Igor Grabar: Immersion into the World of Art

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Library No. 204, the N.S. Gumilyov Cultural Heritage Center, invites you to a master class dedicated to the work of Igor Grabar, one of the key masters of Russian painting of the early 20th century.

At the beginning of the meeting, the hosts will give a brief overview of the artist's biography and work: they will talk about Igor Grabar's unique style and most famous works, and introduce the main techniques and methods used by artists of the last century.

Participants will then try their hand at being artists and create a painting in a style similar to Grabar's. The master class will be useful for both beginners and experienced artists ready to learn new skills.

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.

Masterpieces of Meissen Porcelain Sculpture. Commedia dell'Arte

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The A.S. Pushkin State Museum invites you to the Garden Pavilion for a lecture entitled "Masterpieces of Meissen Porcelain Sculpture. Commedia dell'Arte."

Commedia dell'arte, or comedy of masks, was a unique form of Italian street theater featuring incredibly popular characters. Harlequin, for example, embodied the spirit of carnival, mimicking lovers, deceiving elderly sensualists, and, to the best of his ability, confusing the plot. He and other characters are the subject of outstanding works from the porcelain factory. They were produced as individual figures, groups, and entire series. All the characters, through their poses and body language, told captivating stories to the audience.

The event will be of interest to a wide range of listeners who wish to broaden their horizons and admire the aesthetics of porcelain.

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.

Bonds instead of deposits – in 2025, Russians replenished their brokerage accounts at a record level.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mainfin Bank –

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Image: mainfin.ru

What is the reason for the growing popularity of brokerage accounts?

Brokerage accounts are becoming increasingly attractive to Russian investors who want their savings to work and generate a stable income. The main reasons for this growing popularity include:

reduction of interest rates deposits against the backdrop of the easing of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation's policy, the average maximum yield will be reached in May 2025 deposits The annual interest rate exceeded 19.5%, falling below 14.5% in February 2026. The possibility of receiving tax deductions when opening and adding funds to an individual investment account (IIS), which increases the profitability of such investments. Increased interest in long-term savings – interest rates on long-term deposits are extremely unfavorable, forcing conservative investors to seek alternatives. The ease of opening brokerage accounts – many banks offer this service, including online, and the effort is comparable to opening a traditional deposit.

While investment accounts were previously aimed at experienced market participants, the product is now suitable for beginners as well. The Central Bank of the Russian Federation is implementing a public literacy project called "Financial Navigator," and the Moscow Exchange and a number of banks also offer similar investment courses.

How has the Russian investment market changed in 2025?

Last year, money steadily flowed from deposits to brokerage accounts. Analysts estimate that by the end of 2025:

The net inflow of funds from individuals into brokerage accounts exceeded ₽2.5 trillion; the total volume of funds held by Russians in such accounts increased by 16% over the year, reaching ₽12.3 trillion; more than 70% of the capital was contributed by qualified investors, i.e., market participants with large assets or a relevant education; investment portfolios worth between 1 and 100 million rubles increased by 20%; in the small portfolio segment (from 10,000 to 1 million rubles), the annual growth was 12%; the average account balance remained unchanged at 2.2 million rubles.

"OFZs account for about 40% of portfolios. At the beginning of the year, investors were also interested in stocks, but given the complex geopolitical situation, such investments would have been considered excessively risky," the expert stated.

Investment accounts will remain popular in 2026, especially if the key rate continues to decline. Bonds remain the focus, but the trend could shift: funds will begin to flow into stocks if there are prospects for improved international conditions, sanctions easing, and the end of the IMF.

15:25 03/17/2026

Source:

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.

Three more KRT projects will be implemented in Moscow

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Moscow government has decided to comprehensively develop three underutilized non-residential development sites, totaling 7.89 hectares. These sites are currently occupied by outdated buildings.

The redeveloped sites are planned to accommodate over 180,000 square meters of real estate, including housing, including for the renovation program, as well as industrial and public-business facilities.

One of the redeveloped areas, covering 4.26 hectares, is located in the Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye district of the Western Administrative District at Ozernaya Street, Buildings 42–46, between Malaya Ochakovskaya Street and the tracks of the fourth Moscow Central Diameter. The site has an urban development potential of 106,490 square meters. A modern residential quarter will be built here, along with an educational complex, including a school for 500 students and a kindergarten for 250 children.

Another 2.93-hectare site is located in the Molzhaninovsky District of the Northern Administrative Okrug on Mashkinskoye Highway near its intersection with Novokurkinskoye Highway. The site has the potential to accommodate 49,790 square meters of real estate. An industrial complex will occupy most of the site. A utility base for the State Budgetary Institution "Avtomobilnye Dorogi" (Motorways) will be built nearby.

The third site, covering 0.7 hectares, is located in the Orekhovo-Borisovo Severnoye district of the Southern Administrative District at 7 Domodedovskaya Street, near the intersection with Orekhovy Boulevard. A 24,500-square-meter residential complex will be built here to implement the renovation program.

The implementation of three integrated territorial development projects (ITD) will create approximately 980 jobs. Additionally, improvements to these areas and the reorganization of the road network will be carried out.

Today, 195 KRT projects, covering a total area of over 1,800 hectares, have been approved by the Moscow Government and are under implementation. These projects plan to build approximately 35.8 million square meters of real estate, creating over 400,000 jobs.

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.

Miracles

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Library No. 252 invites you to a creative evening with the choreographic studio "Miracles" (directed by Maria Dubrovina).

The senior group students will present their premiere numbers, and the adult group will delight the audience with performances in styles such as jazz-modern and contemporary.

The evening's program also includes performances by the head of the choreographic groups, Alena Udalova, interactive games, dancing with the audience, and a cheerful round dance.

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.

Your first step in heels

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Berendey Community Center invites everyone to the master class "Your First Step in Heels." Participants will learn the basics of confidently walking in high heels, learn exercises to develop flexibility and musicality, and learn a simple choreographic routine. This event is suitable for beginner dancers of all skill levels.

You should bring comfortable, tight-fitting clothing, comfortable change of shoes, and a pair of high, stable heels.

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.

Moscow signed a cooperation agreement with the Republic of Karelia, Sobyanin said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and the head of the Republic of Karelia, Artur Parfenchikov, signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between the two regions for the next five years.

"Five years ago, we signed an interregional cooperation agreement with Karelia. Much has happened in those five years, and economic and social ties between our regions have significantly strengthened. More than 800 Karelian enterprises have signed contracts to fulfill government contracts in Moscow," noted Sergei Sobyanin.

According to him, Karelian products are regularly featured at Moscow fairs and stores. The flow of tourists between Moscow and the Republic of Karelia is steadily growing.

"Today we are signing a new agreement that will strengthen our cooperation in transport, industry, education, healthcare, and a number of other areas," added Sergei Sobyanin.

The Moscow Mayor also thanked Artur Parfenchikov for their fruitful collaboration and expressed hope that the new agreement, in keeping with the established tradition, will strengthen contacts between the regions for the benefit of Muscovites and residents of the Republic of Karelia.

Artur Parfenchikov, in turn, thanked Sergei Sobyanin and noted that much has been accomplished within the framework of the cooperation program over the past five years.

"Of course, Moscow is a huge market for us; it represents modern technologies for managing the city and the national economy. This, of course, represents significant experience. And I can simply cite a few examples of our five-year cooperation. Firstly, we are very pleased that Moscow is now actively adorned with Karelian stone. Sergei Semenovich and I signed a major interregional offset contract between Moscow and Karelia for the extraction and supply of Karelian crushed stone and Karelian building stone, and, of course, this is very important to us," noted Artur Parfenchikov.

Furthermore, in recent years, Moscow has purchased several thousand Karelian-made outdoor exercise machines. They have been installed in the capital's parks and embankments. The equipment has already received positive reviews from Muscovites.

Moreover, Moscow residents frequently visit Karelia for tourism and are among the main participants in the "Arctic Hectare" program, which allows Russians to obtain a free plot of land of up to one hectare upon meeting certain conditions. Thus, Karelia has become not only a vacation spot for Muscovites, but also a second residence and a business location.

"Therefore, I am confident that our new agreement will truly serve the interests of Moscow, the Republic of Karelia, and our entire vast country," emphasized Artur Parfenchikov.

The head of the republic reported that Moscow architects are helping to decorate the embankments of Petrozavodsk, which are the main landmark of the republic's capital, and also expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Karelia.

Strengthening cooperation

The document envisages the development of the provisions of the previous agreement signed in 2014, and provides for the development and strengthening of ties in the fields of transport, information and communications technology, industry, the agro-industrial complex, trade and services, architecture and construction, housing and utilities, the improvement of urban areas and public spaces, healthcare and education, science and culture, tourism and sports, environmental protection, family and youth policy, social protection and employment promotion, cooperation with socially oriented non-profit organizations, and others.

Karelia is a reliable trade and economic partner of Moscow.

"Karelia is our long-standing, reliable partner. We supply the republic with automobiles, fuel oil, finished ferrous metals, medical equipment, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food," added Sergei Sobyanin in his MAX messenger channel.

Source: Moscow Mayor's channelMAX messenger

In turn, Karelia supplies the capital with food products—fish and canned fish, meat delicacies, vegetable oil, liquor, soft drinks, mineral and carbonated water, milk—as well as construction materials, furniture, and lumber.

Karelian enterprises are actively participating in the implementation of Moscow state procurement. From 2021 to 2025, 879 contracts worth over four billion rubles were signed, approximately 47 percent of which—411 contracts worth a total of 53.5 million rubles—were for small-volume purchases.

Karelian producers of fish products, honey, confectionery, clothing, and souvenirs participate in the Moscow Seasons festival series. Each year, companies are awarded spots at interregional fairs in the capital.

"Connections in education, culture, sports, and healthcare play a major role. Over the past five years, approximately two thousand residents of Karelia have been treated in Moscow city hospitals," Sergei Sobyanin noted on his MAX messenger channel.

Teachers and students from the two regions participate in joint conferences, roundtables, webinars, and other educational events.

In May 2021, the Days of the Republic of Karelia were held in Moscow. Every year, the VDNKh hosts the "Sampo Mill" festival of the peoples of the Republic of Karelia, where guests can learn about the region's history, traditions, and culture. Athletes from Karelia regularly participate in competitions held in Moscow, while athletes from Moscow participate in tournaments throughout the republic.

Karelia's tourism potential is showcased on the Russpass digital platform, created at the initiative of the Moscow Government. In October 2025, a themed train, "Karelia—A Place Where Strength Returns," was launched on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya metro line.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX And Telegram

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 President of Kazakhstan signed a new Constitution

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, March 17 (Xinhua) — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the new Constitution of the Republic on Tuesday, along with a decree on measures for its implementation. This was reported by the Kazinform news agency, citing the presidential administration press service.

The changes affected approximately 84 percent of the text of the Basic Law. Among the key changes were the introduction of the position of vice president, the transition to a unicameral parliament—the Kurultai—and the creation of a new advisory body—the People's Council of Kazakhstan.

The requirements for presidential candidates have also changed: they must now have at least five years of experience in public service or in elected office.

The national referendum on the new Constitution of Kazakhstan took place on March 15. According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission, 7,954,667 citizens voted in favor of adopting the new Constitution, representing 87.15 percent of the total number of referendum participants. –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.

Iran's president calls for end to use of US bases

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

TEHRAN, March 17 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday called for an end to the use of US military bases in West Asia, which undermine Iran's relations with neighboring countries.

He wrote about this on the social network X, outlining Iran's position on the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

M. Pezeshkian stated that Iran did not start this “brutal” war and that defense against invasion is the country’s inherent right.

According to him, peace and stability are impossible as long as American-Israeli aggression continues. The president added that Iran will not succumb to intimidation.

M. Pezeschkian also called on the international community to condemn the aggression and urge the parties involved to comply with international law.

He criticized wars waged on the basis of disinformation and expansionism, calling them “medieval” phenomena in the 21st century, and added that calls for an end to hostilities would be meaningless without guarantees that Iran would not be attacked again. –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.

One person died in Abu Dhabi as a result of falling debris from an intercepted missile.

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

Abu Dhabi, March 17 (Xinhua) — One person was killed in the Bani Yas district of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, when debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell, authorities said on Tuesday.

According to reports, the incident occurred after air defense systems intercepted an incoming ballistic missile, the remains of which fell in the Bani Yas area.

Officials said the victim was a Pakistani citizen. –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.