Digital Finance for the Pacific: Nauru’s Trade Commissioner’s office says the Pacific Digital Assets Forum (PDAF) is launching as the region’s first platform focused on digital assets and digital finance, aiming for responsible regulation and policy talks, with a Pacific Digital Assets Report and rotating conference planned for Q4 2027 and a regulatory index to compare progress across jurisdictions. Judicial Well-being: UN-linked coverage marks 25 July as the International Day for Judicial Well-being, arguing courts need support not just for independence, but for the human strain judges carry to keep justice running. Critical Minerals Research: University of Delaware geographer Saleem Ali wins a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and energy transitions, underlining how research feeds the tech supply chain. Deep-Sea Mining Rule of Law: Greenpeace condemns the ISA extending The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc exploration contract, while UN maritime court moves keep a deep-sea mining inquiry alive under due-process rules. Health Trends: A Lancet study finds people are living longer but not healthier, with more years spent in poor health as chronic illness and disability rise. Regional Security Signals: Australia warns China’s nuclear-capable missile test is “destabilising,” with monitors saying it landed between Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu. Diplomacy Pressure in PNG: Papua New Guinea orders closure of Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, a move tied to One China policy and broader Pacific power balancing. Pacific Tech & Exploration: ALI and Purdue say the Taraia Object Expedition to search for Amelia Earhart’s plane will depart in October after Kiribati approval.