Engineers Awards 2026: Maldives held its first national Engineers Awards, with 10 winners honoured and three Lifetime Achievement recipients including posthumous STELCO leaders, as Minister Abdulla Muthalib said Maldivian engineers are internationally recognised for work across ports, airports and major infrastructure. Tech & Consumer: iPhone 18 is expected to arrive in the Maldives later this month, with retailers hinting at pricing around MVR 27,000–28,000 for the Pro model. Aviation Innovation: EHang showcased its Global Fast Track Program at DGCA/61, pushing a regulatory sandbox approach for Advanced Air Mobility across Asia-Pacific. Ocean Energy Watch: India’s ocean thermal energy conversion project in Lakshadweep aims to prove commercial OTEC viability for islands using deep cold-water pumping. Marine Conservation: JOALI Maldives reported coral restoration progress, planting 11,124 fragments, while OBLU SELECT Sangeli highlighted how reef work is built into daily resort operations. Local Governance Tech: Maldives’ Economic Ministry says the Thilafushi port’s development, ownership and operation will stay under government control. Regional Policy: Sri Lanka urged stronger, data-driven fisheries management at FAO COFI 37, focusing on small-scale fisheries and better stock assessment. International Diplomacy: Maldives invited UK PM Andrew Burnham for “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos sovereignty as the UK rejects reopening talks.