Category: Russia

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A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the South Sandwich Islands region – GFZ

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, January 29 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck the South Sandwich Islands at 07:30 GMT on Thursday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) reported.

According to initial data, the earthquake's epicenter was located at 57.71 degrees south latitude and 25.30 degrees west longitude. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers.

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 launches cultural and tourism campaign to boost consumption ahead of Spring Festival

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, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) — As the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) approaches, China on Thursday launched a month-long cultural and tourism campaign featuring a wide range of activities and promotions to better meet the public's desire for a joyful Spring Festival celebration.

From late January to early March, the campaign will hold approximately 30,000 events nationwide, featuring a variety of seasonal products, cultural and tourism activities, including traditional New Year customs, performances, exhibitions, and more.

In addition, more than 360 million yuan (about 51.6 million US dollars) in consumer vouchers and subsidies will be distributed, along with measures such as discounted or free admission on entrance tickets, season ticket discounts, and cross-regional cultural tourism travel promotions.

The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China in the city of Quanzhou, Fujian Province, East China. -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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Veronika Asaul, Head of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Public Utilities, has been approved as an Advisor to the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAASN).

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

By its decision of January 28, 2026, the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAACS) approved Professor Veronika Asaul, Head of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Public Utilities at the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, as an advisor to the Academy.

The Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAACS), founded in 1992, is the highest scientific organization in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and construction sciences. It serves as a federal research center coordinating fundamental research in these fields. The Academy's key activities include participating in the development of national and international programs and projects; developing new technologies in construction and building materials production; implementing innovations and scientific and technological advances in the industry; and international cooperation with Russian and foreign organizations.

Veronika Viktorovna's appointment as an advisor is not only recognition of her personal contribution to the development of the construction industry but also a testament to the high status of the scientific school she leads. Of particular significance is the fact that the scientific school of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Utilities at SPbGASU, under Veronika Asaul's leadership, has been included in the Register of Leading Scientific Schools of St. Petersburg. This status confirms the systematic and thorough nature of the research conducted, the demand for scientific results at the regional and federal levels, and the ability to develop a talent pool for the industry through the training of young scientists.

Veronika Asaul's research priorities align with the Academy's strategic objectives. The following key areas of her research, which align with the RAACS agenda, are highlighted:

Investment and Construction Complex Management: The research team at this scientific school develops methodological foundations for managing regional construction complexes, which directly aligns with RAASN's mission to shape public policy in urban development. The team's findings can form the basis for recommendations for optimizing industry management. Innovation and Risk Management in Construction: The research team at this scientific school focuses on implementing innovative solutions and minimizing risks in construction projects. This is critically important for RAASN, as the Academy actively promotes the implementation of advanced technologies, and the methods developed under the guidance of Veronika Asaul help improve the reliability of industry innovations. Interdisciplinary Connections: The work of this scientific school's researchers demonstrates the integration of economic, technological, and managerial aspects of construction. This approach is consistent with RAASN's strategy of strengthening ties between science and practice: research results help translate scientific research into practical solutions.

Veronika Asaul's appointment as an advisor to the Academy is an important step toward strengthening the scientific potential of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, expanding its expertise in addressing strategic industry challenges, and integrating advanced methodological developments into the Academy's key projects.

This appointment will enable the scientific and practical potential of the SPbGASU scientific school, headed by Veronika Viktorovna Asaul, to be utilized in the implementation of RAASN's priority programs, develop new approaches to addressing pressing issues in the construction industry, and strengthen interaction between academic science and industry practice.

We congratulate Veronika Viktorovna Asaul on her appointment as an advisor to the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAASN) and wish her fruitful work. We are confident that her contributions, along with the achievements of the scientific school she leads, will become an important element in the further development of Russian architectural and construction science and practice.

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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Bashneft has equipped Ufa's medical facilities with modern equipment.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Bashneft Oil Company (part of Rosneft Oil Company) has provided three city hospitals in Ufa with high-tech medical equipment. This modern technology will improve the quality of medical care and its accessibility for residents of the capital of Bashkortostan and the entire region.

City Clinical Hospital No. 13 is equipped with a modern X-ray machine, a fluorography machine, an ultrasound scanner, and surgical endoscopic instruments. With the support of Bashkir oil workers, the Ufa Clinical Emergency Hospital has acquired state-of-the-art video endoscopic and laparoscopic equipment. This equipment allows for high-quality diagnostics of internal organs and minimally invasive surgeries. City Clinical Hospital No. 21 has been equipped with a high-tech operating table with a surgical light, a skin graft perforator, and a dermat—a specialized instrument for plastic surgery of external tissues. The use of this new equipment will significantly reduce patient recovery times and improve the overall efficiency of these medical facilities, which treat over 600,000 patients annually.

Supporting healthcare is one of the key priorities of Rosneft Oil Company's social policy. The company systematically supports the development of medical infrastructure in the regions where it operates, providing medical facilities with modern equipment, facilitating the implementation of advanced technologies, and upgrading the qualifications of medical personnel.

Since 2017, Bashneft has implemented over 50 significant healthcare projects in Bashkortostan. For example, in the village of Petrovskoye in the Ishimbay District, a major renovation and equipment upgrade was carried out at the local hospital. A branch of Children's Clinic No. 2 was opened in the developing Yuzhny microdistrict of Ufa. Its modern equipment significantly increased the availability of pediatric care for young residents. A three-story clinic was commissioned in Nagaevo, a suburb of the republic's capital, providing high-quality primary healthcare to a rapidly growing residential area. A neurostudio, opened at the Lyubimy Malysh rehabilitation center in Ufa, is successfully operating. In the village of Verkhneyarkeyevo in the Ilishevsky District, a medical complex with a capacity of 500 visits per day was built with the support of Bashkir oil workers.

These initiatives are part of the Company’s long-term program for the development of the region’s social infrastructure.

Reference:

Bashneft Oil Company is one of the oldest companies in the country's oil and gas industry, producing and refining oil and gas. The company's key assets are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. As part of its social policy, the company implements large-scale projects in healthcare, education, culture, support for veterans and children without parental care, and urban development.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 29, 2026

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Rosneft's largest design institute celebrates 40 years since its founding

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Rosneft's leading design and engineering center in Tomsk is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Thanks to their unique expertise, the corporate institute's scientists have pioneered the implementation of information modeling (IIM) and 3D design technologies in the industry.

In 2025, Tomsk engineers developed over 30 projects using TIM tools. A digital model of the country's largest oil pumping station, covering 100 hectares and created using domestic software, was recognized as a winner of the All-Russian TIM-Leaders competition.

The company's portfolio includes over 80 state-registered digital products, many of which are being implemented across Rosneft's entire production chain. One of its key developments is the first corporate software for consolidating geospatial information, GIS-RN. recognized as the best digital solution for the oil and gas industry.

Since 1997, a research and analysis center has been established at the Tomsk Institute for the study of core samples, formation fluids, process liquids, and reagents. Today, it includes a core storage complex with a unique laboratory equipment fleet comprising over 600 units. This equipment includes meso- and microtomographs developed using proprietary technologies.

Over four decades, the institute's employees have implemented hundreds of projects in field development, construction of industrial infrastructure, trunk oil pipelines, modernization of oil refineries, and other facilities in Russia's largest oil and gas provinces. The institute's staff has created unique design solutions for infrastructure construction in the challenging climatic conditions of Yakutia, Eastern Siberia, Kamchatka, and the Far East.

Tomsk Institute is a reliable social partner for the region. Its work in human resources policy has received numerous awards from federal ministries and agencies. In 2025, the institute took first place in the All-Russian Competition for Best Practices in Youth Employment. It won the "PRO Mentor: Effective Practices for Developing Young Professionals" category.

Through collaboration with leading universities and research centers, the Tomsk Rosneft Institute not only develops scientific potential but also facilitates the training of highly qualified specialists by supporting educational initiatives. On our own IT courses Using a proprietary training program, the institute's experts trained six groups of students from Tomsk universities in the skills of server developers, IT analysts, and computer-aided design specialists. Together with Tomsk Polytechnic University, the corporate institute trains unique personnel for the oil and gas industry and is a key partner of the Digital Modeling Center at Tomsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 29, 2026

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Students of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering celebrated Russian Student Day.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Flash mob at the Peter and Paul Fortress

On January 12, 1755, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna signed a decree establishing Moscow University, and centuries later, students from across the country gather to celebrate this day. Students at SPbGASU participated in various events, activities, and ceremonies dedicated to Students' Day.

On January 24, a roundtable discussion was held at the D. F. Ustinov Baltic State Technical University "Voenmech" with Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia. The event was organized at the initiative of the Student Council of the Ministry of Education and Science. Acting Chair of the Student Council of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), Anastasia Fedakova, participated. The discussion focused on youth policy and student self-government.

That same day, our students, participants in the annual youth patriotic campaign "Nevsky Desant," attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 season. Over 750 St. Petersburg soldiers from 30 detachments gathered to travel to districts of the Leningrad Region and provide assistance to local residents, helping and inspiring them with their good deeds. The "Lastochka" detachment of the Nevsky Desant from St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering performed at the opening ceremony. On January 25, as part of the patriotic campaign "Let's Bow to Those Great Years," "Lastochka" soldiers were already cleaning the mass grave of Soviet soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War in the village of Yablonitsy, Volosovsky District.

On January 25, SPbGASU students represented the university at the opening of the sixth season of the Rosmolodezh project "Your Move." Along with 600 other guests from across the country, they attended master classes and lectures by renowned speakers at the National Center "Russia" in Moscow and participated in festive events dedicated to the cultures of the peoples of Russia.

Also on this day, SPbGASU students, along with over 1,000 activists from St. Petersburg's higher education institutions, took part in a citywide flash mob for Students' Day, organized by the public organizations "Young Guard of United Russia" and "Volunteer Company." Carrying their university flags, they marched across the Ioannovsky Bridge to the Peter and Paul Fortress, and then formed a symbolic "living gradebook" on the Naryshkin Bastion.

Additionally, on Tatyana's Day, the SPbGASU Student Sports Club "Lisy" participated in the All-Russian physical education and sports event "Zachetiy STUDzaBEG": students and staff started at nine in the morning and ran five kilometers along the park paths.

At the conclusion of Student Day, our students participated in the "Student Sports Night" festival, attending a public ice skating event at the A. B. Shilov Skating Stadium. Competitions and master classes by renowned figure skaters were held there.

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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According to IT business: Polytechnic University among the top ten universities in the digital economy

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Digital Economy Autonomous Non-Profit Organization, with the support of the Association of Computer and Information Technology Enterprises and the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, has published a ranking of universities in the digital economy for 2025. It includes 30 universities: 14 from Moscow and St. Petersburg and 16 from other regions of Russia. Polytechnic University ranked 8th, maintaining its position from last year.

"Modern employer demands for specialists are setting trends in higher education. Polytechnic University offers undergraduate and corporate master's programs in IT and artificial intelligence in partnership with Gazprom and Severstal. And in collaboration with leading IT companies like Rostelecom and YADRO, a cross-industry educational center for artificial intelligence has been established at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and enrollment is open for higher education programs aimed at training highly qualified specialists in machine learning, data mining, and the application of AI technologies in cybersecurity," said Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Lyudmila Pankova. "Thanks to the university's strategic partnerships, we are preparing strong next-generation specialists who can address today's challenges in the national and global economies."

The universities were assessed based on official statistics on IT personnel training (data from university monitoring conducted by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science) and a survey of 255 respondent companies conducted by the Digital Economy Autonomous Non-Profit Organization (ANO). The respondents included leading technology companies: the founders of ANO CE, members of the Association of Computer and Information Technology Enterprises (APKIT), the Association of Software Developers (ARPP) "Domestic Software," large accredited IT companies, representatives of the real sector, and regional IT companies.

The questionnaire included three questions:

Universities with which the respondent companies collaborate; universities from which the company has recruited strong IT specialists who graduated in the last three years; the top 3 and top 7 universities that provide the highest quality training for IT specialists.

In total, respondents mentioned 205 universities from 67 regions of Russia.

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 at universities. Student self-government discussed at Voenmekh

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A meeting with Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, was held at the D. F. Ustinov Baltic State Technical University "VOENMEKH" on the topic: "Student Self-Government as a Key Instrument for Implementing Youth Policy and Educational Activities in Higher Education Institutions."

The focus is on the role of student councils in the educational activities of universities, the development of leadership competencies, and the involvement of young people in social and managerial agendas. The course also provides an introduction to the history and scientific and educational activities of the university, and discusses practices of interaction between universities and youth associations.

"Today's students face a wide range of choices—opportunities, formats, and development trajectories," Olga Petrova emphasized. "And here, mentoring and university support are especially important, helping students chart their path and develop into competent, informed graduates. Ultimately, everything depends on the young people themselves and their willingness to be active and creative."

The roundtable was initiated by the Student Council of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Participants included representatives of the St. Petersburg Student Council, the regional branch of the "Movement of the First," and the all-Russian project "Your Move."

Maxim Susorov, Chairman of the SPbPU Students' Trade Union and the St. Petersburg Student Council, was one of the event's co-organizers.

"The meeting was quite productive; we touched on many interesting topics relevant to the development of self-government in our country," said Maxim Susorov. "After this event, I myself began to look at some issues from a slightly different perspective. I'm pleased that Deputy Minister Olga Petrova, responsible for this area, places a strong emphasis on personal communication with student government representatives. This fosters dialogue and trust."

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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Protecting Electric Power Systems: A Joint Project of the Polytechnic and the Technological University of Havana

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A team of scientists from the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Institute of Power Engineering at SPbPU, together with the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría" (CUJAE), have developed a decision-making model aimed at optimizing the operation of electric power systems during extreme weather events. The project is being implemented with funding from a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

In September 2025, an online meeting of the project teams was held to outline the project's scientific objectives. In October 2025, during a visit to the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University by a delegation from the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría," Rector Marta Dunia Delgado Dapena and CUJAE Director General of Information, Communications, and Information Technology Naima Cepero Pérez reviewed the project's interim results. They praised their significant significance for Cuba.

The likelihood of power grid failures increases significantly during extreme weather events. Overhead power line outages can lead to a complete or partial disruption of power supply to consumers. The project aims to minimize the number of consumers without power.

The project's main result is a decision-making model that allows for determining the operating mode of the electric power system that will supply the greatest number of consumers with electricity. This model is presented as a digital solution based on a genetic optimization method. The research team has already received an application for practical implementation from its industrial partner, the RIO Design Bureau.

The scientific and technical results obtained as part of the project determine the optimal operating mode for the electric power system under extreme weather conditions. The proposed approach is intended for use in power system control centers to implement measures aimed at reducing the proportion of consumers without power. This scientific result is of particular value for Russia and the Republic of Cuba, as the problem of climate-related power outages in both countries is particularly acute and has not yet been fully resolved, noted Vyacheslav Burlov, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Technical Biology.

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PhosAgro's projects to substituting imports for its production and communications systems won the Global CIO Project of the Year competition on January 29, 2026.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow. January 29, 2026. The digital resource "Global CIO," which unites a professional community of experts and IT executives from Russian companies, announced the results of its annual "Project of the Year" competition, recognizing the best domestic developments in information technology.

The winner in the "Best Industry Solution. Chemicals and Petrochemicals" category was a joint project between PhosAgro and Zifra Group to develop and implement a Russian industry-specific automated production management system (APMS). The award was given for the successful import substitution of a critical production system, implemented without interrupting existing processes and maintaining familiar user experiences.

As part of the project, PhosAgro completely abandoned its foreign PI System and transitioned to an automated production management system based on ZIIoT platform from Zifra. The system united dozens of disparate automated process control systems, enabled the collection and analysis of over 100,000 production indicators in real time, created a unified digital object model, and became the basis for management and process analytics.

"We've also begun using ZIIoT as a platform for embedding production AI solutions. We've already integrated Sber's advanced GigaChat MAX LLM model into our automated production system, which is deployed in our IT environment. This has significantly reduced the time it takes operators to perform daily process operations and increased operational efficiency. Ultimately, using artificial intelligence in a production system allows us to increase finished product output, making this a priority area for PhosAgro's development. The solution has already proven its relevance and effectiveness, so we intend to complete the rollout of ZIIoT at the Volkhov and Balakovo production sites this year," said Denis Novikov, CEO of Apatit JSC (PhosAgro Group).

According to him, AI agents integrated into the system's operations help minimize emergency situations and, if they arise, promptly suggest the most effective courses of action. Together, this creates a smart assistant and a unified intelligent environment that integrates corporate knowledge, documentation, and up-to-date production indicators.

The project's key value lies in its industry-wide impact. The solution was developed and implemented within the framework of the Russian Government's import substitution program, taking into account the requirements of companies active in the Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals ICC, making it scalable and replicable for other chemical production facilities.

"We're truly proud of this project. We managed to seamlessly replace a critical foreign system, maintain familiar production processes, and lay a solid foundation for digital development for years to come. Importantly, the platform has already become the foundation for future steps—it's being used to launch AI projects that work with production data and internal regulations, helping technologists and operators make decisions faster and more accurately. For us, this is an indicator of the right direction: we're not creating a "closed" solution for a single task, but a vibrant industrial platform that can be developed, supplemented with new technologies, and scaled to meet the real needs of businesses. These are precisely the kind of industrial systems that are needed today," noted Mikhail Aronson, CEO of Zifra Group, during the awards ceremony.

Development of the automated control system began in late 2022 with a grant from the Skolkovo Foundation. Over the course of two years, PhosAgro and Zyfra Group specialists implemented the system at the Cherepovets complex of JSC Apatit, gradually expanding its functionality and making necessary adjustments. As a result, in early 2025, the automated control system was put into commercial operation in Cherepovets and received positive feedback from production personnel—the system's users.

The next important step in the project's development was its rollout. At the CIPR-2025 conference, PhosAgro signed an agreement with the developer to scale the automated process control system to the Volkhov and Balakovo production complexes.

It is planned that this work will be completed and the system will be accepted for industrial operation as early as August of this year.

PhosAgro's project to implement the eXpress corporate communications platform also received an award in the "Best Communications Platform in the Industrial Sector" category. The solution's key advantage lies in its autonomy and independence. The servers that process information flows and store data are located within the company, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access by third parties. When working with external users, the platform offers enhanced encryption, significantly increasing the security and confidentiality of communications.

The corporate messenger offers extensive functionality. This modern app for smartphones and PCs, powered by SuperApp technology, combines several corporate services in one place: email, calendar, and video conference scheduling.

"The software architecture of Russian systems is completely free of imported components, ensuring their independence from imports and compliance with our high security requirements. Our domestically developed automated control system (ACS), as well as our own eXpress corporate communications platform, complemented by artificial intelligence services, offer us extensive opportunities for digitalization and automation of production. Today, domestic developers offer a wide range of digital solutions that are equal to, and in many ways even superior to, their imported counterparts. A flexible approach and the customization of software products to customer needs allow us to source and implement the best solutions on the market. And the fact that our projects won two nominations at the Global CIO competition is a clear expert confirmation that we have chosen the right path," says Igor Kurashov, Information Technology Director at Apatit JSC.

The "Project of the Year" competition is in its fourteenth year and is one of the key events in the IT industry. Each year, it brings together over 450 IT leaders and serves as a platform for sharing innovative solutions in automation and digitalization.

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.