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Feature: SCO Youth Showcase Their Artistic Abilities at the Delphic Games

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

Bishkek, March 26 /Xinhua/ — The First Youth Delphic Games of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states are being held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, from March 23 to 28. Representatives of the arts from 10 SCO countries are participating.

The Games will feature competitions in eight categories, including “piano performance,” “folk instrument performance,” “fine arts,” “folk singing,” and “artistic crafts.”

Irina Novikova, 23, from Novosibirsk, Russia, is one of the participants in the arts and crafts competition. She first encountered ceramics in her second year of university and fell in love with it immediately. "I'm drawn to the way clay allows you to convey the images that come to mind through its plasticity. We draw them on paper, but clay allows us to transfer them into three dimensions. That's what attracts me most," she shared.

At the competition, Irina, a master's student majoring in design education at the Institute of Arts of the Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, created a work on the theme of teacher-student relationships. "I want to become a teacher of decorative and applied arts in the future, because I believe that passing on experience and skills from the older to the younger generation is important," she said.

Azamat Bakyt uulu works as a civil servant in Bishkek. His involvement in the Games' organizational work gave him the opportunity to observe the arts and crafts competition. "This is a valuable opportunity to see outstanding talents from different countries demonstrate their crafts skills right on site. This is not only a dialogue between cultures but also a clear reflection of the unity and friendship of young people from the 'SCO family,'" he noted.

At the folk instrument competition, 19-year-old Chinese singer Shen Xinle stole the spotlight. Her performance of pieces for the zhongzhuan (a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument from the ruan family) aroused the audience's interest. Many even filmed her performance on their mobile phones.

Shen Xinle began learning the zhongruan at the age of seven. One of her main goals in participating in the competition was to introduce this instrument to a wider audience. "Compared to the guzheng and erhu, the zhongruan is a relatively niche instrument. I hope that with my performance I can interest more people in this Chinese folk instrument."

The Chinese girl was particularly impressed by the friendly attitude of the other participants. "They not only greeted me warmly, but also asked me about the zhongzhuang and asked me to play it," she said. "Even though we sometimes had to communicate through a translation program, this didn't stop us from bonding and expressing our shared love of music."

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Games on March 24, Bishkek Mayor Aibek Dzhunushaliev expressed confidence that the Delphic Games would be an important step in strengthening humanitarian ties, unite youth from SCO countries, and open up new opportunities for cooperation.

According to Han Zhongyan, a Chinese conductor and jury member in the piano performance category, the Games provided a unique opportunity for participants from different countries to exchange ideas and learn from each other, developing aesthetic taste and enhancing creative skills. –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 UN noted progress in creating inclusive health systems for refugees and migrants.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 26, 2026 Refugees and migrants

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant positive shift in how countries approach refugee and migrant health issues. New data shows that more than 60 countries—two-thirds of survey respondents—have already included these populations in their national health policies and legislation.

The WHO report is based on information from 93 countries. It will form the basis of the first global database designed to track progress in creating inclusive, migrant-friendly health systems.

Migration, the report states, has been a driving force for cultural, social, and economic development throughout human history. Today, more than a billion people—one in eight people worldwide—live as refugees or migrants. The reasons for displacement are varied, ranging from conflicts and natural disasters to the search for education, employment, or family reunification.

However, many migrants face significant barriers to accessing health care, increased risks of infectious and chronic diseases, mental health problems, and unsafe living and working conditions.

"Inclusivity benefits everyone"

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that refugees and migrants are not only recipients of aid but also health workers, caregivers, and community leaders: “Health systems can only be truly inclusive when they serve everyone, without exception. The new WHO report on migrant and refugee health shows that inclusivity benefits all of society and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.”

The "Global Report on Promoting Refugee and Migrant Health" demonstrates that countries are increasingly relying on scientific evidence and international standards when formulating migration and health policies. Examples from all six WHO regions demonstrate how this works in practice: expanding insurance coverage for migrants in Thailand, using intercultural mediators in Belgium, and involving migrant community representatives in primary health care decision-making in Chile.

Problems persist

In terms of overall progress, the report points to persistent gaps. Only a third of countries regularly collect and analyze migrant health data within their national information systems. Less than half include refugees and migrants in emergency preparedness plans.

Training of healthcare workers in a culturally sensitive approach remains limited, and information campaigns to combat misinformation and discrimination are being implemented only in a few countries. Access to services remains uneven: while refugees receive more healthcare, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students face limitations. The participation of refugees and migrants in healthcare governance processes remains minimal.

WHO calls on governments and partners to redouble their efforts to build inclusive health systems. The organization recommends including refugees and migrants in national strategies, improving data collection and use, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, adapting approaches to the needs of different migrant groups, increasing the participation of migrants themselves in planning and management, and countering misinformation.

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 UN Human Rights Office has released a new report on Ukraine.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 26, 2026 Peace and security

More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, "the danger to civilians is only growing," particularly due to the use of drones, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif warned on Thursday.

"In the first two months of this year, 60 percent of all civilian casualties occurred in frontline regions, with almost half of those killed being elderly," Al-Nashif said while presenting her latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She noted that the main cause of deaths and injuries among the population were “attacks using short-range drones” both in areas controlled by the Ukrainian government and in territories occupied by Russia.

UN data shows that at least 580 civilians were killed and another 3,000 injured as a result of such attacks in 2025. In just the first two months of this year, 107 civilians were killed and 430 injured, representing civilian casualties. almost doubled.

Ninety-five percent of casualties from short-range drone strikes were recorded in territory controlled by the Ukrainian government, the Deputy High Commissioner added.

Casualties at the front line

The situation is also grave in the frontline areas occupied by Russia, including the Oleshky district of the Kherson region, where residents report "frequent drone attacks" as well as mines planted along roads.

"The evacuation is extremely difficult and dangerous, leaving many people trapped near the front lines," Al-Nashif emphasized. Local residents also report food shortages.

"Russian authorities also report civilian casualties on the territory of the Russian Federation as a result of attacks by Ukrainian armed forces," the Deputy High Commissioner added.

Attacks on energy infrastructure

Speaking about the repeated attacks by Russian forces on energy infrastructure of UkraineAl-Nashif noted that they have intensified this winter. Ukraine has lost more than half of its power generation capacity to date, leading to power outages across the country. In some areas, these outages lasted up to 22 hours a day.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians were left without heat, some for weeks or even months, with temperatures often dropping below minus 15 degrees Celsius," the rapporteur continued. She also noted reports of attacks on energy facilities in Russian-controlled areas, which the UN is unable to confirm due to lack of access.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that attacks on energy and water infrastructure that disrupted the supply of electricity, heat and water, as well as the operation of sanitation systems in freezing conditions, have left Ukrainian children suffering "the hardest winter" Since the beginning of the war, children have lost between 79 and 88 percent of their learning time, according to UNICEF.

The situation of prisoners

The Deputy High Commissioner also expressed concern about the “widespread” cruel treatment of captured soldiers.

"More than 96 percent of Ukrainian prisoners of war we interviewed said they were tortured and mistreated while in captivity," she explained.

More than half of those held in Ukrainian captivity also reported being subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment, primarily during the initial stages of their detention.

The UN representative called on Moscow to "stop this war," "cease extrajudicial executions, torture, cruel treatment and other violations against prisoners of war and detained civilians," and to fulfill its obligations under international law.

She also called on Ukraine to "protect prisoners of war from torture and cruel treatment" and to end discrimination against people who have fled Russian-occupied territories.

Speeches by countries

In his speech, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Yevhen Tsymbalyuk, recalled the widespread consequences of the war, which has displaced thousands of civilians in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions and Crimea. He called this "Russia's deliberate strategy to terrorize the civilian population, suppress dissent, and punish those who refuse to leave their homes or comply with Russia's illegal policies."

The Russian delegation rejected the findings of the UN Deputy High Commissioner's report, calling on it to "stop supporting the Kyiv regime" and adding that it is waging "a war against dissidents, bloggers, journalists, and Zelensky's enemies."

"We are appalled by Russia's increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure, spreading fear and trauma among the population," the German delegation stated. "Large-scale and systematic missile and drone attacks have killed and injured even more civilians in recent months."

In turn, Chinese representatives emphasized their country's commitment to "facilitating peace negotiations and advancing a political settlement to the Ukrainian crisis."

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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Russia expects to continue negotiations on Ukraine, says Russian Presidential Press Secretary

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

Moscow, March 26 (Xinhua) – Russia expects to continue negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine as soon as circumstances permit, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated at a briefing on Thursday.

According to him, the main issues of critical interest to the Russian side regarding the Ukrainian settlement have not yet been agreed upon.

"From the very beginning, it was clear to everyone, and we've stated this repeatedly, that issues like territorial disputes are the main topic of discussion. There was no progress on them. There still isn't. This doesn't mean, however, that Russia is losing interest in the negotiations," the Russian president's press secretary emphasized.

He called false claims that Russia was close to concluding a peace agreement on Ukraine in February, but lost interest in this after the events surrounding Iran began.

D. Peskov also noted that the restoration of relations between Russia and the United States is in the interests of both countries.

"We hope that these first, tentative steps will, of course, contribute to the further revival of our bilateral relations. This would be in the interests of both Washington and Moscow," the Kremlin spokesman 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.

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At St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the destruction of composite materials was studied using a high-speed camera.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Anastasia Denisova

Research into composite materials used to strengthen building structures with external reinforcement systems continues at the laboratory of the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The work is being conducted at the Department of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures as part of the PhD thesis of Anastasia Denisova, a senior lecturer in the department. One of the stages of the research involved tensile testing of carbon composite laminates using a high-speed camera.

The main goal of the experiment is to study the failure mode of the composite material and determine where exactly the specimen begins to fail during tensile testing. The tests themselves play a key role in developing engineering solutions, especially when dealing with new materials or new operating conditions. In the construction industry, all decisions are directly linked to safety requirements, and safety must be substantiated either by calculations, if methods exist, or by experiments, if such methods are not yet available.

Unexpected effect of sample width

The work began with a series of mechanical tests on a composite material—carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate. The researchers determined the key mechanical properties of specimens with a width similar to that used in real-world reinforcement (50 mm): tensile strength, elastic modulus, and relative deformation. However, the results of the initial tests were unexpected: the specimens failed in a manner not expected—the fracture pattern was different, and the resulting ultimate strength was lower than expected.

After testing samples with a GOST-compliant width of 20 mm, it was found that their strength characteristics matched the stated ones. This led to the hypothesis of the so-called "width effect"—the influence of sample size on the performance of FRP laminate. During the experiment, the researchers tested samples with widths ranging from 10 to 50 mm in 10 mm increments. It was found that at a width of 40–50 mm, the tensile strength decreased and the failure pattern of the material changed. However, it was not possible to visually detect the onset of failure.

As Anastasia Denisova notes, FRP laminates possess a number of properties that are not always reflected in regulatory and technical literature. The "width effect" was discovered experimentally, after it became apparent that the material was not behaving as expected. This necessitated a series of additional tests to confirm the hypothesis.

Why was a high-speed camera needed?

To pinpoint the exact location of the sample's failure, the scientists used a high-speed camera with a shooting speed of approximately 3,000 frames per second. This allowed them to record the composite's failure process, which under normal conditions occurs almost instantaneously. The goal was essentially to "catch" the moment the failure began, and high-speed photography was the only solution available.

During the experiment, two sets of specimens were examined—20 mm and 50 mm wide. The imaging showed that the narrow specimens failed in the test zone across their entire cross-sectional area, as expected. However, for the wider specimens, failure began in the grip area of the testing machine, after which the specimen essentially ceased to function. Thus, the hypothesis regarding the influence of specimen width was experimentally confirmed.

Practical significance of the results

The obtained results have important implications for both laboratory testing and design practice. On the one hand, they can lead to adjustments to composite material testing methods to prevent specimen failure in grips. On the other hand, they allow for recommendations to manufacturers on improving the structure of composites, particularly by increasing interfacial strength at the fiber-matrix interface.

Research is particularly important in the context of strengthening existing structures. In this case, composite materials act as a "cure" for structures already suffering from defects and damage. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the predictability of their performance. Understanding the mechanisms of material behavior allows not only for its correct use in strengthening projects but also for predicting its failure, which is directly related to ensuring the mechanical safety of structures.

Such studies help designers more accurately assign standard characteristics to materials and take into account possible failure mechanisms when calculating structures.

Prospects for further research

Research into composite materials at SPbGASU continues. In the future, scientists plan to use high-speed imaging to study the performance of composite-adhesive-concrete joints, as well as to analyze the failure of reinforced structures and the behavior of composites at various temperatures.

According to Anastasia Denisova, despite the widespread use of composite materials in construction, experimental research into their behavior remains insufficient. The work being conducted at the university is aimed at gaining new knowledge about the mechanics of these materials and developing a scientific basis for their wider and safer use.

The experimental research is being conducted by Anastasia Denisova, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures (RCMS), and Yegor Kuzhman, Senior Laboratory Assistant (until September 2025). The research supervisor is Alexey Shekhovtsov, PhD in Engineering and Associate Professor in the RCMS Department.

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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Urgent: The international community should encourage the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table to achieve a political settlement, says China's Foreign Minister.

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

BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) — Both the United States and Iran have expressed a willingness to resume negotiations, and the international community should encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table and find effective paths to a political settlement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. –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's Foreign Ministry warned against the possible production of American ammunition in the Philippines.

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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 26 (Xinhua) — China's Foreign Ministry warned Thursday that the United States and its allies should not bring bloc confrontation, conflict, or military turmoil to the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier, the Pentagon reported that American companies are currently exploring opportunities to establish an ammunition production line in the Philippines.

“China consistently holds that interstate military and security cooperation should not be directed against a third party or harm its interests, nor should it undermine regional peace and stability,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

He noted that the Asia-Pacific region is a vital driving force and stabilizing factor for global development and prosperity. The United States and its allies should genuinely respect the shared aspirations of the region's countries and do more to promote peace and stability, rather than bring bloc confrontation, conflict, and military turmoil to the region, Lin Jian emphasized.

According to him, if the countries concerned agree to become a "powder keg" or "artillery depot," it will ultimately backfire on them. China will resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty, security interests, and other legitimate rights and interests, the Chinese diplomat added.

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's Hainan Freeport of China (HFP) has reported significant tariff benefits following the launch of its independent customs operations regime.

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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

BOAO, HAINAN PROVINCE, March 26 (Xinhua) — The Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP) in south China's Hainan Province saw a sharp increase in the volume of goods shipped under the zero-tariff regime, marking one of the first achievements in the first 100 days of the island-wide independent customs operation regime, according to official data released Thursday.

Since this landmark move, the combined value of imports and exports through the Free Trade Zone has exceeded 80 billion yuan (approximately $11.6 billion), a 32.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, 186 transactions worth nearly 1.7 billion yuan were conducted under the zero-tariff policy, a 2.46-fold increase year-on-year. The total duty-free amount was 271 million yuan.

The data was released at a press conference held the day before the 100-day mark.

On December 18 last year, China launched independent customs operations throughout the Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP), the world's largest by area, allowing for freer entry of foreign goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage, and a more favorable business environment. -0-

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China called on the US to fulfill its nuclear disarmament obligations.

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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, March 26 (Xinhua) — China's Defense Ministry on Thursday dismissed recent U.S. accusations of nuclear testing as groundless slander and called on the U.S. to fulfill its special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament.

These remarks were made by the official representative of the Ministry of Defense of the People's Republic of China, Jiang Bin, at a regular press conference in response to a media question regarding statements by US officials.

China adheres to the nuclear self-defense strategy, implements the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, and unconditionally commits not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon countries and areas.

China maintains its nuclear potential at the minimum level necessary for national security. It does not engage in a nuclear arms race with any other country, he continued, adding that China actively participates in the review process of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and in meetings of the P5 nuclear-weapon-state cooperation mechanism, and maintains dialogue with all parties on nuclear arms control issues.

In pursuit of absolute security superiority, the United States has undermined the international consensus on arms control, withdrawn from international treaties, and invested heavily in modernizing its “nuclear triad,” Jiang Bin said.

He added that the United States is developing the Golden Dome global missile defense system, deploying ground-based intermediate-range weapons in the Asia-Pacific region, allowing the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to lapse, seeking to resume nuclear testing, and applying double standards in nuclear non-proliferation, which has seriously undermined the global strategic balance and stability.

As the world's largest nuclear weapons country, the United States should faithfully fulfill its special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament, carry out further substantial reductions in its nuclear arsenal, and create conditions for other nuclear-weapon states to join the disarmament process, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said. -0-

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The Chinese Foreign Minister met with the outgoing Indian Ambassador to China.

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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, March 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with outgoing Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, China-India relations have embarked on the right track of improvement and development.

In the face of a volatile and turbulent international situation, China stands ready to work with India to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, protect the common interests of countries in the Global South, and enhance multilateral cooperation within the framework of mechanisms such as BRICS, so as to consolidate the hard-won positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Wang Yi also praised P.K. Rawat's efforts and contribution to the development of China-India relations.

P.K. Rawat, in turn, expressed gratitude to China for its comprehensive support during his tenure. Noting that both India and China are ancient civilizations and important major countries, he said that maintaining stable development in bilateral relations is in the interests of both sides and is of global significance.

According to him, the Indian side is ready to strengthen coordination and interaction with China, intensify high-level exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote multilateral interaction with the goal of jointly protecting peace, stability, and development throughout the world. -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.