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  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 10 million notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    10 February 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 10 million notes under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 10 million notes on 11 February 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 11 February 2035. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.819% per annum.

    The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 11 February 2025.

    ABN AMRO Bank N.V. plc acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini reveals gen AI-driven breakthrough to accelerate the bioeconomy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini reveals gen AI-driven breakthrough to accelerate the bioeconomy

    New methodology reduces the data requirements for protein engineering by 99% so organizations can unlock innovation even in resource-constrained environments

    Paris, February 10, 2025 – Capgemini today announced a new generative AI-driven methodology for protein engineering that uses a specialized protein large language model (pLLM) to predict the most effective protein variants. With a patent pending,1this novel approach will help accelerate the advancement of the global bioeconomy2and drive critical scientific breakthroughs across industries including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. By reducing the datapoints required to design protein sequences by over 99%, the new methodology harnesses the power of generative AI (gen AI) to drastically reduce the time and resources needed for research and development (R&D). Using this approach, Capgemini can help clients reduce the development cost of biosolutions and unlock business cases that were not previously viable.

    Breakthrough solves the data bottleneck challenge
    Advancements in engineering biology3 are expected to disrupt all industries, with half of business leaders predicting this transformation will happen within the next five years.4 However, data can be a critical bottleneck in research timelines. This new methodology makes scientific breakthroughs possible with significantly smaller data sets, enabling organizations to innovate even in resource-constrained environments. Using this novel approach, Capgemini is exceptionally positioned to help clients find and develop innovative solutions to global challenges such as disease, food security, and climate concerns.

    The methodology was created in the bespoke gen AI-driven biotechnology lab of Cambridge Consultants, the deep tech powerhouse of the Capgemini Group. The methodology was applied to several critical use cases to demonstrate how it could drive a step-change in innovation. Examples that can be readily translated to other applications include:  

    • 60% increase in plastic degradation efficiency: Capgemini’s gen AI-driven approach enhanced the cutinase enzyme, increasing its ability to break down PET plastic by 60%. This advancement is one example of how protein engineering can create novel, highly efficient and cost-effective solutions to tackle global plastic waste. By making it easier to degrade plastic, this breakthrough can support sustainability objectives and help lower operational costs associated with waste management.
    • Reduced experimentation for faster innovation: Using gen AI predictions, Capgemini reduced the number of experiments needed to identify an improved variant of the commonly cited Green Fluorescent Protein benchmark, from thousands to just 43 data points, achieving a brightness level seven times greater than that of the natural jellyfish protein. This significantly cuts down on the time and resources typically required for experimental testing, enabling quicker deployment across a range of fields, from accelerating drug discovery and enhancing diagnostic tools to advancing bioengineering applications.

    “Capgemini’s proprietary generative AI-driven approach means we are uniquely placed to enable clients to significantly accelerate their bio-journey in previously untapped areas and, crucially, contribute to helping solve many of humanity’s most pressing challenges,” said Roshan Gya, CEO of Capgemini Invent and member of the Group Executive Board. “Our new methodology is faster, more cost-effective, and opens the door to new opportunities for clients to develop innovative bio-based solutions. The Capgemini Group delivers end-to-end engineering biology and scale-up capabilities so that our clients can derive significant business value and develop proprietary IP, moving away from traditional carbon-based approaches and fueling growth in the bioeconomy.”

    Prof. Stephen Wallace, Professor of Chemical Biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, stated: “Capgemini’s generative AI-driven approach represents a significant leap in protein engineering. By drastically reducing data requirements, Capgemini has fundamentally transformed the innovation timeline in bioengineering. This breakthrough reflects a clear vision for the future of engineering biology, leveraging the design and engineering of new biocatalysts to enable more sustainable and scalable industrial processes. With its expertise and adaptability, Capgemini is well-positioned to drive technological advances in this exciting and rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field.”

    Building on 10 years of pioneering engineering biology and AI development, the bespoke AI-driven biotechnology lab at Cambridge Consultants has been created at its UK headquarters, home to an unrivalled combination of multidisciplinary experts in biology, chemistry, gen AI, digital twins, electronics, software, sustainability and more.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1 A priority patent application has been submitted in GB – patent pending
    2 The bioeconomy refers to economic activity that relies on biological resources and processes (animals, plants, microorganisms, and biomass)
    3 Engineering biology is also known as synthetic biology
    4“Unlocking the power of engineering biology: The time is now”, Capgemini Research Institute, July 2024

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Financial Statements Release 1 January – 31 December 2024: The year ended with a fourth quarter in line with expectations – comparable profit before taxes was strong for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 10 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 9.15 A.M. EET, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELEASE

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Financial Statements Release 1 January – 31 December 2024: The year ended with a fourth quarter in line with expectations – comparable profit before taxes was strong for 2024

    This release is a summary of Oma Savings Bank’s (OmaSp) January-December 2024 Financial Statements Release, which can be read from the pdf file attached to this stock exchange release and on the Company’s web pages www.omasp.fi

    CEO Sarianna Liiri:
    “The year 2024 has been very exceptional in the history of OmaSp. Both main sources of income developed in line with expectations and the year ended with a good quarter. Significant investments in the development of risk management processes and the implementation of an extensive action plan continued. The acquisition of Handelsbanken AB’s Finnish SME business and the expansion of the distribution network strengthened OmaSp’s market position towards the end of the year and provide a good starting point for the year beginning.

    The comparable profit before taxes was EUR 27.9 million for the fourth quarter and the comparable return on equity was 15.6 percent.

    As expected, changes in market interest rates were reflected in the development of net interest income, and in the last quarter net interest income fell by 11 percent from the comparison period. The net interest income increased by 8 percent for the whole year. Our customers value our personal and easily accessible service model. This is reflected in the development of the number of customers, which remained despite an exceptional year at a good level. With Handelsbanken’s business acquisition, OmaSp gained approximately 10,000 new customers in the autumn, and in addition to this, approximately 1,000 new customer relationships were organically created every month. In particular, fee and commission income and expenses net were increased by card and payment fees, which increased by 16 percent from the previous year. Fee and commission income and expenses net increased by 8 percent in the last quarter and by 7 percent for the full year. At the end of the year, the business focus has been especially on the reception of customers who have transferred from Handelsbanken and the start of operations in three new branches. With the expanded distribution network OmaSp now has excellent coverage in all of Finland’s key growth and provincial centers.

    OmaSp’s loan portfolio and deposit base were boosted by volumes transferred from Handelsbanken. The portfolio of housing loans grew by 5 percent, corporate loan portfolio by 8 percent and deposits by 6 percent from a year ago.

    Accumulation of impairment losses on financial assets was significantly affected by non-compliance with the guidelines and related additional allowances. In 2024, credit losses amounted to approximately EUR 84 million, of which approximately EUR 64 million were related to non-compliance with the guidelines. In the last quarter, the credit loss level remained at last year’s level.

    The Company has continued to make significant investments in risk management and the implementation of the action plan launched in the summer. As a result, the cost level remained high in the last quarter of the year. An additional EUR 5.4 million was invested in risk management processes in October–December and comparable costs increased by 44 percent during the fourth quarter. Expenses were also increased by the increased number of personnel. During the financial year, the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) carried out audits of the Company. Based on the audits, the observations raised by the supervisor and the development targets already identified by the Company itself support each other. The measures to develop the processes are proceeding well on schedule and the goal is to complete the development measures planned during 2024 in the first half of 2025.

    The comparable cost/income ratio remains at a good level despite significant investments and was 47.7 percent in the last quarter.

    Customer and personnel satisfaction at the center of everything
    OmaSp’s competitive advantage has been and will continue to be built on excellent customer experience. According to research, customer and personnel satisfaction have remained at an excellent level as in previous years, despite the exceptional year. Our personnel are our most essential resource, so committed and motivated personnel play a vitally important role for OmaSp’s future success. The renewed board of the Company started its work in December, and we have got five experienced board experts to strengthen the bank’s operations. In addition, the Company’s new CEO, Karri Alameri, will start his work in April at the latest.

    OmaSp’s financial position is stable, and the Company’s solvency and liquidity position is at a good level. The total capital (TC) ratio was 15.6 percent at the end of the year and the accumulation of equity is nearly EUR 580 million.

    After the changes implemented in 2024, we will now be able to focus on our core business and strengthen the customer experience of our existing and new customers. OmaSp’s ambition is to enable and solve the needs of households and small and medium-sized enterprises in all areas of the bank’s operations. In February, the history of OmaSp stretches back 150 years. From these strong starting points, we will continue in 2025 with confidence.

    Warm thanks to all customers and owners, and especially to OmaSp’s personnel for 2024!”

    January-December 2024
    • Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Extraordinary General Meeting was held on 10 December 2024. The Extraordinary General Meeting confirmed on the remuneration, number and composition of the members of the Board of Directors. The number of members of the Board of Directors was confirmed to be eight, i.e. the number of members increased by one. Aki Jaskari, Jaakko Ossa and Jaana Sandström were re-elected as Board members and Juhana Brotherus, Irma Gillberg-Hjelt, Carl Pettersson, Kati Riikonen and Juha Volotinen were elected as new members.
    • The Company’s Board of Directors appointed Karri Alameri, B.Sc. (Econ.), CEFA as the Company’s new CEO on 30 September 2024. Alameri will start his position no later than 1 April 2025.
    • On 1 September 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Svenska Handelsbanken AB’s SME business in Finland as planned. The deposit portfolio transferred to the Company was approximately EUR 440 million and the loan portfolio approximately EUR 500 million. A goodwill of EUR 15.3 million was recognised from the acquisition. Approximately 10,000 customers transferred to the Company in the acquisition, and at the same time 30 people transferred to the Company as old employees.
    • During the second quarter, the Company launched an extensive risk management action plan (the “Noste”), which has been implemented according to plan.
    • In January–December, net interest income grew 8.1% compared with the same period last year. Net interest income totalled EUR 213.1 (197.0) million. In the last quarter, net interest income decreased by 10.5% compared to the comparison period.
    • Home mortgage portfolio increased by 5.0% during the previous 12 months. Corporate loan portfolio increased by 8.0% during the previous 12 months.
    • Deposit base increased by 5.5% over the past 12 months.
    • In January-December, fee and commission income and expenses (net) increased due to volume growth by 7.0%. In the last quarter, fee and commission income and expenses (net) increased by 7.5% compared to the comparison period.
    • In January–December, total operating income grew by 9.3% compared to the comparison period. In the last quarter, comparable total operating income remained at the same level compared to the last quarter and was EUR 68.2 (69.4) million.
    • In January-December, total operating expenses grew in total by 22.6%. The growth is mainly explained by expenses arising from business arrangements as well as from extensive risk management development projects and investigation costs related to non-compliance with the guidelines. In addition, the number of personnel increased during the year due to the business arrangements, the opening of new branches and the strengthening of risk management processes. Other operating expenses were in total EUR 69.3 (52.5) million, of which the development costs of the risk management action plan and investigation costs related to non-compliance with the guidelines amounted to EUR 11.8 million.
    • Comparable total operating expenses grew by 44.0% in the last quarter and were EUR 32.4 (22.5) million. Of this the risk management action plan (the ”Noste”) amounted to EUR 5.4 million.
    • For January-December, the impairment losses on financial assets were in total EUR -83.4 (-17.1) million. A total of EUR 64.4 million in impairment losses on financial assets were recorded in relation to non-compliance with the guidelines, of which EUR 4.9 million was final impairment losses on financial assets. Impairment losses on financial assets amounted to EUR 7.6 (7.3) million in the last quarter.
    • For January-December, profit before taxes was EUR 74.6 (138.0) million. For the last quarter, profit before taxes was EUR 22.6 (35.5) million.
    • In January-December, comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 (143.6) million. For the last quarter, comparable profit before taxes was EUR 27.9 (38.8) million.
    • In January-December, cost/income ratio was 41.3 (36.9)%. In the last quarter, cost/income ratio was 52.9 (35.4)%. In January-December, comparable cost/income ratio was 37.8 (35.1)%. In the last quarter, comparable cost/income ratio was 47.7 (32.8)%.
    • In January-December, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 12.4 (25.3)%. For the last quarter, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 15.6 (23.5)%.
    • Total capital (TC) ratio was 15.6 (16.5)%.

    The Group’s key figures (1,000 euros) 1–12/2024 1–12/2023 Δ% 2024 Q4 2023 Q4 Δ%
    Net interest income 213,097 197,045 8% 50,913 56,907 -11%
    Fee and commission income and expenses, net 50,745 47,421 7% 13,105 12,188 8%
    Total operating income 270,068 247,067 9% 64,381 67,190 -4%
    Total operating expenses -111,004 -90,550 23% -33,917 -23,483 44%
    Impairment losses on financial assets, net -83,379 -17,126 387% -7,572 -7,269 4%
    Profit before taxes 74,589 138,048 -46% 22,582 35,546 -36%
    Cost/income ratio, % 41.3% 36.9% 12% 52.9% 35.4% 49%
    Balance sheet total 7,709,090 7,642,906 1% 7,709,090 7,642,906 1%
    Equity 576,143 541,052 6% 576,143 541,052 6%
    Return on assets (ROA) % 0.8% 1.6% -52% 0.9% 1.5% -40%
    Return on equity (ROE) % 10.7% 24.3% -56% 12.6% 21.5% -41%
    Earnings per share (EPS), EUR 1.80 3.49 -48% 0.54 0.85 -36%
    Total capital (TC) ratio % 15.6% 16.5% -6% 15.6% 16.5% -6%
    Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio % 14.4% 14.9% -3% 14.4% 14.9% -3%
                 
    Comparable profit before taxes 86,656 143,609 -40% 27,945 38,790 -28%
    Comparable cost/income ratio, % 37.8% 35.1% 8% 47.7% 32.8% 45%
    Comparable return on equity (ROE) % 12.4% 25.3% -51% 15.6% 23.5% -34%

    Outlook for the financial year 2025:
    The Company’s business outlook for the financial year 2025 will be affected by lower market interest rates and the continued high cost level due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

    We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65-80 million for the financial year 2025 (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

    Board of Directors’ proposal for the distribution of profit to AGM
    The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting a dividend in accordance with the dividend policy, at least 20% of the Company’s net profit. The proposal for the distribution of profit aims to increase capital buffers and maintain strong liquidity. The Board of Directors proposes that, on the basis of the Financial Statements to be adopted for 2024, a dividend of EUR 0.36 be paid from the Parent Company’s distributable profits for each share entitled to a dividend for 2024.

    The proposed record date for dividends would be 10 April 2025 and the payment date 17 April 2025.

    No material changes have taken place in the Company’s financial position after the financial year. The Company’s liquidity is good, and the proposed profit distribution does not compromise the Company’s liquidity according to the Board of Directors’ insight.

    General Meeting 
    The Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held on 8 April 2024. The Company’s Board of Directors will convene the Annual General Meeting separately at a later date.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Sarianna Liiri, CEO, puh. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi
    Minna Sillanpää, CCO, tel. +358 50 66592, minna.sillanpaa@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB and Local Currency Financing: A 20-Year Journey

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    •  ADB’s pioneering efforts in issuing local currency bonds over the past 20 years have not only mitigated currency risks for borrowers but also opened local markets to foreign investment and development finance.
    •  Innovations like currency-linked bonds and the rapid development of derivative markets have enhanced liquidity and enabled tailored funding solutions, significantly advancing local currency financing in Asia and the Pacific.
    •  Local currency finance, initially focused on private sector loans, is expanding into sovereign lending, signaling ADB’s evolving role in fostering financial innovation and development across the region.

    Twenty years ago, ADB issued its first local currency bond. The Indian rupee bond represented about $110 million equivalent at the time. Over the following three years, ADB raised funding from onshore bond issues in Malaysian ringgit, Thai baht, Chinese renminbi and Philippine peso – acting as an “icebreaker” to open these markets to foreign issuers.

    Such borrowing exercises introduced a new funding stream for ADB’s development assistance, allowing borrowers to mitigate potential currency risks associated with borrowing in foreign currencies.

    Fast forward to today, and local currency finance has gone mainstream. Development partners are no longer surprised when ADB issues bonds denominated in currencies as diverse as the Azerbaijan manat, the Indonesian rupiah or the Mongolian togrog and they recognize the invaluable role that local currency finance plays in crowding in foreign investment to developing countries.

    About a third of ADB’s private sector loans are currently delivered in local currencies, with the Thai baht, Indian rupee, Chinese renminbi, Kazakhstan tenge, and Georgian lari featuring prominently. ADB’s aggregate local currency portfolio reached more than $3.75 billion equivalent as of 31 October 2024 across more than 15 local currencies with local currency loans expected to reach 50% of private sector lending over the next years.

    What has catalyzed local currency finance?

    Over the last 20 years, local capital markets have evolved and developed significantly  across Asia and the Pacific. These developments were driven by the experience of the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, which was at least partially caused by excessive foreign currency exposures.

    Since then, regulators, banks, and investors have made significant strides to develop local currency bond markets and improve the local currency capital market infrastructure.

    Over the last 20 years, local capital markets have evolved and developed significantly across Asia and the Pacific.

    ADB can reach certain target borrowers more effectively when it offers loans in their own currencies rather than in dollars, euros, or yen. For many of the projects that ADB supports, foreign currency denominated loans would not be feasible: a dairy business owner in Mongolia has no understanding of the risks involved in borrowing a foreign currency. Equally, a female worker in rural Kazakhstan would not begin to consider borrowing a home loan in a foreign currency. For both of these projects, ADB was able to provide suitable local currency financing solutions to meet borrower needs and avoid foreign currency mismatches.

    Importantly, the rapid development of derivative markets in the region, which include the availability of both interest rate and cross-currency swaps in several markets, has facilitated the management of liquidity by decoupling funding and disbursement transactions, while also allowing for tailored back-to-back funding transactions.

    The availability of longer-tenor financing solutions has also improved significantly in a number of the more developed Asian markets: for example, ADB was able to derive a 20-year Thai baht funding solution through the cross-currency swap market to finance a project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which delivered a perfect hedge for the borrower.

    Similar liquidity of varying tenors is now available in swap and bond markets in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

    A capital market innovation: the emergence of currency-linked bonds

    Another important innovation has also improved the availability of local currency financing: the so-called “currency-linked bond” has been a game changer for development finance.  In essence, this is a debt security denominated in a local currency but settled in US dollars.

    It relies on international documentation usually under English law, settlement occurs in international central securities depositaries, and the bonds are listed on major international stock exchanges. The impact of such structures is to crowd in international investors into local currencies by providing an easily accessible trading infrastructure.

    ADB issued its first Indian rupee currency-linked bond in 2014 and since then has issued such instruments in Armenian dram, Azerbaijan manat, Georgian lari, Indonesian rupiah, Kazakhstan tenge, Kyrgyz sum, Mongolian togrog, Pakistan rupees and Philippine pesos. In Indian rupees alone, ADB has raised more than one billion US dollars equivalent to finance private sector projects.

    Issuing innovative local currency bonds

    In countries such as Georgia and Kazakhstan where the environment is enabled, ADB has issued multiple domestic bonds including fixed rate, floating rate and even inflation-linked. Furthermore, ADB auctioned the first green (2020) and gender (2021) bonds on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, delivering a new asset class to the local market.

    In Georgia, ADB was the first organization to issue its domestic bonds through the Georgian Securities Settlement System (GSSS) in 2015, which operates delivery versus payment Real Time Gross Settlements (RTGS) with central bank money through the National Bank of Georgia.

    In Kazakhstan, ADB settled its domestically issued bonds through the Kazakhstan Securities Depositary, which crucially has an operational “bridge” with Clearstream in Luxembourg.

    These innovations have fostered knowledge sharing and the shift of local currency issuance infrastructure towards international best practices.

    Creating local currency liquidity pools

    Liquidity pools are commonly used to warehouse the proceeds of bond issues in mainstream currencies until project disbursements happen. ADB has developed liquidity pools in Chinese renminbi and Indian rupees, which have played an important role in shepherding in high levels of local currency development finance by providing continuous availability of funding, decoupling such availability from any specific funding transactions Further liquidity pools are in the making, as ADB’s pipelines in local currency grow and evolve.

    Working closely with national regulators and market participants, ADB’s engagement in local currency markets over the last 20 years has made significant progress.

    The next frontier: sovereign local currency loans

    Local currency finance is already well established as a financing source for ADB’s private sector loans, but it has been deployed much less in the sovereign context, which for ADB represents the largest share of lending activity. A number of sovereign borrowers have recently started to avail  local currency solutions from ADB, including a recently  completed $1.45 billion sovereign local currency loan conversion.

    Working closely with national regulators and market participants, ADB’s engagement in local currency markets over the last 20 years has made significant progress: ADB is now able to offer funding solutions in more than 15 local currencies in Asia and the Pacific. As local currency markets will further develop, the future of local currency financing in the Asia-Pacific region looks bright. 

    Authors: Roberta Casali, ADB Vice-President for Finance and Risk; Tobias Hoschka, ADB Treasurer; Jonathan Grosvenor, former ADB Assistant Treasurer

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    Subjects
    • ADB funds and products
    • Finance sector development

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Netcompany enters into an agreement with SDC to create ‘the future of banking services’

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement (inside information)
    No. 09/2025

                                                     10 February 2025

    Netcompany Group A/S (“Netcompany”), SDC A/S, (“SDC”), and a majority part of the shareholders of SDC have today entered into an agreement of a transaction whereby a newly formed company of Netcompany and SDC will merge into a combined company fully owned by Netcompany. Together, Netcompany and SDC will create innovative and best-in-class banking solutions and services to the benefit of current banks running on SDC’s platform, as well as for new banks to be onboarded to the platform in the future.

    The transaction values SDC at DKK 1 billion and will include a cash payment of DKK 1 billion from Netcompany to SDC’s shareholders. The cash consideration is funded by way of utilising current credit facilities.

    Closing of the transaction is expected to take place around mid-2025, subject to regulatory and other customary conditions.

    Strategic rationale
    The transaction with SDC provides a strong foothold for Netcompany in the financial services industry, which is the highest spending vertical within IT services in Europe. In 2025, the total addressable market in DK, NO, and SE is estimated to be more than DKK 44 billion and the market is expected to grow more than 10% annually towards 2028, supporting Netcompany’s ambition of delivering continued sustainable organic growth.

    Within the financial services industry, Netcompany offers a solid product and platform suite, including AMPLIO, mit.dk, AMI and EASLEY, combined with products from Festina Finance such as Festina Advisor and Festina Life and Pension. These products and platforms supplemented by SDC’s core banking platform will be the foundation of ‘the future of banking services’. Together, Netcompany and SDC will improve the banking experience for bank customers, as well as bank employees and advisors, by introducing improved and personalised advice, self-service solutions, and end-to-end digital processes to support activities such as housing journeys and onboarding, through new industry-specific and vendor-independent banking services.

    Following the transaction, the combined workforce of Netcompany and SDC is more than 9,200 FTEs.

    André Rogaczewski, CEO Netcompany states:
    “I am thrilled to announce that we have successfully agreed on a transaction with the majority shareholders of SDC. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Netcompany, and it aligns with our Go-To-Market strategy to expand our capabilities and enhance our service offerings within the financial services industry.
    Digitalisation is the key driver for strengthening Europe’s most critical societal areas – including the financial services industry. Netcompany already provides the digital foundation with our products and platforms in the areas of pension, customs and tax, transport and logistics, and now we are going to do the same in the financial services industry. With SDC’s core banking platform and Netcompany’s innovative DNA, products, and platforms, we are looking into unprecedented opportunities for the entire banking sector. The goal of this transaction is to create innovative and best-in-class services in Denmark, Scandinavia, and the rest of Europe, to the benefit of current and future customers, thereby adding substantial value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

    Klaus Skjødt, Chair SDC states:
    “This is a significant milestone in SDC’s history, as we are now building upon past investments in the market’s most modern core banking platform and future-proofed online and mobile banking. Together with Netcompany, we have a shared ambition to make the banking sector a driving force for digital innovation, setting new standards for the advice and service customers can expect from their bank. We will achieve the scale and development power necessary to enhance our competitiveness and create the market’s strongest banking experience.”

    About SDC

    • SDC is a prominent IT service provider headquartered in Ballerup, Denmark, specialising in delivering comprehensive IT solutions to the financial services industry across the Nordic region.
    • SDC was founded in 1963 and offers a wide range of services, including core banking systems, digital banking solutions, and regulatory compliance tools.
    • At the end of 2024 SDC’s workforce counted 980 FTEs in three countries.
    • Prior to closing of the transaction, SDC is owned by its member banks. SDC functions as the internal IT department of the member banks, which are also in turn customers of SDC, as well as other commercial non-member banks.
    • In 2023, SDC realised revenue of DKK 1,837 million and EBITDA of DKK 286.8 million.
    • For additional information: https://www.sdc.dk/

    About Netcompany

    • Netcompany is a leading IT services company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a strong focus on digital transformation in Europe.
    • Netcompany was founded in 2000 and delivers innovative and high-quality solutions to both public and private sector clients.
    • At the end of 2024 Netcompany’s workforce counted 8,260 FTEs in nine countries.
    • In 2024, Netcompany realised revenue of DKK 6,540.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of DKK 1,097.9 million in 2024.
    • For additional information: https://www.netcompany.com/

    Summary of the transaction

    • Netcompany will acquire 100% of the shares in SDC for a cash consideration at closing of DKK 1 billion.
    • Netcompany will make the acquisition through a newly formed company – Netcompany Banking Services A/S – which will be merging with SDC and as a consequence resulting in a fully owned subsidiary of Netcompany in which the activities of SDC are fully embedded.
    • The cash consideration is funded by way of utilising current credit facilities. The transaction will be fully debt financed within the existing covenants.
    • Due to integration costs, the transaction is expected to have a dilutive impact on EPS for the financial year 2025.
    • The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive to Netcompany from 2026 compared to 2024. Furthermore, the transaction is expected to be double-digit percentage EPS accretive by 2028 – also compared to 2024.
    • The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in Denmark, Norway, and Faroe Island and other customary conditions.
    • Netcompany and the majority shareholders, who will continue as customers in the newly formed company after closing, will enter into a commercial IT-framework agreement (to enter into effect after closing) based on an already agreed term sheet. The agreed term sheet includes key provisions on the continued delivery of the current as-is services on a commercial market conform delivery and payment basis, a governance model with continued involvement of Netcompany and the bank customers, a fair and market-based exit model, and the transformation of the SDC platform to create ‘the future of banking services’.
    • As the agreed transaction structure is set as a merger, the closing of the transaction will formally require a two-thirds approval at a general meeting in both Netcompany’s newly formed company and SDC. The majority shareholders representing 70.94% of the outstanding share capital and voting rights in SDC have at signing of the agreement with Netcompany irrevocably provided their commitment to vote for the merger.
    • The remaining shareholders, and customers of SDC, will be given the opportunity to enter into a commercial IT-framework agreement with Netcompany on the same terms as the majority shareholders and irrevocably provide their approval to vote for the merger.

    Financial Guidance
    Financial guidance for 2025 for Netcompany on a stand-alone basis, as provided in the Annual Report 2024, is based on organic performance metrics and hence maintained. Organic revenue growth is expected between 5% and 10% and adjusted EBITDA margin between 16% and 19%.

    Netcompany expects to reinitiate it’s share buyback programmes after closing of the transaction and expects leverage at the end of 2025 to be around 1.5x.

    Webcast
    In connection with the publication of the merger, Netcompany will host a conference call on Monday, 10 February 2025 at 8.15 am CET. The conference call will be held in English and can be followed live via the company’s website; www.netcompany.com

    Dial-in details for investors and analysts:
    DK: +45 78 76 84 90
    UK: +44 20 3769 6819
    US: +1 646 787 0157

    PIN: 598046

    Webcast Player URL: https://netcompany-as.eventcdn.net/events/webcast-10-februar-2025

    Additional information
    For additional information, please contact:

    Netcompany Group A/S
    Thomas Johansen, CFO, +45 51 19 32 24
    Frederikke Linde, Head of IR, +45 60 62 60 87

    Disclaimer
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements that reflect Netcompany’s current expectations and views of future events. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by terms and phrases such as “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “project”, “will” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to: the expected characteristics of the combined company; expected financial results and characteristics of the combined company; expected timing of the launch and closing of the proposed transaction and satisfaction of conditions precedent, including -regulatory conditions; and the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, including related synergies. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of future performance, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and projections about future events. Risks and uncertainties include: the ability of Netcompany to integrate SDC into Netcompany’s operations; the performance of the global economy; the capacity for growth in internet and technology usage; the consolidation and convergence of the industry, its suppliers and its customers; the effect of changes in governmental regulations; disruption from the proposed transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; and the impact on the combined company (after giving effect to the proposed transaction with SDC and the shareholders of SDC) of any of the foregoing risks or forward-looking statements, as well as other risk factors listed from time to time in Netcompany’s public disclosures. The forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere, including the risk factors included in any public disclosures of Netcompany. Any forward-looking statements made in this announcement are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Inside information: Nokia announces a leadership transition – Justin Hotard appointed as successor to Pekka Lundmark

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Inside information
    10 February 2025 at 08:00 EET

    Inside information: Nokia announces a leadership transition – Justin Hotard appointed as successor to Pekka Lundmark

    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced a leadership transition. Nokia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pekka Lundmark, has informed the Board that he will step down. The Board has appointed Justin Hotard as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia. He will start in his new role on 1 April 2025. 

    Hotard joins Nokia with more than 25 years’ experience with global technology companies, driving innovation, technology leadership and delivering revenue growth. He currently leads the Data Center & AI Group at Intel. Prior to this role, he held several leadership roles at large technology companies, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NCR Corporation. He will be based at Nokia’s headquarters in Espoo, Finland.

    “I am delighted to welcome Justin to Nokia. He has a strong track record of accelerating growth in technology companies along with vast expertise in AI and data center markets, which are critical areas for Nokia’s future growth. In his previous positions, and throughout the selection process, he has demonstrated the strategic insight, vision, leadership and value creation mindset required for a CEO of Nokia,” said Sari Baldauf, Chair of Nokia’s Board of Directors.

    “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Nokia, a global leader in connectivity with a unique heritage in technology. Networks are the backbone that power society and businesses, and enable generational technology shifts like the one we are currently experiencing in AI. I am excited to get started and look forward to continuing Nokia’s transformation journey to maximize its potential for growth and value creation,” said Justin Hotard.

    After leading Nokia since 2020, Nokia’s current President and CEO, Pekka Lundmark, has decided to step down from executive roles and move on to the next phase of his career.

    “I want to thank Pekka for his significant contributions to Nokia, he will leave with our highest respect. The planning for this leadership transition was initiated when Pekka indicated to the Board that he would like to consider moving on from executive roles when the repositioning of the business was in a more advanced stage, and when the right successor had been identified. Now, both of those conditions have been met, and he has decided to step down,” said Sari Baldauf.

    She continued: “Pekka joined at a difficult time in Nokia’s history. Under his tenure, Nokia has re-established its technology leadership in 5G radio networks and built a strong position in cloud-native core networks. Network Infrastructure has delivered growth and significant profit improvement, and Nokia has secured the longevity of its patent licensing business. At the same time, Nokia has built strong foundations in new growth areas, refreshed the company’s brand and culture, transformed its operating model and rebalanced its portfolio.”

    “Leading Nokia has been a privilege. When I returned to Nokia in 2020, I called it a homecoming, and it really has felt like one. I am proud of the work our brilliant team has done in re-establishing our technology leadership and competitiveness, and positioning the company for growth in data centers, private wireless and industrial edge, and defense. This is the right time for me to move on. I have led listed companies for more than two decades and although I do not plan to stop working, I want to move on from executive roles to work in a different capacity, such as a board professional. Justin is a great choice for Nokia and I look forward to working with him on a smooth transition,” said Nokia’s President and CEO Pekka Lundmark. 

    Lundmark will step down on 31 March 2025. He will continue as an advisor to the new CEO until the end of the year. 

    An event for media and financial analysts will be held today at 10:00 EET. Link to join the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hjd9zmyx.

    Journalists and financial analysts, who wish to ask a question during the event, must dial-in to an audio-only conference call line. The attendees must pre-register here: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10196883/fe7f25be61.

    If you wish to ask a question on the call, you must mute the webcast and only use the participant dial-in during the Q&A session as there is a delay of approximately 15-30 seconds.

    Journalists and financial analysts can join via webcast or in person (Nokia’s Executive Experience Center at Karakaari 18, Espoo). Members of the media and analysts who want to participate in person, are kindly requested to show their press credential or valid ID on arrival.

    Justin Hotard, CV

    Born: 1974

    Nationality: US national 

    Experience:

    • Intel, Santa Clara, CA, 2024–present: Executive Vice President and General Manager, Data Center & AI Group
    • Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Houston, TX / Tokyo, Japan, 2015–2024: various leadership positions including:
      • Executive Vice President and General Manager, High Performance Computing, AI & Labs
      • President and Managing Director, Japan and China
    • NCR Corporation, Duluth, GA, 2007–2014: various leadership positions including: President and General Manager, Global Small Business Cloud Platform
    • Symbol Technologies (acquired by Motorola, Inc), Holtsville, NY, 2003–2007: Director, Product Management and Senior Manager, Corporate Development
    • Motorola, Inc, Arlington, IL, 1996–2000: Senior Systems Engineer

    Education:

    • Master of Business Administration, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, 2002
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 1997

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Nokia’s current expectations and views of future developments and include statements regarding: A) expectations, plans, benefits or outlook related to our strategies, projects, programs, product launches, growth management, licenses, sustainability and other ESG targets, operational key performance indicators and decisions on market exits; B) expectations, plans or benefits related to future performance of our businesses (including the expected impact, timing and duration of potential global pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and the general or regional macroeconomic conditions on our businesses, our supply chain, the timing of market changes or turning points in demand and our customers’ businesses) and any future dividends and other distributions of profit; C) expectations and targets regarding financial performance and results of operations, including market share, prices, net sales, income, margins, cash flows, cost savings, the timing of receivables, operating expenses, provisions, impairments, taxes, currency exchange rates, hedging, investment funds, inflation, product cost reductions, competitiveness, revenue generation in any specific region, and licensing income and payments; D) ability to execute, expectations, plans or benefits related to our ongoing transactions, investments and changes in organizational structure and operating model; E) impact on revenue with respect to litigation/renewal discussions; and F) any statements preceded by or including “anticipate”, “continue”, “believe”, “envisage”, “expect”, “aim”, “will”, “target”, “may”, “would”, “see”, “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and views of future events and developments and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause these differences, include those risks and uncertainties specified in our 2023 annual report on Form 20-F published on 29 February 2024 under Operating and financial review and prospects – Risk factors. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey’s WISeID Empowers Users with Digital Identity Control in a Geopolitically Uncertain World

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey’s WISeID Empowers Users with Digital Identity Control in a Geopolitically Uncertain World

    Geneva, Switzerland, February 10, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces latest suite of enhancements of WISeID, the Company’s WebTrust-compliant identity management system built to protect users’ digital identities and personal data.

    In light of current geopolitical tensions and the growing centralization of technology resources in only a few countries, it is more essential than ever for consumers to maintain control over their own digital identity. People’s digital identity represents their online persona, and ensuring it remains under each individual’s control allows them to attach various attributes to it while navigating the internet with full autonomy and consent.

    Unfortunately, many platforms compel users to create digital identities within their ecosystems, not as a service to the consumer but as a means of controlling identity data for commercial exploitation. These platforms act as identity providers, leveraging user data for monetization by selling personal information to advertisers and other third parties.

    For over 25 years, WISeKey has been a leader in digital identity solutions, prioritizing user autonomy without locking individuals into a proprietary ecosystem. WISeKey’s WISeID WebTrust-compliant identity management system, is accessible to all and designed to seamlessly integrate with existing blockchain technologies. WISeID.com enhances user protection against identity theft and strengthens privacy in today’s hyper-connected world.

    The Next Generation of WISeID: Elevating Digital Identity Security

    The latest iteration of WISeID builds upon WISeKey’s legacy of cutting-edge cybersecurity innovation, introducing a suite of enhancements that further protect users’ digital identities and personal data.

    1. Free Identity Validation

    WISeID now enables all users to verify their real identity using their computer or smartphone camera. By capturing an official identity document—such as a National ID, Driver’s License, or Passport (from most countries)—and utilizing facial recognition technology, users can confirm their identity securely and conveniently.

    2. New Types of Digital Certificates

    WISeID introduces a range of digital certificates with varying validation levels to suit different user needs:

    • Free Certificates – Available to all users, containing only an email address and valid for three months.
    • Basic Certificates – An optional subscription-based certificate with a two-year validity.
    • Advanced Certificates – Includes additional verified information such as the user’s name and country, enhancing credibility when sending emails or signing documents. This requires completing our Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
    • Advanced PRO Certificates – Designed for professional use, these certificates also include company details and require an organization validation process conducted by WISeKey.

    3. New Document Signing Service

    WISeID now offers a free digital document signing solution. Users can sign PDF documents directly from their computer or mobile device without needing to manually create or install certificates. Our platform automatically and securely generates single-use certificates for each signature request. The only requirement is a valid WISeID account with identity verification.

    4. New Corporate Identity Management Services

    Organizations can now leverage WISeID to provide secure identity services to their employees and customers through a corporate account. Corporate administrators gain full control over user identity creation and certificate management, eliminating the need for individual verification processes. Additionally, companies can acquire WISeSign packages, enabling employees to securely request and manage digital signatures.

    By providing decentralized, user-controlled digital identity solutions, WISeID stands in stark contrast to identity-restricting platforms. Our mission is to empower individuals and businesses with secure, verifiable, and privacy-enhancing digital identity tools, ensuring they remain in full control of their online presence.

    For more information, visit WISeID.com.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Trump and foolish old men who redraw maps

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    It generally ends badly.  An old tyrant embarks on an ill-considered project that involves redrawing maps.

    They are heedless to wise counsel and indifferent to indigenous interests or experience.  Before they fail, are killed, deposed or otherwise disposed of, these vicious old men can cause immense harm.

    To see Trump through this lens, let’s look at a group of men who tested their cartographic skills and failed:  King Lear and, of course, Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte, and latterly, George W Bush and Saddam Hussein.

    I even throw in a Pope.  But let’s start first with Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump himself.

    Benjamin Netanyahu and a map of a ‘New Middle East’ — without Palestine
    In September 2023, a month before the Hamas attack on Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to an almost-empty UN General Assembly.  Few wanted to share the same air as the man.

    In his speech, he presented a map of a “New Middle East” — one that contained a Greater Israel but no Palestine.

    In a piece in The Jordan Times titled: “Cartography of genocide”, Ramzy Baroud explained why Netanyahu erased Palestine from the map figuratively.  Hamas leaders also understood the message all too well.

    “Generally, there was a consensus in the political bureau: We have to move, we have to take action. If we don’t do it, Palestine will be forgotten — totally deleted from the international map,” Dr Bassem Naim, a leading Hamas official said in the outstanding Al Jazeera documentary October 7.

    Hearing Trump and Netanyahu last week, the Hamas assessment was clear-eyed and prescient.

    Donald Trump
     In defiance of UN resolutions and international law, he recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, recognised the Syrian Golan Heights as part of Israel, and now wants to turn Gaza into a US real estate development, reconquer Panama, turn Canada into the 51st State of the USA, rename the Gulf of Mexico and seize Greenland, if necessary by force.

    And it’s only February.  The US spent blood, treasure and decades building the Rules-Based International Order.  Biden and Trump have left it in tatters.

    Trump is a fitting avatar for the American state: morally corrupt, narcissistic, burning down all the temples to international law, and generally causing chaos as he flames his way into ignominy.

    The past week — where “Bonkers is the New Normal” — reminded me of a famous Onion headline: “FBI Uncovers Al-Qaeda Plot To Just Sit Back And Enjoy Collapse Of United States”.

    The Iranians made a brilliant counter-offer to the US plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza and create a US statelet next to Israel — send the Israelis to Greenland! Unlike the genocidal US and Israeli leadership, the Iranians were kidding.

    Point taken, though.

    King Lear: ‘Meantime we will express our darker purpose. Give me the map there.’

    Lear makes the list because of Shakespeare’s understanding of tyrants and those who oppose them.

    Trump, like Lear, surrounds himself with a college of schemers, deviants and psychopaths. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    Kent: My life I never held but as a pawn to wage against thy enemies.

    Lear: Out of my sight!

    Kent and all those who sought to steer the King towards a more prudent course were treated as enemies and traitors. I think of Ambassador Chas Freeman, John Mearsheimer, Colonel Larry Wilkerson, George Beebe and all the other wiser heads who have been pushed to the periphery in much the same way.

    Trump, like Lear, surrounds himself with a college of schemers, deviants and psychopaths.

    Napoleon Bonaparte
     I was fortunate to study “France on the Eve of Revolution” with the great French historian Antoine Casanova.  His fellow Corsican caused a fair bit of mayhem with his intention to redraw the map of Europe.

    British statesman William Pitt the Younger reeled in horror as Napoleon got to work, “Roll up that map; it will not be wanted these 10 years,” he presciently said.

    Bonaparte was an important historical figure who left a mixed and contested legacy.

    Before effective resistance could be organised, he abolished the Holy Roman Empire (good job), created the Confederation of the Rhine, invaded Russia and, albeit sometimes for the better, torched many of the traditional power structures.

    Millions died in his wars.

    We appear to be back to all that: a leader who tears up all rule books.  Trump endorses the US-Israeli right of conquest, sanctions the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trying to hold Israel and the US to the same standard as others, and hands out the highest offices to his family and confidantes.

    Hitler
     “Lebensraum” (Living space) was the Nazi concept that propelled the German war machine to seize new territories, redraw maps.  As they marched, the soldiers often sang “Deutschland über alles” (Germany above all), their ultra-nationalist anthem that expressed a desire to create a Greater Germany — to Make Germany Great Again.

    All sounds a bit similar to this discussion of Trump and Netanyahu, doesn’t it?  Again: whose side should we be on?

    Saddam Hussein and George W Bush
     When it comes to doomed bids to remake the Middle East by launching illegal wars, these are two buttocks of the same bum.  Now we have the Trump-Netanyahu pair.

    Will countries like Australia, New Zealand and the UK really sign up for the current US-Israeli land grab?  Will they all continue to yawn and look away as massive crimes against humanity are committed?   I fear so, and in so doing, they rob their side of all legitimacy.

    Pope Alexander VI
     There is a smack of the Borgias about the Trumps. They share values — libertinism and nepotism, to name two — and both, through cunning rather than aptitude, managed to achieve great power.

    Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, father to Lucretia and Cesare, was Pope in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

    1494. The Treaty of Tordesillas hands the New World over to the Spanish and Portuguese. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    He was responsible for the greatest reworking of the map of the world: the Treaty of Tordesillas which divided the “New World” between the Spanish and Portuguese empires. Millions died; trillions were stolen.

    We still live with the depravities the Europeans and their heritors unleashed upon the world.

    I’m sure the Greenlanders, the Canadians, the Panamanians and whoever else the United States sets their sights on will resist the unwelcome attempt to colour the map of their country in stars & stripes.

    History is littered with blind map re-makers, foolish old men who draw new maps on old lands.

    Like Sykes, Picot, Balfour and others, Trump thinks with a flourish of his pen he can whisk away identity and deep roots. Love of country and long-suffering mean Palestinians will never accept a handful of coins and parcels of land spread across West Asia or Africa as compensation for a stolen homeland.

    They have earned the right to Palestine not least because of the blood-spattered identity that they have carved out of every inch of land through their immense courage and steadfastness. We should stand with them.

    Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington, New Zealand. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service. His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War. This article was first published at his public policy website Solidarity and is republished here with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet to Power $LAYER Airdrop Claims and Trading at TGE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, announced its pioneering support for Solayer’s $LAYER Genesis Drop. Users can now check airdrop eligibility directly in the wallet, with full support for token claiming and trading starting at the Token Generation Event (TGE) on February 11, 2025. This streamlined process ensures easy verification, token claims, and immediate trading access.

    Bitget Wallet is one of the earliest wallets to support the $LAYER Genesis Drop, demonstrating its dedication to keeping users at the forefront of token opportunities. Eligible users who staked $SOL and accumulated points can check their eligibility now by navigating to the airdrop section on Bitget Wallet’s Discover page. From February 11, users can seamlessly claim their $LAYER airdrop within the wallet. Immediately after claiming, users will have access to $LAYER trading, capturing potential market opportunities as prices evolve. Bitget Wallet also offers real-time K-line charts for dynamic trading insights, providing a one-stop platform to claim, manage, and trade $LAYER tokens.

    Solayer has revealed comprehensive tokenomics for $LAYER, detailing its total supply of 1 billion tokens and an initial circulating supply of 220 million. The airdrop will allocate 12% of the token supply to over 250,000 early users who meet the eligibility criteria. Users can now check their eligibility directly within the Bitget Wallet. The allocation checker will go live on February 10, and eligible users will be able to claim their tokens starting February 11. The claiming period will extend for 30 days, with rewards structured based on the amount and duration of users’ staking activities, designed to promote sustained engagement.

    Solayer is a blockchain platform designed to tackle scalability challenges through advanced hardware acceleration. Its InfiniSVM architecture enables high-throughput and near-zero latency, processing over 1,000,000 transactions per second with network bandwidth exceeding 100 Gbps. This design scales the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to support next-generation decentralized applications (dApps) while maintaining strong security. Through its innovative restaking feature, users can leverage their staked assets as collateral, optimizing asset use and enhancing Solana network security while offering greater reward opportunities.

    Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, stated: “By supporting Solayer’s $LAYER Genesis Drop, we enable our users to fully benefit from the evolving Solana ecosystem, whether through token claims or trading functionalities. With Bitget Wallet’s streamlined integration of these services, users can seamlessly access DeFi opportunities and play an active role in the growth of next-generation dApps.”

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4207dd18-d998-4406-a055-271339da889f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sales push as brands brace for tough 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Right after the Spring Festival holiday, automobile markets in China have become hectic, touting new features, offering discounts and even appearing in movies to woo potential car buyers.

    Tesla announced on Wednesday, the first working day after the weeklong holiday, a time-limited discount of up to 8,000 yuan ($1,098) on its Model 3. On the same day, Xpeng unveiled five-year installment and interest-free loan offers.

    But at the head of the pack was Nio, whose offer — which includes interest-free five-year loan plans — came days before the Spring Festival holiday ended.

    Meanwhile, Great Wall Motor’s Tank, BAIC’s Arcfox and Dongfeng’s off-road brand Mengshi have either starred in Chinese New Year blockbusters including Ne Zha 2 or partnered with their producers in publicity campaigns.

    Behind the diverse tactics is the same sense of urgency: after a brutal 2024 they believe the vehicle market this year will be more cruel, despite the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers expecting the overall market size to go up 4.7 percent to 32.9 million units.

    The elimination phase has begun and many of the car manufacturers are struggling to “beat the count”, said analysts from consulting firm McKinsey in a report released on Thursday.

    “Those which cannot come up with decent electric vehicles in one or two years, and those which are deep in the red but cannot offer a convincing strategy to go green, will be forced to leave the race,” they said.

    In the bigger picture, Chinese brands, whose rise is the defining feature of the current market landscape, are relatively safe.

    Over the past five years, the number of Chinese car brands selling more than 600,000 vehicles annually jumped from 11 in 2020 to 13 in 2024, signaling a dramatic shift toward greater market concentration.

    More tellingly, for the first time, Chinese brands have broken into the ranks of those with sales exceeding 1.2 million units annually — a mark that was once the exclusive domain of foreign brands.

    In January, seven out of the 10 bestselling carmakers in the country were Chinese; Geely topped the chart, followed by BYD and Changan.

    These domestic brands have not only capitalized on China’s rapid push toward NEVs but positioned themselves as leaders in the transition to intelligent mobility.

    However, smaller Chinese brands, especially startups, are yet to gain a firm foothold. There are currently 37 active NEV brands in China. Of them, 12 are independent startups and the rest, such as Zeekr, Voyah and Avatr, are offshoots of larger traditional manufacturers.

    Now at least five of the NEV brands have become profitable. Those who cannot go green in the next 12 to 18 months, or at least come up with a feasible plan, may trigger speculation, said McKinsey.

    This is particularly true after Jidu, a partnership between Geely and Baidu, and Neta got into financial trouble in late 2024, leaving car owners and even employees nowhere to resort to.

    For foreign carmakers, the picture is far from rosy. Once the undisputed leaders of China’s car market, their position is becoming precarious.

    A combination of technology lag, reduced brand loyalty and aggressive pricing strategies from domestic players has eroded their dominance, according to McKinsey.

    It projects the market share of foreign carmakers, which once commanded over half of all car sales in China, to fall to just 30 percent by the end of this year from 40 percent now.

    The decline is a direct result of the seismic shift toward electric vehicles and smart driving technology — areas where many foreign brands have struggled to keep pace.

    The profit margins of joint-venture carmakers have taken a significant hit. McKinsey’s analysis reveals that, from 2017 to 2023, the profits of the top 10 leading Chinese joint-venture companies dropped by 34 percent in the country.

    For many foreign brands, the situation is compounded by a weakening consumer base, especially as new domestic models with cutting-edge features flood the market.

    Some foreign companies, such as Volkswagen and its premium Audi brand, have responded by forming strategic partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, seeking to import Chinese technological innovations into their own models.

    However, these collaborations, though beneficial in the short term, are unlikely to be a silver bullet, said McKinsey analysts.

    They said the strategy may help bridge the gap in the short term, but it does little to address the core issue: foreign brands are increasingly irrelevant to a generation of Chinese consumers that are growing more attached to homegrown offerings.

    New tech prospects

    Looking to the future, the next frontier in China’s automotive revolution is clear: intelligent driving and smart in-car experiences.

    In 2024, intelligent driving technologies — once seen as futuristic — have become mainstream, with major manufacturers offering vehicles equipped with features that can drive themselves on highways and in cities.

    The market for intelligent driving technology is growing at a blistering pace, and consumers are increasingly embracing these innovations.

    A McKinsey poll shows that 76 percent of respondents tried smart driving in 2024, up from 65 percent in 2023.

    Despite the rising consumer interest, however, McKinsey cautions that the industry faces challenges.

    While intelligent driving technologies are rapidly improving, they have yet to find a sustainable business model.

    The growing trend of “free” software upgrades, for example, has left carmakers struggling to monetize these features.

    More promising is the rise of the “smart cockpit”, where cars transform from mere transportation tools into living rooms.

    As intelligent driving systems become standard, the focus is shifting to in-car experiences, with carmakers investing heavily in creating more personalized, intuitive environments for consumers, said McKinsey.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

    Hitra/Shutterstock

    Coles is reducing its product range by at least 10%, a move that has sparked public backlash and renewed discussions about the role of supermarkets in the cost-of-living crisis.

    In cutting the range of items on offer Coles is moving closer to Aldi and Costco’s strategy to grow exclusive brands and limit product range.

    The goal is to boost profitability by reducing costs, increasing sales, and increasing control over the supply chain.

    Coles is unlikely to cut traditional brands, especially those from companies with significant market power like Coca-Cola or Nestle. In a battle between giants, the status quo is likely to prevail.

    Smaller suppliers are likely to bear the load as they struggle to renew contracts and face increased competition from home brands.

    To fully understand the reasons behind this move and its impact on the cost of living, insights from psychology, finance, and supply chain management come in handy.

    Why cut back on brands?

    The Coles move is all about profitability.

    Over the past decade, competition in the Australian supermarket sector has intensified. Coles’ market share declined from 31% to 25% between 2013 and 2023, while Woolworths’ share fell from 41% to 37%.

    This shift reflects the rise of Aldi, which now holds approximately 10% of the market, and its strong position in the home brand space.

    Aldi’s smaller range helps to keep costs down.
    Audreycmk/Shutterstock

    To boost profitability with a smaller customer base, Coles needs to find ways to enhance its earnings. This can be achieved by raising prices, cutting costs, or increasing the market share of its home brands.

    Raising prices vs cutting costs

    Raising prices is not a viable option, as consumers are already struggling with high food prices inflation and the rising cost-of-living. However, there is room to cut costs.

    One approach is to squeeze suppliers, but again this is unlikely to be effective. The consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is holding an inquiry into concerns that the supermarkets are using their market power to the disadvantage of their suppliers and consumers.

    Additionally, as producers exit unprofitable businesses, supermarkets risk supply chain disruptions due to increased market concentration among surviving suppliers.

    Another strategy is to reduce complexity. The more product variety there is, the more complicated and expensive it becomes to manage. Tasks such as stocking shelves, adjusting prices, maintaining inventory, managing delivery schedules, and disposing of expired products all contribute to higher costs.

    Anna Croft, Coles’ operations and sustainability officer, explained the strategy when telling investors in November that 13 basic table salts could be cut to five.

    Simplifying the product range can also boost sales. When faced with too many options, consumers can experience “choice overload”. A widely recognised study in psychology found that people are more likely to make a purchase when presented with a limited selection rather than an extensive array of choices.

    Coles has pointed to shampoo and salt as two potential product ranges that can be simplified.
    I.K.Media/Shutterstock

    Shifting to home brands

    Simplifying the range will likely focus on items where Coles has a home brand. Home brands now account for 33.5% of Coles’ sales, with 6,000 products. About 1,100 were added over the past year.

    This move is a response to competitors like Aldi and Costco. While Coles and Woolworths manage over 25,000 items in their stores, Aldi limits its offering to about 1,800 products.

    Coles is focusing on its home brands to better compete with non-branded offerings from Aldi. In its report to the ACCC, the supermarket highlights its investment in expanding its own-brand range to provide more affordable prices, up to 40% cheaper than similar proprietary brands.

    While consumers may have fewer choices, it is expected that they will benefit from better prices.

    This shift towards home brands is not exclusive to Australia. In the United States, private label sales hit a record in 2023 across a range of items from beauty products to general merchandise. In the United Kingdom, home brand products now account for over half of supermarket sales.

    Have we been here before?

    Almost 10 years ago, Woolworths and Coles started a significant move to adjust their price positioning in response to the competition. Along with Metcash (IGA), they reduced product ranges in 2015–16 by 10% to 15% to simplify the weekly grocery shop for consumers.

    At that time, the culling of products put suppliers under pressure (as now) while consumers were ambivalent: some wanted more brand variety and others preferred less.

    As history repeats itself, it will be interesting to see if Woolworths and Metcash will follow the latest move from Coles and how customers, suppliers, and the ACCC will react this time.

    A/Prof Flavio Macau is affiliated with the Project Management Institute (PMI)

    – ref. As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves? – https://theconversation.com/as-coles-slashes-its-product-range-will-well-known-brands-disappear-from-supermarket-shelves-249274

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have developed a method for determining ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University developed a method for measuring ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances whose decay is accompanied by gamma radiation. Data is collected using a detector made of ultra-pure germanium, which is part of the equipment of the Interfaculty Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry of NSU; a special hardware and software complex was created for data processing. The first project implemented using this method is research work on determining the level of radioactive substances (radon) in the soil of mines and coal opencasts in the Kemerovo Region.

    To measure the radioactivity of soil samples for various nuclides, gamma-ray spectra were collected using a detector made of ultra-pure germanium. This is unique equipment that allows for very precise determination of the energy of gamma quanta emitted by radioactive substances. Germanium is a rare chemical element in the Earth’s lithosphere. Like silicon, it is a semiconductor and is used in microelectronics, but its scope of application is narrow. As a detector material, its efficiency of photon registration is higher than that of silicon, so it is used in detectors of not only X-rays, but also gamma radiation. Obtaining ultra-pure germanium is a complex and slow purification process using the zone melting method, which determines the high cost and complexity of equipment manufacturing.

    There are devices that can register gamma radiation with even greater efficiency than a germanium detector, but only it can distinguish closely spaced gamma-quanta energies, and therefore gamma-quanta from different radionuclides. This is called high energy resolution; for a detector made of ultrapure germanium, it is approximately 0.01% in the energy range characteristic of gamma-quanta from atomic nuclei (units of megaelectron-volt). High resolution plays a decisive role in measuring ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances, when it is necessary to separate background radiation and sample radiation and determine specific emitting radionuclides.

    NSU scientists have developed a unique, highly sensitive method that allows determining ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances in any samples – soil, ground, rocks, etc. The method has been tested and proven effective during the implementation of a project to determine the content of radioactive substances (in particular, radon) in the soil of mines and coal mines in the Kemerovo Region. Kemerovo State University employees approached NSU with this task in the spring of 2024. The KemSU study is aimed at determining the influence of soil types, artificial (for example, mining) and natural changes in soils and climate on the radioactive environment. In the future, this may make it possible to predict the radiation environment, for example, during housing construction.

    — The main difficulty of the task was that the provided soil samples had a very low concentration of radioactive substances. Therefore, it was necessary to collect a lot of statistics for a reliable result, and statistics of both the sample itself and the background, the indicators of which were then “subtracted”. The work lasted almost half a year, we involved research associates of the educational Interfaculty Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry of NSU, as well as students undergoing practical training as part of their studies, — says Elena Starostina, senior lecturer of the Physics Department of NSU.

    The first stage involved collecting data directly on the detector. In total, colleagues from KemSU provided about 230 samples weighing from 100 to 250 grams, obtained from different places and from different depths – half a meter, one meter and one and a half meters. Data was collected daily from May to November 2024, and a background spectrum was also collected every week, without samples.

    The experimental setup was as follows: a detector made of ultrapure germanium, cooled by a nitrogen cryostat, is surrounded by a lead tube with a wall thickness of about 10 mm. The tube suppresses the flow of background gamma quanta from the room by about three times. The tube rests on a table with an opening for the detector. Samples were placed directly on the detector.

    — In the case of measuring ultra-low concentrations close to natural ones, the main difficulty is related to the fact that there is background radiation. It can be weakened with a lead screen, which is what we did, but it is impossible to completely eliminate it. Even with all the measures, the radiation of the samples was more than 7 times weaker than the background. In order to obtain a good contrast between the background and the actual study of the samples, it is necessary to collect the spectrum over a long period. The spectrum of each sample was collected in half-hour portions, for at least three hours, then half-hour spectra of good quality were selected so that the total statistics time was at least 2.5 hours. Once a week, multi-hour background spectra were collected, — Vyacheslav Kaminsky, senior lecturer, curator of the Interfaculty Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry of NSU, shares the details of the experiment.

    Another feature of the experiment is that the geometry of the measurements is such that only about 10% of the gamma quanta from the sample get into the detector. There are well-type detectors made of ultrapure germanium, which surround the sample from almost all sides, but they can only accommodate small samples. The detector made of ultrapure germanium at NSU allows working with samples of any size, and the developed technique in a sense compensates for the insufficient efficiency of gamma quanta registration.

    The experimental data are presented as spectra with peaks from gamma lines and a continuous “substrate”. The peaks have a complex shape: they resemble a Gaussian curve with different widths on the left and right, they have a “tail” on the left, and the substrate on the left and right has a different level. The width of this “bell” in energy units characterizes the detector resolution: the narrower the peak, the finer the measurements that can be made. This peak shape is provided by both the processes of interaction of gamma quanta with the detector substance and the environment (for example, the Compton effect), and the processes of charge formation during the absorption of gamma quanta in the semiconductor and its collection.

    After collecting the data, the researchers were faced with the task of determining the radiation of the samples, eliminating the background. The spectra were processed and the activity of the radionuclides was calculated.

    — The method consisted in the fact that in the obtained data, in which the difference between the background and the sample was very small, a joint fitting of individual gamma lines was carried out for the spectra with the sample and the background. Each isotope that emits gamma quanta can have a dozen gamma lines, they are different, at different energies and with different intensities. First, good, intense lines were selected so that they were not very close to each other. According to the set of good, intense lines, each peak was fitted, it was done simultaneously for the background and for the background with the sample. Such a complex procedure is necessary in order to measure not only the amplitude of the peaks, but also to correctly estimate the measurement error. The resulting difference between the amplitudes for the sample with the inevitable background and only the background are the indicators of the sample itself, — says Vyacheslav Kaminsky.

    Several programs written in Python were developed to collect and process the experimental data. The first one was for automatic spectral acquisition, which also recorded which operator placed the sample. Another one was for selecting, calibrating and summing the spectra. The third one was for calculating the activities of radionuclides. In addition, a separate program calculated the absolute efficiency of the detector. The scientists used classical statistical methods to determine the peak parameters, such as the least squares method, implemented in the MINUIT2 software library.

    The study revealed that the samples contained only radioactive isotopes potassium-40, thorium-232 and uranium-238 and their decay products, which are common radionuclides found in soils, rocks and many building materials. The specific activity of the samples ranged from 0.1 to 2 becquerels per gram (decays per gram). These values are within safe limits, but the most active sample (with an error of about 7%) is equivalent to several bananas (see “banana equivalent”, bananas are active mainly due to the potassium-40 they contain). The least active sample is equivalent to half a banana with an error of more than 50%, which indicates a very high sensitivity of the method. At the moment, the KemSU research team has received the measurement results and is processing them.

    Thus, the method developed by NSU scientists allows measuring very low levels of radiation, and linking it to specific radiating agents – radionuclides. This method will find application in monitoring the environmental situation, for drawing up maps of radioactive contamination after radiation accidents, etc.

    The scientists plan to register a data processing program with Rospatent, certify and license the methodology, and in the long term, create a center for collective use that will conduct comprehensive work on chemical analysis of samples using spectral methods in the optical, X-ray, and gamma ranges.

    The NSU Interfaculty Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry (Atomic Workshop) is an educational laboratory where students become familiar with a range of atomic and nuclear phenomena, including atomic radiation, light absorption, visible radiation, visible light absorption, magnetic phenomena, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, electron diffraction, etc. The laboratory is equipped with special equipment, including a detector made of ultrapure germanium, which allows studying radiation from natural objects. Students from the Physics Department and the Natural Sciences Department study in the laboratory, and experimental research is also conducted as part of coursework.

    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 New Zealand: Speech to the Financial Services Council

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning, everyone. 
    I would like to begin by thanking Kirk Hope and the Financial Services Council for the opportunity to speak to you all this morning. I’d also like to acknowledge our friends at the FMA and in particular the CE, Samantha Barrass, who you will be hearing from shortly.
    I’m delighted to speak to you at the start of the year. I hope everyone is refreshed after a good summer, and ready for another big year of delivering for New Zealanders. 2024 was a big year. It was a challenging year. I know all of you in the room today would have felt firsthand the economic challenges. But we got a lot of important work underway and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
    At this event last year, many of you will remember that I announced plans to reform the financial services sector. As you all know, things were not in a good place. 
    Over successive years, governments had layered up regulations, causing a lack of clarity and excessive conservativism. My mission when I took on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolio was to simplify the financial services landscape. This meant:

    Clarifying the roles of the various regulators to remove duplication; and 
    Tidying up laws and regulations that were constraining businesses from providing great financial products and services.

    My guiding principle was to make it simpler to provide financial services, while balancing the need for appropriate guardrails and consumer protections. Over time this equation had become unbalanced and was so risk-averse that it was harming consumers.
    Many of you will have heard me talk before about the perverse outcomes of making it too hard for Kiwis to access a safe loan from a reputable provider. I am very pleased to say that these financial services reforms are now well progressed. 
    Democracy is a wonderful thing, but the nature of developing good policy and running a thorough consultation process means it can take a long time to for change to work its way through the system. However, we are on track to have the Financial Services Bill passed through all stages by the end of Q1 next year. 
    Contracts of Insurance
    One key highlight of 2024 was passing into law the Contracts of Insurance Act. This work was long overdue. The Law Commission recommended that our insurance law be updated in the 1990s. It is fantastic that we finally got it over the line.
    In terms of other work, the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister is responsible for six crown entities including the Commerce Commission and the FMA.  And, according to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Minister is broadly responsible for:

    corporate law and governance 
    financial markets
    competition policy
    consumer policy
    protecting intellectual property; and, 
    trade policy and international regulatory cooperation.

    It’s no small list. These are absolutely foundational pieces of architecture for our economy, and in 2024 I kicked off work relating to nearly every single thing on that list. 
    This year I intend to tick two remaining items off that list by progressing a review of copyright and intellectual property and launching a review of the Fair Trading Act.
    The Fair Trading Act is a hugely consequential piece of legislation that covers everything from product safety and product descriptions, through to contract terms and advertising standards.
    Unfortunately, the structural economic issues we face – whether that be declining productivity, lack of capital, a dearth of foreign investment, or over-regulation stymieing growth and innovation – means economic reform is urgent.  As a result, you should hopefully have heard me in the media or at events like this talking about work I have underway to modernise our economy, including:

    Reviewing the Companies Act and reforming our corporate governance laws; and

    Related to this, launching a review of directors’ duties and liabilities led by the Law Commission;

    Implementing a ‘consumer data right’ and laying the foundations for ‘open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ to inject more competition into our economy;
    Creating a new model for the economic regulation of water services;
    Initiating a more coordinated whole-of-government approach to combatting online financial scams;
    Invigorating New Zealand’s capital markets by removing barriers to list on the stock exchange and making it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets;
    Reviewing our competition law to prevent excessive market concentration; and
    Finally, responding to recommendations from the Commerce Commission to improve competition in the banking and grocery sector.

    2025
    2025 is all about delivering on this work. And I know it sounds like a long and unwieldy list, but you can broadly view all the work underway through the lens of two key themes:

    Creating the conditions for businesses and private enterprise to thrive so that we can grow our economy. 

    As you have heard the PM talk about – a bigger, wealthier economy means more jobs and higher salaries for Kiwis, and it means increased tax revenue which pays for public services like schools, roads and hospitals.
    This means making sure that the laws and regulations that determine the operating environment for businesses are modern, fair, and fit for purpose. 

    The second key theme is competition.

    The reality is that New Zealand suffers from overly concentrated markets in several key sectors of our economy – whether that be banking, groceries, building supplies, or parking services. 
    The OECD and others have drawn a link between our lack of competition and falling productivity and the spotlight is well and truly focused on invigorating completion. 

    From the government’s perspective we will be going through every key initiative and programme of work line by line and asking ourselves and our officials: Will this grow the economy? Will this improve competition?
    Will this help New Zealanders to take legitimate business risks? Will it enable them to hire more staff or access capital to invest in new equipment? Will it free up their time so it can be used more productively? Will it encourage innovation and enable them to offer new products and services? And if the answer is no, then don’t expect to see it progressed this year. If the answer is yes, then we will be working at pace to implement it. 
    One of my top focuses this year is improving competition. 
    Competition is one of the most important ways to drive productivity, grow the economy, and lift living standards. That’s why I have launched a two-part review: 

    First, I have asked officials to update the merger and competition provisions in the Commerce Act, to ensure our legal framework is fit for purpose.

    Mergers can improve market efficiencies but can also entrench market power and create monopolies. Our merger regime has not been reviewed in over 20 years and since then our economic landscape has changed significantly. 
    I think everyone in this room can probably point to a merger or acquisition that – with the benefit of hindsight – did not serve us well.

    I have also commissioned an independent review of the governance and effectiveness of the Commerce Commission to maximise its performance.

    On the one hand, we need strong competition laws, and on the other hand we need a powerful and courageous regulator to enforce the law.

    These are important structural changes and signify a strategic shift for our economy.
    This year I am also continuing with reforms to unlock capital for the benefit of New Zealand’s economy.
    I know that New Zealand urgently needs to address our falling productivity and failing infrastructure. That’s why I want to invigorate our capital markets, to encourage investment in infrastructure and productive businesses.  As part of this, we are looking at changes to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets, such as infrastructure projects and great New Zealand business.
    We are also exploring adjustments to reduce the costs and barriers faced by companies listed, or listing, on the stock exchange. We will look at other aspects of capital markets settings in the second half of this year.
    Consumer Data Right
    As many of you may be aware, the Customer and Product Data Bill is currently being progressed and is set to have its second reading in Parliament’s next sitting block, which starts next week. This Bill will establish a framework to unlock the potential of customer data, driving innovation and competition in key sectors. 
    We recently consulted on applying the Bill to the banking sector to enable open banking and are beginning work on applying it out to the electricity sector too. The ability to provide new data-driven products and services is hugely exciting. 
    Possible applications for open banking include the ability to apply for a 10-minute online home loan and make instant, low-cost payments. Meanwhile open electricity will make it easier to compare electricity plans and switch providers.
    Scams
    Lastly, I want to talk about a big issue for the financial services sector: Scams.
    Last year, New Zealanders reportedly lost around $200 million to scams, which is 15 per cent more than the previous year. However, some estimates suggest the real losses could be as high as $1 billion. This has prompted me to lead an all-of-government effort to engage with industry to tackle this growing issue.
    I am working closely with telco, banking, and digital platforms and am watching the reforms being progressed in Australia. I expect to be in a position to announce progress on this work shortly.
    Combatting scams is an important social and moral issue – scammers are causing harm and distress to Kiwis – but it is also a business and financial issue. As Kiwis become increasingly concerned about scams, they become distrustful and unwilling to do business online. 
    One of the by-products of scams is legitimate businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to get in touch with their clients. Consumers no longer want to pick up the phone to an unknown number, or respond to unexpected emails or text messages.
    For all these reasons, it is vital that we work with industry to better protect Kiwis from sophisticated and devious scammers – most of whom are based overseas and fall outside our law enforcement.
    ACC
    Before I close, I just want to briefly talk about ACC, which is a new portfolio I have recently taken up.  I am incredibly excited about my new responsibility. 
    ACC has nearly $50 billion under investment. And while there is a lot to be proud of about ACC, the scheme faces several significant challenges.  
    For the last 10 years, ACC’s performance – measured as rehabilitating injured people and getting them back to work – has continuously declined. And this comes at an enormous cost. The liability of existing ACC claims increased from $52 billion in 2022/23 to $60 billion in the last financial year. That’s an increase of $8 billion in a single year. 
    Clearly that’s unsustainable. 
    As employers, you will know that levies are set to rise around 5 per cent to help meet these rising costs. But we cannot meet the increased costs through levies alone. That’s why we have commissioned an independent review of ACC’s performance so we can address broader, underlying issues with the scheme. Turning around ACC’s performance is no mean feat. It is like turning around a super tanker. 
    There are a number of key actions that I will initiate early this year, but it will take a while for these actions to flow through to the front lines and for them to show up on the balance sheet. My job as Minister is to chart the course by creating a robust action plan and setting tight expectations so that within a few years, the super tanker is heading in the right direction.
    I want to be clear that this is not about cost cutting. It is about ensuring ACC is fair and sustainable and can serve future generations without saddling them with unreasonably high levy increases.
    One of the key principles of the ACC scheme is that future generations should not pay for today’s injuries. If we do not arrest the financial situation now, all we do is kick the can down the line and make it the next generation’s problem. 
    Close
    As you can tell, 2024 was a busy year. And 2025 is shaping up to be just as critical. We’ve got several work streams on the go, which I’ve outlined today. 
    I expect to be progressing them at rapid pace, and I look forward to working with you to take our economic growth to the next level.
    Thank you again to the Financial Services Council for having me here today. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: One dead, 28 missing after landslide in SW China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Rescuers search for missing people in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    As of 11 a.m. Sunday, a landslide in southwest China’s Sichuan Province had left one person dead, 28 missing and two injured, local authorities said.
    The landslide occurred at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday in Jinping Village, which is located in Junlian County in the city of Yibin.
    The province has mobilized 949 personnel from the armed police, firefighting, emergency response, transportation, medical, telecommunication, and other forces to carry out or assist the rescue efforts.
    Over 200 rescue vehicles and equipment, including excavators, fire engines and ambulances, have been deployed for on-site rescue operations. The search and rescue efforts are being carried out in 10 grid zones.
    A total of 360 people in 95 households have been evacuated. Temporary shelters have been set up, with 162 individuals currently resettled on a household basis. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump ‘determined’ to implement ‘revolutionary’ Gaza takeover plan

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel is discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s “revolutionary, creative vision” on the Gaza Strip, the one that Trump is “very determined to implement,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday.

    Trump’s plan “opens up many possibilities for us,” Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting after his return from Washington to Israel, according to a statement released by Netanyahu’s office.

    “For an entire year, we have been told that the ‘day after’ (in Gaza) must involve the PLO (the Palestine Liberation Organization), the Palestinian Authority … President Trump has presented a completely different vision, one that is much better for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

    According to the statement, Netanyahu and Trump have agreed on achieving all of Israel’s war objectives, including “eliminating” Hamas, releasing all Israeli hostages, ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and returning displaced Israeli residents.

    Another war objective of Israel is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Netanyahu added.

    During a joint press conference in Washington with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said the United States plans to “take control of the Gaza Strip,” move Palestinians to neighboring countries, and redevelop the coastal enclave.

    On Thursday, Netanyahu suggested during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 that “Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there.”

    Both Trump’s and Netanyahu’s remarks have sparked regional and international outcry, with many countries voicing their rejection of displacing Palestinians from their homeland and their support for the two-state solution.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacinta Humphrey, Research Fellow in Urban Ecology, RMIT University

    Golf courses are sometimes seen as harmful to the environment. According to the popular notion, the grass soaks up too much water, is cut too short and sprayed with dangerous chemicals. But in reality, golf courses can act as safe havens for native wildlife, especially in cities.

    Cities are home to a wide range of plants and animals, including 30% of Australia’s threatened species. But ongoing population growth and urban development threatens this biodiversity. We’re still losing green space and tree cover, leaving less habitat and resources for native birds, bats, possums, lizards, frogs, beetles and butterflies.

    This is where golf courses can play a role. Australia is one of the golfing capitals of the world, with more than 1,800 active courses. These courses represent large, continuous green spaces often with native vegetation, mature trees, lakes and wetlands. Given their ubiquity, golf courses could help conserve urban biodiversity.

    This week, the annual LIV Golf tournament returns to Grange Golf Club in South Australia. Grange is one of 30 Australian golf courses certified for its commitment to sustainability, partly due to its extensive woodland, natural habitats and wildlife. So what makes a golf course good or bad for biodiversity?

    Grange Golf Club has a Biodiversity Manager.

    The gold in the rough

    From a biodiversity perspective, the most valuable part of a golf course is the area all golfers seek to avoid: the “rough”. These spaces between the green, manicured fairways can include remnant or restored bushland with dense leaf litter, long grass, thick shrubs, and both living and dead trees. This vegetation is often native and features a diversity of plant species.

    Collectively, this can provide a range of resources for native wildlife including food, shelter and tree hollows for nesting. In Melbourne, research found golf courses provided better habitat for wildlife than nearby suburban streets and parklands. They were also home to a greater diversity of birds and bats.

    Golf courses also have relatively little human activity. Golfers are only allowed on the course during certain hours of the day. Courses usually do not allow dogs. And there are few cars and roads, so there’s less noise and light pollution than in other urban areas. This makes golf courses pretty attractive to native animals looking for somewhere to live.

    Many golf courses are heavily irrigated to ensure high-quality playing surfaces. This ample water supply (typically from recycled sources) is fantastic for wildlife, especially in warmer and drier climates. Birds are known to flock to water resources during drought – a behaviour likely to become more common under future climate change.

    Much-feared water hazards for golfers, such as lakes and ponds, actually provide valuable habitat for aquatic birds, frogs, fish and insects. These water bodies are particularly important in cities where wetlands are regularly cleared to make way for new houses, shops and roads.

    Importantly, once constructed, golf courses are rarely threatened by clearing or development. In Perth, research found golf courses helped protect native vegetation as development spread through surrounding suburbs. The mere existence of a golf course can help secure a home for native species for many decades to come.

    Golf courses are not a perfect solution

    However, not all land on golf courses is valuable for wildlife. Large open areas such as fairways typically only benefit species adapted to life in cities such as the aggressive noisy miner.

    Golf courses can also harbour pests such as cane toads, rats and common mynas. These undesirable species may pose a threat to native biodiversity.

    The use of pesticides and fertilisers can affect soil quality, contaminate water sources, and make frogs sick.

    Frequent lawn mowing can reduce insect diversity, particularly among bugs, bees, wasps and ants. This is likely to have flow-on effects for animals that feed on insects, and for flowering plants that depend on insects for pollination and seed dispersal.

    Some urban golf courses may also be physically isolated from other suitable habitats, making it hard for wildlife to safely move around to find food, water and a mate. To get in and out, animals may need to cross busy roads or move through dangerous areas where they are exposed to predators such as cats and foxes.

    Four golf courses in Adelaide are working together to improve and connect habitat.
    Glenelg Golf Club

    So, how can we best manage golf courses for biodiversity?

    In an ideal world, golf courses should only be constructed in developed areas. That’s because constructing courses in natural, undisturbed areas is likely to involve clearing vegetation for fairways, greens, car parks and club houses.

    As a result, the biodiversity value of a golf course increases the closer it is to a city.

    Existing golf courses can help protect biodiversity by retaining and restoring diverse bushland patches in the rough. Important conservation areas can also be fenced off and deemed “out of bounds” to golfers.

    The use of harsh chemicals should be reduced to minimise risks to soil, water and wildlife. “Organic golf courses” overseas are already making progress in this space, but they are far from mainstream.

    Finally, efforts must be made to connect golf courses to nearby parks and reserves through wildlife corridors, road underpasses, and special crossing structures such as rope bridges. This will enable animals to safely move around the urban landscape.

    Many golf courses now have biodiversity management plans and are working hard to make their practices more sustainable. In other cases, disused golf courses are even being converted into conservation reserves, such as the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in Elsternwick, Melbourne.

    While golf courses cannot replace natural habitats, they can provide a useful alternative for many species that call our cities home.

    Jacinta Humphrey receives funding from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, the Ecological Society of Australia, BirdLife Australia, Australian Wildlife Society, and the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria.

    – ref. Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/golf-courses-can-be-safe-havens-for-wildlife-and-beacons-of-biodiversity-246673

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 20M consumers apply for electronic products trade-in subsidies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    More than 20 million consumers have applied for China’s electronic products trade-in subsidies since the government launched the pro-consumption program three weeks ago, data from the commerce ministry showed Sunday.

    Some 20.09 million consumers applied for the subsidies to buy 25.41 million units of electronic products such as mobile phones as of Saturday, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    China started to offer subsidies for electronic products trade-in from Jan. 20 as the country expanded the scope of consumer goods trade-in program to further boost consumption, which provides consumers with up to 500 yuan (about 69.7 U.S. dollars) apiece on the purchase of digital products.

    Card payment giant China UnionPay said it has recorded 6.27 million subsidized transactions with sales value totaling 20.58 billion yuan in the reporting period.

    Driven by the government incentives, mobile phone sales in China jumped by 74 percent in volume and 65 percent in value on a weekly basis in the week prior to the Spring Festival, which fell on Jan. 29 this year, market data revealed.

    China launched an action plan to promote large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods in March 2024 as part of efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth. Official data showed that the trade-in scheme has boosted sales of automobiles by 920 billion yuan last year, and that of home appliances by 240 billion yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli army kills 4 Palestinians in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People warm themselves with fire next to their tent after heavy rain in Gaza City, on Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israeli troops killed four Palestinians, including an elderly woman, in two separate incidents in the north and south of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Gaza-based health authorities said.

    “Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while returning to their homes near the Kuwait Roundabout, east of Gaza City. Their bodies were transferred to the Baptist Hospital,” the health authorities said in a press statement.

    In a separate incident, the health authorities reported that an elderly woman from the Mahna family was shot dead by Israeli forces east of the town of Al-Qarara, near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

    The killings follow the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Netzarim Corridor — a strip of land that bisected Gaza from north to south.

    Meanwhile, the health authorities announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 48,189, with 111,640 others injured.

    Gaza’s health authorities reported eight deaths and two injuries in the past 24 hours, including seven bodies recovered from the rubble and one additional fatality.

    They warned that more victims remain trapped beneath the debris in areas that are difficult to access due to ongoing shelling.

    On Sunday, the health authorities urged Palestinian residents to donate blood, warning that supplies have been completely depleted after 15 months of war.

    “Our blood bank is empty, and we need immediate donations to save lives,” they said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Books open youth up to whole new galaxy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Within the first month of 2025, the trend of reading pop science books, particularly ones with fascinating text and illustrations attractive to children, has risen among young readers thanks to policy support from various authorities.

    On Jan 1, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, along with cooperating departments, announced its annual New Discovery Pop-Science Booklist of 21 types of books, including one that explains sound to readers and one about flying birds, both of which had good sales records on domestic bookselling websites.

    The Beijing Book Fair was held from Jan 9 to 11 at the China International Exhibition Center (Chaoyang Hall), where pop science books appeared as a genre that both readers and publishers marveled at. Their popularity was evident with over 2,900 display booths seeing their opening hours hosting pop-science writers’ lectures where they shared knowledge that was well-received among audiences.

    “We get double the information by attending the lectures,” said 38-year-old Deng Hong, who attended three pop-science book-sharing lectures with her daughter on Jan 9.

    “We both get to know what a new book is about and take in science knowledge,” she added.

    One of the lectures Deng attended was given by Cao Yong, a professor from Northwestern Polytechnical University Ningbo branch, who was in charge of a team that designed a robotic “ghost fish”, a bionic submersible that could travel autonomously in the ocean. Cao shared how the “ghost fish” swims underwater and answered questions such as, “would such a bionic fish be eaten by a bigger fish”, or “what materials is its skin made of that can withstand high water pressure”. Cao also gifted a book about big airplanes to Beijing No 15 High School whose students attended his lecture.

    The Young Scientist, a pop science cartoon series, is another major product that attracted over 100 people on-site and sold more than 1,000 copies online during the past two weeks. Written by 10 renowned domestic scientists and pop science writers with illustrations by 11 professional artists, the series teaches readers about the latest advancements in major science sectors and enhances their prospects. Four of the 10 writers held an open seminar in which about three dozen were kids that they “hope to influence the most”, according to its editor Zou Li.

    The four writers shared key points in their books. For example, “a long rumor is that mankind invented radar-imitating bats that find their way by sending ultrasonic waves”, said Yuan Lanfeng, chief editor of the series, “but while writing and editing the book about bionics, we consulted a bat expert, a radar expert and an acoustics professor and found that mankind invented the radar long before discovering that bats emitted ultrasonic waves. The two are similar but not imitating each other.”

    The writers also answered questions raised by the pupils. The most popular question was: “What do we do now to become scientists like you?”

    “If you want to be an astronaut or astronautic scientist, stay healthy and do your homework to become educated,” answered Zhou Binghong, one of the writers who is also a researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology, pointing out that the line between astronauts and astronautic scientists is vague as these professions need extensive knowledge to travel to space for on-site experiences. “Health and knowledge are the most important factors for both professions, which are becoming increasingly popular at a lower cost.”

    Wang Dapeng, a researcher at the China Research Institute for Science Popularization, encourages the idea of recruiting scientists to write their stories. “We need more scientific researchers to tell stories of their research fields. Science in the form of stories is more digestible to children because reading is not only for acquiring knowledge but also for enriching lives and improving oneself.”

    Li Hui, deputy Party secretary and vice-chairperson of the board of Hunan Publishing Investment Holding Group, said that pop science works play an irreplaceable role in cultivating children’s scientific literacy and stimulating their innovative potential. The publishing group follows the national innovation-driven development strategy and is committed to publishing excellent popular science works and enhancing scientific literacy.

    “How many galaxies are there in the universe besides ours?” asked a 7-year-old at the end of the seminar.

    “So far, we know of about 100 billion,” Zhou answered, “which means for each of the 8 billion people on Earth, there is an average of a dozen galaxies. The coming generations have a mission to work harder on space science so that one day we can travel at the speed of light into the deep universe to explore them.

    “Let’s find our own galaxies,” Zhou said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aotearoa Clinical Trials Expands to New Site in Botany, East Auckland, Strengthening Community Access to Clinical Trials

    Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

    Auckland, New Zealand – February 10, 2025 – Aotearoa Clinical Trials is pleased to announce the opening of a new, third site in Botany, East Auckland, expanding its reach and further cementing its commitment to the local community. This new standalone site will allow the clinical trial organisation to provide enhanced access to a diverse range of participants, while strategically supporting the Counties Manukau region’s rapidly growing population.
    Why are clinical trials important to this community?
    “Research is incredibly important as it provides pathways to addressing current health challenges. In Māoridom, research is akin to the role of a tohunga (expert or healer)-it represents foresight in the face of illness. As Māori, we all possess the taonga (treasure) of rangatiratanga (sovereignty and leadership); we have this foresight. I believe that my living data today is far more valuable to helping prevent disease than data collected after my death. You can’t solve a problem by only knowing that I died in my 50s from diabetes. It could have been prevented if I had been tested earlier. I believe that if I give the system my blood today, it will help them develop interventions, because prevention is better than cure”. Kaumaatua Robert Clark.
    With significant growth in housing developments, infrastructure projects, and shopping centres, Botany is one of Auckland’s most thriving and dynamic areas. It is home to a vibrant, ethnically diverse community, making it an ideal location for Aotearoa Clinical Trials to continue its mission of bringing essential clinical research closer to the people it serves.
    “We are excited to announce the expansion of our clinical trials into the Botany region,” said Ed Watson, CEO of Aotearoa Clinical Trials. “As we build our presence in East Auckland, we are not only responding to a clear need in the community but also aligning with our broader strategy to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially within Counties Manukau, one of New Zealand’s most multicultural regions. This site will play a crucial role in improving access to medical research for communities that need it the most.”
    The Botany site will be staffed by a dedicated team of clinical investigators, who bring extensive experience in conducting high-quality clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. By offering increased access to a wide range of participants, the Botany location will help accelerate advancements in medical research while improving healthcare outcomes for local communities.
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials’ expansion to Botany is part of a larger strategy to build deeper connections within the community through decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) and thereby providing access to participants in their communities. The organisation has plans to also collaborate with Pukekohe Hospital, extending its reach even further across the Counties Manukau area.
    The addition of the Botany site brings a new level of convenience and access to East Auckland, which, in turn, will further strengthen the network of clinical trials available to the surrounding regions.
    For more information about Aotearoa Clinical Trials and its expansion efforts, please visit https://www.aotearoatrials.nz/
    About Aotearoa Clinical Trials
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a leading provider of clinical trial services in New Zealand, offering world-class research across many therapeutic areas from Phase I to Phase IV. With a focus on providing greater access to diverse populations, Aotearoa Clinical Trials partners with healthcare providers, sponsors, and local communities to deliver vital research that improves patient outcomes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively choose the music for your mood

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne

    New York Public Library

    Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and lubricates social encounters. It represents aspects of our existing identity, as well as our hopes and dreams. It expresses emotions that cannot be explained with words. Music also distracts us from boredom and difficulty and helps us escape into another world.

    Music seems to have a magical power: a wand to be waved that makes life feel better. But what if the power was not in the music itself? In fact, the power of music comes from our choices in what to listen to and the human agency we express in this act.

    It can be seen as a placebo effect where the music is endowed with special powers by our minds. The qualities of the music are important. But as with all art, it is how we uniquely perceive the song that makes our experience powerful.

    My research has shown most of us operate on autopilot when it comes to choosing music, often assuming previous music selections will have the same effect even under very different circumstances.

    Stepping out of autopilot and being more intentional in the songs we chose can move from hoping the music will make you feel good, to knowing it will and seeing how it does.

    Choose the right music for you

    The way we experience music is personal. There is no one song that is going to make everyone feel the same.

    Think about trying to pick a song to make you feel happy, or to listen to when you’re happy. If the power was in the musical qualities of the song itself, Pharrell Williams’ Happy might work. The song has several uplifting musical features: a simple but catchy melody; an energising rhythm emphasised by the singer clicking along; a lively tempo; and words that repeat the key idea.

    It’s similar to Psy’s Gangnam Style, Katrina and the Waves’ Walking on Sunshine or ABBA’s Waterloo.

    But just because these songs sound happy, do they make you feel happy? Would they make it into your personal top five pleasure-inducing tracks?

    Your song selections are different to your friends because of the personal associations you have with them, including your personal taste. That’s why AI can’t generate the right songs for you if you ask it for “happy songs”.

    You would be better off to start by looking at your own playlists and frequently played tracks to identify which ones actually make you feel good, personally.

    Understanding meaning

    It’s important to distinguish between pleasure-inducing tracks and meaningful songs.

    Meaningful songs are linked to a range of emotions, identities, histories and social connections – but only some of those are pleasure inducing. Others connect to poignant and beautiful feelings such as grief and loss, whether that is missing home or missing people and creatures we love. This poignancy is distinct from hedonism, which is happiness without negative affect.

    If you’re experiencing grief, for example, there may be a beauty in remembering your loved one, but it is connected to the pain of their absence. Choosing pleasure-inducing songs operates as an aesthetic distraction to take our mind away from the pain, which is a different (not necessarily worse or better) choice.

    Listening to sad songs when you feel low may help with emotional processing – but not always.
    Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

    Sometimes meaning doesn’t come with a beautiful purpose. Like the love song that becomes the breakup song. Or the favourite artist whose death renders a song poignant rather than uplifting. Then the song may help with emotional processing, or it may not, it can just fulfil a desire for rumination – a thought we keep circling around without discharging the intensity or our perspective on it.

    It might seem obvious that these events will change the way we feel when we listen to a song. But it can be surprisingly difficult to let go of music we love.

    Sad songs can be enjoyable and/or a beautiful way of connecting to emotional experiences. But they can also intensify our negative emotions, which doesn’t always lead to resolution.

    Being conscious and intentional in music choices is important, especially if you’re tending to ruminate. During down times in life, it is worth checking in after listening to make sure the song is helping you process and resolve, and not just intensify and maintain a negative state you would rather leave behind.

    Finding what you love

    But most days you are safe to let your instincts guide you. After all, there’s nothing more pleasurable than spending time listening to a banger.

    In technical speak, we call these “preferred songs” – songs that might not be personally meaningful, or fill you with joy exactly, but they are just great tracks. Music you love, appreciate and rate.

    But even identifying preferred songs is still personal. Despite what many people think, it’s very difficult to get agreement about what makes a good song. But it’s not difficult to identify the songs that you think are great. In fact, it’s a super fun thing to do.

    Katrina McFerran has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Melbourne to investigate this topic. She is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

    – ref. Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively choose the music for your mood – https://theconversation.com/different-songs-for-different-days-why-its-important-to-actively-choose-the-music-for-your-mood-246233

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively chose the music for your mood

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne

    New York Public Library

    Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and lubricates social encounters. It represents aspects of our existing identity, as well as our hopes and dreams. It expresses emotions that cannot be explained with words. Music also distracts us from boredom and difficulty and helps us escape into another world.

    Music seems to have a magical power: a wand to be waved that makes life feel better. But what if the power was not in the music itself? In fact, the power of music comes from our choices in what to listen to and the human agency we express in this act.

    It can be seen as a placebo effect where the music is endowed with special powers by our minds. The qualities of the music are important. But as with all art, it is how we uniquely perceive the song that makes our experience powerful.

    My research has shown most of us operate on autopilot when it comes to choosing music, often assuming previous music selections will have the same effect even under very different circumstances.

    Stepping out of autopilot and being more intentional in the songs we chose can move from hoping the music will make you feel good, to knowing it will and seeing how it does.

    Choose the right music for you

    The way we experience music is personal. There is no one song that is going to make everyone feel the same.

    Think about trying to pick a song to make you feel happy, or to listen to when you’re happy. If the power was in the musical qualities of the song itself, Pharrell Williams’ Happy might work. The song has several uplifting musical features: a simple but catchy melody; an energising rhythm emphasised by the singer clicking along; a lively tempo; and words that repeat the key idea.

    It’s similar to Psy’s Gangnam Style, Katrina and the Waves’ Walking on Sunshine or ABBA’s Waterloo.

    But just because these songs sound happy, do they make you feel happy? Would they make it into your personal top five pleasure-inducing tracks?

    Your song selections are different to your friends because of the personal associations you have with them, including your personal taste. That’s why AI can’t generate the right songs for you if you ask it for “happy songs”.

    You would be better off to start by looking at your own playlists and frequently played tracks to identify which ones actually make you feel good, personally.

    Understanding meaning

    It’s important to distinguish between pleasure-inducing tracks and meaningful songs.

    Meaningful songs are linked to a range of emotions, identities, histories and social connections – but only some of those are pleasure inducing. Others connect to poignant and beautiful feelings such as grief and loss, whether that is missing home or missing people and creatures we love. This poignancy is distinct from hedonism, which is happiness without negative affect.

    If you’re experiencing grief, for example, there may be a beauty in remembering your loved one, but it is connected to the pain of their absence. Choosing pleasure-inducing songs operates as an aesthetic distraction to take our mind away from the pain, which is a different (not necessarily worse or better) choice.

    Listening to sad songs when you feel low may help with emotional processing – but not always.
    Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

    Sometimes meaning doesn’t come with a beautiful purpose. Like the love song that becomes the breakup song. Or the favourite artist whose death renders a song poignant rather than uplifting. Then the song may help with emotional processing, or it may not, it can just fulfil a desire for rumination – a thought we keep circling around without discharging the intensity or our perspective on it.

    It might seem obvious that these events will change the way we feel when we listen to a song. But it can be surprisingly difficult to let go of music we love.

    Sad songs can be enjoyable and/or a beautiful way of connecting to emotional experiences. But they can also intensify our negative emotions, which doesn’t always lead to resolution.

    Being conscious and intentional in music choices is important, especially if you’re tending to ruminate. During down times in life, it is worth checking in after listening to make sure the song is helping you process and resolve, and not just intensify and maintain a negative state you would rather leave behind.

    Finding what you love

    But most days you are safe to let your instincts guide you. After all, there’s nothing more pleasurable than spending time listening to a banger.

    In technical speak, we call these “preferred songs” – songs that might not be personally meaningful, or fill you with joy exactly, but they are just great tracks. Music you love, appreciate and rate.

    But even identifying preferred songs is still personal. Despite what many people think, it’s very difficult to get agreement about what makes a good song. But it’s not difficult to identify the songs that you think are great. In fact, it’s a super fun thing to do.

    Katrina McFerran has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Melbourne to investigate this topic. She is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

    – ref. Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively chose the music for your mood – https://theconversation.com/different-songs-for-different-days-why-its-important-to-actively-chose-the-music-for-your-mood-246233

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms trafficking arrest

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man will appear in court today charged with firearms offences after police searched his Salisbury Park home yesterday.

    Police allegedly located a gelbaster (handgun) and magazine and the sawn-off stock of a .22 calibre rifle.

    The 25-year-old Salisbury Park man was arrested and charged with firearm trafficking, possess firearm (gelblaster) and breach of bail.

    He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today.

    Anyone with information about illicit firearms in our community is encouraged to report it to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    CO2500005640

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second suspect arrested over Mitchell Park break-in

    Source: South Australia Police

    A second man has been arrested over a Mitchell Park break-in last month and will face court today.

    Just after 6.30pm on Friday 24 January the victims returned home and were confronted by a group of intruders leaving their Handley Avenue property.

    The suspects stole property including a Play Station, jewellery and cash and left in a silver Holden VE Commodore.

    Thankfully there were no physical injuries.

    A 20-year-old Elizabeth North man was arrested on 27 January and charged with serious criminal trespass, theft, aggravated robbery, assault, theft, illegal use of motor vehicle and fail to truly answer questions.

    Following investigations, a second suspect was arrested yesterday, Sunday 9 February.

    The 24-year-old Prospect man was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, illegal use and drive while disqualified.  He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    CO2500003741, C02500005663

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands crisis: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?

    The Cook Islands finds itself in a precarious dance — one between the promises of foreign investments and the integrity of our own sovereignty. As the country sways between partners China and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands News asks: “Do we continue to haka with the Taniwha, our constitutional partner, or do we dance with the dragon?”

    EDITORIAL: By Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, Cook Islands News

    Our relationship with China, forged through over two decades of diplomatic agreements, infrastructure projects and economic cooperation, demands further scrutiny. Do we continue to embrace the dragon with open arms, or do we stand wary?

    And what of the Taniwha, a relationship now bruised by the ego of the few but standing the test of time?

    If our relationship with China were a building, it would be crumbling like the very structures they have built for us. The Cook Islands Police Headquarters (2005) was meant to stand as a testament to our growing diplomatic and financial ties, but its foundations — both literal and metaphorical — have been called into question as its structure deteriorated.

    COOK ISLANDS NEWS

    Then, in 2009, the Cook Islands Courthouse followed, plagued by maintenance issues almost immediately after its completion. Our National Stadium, also built in 2009 for the Pacific Mini Games, was heralded as a great achievement, yet signs of premature wear and tear began surfacing far earlier than expected.

    Still, we continue this dance, entranced by the allure of foreign investment and large-scale projects, even as history and our fellow Pacific partners across the moana warn us of the risks.

    These structures, now symbols of our fragile dependence, stand as a metaphor for our relationship with the dragon: built with promises of strength, only to falter under closer scrutiny. And yet, we keep returning to the dance floor. These projects, rather than standing as enduring monuments to our relationship with China, serve as cautionary tales.

    And then came Te Mato Vai.

    What began as a bold and necessary vision to modernise Rarotonga’s water infrastructure became a slow and painful lesson in accountability. The involvement of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) saw the project mired in substandard work, legal disputes and cost overruns.

    By the time McConnell Dowell, a New Zealand firm, was brought in to fix the defects, the damage — financial and reputational — was done.

    Prime Minister Mark Brown, both as Finance Minister and now as leader, has walked an interesting line between criticism and praise.

    In 2017, he voiced concerns about the poor workmanship and assured the nation that the government would seek accountability, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the quality of work delivered by CCECC. Our people deserve better, and we will pursue all avenues to ensure accountability.”

    In 2022, he acknowledged the cost overruns but framed them as necessary lessons in securing a reliable water supply. And yet, most recently, during the December 2024 visit of China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, he declared Te Mato Vai a “commitment to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation. Together, we’ve delivered a project that not only meets the needs of today but safeguards the future of Rarotonga’s water supply.”

    The Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand has long been one of deep familial, historical and political ties — a dance with the taniwha, if you will. As a nation with free association status, we have relied on New Zealand for economic support, governance frameworks and our shared citizenship ties.

    And they have relied on our labour and expertise, which adds over a billion dollars to their economy each year. We have well-earned our discussion around citizenship and statehood, but that must come from the ground up, not from the top down.

    China has signed similar agreements across the Pacific, most notably with the Solomon Islands, weaving itself into the region’s economic and political fabric. Yet, while these partnerships promise opportunity, they also raise concerns about sovereignty, dependency and the price of such alignments, as well as the geopolitical and strategic footprint of the dragon.

    But as we reflect on the shortcomings of these partnerships, the question remains: Do we continue to place our trust in foreign powers, or do we reinvest in our own community and governance systems?

    At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: How do we sign bold agreements on the world stage without consultation, while struggling to resolve fundamental issues at home?

    Healthcare, education, the rise in crime, mental health, disability, poverty — the list goes on and on, while our leaders are wined and dined on state visits around the globe.

    Dance with the dragon, if you so choose, but save the last dance for the voting public in 2026. In 2026, the voters will decide who leads this dance and who gets left behind.

    Republished from the Cook Islands News with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ smashes box office records, becomes first non-Hollywood film to hit 1 bln USD

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People walk past a poster of the animated feature “Ne Zha 2” at a cinema in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Feb. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

    Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” has shattered multiple box office records, becoming the first film to cross 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.

    The sophomore outing in the mythological franchise has also set a new record for all-time admissions in China, drawing over 160 million moviegoers, per data from ticketing platforms Maoyan and Beacon.

    Helmed by Yang Yu, known as Jiaozi, the film hit the big screen during the lucrative Chinese New Year frame on Jan. 29, surpassing 2017’s “Wolf Warrior 2” to become China’s most-watched film. Meanwhile, its total revenue (including presales) hit 8 billion yuan (about 1.12 billion U.S. dollars) by Sunday.

    In just eight days and five hours after its release, “Ne Zha 2” became China’s highest-grossing film of all time on Thursday, exceeding the 5.77 billion yuan record set by “The Battle at Lake Changjin.” A day later, it overtook “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” to become the highest-grossing film ever in a single market, reaching over 6.79 billion yuan (including presales) in China on Friday.

    A follow-up to the animated sensation “Ne Zha,” which grossed 5 billion yuan and topped the country’s box office charts in 2019, the sequel has captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals, rich storytelling and deep cultural resonance.

    The record-breaking run makes “Ne Zha 2” not just a box office titan but a cultural phenomenon, further underscoring China’s ability to produce homegrown blockbusters that strike a chord with domestic audiences.

    Industry analysts are now watching closely to see if “Ne Zha 2” can sustain its momentum and set even higher benchmarks in the days ahead. Maoyan on Sunday night once again raised its domestic box office forecast for the film, now projecting it to surpass 12 billion yuan — up from its estimate of over 10.8 billion yuan just three days ago. This marks the first time a Chinese film has ever been expected to cross the 10-billion-yuan threshold.

    The sequel continues the story of the iconic character from Chinese mythology. Set after the events of the first film, it follows Nezha and Aobing as their souls are saved but their physical forms face dissolution. With the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, who uses the Seven-Colored Lotus to reconstruct their bodies, the two heroes must face numerous challenges.

    Taking audiences on an emotional journey that blends action, humor and heart, “Ne Zha 2” alone accounted for half of what has amounted to a historic 2025 Spring Festival holiday box office total — a total which surpassed 9.5 billion yuan from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4.

    This robust performance marks a major win for China’s film industry, which faced a tough year in 2024, with box office revenues down 23 percent from 2023 and 34 percent from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.

    In this context, the record-breaking success of “Ne Zha 2” is being hailed as a much-needed boost for the sector.

    People walk out of a movie screening room at a cinema in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Feb. 3, 2025. (Photo by Peng Yikai/Xinhua)

    Maoyan analyst Lai Li described the film as a major milestone, particularly for China’s growing animation industry. “The success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ has set the tone for the year,” Lai said. “It highlights the incredible resilience and growth potential of China’s film market, and we’re excited to see how the rest of 2025 unfolds.”

    Beyond its domestic success, “Ne Zha 2” is poised to make waves internationally as a cultural bridge, offering global audiences a glimpse into China’s rich mythology and traditions.

    Jiaozi, who rose to fame following the success of “Ne Zha,” has emphasized that the international success of Chinese cinema depends on the intrinsic charm of the works themselves. “It’s about whether a script, a story and its characters can move audiences worldwide,” he said in a video interview. “These are not things that can be outsourced.”

    Jiaozi also shared the personal journey the “Ne Zha” films have taken him on, explaining how the series has evolved from his own passion into a broad cultural phenomenon.

    “The first step was creating something I loved, and domestic audiences loved it too,” he said. “Over time, I’ve worked to improve it, to refine my craft. I believe that one day, new ideas, deeper meanings, and new soul will emerge from it, and the whole world will be able to appreciate it.”

    His views have been echoed by film industry experts.

    Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association and a professor at Tsinghua University, attributes the film’s success to its sophisticated narrative layers.

    “The film’s reimagining of mythology, with its portrayal of demon-spirit duality, conflicts between magical and celestial realms, and struggles between heaven and the underwater world, creates a dramatic tension that works on multiple levels,” Yin told Xinhua.

    “It captures universal themes of childhood development, forming an Oedipal archetype that bridges individual and societal narratives,” Yin said, particularly praising the film’s subtle yet masterful storytelling.

    Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, praised the film for its fusion of traditional Chinese mythology and modern storytelling, which makes it highly relatable to contemporary audiences.

    “The film proves that a good movie needs a compelling story, sharp storytelling, and well-developed characters,” Rao said, expressing hope that China will continue to produce high-quality films that engage audiences and draw more people to theaters.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rescuers race against time to find landslide survivors

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Braving the cold, rescuers are making all-out efforts to find survivors after a landslide in southwest China’s Sichuan Province left one dead, 28 missing and two injured.
    The landslide occurred at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday in Jinping Village, which is located in Junlian County in the city of Yibin.
    On Sunday morning, firefighters from multiple regions across Sichuan assembled to continue the rescue operation.
    At the rescue site, which has been divided into 10 search grid zones, multiple excavators have been deployed at the lower end of the landslide, while rescuers equipped with search dogs and life detectors conduct a thorough search.

    Rescuers search for missing people at the site of a landslide in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    “The rescue operation faces three major challenges: cold and damp weather, slippery roads and narrow passages due to rain, and the risk of secondary collapses at the site,” said Li Zhuo, head of the fire and rescue brigade in Yibin.
    Advanced equipment, including slope monitoring radars, drones and oblique aerial cameras, has also been deployed in the rescue operation.
    The landslide also buried 10 residential houses and a production building.
    So far, 360 people from 95 households have been evacuated, with temporary shelters set up. The two injured people are receiving treatment at a hospital in Junlian.
    Due to continuous rainfall and geological conditions, the landslide has transformed into debris flows, which, according to a preliminary assessment, have resulted in an accumulation of debris stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers and having a total volume of over 100,000 cubic meters.
    The landslide body is approximately 10 to 20 meters thick and about 100 meters wide.

    Staff members work at an emergency command center in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    On the national level, the Ministry of Emergency Management on Saturday launched a Level-III emergency geological disaster response, while the national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief has activated a Level-IV national disaster relief emergency response.
    China has a four-level emergency disaster relief response system, with Level IV being the lowest and Level I the highest.
    The country also allocated 80 million yuan (about 11.16 million U.S. dollars) to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in Sichuan.

    Rescuers transfer emergency equipment at the site of a landslide in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Sichuan has mobilized 949 personnel from the military, armed police, firefighting, emergency response, transportation, medical, telecommunication, and other forces to carry out or assist the rescue efforts.
    In addition, engineering rescue equipment and emergency supplies have been dispatched to conduct rescue assessments, search and rescue operations, and emergency investigations.
    Local authorities have provided 30 generators, 100 cotton tents, 400 beds, and 1,100 quilts to ensure the essential needs of the affected people.

    Staff members set up an emergency medical service site at a middle school in Junlian County in the city of Yibin, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    “We have prepared ample cotton clothing and shoes for the affected residents to ensure they stay warm,” said Gao Jianzhong, Party secretary and executive vice president of the Yibin Red Cross Society.
    Considering the ongoing temperature drop, continuous rainfall and landslide conditions, local authorities have designated danger zones in Jinping Village and surrounding areas.
    Real-time monitoring has also been implemented for the mountain slopes on both sides of the landslide, with designated emergency evacuation routes and signals in place, to prevent secondary disasters and ensure the safety of rescue operations, local authorities said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s CPI growth accelerates in January on holiday spending

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Customers select fruit at a supermarket in Xinle, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s consumer inflation rose faster in January, driven by a surging demand for travel, dining and shopping during the Spring Festival holiday, the country’s most celebrated festival.

    China’s consumer price index (CPI), a main inflation gauge, was up 0.5 percent year on year in January, up from a 0.1 percent increase in December, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Sunday.

    NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the year-on-year CPI rise to higher service and food prices during the holiday and a rebound in gasoline prices.

    In breakdown, service prices rose 1.1 percent year on year last month, while food prices climbed 0.4 percent.

    On a monthly basis, the CPI expanded 0.7 percent in January, with service prices accounting for more than half of the overall CPI increase, contributing about 0.37 percentage points.

    The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 0.6 percent from a year ago in January, up from a 0.4 percent increase in December 2024.

    The holiday economy remained strong, with tourism and consumer spending hitting record highs. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the eight-day holiday, which concluded on Tuesday, up 5.9 percent year on year.

    Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.42 billion U.S. dollars), a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

    Meanwhile, key retail and catering enterprises tracked by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported a 4.1 percent year-on-year rise in sales during the holiday, reflecting steady consumer momentum.

    The holiday consumer market was vibrant and thriving, with a strong momentum in service consumption, MOC spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference on Thursday.

    To stimulate domestic demand and support economic recovery, China launched a major program in 2024 to promote large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins. This program encourages factories to replace old machines with more advanced ones, while individual consumers can enjoy subsidies on automobiles, home appliances and more.

    Fueled by these policies and festive consumer enthusiasm, spending on food, festive goods, and smart home appliances was particularly robust during the Spring Festival holiday. Sales of home appliances and communication devices at key retailers tracked by the MOC rose by over 10 percent year on year.

    As the policy promoting trade-ins for consumer goods continues to expand and various consumption-boosting activities unfold, the consumer market is expected to maintain steady growth in the first quarter, He added.

    Sunday’s data also showed the country’s producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.3 percent year on year in January, flat with that in December last year. On a month-on-month basis, the PPI dropped 0.2 percent in January.

    Dong attributed the decrease to the off-season industrial production during the holiday period.

    Analysts forecast that driven by proactive macroeconomic policies and the steady recovery of domestic demand, the CPI and PPI are expected to sustain their moderate rebound throughout 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump ‘determined’ to implement ‘revolutionary’ Gaza takeover plan: Israeli PM

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israel is discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s “revolutionary, creative vision” on the Gaza Strip, the one that Trump is “very determined to implement,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday.

    Trump’s plan “opens up many possibilities for us,” Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting after his return from Washington to Israel, according to a statement released by Netanyahu’s office.

    “For an entire year, we have been told that the ‘day after’ (in Gaza) must involve the PLO (the Palestine Liberation Organization), the Palestinian Authority … President Trump has presented a completely different vision, one that is much better for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

    According to the statement, Netanyahu and Trump have agreed on achieving all of Israel’s war objectives, including “eliminating” Hamas, releasing all Israeli hostages, ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and returning displaced Israeli residents.

    Another war objective of Israel is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Netanyahu added.

    During a joint press conference in Washington with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said the United States plans to “take control of the Gaza Strip,” move Palestinians to neighboring countries, and redevelop the coastal enclave.

    On Thursday, Netanyahu suggested during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 that “Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there.”

    Both Trump’s and Netanyahu’s remarks have sparked regional and international outcry, with many countries voicing their rejection of displacing Palestinians from their homeland and their support for the two-state solution.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How to make your home more energy efficient to reduce running costs

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting an information session on Environmentally Sustainable Design which offers practical ways to make new and older homes more energy efficient.

    The session is taking place from 5pm (for a 5.15pm start) on Wednesday February 19 at the Banquet Room at The Capital, View Street, Bendigo.

    Registration is required to attend the event.

    This information session is suitable for people planning to build a new home and for existing homeowners who want to reduce energy wastage and lower running costs.

    Hear from experts about the options available to improve energy efficiency and what cost savings can be achieved.

    From May 1, all new homes built in Victoria must achieve a seven-star energy rating and this is achieved with Environmentally Sustainable Design.

    The information session MC will be City Manager Statutory Planning Ross Douglas, and you will hear from experts in the field:

    • Senior Project Manager Simon Disler from the City will explore the many energy efficiency measures that can be introduced into your home, how much it costs and the savings that can be achieved
    • Coordinator Greater Bendigo Climate Change Collaboration Ian McBurney from the City provides a real life example of how he made changes to his older California bungalow to become more energy efficient, resulting in lower running costs and smaller bills
    • Questions and answer session with attendees and experts

    Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said it was an invaluable session for homeowners planning to build a new home or seeking effective environmental improvements to an existing home.

    “With rising energy costs, this session offers many simple but cost-effective actions that can make your home more energy efficient,” Mr Petherbridge said.

    “Heating, cooling, hot water, appliances, cooking, lighting, home entertainment and the building itself all contribute to energy wastage.

    “With practical, and often simple actions, you can help reduce energy bills and improve the comfort of your home all year round. By using less energy, that benefits your household and the environment.”

    To register for the event, visit:

    MIL OSI News –