Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods opens/expands Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backing Marape’s push to process cocoa locally and sell overseas, with capacity lifted from 10 to 200 tonnes per month. Gas & Local Jobs: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approves the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, aiming to boost PNG training, employment and PNG-owned supplier participation. Mining Governance: Mining Minister Solen Loifa clears the way for signing the revised Hidden Valley CDA, rejecting calls to delay and confirming royalty distribution details. Regional Security & Trade: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flags 16 vessels of interest and apprehends four in a two-week IUU fishing and maritime crime crackdown across 27.5m sq km. Digital Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, with PNG set to benefit from improved resilience and a second connection push. Defence Partnership to Workforce: PNG and Australia move from treaty talk to practical programs under the Pukpuk Treaty, including a pathway for up to 10,000 PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. Finance & Public Integrity: PM Marape orders NGCB to verify allegations over NGCB payment processes tied to his name. Business & Consumer: Perodua PNG launches the new Traz SUV, targeting families and businesses with a value-focused package. Culture & Tourism: PNG Ports joins the Hiri Moale Festival as a silver sponsor, backing cultural heritage and community ties. ADB Pipeline: PNG is set to receive about K5.2b in new ADB projects over three years across transport, energy, water, health, education and agriculture. Sports: Valley Hunters raise the bar in rugby union despite PNG Rugby Union suspension; Thailand beats PNG Lewas by 40 runs in the second ODI.