November 11, 2025 is International Energy Saving Day!

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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International Energy Saving Day!

November 11, 2025

November 11th is International Energy Saving Day! In honor of this, we've decided to share some simple steps to help you save energy. Turn off lights in empty rooms—save up to 20% on electricity! Insulate your windows—less heat is lost, reducing your heating costs. Use energy-saving lightbulbs—they consume five times less energy. Unplug chargers—sleep mode wastes electricity. Wash dishes in cold water (when possible)—save on heating! Forests are natural energy savers! They regulate the climate and reduce our dependence on artificial heating and cooling.

Any help is important.

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.

November 11, 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

PET Bottles: From One Minute to Hundreds of Years. Why is Recycling So Important?

Polyethylene terephthalate, or simply PET, has become an integral part of our lives. Around 500 billion PET bottles are produced worldwide annually. That's approximately 1 million bottles per minute. The convenience of this material is undeniable, but it conceals a serious environmental problem that only we can solve.

Why is this important?

The lifespan of a single-use PET bottle is a matter of minutes. And it takes hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Moreover, PET doesn't just take up space; it pollutes soil and water bodies, breaking down into microplastics that end up in the bodies of animals and, ultimately, in us.

But there's good news: PET is a valuable secondary raw material. It's highly recyclable. Manufacturing new products from recycled PET requires 79% less energy and reduces carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to creating plastic from scratch using petroleum.

 

Recycled plastic is used to produce:

New bottles. From 10 conventional bottles, you can make 7 new ones.

· Synthetic padding: 25 flattened bottles are enough for one jacket.

· Packaging materials.

· Construction materials

· Automotive parts.

Despite the potential, global recycling rates for PET packaging remain poor. Globally, only about 30% of all PET bottles produced are recycled. This means the vast majority end up in landfills and the environment.

However, the situation is better in some countries. For example, in the European Union, the collection and recycling rate for PET bottles reaches 60-65%, and in leading countries such as Germany and Norway, this figure exceeds 95%. This proves that an effective system is possible.

 

Proper Recycling: 4 Easy Steps

To give a bottle a second life, it needs to be prepared properly.

1. Rinse. Liquid residue, especially sweet ones, attracts insects and creates an unpleasant odor. A clean bottle makes recycling easier.

2. Remove the label. It's often made of a different type of plastic that interferes with PET recycling.

3. Flatten it. By reducing the bottle's volume, you'll save space. This means less frequent trash collection and better fuel economy.

4. Place in a plastic or recycling bin.

What should not be done?

Don't throw bottles in the general trash. They're useless and harmful in landfills.

· Do not place heavily soiled containers in the plastic container.

Every properly recycled PET bottle isn't just trash, but a step toward a cleaner future. Start with just one bottle, and the world will become a little cleaner.

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.

Moscow Metro: The Yaroslavl line will become faster and more comfortable: new Ivolga trains have arrived on the Yaroslavl line.

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Source: Moscow Metro

Moscow, November 9 – By the end of the year, the fleet of modern Ivolga 4.0 trains on the Yaroslavl line will be expanded to 15 units. This is part of a large-scale rolling stock renewal program being implemented jointly with the Central Suburban Passenger Company (CPPK) and Russian Railways.


The Yaroslavl route will become faster and more comfortable: new Ivolga trains have appeared on the Yaroslavl route.

Comfort, speed and safety:

• The first “Ivolga 4.0” have already hit the roads this year.

• By 2030, it is planned to purchase 92 new trains.

• The average age of the train fleet will be reduced by 5 times, to 3.5 years.

• The new trains are 20% more spacious, provide 15% faster and more comfortable boarding, and have a 45% wider aisle, which is especially convenient during rush hours.

• The upgrade will allow the transportation of more than 300 thousand passengers daily.

Implementation stages:

• To launch new trains, a comprehensive check and adjustment of all systems is carried out.

• Particular attention is paid to the training of drivers, who undergo additional training.

• A new division of the Tver Carriage Works has been opened in Pushkino to monitor the technical condition of trains and carry out routine maintenance.

Comprehensive development of the direction:

• Additional routes were built from Moscow to Pushkino, which reduced train waiting times by a third.

• A transport hub was built in Rostokino for convenient transfer from the Yaroslavl direction to the Moscow Central Circle.

"The upgrade of the Yaroslavl line will allow even more residents and visitors to the capital to use fast and comfortable transportation," noted the Moscow Transport press service.

A unique high-mountain mural dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the UN has been unveiled in Kazakhstan.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 10, 2025 UN

At an altitude of 3,200 meters, a large-scale mural dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was unveiled in the Shymbulak ski resort in Kazakhstan. The 36-by-6-meter mural was created by Kazakh artist Adil Aubekerov.

"This work of art was not commissioned by the UN, but rather was the initiative of the community itself—the private sector and local partners," emphasized Vlastimil Samek, a representative of the UN Department of Global Communications, speaking at the opening ceremony. "Here in Shymbulak, it calls for a world where innovation serves people, nature is protected, and no one is left behind in progress."

Representatives from public organizations, cultural and scientific circles, the diplomatic corps, and the media attended the unveiling of the mural. Guests were briefed on the project's concept and history, and resort specialists described the technical solutions required to implement the project in high-altitude conditions.

Artist Adil Aubekerov noted that the concept is based on the visual and symbolic heritage of nomads, reimagined in a contemporary artistic form: "Each fragment carries a specific memory. Together, they speak of what unites us—respect for nature, for our neighbors, for the world. For me, this is a mosaic of the values the UN has championed for 80 years, as well as the nomadic vision, looking to the future."

Adil Aubekerov's mural has become the largest high-altitude art installation in the world dedicated to the UN. The project was completed in challenging climatic conditions, including sudden temperature fluctuations, thin air, and strong winds. Thanks to its original technical solutions, the structure serves both a protective and artistic function.

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.

Ukraine: The UN coordinator in the country condemned the attack on a humanitarian aid vehicle in Kostyantynivka.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 9, 2025 International law

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale condemned the attack on a vehicle in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region of Ukraine, which was used to evacuate civilians.

According to Shmale, the vehicle, which belonged to the humanitarian organization Proliska, had the appropriate markings.

The vehicle was being used to assist people fleeing the war-torn city, which has been without water and electricity for several days. A drone struck the vehicle. No one in the vehicle was reportedly injured.

"Civilians and civilian objects are fully protected by international humanitarian law and are not targets," Schmale said.

He expressed solidarity with all humanitarian organizations helping civilians evacuate.

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.

On November 8, 2025, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank released 163,000 fish fry and planted 60,000 trees in Siberia.

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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In Siberia, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank released 163,000 fish fry and planted 60,000 trees.

On November 8, Russia celebrates Siberia Day. The holiday symbolizes the historic annexation of this vast region, which is now home to over 16 million people and a source of significant natural resources. Ahead of the holiday, the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RUAB) presented environmental projects being implemented in Siberia.

One of the priority areas is the restoration of the Baikal sturgeon population, which is listed in the Red Book. Under the "Release the Fry" program, approximately 163,000 sturgeons were released into Lake Baikal over three years to preserve the unique aquatic ecosystem. The total funding for the project amounted to 25 million rubles.

The Foundation also carries out important work in reforestation. In Siberia, where forests play a key role in maintaining the climate and biodiversity, the Foundation has planted nearly 60,000 cedar and pine seedlings in areas damaged by fires and logging.

The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank is also actively involved in cleaning up water bodies. Over the past three years, together with Rosprirodnadzor, the shorelines of the Irtysh River in Omsk and the Novosibirsk Reservoir, as well as sections of Lake Baikal in the Irkutsk Region and the Angara River, have been cleaned up.

"On Siberia Day, we not only remember the history of this region but also care for its present and future—its priceless forests, clean rivers, and unique Lake Baikal. All our initiatives are implemented with the support of the bank's clients across the country, which demonstrates nationwide concern for Siberia's natural environment," noted Elmira Morozova, Director of the Ecology Foundation.

You can support the Foundation's environmental projects through its official website or at Rosselkhozbank branches.

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.

The UN Climate Conference in Belém kicks off with a call to deliver on pledges and increase funding.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 8, 2025 Climate and environment

Thousands of diplomats, experts, and activists are heading to Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon, for COP30, the latest round of UN-led climate talks. Their primary goal is to turn pledges into action by agreeing on more ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After decades of negotiations and annual, not always successful, summits – from Kyoto to Sharm el-Sheikh – the planet continues to warm. Public pressure on governments and big business to act has recently reached critical levels.

The holding of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon – the world's largest tropical forest – underscores the scale of the problem: the region is both a vital carbon sink and a frontline in the fight against deforestation and climate change.

This year, the forum aims to change course. Delegates will examine in detail the climate plans of various countries, advocate for $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance, adopt new climate adaptation measures, and advance the concept of a "just transition" to a green economy.

"Time to act"

Conference organizers are positioning COP30 as a turning point and a test of global solidarity. The summit opens amid alarming forecasts: scientists warn that the planet is moving toward exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

Experts note that this excess could be short-lived – but only if countries immediately step up efforts to reduce emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilize financial resources.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated bluntly: "The time for negotiations is over. The time has come for action, action, and more action."

© UNFCCC/K. Worth

The conference, chaired by Brazil, will be built around an agenda of 30 key goals, each overseen by a group responsible for scaling up solutions. The initiative is called "Mutirón," a word from an indigenous Brazilian language meaning "collective task." It reflects Brazil's desire to highlight the leadership and active participation of indigenous peoples in the conference and in the global fight against climate change.

The Brazilian government says it wants to involve all sectors – from indigenous communities to the business community – in fulfilling the country's previous climate pledges.

Mobilization of finance

The agenda at UN climate conferences is traditionally based on voluntary commitments rather than legally binding norms. Yet the scale of the required investments is enormous: at least $1.3 trillion annually is required by 2035.

Without urgent action, scientists estimate that global temperatures could rise by 2.3 to 2.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, making vast regions of the planet uninhabitable due to flooding, extreme heat, and ecosystem destruction.

The Belem talks will center on the Baku-Belem roadmap, prepared by the COP29 and COP30 presidencies. This document outlines five resource mobilization priorities, including strengthening the six multilateral climate funds, expanding cooperation on taxing polluting activities, and converting sovereign debt into climate investments—a move that could unlock $100 billion for developing countries.

The report also calls for removing barriers, such as investment treaty provisions that allow corporations to sue governments over climate policy. Such disputes have already cost states $83 billion in 349 cases.

© Unsplash/I. Johansson

Why are climate conferences important?

The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as the COP, remains the leading global forum for addressing the climate crisis. Decisions at these summits are made by consensus, facilitating cooperation on mitigation, adaptation, and financing.

Over the years, UN climate conferences have adopted key documents. In 2015, the Paris Agreement set a goal of holding the global temperature increase "well below 2 degrees Celsius" above pre-industrial levels and aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius. At COP28 in Dubai, countries agreed to phase out fossil fuels "in a fair, orderly, and equitable manner" and to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Last year, in Baku, the annual climate finance target for developing countries was raised from $100 billion to $300 billion, with a roadmap for increasing it to $1.3 trillion.

Taken together, the legal architecture built over the past three decades has helped prevent the projected four degrees of warming by the end of the century.

KS-30 will open on Monday, November 10, and run until Friday, November 21.

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.

Refugees in Belfast find friends, freedom and confidence through football

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 8, 2025 Refugees and migrants

Mary, a University of Manchester student, arrived in Belfast from South Sudan with her younger brother in the summer of 2021, when she was 18. Because her brother was a minor, he was immediately placed into care, and Mary was housed in a hotel. Anxiety and loneliness plagued Mary's first weeks in the new city.

"That first day I set foot in Belfast, everything seemed strange," she recalls. "The weather was cold, even though it was summer. The culture, the language—everything was new to me. I felt alone."

Everything changed when Mary learned about the refugee football programme run by Street NI through its Street Soccer initiative.

"I was so happy," she says. "I was really nervous and didn't know anyone… and then I started playing soccer, joined Street Soccer—and everyone was amazing. The people, the coaches—everyone was friendly."

Street NI was founded by Justin McMinn to support vulnerable groups in Belfast. Over time, the organization grew and began to include refugees in its programs. Today, Street NI offers not only football training but also language courses, food and clothing assistance, gym access, and volunteer opportunities.

Justin says one of the best parts of his job is seeing how football brings people together and helps them overcome the challenges of living in a new country.

© UNHCR/E. Testa

Justin McMinn, founder of Street NI.

"The most remarkable thing about Street Soccer and the power of football is its ability to unite communities," he says. "At first, we worked with Protestant and Catholic communities, building bridges and combating sectarian hatred. And in recent years, we've begun to include refugees—now we're breaking down barriers, fighting racism, and bringing people together."

"Football is a common language," Justin adds. "Even if you don't speak English, you can still understand others on the field."

Many program participants later become volunteers. For example, Louise, who joined Street Soccer when she was homeless, now helps the initiative almost daily.

"I do a little bit of everything," she says. "It really helps my mental state. I feel useful."

Louise recalls how Mary's English rapidly improved after starting the lessons, and then she began helping the new refugees adapt. Mary became an indispensable member of the team, both on and off the field.

In 2022, Louise and Mary traveled together to Dundee, Scotland, to participate in the Homeless World Cup, a football championship for the homeless.

"For me, we're all one," says Louise. "When you come to Street Soccer, no one judges you—everyone supports each other."

© UNHCR/E. Testa

(Left to right): Justin McMinn, Louise McGonnell, Mary Edonga and Andy Hardy.

The Irish Football Association, which also supported Mary, invited her to speak at its conference. The association implements projects that combine football training with long-term integration support: employment programs, coaching qualification courses, and internships.

"It really helps refugees integrate into the local community and find work," explains Andy Hardy, Community Engagement Officer for the Irish Football Association. "They learn, they develop, and it shows on their CVs."

In May 2021, UEFA and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the social inclusion of refugees through football. Initiatives include financial support for national football associations across Europe, the participation of refugees in UEFA Fan Fests, and the Unity EURO Cup, an international tournament featuring mixed amateur teams composed of refugees and local players.

In October 2024, Mary took part in the Unity EURO Cup panel discussion at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, along with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister.

During the discussion, Mary spoke about how football and the people who supported her through various community programs changed her life. She later admitted that participating in this event was one of her greatest achievements.

© UNHCR/E. Testa

“At first I was scared, but when I saw the video of the event, I felt proud and happy,” she says.

The Northern Ireland team took a respectable third place in the 2024 Unity EURO Cup tournament, while the Latvian team emerged victorious.

Mary met participants from all over Europe and other parts of the world. She came to the tournament with her friend Vinta, whom she met through football. Now they communicate every day.

"We support each other, inspire each other, share secrets. Football gives me friends who become family," explains Mary.

Reflecting on her journey—from a lonely girl unsure of where to start to a confident student with a close circle of friends—Mary speaks of hope and unity: “It was really, really hard. I was scared. But thanks to football, I overcame it all.”

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.

Top Stories | Friday: USA, Orlando Bloom, Syria, DRC

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 7, 2025 UN

The top news of the day in the UN and around the world: the US refusal to participate in the Universal Periodic Review process within the Human Rights Council, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom in Bangladesh, abductions and disappearances in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The United States and the Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council expressed regret over the United States' decision not to participate in the review of the country's human rights situation. Under this process, known as the Universal Periodic Review, UN member states report on the steps they have taken to implement and protect human rights and receive recommendations from experts. The United States was scheduled to appear before the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Friday but withdrew. This marks the first time a country has chosen not to participate in the review. Members of the Human Rights Council called on Washington to resume cooperation with the mechanism and announced they would reschedule the review until 2026.

Orlando Bloom in Bangladesh

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visited Bangladesh this week and toured the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. The British actor met with the children and their families living there. According to Bloom, they are "100 percent dependent on aid." But aid is dwindling, he warned. The lack of funding threatens education, healthcare, and the very survival of people in the camps. In June, UNICEF was forced to temporarily close most schools in Cox's Bazar, depriving nearly 150,000 children of the opportunity to learn. The schools eventually reopened, but face further closure in 2026.

Abductions in Syria

Eleven months after the fall of the former regime in Syria, alarming reports of abductions and disappearances continue to emerge from the country. This was stated by Tamin Al-Khitan, a representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at a briefing in Geneva on Friday. He noted that following the change of power, the situation in the country remains unstable, with various forces and groups vying for influence. According to Al-Khitan, people are afraid to contact the UN due to threats, making it difficult to determine the actual number of abducted and disappeared. Since January 2025, 97 cases of abductions have been documented.

Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The situation in the region, captured earlier this year by the armed group M23, remains extremely difficult. In some areas, people are dying of hunger. Meanwhile, fighting between M23 and government forces continues, causing new waves of displacement. There are currently approximately 5.2 million internally displaced people in the eastern part of the country.

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.

Ukraine: With the support of the IAEA, a new local ceasefire has been agreed upon to allow for repair work at the Zaporizhzhya NPP.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 7, 2025 Peace and security

On Friday, a new local ceasefire, brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), took effect near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). It will allow repairs to begin to restore the plant's connection to the grid and prevent a potential nuclear accident, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced.

Under the current agreement, demining and technical preparation work began this morning in the area of the damaged section of the 330 kV Ferrosplavnaya-1 power transmission line. Repairs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, and specialists expect to restore power in the coming days. Once completed, the plant will regain access to two external power sources, which, according to the IAEA, will significantly enhance its nuclear safety. The agency's team at the Zaporizhzhya NPP will monitor the repairs.

Two weeks ago, also thanks to the temporary ceasefire agreements reached with the participation of the IAEA, was restored The Dnipro 750 kV power transmission line. During maintenance work in late October, additional damage to the Ferrosplavnaya-1 line was discovered outside the initially agreed-upon ceasefire zones. This delayed its reconnection.

"The restoration of external power supply to Europe's largest nuclear power plant was a critical event for ensuring nuclear safety and security," Grossi emphasized.

“However, just one functioning supply line is clearly not enough, because before the war there were ten of them,” he added.

According to him, after "intensive and complex consultations with the Russian Federation and Ukraine," it was possible to agree on another local ceasefire to allow the work to be carried out.

Although all six reactors at the plant have been shut down for over three years, the facility still requires a constant power supply to cool the reactor cores and spent fuel pools to prevent overheating and possible radiation releases. In the event of a loss of external power, the plant must rely on backup diesel generators.

"Both sides recognize the risks associated with a prolonged power outage and the limited number of power lines at such a facility," the IAEA chief noted. "They have worked constructively with us to ensure these critical repairs are carried out. However, the overall nuclear safety situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP remains extremely precarious. We will only be able to speak of success when this devastating war ends without a nuclear accident."

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.