A drone racing facility has opened at the Polytechnic University.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has opened a training facility for drone racing athletes and competitions. This new infrastructure project is part of a comprehensive training model for the unmanned aerial systems industry. It is being implemented with the support of the Priority 2030 federal program.

The development of a drone racing sports and technology team is an additional component of the practice-oriented training program for UAS specialists. It helps trainees develop robust piloting skills, spatial orientation, and decision-making in dynamic environments. The new training facility includes professional quadcopters, control equipment, and FPV equipment (an FPV drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that allows the operator to see the surroundings through the drone's "eyes" via special helmets).

The 300-square-meter training ground contains everything necessary for the training and professional preparation of drone racing athletes, including participation in national tournaments. The site has two tracks: one for large drones (200/330 classes) and one for small drones (65/75 classes). The facility also features Nazgul Evoque F5X V2 quadcopters, BetaFPV Meteor75 Pro quadcopters, RadioMaster Boxer ELRS control equipment, FPV goggles, helmets, and all necessary accessories and consumables. The training ground also includes Quadrosim and UAVProf simulators, which house computer-based training rooms.

Drone racing is the sport of the future, requiring both quick reactions and strategic planning. Now, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has the necessary foundation for its development. SPbPU has effectively built a two-tier training system, which includes drone piloting training and competitive training. The necessary equipment has been approved by the St. Petersburg Drone Racing Federation and has received high praise from experienced FPV racers, commented Timur Akhmetkhanov, captain of the SPbPU drone racing team and a student at the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, on the new facility's capabilities.

It's worth noting that the opening of the Drone Race competition site at the Polytechnic University is a continuation of the comprehensive model for training personnel for the unmanned aerial systems industry, which encompasses continuing professional education, youth engineering team activities, scientific research, and the development of specialized infrastructure. SPbPU is the focal point of the federal project "Personnel for Unmanned Aircraft Systems," and the educational model is built on the principle of "learning through practice" with a focus on solving real-world industry problems.

The Polytechnic University is consistently developing its training infrastructure, which includes specialized laboratories for UAV operators, simulator complexes, an expanded fleet of drones, and test sites. The university views unmanned systems holistically, therefore also conducting research in the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned boats, underwater robotics, and machine vision systems for ground-based unmanned platforms.

Training specialists in unmanned aerial systems requires not only a theoretical foundation but also deep immersion in real-world production processes. We integrate educational programs with industry challenges, developing students' engineering thinking, practical competencies, and readiness to work in a rapidly changing technological environment. This approach allows us to provide the country's economy with qualified personnel capable of creating competitive solutions that meet the strategic objectives of the country's technological development," noted Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU.

Due to the expansion of SPbPU's infrastructure for training drone racing athletes, the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has announced an additional recruitment call for participants to join the university team.

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.

Asia's economy will grow by 4.5 percent in 2026 – report /detailed version-1/

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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

BOAO, HAINAN PROVINCE, March 24 (Xinhua) — Asia remains the main engine of global economic growth, with the region's economic growth projected to reach 4.5 percent in 2026, according to a report released by the Boao Forum for Asia (BOA) on Tuesday.

Asia's share of global GDP is estimated to continue its upward trajectory, increasing from 49.2 percent in 2025 to 49.7 percent in 2026 in purchasing power parity terms, according to the Annual Report on Asian Economic Integration Prospects and Progress 2026.

The report also notes that the foundations of trade integration in Asia continue to strengthen. According to the data, intraregional trade dependence increased slightly from 56.3 percent in 2023 to 57.2 percent in 2024, as the region's largest economies increasingly focus their trade ties on one another.

“China and ASEAN continue to emerge as two regional ‘anchors of stability,’” the report said.

Asia-Pacific economies are increasingly shifting from a model of individual integration into global value chains to a model of shared regional integration, with many moving up the value chain with the support of regional countries, the report notes.

The Asian region remains the most attractive region in the world for direct capital investment, possessing the greatest potential and sustainable development, with China and ASEAN leading the way as the most attractive destinations for foreign capital investment, the document states.

According to the report, in terms of technology, the center of gravity of artificial intelligence (AI) development is gradually shifting from Europe and the United States to Asia.

“Thanks to a huge number of digital technology users, rich application scenarios, and systemic policy support, Asian economies are transforming from AI followers to leaders,” the report says.

Established in 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization dedicated to promoting regional economic integration and supporting Asian countries in achieving their development goals.

This year, the BAF annual meeting is being held from March 24 to 27 under the theme "Shaping a Common Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation." -0-

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Chinese Foreign Ministry: The one-China principle is a political prerequisite for Taiwan's participation in the WTO.

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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 24 (Xinhua) — The one-China principle is a political prerequisite for Taiwan's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

The Chinese diplomat made the statement at a regular departmental press conference, commenting at the request of journalists on the decision of the Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration not to participate in a high-level WTO meeting in Cameroon after Taiwan was listed as a province of China in visa documents. -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.

The foundations for trade integration in Asia continue to strengthen, according to a report.

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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

Boao, Hainan Province, March 24 (Xinhua) — The foundations of trade integration in Asia continue to strengthen, according to a report released on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia (BOA) on Tuesday.

Intra-regional trade dependence increased from 56.3 percent in 2023 to 57.2 percent in 2024 as the region's largest economies increasingly focus their trade ties on each other, according to the Annual Report on Prospects and Progress of Asian Economic Integration 2026.

The report also notes that bilateral trade among major economies in the Asia-Pacific region is generally gaining momentum, with intra-ASEAN trade recovering and ASEAN-China bilateral trade ranking first.

Moreover, China's exports to emerging economies are growing faster than those to Japan and the Republic of Korea, strengthening its role as a regional hub based on market size and reliable supplies of intermediate goods.

According to the report, China's relations with these partners are evolving from those of traditional "trading partners" to those of a "community of shared destiny," characterized by the close intertwining of production and value chains.

Thanks to growing investment in digital infrastructure, the advantage of demand in vast Asian markets, and deepening regional economic integration, the region is gradually transforming from a participant in international services trade into one of the main drivers of its growth, the report predicts. -0-

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The deputy head of the State Administration for Financial Regulation is under investigation.

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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 24 (Xinhua) — Zhou Liang, deputy head of China's National Administration of Financial Regulation, has been placed under investigation for serious violations of discipline and the law, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.

He is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission of the People's Republic of China. -0-

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A cultural exchange event for the "silver age" of China and Russia was held in Harbin.

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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 24 (Xinhua) — From March 18 to 22, a cultural exchange event for senior citizens from China and Russia was held in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, according to Partners magazine.

During the event, the Russian delegation visited several facilities in Harbin, including the health center on Taiyangdao Island (Sun Island) and the Harbin Ankang International Senior Center, to learn about the organization of social services for the elderly. The parties engaged in an in-depth exchange of experiences on health service models and the organization of cultural and leisure activities for senior citizens.

At the master class, the Chinese participants demonstrated traditional arts and crafts, such as paper cutting (jianzhi), calligraphy, and the traditional Chinese breathing exercise "Baduanjin." The Russian delegation, in turn, brought traditional handicrafts and conducted a short on-site training course for their Chinese friends.

The cultural performance was the highlight of the event. Around 160 participants from both countries presented dance and song routines and held a fashion show.

This event was organized by the magazine “Partners”. -0-

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Students from St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) visited a new residential complex that blends seamlessly into the historic surroundings.

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

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Students participating in the excursion. In the center is Shirali Mamedov, Associate Professor of the Department of Metal and Wood Structures.

On March 19, fifth-year students of the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) majoring in "Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures" visited the Imperial Club residential complex, a subsidiary of Setl Group.

During a career guidance tour, they were introduced to the new buildings, seamlessly integrated into the city's historic architecture. Setl Group construction engineers Igor Shchelkunov and Mikhail Tolstov gave a presentation on the construction project.

The first stop was a display featuring a visualization of the future residential complex. Mikhail Tolstov introduced the students to the unique experience of construction in the historic center of St. Petersburg. He explained that information modeling technologies were used to successfully address the challenge of new construction within the historic buildings, highlighting the need for modern engineers to master new competencies, particularly in areas that have already been completely transformed by digitalization.

A company representative emphasized that today, multidisciplinary specialists who are skilled in working with various software are in demand.

During the tour, students were able to appreciate the original construction solutions. The three buildings of the residential complex are arranged in a stepped pattern along the embankment, preserving the linear layout of the block. This arrangement of the buildings and their varying heights allowed for excellent views from most apartments. The building facades are formed by three-dimensional clinker brickwork in various shades combined with natural stone, lending texture and dynamism to the structures. Panoramic windows, French windows, and suspended balconies provide ample light in the apartments.

Student Elizaveta Titova shared her impressions of what she saw: "Even before the trip, I knew how unique this residential complex was. The opportunity to visit this construction site was unmissable. I especially liked the lounge areas with benches, flower beds, and pergolas. They're perfect for relaxing. The engineers who led the tour shared valuable experience with us: events like these help develop our professional competencies."

At the end of the visit, Setl Group Training and Development Manager Veronika Bogatova spoke to the students about the holding company's work with young people and the career development opportunities available within the company.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The US Senate has approved the nomination of Michael Mullin to head the Department of Homeland Security.

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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 24 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Senator Markwayne Mullin as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He will replace Kristi Noem, who resigned amid the ongoing departmental shutdown.

The Senate voted 54-45 to confirm the nomination of 48-year-old Michael Mullin. He has served in the Senate since 2023, having previously represented Oklahoma in the House of Representatives for 10 years.

On March 5, US President Donald Trump announced Mullin's nomination amid growing bipartisan dissatisfaction with Noem's performance. This is the first Cabinet change of Trump's second term.

Noem has come under bipartisan pressure since federal law enforcement fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. She further angered the president with her performance during a congressional hearing earlier this month, when senators from both parties grilled her, particularly about her $200 million advertising campaign.

Following the deaths of two Americans, Renee Goode and Alex Pretty, in January after being shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democrats are pushing for changes to the way immigration enforcement works.

Disagreements over immigration enforcement rules led to a deadlock in Congress as Democrats demanded that DHS funding be removed from the overall funding package, leading to a partial shutdown from January 31 to February 3. –0–

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Polytechnic University offers more opportunities: opening new training areas at ISPO

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The Institute of Secondary Vocational Education at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is now accepting applications for two new programs that successfully completed the licensing process in 2026.

Now, ISPO students will be able to obtain in-demand specialties in material flow management and high-tech automated systems. We have modern facilities for training students. The creation of a new robotics workshop is currently in the active phase," said ISPO Director Roman Baibikov.

02/15/10 "Mechatronics and Robotics (by Industry)"

This program trains specialists capable of servicing, adjusting, and programming modern mechatronic and robotic systems. The program's main partners are two companies: MGBot and ISRobotics.

Collaboration with MGBot will allow students to gain practical skills in working with YoTik 32 controllers, sensors, and actuators. This is the equipment used today to build automation systems for Industry 4.0.

ISRobotics, led by CEO Nikolai Shadrin, also became a strategic partner of ISPO in developing an educational program in "Mechatronics and Robotics (by Industry)." This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the real-world needs of high-tech industries.

Modern robotics is developing so rapidly that textbooks simply can't keep up with the emergence of new technologies. Our goal isn't simply to provide lecture material, but to impart to students experience working with real hardware and industrial software that they will encounter in enterprises immediately after graduation. We're interested in ensuring that secondary vocational education graduates enter production as prepared professionals, capable of thinking outside the box and solving engineering problems, commented Nikolai Shadrin.

This program will allow students to master equipment used in a variety of industries, from mechanical engineering and the aerospace industry to electrical equipment manufacturing and smart agriculture. Graduates will earn the qualification of "Mechatronics and Robotics Specialist" and will be in demand at companies implementing automated production lines and industrial robots.

38.02.03 "Operational activities in logistics"

The program is designed to train specialists in the planning, organization, and control of goods and cargo flows. Students will learn how to manage procurement, inventory, transportation, and warehousing. Graduates are awarded the qualification of "Operational Logistician." This broad-based specialist can work in transportation companies and the purchasing and supply departments of manufacturing and retail companies. The logistician's responsibilities include optimizing company costs, rationally allocating resources, and effectively managing supply chains.

Traditionally, SPbPU's Graduate School of Industrial Management (IPSM), under the direction of Professor Olga Kalinina, successfully delivers logistics training in higher education. Over the years, dozens of students have been trained in the undergraduate and graduate programs, two laboratories have been opened, numerous projects have been implemented, including at the Sirius Educational Center, and victories have been achieved in various logistics competitions and olympiads. I sincerely hope that at our college, we will be able to build a learning process that is not only effective, utilizing the most advanced information technologies and simulations, but also engaging and engaging for students, just like at GSPM," says Irina Zaychenko, Head of the Educational Programs Directorate.

The launch of new programs at the college meets the needs of the modern labor market, which is in high demand for qualified specialists and engineers. Studying at the Polytechnic University, renowned for its strong engineering school, provides ISPO graduates with a solid foundation that will give them a competitive advantage in employment and for further professional growth.

The Admissions Committee of the Institute of Professional Education of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will begin accepting documents from applicants wishing to master new specialties on June 20, 2026. Detailed information on admission rules, application deadlines, and entrance examinations is available atofficial website of the institute.

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.

Free vision screening for Polytechnic students

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The PROF.edu service of the SPbPU Trade Union held an eye exam for university students. The event, held in the Polytechnic Tower, generated considerable interest among students.

During the campaign, students received free express vision screenings, as close as possible to an ophthalmologist's visit. The examination included testing with modern equipment, including an autorefractometer and a slit lamp, allowing for a prompt assessment of their vision.

Following the diagnostic tests, participants received specialist recommendations and, if necessary, a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. This format proved very convenient: the examination could be completed directly at the university, without the need for a separate appointment at a medical facility.

Over 100 people registered to participate in the event. Throughout the day, students from various years and institutions were screened, further demonstrating the importance of vision care amidst a high academic workload.

PROF's campaign served as an important reminder that even amidst a busy academic schedule, it's important to find time to take care of your health. Initiatives like these help students prioritize their well-being and receive professional advice in a convenient format.

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.