China continuously expands import of high-quality agricultural products from other SCO member states

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

TIANJIN, July 23 (Xinhua) — China imported agricultural products worth a total of 13.66 billion U.S. dollars from other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 13.3 percent, data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) shows.

The relevant data were published at a meeting of the quarantine phytosanitary control mechanisms of the SCO member states, which took place on Wednesday in the city of Tianjin /Northern China/.

According to the agency, to date, more than 290 types of plant products from other SCO member states have been approved for export to China.

"We are willing to work with all parties to optimize risk assessment procedures, speed up the quarantine supervision approval process, and improve customs clearance efficiency through measures such as exchanging pest data, promoting mutual recognition of electronic certificates, and streamlining the inspection process," said Zhao Zenglian, deputy director of the National Customs Administration of China.

The meeting was organized by the Main Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China. It was attended by more than 40 representatives of the SCO member states, the SCO Secretariat and diplomatic missions of the corresponding member states of the organization accredited in China.

The event aimed to enhance efforts to prevent and control plant disease epidemics in the region, cooperate in smart surveillance and promote trade facilitation. Participants agreed to further strengthen cooperation in cross-border epidemic prevention and control, modernize phytosanitary surveillance and build phytosanitary capacity. -0-

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

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China ready to facilitate travel between China and India — Chinese Foreign Ministry

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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, July 23 (Xinhua) — China will maintain communication and hold consultations with India to further facilitate travel between the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on India's decision to resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24 this year after five years.

“We have taken note of this positive step,” the official said, adding that facilitating cross-border travel is in the common interest of all parties. –0–

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

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The Active Citizen project has updated the “Pulse of the Capital” section

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Active Citizen project has introduced an updated section "Pulse of the Capital"Now it is a colorful strip of photographs of Moscow, in the creation of which the residents themselves participate.

Anyone can show the brightest moments from the life of the city. Every month, “active citizens” will be asked to send photos on certain topics dedicated to city events, projects, festivals and more. In addition, there is a permanent thematic section “Choice of Muscovites”: it is already accepting photos of city streets, metro stations, VDNKh pavilions, sports complexes and other city objects that appeared, changed or became better thanks to the decisions of the capital’s residents made during the voting in the “Active Citizen” project. These objects are published on online map.

For example, Muscovites have determined what it will look like after reconstruction Northern River Terminal, voted for a new design for entry groupsVDNKh and improvement of the area around them.

How to get to "Pulse of the Capital"

To take part in the creation of the section "Pulse of the Capital", users need to familiarize themselves with map of objects, then open the Active Citizen mobile app on your smartphone and go to the Photopulse section. Then you need to take a bright photo and upload the photo, adding a description of several words to it. After moderation, the photos will be published in the general section feed, where other users will be able to rate them by giving them a like.

The 10 photos that receive the most ratings during the thematic period will be put to a citywide vote, based on the results of which the three best photos will be selected. Their authors will receive points for the city loyalty program. "A Million Prizes": for first place – three thousand, for second – two thousand, for third – one thousand points. The winners will be able to use them to receive goods and services from the program partners or donate them to charity.

Project "Active Citizen" has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it, and more than seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30 to 40 decisions are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the State Institution "New Management Technologies" and the capital Department of Information Technology.

The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State" and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

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Within the Boundaries of Romanticism: Reflections at the Piano

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The A.P. Bogolyubov Arts Library invites you to the fifth concert of the IX Sokolov Music Festival — “Within the Borders of Romanticism: Reflections at the Piano.” The evening’s program is dedicated to the works of Frederic Chopin and Ivan Sokolov.

The concert will feature selected preludes, two nocturnes by Frederic Chopin, as well as preludes from the cycle “Gospel Pictures”, pieces from the cycle “Sketches”, “Ballad” and “Autumn Fantasy” by Ivan Sokolov.

Host: Ivan Sokolov.

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

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More than half a century in energy. Polytechnic says goodbye to Valery Lebedev

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On July 23, Deputy Director of the Institute of Nuclear Energy (branch) of SPbPU in Sosnovy Bor, former director of the Leningrad NPP Valery Ivanovich Lebedev passed away. He devoted more than 54 years to the cause of his life, nuclear energy.

Valery Ivanovich was born on November 3, 1947 in the city of Teikovo, Ivanovo Region. In 1971, he graduated from the Ivanovo Power Engineering Institute, specializing in "Automation of Thermal Power Processes" and was assigned to the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant in Sosnovy Bor. At first, he worked as an engineer of control and measuring instruments and automation, then became a senior engineer of the Skala information system, a senior repairman of the Skala IVS, head of the thermal automation and measurements shop, and chief engineer of the station. And in 1996, he headed the Leningrad NPP.

Under the leadership of Valery Lebedev, the enterprise underwent large-scale modernization, many safety systems were improved and created, and for the first time in the industry, the service life of RBMK power units No. 1 and 2 was successfully extended. Valery Ivanovich actively supported cooperation with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the IAEA and other international organizations on issues of reconstruction and improving the safety level of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant.

In 1998, V. I. Lebedev received the academic degree of candidate of technical sciences, and in 1999 – doctor. Since 2000, he worked as a professor of the department of "Nuclear and thermal power plants" of the power engineering faculty of the St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University, passing on his professional experience and knowledge to new generations of power engineers.

After 14 years of managing the Leningrad NPP, Valery Lebedev moved to work at the Institute of Nuclear Energy (branch) of SPbPU in Sosnovy Bor, where he was its director until 2018, then deputy.

V. I. Lebedev is the author of three scientific discoveries, 80 inventions, five monographs and over 150 scientific articles. He was a full member of the International Academy of Sciences of Ecology, Human and Nature Safety (MANEB), a full member of the Academy of Inventions and Discoveries, a full member of the International Academy of Informatization, vice-president of the Baltic Academy of Informatization, a member of the dissertation doctoral council of the All-Russian Research and Design Institute of Power Technologies (VNIPIET).

Valery Ivanovich is a laureate of the Russian Government Prize, and for his work and scientific achievements he was awarded the Order of Glory to Russia, the 1st degree honorary badge of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, the Peter I, P. L. Kapitsa, N. K. Roerich medals of the Manastino Institute of Nuclear Biology and Ethnography "For Contribution to Ecology", and the departmental badge "Veteran of Nuclear Power and Industry".

The passing of Valery Ivanovich Lebedev was a great loss for the scientific school of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, for Russian energy, and a huge loss for his family and friends. The Polytechnic University expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Valery Ivanovich.

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

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How RUDN University ecologists conducted an expedition to Baskunchak

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Institute of Ecology has had a student popular science travel club for 5 years, opened by NSO GreenLab. With the support of teachers, students organize independent expeditions – scientific research trips with the implementation of a set scientific task, as well as popular science and educational trips.

"GreenLab does not go on hikes just like that. Each of our outdoor events has a scientific or educational purpose. We see a request from students to participate in such scientific expeditions. Most are not interested in just walking or driving a route to see something beautiful and take a photo for the sake of it – they need something to take with them, in addition to vivid impressions. New knowledge, skills necessary for a future career, understanding of the structure of various ecosystems and natural processes. We select those who are in solidarity with our values and are ready not only to travel, but also to study. So not only students from other RUDN departments go with us, but also from other universities," – Daniil Mironov, GreenLab outdoor manager, student of the Institute of Ecology (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, 1st year).

During the existence of the NSO, students have been on expeditions not only within Russia, but also abroad. The young researchers have worked in Kamchatka Krai, Murmansk Oblast, the Republic of Dagestan, Kalmykia, Karelia, Primorsky Krai, as well as in the regions of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Italy and the Czech Republic.

One of the latest expeditions took place in the Astrakhan region. A group of students went to the vicinity of Lake Baskunchak. This is not only a famous salt lake, but also karst caves and chalk quarries with various minerals and ancient fossils.

"The goal of the expedition is to study steppe ecosystems, as well as the geological features of Lake Baskunchak and Mount Bogdo. Bogdo is only 150 meters high, but it is the highest point of the Caspian lowland. Few people know, but this mountain is a real salt dome covered with sedimentary rocks. The salt layers below gradually squeeze it out, causing it to grow by several millimeters per year, promising to erupt in millions of years as real salt lava," Daniil Mironov, GreenLab outdoor manager, student at the Institute of Ecology ("Applied Mathematics and Computer Science", 1st year).

"We got acquainted with the local flora and fauna – we saw menacing solpugs, anxious snakes and numerous dung beetles. We experienced the changeability of the weather in the steppes – we conducted radial walks under the scorching sun, and in the evenings we cooked dinner and listened to lectures in the rain. We managed to walk along the surface of Baskunchak and in its brine (salt solution of lake water), the bottom of which is covered with the mineral halite – the same table salt that we use and which is mined here on an industrial scale," – Lada Yaseneva, a student of the Institute of Ecology (Ecology and Nature Management, 2nd year).

Lake Baskunchak itself is fed by 19 springs, of which only 2 are fresh. Underground water passes through layers of salt, becoming saturated and then flowing into Baskunchak itself. The concentration of salt in the lake is about 250 ml/l, which makes it one of the saltiest in Russia and in the world. Salt is not the only mineral that can be found in the vicinity of Baskunchak. There are chalk quarries around – active and exhausted, in which you can find minerals and ancient fossils, such as vertebrae of fish that lived more than 200 million years ago. Participants were able to take away samples of gypsum and feldspars.

"In a few days, we managed to visit the most interesting places: we climbed Mount Bogdo with its incredible views, visited a gypsum quarry where the land resembled alien landscapes, and, of course, we reached Lake Baskunchak. We had to walk 10 km to the lake, but it was worth it! Walking on salt was painful – my legs cut like broken glass – but the feeling of standing in the middle of an endless white desert was unforgettable. And as souvenirs, we brought home salt crystals and gypsum," – Daria Dobrova, a student at the Institute of Ecology ("Energy and Resource-Saving Processes in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemistry and Biotechnology", 1st year).

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

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"Online University Admission": Super Service for Applicants

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In 2025, admission to universities for bachelor's, specialist's, master's and postgraduate programs will be carried out through the "Online University Admission" service, developed by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia, Rosobrnadzor and available on the "Gosuslugi" portal.

It allows applicants to submit documents to educational and scientific organizations without a personal visit.

What programs can I apply for?

An applicant can apply for budgetary (including targeted) and fee-based education, full-time, part-time and correspondence, for bachelor's and specialist's degree programs, including programs of six universities participating in the pilot project to update the higher education system.

Step by step instructions

We will tell you in more detail about the procedure for submitting an application on the State Services portal.

Step 1. Registration on the State Services portal and creation of a digital profile

A verified account is required to submit an application.

In your personal account, you can request your data on educational documents, individual achievements (IA), as well as information on disability, and then you will not have to enter them manually and confirm them with originals when submitting an application to a university.

Step 2. Filling out the application for admission

Provide information about education, benefits and special rights. Specify the desired areas of study. When applying for a bachelor's degree, specialist degree or basic higher education, you can choose up to 5 universities and up to 5 areas in each of them, including paid education. The new service "University Selection" will help you quickly find the right university, select a specialty based on subjects and USE scores, and find out the passing scores of previous years. Specify admission priorities Attach documents confirming your individual achievements and entitlement to benefits.

Details in the video instructions:

Additionally, at this stage you can choose targeted training by answering “Yes” to the corresponding question on the questionnaire.

You can find a customer for admission to targeted training on the portal "Work in Russia".

How to apply for targeted training, see the video instructions:

https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/05_06_2025-Кака-подача-заяку на-целебное-обучение-в-вуз_17_06_2025.mp4

Step 3. Submitting an application and tracking the status

Please check your completed application again carefully and only then submit it.

Please note that additional or internal entrance examinations must be registered separately.

In addition, universities have the right to request additional documents or ask to replace copies that are difficult to read.

Step 4: Submit consent

This can be done immediately after submitting an application on Gosuslugi, in person at the admissions office, or by sending a letter by mail.

You can submit consent on State Services starting with the application status “Submitted to the university”.

If consent has been submitted, but according to the competition lists you see that you are not eligible for the required program, or your priorities have changed, you can revoke consent and submit it to another university.

Step 5: Receive Notification of Enrollment

Once the admission orders are published, you will receive a notification of the results.

The video explains how to conclude an agreement if you are enrolling in a paid course.

Any questions left?

Find out more on the service website or ask the members of the admissions committee of the State University of Management by phone 8 (495) 371-00-55, online or in person.

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

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Rosneft Continues Whale Research

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

World Whale and Dolphin Day is celebrated annually on July 23. The date was established to draw humanity's attention to the need to preserve and protect cetaceans and other marine mammals.

Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and the preservation of biodiversity. The Company's activities are based on the principle of preserving a favorable environment and biological diversity in all regions of presence. Studying and protecting the population of whales and dolphins is one of the areas of Rosneft's environmental program.

One of the main species that receives close attention is the gray whale of the Okhotsk Sea population. The monitoring program for these whales has been carried out on the north-eastern shelf of Sakhalin Island for almost 30 years. As part of the research, specialists annually conduct a population census, observe the behavior of animals and study their food supply, carry out photo-identification studies, and acoustic monitoring.

Until the 1990s, the Okhotsk Sea gray whale population was considered to be completely exterminated and was classified as a species on the verge of extinction. In 2018, the western gray whale population was classified as endangered, indicating a slow but steady recovery of the Okhotsk subpopulation of gray whales.

In 2019, the Okhotsk Sea populations of gray and Greenland whales were included by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources in the list of rare and endangered species of wildlife requiring priority measures for restoration and reintroduction. In 2020, the Okhotsk Sea population of gray whales was listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

In addition, the Company conducts environmental monitoring of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales on the north-eastern shelf of Sakhalin Island. Specialists annually perform photo identification, population census, and studies of the food supply and behavior of mammals. The main life period of gray whales in the Sea of Okhotsk is fattening and reproduction, so studying the state of their food supply is one of the most important stages of observations.

As part of the study of the Okhotsk-Korean gray whale population, unique acoustic monitoring is also being conducted, which includes recording and analyzing the level of natural and anthropogenic underwater noise. The research allows us to study the nature of sounds and model their propagation. Acoustic measurements are carried out using autonomous underwater recorders developed specifically for the project.

Rosneft is an active participant in the Interdepartmental Working Group under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation to ensure the conservation of the Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales. The working group develops proposals for the development of legislation for population management, coordinates the interaction of interested federal and regional executive authorities, the business community, scientific and public organizations.

In 2020, Rosneft, together with the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, implemented a large-scale project to study and monitor Black Sea dolphins. Based on the results of 3 years of observations, modern up-to-date data were obtained on the number and preferred habitats of these Black Sea cetaceans, and the characteristics of their seasonal distribution. Recommendations for the study and conservation of dolphins were prepared.

Reference:

The gray whale is the only whale species that has mastered bottom feeding. Whales usually scoop up benthos from the bottom along with water, silt and pebbles at a depth of 15-60 m and filter the suspension through their baleen. The gray whale's diet includes up to 70 species of invertebrates, including annelids, bivalves, small crustaceans and young fish.

Gray whales swim slowly – on average 5-8 km/h, which allows marine parasites to cling to the whale's skin and establish their colonies. The total weight of these fellow travelers can reach 180 kg per whale.

Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 23, 2025

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

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Crew members of China's Shenzhou-19 spacecraft awarded for achievements in astronautics

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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, July 23 (Xinhua) — Three crew members of China's Shenzhou-19 manned spacecraft were awarded medals and honorary titles on Wednesday for their outstanding achievements in the field of domestic cosmonautics.

In particular, Cai Xuzhe was awarded the Medal for Merit in Cosmonautics, Second Class, while Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze received the Medal for Merit in Cosmonautics, Third Class, and the honorary title of “Hero Cosmonaut”.

The awards were presented by decision of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council of the People's Republic of China and the Central Military Commission. -0-

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

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China's Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project has no negative impact on downstream areas, says MFA

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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, July 23 (Xinhua) — The construction of a hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southwest China will contribute to disaster prevention and mitigation in the entire river basin and will not have a negative impact on downstream areas, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing on Wednesday.

As the Chinese diplomat reported at a regular departmental press conference, the project is within the sovereign jurisdiction of China and is aimed at accelerating the development of environmentally friendly energy, significantly improving the well-being of the local population and actively responding to climate change.

China has always taken a very responsible approach to developing transboundary rivers and has rich experience in developing hydropower projects, Guo Jiakun said, adding that the planning, design and construction of this project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River strictly adhere to China's highest industry standards.

The project is being implemented taking into account all aspects of construction, environmental safety and environmental protection, bypassing many important ecologically sensitive areas and maximally preserving the pristine ecosystem, he added.

The diplomat noted that China has established cooperation with downstream countries in areas such as hydrological information exchange, flood control and disaster mitigation, and has made necessary contacts on the project in question.

China will continue to enhance cooperation with downstream countries to benefit the people living in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin, Guo Jiakun said. -0-

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

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