Offshore Energy Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas have kicked off a “major” oil and gas exploration campaign off PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with the Noble Viking drillship set to start ultra-deepwater drilling near Kupiano—potentially opening a new deepwater frontier. Disaster & Food Security: PNG’s National Disaster Centre has activated emergency preparations after the National Weather Service declared El Niño, with frost and drought fears hitting Highlands food gardens and cash crops. Bilateral Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional affairs. Tourism Earnings: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m (PGK1b) to the economy in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spend per visitor fell. Governance & Corruption Pressure: PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani renewed calls to empower anti-corruption institutions and lift prosecution rates, citing corruption’s drag on services and development. Youth, Sports & Jobs: NGCB backed PNG Kickboxing with a K300,000 grant for a nationwide tournament, while PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo showcased Alotau SMEs and local value-added products. Health & Safety: Military wives were urged to prioritise wellbeing, and PNG’s Family Sexual Violence Units reported thousands of cases in 2025 and early 2026. El Niño Politics in Bougainville: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama set a timetable for self-government in 2027 and independence in 2030, anchored in the Peace Agreement and PNG’s constitution.