Education Funding Push: A parliamentary committee says higher education budgets are “underwhelming,” urging spending to reach 6% of GDP under NEP 2020, with 8%–10% annual increases to keep up with inflation and improve scholarships, teachers, research, and basic facilities. Maldives Transport Upgrade: The Maldives plans to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats via the $100m Navier Network, starting with five vessels later in 2026, aiming for faster, quieter, lower-emissions island transfers with Starlink onboard internet. Reef Restoration Tech in Resorts: Ventive Hospitality and partners launched a passive coral recovery initiative at Anantara Dhigu Maldives using 3D-printed “Artificial Clay Reef” modules to support natural coral recruitment and marine biodiversity. Tobacco Tax Shift: The Maldives government proposed cutting cigarette import duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per cigarette (keeping 30% ad valorem), plus duty exemptions for nicotine replacement products to support smoking cessation. Digital Payments Move: PayPal’s entry is expected to open the door for more international payment gateways, with talks also underway with Google for a new project under the Maldives 2.0 push for a stronger digital economy. Healthcare Scholarships: Merck Foundation highlighted 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries, including support for underserved specialties, during its Africa Asia Luminary 2026 event.