Russian language in China: A center for conducting the Russian Foreign Language Test (TORFL) has opened at the Changchun School of Foreign Languages.

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

Beijing, November 26 (Xinhua) — The Changchun School of Foreign Languages, located in the city of Changchun, Jilin Province, northeast China, has opened an authorized center for conducting the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL), an international exam to determine the level of Russian language proficiency for foreigners. The content and conduct of this exam are under the control of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The opening ceremony of the TRFL Testing Center (TCC) took place on Monday. Ji Shaokun, Director of the Changchun School of Foreign Languages; Sun Yi, Head of the School's International Relations Center; Oleg Krinitsky, Head of the TRFL Organizing Committee and Professor at St. Petersburg State University; and Zhu Yun, Head of the TRFL Center in China, participated in the ceremony. This is currently the only TRFL Testing Center in Jilin Province.

Parallel to the official opening of the said PP, the first Jilin Province-wide Russian as a Foreign Language Test was completed at the Changchun School of Foreign Languages. Thirty-five students from the school and 15 extracurricular students or Russian language enthusiasts of various age groups took the exam.

The TRKI certificate is a state-issued certificate and is officially recognized in Russia and a number of other countries. The TRKI test consists of six levels, which test key skills such as vocabulary and grammar, reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Holders of a TRKI certificate have a relatively significant advantage when applying for study at Russian universities and are more competitive among job seekers at companies working with Russia or the Russian language.

The leadership of the Changchun School of Foreign Languages hopes that the opening of the TRKI PP will support more Russian language students in obtaining this prestigious certificate and pursuing their professional careers on a broader international stage, as well as provide a powerful impetus to the international development of Russian language teaching in schools and in Northeast China as a whole.

The Changchun School of Foreign Languages was founded in September 1963 and is one of the first seven foreign language schools established after the founding of the People's Republic of China under the personal auspices of then-Premier of the State Council Zhou Enlai. Currently, the school is the leader among all secondary vocational schools in China in terms of Russian language instruction.

School Principal Ji Shaokun promised that the school administration is committed to strictly adhering to the TRKI criteria and fully supporting the organization of the TRKI exam. Oleg Krinitsky, in turn, emphasized the important role of the TRKI exam in stimulating educational ties between Russia and China, expressing hope for further strengthening of cooperation with the school.

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China calls on Japan to give a frank, accurate and complete explanation of its so-called "consistent position" on Taiwan.

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

BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) — Japan should give an honest, accurate and complete explanation of its so-called "consistent position" on the Taiwan question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday, adding that the written response issued by the Japanese government on Tuesday still repeats its old rhetoric. -0-

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In Moscow, about 300 building facades will be repaired on streets that were improved this year.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Specialists urban economy complex About 300 building facades located on streets improved this year will be repaired, according to the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development. Petr Biryukov.

"While implementing our improvement programs, we're paying special attention to creating a unified visual appearance across the streets. This can be achieved by renovating building facades. This year, we'll be renovating around 300 facades. A special technology has been developed for each type, allowing for the complete restoration of the building's technical characteristics and appearance," noted Pyotr Biryukov.

When repairing painted facades of panel houses, the first stage involves correcting the geometry of the panels, the second involves filling the interpanel seams with sealant, after which the facade is primed and painted in two layers.

Repairs to building facades clad with small ceramic tiles are carried out using a polymer-cement mixture on reinforcing mesh. A facade repaired using this technology will last at least 30 years. Brick facades are subject to mandatory hydrophobization. This modern treatment method protects against the damaging effects of water ingress.

Renovating the façade of buildings can improve their appearance and increase the energy efficiency of the entire building.

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NordStar Airlines is expanding its "Extended Ticket Payment Deadline" service.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Nordstar Airlines –

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NordStar Airlines has expanded its "Extended Ticket Payment Deadline" service. This service can now be purchased not only on the airline's official website. www.nordstar.ru, but also offline—at NordStar ticket and service offices in Norilsk, as well as at ticket agencies in other Russian cities. Using this service, passengers can book a ticket for the desired date at the price in effect at the time of booking, and then pay for and finalize the ticket later. This ensures that their seat will be reserved for the specific date, the price of the ticket will remain unchanged, and the passenger is guaranteed to be on the desired flight.

You can use the "Extended Ticket Payment Deadline" service at any of the airline's two sales offices located at 22 Leninsky Ave., Norilsk, and/or 7 Diksona St., Talnakh. You can complete your booking at any time, following the service's terms and conditions, by paying for your ticket in full at one of the ticket offices. The service is also available at other ticket agencies in Russian cities.

Depending on the time before the flight departure, the "Extended Ticket Payment Deadline" service is issued:

For tickets booked more than 14 days before departure – 48 hours; For tickets booked between 7 and 14 days – 24 hours; For tickets booked less than 7 days before departure – the service is not available.

The cost of the service is 390 rubles.

In addition to the airline's own sales offices and other ticketing agencies, the "Extended Ticket Payment Period" service is available for purchase on the airline's official website.www.nordstar.ruin the "Services" section

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Young polytechnician Yegor Ivanov is the winner of the Student of the Year competition in the secondary vocational education system.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Academy of Transport Technologies announced the results of the "Student of the Year" competition in St. Petersburg's secondary vocational education system. Its goal is to increase students' interest in their future majors, expand their professional skills, and enhance their creativity and personal growth.

A total of 46 nominees from educational institutions of the secondary vocational education system in St. Petersburg took part in the awards ceremony.

Yegor Ivanov, a third-year student majoring in Cooking and Confectionery, was named the winner in the category "Student Passionate about a Future Profession in the Service and Economics Sector."

The first stage of the competition required the submission of a creative report, which included an essay on the topic "Me and My Future Profession," as well as information about participation in other competitions, projects, and the educational institution's social activities. Egor completed the task brilliantly and, out of 800 participants, was named a finalist.

In the final round, he presented a presentation of his personal achievements in his studies, professional and social activities.

Egor Ivanov shared his impressions of the competition: "I'd like to highlight the high level of organization at every stage. It's a great honor to represent our institute in the St. Petersburg Government competition. We began preparing back in early October: we wrote essays and a research paper on "St. Petersburg cuisine," compiled all my achievements, and then developed a concept for the final performance and a high-tech presentation. My deepest gratitude goes to my mentors, Nadezhda Kukharenkova and Tatyana Pishtokova, as well as to all the faculty, students, and my parents, who helped me through every stage of the competition and supported me.

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The Theatre Boulevard 2025 Festival won the Eventiada Awards.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The International Open Festival "Teatrny Bulvar 2025" won the Eventiada Awards, the largest international communications award. Now in its 14th year, the event recognizes the best projects implemented by companies, corporations, and organizations.

The Theatre Boulevard Festival was named the winner in the Best International Project category. It also received the Grand Prix in the Eurasia category.

The festival has been held in Moscow since 2024. This year, it was attended by over 1.5 million people. The program included over 1,000 productions of various genres, featuring more than 3,000 artists from 30 regions of Russia and 12 international theaters: from China, Spain, Argentina, Guinea, Uzbekistan, and other countries.

This is the longest-running theater festival in the world: for 92 days, the capital was transformed into a single theater stage. Anyone could try their hand at acting, set design, or directing, take part in a production, learn more about the history of theater, and take photos with the performers. The festival was organized by the capital's Department of Culture as part of the "Summer in Moscow" project.

The festival has previously received various awards, including "Project of the Year" according to the Moskovsky Komsomolets Theatre Prize, first place in the "Best City Festival" category, second place in the "Cultural Event of the Year" category, and the industry Grand Prix in the "Sociocultural Event of the Year" category at the annual national "Event of the Year" awards.

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Digest of the Polytechnic University's autumn events at RAU

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The 2nd International Scientific and Practical Discussion Platform on "Economic Development in the New Geopolitical Reality" was held at the Russian Agrarian University (RAU). The event focused on sustainable growth, macroeconomic regulation, and human capital development. Speakers at the plenary session included RAU Rector Professor Edward Sandoyan, Director of the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Shirov, Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia Avag Avanesyan, and Director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Dmitry Rodionov.

The following speakers presented their reports at the discussion platform: associate professors of the Higher School of Economics of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Ekaterina Burova, Daria Kryzhko, and Evgeny Konnikov, and associate professor of the Higher School of Economics and Management Marina Ivanova.

As Mariam Voskanyan noted, the discussion's uniqueness lay in its practical focus: The program included both scientific papers and presentations by practitioners. The same issues were examined from different perspectives—from science, education, the public sector, and business. This multifaceted approach makes the discussion particularly valuable.

The Autumn School "Finance in the Modern Economy: Global Trends, Threats, and Development Prospects" was also held at the Russian University of Economics (RUA). Its program included lectures, master classes, and team projects on topics such as capital markets, behavioral finance, cryptocurrencies, and digital currencies.

"This year, we focused the school's theme on the financial world, but we'll be changing it each year to cover the most relevant issues," explained Mariam Voskanyan, head of the Department of Economics and Finance at RAU. "We had students of varying levels—from first-year students to postgraduates—so we created a 'mix' of formats and difficulty levels."

Associate Professor Tatyana Mokeeva of the Higher School of Economics at SPbPU conducted an engaging game for the program participants. Students from the Russian Agrarian University, SPbPU, the Russian Academy of Foreign Trade, the Yerevan branch of Moscow State University, the Higher School of Economics, Moscow State University (Moscow), and the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences participated in the school.

Dmitry Rodionov, Director of the SPbPU Higher School of Economics, IPMEiT, praised the event's significance: "Formats like these are an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in real-world international collaborations. We see their growing professional confidence, and this is a direct investment in the development of future engineering and economics elites. Developing the partnership between SPbPU and RAU is one of our key strategic goals."

Polina Yakob, assistant at the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at SPbPU and a participant and winner of the Autumn School, shared her impressions: "In addition to the informative workshops with interesting material, we made new acquaintances. We also have many friends in Armenia. This is the coolest result, and I won! If I had the chance again, I would definitely come back."

Daria Aksenova, a master's student and specialist at the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at SPbPU, participated in the program a second time and shared her memories of the trip with us: "I was fortunate enough to participate for the second time. When I came here, I already knew it would be an incredible experience. I met my friends again and am incredibly happy to be here and to participate in the Autumn School for the second time. We certainly gained new knowledge and experience from the teachers."

Prokhor Polyakov and Gleb Golikov, graduate students from the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, also took part in the event.

The success of the Autumn School and the discussion platform laid a solid foundation for further joint work, including new research projects, summer schools, and double degree programs, opening up broad prospects for growth for students and faculty from both universities.

Another significant event was the second international scientific and practical conference, "Transformation of Management Theory and Practice in the 21st Century," organized by the Department of Economics and Business at RAU. A delegation from the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade at SPbPU participated. The Polytechnic University was one of the co-organizers of the conference.

The conference program included a plenary session and thematic sections devoted to the methodological and applied aspects of the transformation of modern management science, innovative approaches to the development of public administration and urban studies, and strategic and business thinking in modern conditions.

The plenary session was opened by RAU Rector Edward Sandoyan. Participants heard a report from Olga Kalinina, Director of the IPMEIT Graduate School of Industrial Management, on the transformation of management education in the context of the technological paradigm.

At the end of the plenary session, the textbook "Theory and Practice of Management" was presented. It was published under the general editorship of Professor Arzik Suvaryan, Academic Director of the Department of Management and Business at the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with faculty from the Higher School of Industrial Management and the Higher School of Service and Trade at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

Collaboration with the Russian-Armenian University is especially important to us. Every visit to RAU confirms the university's high academic standing and its commitment to open scientific dialogue. Participating in the conference allowed us not only to present our research results but also to hear valuable insights from colleagues and witness the students' and faculty's keen interest in management transformation. We feel RAU's sincere support and commitment, and this inspires us to develop new joint projects and strengthen our partnership," noted Olga Kalinina.

During the breakout sessions, Nikita Lukashevich, Victoria Vilken, and Natalia Alekseeva, associate professors at the Graduate School of Industrial Management, presented papers on the determinants of technological development, the specifics of industrial staffing, and assessing the human-centeredness of organizations. Alex Krasnov, associate professor at the Graduate School of Service and Trade, presented a paper titled "Corporate Educational Programs as an Element of the University Marketing Ecosystem," highlighting the key features and challenges of university-industry collaboration within educational programs from a marketing ecosystem perspective.

Olga Kalinina and Natalia Alekseeva moderated two tracks: "Strategic and Business Thinking in Modern Conditions" and "Modern Innovative Approaches to the Formation of Public Administration and Urbanism," which ensured the panel discussions had an international dimension.

Alex Krasnov conducted a series of master classes for students majoring in Commerce and Economics on "Launching and Analyzing Advertising Campaigns in the Digital Environment." The students noted the practical utility of the skills they learned in terms of advertising setup and the specifics of analyzing its effectiveness.

Associate Professor Natalia Alekseeva also conducted a master class, "Time Management: Skills of a Successful Manager," for students from the Department of Management and Business at the Russian Agrarian University. Following the master class, the students were able to simulate a successful manager's workday.

Hripsime Kojoyan, Head of the Department of Management and Business, attended the class and noted, "It's important for us to develop cooperation with the Polytechnic University, as it ensures a high international level of education for our students. In the staff of the Graduate School of Industrial Management, we have found not only professional colleagues but also good friends who energize us and inspire us to pursue new joint projects."

During their visit to the Russian-Armenian University, the Polytechnic University delegation held working meetings with Zhirayr Aramyan, Director of the Institute of Economics and Business, and the heads of relevant departments. Following these discussions, plans for further work through 2026 were agreed upon.

The collaboration between SPbPU and RAU, clearly demonstrated in the organization of these events, demonstrates an effective model for integrating education, research, and practice in an international format. It goes beyond a one-time student exchange, representing a holistic ecosystem of interaction. Strategically, this partnership strengthens the educational bridge between Russia and Armenia, making a lasting contribution to the creation of a unified scientific and educational space and the training of personnel capable of addressing complex economic challenges in the context of a changing global agenda.

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Rejuvenating and shaping tree pruning has begun in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Specialists Moscow City Services Complex We've begun rejuvenating and shaping tree pruning. We're focusing on both large trees growing along highways and plants in parks and public spaces. The work takes place annually from November to April, giving the city's trees a healthy and well-maintained appearance.

During rejuvenation pruning, experts trim branches down to their basal portions. This promotes the growth of young shoots, creating a new crown. This type of pruning is necessary for aging, declining, or declining trees. This work is performed when sap flow (the movement of water and dissolved nutrients) is inhibited and temperatures are below freezing, but not below -10 degrees Celsius.

In the fall, after the leaves have fallen, another pruning is necessary—formative pruning. This allows you to create and maintain an artificial crown shape, as well as regulate the intensity of flowering and fruiting. Most commonly, trees are given a spherical, oval, pyramidal, or conical shape.

In the spring, specialists will begin sanitary pruning of trees. Before active growth and flowering begins, dead and damaged branches will be trimmed. This will improve the overall health of the trees and create a ventilated crown, which will prevent pests and diseases and stimulate new growth.

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Active Citizens will vote for the name of a road in Shchukino.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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A new feature has been launched in the Active Citizen project vote, participants of which will be able to name a street in honor of the famous microbiologist.

The unnamed passage is located in the northwest of the city in the Shchukino district. It runs near the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology between Gamaleya and Zhivopisnaya Streets. The center's staff propose naming this area "Academician Zilber Street" in honor of the founder of the Soviet school of medical virology, a distinguished microbiologist, virologist, immunologist, and epidemiologist.

In the 1930s, the scientist led expeditions to combat epidemics. In particular, he discovered the vector of Far Eastern tick-borne encephalitis.

Voters can support the initiative to name the road "Akademika Zilbera Street".

Previously, a neighboring road in the same area was named in honor of another microbiologist, Zinaida Ermolyeva, the creator of domestic penicillin, who made a significant contribution to the development of science.

Project participants Active Citizen Names have already been chosen for 50 streets and boulevards, as well as other city landmarks. Thanks to residents, an unnamed park in the Basmanny District was named after Army General A.V. Khrulyov, a street named Nadezhda Troyan was created in the Khoroshevsky District, and an Academician Evtikhiev Street was created in the western part of the city.

Project Active Citizen has been running since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined, and over seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30 to 40 city residents' decisions are implemented in the capital. The project is being developed by the State Public Institution "New Management Technologies" andDepartment of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

How Active Citizen participants are helping develop the capital

The creation, development and operation of e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant and other services in electronic form, are consistent 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.

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November 15, 2025: A Second Life for Things: The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB) identified the main technological and consumer trends in recycling.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Ecology Foundation

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A Second Life for Things: The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB) has identified the main technological and consumer trends in recycling.

The Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank presented an overview of the key areas of future recycling. Among the drivers of recycling growth, experts identified chemical recycling, the implementation of artificial intelligence and robots to automate waste sorting, data analysis, and logistics optimization, as well as technologies that extend the life of materials.

Artificial Intelligence and Waste Valorization

Growing demand for recycling is driving recyclers worldwide to improve efficiency. Chemical and advanced mechanical processing methods, which can enhance the value of waste, may be promising areas for recycling. At the same time, recycling offers significant opportunities for implementing artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to improve operational efficiency. These technologies can optimize logistics, from monitoring container fill levels to developing intelligent collection routes.

Consumer trends and recycling

According to the Ecology Foundation of the Russian Agricultural Bank, a study uncovered various eco-habits have become firmly entrenched in the daily lives of Russians. Equal shares of respondents—31% each—use reusable bottles or mugs and conserve electricity and water. Another 18% of participants noted that they regularly recycle clothing and electronics or donate them to charity. Eight percent of respondents each expressed a preference for packaging-free goods or locally sourced products. Only 4% of respondents reported no eco-habits in their daily lives.

The Ecology Foundation not only analyzes trends but also actively implements them through its own projects and initiatives.

"Today, contributing to environmental conservation is a conscious choice Russians make every day," comments Elmira Morozova, director of the Ecology Foundation. "By choosing items that are reusable or made from recycled materials, each of us initiates an important cycle. We see growing public demand for recycling projects, and we're pleased that more and more people support the idea of giving things a second life. That's why the Foundation is implementing its recycling collection initiatives."

Environmental education and recycling

To engage all generations in environmental initiatives, the Foundation regularly holds recycling drives. Children in schools and kindergartens collected 29.7 tons of wastepaper over two years as part of the "Let's Plant a Forest Together!" campaign. Environmental education efforts are also carried out at leading Russian universities: Foundation experts hold poster sessions on microplastics for students. Employees of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RSHB) recycle old clothing, toothbrushes, and even CDs, and in 2025, a collection drive for blister packs of medications was held, with 15 kg of tablets sent for recycling.

The Foundation's "Gift Showcase" also supports the "nothing goes to waste" principle. Here, you can purchase stylish shopping bags made from recycled materials, water bottles made from recycled plastic, greeting cards with seeds, and pens made from recycled containers. This is the most direct and clear way to demonstrate how something that seems like trash acquires new value and usefulness.

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