ICT Procurement Reform: NICTA has sworn in a Special Procurement Committee to speed up ICT and Universal Access Service projects, letting it handle procurement internally for K1m–K5m deals and cutting delays that previously stretched from months to years. Aviation & Governance: Niusky Pacific Limited appoints Jackson Kiakari as new board chair, with board changes and a noted resignation of the outgoing CEO. Energy & Critical Minerals Tech: PNG welcomes TotalEnergies and Petronas offshore drilling near Kupiano, while USGS says lithium could be recovered from geothermal brines—plus it offers PNG lab quality systems to boost mining transparency. Food Security Under El Niño: El Niño is hitting PNG’s Highlands with frost and drought, with Oxfam warning up to 3 million people may be affected and harvests running out fast. Marine Science Breakthrough: Researchers formally describe a new “walking shark” species from eastern PNG, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, adding to reef conservation urgency. Water Infrastructure Risk: Reports warn Port Moresby’s aging water network shows signs of imminent failure, raising public health concerns. Regional Biosecurity: Australia confirms H5 bird flu in a second state, keeping wildlife and poultry monitoring high—PNG had briefly suspended some imports before restrictions were eased. Education Upgrades: PNG expands medical student facilities in Lae and pushes international links to strengthen science and technology training.