Category: 27-7

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The Birthday of Russia's First Postage Stamp: History and Meaning

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 22nd marks the anniversary of the first postage stamp in Russia. It was on this day in 1857 that the Postal Department of the Russian Empire issued a circular "On the Introduction of Postage Stamps for General Use," effective from the New Year, and the first stamps went on sale.

The First Postage Stamps: The Most Beautiful in the World

The 10-kopek stamp is considered Russia's first postage stamp, symbolizing a new stage in the development of the postal system. Philatelists have recognized these stamps as the most beautiful two-color stamps in the world.

The first copies were produced in St. Petersburg based on samples personally approved by Alexander II on October 20, 1857. They were printed on white, stiff, hand-made paper with a watermark in the form of the number "1."

The stamp's center featured a blue oval with the Postal Department's emblem in white relief—crossed post horns and a double-headed eagle. Around the oval was a brown frame with the inscription "postage stamp" and the denomination "10 kopecks per lot." The stamp also featured the emperor's mantle and crown, emphasizing its status and importance.

The first stamp had a print run of 3 million copies, but due to perforation issues, the first examples were issued imperforate. This added to their uniqueness and historical value.

The evolution of postage stamps in Russia

Since then, postage stamps in Russia have undergone numerous changes. The first RSFSR stamps appeared in 1918, and their design was radically different from their predecessors. Artist Rihards Zarins created a stamp depicting a hand cutting a chain, symbolizing liberation and new ideals. These stamps were issued in two colors: blue, valued at 35 kopecks, and brown, valued at 70 kopecks.

In August 1923, the world saw the first postage stamps from the USSR, dedicated to the First All-Russian Agricultural and Handicraft-Industrial Exhibition. These stamps reflected a new era and the country's commitment to development.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia once again faced the need to create new postage stamps. On January 14, 1992, the first stamps of the Russian Federation, dedicated to the XVI Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, entered circulation. They became a symbol of a new stage in Russia's history and its return to the international arena.

The meaning of postage stamps

Postage stamps are more than just a means of payment for postal services; they are also an important element of cultural heritage. They reflect historical events, cultural and social changes, and serve as a means of self-expression and art. Stamp collecting (philately) has become a popular hobby that unites people around the world.

Even in the 21st century, postage stamps continue to be a symbol of communication, uniting people and cultures regardless of time and distance.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 22, 2025.

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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Happy Power Engineer's Day!

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Today, Russia celebrates Energy Workers' Day—a professional holiday honoring those who ensure the smooth operation of the country's most vital industry.

Energy is the foundation of the national economy. Without it, other sectors of the economy would not function, and there would be no heat or light in our homes.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is renowned for its oldest scientific schools, the Electromechanical and Power Engineering Faculties. Their scientists and graduates have made significant contributions to the development of thermal and nuclear energy, electrical engineering, power engineering, and the defense industry in the country. These traditions are now being carried on by a younger generation of Polytechnic students.

Even today, Russia's energy sector is not standing still, but continues to develop confidently. It reliably meets economic and social needs, makes a significant contribution to strengthening the state's energy security, and confirms its strategic importance to the country.

We congratulate the faculty and students of all Polytechnic institutes involved in energy. We thank everyone involved in this celebration for their dedication to their profession, responsibility, and the continuous development of the energy sector.

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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Polytechnic students' success at the All-Russian Olympiad in Fuel and Energy Complex Automation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Students from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport at SPbPU performed brilliantly at the 3rd All-Russian Student Olympiad "Automation and Informatization of the Fuel and Energy Complex." The team participated in the competition with the support of the IMMiT Directorate and the SPbPU Youth Policy Department.

The event took place in the Tver region at the Zaluchye training and production center. Organized by the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, the Olympiad brought together students from various regions of Russia studying automation and process control.

Participants were asked to solve practical engineering problems. These included programming a REGUL R500 virtual programmable logic controller and developing a human-machine interface for a training technology rig. This rig simulates pressure regulation processes similar to those found in oil pumping stations.

Fourth-year students from the Higher School of Automation and Robotics at IMMiT demonstrated outstanding results. Ivan Pavlyuchenko took first place in the "Programming the REGUL Logic Controller" category, demonstrating strong skills in developing control, protection, and regulation algorithms. Pavel Patrin placed second in the "Development of a Human-Machine Interface in MasterSCADA 4D" category. The expert committee recognized his work for its well-designed operator panel, clear process visualization, ease of use, and creative approach.

"The Olympiad's problems are as close as possible to real-life production challenges in the oil and gas industry. Our success in solving them speaks to the high quality of our preparation and demonstrates our readiness to tackle complex engineering cases in industrial automation," said Olympiad winner Ivan Pavlyuchenko.

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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In the first 11 months, Guangzhou's trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 24 percent.

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

Beijing, December 22 (Xinhua) — From January to November 2025, trade turnover between Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, southern China, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 24 percent year-on-year to 531.24 billion yuan (approximately 76 billion U.S. dollars), according to data published on the official website of the General Administration of Customs.

During this period, countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative have already become important trading partners of this southern Chinese metropolis, local customs officials noted.

Guangzhou FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd., a high-tech company primarily engaged in the research, development, and production of portable audio products, has continued to expand into emerging markets in recent years, such as countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In the first 11 months of this year, more than 40 percent of the company's orders came from these countries.

To help enterprises accelerate their development of overseas markets, Guangzhou Customs actively carries out special activities to promote the facilitation of cross-border trade procedures in accordance with the requirements of enterprises, implementing support measures.

Guangzhou Customs official Yan Fan stated that trade ties between Guangzhou and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative are continuously deepening. Since 2025, there has been an increase in textile exports from Guangzhou to Belt and Road countries, as well as in agricultural imports from these countries.

As a reminder, in January-November 2025, trade turnover between Guangdong Province and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 4.9 percent year-on-year to 3.32 trillion yuan. -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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Chinese lawmakers have begun reviewing draft amendments to the Civil Aviation Law.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese lawmakers on Monday began reviewing draft amendments to the Civil Aviation Law, adding new provisions aimed at strengthening the protection of passengers' rights and interests.

The draft was submitted for third reading at the current session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC Standing Committee). -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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China has submitted a draft law on state assets for consideration.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — China has taken a step toward drafting a fundamental and comprehensive law on state-owned assets. The corresponding bill was submitted for first reading on Monday at the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

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 annual volume of cargo and mail transported through Xinzheng Airport in Zhengzhou has exceeded 1 million tons.

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

ZHENGZHOU, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — Xinzheng International Airport in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, announced Sunday that its annual cargo and mail handling volume exceeded 1 million tonnes for the first time, following the landing of a Malaysian Raya Airways cargo plane on the same day.

This demonstrates the rapid development of Xinzheng Airport, which aims to become a leading global air cargo hub on the Air Silk Road.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, by the end of 2024, only four airports across the country, including Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport and Beijing Capital Airport, will each have achieved annual cargo and mail handling capacity exceeding 1 million tons.

In recent years, Henan Province has been promoting the construction of the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road as a dual-hub model.

Zhang Mingchao, chairman of Zhongyu Aviation Group, which operates Xinzheng Airport, said the airport will actively replicate and promote the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg dual hub model and deepen cooperation in aviation logistics with other countries, including Malaysia, Ethiopia, and Hungary.

From 2021 to 2025, Xinzheng Airport's cargo and mail throughput grew by an average of 10 percent per year. By the end of 2024, this figure reached 825,000 tons.

Currently, Xinzheng Airport serves 70 cargo routes, linking Zhengzhou with 73 cities in 32 countries. -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 draft law of the People's Republic of China on childcare services has been submitted for consideration in the first reading.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese lawmakers have begun reviewing a draft law aimed at promoting and regulating the development of childcare services, strengthening legal protection for infants under three years old, and improving policies to support childbirth and child care and upbringing.

The bill was submitted to the first reading of the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Monday. -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 Chinese-Russian dragon boat race took place in the border county of Huma.

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

BEIJING, December 22 (Xinhua) — A Chinese-Russian dragon boat race was held recently in the border county of Huma, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, the Zhongxinwang news website reported.

Several teams from China and Russia competed on the frozen border river Heilongjiang (Amur), which not only demonstrated the attractiveness of Huma County's snow and ice resources but also promoted sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

At the sound of the starting gun, the colorful dragon boats immediately took off and raced across the smooth surface of the Heilongjiang River. The ice augers in the athletes' hands rose and fell rapidly, striking the ice with a crisp, ringing rhythm, intertwined with the sounds of drumming and the cheers of the fans. Severe frosts, down to -30 degrees Celsius, did nothing to dampen the spectators' enthusiasm.

Competitor Liu Jianxun said this is the first time he's participated in dragon boat racing with friends from Russia. "I hope there will be more such exchanges in the future, so we can enjoy winter sports with our international friends," he said.

The above-mentioned event not only tapped the potential of Huma County's snow and ice resources but also promoted the development of local winter sports. It also deepened exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia in sports, culture, and other fields, giving new impetus to strengthening cross-border exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

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 12th Regional Calligraphy Competition among students was held at NSU.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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December gave Siberian students a bright event – the XII Regional Calligraphy Competition among students, organized Confucius Institute at NSUUnder the motto "Race to a new journey, the aroma of calligraphy throughout the world," more than 80 participants from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, and Gorno-Altaisk competed in brushwork. Works were submitted by eight universities: Novosibirsk State University (24 participants), Altai State University (20 participants), the Baltic Branch of Altai State Pedagogical Univ. (14 participants), Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management (9 participants), and Gorno-Altaisk State Pedagogical Univ. (7 participants), as well as Novosibirsk State Technical University, Saratov State University of Railway Transport, and Novosibirsk State Pedagogical Univ. (1 to 4 participants). The competition took place on December 13 at Novosibirsk State University.

The coming year, 2026, is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac. The horse symbolizes indomitability, forward momentum, immediate success, courage, and the power of "a thousand running horses." Participants wrote phrases related to this theme, expressing not only the external beauty of the characters but also their symbolic essence.

The beginner group was required to write the following phrase in calligraphy: “文行天下” (“Culture, knowledge, and education are your capital and a pass to the world”) and, in addition, “马到成功” (A wish for swift, almost instant success in all endeavors. “Like a valiant horse that reaches its destination immediately upon arrival, so may your efforts quickly lead to excellent results.”).

For the intermediate group (participants who have been studying Chinese for more than 2 years), the phrase was “让中文零距离 纵骏马驰万里” (“Close the distance with the Chinese language – rush towards the goal like a valiant steed!”).

The competition winners received prizes from Xinjiang University, NSU's partner in the Confucius Institute project, including calligraphy gift sets.

Andrey Efimov, winner of the senior group, spent six months in China on a scholarship. He had previously won a calligraphy competition and taught calligraphy classes at the student club at the RANEPA's Scientific and Management Institute. His path to victory was a combination of passion, patience, and perseverance: he was placed in a Chinese language class where the teacher assigned him to write thousands of characters with a gel pen. Andrey not only wrote accurately but also competed against himself, imitating ancient Chinese calligraphers, and later developed his own style.

"Then I learned that the Confucius Institute at our university was accepting students for a brush calligraphy course and quickly signed up. The course was taught by a Chinese teacher, Zhao Pan. Thanks to him, I learned the basics of brushwork: it turned out that writing with a brush is much more difficult than with a pen, but this only spurred me on—after completing the course, I continued practicing on my own. This was followed by my first victories in pen and brush calligraphy competitions. My advice to calligraphy beginners: don't be afraid to take the first step! There's a wonderful phrase in Chinese, usually attributed to Lao Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I believe this first step is the most important," said Andrey Efimov.

The regional calligraphy competition was not just a test of skill, but also a true celebration of the Chinese language and culture, uniting students from Siberia in their pursuit of excellence.

May the inspiration with which the participants took up their brushes accompany them further—to new knowledge, discoveries, and heights, and may calligraphy continue to connect hearts through the beauty and meaning of its symbols!

We wish all participants to gallop through the vastness of the Chinese language like a noble steed, achieving success!

Winners and prize winners of the XII Regional Competition of Chinese Brush Calligraphy among students.

Competition group – continuing

1st place:

Andrey Efimov, NSU.

2nd place:

Arsen Shirov, NSPU

Anna Shirokova, NSU

Daria Makarova, NSU

3rd place:

Alexey Gutov, NSU

Daria Atkina, NSU

Sofya Pustovarova, NSU

Anna Tikhomirova, NSU

Valeria Zaitseva, BF Altai State Pedagogical University

Diploma for success:

Nikita Kazakov, Altai State University

Karina Likhanova, NSU

Tatyana Lysova, NSU

Competition group – beginners

1st place:

Anna Bakhina, NSU

2nd place:

Evgeniya Popova, BF Altai State Pedagogical University

Rufina Narodnykh, GASU

Maria Verentsova, NSPU

3rd place:

Maria Suprun, NSU

Anna Drozd, NSU

Alexandra Marshalok, NSU

Anna Mikhailova, NSU

Daria Mikhailovskaya, NSU

Diploma for success:

Bayaru Tordokova, Altai State University

Dashina Tsyrenova, NSU

Ulyana Kiseleva, BF Altai State Pedagogical University

Ignat Shameev, NSU

Anastasia Utkina, NSUEM

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up!

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.