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Millennials will understand: 25 years have passed, and we are still alive

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Yes, yes, a global technological collapse did not occur, an asteroid did not arrive, the Sun did not go out, and this is a reason to throw a party and celebrate another New Year in the second millennium, because we are still alive!

Expectation

It may sound strange today, but in 1999, there were numerous theories about chaos, the end of the world, and so on, beginning in 2000. After all, not every generation celebrates a new millennium, and the unknown is always frightening and gives rise to the most incredible assumptions.

Technological collapse

The primary concern was a widespread technology failure due to the "Y2K problem": older computer systems were programmed to use two digits for the year (for example, "99"), and when switching to "00" (2000), the programs could confuse 1900 with 2000, causing a system crash. Ultimately, the disaster was averted thanks to the massive efforts of programmers.

Space threat

The year 1999 also brought with it unusual stellar phenomena, which some particularly impressionable observers saw as dire omens: a total solar eclipse, a "star shower," the passage of the asteroid Parke, and two comets, Arend and Lee. And in 2000, a minor planetary parade was also expected, which also wasn't expected to be good.

There were people who met the year 2000 in specially built bunkers, with food and household goods stocked for several years and fully prepared for the apocalypse.

Reality

Ultimately, nothing serious happened: there were no widespread technical glitches, public transportation continued to operate normally, and internet connections and apps remained stable. Yes, there were a few hiccups—for example, in some stores, cash registers scanned receipts showing the year 1900—but these were more of a pleasant souvenir.

Interestingly, due to the lack of the expected failure, some of the people responsible for solving the 2000s problem were punished or criticized for causing panic.

"Those tasked with fixing the millennium bug would have been damned if serious problems had arisen, and are damned now because problems have not arisen," the BBC noted on January 4.

Let us value and cherish what we have today and look to the future without fear and with hope for the best. Peace, health, and happiness to all.

Happy New Year!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 31, 2025.

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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"I'm tired. I'm leaving": the phrase that never happened

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 31, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced the early termination of his powers.

A balanced decision

The next presidential elections were scheduled to take place on July 9, 2000, after the end of Boris Yeltsin's second presidential term.

Back in the summer of 1999, Russia's first President introduced his successor, Vladimir Putin, who had been appointed Prime Minister at the time, to the nation. In his memoirs, Boris Nikolayevich wrote that on December 14, 1999, he informed Vladimir Putin of his decision to step down early as President and his desire for Putin to lead the country.

New Year's surprise

At precisely noon on December 31, Boris Yeltsin's address was broadcast on television, announcing his resignation, emphasizing that it was not related to his health and that he saw no point in holding on to power for another six months. Many were also touched by the fact that the President apologized to those whose expectations he had not met. Incidentally, according to the signed documents, Boris Yeltsin's presidential term ended at 12:00 PM.

Since not everyone watched daytime television in the pre-New Year rush, the traditional New Year's greeting from Acting President Vladimir Putin came as a surprise to some parts of the country.

The country's new leader thanked Boris Yeltsin for his contribution to the country's development, announced the upcoming early elections, warned that "any attempts to go beyond the bounds of Russian laws, beyond the bounds of the Russian Constitution, will be decisively suppressed," and emphasized that "the state has stood and will continue to stand guard over the security of every one of our people."

The Mandela Effect

Incidentally, Boris Nikolayevich never uttered the famous phrase, "I'm tired. I'm leaving." His speech instead included the words, "I'm leaving. I've done all I could." There are several theories as to why most Russians misremembered the speech. Some say Boris Nikolayevich looked tired in the recording, which may have been the result of associative thinking. Others claim there were two recordings of the address, and the one containing the phrase has not survived. Still others are convinced that the altered version of the President's farewell remarks became popular due to numerous jokes by the KVN (KVN) members.

More details about how our own memories can deceive us are discussed in an article dedicated to the Mandela effect.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 31, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China to expand vehicle trade-in subsidy program in 2026

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) — China on Wednesday released detailed rules for a trade-in subsidy program for old cars for new ones through 2026, supporting the auto market as part of the country's broader efforts to boost consumption.

According to a document jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce and other government agencies, the subsidies will be issued for the decommissioning of gasoline-powered passenger cars registered on or before June 30, 2013, diesel-powered and other fuel-powered passenger cars registered on or before June 30, 2015, and new energy-powered passenger cars registered on or before December 31, 2019.

Consumers who scrap old vehicles and buy new ones will be able to receive subsidies calculated according to a certain proportion of the price of the new car, with the maximum subsidy amount capped at 20,000 yuan (approximately US$2,845).

China began issuing subsidies in 2024 as part of a broader consumer goods exchange program covering a wide range of products, including cars, smartphones, and home appliances. This initiative played a key role in boosting market confidence and stimulating domestic demand.

Analysts believe that subsidizing car trade-ins is expected to further boost consumer spending and encourage the development of clean transport.

Expanding domestic demand will be a priority for China's economic development next year. This was announced at the recent Central Economic Work Conference, which also emphasized the need to implement measures to stimulate consumption and develop and implement plans to increase incomes for urban and rural residents.

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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One person died and more than 30 passengers were injured in a train collision in Peru.

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

Lima, December 31 (Xinhua) — Two trains carrying tourists to the famed ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru collided on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 30 passengers, local authorities said.

According to police, the accident occurred near Corivairachina in the southern region of Cusco. Local media reported that railway engineer Roberto Cardenas was killed.

Train service connecting Machu Picchu with the city of Cusco was suspended following the accident, local authorities said. An evacuation train arrived later that day. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Machu Picchu, one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations, is visited by approximately 1.5 million people annually, most of whom reach the site by train. –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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Selling arms to Taiwan is a political provocation that threatens regional stability, says the editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper.

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

Almaty, December 31 (Xinhua) — The US decision to approve the largest-ever arms sale to the Chinese region of Taiwan goes far beyond business and represents an overtly political, provocative move that could seriously undermine stability in sensitive regions of the world, Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper, said in an opinion piece.

He pointed out that, from the perspective of international law, the issue of Taiwan's status has long been clearly settled. UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China, and Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. It is on this basis that the overwhelming majority of countries, including the United States, have built their diplomatic relations with China. In this context, arms sales to Taiwan directly contradict fundamental norms of international law and constitute direct interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

The scope of the supplied weapons, including multiple launch rocket systems, tactical ballistic missiles, heavy artillery, and attack drones, only heightens concerns, the article notes. "None of this has anything to do with symbolic or limited defense. These are weapons capable of radically altering the military balance and turning Taiwan into a vanguard element of geopolitical confrontation. Under such circumstances, claims of 'protecting stability' increasingly resemble political cover for openly provocative actions," stated S. Korzhumbayev.

According to him, Kazakhstan maintains a consistent and principled position on this issue. The country consistently supports the one-China principle and is guided by the need to respect the territorial integrity of states. This position reflects not only Astana's foreign policy but also the shared understanding that global stability is only possible with respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

"Weapons don't solve political problems. They only make them more dangerous. And the sooner this is realized, the greater the chance of maintaining peace in the region and avoiding consequences for which the entire world would have to pay too high a price," the editor-in-chief concluded.

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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Breaking: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year's greetings

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged New Year greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

In his message, Xi Jinping noted that 2025 marks a concrete step in the Sino-Russian comprehensive partnership of strategic coordination in the new era.

The Chinese leader also stated that he is ready to maintain close contacts with Vladimir Putin for the sake of continuous new progress in bilateral relations in the new era. –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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Direct flights between Chengdu and Almaty have been launched.

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, December 31 (Xinhua) — Air China officially launched direct flights between Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, the Zhongguo Xinwenwang online portal reported Wednesday.

Flight CA455, carrying 125 passengers, departed Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at 6:30 PM on Tuesday and landed safely at Almaty International Airport at 8:01 PM local time. This is also the first direct air route connecting southwest China with Kazakhstan.

According to the schedule, roundtrip passenger flights on this route will be operated twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays by an Airbus A320. Flight duration is approximately 4.5 hours.

As previously reported by Chinese media, the launch of direct air service between the two cities will fully utilize the advantages of air travel, such as high efficiency and convenience, and will also contribute to the further strengthening of trade, economic cooperation, and humanitarian exchanges between southwest China and the countries of Central Asia.

In recent years, economic and trade cooperation between Sichuan Province and Kazakhstan has become increasingly close. Vehicles, air conditioners, and other goods exported from the province are popular among residents of Kazakhstan, while ferrochrome, zinc concentrate, barley, and other goods from Kazakhstan also enter the Chinese market via Sichuan.

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 saw improvement in women's health in 2024

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) — China's women's health continued to improve in 2024, with maternal health services expanding, according to a statistical monitoring report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.

According to the report on the implementation of the China Women's Development Program (2021-2030), the maternal mortality rate last year was 14.3 cases per 100,000 people, 5.3 percent lower than the 2023 target.

The rate of premarital medical examinations reached 77.1 percent in 2024, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous year, the report says.

In 2024, China launched an assessment plan to help local health institutions improve their treatment systems and enhance their capacity to treat pregnant and postpartum women in emergency or critical conditions.

According to the document, this has helped to create a comprehensive, multi-level and effectively coordinated rescue system, thereby improving the ability to provide emergency care to pregnant women to ensure their safety.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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A large-scale high-altitude photovoltaic project has been successfully commissioned in Sichuan Province.

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

CHENGDU, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) — A pilot project under the Jinsha River Upper Reaches New Energy Initiative was successfully put into operation and connected to the power grid on Tuesday.

The photovoltaic power plant (PVP) in Batan County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, southwest China, was developed by China Huadian Corporation Ltd., a major state-owned power company. The PVP has a capacity of 1.2 million kW and is a key project of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

The project, located at an altitude of 4,000 to 5,100 meters above sea level in Batane, covers an area of approximately 25,000 mu (1,666.7 hectares) and consists of 2.17 million photovoltaic modules. The main infrastructure includes 122 kilometers of transmission lines and two 220-kilovolt smart substations.

Throughout construction, the project overcame a number of technical challenges, including exposure to high-altitude conditions, ice, earthquakes, and the stability of frozen soil foundations. These successes provided valuable experience for the development of large-scale photovoltaic projects in high-altitude regions.

As an important part of the clean energy base in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, the project created more than 2,000 jobs for local residents during construction, achieving a balance between construction, environmental protection, and improving the well-being of the residents.

Once operational, the project is expected to provide Central China with 2.1 billion kWh of clean electricity annually. This will offset 640,000 tons of equivalent coal consumption and prevent 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Its contribution will be critical to ensuring national energy security, optimizing the energy mix, promoting coordinated regional development, and achieving the country's goals of achieving carbon neutrality and peaking carbon emissions.

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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On January 1, meteor activity from the comet 255P/Levy cannot be ruled out.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On January 1, 2026, at around 12:46 UT, weak activity from the trail of comet 255P/Levy, which it ejected in 1897, cannot be ruled out. According to calculations, this trail will pass at a distance of 0.00296 AU from Earth, the particle ejection velocity is high – 42.7 m/s, and the density is quite low – 21.9% of the density of the Leonid trail of one revolution (this means that the particles were ejected by the comet during its next perihelion and managed to make one revolution in orbit on their own, already as meteoric particles).

These parameters indicate a low probability of any noticeable visual activity, but this case is still recommended for observational verification. Estimated radiant: RA=329.9°, DEC=59.6°.

If this burst occurs at the indicated time, it will be visible primarily in the Asian part of Eurasia, as well as across much of northern North America and Greenland. Unfortunately, the nearly full Moon, at 88% phase, could significantly interfere with observations.

If the comet 255P/Levy exhibits meteor activity, meteors can be observed visually or using photo and video equipment with wide-angle lenses.

No meteor activity from this comet had previously been observed, so this event is of scientific interest: astrophysicists have a unique opportunity to record the activity of a new stream.

Comet 255P/Levy is a short-period comet (with an orbital period of approximately 5 years) of the Jupiter family. It was discovered on October 2, 2006, by Canadian amateur astronomer David Levy. The comet's next perihelion is expected in 2027.

Material prepared by: Mikhail Maslov, engineer at the Vega Observatory of Novosibirsk State University

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.