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Flanders and the UN are launching a project to support farmers in Ukraine's Mykolaiv region.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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April 1, 2026 Humanitarian aid

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Government of Flanders (Belgium), announced the launch of a new project aimed at restoring agriculture and supporting residents of the Mykolaiv region, which has been significantly affected by the war in Ukraine.

The million-dollar initiative will reach 550 rural households and smallholder farmers, helping them resume production and build resilience in the face of the ongoing conflict.

Unsafe land

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the Mykolaiv region has suffered significant destruction of agricultural infrastructure, irrigation systems, and production facilities. The 2023 explosion of the Kakhovka Dam exacerbated the situation, leaving large areas without access to water. Fields contaminated by explosive devices and damaged soil pose an additional threat, hindering the restoration of food production.

"For farming families, returning to work is not just a matter of seeds and tools," emphasized Shakhnoza Muminova, head of the FAO office in the country. "They have to contend with degraded soil, disrupted water systems, and the uncertainty caused by years of war. Our project combines direct support with technical work on soil assessment and sustainable land management."

Seeds, greenhouses and training

As part of the project, 500 rural families, including internally displaced persons, returnees, female heads of household, and elderly farmers, will receive high-quality vegetable and potato seeds for the upcoming season. More than 50 smallholder farmers will receive greenhouse kits, micro-irrigation systems, water storage tanks, and vouchers to stabilize and expand production.

All project participants will undergo practical training in climate-resilient agriculture, soil management, and modern agricultural technologies.

In addition to direct assistance, FAO will strengthen the work of the Government Working Group on Soil Damage Assessment. The organization will help standardize analysis methods and develop recommendations for the safe return of land to agricultural use.

Contribution of Flanders

"Supporting the recovery of Ukrainian agriculture is important not only for local communities but also for global food security," noted Matthias Diependele, Minister-President of Flanders. "We are proud of our partnership with FAO, which helps farmers restore production, rehabilitate damaged land, and strengthen sustainable agricultural and food systems. This is part of our strategy to support Ukraine's recovery and long-term resilience."

Part of a broader recovery program

The new project is integrated into FAO's Emergency Response and Early Recovery Plan for 2026–2028 and complements the organization's efforts to support Ukraine's agricultural sector. Revitalizing agriculture in frontline regions remains key to food security, employment, and the stability of the country's agrifood system.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Financial news: On April 1, 2026, the Interregional Federal Treasury will hold a deposit auction No. 22,026,084 in the field of liquidity management.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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Application selection parameters:

Application selection date 01.04.2026. Unique application selection identifier 22 026 084. Deposit currency rubles. Funds type – Single Treasury Account. Maximum amount of funds placed on bank deposits, monetary units 428,000,000,000. Placement period, in days 2. Date of depositing funds 01.04.2026. Date of return of funds 03.04.2026. Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) FIXED. Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 14.32. Base floating interest rate for placement of funds – Minimum spread, % per annum – Terms and conditions of concluding a bank deposit agreement (term, replenishable or special) Term. The minimum amount of funds placed per application, in monetary units, is 1,000,000,000. The maximum number of applications from one credit institution is 2. Terms of offsetting mutual obligations under bank deposit agreements, repurchase agreements, and securities loan agreements (with or without offsetting mutual obligations). Without offsetting mutual obligations. Application selection form (Open with random completion, Closed, Open with extension). Open with random completion. Application selection schedule (Moscow time).

The Moscow Exchange PJSC will host the order selection. Orders will be accepted from 10:00 AM to 10:10 AM. Preliminary orders will be submitted from 10:00 AM to 10:05 AM. Competition orders will be submitted from 10:05 AM to 10:10 AM. Random closing period (sec.): 120 Bid increments:

Time step (sec.):

Extension period end time:

Formation of a consolidated register of applications from 10:30 to 11:00. Establishing a cutoff interest rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful from 10:30 to 11:10. Formation of a consolidated register of bank deposit agreements from 11:10 to 11:30. Information on settlements in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 64 and 65 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated September 18, 2025, No. 8n.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Eighteen people have died and five have been hospitalized after an incident involving a migrant boat off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

ROME, April 1 (Xinhua) — At least 18 people have been killed and five others are in critical condition after a boat carrying migrants was found floating off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Wednesday.

According to the ANSA news agency, Italian Coast Guard patrol boats spotted a vessel in distress near the Pelagie Islands. They described the scene as heartbreaking.

According to the local daily newspaper La Sicilia, a total of 18 bodies were recovered from the boat, presumably from hypothermia.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The President of Belarus stated the seriousness of the geopolitical situation and threats near the Belarusian borders.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Minsk, April 1 (Xinhua) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke of escalating events and threats developing in close proximity to the Belarusian border. The statement was made Wednesday during a meeting summarizing the results of a comprehensive inspection of the Belarusian armed forces. The press service of the Belarusian leader released the information.

A. Lukashenko noted that the recent inspection of the armed forces was routine, but the first of its kind in the country's history. He stated that the purpose of the inspection was to assess how military units, having been put on full combat readiness, would operate under wartime conditions.

"And in this audience (and not only in this one) people must understand: we are absolutely against war. Especially our officers, our soldiers, our armed forces. Because we know what war is. We don't want war, but that's what the army is for. If someone suddenly decides to talk to us and look at us through the sights of a gun, we will respond. And that's what we're preparing for," A. Lukashenko emphasized.

Belarusian military units and permanent readiness units from the Western and Northwestern Operational Commands, special operations forces, the Air Force, and air defense forces were involved in the monitoring activities. "Further, on my instructions, we will activate a separate unit, augment its strength if necessary, and truly learn to fight," the Belarusian leader added.

"The level of tasks, the pace of their formulation and implementation—all of this is determined by the seriousness of the geopolitical situation, the escalating events and threats that are developing in close proximity to our borders. And not only our borders," he noted.

A. Lukashenko also stated that the country's army currently numbers 70,000 personnel (100,000 including the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other units). In the event of an armed conflict, Belarus could increase its troop strength to 500,000 personnel.

A large-scale inspection of the Belarusian armed forces, ordered by A. Lukashenko, was conducted in the country beginning January 16, 2026. A key feature of the inspection was its organization: the Belarusian head of state placed military units on combat alert, bypassing the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The events were carried out unexpectedly.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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D. Trump claims that the Iranian president is asking for a ceasefire

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

WASHINGTON, April 1 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on social media on Wednesday that Iran's president "just asked the United States for a ceasefire."

"We will consider this request when the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and clear. Until then, we will wipe Iran off the face of the earth, or, as they say, throw it back to the Stone Age!" Donald Trump wrote on the social network TruthSocial.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Tuesday that his country is prepared to end the war, provided it provides guarantees against further aggression. He also emphasized that stopping the attacks is the only way to normalize the situation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said messages had been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, but no negotiations had taken place. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China noted the importance of building a new type of power grid and optimizing the energy structure.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Chengdu, April 1 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the importance of efforts to promote the construction of a new type of power grid and accelerate the adjustment and optimization of the energy structure.

Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the announcement during an inspection tour of Sichuan Province (southwest China) from March 30 to April 1.

He visited the urban districts of Chengdu and Deyang, where he inspected enterprises engaged in the development of new energy sources and the production of related equipment.

The head of the Chinese government noted that advances in photovoltaic technology in recent years have increased the efficiency of solar energy use. Li Qiang called for strong support for enterprises in their innovation, increased investment in research and development, overcoming bottlenecks in key technologies, integrating various application scenarios, and accelerating the large-scale adoption of new technologies.

The Premier emphasized that building a new type of power grid is crucial for ensuring energy security and promoting green development. He emphasized the need to create a secure, reliable, green, low-carbon, robust, resilient, intelligent, and flexible power grid.

Li Qiang called on enterprises to focus on cutting-edge technology trends and market needs, promote the deep integration of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into the manufacturing industry, and continuously achieve new breakthroughs in areas such as clean energy equipment production.

The head of the Chinese government visited the Zipingpu hydroelectric hub on the Minjiang River, where he inspected the reservoir and learned about the construction of hydroelectric facilities in the province. He then toured the Dujiangyan irrigation system. He noted that water resource management is a matter that will benefit future generations and called for the inheritance and development of the wisdom of "mastering the element of water."

Li Qiang stressed the importance of accelerating the modernization of hydraulic structures and more effectively utilizing their comprehensive functions in areas such as flood control, irrigation, water supply, power generation and the environment.

In Guanghan County, the Premier toured a demonstration zone for increased wheat productivity. Noting that the key period for spring plowing and sowing has arrived, Li Qiang called for the timely delivery of agricultural inputs and maintenance, the expanded use of new technologies and equipment such as intelligent agricultural machinery, and the implementation of high-standard farmland management.

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April 1, 2026 For environmental students and everyone who cares about the future of the planet: an exhibition on microplastics has opened at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics!

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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For environmental students and anyone concerned about the future of the planet: an exhibition on microplastics has opened at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics!

April 1, 2026

The poster session is dedicated to a crucial environmental issue: the impact of polymers and microplastics on our planet. The exhibition explores the origins of microplastics and their impact on the environment.

Where: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Digital Information Technologies Building

When: March 31 to April 20, 2026

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution to strengthen the work of the UN system.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 31, 2026 UN

The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a landmark resolution aimed at strengthening how UN mandates – decisions by Member States that shape the Organization's work – are formed, implemented and reviewed.

This step marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the UN80 initiative – a comprehensive reform aimed at improving the UN’s effectiveness, coherence within the Organization and its ability to deliver results in a changing world.

Read also:

EXPLAINING | Why the UN80 Initiative is Important

Speaking in the General Assembly Hall, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the adoption of the document, calling it a "historic resolution" and "an important step forward."

"The resolution adopted today reflects a shared understanding of the full life cycle of mandates – and a shared commitment to strengthening each stage," he told UN Member States. "It helps translate the goals of the UN80 initiative into concrete, practical action."

Why are mandates important?

By creating mandates, Member States define and direct the work of the entire UN system in addressing global challenges—from maintaining peace and security and providing humanitarian assistance to promoting development and protecting human rights. Over time, however, the large number of mandates began to create practical difficulties.

Since 1946, more than 40,000 resolutions, decisions, and presidential statements have been adopted in key UN bodies—and navigating this massive array of documents is becoming increasingly difficult.

This leads to duplication of tasks, an increased number of reports and meetings, and limited transparency throughout the system. This increases the burden on both Member States and the UN system, making it difficult to effectively and efficiently implement mandates.

"A more structured approach"

The resolution introduces for the first time a more structured approach to the entire life cycle of mandates – from development to implementation and review.

In practice this means:

– clearer and more focused mandates, supported by better information for decision-making from the outset;

– coordinated implementation with improved data use, user-oriented reporting and more efficient use of resources;

– a more systematic review of mandates to ensure their relevance and real impact, strengthening a culture of continuous improvement based on evidence, accountability and results;

– Increased transparency through improved digital tools, including an expanded UN Mandates Register, which will provide Member States with consolidated and comparable information on mandates, resources and results.

Simplify navigation

The resolution aims to make it easier for Member States to navigate the increasingly complex system of mandates and to help the UN reduce duplication, fragmentation and inefficiency in its activities.

By strengthening the processes of developing, implementing and reviewing mandates, the document aims to enhance the capacity of the UN system to translate decisions into real results.

What's next?

The resolution builds on the work of the General Assembly's informal ad hoc working group on mandate implementation review, co-chaired by Jamaica and New Zealand.

The Group was established by the General Assembly to consider the proposals contained in the Secretary-General's July 2025 report prepared as part of the second phase of the UN80 response.

This is an important step. But it's only the beginning. We will work as a unified, coordinated organization.

This report analyses how mandates are created, implemented and reviewed in the UN system, and proposes measures to strengthen each stage of their life cycle.

The resolution provides for the establishment of a formal ad hoc working group to review mandate implementation, open to all Member States and observers. Its tasks include, inter alia, developing more effective practical templates, strengthening review provisions, and further analyzing existing mandates.

"This is an important step. But it's only the beginning. We will work as a unified, coordinated Organization—led by the working group—to improve support for and implementation of mandates," Guterres said, emphasizing that this process remains Member State-led.

Supporting this position, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that the adoption of the resolution is an important step in broader reforms and called on Member States to actively participate in the next stage of work.

“Today we have taken an important step towards making the UN more agile, efficient and effective, ready for future challenges and better able to serve its people,” she said.

UN-80 Initiative

The resolution marks another important milestone in the UN80 initiative. Launched by the Secretary-General a year ago, it aims to reform the UN at all levels to ensure that every mandate, every dollar, and every decision brings maximum benefit to people and the planet.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Kazakhstan will build eight new power plants by 2030.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

Almaty, April 1 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan plans to build eight new power plants and modernize 11 existing ones by 2030. The Kazakh Ministry of Energy announced this on Wednesday.

According to the national project for the development of coal generation for 2026-2030, 7.8 GW of new and upgraded capacity will be introduced in the country.

As the ministry noted, the national project is aimed not only at increasing generation, but also at improving the efficiency of existing power plants: as a result of modernization, it is planned to reduce the level of equipment depreciation by 13 percent.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Annual inflation in Kazakhstan slowed to 11 percent in March.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Almaty, April 1 (Xinhua) — Annual inflation in Kazakhstan stood at 11 percent in March 2026, slowing by 0.7 percentage points compared to February, the Kazinform news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the Bureau of National Statistics.

Over the year, food products increased in price by 11.7%, non-food products by 11.3%, and paid services by 10%.

Monthly inflation in March slowed to 0.6 percent, which is 0.5 percentage points lower than in February.

A slowdown in price growth was observed across all major categories. Grocery prices increased by 0.7 percent, non-food prices by 0.5 percent, and paid services by 0.6 percent. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.