PNG–Australia Defence Partnership: Defence Ministers Richard Marles and Elias Kapavore met in Port Moresby to operationalise the Pukpuk Treaty, including a planned pathway for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force, starting with a pilot in 2026-27. Hidden Valley CDA: Mining Minister Solen Loifa cleared the way for the revised Hidden Valley Community Development Agreement signing, rejecting calls for further delay and confirming royalty distribution details. Bougainville Independence Pressure: Bougainville’s independence push is heating up after a Joint Supervisory Body meeting, with a major parliamentary debate set for August 27. Gas Sector Local Benefits: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan to boost PNG jobs, training and locally owned supplier participation. Digital Connectivity Boost: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cable networks, with PNG set to strengthen telecom resilience via a second international connection. Election Security Planning: PNG police say more than 300 Pacific officers will support security for the 2027 National General Election. Cocoa Downstream Processing: Marape backed Paradise Foods’ expanded Queen Emma chocolate factory, aiming to process more cocoa in-country and sell higher-value products overseas. Governance Watch: Marape ordered verification of allegations over National Gaming Control Board payments tied to his name, warning improper claims will be referred to police. Earthquake Alert: A 5.8 quake struck PNG’s north coast with no immediate damage reports.