Electricity Theft Crackdown: PNG Power says it’s rolling out smart meters and upgraded monitoring to cut electricity theft and reduce a roughly 12% loss rate, including illegal connections and meter tampering. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in a FFA-led regional sweep across 27.5 million sq km, with Papua New Guinea among participating members. Marine Tourism Push: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is partnering to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry, aiming to expand marine tourism products and private-sector involvement. Mining & Local Benefits: Mining Minister Solen Loifa cleared the revised Hidden Valley CDA for signing, while Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved a National Content Plan for the Pasca A Gas Project to boost local jobs and supplier participation. Debt Pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane warns PNG is in a debt “death spiral,” calling for full loan disclosure and updated fiscal reporting. Education Support: Australia’s Direct Aid Program backed refurbishment of Siassi Lutheran Secondary School’s mess hall in Morobe, improving safer facilities for students and staff. Health Delivery: PNGDF helped deliver one million antibiotic tablets to West Sepik to treat yaws. Leadership & Governance: Dame Meg Taylor urged Pacific leadership rooted in culture, relationships and women’s roles in decision-making. Climate & Participation: Australia’s Pre-COP summit in Fiji is drawing union voices as world leaders stay away. Regional Sports: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership alongside PNG, Samoa and Tonga.