The number of victims following the explosion at a plant in the Chelyabinsk region has risen to 29, according to the regional governor.

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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, October 24 (Xinhua) — The death toll from the explosion that occurred late in the evening of October 22 at a factory in the city of Kopeysk in the Chelyabinsk Region has risen to 29, regional Governor Alexey Teksler announced on his Telegram channel on Friday.

"Twenty-nine people are receiving medical care. Of these, six are hospitalized, five are in serious condition. The rest are being monitored as outpatients," the statement reads.

According to A. Teksler, 12 people have been confirmed dead. The whereabouts of 11 others are being clarified.

October 24 has been declared a day of mourning in the region. –0–

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The Central Bank of the Russian Federation lowered its key rate to 16.5 percent per annum.

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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, October 24 /Xinhua/ — The Central Bank of Russia (CB) lowered its key interest rate from 17 to 16.5 percent per annum. This is the fourth consecutive reduction. The CB also downgraded its inflation forecast for Russia for 2026.

"On October 24, 2025, the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to lower the key rate by 50 basis points to 16.5 percent per annum. Sustainable price growth indicators have not changed significantly and remain above 4 percent on an annualized basis. The economy continues to return to a balanced growth trajectory. Lending has accelerated in recent months. Inflation expectations remain high," the Central Bank of Russia said in a statement.

This is the fourth consecutive key rate cut. However, the regulator has given a relatively tough signal.

"The Bank of Russia will maintain monetary conditions tight enough to return inflation to its target. In the baseline scenario, this includes an average key rate in the range of 13-15 percent per annum in 2026 and a prolonged period of tight monetary policy," the press release states.

The Central Bank of Russia also downgraded its inflation forecast. The regulator predicts that inflation will slow to 4-5 percent in 2026, although it had previously forecast price growth of no more than 4 percent.

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Four people were killed and 12 injured in an explosion at a train station in Ovruch, Ukraine.

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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

Kyiv, October 24 (Xinhua) – At least four people were killed and 12 others were injured in an explosion that rocked a train station platform in Ovruch, Zhytomyr Oblast, northern Ukraine, on Friday, the country's National Police reported on its official website.

The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. Kyiv time, while State Border Service of Ukraine (SBSU) officers were checking the documents of passengers on one of the trains. For reasons still unknown, a man on the platform pulled out an explosive device, which triggered an explosion. He and three other women, aged between 29 and 82, were killed, and 12 others were injured and hospitalized.

The man carrying the explosive device was identified as a 23-year-old resident of Kharkiv. According to preliminary information released by the State Border Guard Service, he had recently been detained for attempting to illegally cross the border.

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The UN marks its 80th anniversary: stories of people whose lives were changed by the Organization

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 24, 2025 UN

Millions of people around the world know that the work of the United Nations helps overcome difficulties, find hope, and change lives for the better. Some of these stories are part of the international exhibition "Common Life, Common Future," which opened at UN Headquarters in New York and is also being displayed in UN member states around the world.

The exhibition is dedicated to United Nations Day And 80th anniversary of the UN, includes more than 200 stories from 193 countries and territories. Photographs and personal testimonies tell how the UN impacts people's lives – through crisis relief, human rights protection, education support, rural development, and the fight for a sustainable future.

Read also:

80 Years Later: The UN Charter Remains a 'Living Miracle'

From Moldova to Afghanistan, from Ukraine to Kyrgyzstan, the stories of the exhibition's heroes show how the UN makes the world a fairer and more humane place.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan: The Sweet Taste of Sustainable Development

FAO/J. Gurbanov

The hero of the exhibition, beekeeper from Azerbaijan Iskandar.

Beekeeper Iskandar from Azerbaijan says that participation in the FAO youth employment programme changed his lifePreviously, he produced only a ton of honey per year, now – twice as much.

“The enthusiasm of young people for beekeeping makes me truly happy, and I want to help them love this work,” Iskandar said.

An FAO-Government of Azerbaijan project to enhance youth employment in agriculture is enabling young people to learn agribusiness and sustainable production.

UNDP-Uzbekistan/A.Kannazarov

Bakhtiyar, beekeeper from Uzbekistan.

In Uzbekistan, beekeeper Bakhtiyar, having lost his job at a honey factory, was able to start his own business: "With just 10 hives and UN assistance, I built a business and provided a stable income for my family."

With support from the UN and Japan, he expanded his apiary to 200 hives, opened a workshop, and trained over 70 people, many of them women. The project opened up new opportunities for self-employment and economic growth.

Kyrgyzstan: Guardians of Mountains and Wildlife

Baatyrbek, leader of the team of rangers, is participating in a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project aimed at protecting nature and adapting to climate change: "We decided to become rangers because everything we have is under threat today. I want my children to be able to see this nature with their own eyes."

The project created a 200-kilometer ecological corridor connecting Kyrgyzstan's nature reserves and protecting populations of mountain sheep and goats.

© UNEP/A.L. Lopez

The hero of the exhibition is Baatyrbek Akmatov.

Moldova: A Chance for Roma Families

Galina and her family are part of the Roma community in Moldova, where trained community mediators work with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"I want my children to study, not struggle with difficulties like I did. Our mediator helped us with everything—with paperwork, getting the children into school, and vaccinations," she shared.

OHCHR/V. Tremo

Galina and her family in Moldova.

The program has increased education and vaccination rates, increased pregnancy care for women, and increased training and legal employment for adults.

Russia: The Power of Hope for Children

Photo from personal archive

Natalia, founder and president of the International Foundation "Children of Russia".

In Moscow, the exhibition "Common Life, Common Future" opened at the Bolshoi Theatre.

One of the exhibition’s heroines is Natalia, founder and president of the International Children of Russia Foundation.

“I am grateful to the United Nations for hosting the presentation of the fund and the opening of the exhibition of photographs of children suffering from blood diseases at the UN headquarters in New York,” she says.

The UNESCO-backed foundation helps children undergoing cancer treatment, organizes camps, rehabilitation programs, and training for palliative care physicians.

The story of Ruslan, a schoolboy battling cancer, shows how the UN's ideas can serve as a source of inspiration.

Thanks to the "UchimZnaem" hospital school project and participation in events dedicated to International Nelson Mandela DayRuslan learned about the outstanding human rights activist: “Mandela’s life inspires me and gives me strength to fight the disease.”

According to the UN Secretary-General, these photographs reflect three truths: that the UN helps the most vulnerable, that international norms touch every one of us, and that multilateralism makes our world a better place.

“These people in the pictures aren’t just posing – they’re asking the question: what more can be achieved if we put more effort into finding joint solutions?” he emphasized. Antonio Guterres.

Armenia: Girls are building the future

UNFPA/A. Dalyan

Exhibition participant, Neli from Armenia.

Neli, a student from Armenia and a youth ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shared her dream of becoming a diplomat and helping achieve peace.

Through UNFPA, she manages projects to empower girls.

"Our dreams are worth pursuing," she said.

Today, she mentors other girls, helping them gain confidence and build their own futures.

In a world grappling with growing crises, deepening inequality, and eroding trust in global institutions, the United Nations is undertaking ambitious efforts to serve people around the world more effectively. The UN80 initiative presented in March by Secretary-General António Guterres, provides impetus to streamlining the operations of the entire UN system, strengthening its effectiveness and confirming the relevance of the Organization in a rapidly changing world.

Ukraine: Warmth That Brings Hope

Alena, a boiler plant dispatcher in Odessa, says, "UN support nourishes not only our boiler plant but also our hearts. It's crucial for Ukrainians to know we're not alone."

UNDP-Ukraine/A. Askerov

Alena, boiler room dispatcher in Odessa.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping Ukraine restore heating, water, and electricity services damaged by the destruction of critical infrastructure, strengthening and diversifying the country's energy system.

In Odessa, UNDP provided the necessary equipment to provide heat to approximately 250,000 residents.

Afghanistan: Women's Voices on Air

UNAMA/T. Osta

Radio journalist from Afghanistan Sunbul.

Sonbul, a radio journalist from Afghanistan, says, "With UN support, I led artificial intelligence classes, inspiring and empowering young women."

The UN supports Afghan women journalists, promoting press freedom and equal opportunity.

"This exhibition tells a remarkable story—a story of ambition and determination, collaboration and results. A story that the women and men of the United Nations continue to write today in communities around the world," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, opening the exhibition in New York.

How countries celebrate United Nations Day

In Uzbekistan, UN representatives launched an educational campaign about the Organization's activities and held information sessions and interviews for students and schoolchildren.

A youth dialogue dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the UN was held in Tajikistan International Year of Peace and TrustUN Resident Coordinator Parvathi Ramaswamy emphasized: "Youth are at the center of our future. Their ideas and determination are key to building peace and sustainability."

UN-Kazakhstan

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the UN in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, the 80th anniversary was celebrated with a gala evening at the Kuanyshbayev Theatre, attended by over 600 guests. A concert by the Academic Symphony Orchestra was performed, and a commemorative UN-80 stamp, created jointly with Kazpost, was unveiled.

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Denis Manturov visited robotic production facilities in the Vladimir region.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Denis Manturov, together with Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeev, visited production sites located within the Rusklimat IKSEL technology park.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, together with Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeyev, visited production facilities located within the Rusklimat IKSEL technology park. The park houses companies specializing in the production of heating equipment, climate control systems, and ventilation and air conditioning systems.

All production facilities are highly automated, with robots performing most routine operations. Currently, the technology park employs approximately 70 robots, with approximately 200 more planned for purchase. The government is assisting with equipping production sites with industrial robots: Vladimir enterprises have already utilized the Industrial Development Fund's preferential loan program and plan to take advantage of support measures under the national "Production and Automation Equipment" project, launched this year. This will increase productivity and free up employees to perform tasks requiring higher qualifications.

"The topic of automation and increasing labor productivity was recently discussed during government hour in the State Duma. The companies we visited today clearly demonstrate these processes. The national project is helping to give them additional impetus. There are already about a dozen domestic manufacturers of industrial robots operating in Russia. It's important that the new robots that companies plan to purchase are at least partially Russian-made," Denis Manturov emphasized.

At the plants, the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Governor were shown the robotic production of manifold rear panels, painting areas, and assembly of finished housings. Denis Manturov and Alexander Avdeev toured the full-cycle water heater production facility, from welding to assembly, and were also shown Aurus brand products—concealed water heaters and convectors. At the industrial group's steel panel radiator plant, they were shown a demonstration of a recently launched production line. The visit to the Rusklimat IKSEL technology park concluded at the plant, which Russian President Vladimir Putin opened via videoconference a year ago. This plant produces modular ventilation and air conditioning systems.

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Dmitry Chernyshenko: Residents of Russia and several foreign countries will be able to attend 300 science lectures as part of the "Science Around Us" campaign.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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The nationwide educational campaign "Science Around Us" kicks off on October 24. It will cover all regions of the country, as well as several neighboring countries, including Abkhazia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and South Ossetia. The campaign will conclude on Higher Education Teachers' Day, November 19. Its main goal is to showcase modern scientific achievements, give scientists the opportunity to present their discoveries, and share knowledge in various fields.

"In the Decade of Science and Technology, declared by our President Vladimir Putin, special attention is being paid to engaging young people in research and development. Thanks to the "Science Around Us" campaign, residents of all regions of Russia and several foreign countries will be able to attend approximately 300 lectures, see scientific facilities in operation, meet with regional leaders at universities participating in Priority 2030, and learn about the achievements of Russian inventors. Such popularization of the scientific profession and dissemination of knowledge about developments is key to achieving technological leadership—the national goal set by the head of state. I wish every participant useful knowledge and new ideas!" noted Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The events are being organized by the Znanie Society and precede the Znanie.Science marathon, which will take place October 30–31 with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Anyone can join the campaign. Video lectures from the Russian Knowledge Society are available to anyone interested in science, including a documentary series. Icebreaker of Knowledge, movies Knowledge. Science", a series of TED lectures "Boundaries of Meaning", lectures – excursions to unique locations Rosatom State CorporationAdditionally, video tours of Russia's outstanding scientific centers—the academic towns of Serpukhov, Obninsk, and Chernogolovka—have been prepared.

For anyone who wants to give a lecture on scientific achievements, 25 ready-made materials have been prepared, located inlibrary.

Highlights of the "Science Around Us" campaign will include meetings between governors and students and young scientists at federal universities, regional research centers, and universities participating in the Priority 2030 program. Through open dialogue, young people will learn about the role of regional science in national development, research support measures, and career opportunities available to talented young people in a wide range of fields.

The event will culminate in the "Knowledge.Science" marathon, which will take place in Moscow on October 30–31. 5,000 people will be able to attend lectures by leading scientists in person, and the entire country will be able to tune in to the broadcast of this large-scale event. The organizers are the Russian Knowledge Society and Moscow Polytechnic University, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

"The geography of Russian science is truly impressive – dozens of regions across the country can boast of their outstanding scientists, scientific schools, laboratories, and world-changing discoveries. Thanks to our campaign, children will be able to see the scale of this for themselves and experience that science is not a set of boring formulas, but a fascinating journey of understanding the world. It's a quest that requires effort but brings the joy of discovery. I'm confident that the campaign's diverse educational formats will help spark interest in science and inspire a new generation of researchers and inventors to achieve their own," noted Maxim Dreval, CEO of the Russian Knowledge Society.

The events of the "Knowledge.Science" campaign and marathon are timed to coincide with the Decade of Science and Technology declared by President Vladimir Putin.

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From Tyumen to Dushanbe and Khujand: new Nordwind Airlines flights to Tajikistan.

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Source: Nordwind Airlines –

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Nordwind Airlines' winter schedule is complemented by regular flights from Tyumen to the Republic of Tajikistan. These flights will be operated on comfortable Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 passenger seats, according to the following schedule:

*local time at each airport

Passengers can also take transfer flights from St. Petersburg to Dushanbe and Khujand with a transfer at Tyumen Airport.

In addition to scheduled flights to new destinations, the airline offers flights from Tyumen to Bishkek and Osh (Kyrgyz Republic).

Ticket booking is available on the airline's website and at ticket offices in your city.

Nordwind Airlines is one of Russia's largest airlines by passenger turnover and boasts an extensive network of scheduled flights across the country. Its hubs are Sheremetyevo, Pulkovo, Sochi, Kazan, and Makhachkala. With flexible ticket prices, convenient flight schedules, and loyalty program bonuses, flying with us is a great way to start your trip, whether you're a business traveler or just want to enjoy your planned vacation.

Nordwind Airlines: – was awarded the Skytrax World Airline Award in the category "Best Russian Carrier for Resort Destinations 2021." – strengthened its position as the favorite at the Skyway Service Award 2022, winning the nomination "Best Airline in the International Tourist Charter Transportation Category." – was recognized as the winner in the nomination "Best Interregional Air Carrier for Domestic Tourism Development" at the Russian Business Travel Awards in 2023 and 2024.

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Dmitry Patrushev: Russia maintains its place among the top five countries in terms of aquatic bioresource extraction.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session "Global Fish Consumption: Growth Drivers, Production Opportunities" at the VIII International Fisheries Forum. The Deputy Prime Minister discussed the industry's development and outlined the challenges it faces in the near future.

"The domestic fisheries industry continues its steady development. Our fishermen harvest approximately 5 million tons of aquatic bioresources annually. Thus, Russia maintains its position among the top five fishing nations. According to forecasts, production volumes in 2025 will be comparable to last year's. Thanks to our extensive marine area, abundant reserves, and advanced scientific base, we have enormous potential for further expansion of aquatic bioresource harvesting. I expect the catch to grow to 6 million tons in the coming years," said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that, to increase these figures, new fishing vessels are being built under the investment quota program. Forty-eight vessels have already been delivered under this mechanism, with at least 70 more expected to be built. As a result of the entire program, production capacity in our key basins will be modernized by 80%.

Dmitry Patrushev added that aquaculture production is expected to reach 400,000 tons by the end of this year. This sector has doubled its output over the past 10 years. To stimulate the industry's development, the government is providing state support measures aimed primarily at gradual import substitution. These measures should increase self-sufficiency in fish seed in aquaculture to 80% and in fish feed to 90% by 2030.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the large-scale modernization program for the fisheries industry is aimed at transitioning from a raw materials-based model to the production of high-value-added products. Its share has more than doubled compared to 2014. Thirty modern processing plants have already been built. Six more will be built in the coming years, ensuring that by 2030, half of production volumes will be in the processing segment.

Dmitry Patrushev stated that Russia fully supplies its market and remains one of the world's largest exporters of fish and seafood. In terms of export volume by weight, our country ranks third. In 2024, approximately 2 million tons of fish products were exported to approximately 90 countries.

Speaking about international cooperation, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the promising prospects for further expanding trade with countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Furthermore, thanks to our advanced scientific base, our country is helping our foreign colleagues develop their own fishing industry.

During his visit to the VIII International Fishery Forum and Exhibition of Fishing Industry, Seafood, and Technology, Dmitry Patrushev toured the booths of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, as well as those of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Republic of Tatarstan, the Arkhangelsk and Kaliningrad regions, and others. Together with the head of Marine Integrated Systems LLC, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in the launch ceremony of a test facility for testing and integrating marine equipment in conditions as close to real-life as possible.

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Dmitry Patrushev outlined measures to stimulate increased fish consumption in Russia.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev spoke at the plenary session "Global Fish Consumption: Growth Stimuli, Production Opportunities" of the VIII International Fisheries Forum.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported that, at the direction of the Russian President, comprehensive efforts are underway to increase domestic fish consumption. A roadmap has been developed, including measures to promote fish and seafood products, and a special autonomous non-profit organization has been created to coordinate these processes.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported that various factors are driving increased consumption, the main ones being logistics and affordability. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that 75% of Russia's aquatic bioresources are harvested in the Far East, and state support instruments are in place to ensure that these fish reach shelves in other parts of the country.

"Under the investment quota program, six logistics complexes and four refrigerated vessels will be built. Furthermore, port infrastructure is being reconstructed and modernized, including in the Sakhalin and Murmansk regions," said Dmitry Patrushev.

Today, the Russian Government is also creating conditions under which pricing in the fish market will become more transparent, and cost formation will be monitored throughout the entire supply chain.

The day before, a comprehensive development program for the Russian fish brand was presented at the fishing industry forum. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that this is "an excellent starting point for further joint work at all levels to increase consumption of fish and fish products in our country."

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October 24, 2025 Group Discounts: Better Together! Special offer for groups of 15 or more on cruises around Russia on the Sozvezdia and Dve Stolitsy (Two Capitals) ships.

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Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

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Dear friends,

For those traveling with a large group of colleagues and friends, special group discounts are available on all cruises in Russia on the ships of our general partner, the cruise company "Sozvezdie," and the ship "Two Capitals":

4% discount for groups of 15–30 people; 6% discount for groups of 31–50 people; 8% discount for groups of 51–100 people;

Seasonal discounts:

10% early booking benefit – when paying in full for a cruise on the Sozvezdie motor ships by October 31, 2025; 9% early booking benefit – when paying in full for a cruise on the Dve Stolitsy motor ship by November 1, 2025.

A group leader for a group of 40 or more people (39 1) travels free. Group size is calculated based on the number of seats only.

Conditions for groups of over 100 people are agreed upon individually.

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.