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An NSU master's student identified the accumulation of elemental boron nanoparticles in cancer cells during oncotherapy.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A second-year master's student at the Department of Biomedical Physics is conducting a study on boron accumulation in tumor cells after the administration of boron preparations as potential delivery vehicles for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Faculty of Physics of Novosibirsk State University Ksenia Kuzmina is working on this study as part of a large research team that includes Novosibirsk State University, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS, the Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, the Prokhorov General Physics Institute RAS, and the Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS. Her supervisor is Anna Kasatova, a senior researcher at the INP SB RAS and a PhD candidate in medicine. The work is being carried out as part of the strategic technology project "Center for the Integration of Personalized Biomedicine, Pharmacy, and Synchrotron and Binary Technologies" of the Priority 2030 program.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary form of radiation therapy based on the selective destruction of malignant tumor cells. The key principle of this therapy is the selective destruction of only those cells that contain sufficient amounts of the isotope boron-10. Targeted boron delivery agents are essential for successful implementation of BNCT. Conducting studies on the accumulation of boron-containing agents is an important step in BNCT planning.

This therapy method works by injecting a boron-containing drug into the patient's body, which accumulates specifically in cancer cells. The patient is then irradiated at the INP SB RAS using the VITA (Vacuum Insulated Tandem Accelerator) neutron source. Neutrons interact with the boron accumulated in the tumor, triggering a nuclear reaction that produces heavy ions and alpha particles. These particles destroy the tumor during the nuclear reaction but spare healthy cells, which do not accumulate sufficient boron. Currently, boron-phenylalanine, a second-generation drug for this purpose, is primarily used in clinical practice for targeted boron delivery. Despite promising results obtained in clinical trials, the limited ratio of boron in the tumor to normal tissue in patients treated with boron-phenylalanine requires the development of more effective and selective boron delivery systems. Our Moscow physicist and chemist colleagues synthesized elemental boron nanoparticles, functionalized them with a biocompatible Silane-PEG coating to improve their pharmacokinetic properties, and sent them to us for study of the suitability of this drug for BNCT as a potential agent for boron delivery to tumors, said Ksenia Kuzmina.

Studies of the biodistribution and cytotoxicity of boron nanoparticles were conducted both in vitro (on living cell cultures) and in vivo (on laboratory mice). Two human tumor cell lines—breast carcinoma (BT474) and glioblastoma (U87)—were used in the in vitro study, as well as healthy cells—human fibroblasts (BJ-5ta). The studies established that these nanoparticles were nontoxic for all three cell lines at the concentrations required for successful BNCT. The greatest BNCT effect was observed for the BT474 cell line; according to clonogenic analysis, the proportion of surviving cells was less than 1%. The proportion of surviving U87 cells in the BNCT group was 35%, which significantly differs from the result obtained in the control group.

To study the in vivo biodistribution of boron after intratumoral administration of elemental boron nanoparticles to mice bearing the BT474 tumor, the scientists used inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The boron concentration in the tumor was 163 μg/g 30 minutes after administration, and 64 μg/g after 90 minutes. Boron-10 concentrations in the blood and muscle were significantly lower. The tumor-to-normal tissue ratio of boron concentrations was 15 and 4 at the 30- and 90-minute time points, respectively, exceeding the ratio for second-generation targeted delivery agents. This indicates the greater selectivity of the nanoparticles studied.

"Research into the accumulation of boron nanoparticles in tumor and healthy cells is ongoing. Our goal is to find a delivery system that will accumulate very well in tumors but retain minimally in the blood, kidneys, liver, and brain. With the launch of the Siberian Ring Photon Source (SKIF), we will be able to screen new compounds for the development of targeted boron delivery systems, study the mechanism of this process, and determine the molecular structures of these substances. We hope to be among the first users of SKIF," said Ksenia Kuzmina.

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 has announced the main theme and priorities for its APEC chairmanship 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

Shenzhen, December 12 (Xinhua) — Openness, innovation, and cooperation are the three priorities of China's APEC Presidency in 2026, and the theme of the China Year in APEC will be "Building an Asia-Pacific Community, Fostering Shared Prosperity." This was announced at the Informal APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (ISOM) on Friday.

The APEC-ISOM Symposium, which is taking place in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, southern China, from Thursday to Friday, is the first event organized by China as the host of the upcoming 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which will be held in Shenzhen in November 2026. The event marks the opening of the Year of China in APEC. -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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The United States has imposed new sanctions against four Venezuelan citizens and six oil transportation companies.

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

Washington, December 11 (Xinhua) — The United States has imposed new sanctions against three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's wife, a businessman associated with him, and six companies transporting oil from the South American country, the Treasury Department announced on Thursday.

“Nicolas Maduro and his criminal associates in Venezuela are flooding the United States with drugs that poison the American people,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The day before, the Pentagon seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The Trump administration has been pressuring Maduro for months, accusing him of leading a terrorist organization involved in drug trafficking.

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 milestone in China-UAE space cooperation: An Emirati satellite was launched using a Chinese launch vehicle.

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

SHANGHAI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — The successful launch of the UAE satellite 813 on Wednesday marked a new milestone in space cooperation between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the Shanghai Microsatellite Engineering Center (SECM), the main partner of the project on the Chinese side.

On December 10, the Chinese Lijian-1 Y11 launch vehicle launched satellite 813 into orbit. The launch took place from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. A total of nine satellites were launched simultaneously, including three for international users.

In 2023, the UAE's National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) signed an agreement with SECM to develop this unique, high-performance hyperspectral satellite. Equipped with advanced Earth observation instruments, it is designed to provide high-quality data to support environmental monitoring, resource exploration, and scientific research.

The current launch is a major achievement in space cooperation between China and the UAE and paves the way for deeper cooperation in the future, SECM noted.

Satellite 813 is the first major space cooperation project between Arab states, led by the UAE. In addition to the satellite, NSSTC also developed the associated mission control system and successfully tested a ground station located at the United Arab Emirates University. The station will receive data from the satellite and distribute it throughout the Arab region.

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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The annual Shanghai-Taipei Intercity Forum will be held in December.

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

SHANGHAI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — The 2025 Shanghai-Taipei Inter-City Forum will open in Shanghai on Dec. 28.

This year's forum, titled "Science and Technology Transforming Life," will focus on discussing and sharing experiences in healthcare, rail transport, and other sectors, the Shanghai municipal government said.

The event is expected to see the signing of new memoranda aimed at strengthening ties and cooperation between the two cities.

The "Two Cities Forum" has been held alternately in Shanghai and Taipei since 2010 as an important platform for dialogue aimed at strengthening cross-strait cooperation. To date, the two cities have signed 47 memorandums of understanding on exchanges and cooperation.

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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Novosibirsk State University is hosting the Interregional Scientific and Practical Conference "University Meetings. Novosibirsk – a Center for Innovation in Medicine."

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 11-12, Novosibirsk State University is hosting the interregional scientific and practical conference "University Meetings. Novosibirsk—a Center for Innovation in Medicine." The event is organized by Novosibirsk State University, the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (CPME IMMT) of NSU, the Novosibirsk Region Ministry of Health, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Association of Doctors.

The program includes scientific reports, master classes with leading specialists in dermato-oncology, psychology, and cardiology, a roundtable discussion on problem areas in medical services, and discussions with colleagues from various cities across the Russian Federation on their development as specialists. This year, the main topic of the University Meetings is obesity.

The conference was opened by Chief Scientific Secretary of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences Andrey Tulupov.

NSU Rector and RAS Academician Mikhail Fedoruk also delivered a welcoming speech.

— We were the third in the country to launch medical education at a classical university, after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU "IMT NSU is one of the youngest departments at NSU. Medical education is becoming increasingly important to us, which is especially relevant given the infrastructure upgrades and the opening of the new educational and research center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies at NSU in 2026. I am confident that IMT NSU will develop successfully, in particular through conferences such as these, which bring together students, residents, postgraduate students, and leading medical specialists," noted Mikhail Fedoruk.

At the beginning of the conference, Irina Sergeeva, Director of the Center for Preventive Medical Research at the NSU Institute of Medical and Technological Technologies, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, and Professor of the Department of Fundamental Medicine at the NSU Institute of Medical and Technological Technologies, delivered an introductory presentation on the history of medical education and focused on the current state of medical education and its future.

"Medical universities are transforming into polytechnics; almost every medical university is incorporating technologies and product-focused departments. Another trend is artificial intelligence, which will be used in both education and practice. Technological innovations, such as digital twins, are becoming especially important, as they can replace real people in patient care," Irina Sergeeva emphasized.

Health maintenance and prevention are also very important for people today, and general health assessments—checkups—are becoming a fashionable trend, which is also influencing medical education.

"According to some medical approaches, a doctor treats illnesses, not health. Meanwhile, conducting a checkup and responding to the tests conducted should not only be aimed at identifying the disease but also at interpreting the results and supporting the patient's health, which is what most of our patients request," noted Irina Sergeeva.

In medical education, a certain tension between the personal and the social will persist, as education in other fields is more rapid, while medical education takes longer. The trend toward interdisciplinarity will also persist.

Following Irina Sergeeva's presentation, a plenary session began, dedicated to various aspects of obesity. The session was interdisciplinary and featured a new scientific kaleidoscope format—short presentations from various fields of medicine on the topic of obesity.

Elena Aksenova, Deputy Minister of Health of the Novosibirsk Region, noted in her report that among the main risks for developing non-communicable chronic diseases, along with poor diet and low physical activity, are excess weight and obesity as a diagnosis. Obesity reduces life expectancy, and the higher the stage of obesity, the higher these risks, as confirmed by research. Therefore, the government is taking a number of measures aimed at reducing risk factors. One of the projects being implemented at the federal level is the "Health for Everyone" project. It aims to expand preventive services, such as health centers and preventive medical centers and departments. It also includes strengthening municipal and corporate programs at enterprises and resuming occupational health care at enterprises, where screenings and medical observations are conducted in the workplace.

As part of the University Meetings, an exhibition is being held featuring the city's medical institutions that serve as clinical training sites for NSU students and residents. The exhibition also showcases NSU's IMMT pilot project—an exhibition of prototype simulators for practicing practical skills.

On December 11th, three sections on various topics were organized after lunch: cardiology and neurology; allergology, dermatology, and cosmetology; and gastroenterology and endocrinology. That same day, a roundtable discussion on medical services was held, attended by the heads of the Zdravitsa Family Medicine Center, the Pasman Clinic, and the Krasnoozersky Sanatorium. At the roundtable, Marina Kudaka, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology at ChSU, presented the results of a survey conducted among patients, doctors, and clinic managers on their priorities in medical services.

On the second day, December 12, a meeting will be held at which guests from NSU—Irina Smirnova, President of the Association of Specialists in Diseases of the AGO; Elena Kurnyavkina, Chief Physician of the Krasnozersky Sanatorium; Yulia Krinitsyna, Honorary Professor of the Institute of Medical Technologies and the Golden Dermatoscope Award winner; Daria Luchinina, Director of the Institute of Chemistry and Ecology at Vyatka State University; Lyudmila Vlasova, First Chief Physician of the Zdravitsa Medical Center; and Olga Letyaeva, Editor-in-Chief of the South Ural Medical Journal—will discuss possible career paths in medicine with students and residents.

The event will conclude with a situational role-playing game, "HIV. An Insider's View," jointly organized by students and psychology faculty from the NSU Institute of Medical and Technical Medicine. The game will address issues of social adaptation for patients living with HIV.

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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The Georgian State Security Service has denied reports that the Israeli parliamentarians' visit was cancelled due to a terrorist threat.

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

Tbilisi, December 11 (Xinhua) — Neither Georgian nor Israeli intelligence agencies have information about planned terrorist attacks in Georgia and, accordingly, have not shared it with anyone, the State Security Service of Georgia announced on Thursday.

The agency issued this statement following media reports that the visit of Israeli MPs to Tbilisi was cancelled, allegedly due to the threat of a terrorist attack.

"We are in contact with Israeli intelligence officials, who expressed surprise at the dissemination of disinformation. It is concerning that some Georgian media outlets are publishing unconfirmed information. We categorically urge everyone to refrain from disseminating unverified and defamatory information about Georgia," the State Security Service noted.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that members of the Israeli Knesset had canceled their visit to Tbilisi, where they were scheduled to participate in events as part of "Israel Week." This information was confirmed to Echo of the Caucasus by Itzik Moshe, President of the Georgian-Israeli Business Chamber and founder of "Israel House." He stated that "Israel Week" in Tbilisi would go ahead, and that Knesset members would likely participate remotely.

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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The Chinese people are peace-loving and friendly, but they will not make any concessions on issues of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan.

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

Minsk, December 11 (Xinhua) — The Chinese people are peace-loving and friendly toward their neighbors, but they will not compromise or make any concessions on matters concerning the fundamental principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan in an opinion piece published in Belta.

He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. During the brutal war against fascism and militarism, China and Belarus paid a huge price defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

"The Chinese people are peace-loving and friendly toward their neighbors, but on issues concerning the fundamental foundations of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, they will not make any compromises or concessions, which is also true for Belarus," Zhang Wenchuan emphasized.

The ambassador noted that China and Belarus are all-round comprehensive strategic partners who consistently support each other on issues affecting mutual interests. The one-China principle is enshrined in the agreement establishing diplomatic relations between China and Belarus and has been repeatedly reaffirmed in joint statements by the two heads of state.

"Belarus consistently adheres to this principle, supports all of China's efforts to uphold national unity, and opposes 'Taiwan independence' in any form, which China highly values," the ambassador noted, adding that the Chinese government and people are ready to work with the entire international community, including Belarus, to jointly protect the post-war international order, peace, and stability throughout the world.

Zhang Wenchuan expressed concern over Japanese leaders' frequent visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where they honor war criminals from World War II, revise national history textbooks, deny the Nanjing Massacre, and attempt to rehabilitate their militaristic aggression. In recent years, Japan has also significantly adjusted its security policy, annually increasing its defense budget and mulling plans to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."

"Recently, a Japanese politician stated that mainland China's use of force against Taiwan could pose an 'existential threat' to Japan. This statement grossly violates the one-China principle and constitutes interference in China's internal affairs," the ambassador noted.

He emphasized that a number of internationally binding documents, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, confirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan. "This is one of the important outcomes of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order. This historical and legal fact is beyond doubt," the diplomat noted.

Zhang Wenchuan emphasized that Taiwan is Chinese Taiwan; it has never been, and never will be, a separate state. The Taiwan issue is at the core of China's core interests; it is a red line and a boundary that must not be crossed.

"No one and no force should underestimate the Chinese people's firm resolve, unwavering will, and enormous capabilities in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The historical momentum toward China's reunification is irresistible, and China will ultimately be reunited," Zhang Wenchuan stated.

The ambassador added that it is necessary to take China's concerns seriously, refrain from provocative actions, and actually fulfill political obligations to China and the international community. –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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China expects to work with ASEAN to align development strategies and resist unilateral bullying, says Chinese Foreign Minister

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 11 (Xinhua) — China views the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its closest cooperation partner and looks forward to continuing to support and trust each other, align development strategies, create areas of cooperation, uphold open regionalism, adhere to genuine multilateralism, and oppose unilateral bullying and Cold War mentality in all its forms, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday during talks with Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erivan Yusuf.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, pointed out that China and ASEAN can jointly act as an important force in promoting prosperity and stability in the region.

Recalling that next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brunei, Wang Yi stated that China intends to regard the important consensus of the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, maintain high-level exchanges with Brunei, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance interaction at multilateral platforms, and take new steps to build a China-Brunei community with a shared future.

Wang Yi outlined China's principled position on the Taiwan issue in detail, and also explained the serious harm caused by the current Japanese leader's erroneous statements regarding Taiwan.

The Chinese Foreign Minister praised Brunei's strict adherence to the one-China principle over many years and expressed hope and confidence that the Brunei side will fully understand China's position and continue to resolutely support the Chinese people's just cause of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang Yi called on both sides to jointly defend the international order established after World War II, as well as human conscience and justice.

Erivan Yusuf, for his part, emphasized that Brunei recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. He assured that Brunei will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support the great cause of national reunification in China.

The Bruneian diplomat noted that China remains the most important force promoting cohesion and stability in the region.

According to Erivan Yusuf, Brunei hopes to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen mutual political trust, promote cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and deepen cooperation in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, and fisheries, in order to achieve greater progress in Brunei-China relations.

Brunei fully supports China in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in 2026 and expects China to exercise greater influence and leadership in international and regional affairs, Erivan Yusuf added.

The parties agreed to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

In addition, they expressed a unanimous view that, in the Palestinian-Israeli issue, the international community must strive for a truly comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, implement in practice the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine,” steadfastly adhere to the general direction of a two-state solution, avoid double standards, and promote long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. –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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Dmitry Grigorenko: Life-related situations on "Gosuslugi" help citizens resolve their issues more easily and quickly.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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Over 50 life events have been launched on the government services portal. They help people comprehensively address a variety of issues, from university admissions to retirement. Now, you can prepare for pregnancy and complete your baby's first documents using the "Planning and Birth of a Child" life event. The implementation and development of these life events is part of the federal project "A State for People," overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

"Life-situations services on Gosuslugi help citizens resolve their issues more easily and quickly. Comprehensive services have freed people from the need to gather excessive amounts of documents and navigate the intricacies of government departments. Citizens and businesses already have access to services such as 'Large Families,' 'University Admissions,' 'Retirement,' 'Starting an IT Company,' and many others. And now a new life-situation service—'Planning and Having a Child'—has been launched on the Gosuslugi portal," said Dmitry Grigorenko.

The "Planning and Having a Child" life situation helps you obtain a birth certificate and register your child at your place of residence, as well as receive government support measures available to pregnant women and families with children.

Now, citizens planning to have children and parents of infants can obtain all the necessary information, complete paperwork, and take advantage of government support measures in one convenient digital space.

This situation allows you to complete and submit an application for a child's birth certificate and residence registration in just two clicks. The newborn's SNILS and compulsory medical insurance policy number will be assigned automatically.

A digital navigator on the life situation page helps you learn about available support measures. You can also apply for benefits and subsidies without leaving the government services portal.

Life-situational services represent a new stage in the development of the public service delivery system. One such service combines, on average, approximately 17 related public services and helps users access them comprehensively, in a single-window environment. For example, "House Construction," "Online Fraud Protection," "Tax Deduction," and so on.

The catalog of life situations on the government services portal includes over 50 federal life situations. By the end of 2025, this number will increase to 70.

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.