Aviation & Trade Links: Air Niugini will restart direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, with two weekly services, cutting travel time and boosting PNG’s role as a Pacific gateway for business and tourism. Mining & Infrastructure: Ok Tedi commits K30m under PNG’s Tax Credit Scheme to build the Sisimakam–P’nyang road link for the P’nyang LNG project, aiming to improve access to a major future gas development. Mining Output: K92 Mining reports strong Q2 results, producing 46,093 oz gold equivalent as its Kainantu Stage 3 expansion ramps up, with record ore processing and underground development. Mining Permits & Exploration: Adyton Resources gets an environmental permit for the Wapolu gold restart, while South Pacific Metals reports high-grade gold-copper drill hits at Ontenu’s Megabe structure, supporting a larger system. Regional Business Ties: PNG and Solomon Islands reaffirm plans to deepen economic cooperation, focusing on trade, transport, labour mobility and mining governance. New Trade Platform: The PNG-India Business Council is registered to push bilateral trade from about US$600m to US$20b over 10 years, with sector leads across finance, tourism, resources and MSMEs. Finance & Community: BSP is confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, backing PNG-hosted matches and regional participation. Education Funding: Dei allocates K1.276m for tuition fees for tertiary students, with payments scheduled to flow to institutions. Governance & Security: Australia and PNG formalise the Pukpuk mutual defence treaty, while Pacific leaders react to China’s missile test with renewed calls for an “Ocean of Peace.” Connectivity Systems: Munda International Airport in Solomon Islands goes live with an electronic border management system, supported by PNG’s immigration authority under a trilateral cooperation.