Scholarships & STEM push: PNG’s fully funded Government scholarships sending 31 grade 12 students to the US are framed as a long-term bet on innovation and industrialisation, with calls to expand the programme to at least 100 students a year. Downstream energy debate: Gulf leaders urge PNG LNG partners to back a refinery at Orokolo Bay to turn royalties into lasting jobs, skills and value-added exports. Housing affordability: A new push to make home ownership realistic for more families highlights policy and finance reforms via the National Housing Corporation. Mining & exploration: Great Pacific Gold starts diamond drilling at the Magiabe vein target in East New Britain as part of an 8,000-metre 2026 programme. Digital connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members, including PNG, are now linked to global undersea cable networks, boosting trade and business access. Bougainville fiscal shift: The JSB endorses transferring fisheries, mining, forestry and other tax powers to the ABG by 31 Dec 2026. Trade & diplomacy risk: Taiwan suspends PNG LNG spot purchases (~US$800m) amid the One China dispute after PNG moves to close Taiwan’s office. Drought impacts: Lake Murray in Western Province is drying up, triggering water shortages, school closures and rising waterborne disease. Ports & logistics: Australia-backed backup power upgrades aim to keep PNG ports running during outages, protecting trade flows. Security & elections: Police Minister Sir John Pundari outlines seven national security priorities, including election security, firearms amnesty and FATF grey-list exit efforts. Aviation link: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November after a 26-year gap.