Marat Khusnullin: More than 1,300 housing and utilities facilities were built and renovated under the "Infrastructure for Life" national project.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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The government is systematically modernizing public utilities infrastructure across the country. The federal project "Modernization of Public Utilities Infrastructure," part of the national project "Infrastructure for Life," which launched in 2025, is aimed at systematically upgrading the country's housing and utilities sector.

"The housing and utilities sector, whose workers celebrate their professional holiday on March 15, has always been one of the most challenging. But problems accumulated over decades are being gradually addressed. Modernization of utilities infrastructure is one of the most ambitious and socially significant components of the national project 'Infrastructure for Life.' This work not only includes targeted upgrades of critical infrastructure but also creates a foundation for sustainable regional development. Comprehensive modernization plans have been developed, including more than 50,000 measures aimed at upgrading over 18,000 housing and utilities facilities and approximately 140,000 km of utility networks. Since the start of the national project, certain results have been achieved, laying the foundation for a systemic upgrade of the country's housing and utilities sector. Construction, reconstruction, and major repairs have been completed on more than 1,300 utilities infrastructure facilities," said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

Various projects have already been completed in a number of regions. Significant work has been carried out in the Ryazan, Tula, Oryol, and Pskov regions. In the Krasnodar Krai, 20 water supply facilities were modernized in 2025, improving the quality of utilities for over 150,000 people. In the Republic of Bashkortostan, approximately 450,000 residents benefited from improvements following the completion of work at 19 water supply facilities. In the Republic of Kalmykia, three water supply facilities were commissioned, improving the quality of services for over 190,000 people.

"The most important condition for systemic modernization is the systematic transition of the industry to self-sufficiency and the attraction of extra-budgetary investments. Memoranda have been signed with 83 regions participating in the federal project "Modernization of Public Utilities Infrastructure" of the national project "Infrastructure for Life." These memoranda provide for a set of obligations to improve the efficiency of the housing and utilities sector: an annual reduction in overdue accounts receivable of resource supplying organizations by at least 2%, approval of investment programs for all organizations implementing activities within the framework of comprehensive plans, ensuring the renewal of at least 2.5% of heat, water supply and sanitation networks from 2030, as well as an annual reduction in the average time of emergency restoration work on the networks. In addition, by 2027, the level of implementation of investment programs must reach at least 80% of the planned target, and by 2030 – 100%. We are faced with an ambitious goal – by 2030, it is necessary to radically improve the quality of housing and utilities services for 20 million people. Within the framework of the federal project "Modernization of Public Utilities Infrastructure", we are consistently moving towards this goal, synchronizing the efforts of the federal center, regions and businesses,” noted Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Alexey Eresko.

Total funding for the housing and utilities sector in 2025–2030 is estimated at 4.5 trillion rubles, with private investment planned. Off-budget funding for this period is planned at 1.9 trillion rubles.

To date, all constituent entities of the Russian Federation have developed and approved comprehensive plans for the modernization of public utility infrastructure through 2030, which have been accumulated in the automated information system of the Territorial Development Fund (AIS FRT).

"The Territorial Development Fund monitors comprehensive plans for the implementation of the federal project 'Modernization of Public Utilities Infrastructure,' the activities of utility providers, and the implementation of memoranda signed between the Ministry of Construction and the regions. Overall, the AIS FRT contains detailed information on over 1.1 million housing and utilities facilities. This system is the only master database of public utilities facilities in the country, providing a comprehensive picture of the state of the industry," emphasized Vasily Kupyzin, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund.

Modern technological solutions are being employed during the reconstruction and major repairs of facilities in the regions. For example, during the renovation of main pipelines, trenchless and open-pit methods are used, with the complete replacement of worn steel pipes with low-density polyethylene alternatives. This increases the system's corrosion resistance and flexibility, ensuring a service life of over 50 years.

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.

Chinese tour operators visited Georgia in preparation for ITB China

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Tbilisi, March 14 /Xinhua/ — The Georgian National Tourism Administration hosted approximately 20 Chinese tour operators and media representatives in preparation for the 2026 ITB China International Tourism Expo, where Georgia will be a partner country. The agency announced this on Saturday.

As part of the familiarization visit, representatives of the Chinese tourism industry met with their Georgian counterparts in a B2B format. The meeting was attended by approximately 20 Chinese companies and approximately 40 representatives of the Georgian tourism industry. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation, organizing joint tourist routes in Georgia, and preparations for the upcoming ITB China exhibition.

Maya Omiadze, Head of the Tourism Administration, noted that "this year, Georgia is a partner country for ITB China. This is one of the largest events that will allow us to once again introduce Georgia to the Chinese market, increase awareness of the country, support business development, and attract more Chinese tourists."

As part of the familiarization tour, Chinese tour operators and media representatives visited Old Tbilisi, the ancient capital of Mtskheta, and Mukhrani, where they learned about cultural attractions, Georgian cuisine, and winemaking traditions.

The ITB China International Tourism Expo will be held in Shanghai in May 2026. At the event, the Georgian pavilion, covering approximately 400 square meters, will feature a cultural program, master classes on gastronomy and winemaking, and tastings of national dishes and wines. Up to 70 Georgian companies are expected to participate.

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The US Embassy in Baghdad was hit by a drone strike, with no casualties reported.

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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

Baghdad, March 14 (Xinhua) — The US Embassy in Baghdad was hit by a drone strike on Saturday, with no casualties reported so far, a security source said.

An explosive-laden drone crashed into an embassy in the Green Zone (a Baghdad district housing government and foreign facilities) at dawn, after which smoke was seen, a source in the Iraqi Interior Ministry told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The attack followed a "US airstrike" about an hour earlier on a residential area in al-Karrada in Baghdad that killed a senior leader, two members of the Iraqi paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces and wounded five civilians in nearby houses, a ministry source said.

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.

US forces struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island.

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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

WASHINGTON, March 14 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US military carried out airstrikes on military facilities on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub through which much of the country's crude oil passes.

On the social media platform TruthSocial, Trump also wrote that he had decided not to strike the island's oil infrastructure. However, "if Iran or anyone else takes any action that impedes the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz," he would reconsider.

Citing experts, CNN reported that capturing Hark would require significant ground forces, and the Trump administration still maintains a cautious stance on the issue.

Kharg Island is located in the Persian Gulf approximately 25 km off the coast of Iran and accounts for about 90 percent of the country's crude oil exports.

Pentagon spokeswoman Kingsley Wilson said on Friday that more than 50,000 American troops are participating in the military operation against Iran. US Central Command reported on Thursday that strikes were carried out on approximately 6,000 targets, with more than 60 ships and 30 minelayers damaged or destroyed, according to an official US Department of Defense statement on the social media platform X.

According to available reports, the Pentagon is sending the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East. Their arrival, joining US military units already in the region, is expected within one to two weeks.

As Axios reports, the operation will also involve several warships and F-35 fighter jets to bolster forces already in the area. –0–

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North Korea launched unidentified projectiles eastward, according to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

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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

SEOUL, March 14 (Xinhua) — North Korea launched unidentified projectiles eastward, the exact number of which has yet to be confirmed, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea (JCS) reported on Saturday.

Currently, the Joint Chiefs of Staff is analyzing the characteristics and flight range of the projectiles.

On January 27, North Korea launched a ballistic missile into eastern waters. If confirmed as a ballistic missile, it would be the third launch this year.

The launch of the missiles took place against the backdrop of joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States, called "Freedom Shield," which are scheduled to last 11 days, until March 19.

Seoul and Washington insist the joint exercises are defensive, but North Korea has denounced them as a dress rehearsal for an invasion of the North.

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.

Improving people's well-being remains China's key task for the next five years, says expert

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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

Beijing, March 14 (Xinhua) — Improving people's well-being will remain a priority for China's development over the next five years, as the country adheres to a people-centered development philosophy. This was stated by an expert during the latest edition of the "China Economic Roundtable" media discussion program, organized by Xinhua News Agency.

Hou Yongzhi, a research fellow at the Development Research Center of the State Council, noted that China has carried out comprehensive work to implement this people-centered philosophy in the next five-year period, covering population development, improving living standards, and social security.

To achieve people-oriented development, the government must both attach importance to the people's pressing problems and concerns and create a solid material basis for addressing them, Hou Yongzhi said.

It is also important to improve the level and quality of public services as the government's fiscal capacity grows, he added, emphasizing the need to expand the supply and improve the quality of public goods.

Local authorities must act in accordance with local conditions and implement policies related to improving the standard of living of the population in ways that correspond to their actual situation, he added. -0-

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China's rural boom will benefit more farmers in the next five years, expert says

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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

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China will promote all-round rural revitalization and ensure its results benefit more farmers in the next five years, Huang Hanquan, director of the Macroeconomic Research Institute under the National Development and Reform Commission, said at the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable organized by Xinhua News Agency.

He emphasized that farmers are the main participants and ultimate beneficiaries in the process of rural development.

According to him, increasing farmers' incomes requires the development of high-quality, efficient agriculture and the promotion of the integrated development of agro-industrial sectors, especially the high-quality development of rural e-commerce, rural tourism, and forestry.

He noted that it is important to strengthen basic public services by improving the coordination of their provision at the county level to alleviate farmers' concerns about education, health care, ensuring a dignified old age and child care.

He added that further efforts will be made to improve the rural environment, including improving rural infrastructure and living conditions, as well as strengthening weak links in ensuring a modern standard of living in rural areas.

He also stressed the importance of including regular assistance in the rural development strategy to ensure overall stability of budget investments, financial support and resource allocation after the five-year transition period of intensive poverty reduction. -0-

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China to promote green development in next five years – expert

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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

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China will promote green development over the next five years as part of efforts to achieve harmony between humanity and nature, Liu Zhihong, an official with the State Council's research department, said at the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable organized by Xinhua News Agency.

Liu Zhihong said that demand for environmental improvement is growing as people's well-being rises, and China has made significant progress under the "Beautiful China" initiative.

He said further efforts will be made to protect blue skies, emerald waters and clean soil, and breakthroughs will be made in pollution prevention and elimination in key regions, industries and indicators.

Liu Zhihong added that China will also continue to steadily increase the share of wind, solar, hydropower and nuclear energy, and a number of clean energy bases will be established.

He also noted that key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and energy, will accelerate the transition to clean and low-carbon technologies. China will also improve its carbon trading market and carbon footprint management system, and promote and encourage green and healthy lifestyles throughout society.

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China will increase domestic demand to cope with external shocks, expert says

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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

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China needs to boost domestic demand to cope with external shocks and meet people's needs for a better life, Liu Zhihong, an official with the State Council's research department, said at the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable organized by Xinhua News Agency.

In a bid to support domestic demand, China aims to boost household consumption over the next five years through a multi-pronged approach.

According to Liu Zhihong, key measures include the use of new technologies, increasing the supply of high-quality consumer goods and services, and eliminating unreasonable restrictions on consumption.

In addition, efforts will be made to improve the income distribution structure and strengthen the social security system.

He also noted that China still has significant potential and opportunities for investment in fixed assets. -0-

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China sees record high interregional passenger travel during Chunyun

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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

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China's interregional passenger trips reached a record 9.41 billion during the 40-day Chunyun, a special transport regime for the Spring Festival, according to data released by the Ministry of Transport on Saturday.

According to the agency, this figure increased by 4.3 percent compared to the same period in 2025. -0-

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