US Visa Policy: The US has made a PNG-focused visa bond permanent, requiring a refundable K88,200 (US$20,000) bond for B-1/B-2 travellers from PNG and four other PIF countries to curb overstays. Investment & Trade: PNG’s Investment Conference is underway in Brisbane as PM James Marape pushes deals across mining, LNG, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, ICT and financial services. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November, cutting travel times and boosting business and tourism links. Digital Infrastructure: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected via undersea cables, with PNG set to benefit from improved reliability and access to global digital markets. Health & Budget Execution: A report warns medicine shortages worsen when budget releases are delayed, with Manus highlighted as a case where execution gaps hit patients directly. Border Security: PNG Customs received Canadian-led training to better target high-risk commercial air cargo and postal shipments. Bougainville Fiscal Shift: The JSB endorsed transferring fisheries, mining, forestry and other tax powers to the ABG by 31 December 2026. Energy & LNG Politics: Taiwan has suspended some PNG LNG spot purchases worth about $800m amid the dispute over PNG’s “One China” move. Mining Operations: Ok Tedi says it is maintaining safe operations despite dry-weather disruptions to Fly River transport. Sports & Branding: Sheilla Yama defended her IBF title in Auckland, with Marape praising her as a youth role model.