning” reality is now showing up in wildfire smoke and record heat across the world. Aviation Links: Russia’s Rosaviatsiya has opened permits for scheduled/charter flights to Egypt’s Borg El Arab and El Alamein, with Aeroflot resuming flights to Seychelles in July. Tourism & Marine Conservation: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles unveiled new immersive snorkelling and marine conservation experiences at Petite Anse, led by resident marine biologists. Business Travel: Preferred Hotels & Resorts is pushing “Business with Balance” curated pairings for travellers mixing work and leisure. Crypto Deadline: EU sanctions add HTX (Huobi Global SA) to a transaction ban list, with an August 23 deadline for affected parties. Seychelles Mention in Finance: A Seychelles-based exchange, BitMEX, reportedly spent two years seeking a buyer before shutting down.