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Category: Business

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the Latrobe Valley moves away from coal jobs, could a green worker’s cooperative offer a solution?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Patmore, Emeritus Professor of Business and Labour History, University of Sydney

    Workers at Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Co-op

    Worker cooperatives may sound like something out of the 19th century, but they still exist in the age of global capitalism.

    In Spain, for instance, the Mondragon Corporation is a huge worker-run cooperative based around 95 collectives – the largest cooperative in the world.

    Worker cooperatives produce products or services. But they are run very differently. Workers can become members of the cooperative they work for by buying a share of the business. This gives them a vote in how the business is run and a share of net income, after costs have come out.

    Co-ops do not have external shareholders – the profits stay with workers. Rather than bosses deciding and workers carrying out the tasks, worker cooperatives are based on democratic principles. Big decisions are discussed and then voted on, and each member gets one vote. They offer a direct way for workers to control their production and shape the economy.

    In Australia, these models peaked in the 1980s. Most are gone, though a few older cooperatives are still running, such as Tasmanian recycling cooperative Resource Work Collective, founded in 1993.

    In recent years, there’s been renewed interest in the model. The Earthworker cooperative network focused on Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. The goal: find new types of employment and products in a coal area undergoing transition.

    Coal plants in the Latrobe Valley provided jobs for generations of workers. Their closure poses real challenges. Pictured: worker hardhats left on the fence at Hazelwood Power Station after it closed in 2017.
    Dorothy Chiron/Shutterstock

    How well does the model work?

    Mondragon is the most well-known example. Founded in 1956 in the Basque region of northern Spain, Mondragon grew and became self-sustaining. It has developed supporting institutions such as research and development companies and even a university. It also established a credit union, which attracted capital and provided loans to cooperatives.

    While Mondragon is a successful example, these organisations face a number of barriers to their survival.

    Critics have argued worker cooperatives tend to fail as workers do not understand the market for their products, but Mondragon undercuts this criticism.

    Worker cooperatives can have difficulties raising capital. Some banks can be reluctant to invest as they may lack familiarity or sympathy with the model.

    Instead, workers may put some or all of their savings into the organisation to get it started. Taking these kinds of risks means some workers may be focused on getting immediate rewards, rather than investing surplus funds or building up cash reserves.

    Workers can sometimes choose to transform a successful cooperative into a capitalist enterprise to achieve greater capital gains.

    Surprisingly, trade unions are generally hostile and suspicious of worker cooperatives. Union organisers may fear worker-owners could see little need for trade unions in representing their interests, or that cooperatives could undercut union wages and conditions to remain competitive.

    To date, worker cooperatives have had a limited impact in Australia, despite the relatively strong historical position of workers.

    Compared to member cooperatives and other types, worker’s cooperatives tend to be short lived in Australia. That’s because most were formed by workers after an industrial dispute or to maintain employment during economic downturns.

    In 1987, for instance, workers retrenched by a major communications company decided to form a co-op which became the Electronic Service Centre in Fairfield, New South Wales. A later example is Abrasiflex, a NSW company bought by workers facing retrenchment in 1993. Both cooperatives failed by the early 2000s.

    Their popularity peaked in the 1980s, when the model was promoted by state Labor governments. Policymakers saw them as a short term means to resolve unemployment, rather than a long term means to secure economic democracy.

    The model lost traction in the early 1990s due to an economic downturn, capital shortfalls and changing political circumstances.

    New energy

    The idea for Earthworker came from discussions between unionists and environmentalists over job creation and the environment. Earthworker founders were influenced by the Green Bans.

    As the project’s website states:

    Conflict can occur between environmentalists who want to shut down certain industries, and unionists who want to protect jobs […] we should work together for a “just transition” and create jobs that aren’t just better for the earth, but for workers too.

    In this respect, Earthworker has much in common with the Cleveland Model in the United States, which links green business, local economic development and fair labour practices.

    Earthworker only formally became a cooperative in 2011, though discussions date back to the late 1990s. In 2016, the network bought a hot water tank manufacturer in Morwell and began making their own tanks and solar hot water systems as the Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Co-operative. The cooperative is aimed at helping the Latrobe Valley’s transition away from coal power jobs.

    Morwell and other Latrobe Valley towns are losing coal jobs. But new industries and business models are emerging.
    AustralianCamera/Shutterstock

    Earthworker promotes the payment of trade union wage rates and conditions. The goal is to build a network of cooperatives supporting each other to build economies of scale.

    Their other cooperatives include Earthworker Construction (residential construction, landscaping and maintenance) and Earthworker Smart Energy (improving thermal efficiency and comfort in homes). These cooperatives are generally small, with 10 members or fewer.

    Another cooperative, Redgum Cleaning, closed down in 2023. It was not viable due to staff shortages, increased costs and work cancellations during the pandemic. Paying union rates in a competitive industry also assisted its demise.

    By contrast, the Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Co-operative has found a way to survive in a competitive market.

    Niche or mainstream?

    Australian worker cooperatives ensure manufacturing and services remain locally owned and controlled. Could they expand? It’s possible.

    Capital remains a major issue for Australian worker cooperatives such as Earthworker. Without capital, it’s hard to scale. Government efforts to expand domestic manufacturing often overlook this model.

    The Earthworker network points to one future for Australian worker cooperatives. Despite the failures of the past, Earthworker’s focus on building a network of sustainable businesses rather than a single cooperative is a promising path.

    Gregory Patmore has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals.

    – ref. As the Latrobe Valley moves away from coal jobs, could a green worker’s cooperative offer a solution? – https://theconversation.com/as-the-latrobe-valley-moves-away-from-coal-jobs-could-a-green-workers-cooperative-offer-a-solution-245850

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi replies to founder of Danish Chamber of Commerce in China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 15 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from the founder of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, encouraging the chamber and its member enterprises to make new contributions to enhancing China-Denmark and China-Europe friendship and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Xi expressed appreciation for the founder’s deep affection for China and the confidence of Danish enterprises in China regarding the country’s future development.

    China has been and will remain an ideal, secure and promising destination for foreign investors. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future, Xi said in the letter.

    Xi expressed his hope that the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China and its member enterprises will continue to play the role of a bridge between China and Denmark as well as China and Europe, and contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, as well as deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.

    Recently, the founder wrote to President Xi in both his personal and chamber capacities, congratulating on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark and expressing the hope to continue deepening cooperation with China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – From carbon costs to gas gaps: NZ energy sector flags rising pressures – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    New information from the World Energy Council shows affordability, carbon pricing, and demand management are the top energy concerns in New Zealand.
    The 2025 Country Issues Map is out now. The report surveyed energy leaders across the wider energy sector to get a snapshot of what keeps them awake at night, and busy during the day.
    BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) Executive Director Tina Schirr says the map paints a clear picture of the sector’s issues that still need to be addressed.
    “Affordability being the dominant concern on the 2025 map is no surprise given the strain placed on the electricity sector during last year’s dry winter, and the compounding issue of reduced gas availability.”
    Carbon pricing ranks high on the uncertainty list, reflecting instability in the Emissions Trading Scheme, an oversupply of New Zealand Units, and investor hesitancy.
    Schirr says gas users will continue to face difficulties accessing viable alternatives.
    “However, there is growing acknowledgement that grid-scale storage and demand response measures can help reduce supply risks, especially during dry years.
    “How New Zealand manages the energy trilemma – balancing security, sustainability, and equity – has become an increasing area of concern in these reports. Uncertainty over gas reliability is now a key threat to security of supply and affecting affordability across the wider industry.”
    Schirr says that over the years, a major blind spot for New Zealand remains unchanged – community engagement.
    “Engagement and energy literacy continue to rank low for both uncertainty and impact, despite their importance in building lasting public support for energy transitions.
    “On the bright side, infrastructure concerns that dominated previous years have eased somewhat, but transmission grids and long-term planning remain high-priority actions. New Zealand also retains its position as a global energy innovator.
    “lastly, the report reinforces that our abundant renewable energy resources and strong public-private position on collaboration will serve us well for energy transition to come.”
    To read the full BEC commentary and view the New Zealand 2025 issues map visit https://bec.org.nz/tools/issues-maps/
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts and Legal Action – PSA takes more legal action to stop the Govt cutting health further

    Source: PSA

    The PSA is taking Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to the Employment Relations Authority to stop another round of job cuts to key teams that support frontline health services.
    The litigation covers the proposed restructures of Audit, Assurance and Risk, People and Culture, Finance, and Communications and Engagement.
    “These are damaging cuts of key teams which support the frontline – if they go ahead this will further undermine our health system and so patient care,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is all because the Government has made a choice to cut taxes and underfund the health system – New Zealanders deserve better.”
    Significant jobs are at stake. For example Health NZ is is proposing to cut 338 People and Culture roles – a net reduction of 21% of the team – at a time when it is struggling to recruit people to staff hospitals and elsewhere.
    Health NZ also plans to cut one in four roles at its Audit Assurance and Risk team which ensures some $12 billion of annual funding of the primary health care sector is paid out correctly and not subject to fraud.
    “Our view is the restructures have been handled badly by the Government. It has ignored obligations under collective agreements to properly consult with the union and members. It’s required to work with those impacted on the design of new structures and not impose them in the way it has.
    “In particular, roles can’t simply be disestablished without considering alternatives like re-deploying impacted staff, re-training for other positions or reducing roles through attrition.”
    The PSA has so far succeeded in reducing cuts to other teams including Data and Digital and Pacific Healthafter filing litigation with the Authority.
    The Authority has also ordered mediation in relation to the PSA’s litigation over the proposed restructuring of two other teams – Procurement and Supply Chain and Planning, Funding and Outcomes – Service Improvement and Innovations.
    “The PSA remains strongly opposed to all job cuts at Health NZ which are being rushed through regardless of their impacts on frontline health services. It’s all about saving money in the short term, not supporting our health system.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Sensex, Nifty open lower on mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s benchmark indices opened in the red on Thursday, with selling pressure seen in heavyweight stocks such as Power Grid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Sun Pharma.

    At 9:26 am, the Sensex was down 208 points or 0.26 per cent at 81,122, while the Nifty declined by 54 points or 0.22 per cent to 24,612.

    Buying was seen across midcap and smallcap stocks. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was up 169 points or 0.30 per cent at 56,306, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index rose 96 points or 0.56 per cent to 17,243.

    On the sectoral front, auto, PSU bank, metal, media, infra and commodities were major gainers. Conversely, IT, FMCG, realty and energy sectors were the main losers.

    In the Sensex pack, Adani Ports, Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement and Bajaj Finance were major gainers. Power Grid, IndusInd Bank, Sun Pharma, Infosys, Eternal (Zomato), and Axis Bank were major losers.

    Most Asian markets were trading in the red. Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Seoul were among the major losers, while Jakarta was in the green.

    Meanwhile, the US market closed mixed on Wednesday. The Dow Jones fell 0.21 per cent, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.72 per cent.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of equities worth ₹931 crore on May 14, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased equities worth ₹316 crore.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI: Instant Withdrawal Casinos UK: Aztec Paradise Picked as The Fastest in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This article is for general information and promotional purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we aim for accuracy, we can’t guarantee everything is up-to-date or complete. Please double-check details before acting. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission at no extra cost to you, but this doesn’t affect our content or opinions. Online gambling is for adults of legal age (typically 19+) and carries financial risk. Play responsibly and seek help if needed. Brand names mentioned belong to their respective owners. By reading this, you accept full responsibility for how you use the information.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82bbc6ce-845b-4aeb-b527-49f15365c0ef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 15, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 5,198
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 5,198
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/326

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s first RRR cut for financial institutions in 2025 comes into effect

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — A 0.5 percentage point reduction in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for eligible financial institutions took effect on Thursday, which is expected to provide about 1 trillion yuan (about 139 billion U.S. dollars) of long-term liquidity to the financial market.

    Last week, the People’s Bank of China (the central bank of China) announced it was prepared to cut the RRR, which was the first such move since the beginning of this year.

    The RRR cut is one of a host of support measures, which also include interest rate cuts and increased financial support through additional lending, recently announced by monetary and financial authorities as the world’s second-largest economy steps up efforts to stabilize markets and support the economic recovery amid challenges to the external environment.

    In addition, starting Thursday, the reserve requirement for companies engaged in auto finance and financial leasing fell to zero from the previous 5 percent, effectively increasing their credit supply in these sectors. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Ethereum Casinos: JACKBIT Listed As Top ETH Casino Site For Fast Payouts And Instant Withdrawal!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    <<>>

    Community Engagement

    JACKBIT fosters a vibrant community through:

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    Exploring JACKBIT’s Game Categories in Depth

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    The Future of Ethereum Casino Gaming with JACKBIT

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    Conclusion: JACKBIT – The Best Ethereum Casino

    JACKBIT’s unique blend of no-KYC gaming, instant Ethereum payouts, and a vast game library makes it unmatched. Its player-centric features, from generous bonuses to robust security, ensure a rewarding and safe experience. The Curacao license, backed by transparency and responsible gambling tools, builds trust among players seeking the best Ethereum gambling site.

    As a relatively new platform, JACKBIT has quickly established itself as an innovator, offering a seamless experience for casual players and high rollers alike. Its global accessibility and vibrant community make it the best Ethereum casino for 2025 and beyond.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Ethereum Casinos

    1. Can I play at JACKBIT without verifying my identity?

    Yes, JACKBIT supports anonymous crypto gaming with no mandatory KYC for most withdrawals, ensuring full privacy.

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    Absolutely. New players can instantly claim crypto welcome bonuses upon their first deposit.

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    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, with no warranties as to accuracy or completeness. Users must verify information before acting.

    Online gambling involves risks and is not suitable for everyone. Confirm you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling; participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for losses or disputes.

    This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content, but our reviews remain unbiased. Always conduct your own research before signing up.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0bff779d-ad87-4c32-bd23-8d6d659a19bb

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d09554fd-d795-47f1-93cf-23bf653e508f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/afc0ff34-13cc-49c8-a49c-0bf8a71c2277

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DNO Reports Solid First Quarter Results; Prepares Deeper Dive into Norwegian Waters

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 15 May 2025 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today reported first quarter 2025 operating profit of USD 28 million on the back of USD 188 million in revenues, both showing a quarter-on-quarter increase.

    In a quarter marked by the announcement of its transformative USD 1.6 billion acquisition of Norway’s Sval Energi Group AS, DNO continued to deliver strong operational performance. Net production rose eight percent to 84,200 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), to which Kurdistan contributed 61,600 boepd, North Sea 19,300 boepd and West Africa 3,400 boepd.

    In the flagship Kurdistan Tawke license (DNO 75 percent and operator), production increased 11 percent quarter-on-quarter. Continuing strict capital discipline since the closure of the Iraq-Türkiye export pipeline, the Company stabilized, even raised, production from existing wells through rigless interventions. Output from similar reservoirs typically decline 15-20 percent per year.

    DNO’s share of oil production was sold at its Fish Khabur terminal to local buyers at USD 35 per barrel with payments made in advance. Tawke license sales averaged USD 20 million net to DNO per month, generating around USD 10 million of free cash flow.

    “In Kurdistan we are doing a remarkable job keeping up production with minimal investment,” said DNO Executive Chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani. “If a Norwegian company can accomplish this in the Middle East, we should replicate such efficiencies on our home surf whether we operate the permits or not”, he observed. “As we prepare to close the Sval acquisition around midyear,” Mr. Mossavar-Rahmani added, “DNO will pivot hard to the Anglo-Saxon culture of the early years of the Norwegian oil industry: faster, cheaper, better.”

    The Company kept up its successful exploration pace offshore Norway with two discoveries in the last quarter, Kjøttkake (40 percent and operator) and Mistral (10 percent), together adding recoverable resources of 26 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) net to the Company.

    When the Sval acquisition is closed, DNO’s North Sea proven and probable (2P) reserves will quadruple to 189 MMboe and 2C resources climb to 246 MMboe from 144 MMboe, all on a yearend 2024 basis. North Sea production also quadruples to 80,000 boepd. The acquisition turns the North Sea into the biggest contributor to DNO’s net production with some 60 percent of the total and DNO will rank in top ten among producers in Norway.

    Following the Sval announcement in early March, the Company completed a USD 600 million bond placement a week later, DNO’s 20th successful bond issue in 24 years.

    On the back of the bond issue, DNO exited the quarter with cash deposits of USD 1,473 million. However, deposits were reduced following the end of the quarter by the early redemption of the DNO04 bond (outstanding amount of USD 350 million) in April.

    Given the continuing operational performance and strength of the balance sheet, the Board of Directors has authorized a dividend payment of NOK 0.3125 per share payable in June, representing NOK 1.25 per share on an annualized basis.

    A videoconference call with executive management is scheduled today at 14:00 (CET). To access the call, please visit www.dno.no.

    Key figures

      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Full-Year 2024
    Gross operated production (boepd) 90,945 80,765 80,280
    Net production (boepd) 84,232 77,646 77,269
    Revenues (USD million) 188 177 667
    Operating profit/-loss (USD million) 28 -82 6
    Net profit/-loss (USD million) -4 -98 -27
    Free cash flow (USD million) -19 -5 59
    Net cash/-debt (USD million) 43 99 99

    –

    For further information, please contact:
    Media: media@dno.no
    Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

    –

    DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire and Yemen. More information is available at www.dno.no

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KBC Group: First-quarter result of 546 million euros

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)


    KBC Group – overview (consolidated, IFRS)    		 1Q2025 4Q2024 1Q2024
    Net result (in millions of EUR) 546 1 116 506
    Basic earnings per share (in EUR) 1.32 2.75 1.18
    Breakdown of the net result by business unit (in millions of EUR)      
    Belgium 281 487 243
    Czech Republic 207 238 197
    International Markets 135 175 146
    Group Centre -77 215 -80
    Parent shareholders’ equity per share (in EUR, end of period) 58.8 56.6 54.9

    ‘We recorded a net profit of 546 million euros in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the result of the previous quarter, our total income benefited from several factors, including increased insurance revenues, trading and fair value income and net other income, while net interest income and net fee and commission income were slightly down as a result of seasonality and some positive year-end effects in the fourth quarter of 2024.
    Our loan portfolio continued to expand, increasing by 2% quarter-on-quarter and by 7% year-on-year. Customer deposits – excluding volatile, low-margin short-term deposits at KBC Bank’s foreign branches – were stable quarter-on-quarter (with a shift from term deposits to savings accounts) and up 7% year-on-year.
    Operating expenses were up, since the bulk of the bank and insurance taxes for the full year are recorded – as usual – in the first quarter. Disregarding bank and insurance taxes, operating expenses fell by 8% quarter-on-quarter. Insurance service expenses also fell, as did loan loss impairment charges, resulting in a very favourable credit cost ratio of just 8 basis points for the quarter under review (16 basis points excluding the changes in the reserve for geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties).
    Our solvency position remained strong, with an unfloored fully loaded common equity ratio under Basel IV of 14.5% at the end of March 2025. Our liquidity position remained very solid too, as illustrated by an LCR of 157% and NSFR of 140%.

    On 8 May 2025, we paid a final dividend of 3.15 euros per share, bringing the total dividend for full-year 2024 to 4.85 euros per share. We also updated our dividend and capital deployment policy. As from 2025, we will pay a dividend of between 50% and 65% of our consolidated result, 1 euro of which will be paid in November as an interim dividend. We aim to remain amongst the better capitalised financial institutions in Europe. Each year, when announcing the full-year results, our Board will take a decision – at its discretion – on capital deployment. The focus will predominantly be on further organic growth alongside mergers and acquisitions. We see a 13% unfloored fully loaded common equity ratio as the minimum.

    Furthermore, KBC reached an agreement to acquire 98.45% of 365.bank in Slovakia based on a total value for 365.bank of 761 million euros. This investment will allow us to further strengthen our position in the Slovak market while closing the gap with the top three players in the banking sector. 365.bank is a retail-focused bank with subsidiaries in asset management and consumer finance and is very complementary to the business of KBC’s existing Slovak subsidiary ČSOB, leading to significant cost, revenue (cross-selling) and funding synergies. KBC will particularly strengthen its reach in retail banking as well as benefit from access to the unique client base and distribution network of 365.bank and its exclusive partnership with Slovak Post. Closure of the deal is subject to regulatory approval and will reduce our unfloored fully loaded common equity ratio by approximately 50 basis points upon closing, which is expected by the end of this year.

    Recent weeks have been characterised by unprecedented macro-economic (trade) uncertainty as a result of the US policy on trade tariffs and its repercussions on the financial markets. Nevertheless, we confirm our short-term and long-term financial guidance. Last but not least, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude towards our customers, employees, shareholders and all other stakeholders for their continued trust in our group.

    JohanThijs
    Chief Executive Office

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Melexis Appoints Two New Directors to Its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tessenderlo-Ham, Belgium – May 15, 2025

    Melexis NV (Euronext Brussels: MELE), a global supplier of micro-electronic semiconductor solutions, announces the appointment of two new members to the board of directors following the approval by the annual shareholders’ meeting held on May 13, 2025. The announcement of Ms. Ling Qi and Mr. Kazuhiro Takenaka underlines Melexis’ focused ambitions in the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC).

    Ms. Ling Qi has more than 20 years of international business management experience. Currently, she is CEO of two multimedia and animation film companies. Alongside this, she has been consulting for foreign invested companies in China, has extensive experience in the semiconductor industry as a board member for a European headquartered wafer foundry, and has served as a director of a Belgian private bank. Ms. Ling Qi holds a degree in international trade and English from the University of Liaoning, and obtained a certificate of Dutch at University of Antwerp.

    Mr. Kazuhiro Takenaka has a successful career of over 45 years in the semiconductor and electronics engineering industry in renowned companies such as Nissan Motor and Seiko Epson. In his role at Seiko Epson, Mr. Takenaka has also collaborated extensively with international stakeholders, working on partnerships with US companies and building relationships in markets across Europe, Asia, and the USA. He brings valuable insights and a diverse perspective to the Board, particularly in markets beyond automotive.

    This announcement brings the number of board members to seven with Ms. Françoise Chombar serving as chairwoman of the Board of Directors. The new board members will serve for a term of four years starting today and ending immediately after the annual shareholders’ meeting for the financial year ending on December 31, 2028. In addition to the two appointments of new directors, all other resolutions including the reappointment of two directors and the final dividend were approved by a clear majority of shareholders.

    Speaking about the appointments of two new directors, Ms. Chombar commented: “The Asia-Pacific area accounts for over 60% of Melexis’ total sales, with Greater China contributing nearly half of that. With the announcement of Ms. Ling Qi and Mr. Kazuhiro Takenaka, we welcome two highly experienced Asian business leaders whose insights and advice will be invaluable to Melexis implementing its strategic roadmap.”

    Please follow the link below to view Melexis’s latest annual report, which contains detailed information on its current business operations and strategic initiatives.

    About Melexis
    Melexis designs, develops, and delivers edge sensor and driver solutions with a heart for people and the planet. Its mission is to empower engineers to turn their ideas into applications that support the best imaginable future, one that is safe, comfortable, and sustainable.
    Melexis specializes in powertrain, thermal management, lighting, e-brake, e-steering, and battery solutions for the automotive sector. It also expands its presence in the emerging markets of a sustainable world, alternative mobility, robotics, and digital health.
    Founded in 1989 in Belgium, Melexis has grown to employ over 2,000 people in 12 countries, delivering cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide.
    For more information, visit www.melexis.com or follow Melexis on LinkedIn, and YouTube.
    Investors Contact:
    Philip Ludwig
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel: +32 499 41 88 91
    E-mail: plu@melexis.com 

    Media Contact:
    Tom Meynendonckx
    Corporate Communications Director
    Tel: +32 476 29 92 42
    E-mail: otm@melexis.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SBM Offshore First Quarter 2025 Trading Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, May 15, 2025

    Highlights

    • Year-to-date Directional1 revenue of US$1,103 million, up 27% versus 1Q 2024
    • Full year 2025 Directional revenue and EBITDA guidance maintained
    • Cash dividend of EUR150 million (equivalent to EUR0.8606 per ordinary share) paid on May 6, 2025
    • EUR141 million share repurchase program on track, c. 6.75% completed2
    • First oil for FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, FPSOs Alexandre de Gusmão & ONE GUYANA on track for first oil
    • Strategic Collaboration Agreement signed with Microsoft to develop carbon-free floating power solutions
    • Completion of the US$400 million sale and leaseback transaction for FPSO Cidade de Paraty
    • Refinancing and increase to US$1.1 billion of the unsecured revolving credit facility

    Øivind Tangen, CEO of SBM Offshore, commented:

    “Our first quarter results, along with our full year Directional revenue and EBITDA guidance, highlight the Company’s strong performance across all segments. They also demonstrate the resilience of our business model and our ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty with confidence.

    Our pro-forma Directional backlog of US$35.1 billion3 is backed by firm contracts from premium clients with inflation protection. From this we expect to generate US$9.5 billion3. We paid a cash dividend of EUR150 million in May and commenced our latest share buyback program of EUR141 million. We continue to expect that we will deliver a minimum US$1.7 billion cash return to shareholders up to 20304.

    We are on track to deliver three major vessels this year: FPSO Almirante Tamandaré achieved first oil in February 2025; FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão is progressing to achieve first oil around mid-year, while FPSO ONE GUYANA has arrived safely in Guyana. And we are set to be able to offer a near zero market-ready FPSO by the end of 2025.

    The fundamentals for deepwater developments, with low break-even costs and low emission intensity remain strong. Our Fast4Ward® program and lifecycle approach mean that we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the strong outlook for new developments.

    Building on our ocean infrastructure expertise and capabilities, with the objective of diversifying our product offering in promising markets, we recently signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Microsoft to develop standardized carbon-free floating power solutions.

    We have demonstrated our ability to access diversified sources of financing through the successful completion in April of the US$400 million sale and leaseback transaction for FPSO Cidade de Paraty. Reflecting the strong support for the Company’s strategy, we have successfully refinanced and increased to US$1.1 billion our unsecured revolving credit facility.

    We are confident in our ocean infrastructure experience and the expert capabilities of our teams. Our strategy delivers and it pays.”

    Financial Overview5

        YTD Directional
             
    in US$ million   1Q 2025 1Q 2024 % Change
    Directional Revenue   1,103 871 27%
    Directional Lease and Operate   476 554 -14%
    Directional Turnkey   627 316 98%
             
    in US$ billion   Mar-31-25 Dec-31-24 % Change
    Directional Net Debt    5.7 5.7 0%

    Directional revenue increased by 27% to US$1,103 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with US$871 million in the same period last year, driven by the Turnkey segment.

    Year-to-date Directional Turnkey revenue stood at US$627 million, a 98% improvement compared with US$316 million in the same period last year. This increase mainly reflects the progress on FPSO GranMorgu and FPSO Jaguar, booked under the sale and operate model.

    Directional Lease and Operate revenue amounted to US$476 million in the first quarter of 2025, below the US$554 million booked in the same period last year reflecting (i) the sale in 4Q 2024 of FPSOs Prosperity and Liza Destiny, partially offset by (ii) higher reimbursable scope and (iii) FPSO Almirante Tamandaré joining the fleet in February 2025.

    Directional net debt is stable and stood at US$5,663 million for the period ending 1Q 2025.

    Project Review and Fleet Operational Update

    Driven by execution excellence, the Company is on track to bring three FPSOs into operation in 2025 with FPSO Almirante Tamandaré formally on hire as of February 16, 2025, FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão preparing for first oil and FPSO ONE GUYANA targeting first oil in the third quarter of 2025.

    FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão – In March 2025, the FPSO arrived safely at its location in Brazil. The FPSO hook-up and installation has been completed. First oil is expected around mid-2025.

    FPSO ONE GUYANA – The vessel arrived safely in Guyana and the installation and hook-up campaign is progressing. First oil is targeted for the third quarter of 2025.

    FPSO Jaguar – The Fast4Ward® MPF hull has been delivered. The topside modules’ fabrication progress is as per plan. First oil is expected in 2027.

    FSO Trion – The engineering and procurement progress is as per plan. The fabrication of the Disconnectable Turret Mooring system has started.

    FPSO GranMorgu – The Fast4Ward® MPF hull has been delivered. The commencement of the topside modules fabrication is planned for the second half of the year.

    Fast4Ward®MPF hulls – Under the Company’s successful Fast4Ward® program, ten MPF hulls have been ordered. Four Fast4Ward® MPF hulls are in operation, another four delivered and allocated to projects under construction and two are under construction to support active discussions with clients driven by the strong FPSO market outlook.

    Fleet Uptime – Year-to-date, the fleet’s uptime was 99.5%, in line with historical performance.

    Safety 

    Safety – There were zero Fatalities or Permanent Impairment Injuries in the first quarter of 2025, within the full year target of zero.

    Blue Economy

    Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Microsoft – SBM Offshore signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Microsoft in March 2025. This partnership’s objective is to develop standardized, scalable, AI-powered Ocean Infrastructure in the growing market of floating power solutions providing carbon-free electricity. The first phase of this collaboration will focus on deploying floating gas-to-power solutions with integrated carbon capture and storage in the UK and Norway, leveraging SBM Offshore’s collaboration with Norwegian company Ocean-Power AS.

    Near Zero Emission FPSO – In line with the Company’s strategy to decarbonize traditional energy production, an important milestone has been reached in the emissionZERO® road map, which aims at proposing a near zero FPSO to the market by the end of 2025. Reflecting the Company’s solid progress, SBM Offshore has received an “Approval in Principle” from the American Bureau of Shipping for its near zero FPSO design.

    Shareholder Returns

    On April 9, 2025 shareholders of the Company voted in favor of the proposed EUR150 million cash dividend. This resulted in a dividend distribution of EUR0.8606 per ordinary share. The dividend has been paid on May 6, 2025 to all shareholders of record as at April 14, 2025.

    The Company started a new program of EUR141 million as announced on February 20, 2025 and effective from April 24, 2025. The program is progressing and was c. 6.75% completed on May 14, 2025.

    On this basis a minimum US$1.7 billion cash return to shareholders is expected up to 20304.

    Guidance

    The Company’s 2025 Directional revenue guidance is maintained at above US$4.9 billion of which above US$2.2 billion is expected from the Lease and Operate segment and around US$2.7 billion from the Turnkey segment.

    2025 Directional EBITDA guidance is maintained at around US$1.55 billion for the Company.

    Conference Call

    SBM Offshore has scheduled a conference call, which will be followed by a Q&A session, to discuss the First Quarter 2025 Trading Update.

    The event is scheduled for Thursday May 15, 2025, at 10.00 AM (CEST) and will be hosted by Øivind Tangen (CEO) and Douglas Wood (CFO).

    Interested parties are invited to register prior the call using the link: First Quarter 2025 Trading Update

    Please note that the conference call can only be accessed with a personal identification code, which is sent to you by email after completion of the registration.

    Corporate Profile

    SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy.

    More than 7,800 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

    Financial Calendar   Date Year
    Half Year 2025 Earnings   August 7 2025
    Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update   November 13 2025
    Full Year 2025 Earnings   February 26 2026
    Annual General Meeting   April 15 2026
    First Quarter 2026 Trading Update   May 7 2026

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations

    Wouter Holties
    Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

    Media Relations

    Giampaolo Arghittu
    Head of External Relations

    Market Abuse Regulation
    This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Disclaimer
    Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and / or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impacts, Risks and Opportunities’ section of the 2024 Annual Report.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

    This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the 2024 Annual Report, available on our website Annual Reports – SBM Offshore.

    Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

    “SBM Offshore®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward®”, “emissionZERO®” and “F4W®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

    1 Directional reporting, presented in the Financial Statements under section Operating Segments and Directional Reporting, represents a pro-forma accounting policy, which treats all lease contracts as operating leases and consolidates all co-owned investees related to lease contracts on a proportional basis based on percentage of ownership. This explanatory note relates to all Directional reporting in this document.
    2 As of May 14, 2025.
    3 As of December 31, 2024.
    4 Including cash returned to shareholders in 2025.

    5 Numbers may not add up due to rounding.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

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    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

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    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78181f9b-d489-44f2-8d78-ff15563403a7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e860d5f7-68bd-427d-b678-c38a92e20bac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83724787-a980-4bfc-9e83-3f3227b398c9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: J&T Finance Group and KBC announce strategic acquisition of 365.bank by KBC, expanding its presence in Slovakia and Central and Eastern Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On May 14, J&T Finance Group SE, based in the Czech Republic and the majority shareholder of 365.bank a.s. and KBC Bank NV reached an agreement for KBC to acquire a 98.45% stake in 365.bank (in cash), based on a total value for 365.bank of EUR 761 million. The transaction is subject to relevant regulatory and anti-trust approvals and is expected to close by the end of this year.

    365.bank, a commercial bank in Slovakia, holds a 3.7% market share by assets as of December 20241 with a notable strength in retail banking. Acquiring 365.bank would strengthen KBC in Slovakia ensuring KBC’s reference status across all Central and Eastern European countries of presence.

    The transaction price represents a 1.4x multiple of the December 2024 book value of 365.bank and a 9.4x P/E based on the average net profit of 365.bank from 2022 to 2024. The transaction price is subject to limited closing adjustments. This transaction price accurately reflects the quality of 365.bank, including its client base, employee professionalism, profitability, and potential synergies. The acquisition will have a limited impact on KBC’s capital position (approximately -50 basis points on KBC’s unfloored fully loaded CET-1 ratio) upon closing, which remains very solid keeping KBC’s CET1 ratio well above regulatory minimum capital requirements. 

    Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory and anti-trust approval and is expected by the end of 2025.  

    Pending such approval of the closure of the deal and the post-completion integration of the entities into KBC’s Slovakian operations, 365.bank will continue to honour its commitments to the market while continuing to provide professional service of the highest quality to its customers.

    The combination of ČSOB and 365.bank will establish a strong banking group in Slovakia, whereby 365.bank’s unique distribution model, supported by its long-standing partnership with Slovak Post, will allow KBC to significantly expand ČSOB’s customers reach across Slovakia. The acquisition of 365.bank will boost the scale of mainly retail operations, commanding (as of December 2024) an approximately 20% market share in both net retail loans and mortgages1.

    Based on the group bank-insurance model, other entities of the ČSOB Financial Group, will also benefit from the acquisition through the cross-selling of products and services to 365.bank’s retail customer base.

    Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, said: “Our goal has always been and remains to strengthen our presence in Central and Eastern Europe. In Slovakia, which is one of our key markets, KBC has been growing steadily through both organic growth and acquisitions over the last 20 years. We are known for being innovative and stable, and we aim to provide our customers with safe, reliable, and personalized financial services. Today, we are proud to announce the acquisition of 365.bank in Slovakia. Through this acquisition, we strengthen our geographical diversification, we continue to build market leadership in Slovakia and boost our profitability. By combining our local ČSOB entities with 365.bank, we can offer even better customer service with innovative products and digital solutions alongside personalized service. We look forward to building the future for our customers and employees in Slovakia.”

    Peter Andronov, CEO of KBC Group’s International Markets Business Unit added: “In Slovakia, much like in other CEE countries where KBC is present, we are actively exploring sizeable synergies and integrated operations of our various financial entities. We cooperate actively and systematically within the region and the group, allowing our Slovak team to implement the best practices, technologies, and processes for our customers’ benefit. We are looking forward anxiously to welcome the customers and staff of 365.bank to the big family of KBC Group soon.”

    Daniel Kollár, CEO of ČSOB Bank Slovakia and country manager noted: “It is not so long ago that we merged with OTP Bank Slovakia and less than two decades ago with Istrobanka. This, the third bank acquisition in a row, means for us a future join with a significant player that is largely shaping the Slovak banking market with an emphasis on customer orientation and innovative solutions. This is fully in line with our strategy of bringing solutions with the goal of being relevant to the everyday lives of customers in the digital era. I am glad that we will be able to introduce our smart world to an even wider group of customers and today is a day that underlines our efforts. I am convinced that a combination of ČSOB and 365.bank will benefit not only the customers of both companies but will also bring an opportunity for colleagues from both companies to participate in the successful projects that are ahead of us.”

    Patrik Tkáč, co-founder of J&T Finance Group SE, the majority shareholder of 365.bank, states:
     “Since 2013, when 365.bank (formerly Postal bank) became part of our banking group, it has undergone a significant transformation. Today, it stands as a stable, fully digital, and modern retail bank with an irreplaceable position in the Slovak market. We hold deep appreciation for all of its employees and clients, which is why the future of the bank remains of the utmost importance to us. ČSOB Bank and its parent company, KBC Group, are our long-standing and trusted business partners. For this reason, I am confident that we are passing the bank into the right hands. I firmly believe that the sale of 365.bank will, in time, be well understood in the context of JTFG Group’s substantial development plans.“ 

    Andrej Zaťko, CEO and co-owner of 365.bank, adds: “365.bank and Postal bank carry with them a legacy of both deep history and modern transformation. This is a story of change and renewal within the banking sector—one that is truly without precedent in our region—and it is only natural that it attracted the attention of international investors. Since its inception, 365.bank has quickly emerged as a true challenger in the Slovak banking market. Today, the bank is delivering the strongest results in its history and continues on a growth trajectory. Throughout this period, we have brought fresh energy into the market, led important innovations, and helped intensify competition—enabling our clients to benefit from attractive products and services. The acquisition by KBC Group opens up a new horizon of opportunities for the bank and its clients, backed by a robust and experienced shareholder base.”

    About 365.bank
    365.bank is a retail-exposed bank with strong financial profile and a unique distribution network. 365.bank is a commercial bank with full range of products and particularly strong focus on retail customers.
    365.bank was first introduced in 2018 as fully digital bank and in 2021 it was combined with Postal bank, taking over its portfolios and branches throughout Slovakia.
    Currently, bank operates as a universal bank offering wide range of services and products to individuals as well as for corporates under two brands (365.bank and Postal bank) with different distribution models and client base for both operations. 365.bank is digital bank that caters to younger, urban mass/affluent segment, focusing on digital banking via mobile and online platforms, serving as the primary channel for new client acquisition. Postal bank targets mass and low mass customer segments in all towns with over 1,500 residents and benefits from long-standing cooperation with Slovak Post to distribute banking products through >1,400 points of sale in total.
    As of Dec-24, 365.bank had total assets of €4.7bn and shareholders’ equity of €551mm, as well as a headcount of 1,292 employees, serving ~830k customers via 57 branches of 365.bank, 105 sales points of Postal bank in Slovak Post branches  and >1,300 sales points in each branch of Slovak Post.

    About KBC’s presence in Slovakia
    Belgium-based KBC Bank NV is the parent company and sole shareholder of Československá obchodná banka (ČSOB). ČSOB is a leading Slovak bank boasting over 50 years of tradition. It is one of the most significant and strongest banking entities on the Slovak market. As a universal bank, it provides services to all customer segments, i.e.  retail, the self-employed, SMEs, corporate customers, as well as institutional and private clients. The bank is a member of the ČSOB Financial group, which also includes ČSOB Leasing, ČSOB Advisory, ČSOB Real, and ČSOB Nadácia (foundation). ČSOB Poisťovňa (insurance company) is an affiliate of ČSOB.
    The acquisition of 365.bank aligns with KBC’s strategic focus on both organic and inorganic growth in Slovakia, as evidenced by the acquisition of Slovak OTP Bank in 2021.  

    About J&T Group
    The J&T Finance Group focuses on providing comprehensive services related to private banking, retail banking, asset management for private clients and institutions, investment banking and project financing. It also provides services in the areas of administration, human resources, accounting, consolidation and tax consultancy. It develops its services primarily in the markets of the Czech and Slovak Republics, Croatia and Germany. More information at www.jtfg.com

    For more information, please contact:

    Kurt De Baenst, General Manager, Investor Relations, KBC Group
    Tel. + 32 2 429 35 73  – IR4U@kbc.be

    Katleen Dewaele, General Manager, Corporate Communications, KBC Group
    Tel. +32 475 78 08 66 – pressofficekbc@kbc.be

    1 Source: Company information, National bank of Slovakia

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Dishevelled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Grace Russell, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University

    Madman Entertainment

    Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “Nouveau Shamanic” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the character’s impulses. This allows for the wild, unpredictable outbursts his characters are known for.

    Cage films are also usually about masculinity: its worst excesses, the parameters restricting it, and what ennobling versions of it might look like.

    The Surfer, a new Australian feature film from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, leans right into masculinity as a theme.

    Our unnamed protagonist (Cage) is returning to his former Australian home from the United States. He is newly divorced, and trying to buy a beachside property to win back his family.

    He takes his teenage son (Finn Little) for a surf near the property, but they are run off by an unfriendly pack of locals.

    Returning alone to the beachside car park to make some calls, he is besieged there over the next several days by the same gang. They are led by a terrifying middle-aged Andrew Tate-esque influencer, Scally (Julian McMahon), who runs the beach like a combination of a frat bro party and wellness retreat.

    The protagonist’s fast descent into dishevelled, dehydrated delirium as the group’s hazing escalates, fuels much of the first two acts.

    Fish out of water

    It is impossible to think of an actor other than Cage who could make a character like this so enjoyable to watch.

    From the first moments, he seems pathetic: giving his uninterested teenage son metaphorical speeches about surfing, losing arguments on the phone with his broker and real estate agent, reeking of pomposity and desperation.

    The sense of a man out of his depth is compounded by his Americanness contrasting with the particular brand of Australian masculinity the locals display. Both types are brash and entitled, but with entirely different ways of expressing it.

    This is a man out of his depth.
    Madman Entertainment

    Cage’s distinctively American confidence has no resistance to the terrifying switches of Australian masculinity from friendly to teasing to violent.

    “Don’t live here, don’t surf here,” they hiss at him on first meeting, forcing him to retreat, cowed, to the car park, where he remains for most of the rest of the film.

    The wide-open and the claustrophobic

    What a stroke of genius it is to use this single location.

    Filmed in Yallingup, Western Australia, The Surfer beautifully captures the natural surroundings, stunning views and shimmering heat of Australian coastal summer.

    At the same time, a confined, interstitial semi-urban feature like a beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting. The only amenities are an overpriced coffee cart, ancient payphone and a dingy toilet block.

    The beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting.
    Madman Entertainment

    As a film setting, it is both a spectacular wide-open vista and stiflingly claustrophobic – a perfect mechanism for The Surfer’s psychological horror.

    It must have been attractive in getting the script funded as well. With such an affordable location, more of the budget would have been freed up for a big name like Cage.

    A modern Wake in Fright

    With its oppressive setting, overexposed orange and yellow light and grade, and a sweaty spiral into madness, The Surfer invites comparisons to Wake in Fright, Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 brutal depiction of Australian men and their drinking culture.

    Both take place at Christmas and feature an antagonist who enjoys confidently explaining their dubious moral worldview to everyone. However, Wake in Fright’s horror lingers because we know the culture remains even after the hero escapes it. The Surfer struggles a little more in landing the ending.

    The film’s depiction of masculinity echoes Wake In Fright.
    Madman Entertainment

    For the mean, violent, misogynistic villains to be defeated, it would be unsatisfying for Cage to stoop to their level. This means – without spoiling too much – Cage remains an oddly passive character throughout the film, while others perform the avenging actions.

    The only way the protagonist’s masculinity can be resurrected as upright, ethical and empowering is for the character to literally turn his back on the vengeance we’ve been waiting for him to deliver.

    It’s not that the film has an inarticulate grasp of its own politics, but more that the otherwise terrific script by Thomas Martin feels written into a difficult corner.

    A blast along the way

    I don’t want to imply that this ending means The Surfer isn’t an absolute blast along the way. A lot of the fun is in anticipating each dreadful humiliation – and it somehow turning out worse than you could have expected.

    A spilled coffee leads to drinking recycled wastewater which leads to chewing on a dead rat, and we still haven’t reached the lowest rung on the ladder of indignities that Cage’s character suffers.

    In less skilled hands this could feel nasty or gross, but the hallucinatory quality of Finnegan’s direction makes it feel almost sublime. And Cage’s pleading, groaning, sobbing and gibbering feel believable and relatable.

    The pathos works – and it’s pretty funny too.

    The Surfer is in cinemas from today and streaming on Stan from June 15.

    Grace Russell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Dishevelled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast – https://theconversation.com/dishevelled-dehydrated-delirium-new-aussie-film-the-surfer-starring-nicolas-cage-is-an-absolute-blast-254580

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dishevelled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace Russell, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University

    Madman Entertainment

    Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “Nouveau Shamanic” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the character’s impulses. This allows for the wild, unpredictable outbursts his characters are known for.

    Cage films are also usually about masculinity: its worst excesses, the parameters restricting it, and what ennobling versions of it might look like.

    The Surfer, a new Australian feature film from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, leans right into masculinity as a theme.

    Our unnamed protagonist (Cage) is returning to his former Australian home from the United States. He is newly divorced, and trying to buy a beachside property to win back his family.

    He takes his teenage son (Finn Little) for a surf near the property, but they are run off by an unfriendly pack of locals.

    Returning alone to the beachside car park to make some calls, he is besieged there over the next several days by the same gang. They are led by a terrifying middle-aged Andrew Tate-esque influencer, Scally (Julian McMahon), who runs the beach like a combination of a frat bro party and wellness retreat.

    The protagonist’s fast descent into dishevelled, dehydrated delirium as the group’s hazing escalates, fuels much of the first two acts.

    Fish out of water

    It is impossible to think of an actor other than Cage who could make a character like this so enjoyable to watch.

    From the first moments, he seems pathetic: giving his uninterested teenage son metaphorical speeches about surfing, losing arguments on the phone with his broker and real estate agent, reeking of pomposity and desperation.

    The sense of a man out of his depth is compounded by his Americanness contrasting with the particular brand of Australian masculinity the locals display. Both types are brash and entitled, but with entirely different ways of expressing it.

    This is a man out of his depth.
    Madman Entertainment

    Cage’s distinctively American confidence has no resistance to the terrifying switches of Australian masculinity from friendly to teasing to violent.

    “Don’t live here, don’t surf here,” they hiss at him on first meeting, forcing him to retreat, cowed, to the car park, where he remains for most of the rest of the film.

    The wide-open and the claustrophobic

    What a stroke of genius it is to use this single location.

    Filmed in Yallingup, Western Australia, The Surfer beautifully captures the natural surroundings, stunning views and shimmering heat of Australian coastal summer.

    At the same time, a confined, interstitial semi-urban feature like a beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting. The only amenities are an overpriced coffee cart, ancient payphone and a dingy toilet block.

    The beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting.
    Madman Entertainment

    As a film setting, it is both a spectacular wide-open vista and stiflingly claustrophobic – a perfect mechanism for The Surfer’s psychological horror.

    It must have been attractive in getting the script funded as well. With such an affordable location, more of the budget would have been freed up for a big name like Cage.

    A modern Wake in Fright

    With its oppressive setting, overexposed orange and yellow light and grade, and a sweaty spiral into madness, The Surfer invites comparisons to Wake in Fright, Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 brutal depiction of Australian men and their drinking culture.

    Both take place at Christmas and feature an antagonist who enjoys confidently explaining their dubious moral worldview to everyone. However, Wake in Fright’s horror lingers because we know the culture remains even after the hero escapes it. The Surfer struggles a little more in landing the ending.

    The film’s depiction of masculinity echoes Wake In Fright.
    Madman Entertainment

    For the mean, violent, misogynistic villains to be defeated, it would be unsatisfying for Cage to stoop to their level. This means – without spoiling too much – Cage remains an oddly passive character throughout the film, while others perform the avenging actions.

    The only way the protagonist’s masculinity can be resurrected as upright, ethical and empowering is for the character to literally turn his back on the vengeance we’ve been waiting for him to deliver.

    It’s not that the film has an inarticulate grasp of its own politics, but more that the otherwise terrific script by Thomas Martin feels written into a difficult corner.

    A blast along the way

    I don’t want to imply that this ending means The Surfer isn’t an absolute blast along the way. A lot of the fun is in anticipating each dreadful humiliation – and it somehow turning out worse than you could have expected.

    A spilled coffee leads to drinking recycled wastewater which leads to chewing on a dead rat, and we still haven’t reached the lowest rung on the ladder of indignities that Cage’s character suffers.

    In less skilled hands this could feel nasty or gross, but the hallucinatory quality of Finnegan’s direction makes it feel almost sublime. And Cage’s pleading, groaning, sobbing and gibbering feel believable and relatable.

    The pathos works – and it’s pretty funny too.

    The Surfer is in cinemas from today and streaming on Stan from June 15.

    Grace Russell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Dishevelled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast – https://theconversation.com/dishevelled-dehydrated-delirium-new-aussie-film-the-surfer-starring-nicolas-cage-is-an-absolute-blast-254580

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Footy tipping comp win results in new turf for Lake Weeroona

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    What does the City of Greater Bendigo, local company CVGT Employment and a footy tipping competition have in common?  The answer is Lake Weeroona!

    In 2021 CVGT’s CEO Jason Russell, won the Bendigo Advertiser’s Footy Tipping competition with the prize being 100 square metres of turf from another local company Coolabah Turf.

    CVGT Employment, who also facilitate the City’s Parks and Open Space apprenticeship program, approached the City wishing to donate the turf to a local project.  The City gratefully accepted the offer and decided to use the turf on a newly irrigated parcel of land at Lake Weeroona located at the railway end of the lake.

    City of Greater Bendigo Sports Fields and Reserves Coordinator Tyrone Downie said this was a terrific gesture by CVGT and the City was pleased to accept the turf donation to help grass an area at the northern end of the lake.

    “Best of all the City’s Parks and Open Space apprentices will lay the turf, making this project a truly great collaboration between the City and CVGT,” Mr Downie said.

    “The City has recently installed new irrigation in this area so the turf donation has come at a great time.

    “Lake Weeroona is Greater Bendigo’s most visited and loved parklands and this project will help improve the northern end of the lake area.”

    CVGT Employment CEO Jason Russell said trying to find a local community project to donate 100square metres of turf to has been an interesting problem to have, and why it has taken a few years to resolve.

    “Coolabah Turf have been really supportive and understanding through the process,” Mr Russell said.

    “We are thrilled to donate it to the City for this project that not only beautifies this open space at Lake Weeroona but also gives the City’s CVGT apprentices a chance to work on a great collaborative project. We look forward to seeing the end result.”

    Coolabah Marketing Manager Josh Kerr said Coolabah Turf are passionate about building healthy communities, one green space at a time, ditching screen time for green time and inspiring active bodies and healthy minds.

    “We have a great relationship with the City of Greater Bendigo and are proud to supply instant turf for the Lake Weeroona project for the community to enjoy,” Mr Kerr said.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Disheveled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, staring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace Russell, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University

    Madman Entertainment

    Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “Nouveau Shamanic” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the character’s impulses. This allows for the wild, unpredictable outbursts his characters are known for.

    Cage films are also usually about masculinity: its worst excesses, the parameters restricting it, and what ennobling versions of it might look like.

    The Surfer, a new Australian feature film from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, leans right into masculinity as a theme.

    Our unnamed protagonist (Cage) is returning to his former Australian home from the United States. He is newly divorced, and trying to buy a beachside property to win back his family.

    He takes his teenage son (Finn Little) for a surf near the property, but they are run off by an unfriendly pack of locals.

    Returning alone to the beachside car park to make some calls, he is besieged there over the next several days by the same gang. They are led by a terrifying middle-aged Andrew Tate-esque influencer, Scally (Julian McMahon), who runs the beach like a combination of a frat bro party and wellness retreat.

    The protagonist’s fast descent into disheveled, dehydrated delirium as the group’s hazing escalates, fuels much of the first two acts.

    Fish out of water

    It is impossible to think of an actor other than Cage who could make a character like this so enjoyable to watch.

    From the first moments, he seems pathetic: giving his uninterested teenage son metaphorical speeches about surfing, losing arguments on the phone with his broker and real estate agent, reeking of pomposity and desperation.

    The sense of a man out of his depth is compounded by his Americanness contrasting with the particular brand of Australian masculinity the locals display. Both types are brash and entitled, but with entirely different ways of expressing it.

    This is a man out of his depth.
    Madman Entertainment

    Cage’s distinctively American confidence has no resistance to the terrifying switches of Australian masculinity from friendly to teasing to violent.

    “Don’t live here, don’t surf here,” they hiss at him on first meeting, forcing him to retreat, cowed, to the car park, where he remains for most of the rest of the film.

    The wide-open and the claustrophobic

    What a stroke of genius it is to use this single location.

    Filmed in Yallingup, Western Australia, The Surfer beautifully captures the natural surroundings, stunning views and shimmering heat of Australian coastal summer.

    At the same time, a confined, interstitial semi-urban feature like a beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting. The only amenities are an overpriced coffee cart, ancient payphone and a dingy toilet block.

    The beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting.
    Madman Entertainment

    As a film setting, it is both a spectacular wide-open vista and stiflingly claustrophobic – a perfect mechanism for The Surfer’s psychological horror.

    It must have been attractive in getting the script funded as well. With such an affordable location, more of the budget would have been freed up for a big name like Cage.

    A modern Wake in Fright

    With its oppressive setting, overexposed orange and yellow light and grade, and a sweaty spiral into madness, The Surfer invites comparisons to Wake in Fright, Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 brutal depiction of Australian men and their drinking culture.

    Both take place at Christmas and feature an antagonist who enjoys confidently explaining their dubious moral worldview to everyone. However, Wake in Fright’s horror lingers because we know the culture remains even after the hero escapes it. The Surfer struggles a little more in landing the ending.

    The film’s depiction of masculinity echoes Wake In Fright.
    Madman Entertainment

    For the mean, violent, misogynistic villains to be defeated, it would be unsatisfying for Cage to stoop to their level. This means – without spoiling too much – Cage remains an oddly passive character throughout the film, while others perform the avenging actions.

    The only way the protagonist’s masculinity can be resurrected as upright, ethical and empowering is for the character to literally turn his back on the vengeance we’ve been waiting for him to deliver.

    It’s not that the film has an inarticulate grasp of its own politics, but more that the otherwise terrific script by Thomas Martin feels written into a difficult corner.

    A blast along the way

    I don’t want to imply that this ending means The Surfer isn’t an absolute blast along the way. A lot of the fun is in anticipating each dreadful humiliation – and it somehow turning out worse than you could have expected.

    A spilled coffee leads to drinking recycled wastewater which leads to chewing on a dead rat, and we still haven’t reached the lowest rung on the ladder of indignities that Cage’s character suffers.

    In less skilled hands this could feel nasty or gross, but the hallucinatory quality of Finnegan’s direction makes it feel almost sublime. And Cage’s pleading, groaning, sobbing and gibbering feel believable and relatable.

    The pathos works – and it’s pretty funny too.

    The Surfer is in cinemas from today and streaming on Stan from June 15.

    Grace Russell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Disheveled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, staring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast – https://theconversation.com/disheveled-dehydrated-delirium-new-aussie-film-the-surfer-staring-nicolas-cage-is-an-absolute-blast-254580

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on May 14, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,74,116.64 5.68 0.01-6.80
         I. Call Money 19,557.00 5.84 4.90-5.90
         II. Triparty Repo 3,62,119.65 5.71 5.65-5.80
         III. Market Repo 1,90,641.99 5.60 0.01-6.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,798.00 5.94 5.89-6.80
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 149.71 5.81 5.50-5.90
         II. Term Money@@ 470.00 – 6.00-6.14
         III. Triparty Repo 1,920.00 5.82 5.75-5.85
         IV. Market Repo 385.34 5.33 2.50-6.05
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Wed, 14/05/2025 1 Thu, 15/05/2025 5,341.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 14/05/2025 1 Thu, 15/05/2025 175.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 14/05/2025 1 Thu, 15/05/2025 2,22,868.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,17,352.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 02/05/2025 14 Fri, 16/05/2025 149.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Thu, 17/04/2025 43 Fri, 30/05/2025 25,731.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,718.43  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     33,598.43  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -1,83,753.57  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on May 14, 2025 9,31,971.83  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending May 16, 2025 9,41,653.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ May 14, 2025 5,341.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on April 18, 2025 2,02,749.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2025-2026/91 dated April 11, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/325

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU discusses best practices for interaction between educational organizations and employers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The IX International Conference “Best Practices of Interaction between Educational Organizations and Employers” is being held at Novosibirsk State University from May 14 to 17. Representatives from 10 regions of Russia from Khabarovsk to St. Petersburg are taking part in the in-person events of the conference. An online broadcast is also organized.

    The conference is aimed at the heads and specialists of regional executive authorities, vice-rectors in charge of international cooperation, academic mobility and career development centers, as well as heads and employees of career development centers. The event is aimed at analyzing the current state and determining the further development vector of career centers, forming new ideas and approaches to improving their activities, opportunities for business cooperation with colleagues from other regions, inter-university cooperation through career centers and education export.

    These days, NSU has become a platform for discussing current issues affecting the problems of employment of university graduates in the new realities, according to the methodological recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia dated 02/25/2025, the organization and forecasting of employment of NSU graduates, identifying the professional intentions of future graduates, as well as graduates at risk of unemployment. The conference participants will exchange views on the formation of the National Rating of Higher Education Organizations and Professional Educational Organizations, the role of university career centers in the formation of a professional community and human resources, analyze the interaction of universities and businesses, as well as the dynamics of the labor market in the regions of Russia.

    — This conference is being held for the ninth time. It was first held in 2017 and brought together representatives of several career development centers and departments involved in student employment at universities. During the discussion of the current situation, the conference participants came to the conclusion that they face the same problems in their work. In order to take joint measures to solve them, the All-Russian Organization of Career Centers was created, and the conference became annual. The number of its participants is constantly growing. Here, at our horizontal level, we discuss the most important issues related to monitoring the situation on the labor market, career guidance work at universities and various tests that students must pass. The state is currently paying a lot of attention to career development centers, which currently act as the flagship of career guidance and establishing a career path for university graduates, because their activities are directly related to the implementation of the National Project “Personnel”. Therefore, such meetings of the professional community are very important, — said Svetlana Dovgal, Director of the NSU Career Development Center.

    This year, representatives of secondary vocational education institutions are taking part in the conference. The round table “Interaction of secondary vocational education institutions with employers: experience, problems, prospects” will be held on May 16 and is devoted to discussing their problems. It is noteworthy that employers and business partners of NSU are taking part in the conference, including SHIFT specialists, who will conduct a quiz “Transformation of education, from Y to Z” for representatives of career development centers.

    In her welcoming speech to the conference participants, Olga Yakovleva, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Educational Work at NSU, noted that the current conference is taking place at a very difficult time – over the past year and a half, the vector of the issues being discussed, in the center of which are representatives of Generation Z, has changed significantly: if earlier the focus was on its characteristics, shortcomings, quality of knowledge and motivation, now the emphasis has shifted to the sphere of employment.

    — For current applicants, it is important to choose from a variety of universities the one and only one that will become a bridge to the employer, and the task of the university is to ensure that each student is as useful as possible in the labor market. And today, career development centers are entrusted with the important work of building such tracking. We organize meetings of our CRC representatives with first-year students, because this work with students should begin at the very beginning of their studies at the university. The Career Development Center also participates in Open Days — so that applicants understand what career opportunities studying at our university gives them, and all their years of study develop the skill of effective employment. And we must learn to effectively build communication with these new people of Generation Z and make sure that they are as useful as possible to society and the state, — said Olga Yakovleva.

    Deputy Minister of Education of the Novosibirsk Region Svetlana Malina noted in her speech at the plenary session of the conference that the role of career centers in the educational and career guidance processes will only increase.

    — The trends in federal and regional policy are that in the next 2-3 years, the number of ninth and eleventh grade graduates is expected to decrease. The situation is aggravated by the general aging of the population. In the Novosibirsk Region, the unemployment rate is currently quite low and amounts to only 2%. The labor market is undergoing radical changes, and if earlier, graduates of universities and secondary specialized educational institutions looked for employers upon completion of their studies, now the opposite situation is often observed: employers are looking for graduates. Now, in the labor market, the conditions are determined by the candidate for employment. Enterprises — especially in the defense industry — compete with each other for graduates, raising salaries and offering various social packages. Graduates, in turn, are not always ready to agree to working conditions that do not suit them. In the current situation, our universities should receive motivated applicants, so career guidance should be carried out from a fairly early age. This is especially important for engineering specialties. It is necessary to implement career guidance activities for middle school students, for which purpose a unified career guidance system was introduced – the so-called career guidance minimum, according to which career guidance activities of different levels are implemented in each school, said Svetlana Malina.

    Conference participants shared their experience in career guidance and career development of their graduates in their speeches. Head of the Novosibirsk branch of the Center for Public Diplomacy, Associate Professor of the Siberian State University of Telecommunications and Informatics Dmitry Kaznacheev spoke about the specifics of interaction between universities and employers in the employment of foreign students. Director of the Career Center of the Chelyabinsk State University Svetlana Eremeeva gave a report on “Successful cooperation between universities and enterprises: interaction models and their impact on the educational process”. Project Manager of the School of Information Financial Technologies Vera Vyacheslavova introduced the participants to the formats of interaction with universities from the standpoint of an industrial partner. Deputy Head of the Department for Work with Students and Alumni of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Director of the ANO “Unified Center for Career Development” Anastasia Voitsitskaya presented the key career trends of this year.

    The first day of the conference ended with a round table on “Features of Higher Education Development” as part of the celebration of the 270th anniversary of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    In the future, conference participants will take part in two round tables: “Features of employment of generation Z: from Y to Z” and “Interaction of educational organizations of secondary vocational education with employers: experience, problems, prospects”.

    Director of the Career Center of Chelyabinsk State University Svetlana Eremeeva:

    — The Career Center is designed to help our students enter the labor market as trained specialists and navigate it correctly, so I never miss events like today’s conference. For us, career center specialists, this is a unique opportunity to exchange opinions, learn something new, master new approaches and models implemented in other universities and designed to help our students find their place in the labor market. This conference is especially relevant now, when new methodological recommendations have been released by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. The exchange of opinions, experience, methods and information is very important for our professional community. We apply the experience of our colleagues in our educational organizations. In my speech at the conference, I will talk about the models of interaction with employers that we implement. Previously, the educational process was closed in on itself and concluded within the certain framework of a specific educational organization. Now, career centers ensure interaction between universities and enterprises that are actively involved in the educational process. This is very important for us, because we want to adapt our students to the labor market, and not just provide higher education.

    Head of the organizational and educational department of the center for advanced professional training in the direction of “Social sphere in the Sverdlovsk region” Svetlana Larionova:

    — I represent a career center in the secondary vocational education sector. It is still poorly represented in the All-Russian Association of Career Centers, but we are concerned with the same problems as career centers of universities. And our tasks in this regard are similar. Therefore, professional communication and exchange of experience are of great interest to us. Establishing interaction between educational organizations and employers is very important, and we are now increasingly focusing on employers themselves formulating the criteria by which we then send our own to them. It is necessary to structure the educational process in such a way that these criteria are necessarily taken into account when developing the skills and knowledge of students. Then the employer will not have to retrain graduates, and they will immediately successfully join the work process.

    Vice-Rector for Personnel Policy of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Morozov:

    — The topics discussed and worked on at this conference, dedicated to the labor market and relations with employers, have always been and remain the most relevant for all universities, because the purpose of a university’s existence is not studying for the sake of studying, but training certified specialists who must receive a profession and, importantly, a good salary.

    Any university works to provide its graduates with, at a minimum, an education, and so that a specialist can find himself in life, receive professional guidance from the university and meet a reliable employer.

    Unfortunately, in some universities, in some specialties, there is a certain disconnect between education and the real labor market, which creates problems for university graduates upon completion of their studies. In order to prevent this from happening, universities are actively working to ensure that the employer comes to the university as early as possible, gets to know the students, makes a presentation of their business, company or government agency. And the maximum is, of course, the participation of the employer in the educational process. In this we see the highest degree of cooperation between the university and employers.

    The decision to establish the All-Russian Association of Career Centers was made in 2018. Today, it includes more than 110 universities of the Russian Federation, which, cooperating horizontally with each other, develop a unified policy and a unified vision of the problems and issues that need to be resolved jointly. And this allows us to formulate our common position and contact government bodies with any proposals and wishes, with the confidence that they will be taken into account when developing regulations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Economic Review/ From a “transit station” to an “industrial hub” – the development path of the largest land checkpoint on the Chinese-Russian border, Manzhouli

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HOHHOT, May 15 (Xinhua) — Early in the morning, on the production line of Manzhouli Xinfeng Grain and Oil Industry Co., Ltd., newly imported rapeseed from Russia goes through automated peeling and pressing processes, and golden vegetable oil smoothly fills tanks.

    Manzhouli Port (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, North China), the largest land port on the Sino-Russian border, takes advantage of its geographical advantages and innovative policy mechanisms to actively develop new models of economic cooperation through deep processing of agricultural products and used car exports.

    “As soon as this batch of raw materials cleared customs, we immediately launched 24-hour production,” said Deputy General Director Yang Zhihong. Russian rapeseed oil with low acidity and a high smoke point is in particular demand among Chinese producers. The “Russian raw materials – Chinese processing” model facilitates the transition of local enterprises from trade to deep processing.

    According to Yang Zhihong’s calculations, using cross-border trade can save 500 yuan per ton of raw materials, and since last year, it has managed to save over 8 million yuan. Since November 2024, his company has imported 16,000 tons of raw materials from Russia, worth a total of 70 million yuan.

    In the face of tight raw material supply, Manzhouli Xinfeng has recently upgraded its equipment, launched oatmeal production and expanded its production area. “We are focusing on product diversification,” said Yang Zhihong. Last year, his company’s processing volume reached 120,000 tons, 70 percent of its products were supplied to central and western China, and its total profit and tax revenue exceeded 64 million yuan.

    Since the beginning of 2025, the transaction volume in the China-Russia border trade zone in Manzhouli has exceeded 100 million yuan. More than 3,600 local residents are involved in this activity, earning a total income of over 1 million yuan and generating 2 million yuan in tax revenue.

    A used car export showroom in Manzhouli displays neatly polished cars. Liu Dongge, a person in charge of Sanhe, said his company has exported more than 300 cars to Russia.

    So far, 18 companies in Manzhouli have obtained licenses to export used cars, with the total transaction volume of these companies exceeding 300 million yuan. “Manzhouli exported 1,540 cars in 2024, and 764 in the first four months of 2025,” said Bai Zhiping, an official with the Manzhouli City Commerce Bureau.

    In the first quarter of 2025, the cargo throughput through Manzhouli Port was 6.531 million tons, up 10.6 percent year-on-year, and the trade turnover reached 47.67 billion yuan, up 6.1 percent year-on-year.

    From a “transit station” to an “industrial hub,” from deep processing of agricultural products to the export of used cars, Manzhouli’s evolution demonstrates that a modern border economy is built not just on logistics, but also on the deep integration of production, service and innovation chains. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Small parcels rule exemption gives respite to US customers

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The U.S. Commerce Department is seen in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    US customers of Chinese online discount retailers such as Shein and Temu have got a respite from high prices with a reduction in duties on smaller packages.

    The administration of United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday it would reduce tariffs on low-cost packages from China that fall under the de minimis exemption — from 120 percent to 54 percent.

    The de minimis tax law is a loophole that allows low-cost parcels to enter the US duty-free and avoid customs inspections if they have a retail value under $800. The announcement was made on the same weekend when the US and China paused higher tariffs on each other for 90 days.

    A flat fee of $100 will remain on parcels starting Wednesday, while the $200 charge that was to be imposed from next month was canceled.

    Z. John Zhang, a professor of marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, told China Daily that Shein and Temu have become popular with US shoppers “because they get the order and then produce it”, allowing them to be “fast, low-cost and have a lot of choices”.

    The move is widely seen as another step in de-escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. It will also enable the companies to import more goods amid the pause.

    “This is great for Shein and Temu, if nothing else, to replenish their US inventory,” Yao Jin, an associate professor of supply chain management at Miami University of Ohio, told USA Today.

    Estimates by Baird Equity Research suggest that in 2018, at least 75 percent of all the packages that entered the US under de minimis were from China. Today, it is more than 60 percent.

    In February, Trump suspended the rule for China by imposing a tax of 120 percent of the package’s value or a planned flat fee of $200.

    The administration initially described it as a “critical step in countering the ongoing health emergency posed by the illicit flow of synthetic opioids into the US”.

    However, the pause sparked confusion as the US Postal Service said on Feb 5 that it would stop accepting parcels from China temporarily. It reversed course 12 hours later, and the service was resumed.

    The Trump administration then delayed the implementation of the rule until the Commerce Department could set up a system to process inspections and levies on the shipments.

    Sufficient systems

    Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed to the administration last month that sufficient systems were in place to collect tariff revenue.

    On April 2, the so-called Liberation Day, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate de minimis for China.

    In fiscal year 2024, at least 1.36 billion shipments utilized de minimis, an increase of 637 million compared with 2020, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

    In 2018, Chinese exports under de minimis were worth $5.3 billion, but rose to $66 billion in 2023, the Congressional Research Service found. Much of the parcels are shipped directly from China to the customer.

    It could have cost US consumers between $11 billion and $13 billion if the rule was eliminated, according to the paper “The Value of De Minimis Imports” by the Department of Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Yale University.

    Zhang, from the University of Pennsylvania, who helps companies on pricing strategies, market entry and channel and retail management, had warned that Temu and Shein might have to adjust their business models if de minimis ended.

    He advised that the way they can keep US-based customers, despite any higher fees, is to keep the ethos of fast fashion alive — such as providing low-cost goods, using automation and shifting more production to the US.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, LatAm brewing stronger coffee biz ties

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Agricultural trade and economic ties between China and Latin American countries are deepening, exemplified by Chinese tea and ice cream chain Mixue Group’s 4-billion-yuan ($555.4 million) deal with a Brazilian business on Monday.

    Industry leaders and experts also said they see vast potential for high-value, sustainable cooperation, as closer trade continues to bring a broader range of quality produce to Chinese consumers and enrich the country’s dining tables.

    An MoU was signed on Monday between Mixue and Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency ApexBrasil to deepen cooperation in agricultural trade and accelerate the former’s market entry into the South American country.

    Under the agreement, Mixue will expand the use of Brazilian agricultural products in its global supply chain, such as coffee beans and fruit products, and ApexBrasil will provide support for the company’s business operations and retail expansion in Brazil.

    Mixue plans to invest no less than 4 billion yuan in sourcing agricultural products, primarily coffee beans, from Brazil over the next three to five years.

    The initiative is expected to create around 25,000 jobs in Brazil. Mixue will also open its first store in Brazil this year and begin construction of a local supply chain facility to establish a production and sales model.

    Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, plays a major part in China’s agricultural imports. Coffee has become a key component of Sino-Brazilian trade, particularly amid the rising popularity of ready-to-drink coffee in China.

    Brazil’s coffee exports to China have seen particularly strong momentum. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council said Brazilian coffee exports to China surged 186.1 percent year-on-year in the 2023-24 crop year to reach 1.64 million 60 kilogram-bags — the fastest growth among all destination markets — while overall coffee exports from Brazil rose 32.7 percent to a new record high.

    “Latin American coffee — particularly Brazilian beans — is showing strong growth potential in the Chinese market,” said Roolee Lu, director of food and drink, and food services, Mintel China. “As Chinese consumers become more sophisticated in their coffee preferences, quality is taking precedence. At the same time as more brands adopt low-price strategies, Brazilian beans are one of the emerging popular choices that strike a balance between convenience, quality and affordability. Overall, Latin American coffee is gaining wider recognition in China for its value and improving quality.”

    Surging demand for the beans comes from the up-scaling of global operations for Mixue, which launched its ground coffee brand in 2017. The company, which currently operates more than 46,000 stores globally — including over 5,000 across 12 overseas markets — began international expansion with its first store in 2018 in Vietnam.

    In addition, Guo Jinyi, co-founder and CEO of Luckin Coffee, said while attending the China-Brazil Business Seminar in Beijing on Monday that the coffee house is promoting Brazilian coffee culture in China.

    Luckin Coffee, which had already signed a cooperation memorandum with ApexBrasil in November, plans to purchase 240,000 metric tons of Brazilian coffee beans worth 10 billion yuan in the 2025-29 period — the largest procurement plan by the company so far.

    “Brazil is a major agricultural powerhouse, and our collaboration reflects the strong complementarity between Chinese demand and Brazilian supply,” Guo said.

    “We aim to introduce high-quality Brazilian coffee to our 355 million users and build Luckin Coffee into a platform for Sino-Brazilian cultural exchange.”

    Bilateral trade between China and Latin America continues to grow steadily. According to the General Administration of Customs, trade between the two sides reached $518.47 billion in 2024, a 6 percent year-on-year increase. Imports from Latin America surged 46 percent over the past five years to $241.3 billion, reflecting China’s rising demand for high-quality, value-added goods.

    Latin American agricultural products are increasingly present on Chinese dining tables. Imports of Chilean cherries, Ecuadorian bananas, Nicaraguan honey and Honduran white shrimp have surged in recent years.

    During the recent Spring Festival, a period noted for increased fruit consumption and a tradition of gifting cherries, high-end cherry varieties from Chile saw record sales in China. Chile has become China’s second-largest supplier of fresh fruits. According to ProChile’s data, cherry exports for 2024 totaled $3.09 billion, with more than 90 percent destined for the Chinese market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Lost Generator Under Review: DIY Edison Generator Energy Plan to Create Free Electricity (Step-by-Step Guide)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • A comprehensive review of The Lost Generator blueprint and how it enables users to generate free electricity using a DIY Edison generator method
    • The real-world energy crisis pain points that this step-by-step guide is designed to solve, especially for homeowners facing high electricity bills
    • A clear explanation of how thermal energy conversion is used to power essential devices without solar panels or grid dependency
    • Who The Lost Generator is best suited for — including preppers, off-grid households, and individuals seeking energy independence
    • What’s included in the digital download, including parts lists, assembly instructions, and safety guidelines
    • Current pricing information, refund policies, and secure ordering instructions from the official website
    • Real customer testimonials sharing practical experiences with building and using this DIY home energy system
    • Answers to frequently asked questions about legitimacy, effectiveness, safety, and scaling potential

    TL;DR – Summary:

    The Lost Generator Under Review: DIY Edison Generator Energy Plan to Create Free Electricity (Step-by-Step Guide) explores a growing interest in affordable off-grid power solutions amidst rising energy costs and unstable grid infrastructure. This in-depth article examines The Lost Generator — a downloadable blueprint that teaches users how to build a home-based, thermal-powered electricity generator without relying on solar panels or batteries.

    Developed by Barnaby Brown, a retired engineer, The Lost Generator is designed for accessibility, offering beginner-friendly instructions to help users reduce electricity bills, prepare for outages, and gain long-term energy resilience. The article covers key benefits, safety protocols, parts sourcing, and practical applications, while embedding trending terms like “DIY free electricity,” “off-grid energy system,” and “self-sustaining power source.”

    Readers also gain clarity on pricing, refund policies, customer support, and real-world testimonials. All claims are presented with disclaimers and accurate sourcing, ensuring that both potential buyers and media syndication partners can reference and republish the content responsibly.

    Introduction

    What Is The Lost Generator and Why Are People Talking About It?

    In a world dominated by rising energy prices, frequent power outages, and growing concern over grid reliability, individuals are looking for smarter, more affordable ways to power their homes. This growing interest has sparked a surge in demand for DIY alternative energy solutions, and one blueprint stands out among the rest — The Lost Generator.

    This guide, inspired by the forgotten principles of Thomas Edison’s early generator experiments, which focused on [brief history of Thomas Edison’s early generator experiments], claims to help everyday people build a self-sustaining, off-grid electricity source without needing solar panels or wind turbines. The system has attracted buzz across survivalist forums, prepper communities, and households that simply want to slash their power bills or become energy independent.

    This comprehensive article explores every angle of The Lost Generator, from how it works and what’s inside, to real-world benefits and potential limitations. If you’re someone who has felt frustrated by the grip of energy companies, or if the idea of creating your own DIY free energy generator appeals to your independence, read on — this could be the step-by-step system you’ve been looking for.

    What This Article Will Cover

    • Discover the true pain points of modern electricity dependence and the liberating relief that The Lost Generator offers.How The Lost Generator proposes to solve them
    • What’s inside the blueprint and how it works
    • Uncover the detailed pros, cons, cost breakdowns, and money-back guarantee that could make you feel financially savvy and secure with The Lost Generator.Get a glimpse into the trending buzzwords, energy freedom concepts, and real user insights that will make you feel informed and part of a community with The Lost Generator.This long-form guide is not just a review. It’s an investigative breakdown of what makes this blueprint potentially revolutionary for anyone ready to take power back into their own hands.

    This long-form guide is not just a review. It’s an investigative breakdown of what makes this blueprint potentially revolutionary for anyone ready to take power back into their own hands.

    Understanding the Energy Crisis

    Why the Modern Grid Is Failing Homeowners

    The traditional energy grid was built for a different era — a time when consumption was lower, outages were rare, and electricity didn’t cost a fortune. Fast-forward to today, and millions are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing energy bills, unstable service, and a centralized power model that no longer fits the reality of our modern needs.

    Recent events — from hurricanes and wildfires to grid overloads during extreme weather and government-regulated energy shutdowns — have exposed a serious flaw in the system: homeowners are vulnerable. One storm, one blackout, or one bill spike can disrupt your entire household. And for many, the pain is not just financial, but emotional and logistical.

    Real Pain Points Consumers Are Facing Today

    • Unpredictable power outages that leave families in the dark
    • Soaring monthly utility bills with no relief in sight
    • Overdependence on outdated grid infrastructure
    • Lack of control over one of the most essential elements of modern life: electricity
    • Growing anxiety over energy security, especially during emergencies or natural disasters

    These aren’t just minor inconveniences — they’re constant stressors that can impact quality of life. It’s no wonder so many are seeking ways to break free from the system and find more self-reliant, off-grid energy alternatives.

    The Rising Popularity of Off-Grid Living and DIY Energy Hacks

    With trending search terms like “prepper energy solutions” (which are energy solutions designed for emergency preparedness) and “free energy survival blueprints” (which are guides for creating sustainable energy sources in survival situations) gaining traction in 2025, a shift is clearly happening. People want more than just savings — they want independence, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.

    The Lost Generator, a comprehensive guide to building your own off-grid power system, taps into this movement by offering a blueprint that promises to do more than reduce costs — it aims to eliminate the need for the grid entirely for many users, especially when used as a supplemental or emergency backup power solution.

    Start producing your own power at home using science-backed methods from Edison’s original concepts. Get The Lost Generator guide and start saving money immediately.

    Introducing The Lost Generator

    A DIY Edison-Inspired Energy Plan for Modern Times

    The Lost Generator isn’t just another energy-saving tip or solar panel tutorial. It’s a comprehensive, yet simple, step-by-step digital blueprint that empowers you to create your own free energy generator using basic materials. This concept is inspired by Thomas Edison’s forgotten principles of thermal energy conversion, making it accessible to everyone.

    This system is not just a theoretical concept. It’s a practical, at-home solution that focuses on affordability, simplicity, and functionality. Even if you have no engineering background, you can confidently use this DIY plan to gain more control over rising electric bills and potential grid failures.

    Meet the Creator: Barnaby Brown

    The blueprint was developed by Barnaby Brown, a retired mechanical engineer from Boulder, Colorado. After a prolonged blackout left his family without power, food preservation, or safety, Barnaby began looking for a way to generate reliable electricity without relying on the grid.

    Through his research, he discovered archived notes connected to Edison’s lesser-known experiments in thermal electricity. These notes became the foundation for what is now known as The Lost Generator — a system that uses readily available components and a proven energy conversion process to produce real power.

    According to Barnaby, this generator can produce enough energy to power essential appliances — offering critical support during outages, or even supplementing daily use to cut electric bills dramatically.

    The Core Promise Behind the Blueprint

    The Lost Generator is marketed as a way to:

    • Break free from energy companies
    • Gain peace of mind during emergencies
    • Cut your bills by up to 90%
    • Build a working generator in just a weekend
    • Avoid solar panel costs, permits, or maintenance hassles

    The program is built for accessibility — meaning no technical knowledge or engineering degree is required. Every detail is explained in plain language, and the materials list includes affordable parts you can pick up locally or online.

    Disclaimer: Individual results may vary depending on how accurately the guide is followed, the quality of components used, and power demands. This product is intended to supplement energy needs, not serve as a full-time replacement for commercial utilities in every scenario.

    How The Lost Generator Works

    Simple Science Meets Practical Engineering

    At the core of The Lost Generator system is a straightforward DIY energy generation method that relies on heat-based electricity conversion. This concept, once explored by Thomas Edison, is now presented in an easy-to-follow guide for everyday users. The key mechanism involves harnessing thermal energy and converting it into usable power through a low-resistance process.

    Unlike solar panels, which depend on weather conditions and expensive equipment, or wind turbines that require space and mechanical complexity, The Lost Generator uses thermal differentials. This principle, which refers to the difference in temperature between two points, is a reliable energy source available in nearly every home.

    The Energy Conversion Process Explained

    While the exact technical schematics are provided in the blueprint itself, the general process includes:

    • A heat source (such as a small flame or controlled burn)
    • A series of metal components designed to channel and amplify thermal gradients
    • A simple generator motor that transforms the heat into electrical energy
    • Wiring and circuit instructions to safely store or distribute the energy created

    Everything is broken down into step-by-step visual instructions within the package, making the process accessible even to those without prior experience. The system uses basic physics and proven mechanical laws, not fringe pseudoscience or perpetual motion fallacies.

    Disclaimer: This system does not generate infinite electricity and is not a perpetual energy machine. Instead, it offers a legitimate alternative power method that may supplement household energy needs based on setup quality and consistency of use.

    Materials and Tools Required

    Most of the materials can be found at local hardware stores or ordered online at minimal cost. A preview of what’s typically needed includes:

    • Heat-safe metal plates
    • Small DC motor
    • Thermoelectric modules or conductors
    • Basic wiring and connectors
    • Multimeter (optional for testing output)
    • Simple hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters)

    The Lost Generator is designed to make DIY power generation affordable, achievable, and scalable. There’s no need for rare metals, high-voltage equipment, or advanced tools. This aligns with the system’s goal and makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

    Assembly Time and Ease-of-Use

    According to the blueprint’s estimates and user feedback:

    • Build time: 3–5 hours total for most users
    • Learning curve: Low to moderate, depending on comfort with basic tools
    • Support materials: Diagrams, checklists, safety warnings, and video guides included

    This makes The Lost Generator particularly attractive to DIY enthusiasts, off-grid homesteaders, and even senior citizens or families who want a hands-on, educational power project.

    Want to reduce your energy bills by up to 90%? Learn how others are building their own generators with The Lost Generator blueprint — and start your journey today.

    Benefits of Using The Lost Generator

    Why This DIY Power Plan Is Gaining National Attention

    In a market saturated with expensive power gadgets, solar scams, and overpriced backup battery packs, The Lost Generator shines as a cost-effective and empowering solution. Instead of selling you another product to plug in, it equips you with the knowledge to generate electricity yourself — giving you the confidence to keep your home running, even when the grid fails.

    This blueprint is more than just a tool. It’s a freedom-focused energy movement, tapping into trending lifestyle shifts like off-grid living, sustainable survival solutions, and energy self-sufficiency. It resonates with consumers not just because of cost savings, but because it gives them something the grid never could: control over their energy usage.

    Key Benefits That Matter to Real People

    • Cut Electricity Bills by Up to 90% Use the generator to supplement daily power use, especially during peak rate hours. This alone can significantly reduce costs over time.
    • Total Energy Independence Power your essential appliances, tools, or even medical devices without needing the grid. Ideal for emergencies, outages, or full off-grid living.
    • Reliable During Crises Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or planned blackout, this system works when others don’t — as long as you have a heat source.
    • Budget-Friendly Entry into DIY Energy Unlike solar setups that cost thousands upfront and often require permits, this plan can be built for a fraction of the cost with no bureaucratic red tape.
    • Eco-Conscious and Sustainable No emissions. No fossil fuels. The process supports a greener lifestyle and adds to your household’s environmental sustainability.
    • Educational and Empowering Learn real-world physics, engineering, and survival skills — great for families, classrooms, and preparedness communities.

    Who This Is NOT For

    • Those seeking a full-home energy replacement for high-wattage usage
    • Anyone unwilling to follow instructions or work with basic tools
    • People expecting a “magic box” that generates unlimited free energy without effort

    Disclaimer: While The Lost Generator offers a powerful supplement to traditional energy, it is not intended to power an entire modern household independently or act as a replacement for all conventional power needs.

    A Shift Toward Self-Sufficiency

    The surge in popularity for terms like“self-reliant home energy,” “emergency electricity backup,”and“free energy DIY hack”signals a powerful consumer trend. The Lost Generator meets this demand by providing more than just a product — it provides the knowledge to build resilience.

    For many, it’s not just about saving money — it’s about taking back control in a world where control is often sold off by the kilowatt.

    Who Can Benefit from The Lost Generator

    The Lost Generator, a versatile and reliable power solution, isn’t just for Preppers — It’s for Everyone Who Wants Control(H2)The Lost Generator is not limited to survivalists or rural homesteaders. It’s built for ordinary people with extraordinary concerns — from suburban homeowners and off-grid enthusiasts to urban renters looking for backup electricity solutions.

    What unites them is a shared desire to stop depending on an outdated, unstable power system and start building resilience at home.

    Homeowners Dealing with High Utility Bills

    For those who feel trapped in a cycle of rising electricity costs, this DIY plan, which includes step-by-step instructions and all necessary components, offers a practical path toward savings. You won’t need to deal with contractors, permit offices, or confusing solar lease agreements — just a hands-on project with a long-term payoff.

    Off-Grid Living Advocates and Homesteaders

    Whether you’re living remotely by choice or necessity, The Lost Generator can offer a portable, low-cost power source that runs independently from the grid. It’s ideal for cabins, RVs, tiny homes, or bug-out locations.

    Trending buzzwords like “energy autonomy,” “homestead power hacks,” and “green off-grid tech” all point to the growing interest in exactly what this system provides: low-maintenance electricity in unpredictable environments.

    Preppers and Emergency Planners

    In survival and preparedness circles, redundancy is key. The Lost Generator adds a new layer of energy security — one that doesn’t rely on fuel stockpiles, solar exposure, or battery shelf life. It’s a reliable source of power that gives peace of mind when everything else goes dark.

    DIY Enthusiasts and Hobbyists

    Even if you’re not trying to escape the grid entirely, this system offers a fun, educational challenge. Many buyers use it as a weekend project with their kids or as an experiment to test out Edison-style electrical theories, such as circuit design and power generation, in real life.

    Seniors or Families in Vulnerable Areas

    For those in hurricane zones, wildfire regions, or rural areas where blackouts are common, The Lost Generator can serve as an essential backup system. It’s a quiet, compact, and reliable source of power that requires no ongoing maintenance or fuel, providing a sense of security and peace of mind.

    Disclaimer: Always follow all safety instructions when assembling and operating the system. While the guide is designed for non-technical users, care must be taken when handling electrical components or open heat sources.

    Affordable, effective, and beginner-friendly — The Lost Generator shows you exactly how to build your own DIY generator and slash your bills. Start now while supplies last.

    What’s Included in the Package

    Everything You Need to Build the DIY Edison Generator at Home

    The Lost Generator isn’t a physical device you order and plug in — it’s a comprehensive digital package that equips you with the knowledge and step-by-step instructions to build your own thermal-based energy generator using commonly available parts.

    What sets it apart from other energy guides is the clarity of instruction, simplicity of materials, and universal accessibility — no prior electrical experience is needed.

    Here’s What You Get with Your Purchase

    • The Lost Generator Main Guide: A downloadable PDF blueprint with detailed, illustrated instructions on assembling your thermal generator. Every phase of the process — from materials selection to power output testing — is clearly documented.
    • Parts List with Sourcing Tips: A full breakdown of all required components, including estimated pricing and sourcing tips for budget-friendly hardware. Many items can be found at local home improvement stores or ordered online.
    • Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions: Each step is broken down in a beginner-friendly manner, supported by illustrations and checklists to minimize confusion or error.
    • Safety Guidelines and Testing Protocols: Includes warnings and best practices for safely handling components, operating heat sources, and checking electrical output to ensure performance and safety.
    • Free Bonus Guides (subject to availability)
    • Depending on current promotions, buyers may receive bonus content such as:
      • How to Expand Your Generator’s Output
      • Emergency Survival Energy Tips
      • Maintenance-Free Energy Storage Tricks

    Disclaimer: Bonus items may vary based on availability and ongoing promotions on the official website. Always check thelostgenerator.com for the latest updates and bundle offers.

    Digital Format, Instant Access

    Once your payment is processed, you’ll gain immediate digital access to all materials. This means you can dive into the exciting process of building your generator on the very same day you make your purchase.

    No shipping delays. No subscription. Just a one-time download with the added peace of mind of lifetime access. You can revisit the materials whenever you need, ensuring you’re always equipped for your DIY energy project.

    Note: To access your materials, you’ll need a device that can open PDFs and an internet connection. Please be aware that physical components are not included in the package. However, you’ll be guided on how to source these locally or online.

    The next power failure isn’t a matter of if, but when. Download The Lost Generator now and have your emergency energy system ready before the grid lets you down.

    Pricing and Purchase Information

    How Much Does The Lost Generator Cost?

    The Lost Generator stands out for its affordability, a key advantage over traditional energy solutions. While solar panel systems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, and even basic home generators often run $1,000+, The Lost Generator blueprint is available for a one-time digital purchase.

    As of the latest update:

    • Standard Price:
    • Current Discounted Offer:$49 one-time payment
    • (no recurring subscription, no upsells required to access core content)

    With your purchase, you’ll receive the complete digital blueprint, a detailed materials list, a comprehensive safety guide, and access to any promotional bonuses currently offered on the official website. This ensures you have everything you need to get started with The Lost Generator.

    Disclaimer on Pricing: Always check the official website before purchasing. Prices, promotions, and bonus content are subject to change at any time without notice based on availability and marketing offers.

    Is There a Money-Back Guarantee?

    Yes, you can purchase with confidence as the system is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. This gives you a full two months to test the guide, try building the system, and evaluate whether it meets your expectations. If you’re unsatisfied for any reason, you can request a full refund through our support team.

    This risk-free offer has made the system more accessible to skeptical users, providing a sense of security who might otherwise hesitate to try a DIY power plan without proof it works.

    How to Order Safely Online

    To ensure you receive the authentic, up-to-date version of the blueprint:

    • Only purchase through the official website: https://thelostgenerator.com
    • A trusted third-party platform handles secure checkout processing
    • Instant digital access after purchase — no physical shipment required
    • Customer support contact info is included with your order confirmation for any questions or refund requests

    Caution: Avoid third-party resellers or “free download” sites claiming to offer the blueprint, as these may contain outdated files or potential security risks.

    Customer Testimonials

    What Real Users Are Saying About The Lost Generator

    One of the most compelling ways to assess a DIY system like this is to listen to the people who have already put it to the test. Below are several firsthand reviews from users who’ve successfully built and used The Lost Generator, experiencing a sense of accomplishment, cutting costs, preparing for emergencies, and feeling more energy independent.

    Verified Experiences from Around the Country

    John M. – Texas

    “After last year’s winter blackout, I swore I’d never be unprepared again. I built the generator in a weekend using The Lost Generator blueprint. Now I have backup power for my freezer, lights, and even my radio. Best $49 I’ve ever spent.”

    Lana B. – Oregon

    “I’m a single mom with no tech experience. I followed the guide and built the generator step-by-step. It powers my camper and saves me serious money when off-grid camping with the kids. Instructions were super clear.”

    Daniel K. – Florida

    “This is now part of my hurricane prep kit. The heat-to-power setup is ingenious. I’m not fully off-grid, but I can keep the fridge and fans running when the grid fails. The savings have already paid for the blueprint.”

    Greg S. – Pennsylvania

    “I didn’t expect much at first, but after seeing how it actually works with thermal energy, I was blown away. I’ve tested it during two outages, and it delivered. Plus, I got to build it with my teenage son, which was an added bonus.”

    Common Themes Across Reviews

    • Ease of setup, even for those with no engineering background
    • Functional power output for essential devices and lights
    • Reliability in emergencies, especially during blackouts or storms
    • Cost-effectiveness of building a generator from basic components
    • Educational value for families, preppers, and DIY tinkerers

    Disclaimer: These testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results may vary depending on technical accuracy, environment, component quality, and personal use. This product is not guaranteed to eliminate energy bills entirelybutmay significantly supplement household electricity in specific scenarios.

    Build confidence, peace of mind, and a backup energy source all in one weekend. Get The Lost Generator plan now and learn the step-by-step method to generate your own electricity.

    Addressing Common Concerns

    Is The Lost Generator Too Good to Be True?

    It’s natural to approach claims of “free energy” with skepticism. In a marketplace filled with overhyped products and pseudoscientific schemes, many wonder whether a DIY power generation system like this can actually deliver real results.

    Here, we address the most common questions and concerns surrounding The Lost Generator to give you a balanced perspective before making any decisions.

    Concern #1: Does It Really Work?

    Yes — for many users who follow the guide accurately and use quality parts, The Lost Generator system has successfully produced usable electricity. It’s based on real thermal conversion principles, which involve harnessing heat to generate small but functional electrical outputs. This process is not a perpetual motion machine, but a reliable method of energy generation.

    That said, it’s important to note that this is not a perpetual motion machine, nor does it promise to replace your entire home’s electrical system. It’s designed to supplement your power, reduce bills, and serve as a reliable off-grid or emergency energy source. Understanding these limitations will help you make an informed decision about whether The Lost Generator is right for you.

    Disclaimer: Performance depends on proper assembly, safe operation, and realistic energy expectations. Results vary based on how the system is built and what it’s being used to power.

    Concern #2: Is It Safe?

    The guide is meticulously crafted with detailed safety precautions to ensure your responsible handling of heat sources and electrical components. It’s designed with beginners in mind, and when the directions are followed correctly, the risk is minimal.

    However, users should always:

    • Avoid using flammable materials near open heat
    • Use proper insulation when handling wiring
    • Keep the system away from children and pets
    • Operate in a well-ventilated area
    • Test output with a multimeter before regular use

    Concern #3: Is It a Scam or Legitimate?

    The Lost Generator has gained popularity not only because of its promises, but becausebuyers are protected by a 60-day money-back guarantee. That safety net alone speaks to its legitimacy and gives skeptical users a chance to test it with zero risk.

    Additionally, the creator, Barnaby Brown, is transparent in his messaging: this is not a magic box, it’s a DIY educational energy plan built on scientific principles and practical application.

    Concern #4: What If I’m Not Tech-Savvy?

    The system was specifically designed for everyday users — not electricians or engineers. The digital blueprint provides:

    • Clear visuals
    • Plain-language instructions
    • Tool and part checklists
    • Testing guidance to verify output

    Even users who’ve never done a DIY electronics project before have reported success with the system.

    For best results, it’s crucial to go slowly, follow each step carefully, and not skip any safety protocols. You can even involve a friend or family member to make the project more approachable and ensure all safety measures are in place.

    Conclusion

    Is The Lost Generator Worth It? A Final Takeaway

    In a time of mounting energy bills, unpredictable grid failures, and a growing desire for sustainability and control, The Lost Generator emerges as more than just a DIY project — it’s a practical response to real-world problems.

    This isn’t a gimmick or a pie-in-the-sky promise. It’s a blueprint designed to empower everyday people with the tools to generate real, usable electricity using principles that date back to Edison’s own workshop. This is about you taking control of your energy needs, not being at the mercy of utility companies. And it’s doing so in a way that aligns with today’s most important consumer trends: off-grid readiness, survival planning, self-reliance, and environmental awareness.

    Who This Is Really For

    The Lost Generator is a standout choice for:

    • People tired of being at the mercy of utility companies
    • Anyone preparing for grid outages, blackouts, or emergencies
    • Budget-conscious homeowners looking to cut recurring costs
    • Homesteaders, preppers, and off-grid lifestyle adopters
    • Families looking for an educational DIY challenge with real benefits

    It’s not a silver bullet. But it does exactly what it promises — give you the power (literally and figuratively) to produce your own electricity when and where you need it most.

    Your Next Step to Energy Freedom

    With instant digital access, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and a proven system that has already helped thousands of users, The Lost Generator is a choice that offers high-impact benefits with low risk. It’s a secure investment for those ready to take back control of their energy future.

    If you’re looking for a simple, sustainable, and smart energy solution, you’ll find few options more practical and effective than this one. The Lost Generator is not just a theoretical concept, it’s a proven system that has already helped thousands of users.

    Pricing Notice: The current discounted price is $49 (regularly $97), but this offer may not last.

    Always verify pricing, bonuses, and refund terms on the official website, as details are subject to change at any time.

    Energy freedom is closer than you think. With The Lost Generator, you can build your own sustainable power solution and stop paying sky-high bills. Get the blueprint today.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    These FAQs are crafted to support primary and long-tail SEO keywords, address real user concerns, and help reinforce the article’s credibility while encouraging conversions.

    What exactly is The Lost Generator?

    The Lost Generator is a digital step-by-step guide that teaches you how to build a DIY generator system using heat conversion — based on energy principles connected to Thomas Edison’s original inventions. It allows you to create free electricity at home using affordable, commonly available parts.

    Can The Lost Generator really help me cut my electricity bill?

    Yes, many users report significant savings on their monthly utility bills by using The Lost Generator as a supplemental power source. While it’s not a total grid replacement, it can reduce dependence on expensive utility rates — especially during peak hours or outages.

    Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your energy consumption, the size of the build, and how frequently it’s used.

    Is this a physical generator or a download?

    The Lost Generator is a digital product. You’ll receive a downloadable PDF blueprint that contains all the instructions, parts list, and safety guidance tobuild your own generator. It does not include any physical hardware.

    How long does it take to build The Lost Generator?

    Most users complete the assembly in 3 to 5 hours. It depends on your comfort level with basic tools and how quickly you gather the materials. The guide is broken down clearly to make the process smooth, even for beginners.

    Do I need any prior electrical or mechanical experience?

    Not at all. The Lost Generator is built for everyday users, not engineers. If you can follow a checklist and use basic hand tools, you’ll be able to build the system. It’s a great introduction to DIY energy generation and off-grid electricity solutions.

    Is this a perpetual motion or free energy scam?

    No — this is a real system based on thermal-to-electric energy conversion. It is not a perpetual motion machine or unscientific scheme. The output depends on the heat source and generator configuration as taught in the guide.

    Disclaimer: This is a practical DIY generator system, not a mystical or “infinite power” device. All claims are grounded in tested mechanical processes.

    What can The Lost Generator power?

    Depending on your setup, it can power:

    • LED lighting systems
    • Emergency radios
    • Small fans
    • Laptops and USB-charging devices
    • Refrigerators (with extended setups)
    • Sump pumps or electric tools (in limited use)

    It’s ideal for off-grid survival, power outages, or reducing utility costs by covering some of your home’s daily load.

    What does The Lost Generator cost?

    As of the latest update, the guide is available for a one-time payment of $49 (discounted from $97). There are no hidden fees or recurring subscriptions.

    Pricing Disclaimer: Always check the official website for the most current price and promotions, as these may change at any time.

    Is there a refund policy?

    Yes, The Lost Generator comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the product or your results, you can request a full refund — no questions asked. This makes it a risk-free investment in your energy independence.

    Is this system legal to use in my home or community?

    Yes. Since it is a low-voltage, heat-powered system, there are no legal or permit requirements in most areas. You’re building a private-use generator, not installing a large-scale power source. It’s considered a personal project — just like solar cookers or water collection systems.

    Where do I get the parts?

    The guide includes a fullparts list with sourcing tips. Most items can be found at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or ordered online via Amazon or specialty electronics stores. Total estimated material cost ranges from $72 to $200, depending on location and upgrades.

    Can I scale or upgrade The Lost Generator?

    Absolutely. Once you understand the core principles, you can build multiple units or modify your build to increase output. Many users customize their setup to power larger devices or charge battery storage systems for extended use.

    No solar? No problem. The Lost Generator guide shows you how to use heat to power your home affordably — order now and get everything you need in one easy download.

    Disclaimers & Disclosures

    General Information Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice of any kind. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation, whether technical, electrical, medical, or legal. Always consult a qualified professional before beginning any do-it-yourself electrical or energy project. Readers assume full responsibility for the use of the information provided.

    Performance Disclaimer

    Results mentioned in this article, including but not limited to energy savings, performance capabilities, and system functionality, are based on individual use cases and may not be typical. There is no guarantee that every user will achieve the same results, and performance may vary depending on numerous factors including user skill, quality of components, environmental conditions, and adherence to instructions.

    No Energy or Utility Claims

    This content does not claim to eliminate dependence on public utilities, replace full-house energy systems, or promise uninterrupted power delivery. The product referenced is marketed as a supplemental energy solution and should not be interpreted as a substitute for commercial or regulated electricity services.

    Medical and Safety Disclaimer

    Any mention of health or safety benefits related to emergency preparedness or backup energy use is not intended to be construed as medical or therapeutic advice. Always follow official safety protocols and local codes when dealing with heat sources, wiring, or electrical components. Improper setup or misuse of components may result in injury, damage, or fire hazards.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may contain affiliate links, meaning the publisher could receive a commission if readers decide to make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to the reader. This helps support the content and research efforts behind the article. All opinions expressed are those of the writer and are based on publicly available information or direct product research.

    Accuracy Disclaimer

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, the publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of any content. Product features, availability, terms, and pricing are subject to change at any time without notice. Readers are encouraged to verify all details on the official product website before making purchasing decisions.

    Liability Waiver

    Neither the author, the publisher, nor any content syndication partners assume responsibility or liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use or misuse of the product or information described in this article. Use of this content implies acceptance of these terms.

    Third-Party Independence Statement

    This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with any third-party company or energy supplier. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Release of the Financial Stability Report

    Source: Bank of Canada

    Good morning. Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers and I are pleased to be here to discuss the Bank of Canada’s Financial Stability Report (FSR).

    Each year, the Bank assesses the stability of Canada’s financial system and highlights risks that could threaten that stability. While some risks have diminished, the current trade environment has pushed risks higher overall.

    But let us look back for a minute before we look ahead.

    The country’s financial system has faced unprecedented shocks in recent years, and it has proven resilient. Households, businesses, banks and other financial institutions weathered the upheaval of the pandemic and the sharp rise in inflation and interest rates that followed. It was a difficult period for many Canadians, and pockets of stress remain. But proactive steps taken by households and businesses, together with substantially lower interest rates, put the system on a more resilient footing heading into 2025.

    Now, the Canadian economy and financial system face a new threat. US trade policy has taken a dramatic protectionist shift. Tariffs and uncertainty have sharply reduced prospects for global economic growth. And financial markets have been rocked by chaotic policy announcements and reversals.

    A long-lasting trade war poses the greatest threat to the Canadian economy. It also increases risks to financial stability.

    There are two key concerns.

    In the near term, the unpredictability of US trade policy could cause further market volatility and strains on liquidity. In an extreme case, market volatility could turn into market dysfunction.

    In the medium term, a prolonged global trade war would have severe economic consequences. It would reduce growth and increase unemployment. This could, in turn, have important ramifications for our financial system. With debt still at high levels, some households and businesses may be unable to keep up with payments. If loan losses occur on a large enough scale, banks could cut back on lending in response. This would exacerbate the economic downturn and put more pressure on businesses and households.

    What we are evaluating in this report are the indications of stress in the overall financial system. There are many uncertainties—we still do not know what tariffs will remain, whether they’ll be reduced or escalated, or how long all of this will last. That makes it particularly difficult to anticipate the risks to the financial system.

    In our April Monetary Policy Report, we presented two illustrative scenarios to show how a trade war could affect the economy. In the FSR, we’ve focused on the more severe of those scenarios to explore how the trade war could affect different parts of the financial system. To be clear, our analysis is not a projection. It is an assessment of vulnerabilities—pockets of existing or potential stress and how they could spread across the financial system.

    Let me turn to the Senior Deputy Governor to outline how these vulnerabilities affect the four key sectors of the financial system: households, businesses, banks and institutions known as non-bank financial intermediaries—a broad category including finance companies, pension funds, insurance companies and fund managers.

    I’ll start with households. Total debt relative to disposable income is lower than it was a year ago, but still high by historical standards. Despite lower interest rates, signs of financial stress have risen over the past 12 months, particularly among households without a mortgage. For example, the share of these households that are behind on credit card or auto loan payments has continued to go up.

    Among households with a mortgage, 60% are facing renewal this year or in 2026. Most of those renewing will see their payments rise because they took out their mortgage during the pandemic when rates were very low. But the average increase will be smaller than what we expected a year ago.

    Still, if a large economic shock causes job losses, it will be harder for some households to keep up with their debt payments.

    A prolonged trade war may be that shock. It would cause demand for Canadian exports to fall and disrupt supply chains, threatening jobs and incomes. Workers in trade-dependent industries could find it particularly difficult to continue managing their debt.

    A prolonged trade war would matter for businesses too. Most Canadian businesses have managed to adjust to past interest rate increases, and the surge in small business insolvencies last year proved to be temporary. But businesses in trade-related sectors—especially those with high debt, low profitability or low cash reserves—could also fall behind on debt payments.

    A strength of our financial system is that Canadian banks are well positioned to absorb higher credit losses. Banks have increased their capital buffers in recent years and, more recently, they’ve increased provisions for credit losses, bolstering their resilience. Liquidity levels remain high, and bank access to funding remains strong. But if credit losses occur on a large enough scale, banks could cut back on lending in response. Struggling households and businesses would have less access to credit to get through tough times. This cycle could exacerbate the economic downturn.

    In the non-bank financial sector, the growing presence of hedge funds in the market for Government of Canada bonds raises some concern. Government bond markets are the foundation of the financial system. They need to function smoothly for other markets to work. The increased activity by hedge funds has helped absorb increased issuance of government debt, keeping yields lower and liquidity higher. But hedge funds have also taken on increasingly large amounts of leverage to fund their purchases of government bonds. This makes them more likely to pull back from these crucial markets in periods of stress, introducing added volatility.

    The recent gyrations in the US Treasury market clearly illustrated this risk. If the trade war causes a larger spike in volatility than we have seen so far, leveraged hedge funds might rush to sell their holdings. That could strain liquidity across core markets, increasing stress throughout the financial system. Moreover, growing connections between banks and non-bank financial institutions could make it easier for stress to spread. Against a backdrop of increased market volatility, and given their importance in government bond markets, hedge funds need to make sure that they are prepared to respond to sudden liquidity needs without disrupting market functioning.

    It’s time to wrap up.

    The Canadian financial system is resilient. Despite high indebtedness and the economic turbulence of the pandemic, households, businesses and banks weathered a rapid rise in interest rates. That was a big test, and the financial system proved to be a source of stability.

    But we must all remain vigilant. Vulnerabilities remain and there is another test on the horizon.

    By identifying vulnerabilities, we can help the financial system prepare for future stress. We are watching developments closely and remain in regular contact with financial system participants and with other authorities in Canada and globally. A stable and resilient financial system absorbs shocks rather than amplifying them, and this benefits every Canadian.

    With that, the Governor and I would be pleased to take your questions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bank of Canada Media Interview – Wall St. Journal

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Canadian economy ended 2024 in a strong position. However, the trade conflict and tariffs are expected to slow growth and add to price pressures. The outlook is very uncertain because of the unpredictability of US trade policy and the magnitude of its impact on the Canadian economy.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Release of the 2024 Bank of Canada FMI Oversight Activities Annual Report

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Bank of Canada today published the Bank of Canada Oversight Activities for Financial Market Infrastructures 2024 Annual Report. The Report reviews the Bank’s oversight of designated clearing and settlement systems, also known as financial market infrastructures (FMIs).

    The Bank has a mandate to ensure that designated FMIs are following sound risk management practices. The Report, which outlines how the Bank fulfills this mandate, provides stakeholders with information about:

    • the Bank’s approach to oversight of FMIs
    • improvements that designated FMIs made to their risk management practices in 2024
    • ongoing and new expectations set by the Bank for designated FMIs to enhance their risk management practices in 2025 and beyond

    Throughout the year, designated FMIs continued to make progress on key priorities, including modernization initiatives. In addition, they improved their risk management practices, addressing gaps the Bank had previously identified.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania

    Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

    While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with his family, charity foundation and expanding business empire have been suggested as other influential factors.

    During his 14-year Test career “King Kohli” has been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and his absence is a huge blow as the Indians prepare to tour England next month.

    The megastar scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

    These numbers put him in the top five Indian test batsmen of all time, but his legacy extends far beyond his batting achievements.

    Kohli, 36, quit Twenty20 Internationals last year (after India won its second world title). He may continue to play one-day internationals.

    Rising to the top of Test cricket

    Kohli has been the greatest Indian batsman of his generation.

    He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and played his final match against Australia in January.

    He scored centuries against every country he played against, with more than half of these coming overseas.

    His seven Test centuries in Australia is the second most by an overseas batsman.

    He was at his peak between 2014 and 2019, when he averaged more than 60 in Test cricket and became one of the “fab four” (the world’s best Test batsmen) alongside Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.



    Read more:
    Is Steve Smith set to become the best? What data says about Test cricket’s elite 10,000+ run club

    This period also included six double-hundreds in 18 months, and 13 months as the number one ranked Test batsman in the world.

    Kohli the leader

    Kohli is India’s greatest ever Test captain.

    His tenure from 2014 to 2022 was a golden age for Indian Test cricket.

    India won 40 of 68 Tests (59%) in this period and did not lose a Test series at home. India was the number one ranked Test team in the world from 2016–20 and won its first Test series in Australia in 2018–19.

    These statistics make Kohli one of the most successful Test captains of all time.

    Beyond these numbers, he was a charismatic and aggressive captain who redefined India’s approach to Test cricket by bringing a more competitive edge to the team.

    He drove higher expectations around fitness, training intensity and fast bowling that continue to shape Indian cricket.

    Mandatory fitness testing and improved dieting and recovery practices, which redefined the team’s standards, are attributed to Kohli’s leadership.

    Similarly, Indian success was strongly contributed to by Kohli encouraging the development of a world-class pace bowling attack, which marked a significant shift from the spin-heavy approach of Indian cricket.

    Controversies

    While Kohli’s energy, passion and intensity contributed to his success as batsman and captain, they also led to numerous confrontations with opposition players, which some believed to be disrespectful and arrogant.

    His intense celebrations and assertive body language also drew criticism from conservative cricketing audiences.

    Kohli’s collision with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test versus Australia.

    Many of these controversies have occurred in Australia, where Kohli enjoyed a love-hate relationship with Australian players and crowds.

    Examples include flipping the bird to the crowd, making sandpaper gestures (in reference to the 2018 Australian ball tampering scandal, also known as Sandpapergate) and shoulder-barging young Australian batsman Sam Konstas.

    What will his Test legacy be?

    For more than a decade, Kohli has been the heartbeat of the Indian Test team, and his retirement marks the end of an era.

    He reshaped the mindset of Indian cricket and cultivated a faster, fitter, fiercer, more successful team.

    Kohli was also one of the greatest ambassadors of Test cricket, and has played a significant role in ensuring the game remains relevant in an era increasingly dominated by T20 cricket.

    He made Test cricket aspirational again because he wanted it to thrive. He knew India needed to dominate the hardest format to be respected.

    His social media reach (272 million followers on Instagram and 67.8 million on X) is more than Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tom Brady combined, and was even referred to by LA2028 Olympics organisers when they announced cricket’s entry into the games.

    In recent days, Kohli has been described as “a modern-day giant”, a “provocateur in chief”, and “his generation’s most profound figure”.

    Love him or hate him, he elevated the spectacle of Test cricket. His electric energy brought the best out of India and its opponents and made him impossible to ignore when batting or fielding.

    As respected cricket writer Peter Lalor noted recently:

    Nobody is irreplaceable, but nobody can replace Virat.

    The Conversation

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket – https://theconversation.com/ferocity-fitness-and-fast-bowling-how-virat-kohli-revolutionised-indian-cricket-256560

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 15, 2025.

    Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with

    Curious Kids: if our eyes see upside down, how does the brain flip the picture?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Joyce, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland I heard that we see upside down, but our brain flips the image. How does it do that? –Jasmine, Mount Evelyn, Victoria Our eyes work thanks to light. Objects we can see are either sources of light

    Return of the huia? Why Māori worldviews must be part of the ‘de-extinction’ debate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Associate Professor in Ancient DNA, University of Otago A museum specimen of the extinct huia. Wikimedia Commons/Auckland Museum collection, CC BY-SA The recent announcement of the resurrection of the dire wolf generated considerable global media attention and widespread scientific criticism. But beyond the research questions,

    After an autocratic leader was toppled in Bangladesh, democratic renewal remains a work in progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University Last July, a powerful student-led uprising in Bangladesh toppled the authoritarian, corrupt government led for 15 years by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh now shows modest signs of democratic recovery. Months into its tenure, a transitional government has reopened political

    Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior to return for 40th anniversary of French bombing
    By Russel Norman The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original campaign ship at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French secret agents on 10 July 1985. The return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment — when the fight to

    Can we confront cancel culture by finding common ground between moderate leftists and ‘wokists’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University A.C. Grayling’s new book Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars sees the renowned philosopher wading into the ethical minefields of “woke” activism, cancellation, and conservative backlash. Filled with thoughtful analysis, deep reflection, and fascinating

    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Cantrell, Senior Lecturer – Writing, Editing, and Publishing, University of Southern Queensland The trial of the so-called “mushroom cook” Erin Patterson, currently underway in the Victorian town of Morwell, continues to generate global attention. The mother of two is charged with three counts of murder and

    This 6-point plan can ease Australia’s gambling problems – if our government has the guts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University WHYFRAME/Shutterstock We have a refreshed and revitalised Australian government, enriched with great political capital. During the last term of parliament before the election, opportunities to address Australia’s raging gambling habit were neglected. Could this

    Whatever happened to Barbie’s feet? Podiatrists studied 2,750 dolls to find out
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cylie Williams, Professor, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University elinaxx1v/Shutterstock What do you get when a group of podiatrists (and shoe lovers) team up with a Barbie doll collector? A huge opportunity to explore how Barbie reflects changes in the types of shoes women

    Economic pessimism is behind the drift of voters to minor parties and independents
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viet Nguyen, Principal Research Fellow, Macroeconomics Research Program, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne Growing economic pessimism appears to have pushed many voters away from Australia’s two major parties, Labor and the Coalition. Support for minor parties and independents has doubled

    A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato The New Zealand Wars memorial in new Plymouth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor

    Newly discovered frog species from 55 million years ago challenges evolutionary tree
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy M. Farman, Adjunct Associate Lecturer, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Australian Green Tree Frog (_Litoria caerulea_). indrabone/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC Australian tree frogs today make up over one third of all known frog species on the continent. Among this group, iconic species such

    Two lizard-like creatures crossed tracks 355 million years ago. Today, their footprints yield a major discovery
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University Marcin Ambrozik The emergence of four-legged animals known as tetrapods was a key step in the evolution of many species today – including humans. Our new discovery, published today in Nature, details ancient fossil footprints found in Australia that

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s productivity performance has stagnated for years, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has declared addressing this is a second term priority. “Productivity” is now an added part of the remit of Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, along with his responsibility for competition,

    Caitlin Johnstone: Israel admits it bombed a hospital to kill a journalist for doing journalism
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The IDF has admitted to bombing a hospital in order to assassinate a prominent Palestinian journalist in Gaza, Hassan Aslih, explicitly stating that they assassinated him for engaging in journalistic activities. The official Israel Defense Forces account made the following post on

    Men are shaving off their eyelashes on TikTok. Here’s why that might be a bad idea
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology, James Cook University Bhatakta Manav/Shutterstock Videos of men removing their eyelashes, by trimming or shaving, have been circulating on social media in recent weeks. This trend is based on the idea short eyelashes look more masculine. Hair can tell us

    Soon, your boss will have to pay your wages and super at the same time. Here’s how everyone could benefit
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University Dragon Images/Shutterstock If you have a job in Australia, you’ve probably noticed each of your payslips has a section telling you how much superannuation will be paid alongside your wages. But while your wages are

    What is the ‘glass cliff’ phenomenon – and why do women often find themselves on the precipice?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie-Anne Hammermeister, PhD Candidate in the School of Humanities and Communication, University of Southern Queensland GoodStudio/Shutterstock Speaking to the media after being named leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley was asked if this appointment was an example of the “glass cliff effect”. Ley said “I don’t

    Fiji Indians in NZ ‘not giving up’ on Pasifika classification struggle
    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific Waves presenter/producer, and Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor The co-founder of Auckland’s Fiji Centre is concerned that Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific Islanders in Aotearoa. This week marks the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured labourers from British India to Fiji, who departed from Calcutta.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –