Category: Russia

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SPbGASU has proposed an innovative solution for improving the quality of concrete mixes at minimal cost.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Antonina Yudina, professor at the Department of Construction Technology at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, received patent No. 2852076, "Method for activating mixing water for a construction mixture."

The invention involves pre-treating water with an electric field from electrodes in a sealed container and then mixing it with dosed concrete mix components. The soluble electrode stack is made of aluminum plates, insulated from each other by a dielectric and connected to a power source. One electrode is connected to the positive pole (anode), the other to the negative pole (cathode). The electric field strength is 20–30 V/cm, and the water treatment lasts five to seven minutes.

The technical result is a reduction in energy consumption due to a shorter concrete curing time from casting to formwork removal, and an increase in formwork turnover due to a shorter isothermal heating time without excess cement consumption. Furthermore, the strength, frost resistance, and homogeneity of the concrete are increased.

When cement is mixed with water pre-treated with an electric field, a reaction occurs between calcium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. This reaction results in the formation of calcium hydroaluminates and activation of the mixture. These aggregates (calcium hydroaluminates) serve as ready-made crystallization centers. These centers facilitate the rapid crystallization of new formations that precipitate from supersaturated solutions during the interaction of the binder with water. This process accelerates the hardening of binders.

The results were confirmed by laboratory tests. A 21% increase in strength was observed after seven days of curing. Cement consumption per cubic meter of concrete mix was reduced by 10, 15, and 20%, while water consumption remained constant, but the water-cement ratio increased.

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 Grand Prix winner of the RUDN University Volunteer of the Year competition spoke about her volunteer journey.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Elza Shaimukhametova won this year's RUDN University Volunteer of the Year competition. At the awards ceremony, the second-year student at the Agrarian and Technological Institute (Veterinary Science major) shared that volunteering for her means dedicating yourself entirely to a cause, to people, and to being useful.

We spoke with Elsa to find out how she got involved in volunteering, what volunteer events and activities she remembers most, and what personal project she hopes to implement in the near future. Tell us about the very beginning of your volunteer journey.

What was that first spark that inspired you to start helping?

My volunteer journey began in 10th grade. From the very first event I participated in back in my hometown, I felt a spark that sparked my passion for this whole endeavor. I was truly captivated by the atmosphere of the volunteer community: the positive spirit with which everyone was willing to help, the respect for each other, and the support of newcomers. Human emotions also played a significant role. At first, the events I participated in were simply aimed at bringing joy to passersby who weren't involved in volunteering: we handed out cards and small gifts in honor of Defender of the Fatherland Day or International Women's Day. I loved that through such events, we could brighten someone's dull day, bring a smile to their face, and "charge" them with positive emotions for the rest of their day.

Tell us about your first event, what was it like?

My very first event was the "Candle of Remembrance" campaign. We asked passersby to light a candle and honor the memory of those who died in the Great Patriotic War. I was very nervous that day, especially when I was working up the courage to approach strangers.

Which event was the most touching or funny?

I consider the pre-New Year's trip to the social shelter to be the most touching. I had the opportunity to be the Snow Maiden. Father Frost and I, along with other New Year's characters, held contests, listened to children's poems, danced around the Christmas tree, and, of course, gave everyone New Year's gifts.

Can you recall the most memorable volunteer events you participated in this year? How do you think you excelled in them to earn the competition's Grand Prix?

The most significant events are the 65th anniversary of RUDN, the University Shifts project and the Civic Participation Forum.

How do you balance volunteer work with studying such a challenging program as Veterinary Medicine? Do you have a time management secret?

Combining volunteering and studying isn't always easy. So sometimes I have to prioritize and forego some events in favor of my university classes. It's convenient when events fall on weekends, which happens quite often. To make it easier to stay on top of everything and not forget anything, I use daily planners and calendars. Sometimes I have to leave class a little early to get to the event location, or, conversely, leave volunteering a little early to make it to an important class. If my volunteer work doesn't involve direct interaction with people and I have some free time, I try to use it to study or review my course material.

How does your volunteer experience complement and enrich your development as a future professional veterinarian? What skills are already helping you in your studies?

Volunteering helps me develop communication skills, which are crucial in veterinary medicine, especially when it comes to clearly and effectively explaining their pets' diagnoses to owners. I also learn to approach people with different personalities and temperaments. Furthermore, volunteering often brings me together with professionals in veterinary and related fields. This is a valuable and truly important opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. During these conversations, we can discuss current diseases, new equipment, and modern treatment methods—this helps me better understand the processes in veterinary medicine.

Last year, you participated in a volunteer mission in Uzbekistan with other RUDN University students, helping out at local veterinary clinics and dog shelters. How did this opportunity arise, and what did you learn from the experience?

I learned about the opportunity to participate in a volunteer mission in Uzbekistan from the Volunteer Commission of the Student Committee at my institute. This trip taught us a lot and provided truly valuable experience. We not only gained practical skills but also heard many interesting and instructive stories and advice. Memories of our joyful work shifts and evenings after clinics and shelters still linger in my mind: how students with extensive practical experience helped and offered advice to those less experienced. In fact, every dog at the shelter has its own story, almost always sad, but most importantly, filled with hope for a happy ending. I remember the weak puppy most of all. The little one fell asleep in my arms while I was nursing him on an IV. Honestly, looking at him, I could barely hold back my tears.

Do you have any ideas for your own volunteer projects?

I have an idea for a volunteer project where senior students will conduct voluntary additional classes for junior students. The goal is to help them understand complex topics in a calm, informal environment, without judgment or the fear of asking questions. Senior students will be able to share their experiences and explain the material in simple terms, while junior students will be able to fill in gaps in their knowledge and feel more confident. The project will promote mutual support, reduce academic stress, and strengthen connections between students of different years.

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 to impose temporary anti-subsidy measures on EU dairy imports

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 will impose temporary anti-subsidy measures on some dairy products imported from the European Union (EU) starting Tuesday, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

The measures will be introduced in the form of temporary compensatory duties guaranteed by cash deposits.

According to the ministry, preliminary evidence indicates that imported dairy products from the EU are receiving subsidies, and that China's domestic dairy industry has suffered significant damage. There is a causal link between the subsidies and the damage.

The investigation was launched on August 21, 2024, following a complaint from the China Dairy Association and the China Dairy Industry Association.

The investigation was conducted in accordance with Chinese laws and WTO rules, the ministry added. -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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Japan's attempt to acquire nuclear weapons must be prevented – DPRK

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

Pyongyang, December 22 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it must prevent Japan from acquiring nuclear weapons, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday.

According to the agency, citing a statement by the director of the Institute of Japanese Studies at the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan has demonstrated its intention to acquire nuclear weapons by crossing a “red line” that is unacceptable for a state guilty of war crimes.

The ministry said Japan was reviewing its military security policy, as evidenced by strengthening its preemptive strike capability, easing restrictions on arms exports and revising the "three non-nuclear principles."

This is not a casual remark, but a direct manifestation of the nuclear weapons plan that Japan has long dreamed of, and it is a direct challenge not only to the Japanese constitution, but also to all international law, which sets out the responsibilities of a country defeated in World War II.

"Such reckless remarks from a high-ranking official responsible for making security recommendations to the government prove that Japanese political circles are making efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and expose Japan's belligerent and aggressive nature in all its nakedness," the statement said.

Japan's past history of aggression clearly demonstrates that if it were to acquire nuclear weapons, Asian countries would suffer greatly and humanity would face a massive catastrophe, the statement said. It emphasized that peace-loving nations must resolutely restrain Japan's military ambitions.

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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Xi Jinping congratulated J.A. Casta on his election as President of Chile

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 President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to José Antonio Casto on his election as President of Chile.

Chile is the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the two countries have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Xi Jinping noted.

He said China and Chile understand and support each other on issues affecting their core interests and major concerns, while practical bilateral cooperation in various fields has produced fruitful results and brought tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

The Chinese leader noted that relations between China and Chile have long occupied a leading position in China's ties with Latin American countries, and the continuous development of these relations remains the common aspiration of representatives of various circles in the two countries.

“I attach great importance to the development of relations between China and Chile and am willing to make joint efforts with President J.A. Kast to strengthen the traditional friendship, take the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Chile to new heights, and bring greater benefits to the peoples of the two countries,” Xi Jinping emphasized. –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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Lieutenant General F. Sarvarov died in Moscow – RF IC

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

Moscow, December 22 (Xinhua) – Russian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed in Moscow on Monday when a bomb planted under a car exploded, according to Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko.

"The head of the operational training department of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, died as a result of the injuries he sustained," Russian media quoted S. Petrenko as saying.

According to investigators, an explosive device planted under a car in a parking lot on Yasenevaya Street in Moscow was detonated on Monday morning. Various theories are being investigated. One of them is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services, S. Petrenko reported.

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 Su-57 fighter jet made its first flight with a fifth-generation engine.

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

Moscow, December 22 /Xinhua/ — Rostec flew its first Su-57 fighter jet powered by the advanced fifth-generation Izdeliye 177 engine, the state corporation's press service reported.

"Specialists from the United Aircraft Corporation and the United Engine Corporation (part of the Rostec State Corporation) have begun flight testing the Product 177 engine as part of the fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft system," the release states.

The flight proceeded as planned, in accordance with the flight mission. "The Su-57 performed excellently in real combat conditions and confirmed that it meets the requirements for fifth-generation aircraft systems," Rostec reported.

The advanced "Product 177" engine was developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) for use in fifth-generation aircraft systems. "The fifth-generation "Product 177" aircraft engine is UEC's cutting-edge development for operational-tactical aircraft. Cutting-edge technologies and materials, along with innovative design solutions, allowed UEC to create an engine with significantly improved technical characteristics compared to previous-generation power plants," emphasized General Designer Evgeny Marchukov.

The state corporation noted that the Su-57 multirole fighter is designed to perform a wide range of combat missions and is capable of engaging air, ground, and sea targets. The aircraft can operate around the clock, including in adverse weather conditions, and is also stealthy to air defense systems.

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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Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov visited the second phase of the Novosibirsk State University campus.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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During a working visit to Novosibirsk, Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov, together with Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrei Travnikov, inspected the second phase of construction and completed facilities. modern campus of Novosibirsk State University, which is being built as part of the national "Youth and Children" project. The second phase of construction includes three buildings with a total area of 40,000 square meters. They will be able to accommodate up to 3,000 students.

The lecture hall building, with an area of over 15,000 square meters, can accommodate approximately 1,700 students at a time. It also houses a research library with a collection of approximately 1 million books, a student project center, coworking spaces, and a conference hall. The building also features a glass atrium, which enhances natural light and gives the space a unique appearance. Additionally, an overhead walkway with stained-glass windows connects the lecture hall building with NSU's existing academic building for convenient movement. The new building opened in August 2025, and classes began there in September.

The second phase of the campus also includes two facilities, the construction of which is planned for completion in 2026. This is an educational and scientific center Institute of Medicine and Medical TechnologiesIt will accommodate students in the medical, pharmaceutical, and psychological fields, including the new programs of Medical Cybernetics and Industrial Pharmacy. It will house laboratories for molecular pharmacology, molecular virology, oncology, and other fields, as well as the largest simulation center in Siberia for practicing the practical skills of future doctors. The second facility will be a research center with the capacity to accommodate up to 180 researchers. The center's areas of expertise include biotechnology and biomedical research, artificial intelligence and big data processing, and space and special instrumentation.

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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A meeting with representatives of Geoservice was held at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 12, a meeting between students at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and representatives of Geoservice LLC, a leading company in land management, cadastral surveying, and urban planning, took place.

Geoservice provides a full range of services in land management and cadastral activities, engineering surveys, urban planning, assessment and legal support, and geoinformation support for projects. At the meeting, students were given a detailed overview of the company's structure, the activities of its specialized departments, and actual projects implemented under government contracts.

Particular attention was given to the example of a government contract for the construction of an access road to the Kudrovo transport hub and the reconstruction of a traffic interchange on the R-21 Kola highway. Geoservice representatives clearly demonstrated the stages of project implementation, from preparatory work and adjustments to land use planning documentation to support land acquisition procedures, the establishment of easements, and cadastral surveys.

The presentation also covered the company's modern engineering survey methods, including aerial photography using unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile and airborne laser scanning, panoramic photography, and the creation of orthophotomaps and topographic maps. Requirements for the quality of geodata and its updating were also discussed, as was the use of geoinformation systems when working with large volumes of spatial information.

Geoservice is a reliable partner of SPbGASU and a key employer for students and graduates of the university in recent years. Such meetings allow students to better understand the specifics of their future profession, become familiar with real-life production challenges and employer requirements, and chart their professional development paths.

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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Youth Policy Without Borders: A Report on the Year of Partnership

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The year 2025 marked a significant period of active work by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to strengthen ties with leading Slavic universities. Large-scale events were held, allowing the universities to exchange experiences, develop common approaches, and lay the foundation for a long-term partnership.

First visit: introduction and arrangements

One of the first significant events was the arrival of delegations from the Belarusian-Russian University (BRU) and the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) to SPbPU.

Visit program:

Tours of the university campus and the SPbPU History Museum; a meeting with Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security, and Ivan Khlamov, Head of the Youth Policy Department; a visit to the SPbPU Hydrotower, and an introduction to the work of the Youth Trajectory Center and the Psychological Support Center;

Negotiations with representatives of the SPbPU Student Trade Union were held in St. Petersburg. These negotiations resulted in the signing of an agreement between the SPbPU Trade Union and the BRU Trade Union.

In addition, the guests took part in the Family Victory Day festival, took a tour of the historic center of St. Petersburg, and visited the Great Country – Great Victory 1941–1945 exhibition.

Second visit: strategic planning

During the KRSU delegation's return visit, a two-part strategic session was held: "SPbPU as a Flagship University"—a discussion of the university's role in the education system; and "The KRSU Student Community Model"—an exchange of experiences in organizing student self-government.

Participants developed a common understanding of working with student associations, identified their key ambitions, and developed a plan for joint work for 2025–2026.

A key milestone in the development of youth policy at KRU was students' participation in the 33rd All-Russian "Russian Student Spring" festival of higher education institutions, held in Tatarstan. The festival was timed to coincide with the Year of Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. The event was held under the slogan "Spring of Victory."

Another significant event was the participation of KRSU faculty in the educational program "Conductors of Meaning. The DNA of Russia" hosted by the Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation. The program is being implemented by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education jointly with the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) with the support of the "DNA of Russia" project. The program's primary goal is to build a sustainable professional community of educators and develop a unified value platform for youth policy and educational work at universities across the country.

Slavic Summit: Sharing Best Practices

The key event of the year was the Slavic Summit, held at SPbPU. It was attended by the heads of youth policy departments from all partner universities: the Belarusian-Russian University, the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, the Russian-Tajik Slavic University, and the Russian-Armenian University.

A workshop of practices, supervised by Vladimir Migunov, administrator of the SPbPU Center for Youth Trajectories, featured universities presenting their best projects in the areas of "Media," "Adaptation," "Creativity," and "Sports." Ivan Khlamov presented a report on the structure of SPbPU youth policy; and Maxim Susorov, Chairman of the SPbPU Students' Union, presented a presentation on the principles of student self-government at the Polytechnic University.

Participants not only shared their experiences but also selected the most promising practices for further implementation and identified opportunities for future partnerships. They identified well-developed sports programs at all universities, evaluated promising projects, and discussed the development of student government bodies. Representatives of the Slavic universities agreed on joint extracurricular projects.

Fourth visit: transfer of experience

The year concluded with a visit by a delegation from SPbPU's Youth Policy Department to RAU. Polytechnic University specialists held a series of meetings dedicated to the development of youth policy and developed initial project solutions for strengthening RAU's student communities, drawing on our university's successful experience.

The year of cooperation proved fruitful: strong contacts were established between the universities, best practices in youth policy were exchanged, partnership agreements were signed, and plans for joint work for the coming years were developed.

These achievements lay the foundation for further development of international cooperation and the creation of a unified youth policy space among Slavic universities. New projects, initiatives, and opportunities for students and staff at partner universities lie ahead.

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.