RUDN University students won special prizes from the "Ecology is Everyone's Business" award.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Students from the RUDN University Institute of Ecology received several awards at the international "Ecology is Everyone's Business" prize, established by Rosprirodnadzor. Projects by Alexander Lezhenko, Anton Egorov, and Omar Khubiev won the Special Jury Prize. Rosprirodnadzor Director Svetlana Radionova presented the awards to the winners. Omar and Alexander shared details of their projects with us.

Not trash, but art

Omar, a Master's student at the Institute of Ecology, presented his art project "The Second Life of Plastic" to the jury. It clearly demonstrates creative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution. His work demonstrates how waste can be transformed into aesthetic and functional objects, raising public awareness of responsible consumption and recycling.

"The idea for the project arose from a desire to make the problem of plastic pollution more tangible and understandable to a wider audience. We don't simply collect and recycle plastic—we give it new value by transforming it into artistic installations and works of art. Each work tells a story that makes us think about the life cycle of things and our impact on the planet," says Omar Khubiev.

The project includes not only the creation of art objects but also workshops where anyone can learn the basics of sorting and recycling, as well as try their hand at creating works from recycled materials. According to Omar, this interactive approach helps more effectively communicate environmental messages, especially to the younger generation.

Buses and clean air

Alexander Lezhenko prepared a project on the environmental impact of Moscow's ground-based public transport.

"In the capital, the main ground public transport is buses, trams, and electric buses. In my project, I analyzed their environmental impact. Based on the data obtained, diesel-powered buses pollute the most. Buses running on natural gas (methane) are more environmentally friendly. And logically, electric buses produce the least carbon dioxide," says Alexander Lezhenko.

According to Alexander, electric buses reduce air pollution and improve the environmental situation in Moscow, but the disposal of the batteries they use must be taken into account. This poses a far more serious environmental problem. Current electric bus batteries are causing an e-waste crisis. Existing technologies and infrastructure may not be able to handle their recycling. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and develop technologies for battery disposal, recycling, and reuse.

Furthermore, there's the problem of Moscow's low winter temperatures, which means electric buses use diesel fuel to operate their interior heaters. This increases carbon dioxide emissions.

"When considering the environmental impact of public transportation, it's also important to consider that vehicle disposal also impacts the environment. I've personally observed the process of bus disposal and the waste generated. Each vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages during operation and disposal. The integrated use of different modes of transport optimizes the city's environmental situation," says Alexander Lezhenko.

About the award

The "Ecology is Everyone's Business" award was held for the fifth time. According to Svetlana Radionova, head of Rosprirodnadzor, this year saw a record number of applications—110,000. She also noted that the level of participants' work has improved significantly, and the award's geography has expanded to 95 countries.

Winning the competition grants participants additional points for admission to 150 Russian universities, as well as educational grants and targeted spots. RUDN University has allocated 12 such spots for the winners, including two in the master's program in Ecology and Nature Management.

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Britain has imposed sanctions on Russia's intelligence agency over the Novichok poisoning.

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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

LONDON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) — The British government on Thursday announced sanctions against Russia's GRU military intelligence agency after an official report found that the GRU was linked to the death of a British citizen on British soil seven years ago.

The government also summoned the Russian ambassador to respond to allegations of "an ongoing campaign of hostile Russian actions" against the UK.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejected new sanctions against the GRU, the TASS news agency reported later that day.

"The Russian side does not recognize illegitimate sanctions imposed under trumped-up pretexts in circumvention of the UN Security Council, and reserves the right to retaliatory measures," she stated.

In June 2018, a British couple from the southern British town of Amesbury were hospitalized after exposure to the deadly nerve agent Novichok. While her partner survived, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess died, reportedly due to poisoning.

In March of that year, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by the same agent in Salisbury, about 11 km from Amesbury, but survived.

A report released Thursday said the Novichok found in Amesbury "came from the same batch as that found in Salisbury" and that the vial of Novichok that killed D. Sturgess was likely discarded by Skripal's alleged poisoners after being used to poison him and his daughter.

The report concludes that responsibility for the death of D. Sturgess lies with three suspected poisoners from Salisbury, who, according to the report, were GRU officers.

"This Novichok was developed and stored in Russia in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," the UK government said in a statement.

In 2018, Russia denied involvement in two poisoning incidents, calling the accusations baseless and unacceptable.

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A group of archaeologists from China's Shanxi Province arrived in Uzbekistan to conduct archaeological research.

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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

Beijing, December 5 (Xinhua) — A joint archaeological team consisting of representatives from the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology (North China), the Shanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Research and Protection Company, and the School of Archaeology and Museology of Shanxi University has arrived in Uzbekistan to conduct archaeological work, the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology told Zhongguo Xinwenshe News Agency on Thursday.

The Zhongguo Xinwenshe website reports that the upcoming archaeological work is a transnational archaeological project jointly carried out by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology and the Fergana State University of Uzbekistan. It is primarily aimed at systematic research, exploration, and excavation of ancient ruins in the Fergana Valley.

A joint archaeological team plans to conduct archaeological research in the Fergana Valley, including an archaeological survey of the ancient city of Mugteppa and test excavations at the Arsif burial ground. Its goal is to study the structural and functional layout, construction methods, and burial practices of ancient cities in the southern Fergana Valley. This will provide an archaeological foundation for strengthening historical and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia, as well as exploring the mutual enrichment between the civilizations of both countries.

The work of the joint archaeological team of Shanxi Province in Uzbekistan will be completed on December 30, 2025. -0-

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A Chinese diplomat called for joint efforts to counter unilateral coercive measures.

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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

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) — A Chinese diplomat on Thursday called on U.N. member states, the U.N. system and international organizations to jointly oppose illegal unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) and assist countries under sanctions.

Speaking at an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly (GA) dedicated to the International Day Against Peacekeeping Operations, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, said that unilateral actions are spreading uncontrollably and peacekeeping operations are taking on a large scale.

He stressed that such measures are contrary to the UN Charter, undermine international law and human rights, hinder the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and threaten multilateralism and global governance.

Sun Lei noted that abandoning peacekeeping operations has been a long-standing call of the international community, especially countries in the Global South, as the UN General Assembly has adopted more than 100 resolutions rejecting such measures over the past decades.

“We call on several Western countries to heed the call for justice and to lift the peacekeeping operation immediately, unconditionally, and completely,” the diplomat emphasized.

December 4 marks the first International Day Against PKOs and the 39th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Sun Lei called on states to deepen their understanding of the serious consequences of such measures and strengthen cooperation in realizing genuine multilateralism.

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Sergei Sobyanin congratulated on the anniversary of the counteroffensive in the Battle of Moscow.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Sergei Sobyanin congratulated Muscovites on the 84th anniversary of the start of the Soviet counteroffensive in the Battle of Moscow on his channel in MAX messenger.

In those harsh December days of 1941, the fate of the country and the entire world was decided beneath the walls of the capital. The first major success of the Great Patriotic War gave the defenders strength and reinforced their faith in victory over the Nazis. Decades later, our memory once again returns us to the last stand. We will never forget the heroism of those who selflessly held the line and advanced across the snow-covered fields of the Moscow region.

"We will always be grateful to the heroic generation of frontline soldiers and home front workers who defended our native land. The legacy of the victors is sacred to present and future generations. I wish you, dear friends, courage, health, prosperity, peaceful skies, and all the best," Sergei Sobyanin congratulated the Great Patriotic War veterans and Moscow residents.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's Messenger channel MAX 

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The number of IT clubs for Moscow schoolchildren has increased 3.5 times over the past five years.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Today, there are nearly five thousand information technology (IT) and multimedia clubs operating in the capital. During these classes, children study programming, 3D modeling, and computer engineering. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

"To enable young Muscovites interested in information technology to study this field in depth, better prepare for admission to a specialized university, and confirm their desire to pursue a career in IT, the capital has developed a system of supplementary education in the most modern fields. These include robotics, 3D modeling, programming, and more. Over the past five years, the number of IT clubs in Moscow has increased 3.5-fold. Currently, nearly 5,000 such sections are open to schoolchildren, where approximately 87,000 students are mastering modern technologies, including mobile app development and computer engineering. For comparison, in 2020, there were 1,300 IT clubs, with just over 20,000 students enrolled," said Anastasia Rakova.

From sports to robotics: the number of clubs in Moscow's renovated schools has increased by almost 40 percent.

Where do IT clubs operate?

Robotics classes are held at the Moscow Palace of Pioneers. Nearly 1,500 schoolchildren attend. They work with digital equipment, create 3D models in specialized apps, and program mobile robots. The students showcase their developments at competitions, such as the Moscow Youth Robotics Tournament. During their studies, they master design, prototyping, digital electronics, and even artificial intelligence technologies.

A 3D modeling section has opened at the Bibirevo Children's and Youth Creativity Center. Students learn to create 3D objects and complex scenes from scratch, mastering professional modeling and animation tools. During each class, students develop real-life projects—from individual models to interactive scenes. They then present their projects at city competitions, including the "Masteryata" children's championship.

"3D is the universal language of the future. It unites mathematics, art, and technology. Students learn to think in volumes, work step-by-step, correct mistakes, and bring a project to a high-quality end result. The most valuable thing is instant feedback: changing the lighting or material creates a different emotional effect. The skills children acquire in these classes are important not only for their studies but also for their future professions," said 3D modeling instructor Alexander Meftadinov.

The Strogino Children's Art Center offers classes in additive manufacturing. Students develop virtual models, which they then use to create three-dimensional objects. They master the full production cycle—from sketching to 3D printing. This allows them to become familiar from an early age with professional software used by leading IT companies.

A graphic design lab has opened at the Khoroshevo Palace of Children and Youth Creativity. During the classes, young Muscovites not only learn tools but also work independently on projects, developing compositions, illustrations, and branding. Students create logos, posters, and identities for various brands, learning to critically evaluate design and find innovative solutions.

Zlata Chmykhova, a student in the "Graphic Design" group, shared that the group taught her not just how to draw, but how to think like a designer. During class, the teacher demonstrated how color, fonts, and composition influence perception. And when her work was praised at the final review, she realized her hard work had not been in vain. Now Zlata notices that graphics are everywhere—from store packaging to app interfaces. She wants to develop this field and work on larger projects.

Pre-professional classes

High school students who wish to continue their in-depth IT studies can enroll in the appropriate pre-professional classes. As Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin previously announced in his blog, this academic year IT classes were opened in 178 schools. Approximately 10,400 high school students are enrolled in these programs—ten times more than at the project's launch in 2019.

Sobyanin: The number of students in entrepreneurship classes has increased eightfold.

Supplemental education programs develop students' creative and critical thinking and develop skills that will be useful in their future careers. Supplemental education activities contribute to the "All the Best for Children" national project. Youth and ChildrenMore information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX AndTelegram.

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Light tunnels decorated Moscow in anticipation of the New Year.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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City Services specialists have installed more than 10 light tunnels, according to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development. Petr Biryukov.

"The capital has traditionally been decorated for the New Year and Christmas holidays—lighted decorative structures have been installed throughout the city, creating a special festive atmosphere and providing additional illumination at night. Specialists from JSC UEK installed more than 10 light tunnels, including on Tverskoy, Nikitsky, and Gogolevsky Boulevards, Manezhnaya, and Triumfalnaya Squares," noted Pyotr Biryukov.

One of the most popular tunnels among city residents and tourists is located on Tverskoy Boulevard. Last year, the 100-meter structure was made multimedia-capable—using special technology, various figures can be projected onto its surface.

A "Crystal Tunnel" installation was installed on Nikitsky Boulevard. The previous pink LEDs were replaced with warm white ones and horizontal icicle-shaped elements were added. Another installation, 50 meters long, was installed on Gogolevsky Boulevard.

Triumphal Square is now adorned with a 38-meter-long light tunnel. The structure consists of several rectangular frames with cool white-blue illumination along the inner contour. Manezhnaya Square houses two tunnels, united by an artistic theme. The first is decorated with figures of musical instruments and a treble clef, while the second features graceful arches and patterns.

In addition, light tunnels can be seen at the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, Petrovsky Park, Poklonnaya Hill, Sokolnicheskaya Square, Myasnitskie Vorota Square, and near the Russian Ministry of Defense on Frunzenskaya Embankment.

Modern energy-saving LED lighting is used to decorate the city. These lights consume tens of times less electricity, are safe, and are designed to operate in all weather conditions.

In recent years, Moscow has accumulated a sufficient supply of decorative elements, allowing for a complete decoration. All lighting and decorative structures are multifunctional, reusable, and can be customized.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

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 Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster was awarded a national prize.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Over 150,000 people attended the events of the first Moscow International Video Game Week, which took place from November 27 to 30. Over 330 city venues and 730 computer clubs in virtually every region of Russia joined the program. Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

The project's scale resulted in a national record—the largest e-tournament ever held, with 4,600 players participating. Overall, the various competitions brought together approximately 116,000 people across the country.

Around 200 experts from more than 20 countries spoke at the business program events—heads of leading companies from Russia, China, India, the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Moscow studios held 250 meetings with potential partners and investors. Dozens of contracts are currently under discussion, aimed at bringing Russian products to new markets.

"The city has signed 15 cooperation agreements. New partners include the IT Hub of Uzbekistan, the Yakutia Creative Cluster, a number of relevant domestic associations, educational institutions, and large companies," said Natalia Sergunina.

The documents envisage the joint creation of educational and acceleration programs, the organization and holding of events, participation in international exhibitions, and the promotion of projects on online platforms.

Moscow video game and software developers will be introduced to the Chinese market with city support.

The central event of the week was the opening of the first stage of the creative cluster at the Skolkovo Innovation Center. Moscow Cluster of Video Games and AnimationThis is a unique platform that encompasses the full content development cycle. It will cover all areas of the industry, from training to supporting Moscow studios in their export activities.

"The new cluster's significance for the creative industries was recognized by the expert council of the Russian Creative Awards. The project received an award in the Global Creative Economics category," said Natalia Sergunina.

Eight animation companies and 33 gaming companies became residents. They received access to modern infrastructure, benefits from the Skolkovo Foundation, and assistance in promoting their products internationally.

During Moscow International Video Game Week, the cluster hosted an exhibition featuring 60 Russian developers. Over 25,000 Muscovites and tourists got to see and test new games.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

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.

15 buildings are being built in the west of the capital as part of a renovation program.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Fifteen residential complexes are being built in seven districts of the capital's Western Administrative District as part of the renovation program, according to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction. Vladimir Efimov.

"Currently, 15 residential complexes, covering a total area of nearly 810,000 square meters, are being built in the western part of the capital as part of the renovation program. The construction sites are located in seven districts of the district. In total, the new buildings are designed to house nearly 7,800 apartments. Over 100 apartments will be adapted for people with disabilities. The total amount of living space in the buildings under construction in the western part of the capital will exceed 455,000 square meters," said Vladimir Efimov.

Residential complexes are constructed using high-quality materials and modern technical equipment, primarily sourced domestically. Energy efficiency is also taken into account during design and construction.

Each new building will be designed to be barrier-free, with staircase-free entrances. The buildings will feature spacious, bright entrances, as well as concierge rooms and stroller storage.

"Currently, five new buildings are being constructed in the Fili-Davydkovo district in the western part of the capital as part of the renovation program. Four buildings will be built in the Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye district, and two more in the Mozhaisk district. One new building will be built each in the Solntsevo, Filevsky Park, Kuntsevo, and Prospekt Vernadskogo districts. Landscaped public spaces will be created in the courtyards of each building. Around 60 recreational areas are planned, including children's play areas, sports zones, and areas for quiet outdoor recreation," explained the Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy.

Vladislav Ovchinsky.

Each stage of construction of buildings under the renovation program in the west of the capital is carried out under control Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow (Moscow State Construction Supervision Authority). According to the agency's chairman Anton SlobodchikovaSince the start of construction, approximately 30 inspections and supervision activities have been conducted at construction sites. Specialists from the subordinate Expertise Center participated in the on-site inspections commissioned by the committee. They conducted laboratory and instrumental testing of the quality of structures and materials to ensure compliance with approved design solutions.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that buildings under the renovation program are being saved up to 40 percent of resources compared to five-story buildings.

The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It affects approximately one million Muscovites and provides for the relocation of 5,176 buildings. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered the pace of implementation of the renovation program to be increased. twice.

Moscow is one of the region's leaders in terms of construction volume. The high rate of housing construction is in line with the goals and initiatives of the national project. Infrastructure for LifeMore information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

Get the latest breaking news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

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 number of entrepreneurs on the supplier portal increased by 40,000 in 2025.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The number of entrepreneurs registered on the capital's supplier portal has exceeded 390,000. Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, Head of the Moscow Department of Economic Policy and Development.

"Over the past 12 years, the Supplier Portal has become an important interregional tool for small-volume public procurement. It helps entrepreneurs from across the country find customers in 43 regions of Russia. By the beginning of December, the number of suppliers registered on the portal exceeded 390,000, an increase of 40,000 since the beginning of the year. Over 90 percent of them are small and medium-sized businesses. Entrepreneurs from Moscow, the Moscow region, and St. Petersburg have been the most active users of the platform this year, accounting for over a quarter of new users. Suppliers from these regions who have joined the portal since the beginning of the year have concluded 2,100 contracts worth over 4.7 billion rubles," said Maria Bagreeva.

Today, the catalog includes 3.3 million products, works, and services from suppliers. Users enter into approximately 1,500 contracts on the platform daily.

"The procurement process on the supplier portal has been completely digitalized: contracts are concluded and executed remotely, eliminating paperwork, and electronic signatures are used to certify transactions. Automation increases the transparency and manageability of processes and reduces the risk of human error. Since the portal's launch in 2013, the largest number of entrepreneurs have registered from Moscow: almost 195,000," noted the head of the Moscow Department of Competition Policy.

Kirill Purtov.

To register on the supplier portal, you'll need an email address or signature. You can also log in using your mos.ru account or other systems. For legally significant actions, such as signing an offer or contract, you'll need an enhanced electronic signature.

In the capital Department of Information Technology They noted that the city is constantly improving the platform's capabilities, taking into account user feedback. For example, when uploading a new product to the catalog, the neural network identifies a potential category in a matter of seconds and suggests suitable characteristics; an automated bidding bot allows participation in multiple bidding sessions simultaneously; and a chatbot finds answers to frequently asked questions in the database. The "Supplier School" service helps new users take free training courses and become familiar with the platform's popular tools, helping them quickly become familiar with the portal and begin fully participating in procurement.

The functional customer of the portal is the capital Department of Competition Policy, and its technical development is supervised by Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

For more information about Moscow's economy, please visit the Economic Policy Complex's official messaging channels. Telegram AndMAX.

The development of electronic services for business is in line with the objectives of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State" and the Moscow regional project "Digital Public Administration." More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX And Telegram.

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.