New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach has been elected president of the Congress after a governance deal with Eveil Océanien, giving anti-independence parties control of the key institution that sets political and budget guidelines. Maritime Security Procurement: France’s defence procurement agency has ordered 24 new coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with five earmarked for overseas territories including New Caledonia. Satellite Connectivity Trial: OPT New Caledonia says it has partnered with Lynk Global to test direct-to-device satellite SMS in Plum, where there’s no terrestrial mobile coverage, with another trial planned for end-2026. Energy Storage Expansion: Palau’s solar-plus-storage project is set to add 19.8MWh of battery capacity, lifting on-site storage to 15MWac/32.7MWh and deepening the shift away from diesel. Climate Risk Watch: The WMO warns the South-West Pacific is getting hotter and more acidic, with marine heatwaves and ocean acidification disrupting fisheries and economies, while sea-level rise threatens low-lying communities. Cyclone Season Alert: Pacific countries are urged to stay vigilant and follow daily guidance from national meteorological services as cyclone season continues. Regional Business & Innovation: Vanuatu’s Wave Makers Pacific Innovation Forum highlighted Pacific-led eco-concrete and grass-based soil stabilisation solutions, with a AU$10,000 pitch prize for an eco-concrete project. Regional Governance & Security: Australia’s Pacific security-pact push is criticised as “colonial outposts” without tangible investment, raising questions about trade-offs for island neutrality and long-term development.