On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, NSU congratulated its staff and faculty

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, a celebratory event was held, attended by university employees who served in the Armed Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation.

The rector of NSU, directors of institutes, and deans of faculties addressed those present with congratulations and welcoming words.

"Of course, this is already a traditional holiday, one that has become increasingly important in recent years—these are difficult times. And the very phrase 'Defender of the Fatherland Day' carries a particularly weighty weight. I would like to extend warm words of gratitude to all of you—to those who served, to those who were in the special military operation zone and returned home, and to those who continue to serve today—to you, a special thank you. We are proud that there are still brave people in our country. I wish you all the best, and most importantly, good health," said NSU Rector and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Pyshny.

Dmitry Vladimirovich served in the Airborne Forces for two years. He says that at the very beginning, when he was called up, he was a bit scared and felt a certain amount of uncertainty. However, over time, his attitude changed, and he remained grateful for the experience. He believes that service helps him grow, teaches discipline, responsibility, and the ability to work in a team, as well as better understand and support each other. Ultimately, he has only warm memories of his military service.

On this day, we remember the founding fathers of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who worked to strengthen the country's defense capability. Mikhail Alekseevich Lavrentyev, a participant in the Battle of Kursk, made a significant contribution to the restoration of scientific work at the institutes of the USSR Academy of Sciences after the Great Patriotic War. Sergei Lvovich Sobolev worked in the postwar years at LIPAN and the I.V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, focusing on the atomic bomb and nuclear energy. During the war, Sergei Alekseevich Khristianovich took on the task of improving the shells for the most famous Soviet rocket artillery unit, the Katyusha.

"This tradition of the Siberian Branch continues successfully, with virtually all of our institutes maintaining active work and developing to varying degrees. It's important to emphasize that our goal is to create new technologies and build a solid scientific and technical foundation to ensure everything functions effectively and reliably. Times are challenging, but our work continues, and the university's role in these processes remains significant and in demand. We actively collaborate with major organizations such as Rosatom, Roscosmos, and many other leading companies, contributing to the development of key sectors of the economy and science," added Mikhail Lavrentyev, Dean of the NSU Faculty of Information Technology and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Valery Arnoldovich Vernikovsky, Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics at Novosibirsk State University, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Geologist of the Russian Federation, professor, retired senior lieutenant, artilleryman, and even commanded a mortar platoon during training. He never saw actual combat, but he nevertheless dedicated his years to helping our country explore the Arctic.

"First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the professors and teachers who have spent their entire careers working at the university and training the next generation of specialists. You have made a tremendous contribution to the development of our country and strengthening its security. I am convinced that each of you, in your own right, contributes to the protection and prosperity of our homeland. I sincerely congratulate you and express my deep gratitude for your work. I hope that our students and we will preserve and carry forward throughout our lives the patriotic values and qualities that have always been inherent in our people," said Valery Vernikovsky.

Mikhail Fedoruk, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Scientific Director of the NSU Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAI), shared his memories of his years of military service:

"I would like to wish for the university to continue to develop and prosper. We have truly dedicated many years of our lives to it, and it has become something special for each of us. Almost everyone here today served in the army, some before entering the university, some during their studies. If we look back in history—to the years when students began to be drafted in the 1980s—we cannot help but acknowledge the achievements of the university's leadership at that time. They managed to retain almost everyone who served, returned, completed their studies, and became highly qualified specialists and worthy individuals. And, of course, we must follow the example of our predecessors."

Among the university's staff are those currently serving in the SVO zone or have already returned from the battlefield and are continuing their work. The rector expressed special gratitude to the participants of the special military operation present, namely Vasily Netsvetayev, a laboratory assistant at the NSU Faculty of Natural Sciences; Andrey Rovensky, a second-category engineer in the Chief Power Engineer's Department; and Pavel Stavitsky, a senior lecturer in the Department of Intelligent Systems and Thermal Physics at the NSU Institute of Intelligent Robotics.

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The 6th TRIZ session of the Rostec State Corporation was held at RUDN University

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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From February 3rd to 5th, the 6th TRIZ Session of the Rostec State Corporation was held at the Graduate School of Management at RUDN University. The event brought together over 50 leading specialists from 37 of the Corporation's organizations, representing various regions of Russia. All participants were graduates and top students of the Rostec State Corporation's TRIZ School, highlighting the high level of professional training in innovation.

The "Methods and Practices of Modern Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)" program has been successfully implemented at RUDN University since 2018. The anniversary session was devoted to a key topic for the defense industry: "Development and Management of R&D Programs."

The "appearance" of a promising product

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in intensive individual and group work. The focus was on developing a vision for a promising product, constructing problem and solution maps, and managing technology readiness levels. Particular attention was paid to feasibility studies and comparing alternative versions of research and development programs.

Anna Aleksandrovna Ostrovskaya, Director of the RUDN University Graduate School of Management, noted the significance of the university's long-standing partnership with the company: "It is a great honor for the RUDN University Graduate School of Management to serve as an educational and expert platform for the Rostec State Corporation. For seven years, we have witnessed how the TRIZ methodology studied at our university is being translated into real-world engineering and management solutions at enterprises across the country. We are proud that our graduates not only possess the necessary tools but also form a professional community capable of solving problems of any complexity in the interests of Russia's technological sovereignty. Holding such sessions is the best example of the integration of academic knowledge and industrial necessity."

Innovation Management

Session participants not only applied their acquired knowledge in practice by developing relevant projects but also shared experiences in implementing TRIZ initiatives. During the discussions, promising tasks for the further development of the community were identified.

Alexander Ivanovich Kashirin, Head of the Department of Innovative Management and Foreign Economic Activity in Industry at the Higher School of Management and Deputy Director of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Rostec State Corporation, emphasized the strategic role of TRIZ in innovation management:

"The main result of our joint work is the formation of a unified conceptual framework and design culture within the Corporation. Today, TRIZ is not just an inventor's tool, but a powerful technology for managing complexity, allowing us to move from isolated solutions to systemic design of the future. We teach our specialists to see contradictions not as problems, but as a resource for development. This approach allows us to reduce timelines and improve the efficiency of R&D, which is critical in today's economy."

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.

A sabotage and terrorist act was thwarted in Stavropol, according to the Russian Federal Security Service.

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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

Moscow, February 20 (Xinhua) — Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers have thwarted a terrorist attack in Stavropol, southern Russia. The agency's Public Relations Center (PRC) reported this on Friday.

According to him, FSB officers stopped the activities of a Russian citizen who was preparing "a sabotage and terrorist act during the mass festive events dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day."

"When he was detained, he offered armed resistance using a firearm and was neutralized by return fire. There were no injuries among law enforcement officers or civilians," the Public Relations Center stated.

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.

Landslides kill seven people in the southern Philippines

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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

MANILA, February 20 (Xinhua) — At least seven people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains in the southern Philippine provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, local authorities said.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said its team has recovered three bodies from rubble in Moncayo town in Davao de Oro province, where a landslide occurred Thursday night.

"Authorities continue to assess the situation in the area to ensure the safety of residents and rescuers," FCC head Richard Gordon wrote on social media.

A family of four was also trapped under rubble in the town of Mati in Davao Oriental province, where a landslide occurred Friday morning, the city's fire department reported on social media.

R. Gordon said heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Mindanao on Friday morning, affecting communities in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental. He said FRC offices in the affected areas are on high alert, conducting continuous monitoring and responding urgently if necessary.

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.

Polytechnic University students will develop digital models to optimize the operation of St. Petersburg's electric transport system.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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A large-scale interdisciplinary project, "Comprehensive Graduation Thesis on the Development of a Family of Digital Models for Urban Electric Transport Network Management," has been launched at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. It is being implemented as part of the "Project as a Graduation Thesis" strategic initiative and commissioned by the St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans.

The project brought together four undergraduate students from various fields of study. Their shared goal is to create a set of digital tools for analyzing, modeling, and optimizing the St. Petersburg tram and trolleybus network. The models being developed will allow for identifying traffic bottlenecks, analyzing route loads, creating network management scenarios, and evaluating the effectiveness of data-driven decisions.

The project's unique organizational model is "client-bachelor-students-managers." This format ensures a synergistic effect between education, science, and practice. Employees of the company serve as mentors on behalf of St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise "Gorelectrotrans." This allows students to immerse themselves deeply in real production processes and establish direct communication with the client.

Marina Bolsunovskaya, head of the Industrial Stream Data Processing Systems Laboratory at the St. Petersburg Polytechnical School of Economics, associate professor at the Higher School of Computer Technology and Information Systems at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and leading researcher at the Research Laboratory for Fundamentals of High-Tech Medical Rehabilitation, notes: "This project is a shining example of how academic education can directly impact the quality of urban life. By combining the efforts of students from various fields—from programmers to business analysts—we are creating not just a theoretical model, but a living digital tool that is already helping Gorelektrotrans make data-driven decisions. It is especially valuable that the undergraduate students are working with real-world problems: identifying route bottlenecks, modeling the impact of schedule changes, and proposing solutions that could reduce tram wait times for thousands of St. Petersburg residents tomorrow."

To address the challenges, a team of students from four SPbPU higher education institutions was formed. Alexander Faida (IPMET) is analyzing transport datasets and identifying key performance factors. Pavel Sobolev (IKNiK) is developing the architecture, optimization algorithms, and software implementation of digital models. Yan Levkovich (IMMeT) is analyzing network performance issues and developing process management proposals, and Gleb Vasiliev (IMMeT) is responsible for developing a performance indicator system and a set of management scenarios.

On the SPbPU side, the project is led by a team of leading specialists representing various scientific and educational fields, headed by Marina Bolsunovskaya. The academic leadership team also includes Alexey Gintsyak, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Project Activity and Industrial Innovation at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering (IMW&T), Associate Professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the Advanced Engineering School "Digital Engineering"; Dmitry Plotnikov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Transport at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering and Technology; and Angi Skhvediani, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics at the Institute of Metallurgical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, Head of the System Dynamics Research Laboratory, and Leading Analyst of the Department of Scientific Certification and Training of Highly Qualified Personnel. This composition of academic advisors ensures the interdisciplinary nature of the project and a comprehensive approach to solving its tasks.

Consultants from St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans also play a key role in supporting the project: Elena Yezhelina, Director of Internal Control at Gorelektrotrans, and Alexey Vishensky, Deputy Head of the Gorelektrotrans Traffic Safety Service. In-person working meetings and a student tour of the enterprise were important elements of collaboration with the industrial partner.

During their visit to St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelectrotrans, the project participants visited Tram Depot No. 5, the Shavrova Street tram production and technical department, and the company's management units. The tour not only provided students with initial data and clarified their objectives but also provided a deeper understanding of the urban electric transport production and management processes. The students learned about the full cycle of preparing rolling stock and personnel for deployment, the operation of the dispatch service, the principles of creating release orders, and the economic aspects of transportation operations—from cost accounting to cost analysis.

Special attention was paid to the modern technological solutions used at the enterprise, including the operation of the testing ground and the tram with an active driver assistance system. The final part of the program was devoted to a discussion of contract support, penalty analysis, risk management, and evaluating the effectiveness of transport operations. The opportunity to directly ask questions of subject-matter experts and receive detailed answers became an important source of practical knowledge for the students, which is already being used in developing digital models and formulating management scenarios.

"Participating in this project is both an interesting and challenging experience," shared Pavel Sobolev. "Creating a system of this scale requires working with enormous amounts of data, accounting for numerous details, and building a complex architecture. Despite this, we are moving forward confidently. Alexey Igorevich Vishensky has been a great support to us—thanks to his involvement and expertise, we have developed a truly productive collaboration. I am glad to be part of this project."

For St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans, the project has practical significance already at the development stage.

"For Gorelectrotrans, this project isn't just a student project, but a real step toward digitalizing our transportation," emphasizes Elena Yezhelina. "We're gaining the opportunity to use tools for route analysis and overall tram fleet management. This is a mutually beneficial collaboration! After all, the students aren't just tackling our challenges as a formality; they view them as a real opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Their digital models, in pilot mode, are already allowing us to conduct experiments without risking real-world operations. Collaborating with the Polytechnic University has a dual benefit: we're gaining useful solutions for our daily work and meeting talented individuals who could potentially strengthen our team. This format is an investment in the future of St. Petersburg's electric transportation: more comfortable for passengers and more efficient for the city."

The project's implementation is important not only for the university and the client company, but also for the city as a whole. The development of a domestic software suite for critical urban infrastructure contributes to technological sovereignty and is consistent with the Electric Transport Development Concept through 2030. The project's results will ultimately improve travel comfort, optimize routes and operating costs, reduce service intervals, and reduce congestion on the road network.

For students, participation in the project is a significant step in their professional development: in addition to preparing their final qualifying work, they gain experience working on a real industrial project. St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Gorelektrotrans has already expressed its willingness to give priority consideration to project participants for employment.

The defense of the comprehensive final qualification thesis is planned for the summer of 2026 at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Successful implementation of the project will be another step toward establishing a sustainable model for training practice-oriented specialists through the implementation of interdisciplinary projects for the benefit of industrial partners.

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 Polytechnic University participated in Indonesia's largest educational exhibition.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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One of Southeast Asia's largest education exhibitions, the 34th International Exhibition on Education and Training (IIETE) 2026, has concluded in Jakarta. The event, held since 1992, once again brought together leading universities, educational organizations, and companies in the fields of educational technology and vocational training.

This is the second exhibition in Indonesia for the Polytechnic University. Last time, a representative delegation from the university arrived in the country to conduct Polytechnic Days in Indonesia and participation in an educational exhibition in Surabaya. The exhibition in Jakarta served as a platform for showcasing the capabilities of Russian higher education. Polytechnic University was represented by Evgeniya Suvorova, Lead Specialist in International Student Services, and Zhanna Trunkova, Lead Advertising Specialist at the Center for International Recruitment and Communications.

Over the course of four days, thousands of Indonesian applicants, students, and their parents visited the stands of Russian universities. Engineering, IT, and economics programs were of particular interest to visitors traditionally focused on obtaining a high-quality education abroad. The Polytechnic University's participation in the IIETE exhibition, which annually attracts tens of thousands of visitors, allows the university to directly engage with motivated applicants from Indonesia and the region.

The business program culminated in a presentation session, "Explore Study in Russia: Study, Scholarships, and Campus Life," dedicated to educational opportunities in Russia. Sergey Tolchenov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Indonesia, addressed the participants with a welcoming address. He emphasized that educational cooperation today forms a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations between the countries.

Nikita Shilikov, head of the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Indonesia, spoke in detail about the admissions process at Russian universities, including under the Russian Government quota.

"Russia and Indonesia are currently experiencing a truly historic moment in the development of bilateral relations. We are witnessing a dynamic rapprochement between our countries, strengthening humanitarian and academic ties, and the signing of an agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas and academic degrees. This opens up entirely new opportunities for Indonesian youth to obtain an education in Russia and further their professional growth," noted Nikita Shilikov.

Participation in the 34th IIETE exhibition strengthened Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University's position as one of the key Russian universities attractive to international students from the Asia-Pacific region.

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.

What are radioactive sources?

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Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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What are radioactive sources?

What's what in the nuclear sphere?

Radioactive sources are used to kill bacteria in food, sterilize medical devices and equipment, treat cancer and other diseases, map groundwater sources, test the integrity of mechanical structures, and measure soil density for construction projects.

February 20, 2026

Joanne Liu, Bureau of Public Information and Communications

Radioactive sources like the one pictured are used in a variety of fields, including medicine, agriculture, industry, scientific research, and education. Their size ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Radioactive sources contain radioactive material, which in turn contains certain radionuclides (unstable forms of a chemical element that emit radiation), the choice of which varies depending on the intended use of the source. These sources emit ionizing radiation, typically in the form of alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, or neutron radiation.

Until the 1950s, it was only possible to use naturally occurring radionuclides, such as radium-226—this isotope of radium is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Today, artificial radionuclides produced in nuclear facilities and accelerators are widely used, including cesium-137, cobalt-60, and iridium-192. These radioactive sources are used worldwide for medical, industrial, agricultural, research, and educational purposes.

For example, radioactive sources are used to kill bacteria in food, sterilize medical devices and equipment, treat cancer and other diseases, map groundwater sources, test the integrity of mechanical structures, and measure soil density for construction projects.

Types of radioactive sources

Radioactive sources may contain a wide range of different radionuclides and radioactive materials in varying quantities.

Sealed Source: A radioactive source in which the radioactive material is a) sealed in a permanent capsule or b) is in a chemically bound phase and in a solid state. The radioactive material is sealed or placed in bound form in a capsule that is strong enough to prevent leakage but still allows ionizing radiation to pass through, allowing it to be used in a controlled manner. Concentrated radioactive material is typically supplied in small volume sealed sources – ranging in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Sealed sources can be used in teletherapy machines used to treat cancer, as well as in laboratory equipment such as gas chromatographs, liquid scintillation counters and analytical balances.
Open Source: A radioactive source in which the radioactive material a) is not sealed in a permanent capsule or b) is not in bound form and in a solid state. These types of sources, which can be in the form of powder, liquid or gas, are used in biological research and medicine. In radiotherapy for cancer treatment, ultra-small amounts of open sources are introduced into the body by injection or ingestion to expose specific areas, organs or tissues to radiation. In industry, open sources are used as a radioactive tracer to detect leaks.
Disused source: A radioactive source no longer in use or intended for use in the practice for which official approval was obtained.
Orphan source: A radioactive source that is not under regulatory control because it was either never under regulatory control for various historical and economic reasons, or was abandoned, lost, misplaced, stolen, or transferred without proper official authorization. Previously, there have already been situations where, due to such sources, there were accidents involving radiation exposure.

Safety and security of radioactive sources

Concerns about accidental exposures, including in the metal processing and metallurgy industries and from deliberate unauthorized acts involving radioactive sources, led the IAEA Board of Governors to approve the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources (Code of Conduct) in 2003. The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources and Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources, is a non-binding document that helps countries develop and harmonize policies, laws, and regulations on the safety and security of radioactive sources. Each country is responsible for the regulatory control of radioactive sources, from their initial production to their final disposal.

The purpose of the Code is to help countries reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure to radioactive sources or the malicious use of such sources to cause harm. The Code aims to prevent unauthorized access to or damage to radioactive sources, as well as their loss, theft, or unauthorized transfer.

How to recognize a radioactive source?

The ionizing radiation symbol indicates the presence of ionizing radiation and identifies radioactive sources.

Most radioactive sources are used and housed within larger equipment protected by a powerful shield. Devices or containers containing radioactive sources are typically marked worldwide with a black, purple, or yellow trefoil symbol, or the words "radiation" or "radioactive."

Radioactive sources can look quite harmless—like small metal objects. Examples of radioactive sources can be found here. To confirm the radioactivity of a particular object, radiation detection devices are used.

What should you do if you discover a radioactive source?

Avoid approaching or touching objects marked "radiation." Immediately contact authorities, such as the police. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately and inform them that you were near a potential radiation source. Radiation injuries may look like burns, but unlike burns, they do not heal. Symptoms of radiation overexposure include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What role does the IAEA play?

Radioactive sources are used in virtually every country in the world. The radiation they emit serves many beneficial purposes in medicine, industry, and agriculture. However, if sources are not properly controlled, they pose a threat to human health and the environment. The IAEA helps countries develop effective, safe, and reliable systems for monitoring their radioactive sources throughout their entire life cycle.

The IAEA provides access to communications and information systems, offers training and information exchange services, and expertise, including comprehensive regulatory assessment services, and helps implement the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supporting guidance.
The IAEA Incidents and Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB) contains information on lost or stolen nuclear or other radioactive sources. The range of such data is very wide – from the smuggling and sale of nuclear materials to their unauthorized disposal and detection of lost radioactive substances. Previously, there have been situations where accidents related to radiation exposure occurred due to such sources. The IAEA publishes standards, recommendations and guidance on the safety and security of radioactive sources in the relevant IAEA Safety Standards Series and Nuclear Security Series.
The IAEA assists countries in implementing standards, recommendations and guidance, working in coordination with other bilateral or multilateral initiatives.
The IAEA assists countries in managing disused sealed radioactive sources by providing reference materials and technical guidance, e-learning services, hands-on training and expertise in the safe management of disused radioactive sources.
In addition, the IAEA helps countries implement safe and cost-effective technologies for retrieving, conditioning and storing radioactive sources.

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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.

Two people are missing after a ship collision off the coast of Japan.

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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

TOKYO, February 20 (Xinhua) — Two people were missing on Friday after a cargo ship collided with a recreational fishing boat off the coast of Mie Prefecture in central Japan, NHK reported.

The 499-ton cargo ship struck a speedboat around 1 p.m. local time off the coast of Toba, causing the smaller vessel to capsize, according to the Japan Coast Guard.

There were 13 people on board the boat at the time of the accident. According to journalists, 11 people were rescued by approaching vessels, while two remain missing.

NHK footage shows the boat split in two and heavily damaged after the collision.

The Coast Guard continues search and rescue operations and is investigating the incident. –0–

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Iran warned of a decisive response in the event of military aggression.

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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

UN, February 20 /Xinhua/ — Iran will respond to any military aggression "with decisiveness and proportionality," exercising its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter. Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, stated this in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council on Thursday.

Referring to US President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the military base on Diego Garcia, A.S. Iravani wrote that "under such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of hostile forces in the region will become legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response." "The United States will bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences," he added.

On Wednesday, Donald Trump called London's decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, including Diego Garcia, the island home to a joint British-American military base, a "big mistake." Under the terms of the deal, London will retain control for 99 years.

The White House chief noted that the US may need the Diego Garcia base if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail.

"Given the volatile situation in the region and the ongoing movement and buildup of military equipment and resources by the United States, such a bellicose statement… should not be viewed as mere rhetoric. It signals a real risk of military aggression," the Iranian envoy's letter reads.

"The Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay before it is too late," the diplomat said. Threats of force and acts of aggression must not be normalized, legitimized, or viewed as instruments of foreign policy, he emphasized. –0–

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The domestic racing comedy "Pegasus 3" leads the Chinese box office during the 2026 Spring Festival.

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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, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — Box office revenue since the start of the Spring Festival holiday, or Chinese Lunar New Year, has exceeded 3 billion yuan (approximately $432 million), with the domestic racing comedy "Pegasus 3" leading the box office, according to online ticketing platform Maoyan.

The Spring Festival holiday, which in 2026 lasts nine days from February 15, is one of the most significant events in the world's second-largest film market. In 2024 and 2025, the Spring Festival period accounted for almost a fifth of China's year-round box office revenue.

"Pegasus 3," directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng, has grossed over 1.6 billion yuan, or about half of the total box office since the holiday began.

The first two films in the series were released during the 2019 and 2024 New Year holidays respectively, grossing a combined 5 billion yuan.

"Pegasus 3" has earned audience trust thanks to the high popularity of its previous installments, noted Chen Jin, an analyst at film data platform Beacon. However, the final box office revenue still depends on the film's quality, he added.

Taking advantage of the surge in moviegoing during the holiday, many regions in China, including Hunan and Jiangsu provinces, have taken measures to stimulate moviegoing by distributing discount coupons to stores and food outlets in shopping malls upon presentation of a movie ticket on that day. -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.