Immigration & farm labour: Australia’s Labor says farmers facing backpacker shortages should use the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme to recruit Pacific islanders and Timor-Leste workers, rejecting warnings that the new immigration changes will drive up food prices or leave fruit to rot. Regional diplomacy & business links: Solomon Islands’ high commission in New Delhi joined an investment session run by the Indian Oceania Business Association, highlighting growing Pacific participation in India-focused trade and investment forums, including Nauru. Nauru-Israel ties: Nauru (Naoero) opened its embassy in Jerusalem, with Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea framing support for Israel as rooted in faith and friendship. Pacific climate readiness: Pacific ministers and meteorological leaders renewed commitments to stronger, more integrated weather and early warning services, citing country progress in forecasting and hazard centres. Telecoms deal: Digicel agreed to sell its El Salvador operation, narrowing focus to Caribbean markets while continuing investment in connectivity and fibre. Deep-sea mining permits: The US is accelerating seabed mining licensing and permits, turning a dormant framework into a faster race for critical minerals—raising questions about how quickly approvals can move without weakening environmental review.