tass--2020-04-16--Russian Su-33 fighters deliver bombing strike against enemy forces in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The pilots of the Northern Fleet ’ s shipborne fighter aviation regiment delivered @ @ @ @ @ notional enemy ’ s positions at the Lumbovsky firing range in the east of the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
The crews of the deck-based Su-33 fighters @ @ @ @ @ the notional enemy positions and conducted air reconnaissance , '' the press office said in @ @ @ @ @ the ten pilots carried out two target runs , employing 50 kg air bombs during @ @ @ @ @ press office specified .
The fighter jets performed their flights from the Severomorsk-3 airfield and @ @ @ @ @ planes , the statement says .
The deck-based Su-33 fighters initially designated for aerial battles @ @ @ @ @ equipped for bombing strikes against ground targets before the deployment of the Northern Fleet ’ @ @ @ @ @ distant waters in 2016 .

MURMANSK, April 16. /TASS/. The pilots of the Northern Fleet’s shipborne fighter aviation regiment delivered a bombing strike against a notional enemy’s positions at the Lumbovsky firing range in the east of the Murmansk Region, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
The crews of the deck-based Su-33 fighters "delivered bombing strikes against the notional enemy positions and conducted air reconnaissance," the press office said in a statement.
Each of the ten pilots carried out two target runs, employing 50 kg air bombs during the combat exercises, the press office specified.
The fighter jets performed their flights from the Severomorsk-3 airfield and the drills involved five Su-33 planes, the statement says.
The deck-based Su-33 fighters initially designated for aerial battles over the sea were additionally equipped for bombing strikes against ground targets before the deployment of the Northern Fleet’s surface action group in distant waters in 2016.


tass--2020-04-16--Teenager, apprehended in Krasnoyarsk, plotted school shooting on April 19-20

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
A teenager , who was apprehended by the Federal Security Service ( FSB @ @ @ @ @ Krasnoyarsk , plotted school shooting on April 19-20 , according to a video of his @ @ @ @ @ FSB ’ s press service Thursday .
On the video , one of the officers @ @ @ @ @ resembles a sawed-off shotgun and ammo for it was found at the scene , as @ @ @ @ @ resemble an improvised explosive device , with word `` Exodus '' written over them .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. A teenager, who was apprehended by the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk, plotted school shooting on April 19-20, according to a video of his apprehension, published by the FSB’s press service Thursday.
On the video, one of the officers announces that a weapon that resembles a sawed-off shotgun and ammo for it was found at the scene, as well as four items that resemble an improvised explosive device, with word "Exodus" written over them.


tass--2020-04-16--Hainan's capital ranks first on the list of China's cities with best air quality

HAIKOU , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The administrative center of Hainan Province – the City of Haikou — in the first quarter of 2020 ranked first among the cities of China with best air quality , stated the report of the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection .
The ranking was conducted among 168 China 's largest cities .
Haikou , Lhasa ( the administrative center of the Tibet Autonomous Region ) and the city of Lishui ( Zhejiang Province ) .
The worst air quality in the first quarter of 2020 was recorded in the cities of Baotou ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Hebei Province ) and Linfen ( Shanxi ) .
In March , Lhasa was named best in air quality , and Haikou took the second place .
These two cities have been competing for this title for several years : according to the 2019 ranking , Lhasa won the first place title and Hainan took second place at the time .
Haikou was the winner in 2018 though .
Currently , the Hainan authorities are taking active measures to preserve the unique nature of the region and protect its ecology : for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase the number of electric vehicles and other cars running on new energy sources by 10,000 vehicles .

HAIKOU, April 16. /TASS/. The administrative center of Hainan Province – the City of Haikou — in the first quarter of 2020 ranked first among the cities of China with best air quality, stated the report of the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The ranking was conducted among 168 China's largest cities. Haikou, Lhasa (the administrative center of the Tibet Autonomous Region) and the city of Lishui (Zhejiang Province). The worst air quality in the first quarter of 2020 was recorded in the cities of Baotou (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), Shijiazhuang (Hebei Province) and Linfen (Shanxi).
In March, Lhasa was named best in air quality, and Haikou took the second place. These two cities have been competing for this title for several years: according to the 2019 ranking, Lhasa won the first place title and Hainan took second place at the time. Haikou was the winner in 2018 though.
Currently, the Hainan authorities are taking active measures to preserve the unique nature of the region and protect its ecology: for example, in 2020, Hainan plans to increase the number of electric vehicles and other cars running on new energy sources by 10,000 vehicles.


tass--2020-04-16--Ambassador says Ethiopia requests Russia’s assistance in combating coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Ethiopia ’ s authorities have requested Moscow ’ s assistance in combating the @ @ @ @ @ Russia Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau told TASS on Thursday .
`` We requested , we are @ @ @ @ @ '' he said in response to a question .
The ambassador pointed out that Russia @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopia .
When speaking about the coronavirus situation in the country , the ambassador said @ @ @ @ @ been infected and 14 have already been discharged from hospitals .
`` There is a @ @ @ @ @ control the spread of this virus .
The task force is led by the Prime @ @ @ @ @ Abiy Ahmed .
Now everything is under control , '' Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau said .
@ @ @ @ @ said earlier that Moscow would consider requests from any country seeking Russia ’ s assistance @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Ethiopia’s authorities have requested Moscow’s assistance in combating the coronavirus, Ethiopian Ambassador to Russia Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau told TASS on Thursday.
"We requested, we are waiting for the assistance," he said in response to a question. The ambassador pointed out that Russia had always been friendly to Ethiopia.
When speaking about the coronavirus situation in the country, the ambassador said that about 85 people have been infected and 14 have already been discharged from hospitals.
"There is a very strong task force to control the spread of this virus. The task force is led by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Doctor Abiy Ahmed. Now everything is under control," Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Moscow would consider requests from any country seeking Russia’s assistance in the fight against the pandemic.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-04-16--Putin orders cabinet to approve nuclear energy technologies program

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the national government to ensure development and approval @ @ @ @ @ development of technique , technologies and research in the sphere of nuclear power use in @ @ @ @ @ decree of the head of state to that effect was posted on the official web @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` Russian regulatory legal act governing the procedure for implementation of national ( @ @ @ @ @ ) , including in terms of financial support '' should apply to this program , @ @ @ @ @ government is instructed to ensure identification of tasks during development of this program , whose @ @ @ @ @ to form elements of a safe and efficient energy system based on advanced nuclear , @ @ @ @ @ technologies , and to roll out advanced technologies in high-tech economic sectors and develop products @ @ @ @ @ markets .
The state-run corporation Rosatom is determined as the customer and the coordinator of @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the national government to ensure development and approval of the comprehensive program on development of technique, technologies and research in the sphere of nuclear power use in Russia by 2024. The decree of the head of state to that effect was posted on the official web portal of legal information on Thursday.
"Russian regulatory legal act governing the procedure for implementation of national (federal) projects (programs), including in terms of financial support" should apply to this program, the decree says.
The government is instructed to ensure identification of tasks during development of this program, whose solution by 2024 is required to form elements of a safe and efficient energy system based on advanced nuclear, thermonuclear, plasma and other technologies, and to roll out advanced technologies in high-tech economic sectors and develop products competitive on domestic and international markets.
The state-run corporation Rosatom is determined as the customer and the coordinator of the program.


tass--2020-04-16--Ethiopia against Trump’s decision to suspend WHO funding

`` We are categorically against that decision .
That decision is not supported by Ethiopian government , '' he said .
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Ethiopian government is categorically against the decision made by US President Donald Trump to suspend the funding of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Ethiopian Ambassador to Moscow Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau told TASS on Thursday .
Trump ’ s statements on WHO funding fall in line with his election campaign , says expert Since May 2017 , the WHO has been led by former Ethiopian Health Minister Tedros Adhanom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that Washington had halted funding of the World Health Organization .
He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations , which allegedly resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"We are categorically against that decision. That decision is not supported by Ethiopian government," he said.
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The Ethiopian government is categorically against the decision made by US President Donald Trump to suspend the funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopian Ambassador to Moscow Alemayehu Tegenu Aargau told TASS on Thursday.
Trump’s statements on WHO funding fall in line with his election campaign, says expert
Since May 2017, the WHO has been led by former Ethiopian Health Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
On April 14, Trump announced that Washington had halted funding of the World Health Organization. He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations, which allegedly resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Victory Parade to be held later this year, senate speaker says

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
A military parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism will certainly be held this year .
The country ’ s leadership will pick a date in the near future , Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said on Thursday .
`` I can say with certainty and promise to you that a parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory , our great Victory , will certainly take place this year .
It will be grandiose , it will be large-scale , it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Army , our people , the peoples of the Soviet Union and the victory over Nazism .
As far as its date is concerned , it will depend on how the coronavirus situation develops , '' Matviyenko told the media in an online conference .
`` I believe that the country ’ s leadership will make a decision within days .
It will be announced , '' she added .
On April 15 , Russia ’ s organizations of World War II veterans asked the president to move the parade in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the coronavirus situation returns to normal .
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told TASS the request will be considered .
Matviyenko said that regardless of the date May 9 would certainly be a family holiday in each home , `` because there is no family in our country that has not been scorched by the blaze of that war . ''
She also speculated that the international campaign of remembrance called the Immortal Regiment in the light of the current situation might be held on-line .
`` Everything that can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be remembered that this year sees the 75th anniversary of the victory and we will have time to pay respects to our dear veterans personally and remember our heroes .
We will certainly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory properly , '' Matviyenko said .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. A military parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism will certainly be held this year. The country’s leadership will pick a date in the near future, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said on Thursday.
"I can say with certainty and promise to you that a parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory, our great Victory, will certainly take place this year. It will be grandiose, it will be large-scale, it will be worthy of the heroic accomplishment of the Red Army, our people, the peoples of the Soviet Union and the victory over Nazism. As far as its date is concerned, it will depend on how the coronavirus situation develops," Matviyenko told the media in an online conference.
"I believe that the country’s leadership will make a decision within days. It will be announced," she added.
On April 15, Russia’s organizations of World War II veterans asked the president to move the parade in Moscow from May 9 to a later date, when the coronavirus situation returns to normal. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told TASS the request will be considered.
Matviyenko said that regardless of the date May 9 would certainly be a family holiday in each home, "because there is no family in our country that has not been scorched by the blaze of that war."
She also speculated that the international campaign of remembrance called the Immortal Regiment in the light of the current situation might be held on-line.
"Everything that can be accomplished must be accomplished. But it should be remembered that this year sees the 75th anniversary of the victory and we will have time to pay respects to our dear veterans personally and remember our heroes. We will certainly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory properly," Matviyenko said.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian Army gets one of world’s most powerful self-propelled guns after upgrade

`` Uraltransmash ( part of Uralvagonzavod Group within the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) has delivered the first 2S7M ‘ Malka ’ upgraded self-propelled artillery gun to the Defense Ministry of Russia .
The upgraded weapon has received new running gear and electronics , which have significantly enhanced its performance characteristics , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Army has received the first 2S7M ‘ Malka ’ 203mm self-propelled artillery gun , the press office of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec reported on Thursday .
Following the upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trials , including running and firing tests , which checked the characteristics of its mobility , the chassis , powerplant and transmission durability , and also the reliability of its loading and fire control mechanisms and the strength of the 2A44 gun , Rostec said .
`` This is one of the world ’ s most powerful self-propelled guns designated to strike vital enemy targets and facilities in the tactical depth of defense behind the front line .
Now the delivery of upgraded guns has begun for the Defense Ministry .
Uraltransmash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serial upgrade of this weapon under the 2020-2022 defense procurement plan , '' Uraltransmash CEO Dmitry Semizorov was quoted by the press office as saying .
Rostec announced on April 7 the completion of the work on the first upgraded self-propelled artillery gun .
During its upgrade , specialists replaced the gun ’ s gearboxes , distribution mechanisms and power supply units , renewed surveillance devices , the intercom equipment and the radio station , and also replaced imported components with domestically produced parts .
Uraltransmash has already prepared production facilities for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Malka is the upgraded version of the 2S7 ‘ Pion ’ self-propelled gun developed in the 1980s and still considered as one of the most powerful cannons in the world .
The self-propelled artillery gun is designated to strike vital enemy targets and facilities in the tactical depth of defense behind the front line .

"Uraltransmash (part of Uralvagonzavod Group within the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) has delivered the first 2S7M ‘Malka’ upgraded self-propelled artillery gun to the Defense Ministry of Russia. The upgraded weapon has received new running gear and electronics, which have significantly enhanced its performance characteristics," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The Russian Army has received the first 2S7M ‘Malka’ 203mm self-propelled artillery gun, the press office of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec reported on Thursday.
Following the upgrade, the Malka underwent a full cycle of trials, including running and firing tests, which checked the characteristics of its mobility, the chassis, powerplant and transmission durability, and also the reliability of its loading and fire control mechanisms and the strength of the 2A44 gun, Rostec said.
"This is one of the world’s most powerful self-propelled guns designated to strike vital enemy targets and facilities in the tactical depth of defense behind the front line. Now the delivery of upgraded guns has begun for the Defense Ministry. Uraltransmash faces a serious task of implementing the serial upgrade of this weapon under the 2020-2022 defense procurement plan," Uraltransmash CEO Dmitry Semizorov was quoted by the press office as saying.
Rostec announced on April 7 the completion of the work on the first upgraded self-propelled artillery gun. During its upgrade, specialists replaced the gun’s gearboxes, distribution mechanisms and power supply units, renewed surveillance devices, the intercom equipment and the radio station, and also replaced imported components with domestically produced parts. Uraltransmash has already prepared production facilities for the serial upgrade of Malka self-propelled artillery guns.
The Malka is the upgraded version of the 2S7 ‘Pion’ self-propelled gun developed in the 1980s and still considered as one of the most powerful cannons in the world. The self-propelled artillery gun is designated to strike vital enemy targets and facilities in the tactical depth of defense behind the front line.


tass--2020-04-16--Czech Republic reports no deaths from COVID-19 first time since March 23

PRAGUE , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Czech Republic has reported no deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours for the first time since March 23 , the Czech Ministry of Health informed on Thursday .
The ministry noted that since March 23 , deaths from COVID-19 were reported every day .
On Wednesday , the statistics did not change .
For the second day running , the death toll remains at 166 .
The Czech Republic has documented 6,303 cases of COVID-19 .
In the past 24 hours , 152 new cases of infection have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
Since early March , 146,004 residents of the country have been tested for the virus .
The Health Ministry predicts that by the end of this month , there may be up to 11,000 people infected with the coronavirus in the republic .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRAGUE, April 16. /TASS/. The Czech Republic has reported no deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours for the first time since March 23, the Czech Ministry of Health informed on Thursday.
The ministry noted that since March 23, deaths from COVID-19 were reported every day. On Wednesday, the statistics did not change. For the second day running, the death toll remains at 166.
The Czech Republic has documented 6,303 cases of COVID-19. In the past 24 hours, 152 new cases of infection have been documented, and 831 people have recovered. Since early March, 146,004 residents of the country have been tested for the virus.
The Health Ministry predicts that by the end of this month, there may be up to 11,000 people infected with the coronavirus in the republic.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Life on the balcony: Coronavirus drives people into new reality

WHO does not recommend to use BCG vaccine against COVID Two clinical trials addressing this question are underway and WHO @ @ @ @ @ it is available

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
Read more


tass--2020-04-16--Snowden applies for extending Russian residence permit, lawyer says

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Former National Security Agency ( NSA ) contractor Edward Snowden has applied for extending Russian residence permit for another three years , his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS on Thursday .
`` Yes , recently we submitted documents for extending the residence permit for three more years .
We hope the decision will be positive , '' the lawyer said , noting that the issue of obtaining Russian citizenship was not discussed at the moment .
In 2013 , Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from prosecution , Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries , including Russia .
On August 1 , 2014 , he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years , which was later extended for another three years .
In February , Kucherena announced that Snowden ’ s residence permit in Russia would expire in April and the paperwork was underway to extend it .
In the United States , Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act .
He may face up to ten years in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden has applied for extending Russian residence permit for another three years, his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS on Thursday.
"Yes, recently we submitted documents for extending the residence permit for three more years. We hope the decision will be positive," the lawyer said, noting that the issue of obtaining Russian citizenship was not discussed at the moment.
In 2013, Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services, including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders. Fleeing from prosecution, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years. In February, Kucherena announced that Snowden’s residence permit in Russia would expire in April and the paperwork was underway to extend it.
In the United States, Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian government will develop new support measures amid pandemic — PM

`` The next step will be to develop and adopt measures for individual sectors of the economy , '' he said .
He recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin `` has already issued an instruction to allocate funds to support air travel . ''
`` I ask the sectoral ministries to prepare proposals for the construction sector , civil aviation , and light industry , '' Mishustin said .
He stressed that `` the government will continue to work on developing additional support measures . ''
On Wednesday , at a meeting with cabinet members , Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support measures amid the coronavirus pandemic .
According to him , it is necessary to constantly evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of the measures taken and , the president is sure , new solutions will be required , both in the economy as a whole and in individual sectors .
Putin ordered to prepare such decisions now , which means to quickly work out and submit a specific plan of action for each of the basic , supporting sectors of the economy , including support for import substitution programs in industry .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various sectors of the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The next step will be to develop and adopt measures for individual sectors of the economy," he said. He recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has already issued an instruction to allocate funds to support air travel." "I ask the sectoral ministries to prepare proposals for the construction sector, civil aviation, and light industry," Mishustin said. He stressed that "the government will continue to work on developing additional support measures."
On Wednesday, at a meeting with cabinet members, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the government to prepare new economic support measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to him, it is necessary to constantly evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of the measures taken and, the president is sure, new solutions will be required, both in the economy as a whole and in individual sectors. Putin ordered to prepare such decisions now, which means to quickly work out and submit a specific plan of action for each of the basic, supporting sectors of the economy, including support for import substitution programs in industry. The president intends to consider the situation in various sectors of the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-16--Aggregate fortune of Russia’s richest businessmen down by $40 bln in 2019, says Forbes

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Forbes magazine has compiled the rating of Russia ’ s 200 richest entrepreneurs @ @ @ @ @ of them being billionaires .
The aggregate fortune of Russian businessmen dropped by $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ 456 bln , according to Forbes .
Head and beneficiary of Nornickel Vladimir Potanin with @ @ @ @ @ 19.7 bln tops the list , followed by board chairman and main shareholder of NLMK @ @ @ @ @ 18.1 bln ) , and head of Novatek Leonid Mikhelson ( $ 17.1 bln ) @

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Forbes magazine has compiled the rating of Russia’s 200 richest entrepreneurs in 2019, with 102 of them being billionaires.
The aggregate fortune of Russian businessmen dropped by $40 bln last year to $456 bln, according to Forbes.
Head and beneficiary of Nornickel Vladimir Potanin with the fortune estimated at $19.7 bln tops the list, followed by board chairman and main shareholder of NLMK Group Vladimir Lisin ($18.1 bln), and head of Novatek Leonid Mikhelson ($17.1 bln).


tass--2020-04-16--Fibocom 5G IoT Module Completes the First Data Call under China Mobile's 5G SA Network

SHENZHEN , China , April 16 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibocom ( Stock Code : 300638 ) , a leading provider of cellular embedded wireless module solutions for the Internet of Things ( IoT ) , is proud to announce that its 5G modules FG150 and FM150 have completed the first data call and end-to-end data transmission services under China Mobile 's Standalone-Structured 5G network .
The download rate exceeds 100Mbps .
Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules are the first 5G modules based on the Qualcomm SDX55 platform to offer the data transmission services under the SA-structured 5G network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential for communication between IoT terminals and the base stations .
As the world 's leading IoT wireless module solution provider , we are proud that our 5G modules have achieved another R & D milestone in the industry , '' said Tiger Ying , CEO of Fibocom .
`` The completion of the first data call under SA-Structured 5G network is a significant step towards realization of all the three 5G features ( eMBB , uRLLC , mMTC ) in IoT industry and helps our customers to accelerate the large-scale deployment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was running on Fibocom FM150 5G module with China Mobile 's 5G SIM card under the n41 network frequency band in Shenzhen Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Center .
Fibocom FM150 5G module has been successfully registered on the 5G SA network and established the PDU session .
In the 5G SA communication process , the establishment of PDU session is a symbolic link for successful dialing .
Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules support both 5G SA and NSA network architectures , providing an integrated multi-network solution that is compatible with the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fibocom 5G modules are compatible with both LTE and WCDMA standards , reducing customers ' investment in the early stage of 5G deployment and help customers to switch the old product lines to 5G product lines quickly .
Fibocom 's 5G modules have global coverage , accelerating scale deployment of the 5G IoT applications , such as 4K/8K video live broadcast , cloud office ( ACPC ) , drone , robot , AR/VR , 5G virtual dress mirror , 5G cloud game , 5G digital signature , 5G wireless gateway , 5G CPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telemedicine , connected cars , intelligent transportation system , autonomous driving , smart home and smart cities , etc .

SHENZHEN, China, April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibocom (Stock Code: 300638), a leading provider of cellular embedded wireless module solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), is proud to announce that its 5G modules FG150 and FM150 have completed the first data call and end-to-end data transmission services under China Mobile's Standalone-Structured 5G network. The download rate exceeds 100Mbps.
Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules are the first 5G modules based on the Qualcomm SDX55 platform to offer the data transmission services under the SA-structured 5G network in China.
"Wireless modules are essential for communication between IoT terminals and the base stations. As the world's leading IoT wireless module solution provider, we are proud that our 5G modules have achieved another R&D milestone in the industry," said Tiger Ying, CEO of Fibocom. "The completion of the first data call under SA-Structured 5G network is a significant step towards realization of all the three 5G features (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) in IoT industry and helps our customers to accelerate the large-scale deployment of 5G industry applications."
The test was running on Fibocom FM150 5G module with China Mobile's 5G SIM card under the n41 network frequency band in Shenzhen Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Center. Fibocom FM150 5G module has been successfully registered on the 5G SA network and established the PDU session. In the 5G SA communication process, the establishment of PDU session is a symbolic link for successful dialing.
Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules support both 5G SA and NSA network architectures, providing an integrated multi-network solution that is compatible with the global 5G Sub 6 and millimeter-wave bands. Fibocom 5G modules are compatible with both LTE and WCDMA standards, reducing customers' investment in the early stage of 5G deployment and help customers to switch the old product lines to 5G product lines quickly.
Fibocom's 5G modules have global coverage, accelerating scale deployment of the 5G IoT applications, such as 4K/8K video live broadcast, cloud office (ACPC), drone, robot, AR/VR, 5G virtual dress mirror, 5G cloud game, 5G digital signature, 5G wireless gateway, 5G CPE, 5G SD-WAN, smart grid, telemedicine, connected cars, intelligent transportation system, autonomous driving, smart home and smart cities, etc.
Test Video on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT2vwFvlJ-M
Media Contact
Elli Yuan


tass--2020-04-17--Russian diplomat slams US sanctions for delayed evacuation of citizens as politicized

The high-ranking diplomat noted that so far , not much is known about this memorandum .
`` We are currently making sense of it , '' he said .
`` Some politicized claims can be made , of course , however , we see them solely as claims that do not correspond to the practical aspect of things .
This is how we will react to further development of the measures behind this signal from the White House that you have mentioned , '' Ryabkov said , commenting on the memorandum of US President Donald Trump , which threatens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to evacuate their citizens from the US or that are stalling this process in the conditions of a pandemic .
`` We can see that in the past weeks , Washington has sent out rather confusing and contradictory signals , '' Ryabkov continued .
`` There is a certain intention to shift responsibility for what is happening in the US on others , to find a foreign enemy , to try and divert the attention of the US public and the international community , at least the part of it that traditionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some ‘ shenanigans , ’ '' he said .
The deputy foreign minister stressed that Russia is doing everything in its power to ensure that all Russian citizens abroad who express a wish to return home can do so .
`` We are working 24/7 , this is not an exaggeration .
With no days-off .
The foreign ministry is giving the utmost attention to this in cooperation with other executive bodies , and we will continue to do so , '' Ryabkov added .
It was reported on April 11 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce visa sanctions against states that refuse to evacuate their citizens from the US or that are stalling this process during the coronavirus pandemic .
The US secretary of homeland security must provide a list of such countries to the US secretary of state .
After that , the US Department of State must introduce visa sanctions against those states within a 7-day period .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

The high-ranking diplomat noted that so far, not much is known about this memorandum. "We are currently making sense of it," he said.
"Some politicized claims can be made, of course, however, we see them solely as claims that do not correspond to the practical aspect of things. This is how we will react to further development of the measures behind this signal from the White House that you have mentioned," Ryabkov said, commenting on the memorandum of US President Donald Trump, which threatens to introduce visa sanctions against foreign countries that refuse to evacuate their citizens from the US or that are stalling this process in the conditions of a pandemic.
"We can see that in the past weeks, Washington has sent out rather confusing and contradictory signals," Ryabkov continued. "There is a certain intention to shift responsibility for what is happening in the US on others, to find a foreign enemy, to try and divert the attention of the US public and the international community, at least the part of it that traditionally closely follows all signals from Washington, to some ‘shenanigans,’" he said.
The deputy foreign minister stressed that Russia is doing everything in its power to ensure that all Russian citizens abroad who express a wish to return home can do so. "We are working 24/7, this is not an exaggeration. With no days-off. The foreign ministry is giving the utmost attention to this in cooperation with other executive bodies, and we will continue to do so," Ryabkov added.
It was reported on April 11 that Trump had signed a memorandum which rules to introduce visa sanctions against states that refuse to evacuate their citizens from the US or that are stalling this process during the coronavirus pandemic. The US secretary of homeland security must provide a list of such countries to the US secretary of state. After that, the US Department of State must introduce visa sanctions against those states within a 7-day period.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-17--About half of COVID-19 cases in Russia asymptomatic, says official

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
About 40-45 % of people infected with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) @ @ @ @ @ head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` Two weeks ago , the share of people diagnosed with the @ @ @ @ @ reached 10-12 % , with the maximum of 20 % .
In recent days , @ @ @ @ @ has risen to 45-50 % , '' Popova said .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. About 40-45% of people infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Russia are asymptomatic, head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova said during a briefing on Friday.
"Two weeks ago, the share of people diagnosed with the virus but exhibiting no symptoms reached 10-12%, with the maximum of 20%. In recent days, the share of such people has risen to 45-50%," Popova said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-17--This week in photos: traffic jams near Moscow, ‘shark’ walking a dog, jackals in Tel Aviv

Pope Francis delivering his blessing after the recitation of the Regina Caeli from the window of his private library overlooking an empty St. Peter 's Square in Vatican City , Vatican , April 13 .
In his remarks after the recitation of the Regina Caeli , the Pope reflected on the contribution women are giving today during the coronavirus pandemic © Vatican Pool/Vatican Media/Vatican Pool via Getty Images Clergymen and believers attending a service , which is dedicated to the upcoming Orthodox feast commemorating Jesus ' triumphal entry into Jerusalem , amid the coronavirus pandemic at a cathedral in Omsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malgavko Boys watching Msta-S self-propelled howitzers passing by during a rehearsal of a military parade in Yekaterinburg , Russia , April 13 .
On April 16 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to put off the anticipated parade in Moscow ’ s Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism © Donat Sorokin/TASS An aerial view of a traffic jam at a road block set up by traffic police on Leningradskoye Shosse Motorway at the entrance to Moscow , Russia , April 14 .
Traffic police restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian capital after Moscow 's authorities introduced additional measures to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus infection © Dmitry Golubovich/TASS A body lays on a stretcher next to a bicycle before being prepared for cremation at a funeral home in Manresa , Spain .
Since a state of emergency was declared in the country , funeral homes must follow strict measures to avoid further contagion .
Now , infected corpses can not be removed from their sealed body bags and are placed straight into coffins © AP Photo/Felipe Dana A mannequin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on display behind a shop window together with a message about the closure of the store due to coronavirus outbreak , in Pamplona , Spain , April 11 © EPA-EFE/Villar Lopez Kelly Rowley walking her dog around her neighborhood greeting neighbors and waving , Minneapolis , USA , April 11 .
Rowley , in a shark costume she had just received , said , `` I 'd rather wear this than a mask ! ''
© Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via Getty Images A woman wearing a protective face mask is seen near a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grave in a cemetery during a Orthodox Palm Sunday memorial for the departed , in Herasti , Romania , April 11 © AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda Jackals feasting on dog food that was left at HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv , Israel , April 11 .
With Tel Aviv locked down due to the coronavirus crisis , this sprawling park is all but empty , making it possible for jackals to take over this urban oasis in the heart of the city as they search for food © AP Photo/Oded Balilty

Pope Francis delivering his blessing after the recitation of the Regina Caeli from the window of his private library overlooking an empty St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Vatican, April 13. In his remarks after the recitation of the Regina Caeli, the Pope reflected on the contribution women are giving today during the coronavirus pandemic © Vatican Pool/Vatican Media/Vatican Pool via Getty Images
Clergymen and believers attending a service, which is dedicated to the upcoming Orthodox feast commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, amid the coronavirus pandemic at a cathedral in Omsk, Russia, April 11 © REUTERS/Alexey Malgavko
Volunteers from the Iranian Red Crescent taking a selfie while disinfecting villages near Sari, Iran, April 11 © Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
Boys watching Msta-S self-propelled howitzers passing by during a rehearsal of a military parade in Yekaterinburg, Russia, April 13. On April 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to put off the anticipated parade in Moscow’s Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism © Donat Sorokin/TASS
An aerial view of a traffic jam at a road block set up by traffic police on Leningradskoye Shosse Motorway at the entrance to Moscow, Russia, April 14. Traffic police restricted vehicles registered outside Moscow Region from entering the Russian capital after Moscow's authorities introduced additional measures to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus infection © Dmitry Golubovich/TASS
A body lays on a stretcher next to a bicycle before being prepared for cremation at a funeral home in Manresa, Spain. Since a state of emergency was declared in the country, funeral homes must follow strict measures to avoid further contagion. Now, infected corpses cannot be removed from their sealed body bags and are placed straight into coffins © AP Photo/Felipe Dana
A mannequin with a protective face mask is seen on display behind a shop window together with a message about the closure of the store due to coronavirus outbreak, in Pamplona, Spain, April 11 © EPA-EFE/Villar Lopez
Kelly Rowley walking her dog around her neighborhood greeting neighbors and waving, Minneapolis, USA, April 11. Rowley, in a shark costume she had just received, said, "I'd rather wear this than a mask!" © Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via Getty Images
A woman wearing a protective face mask is seen near a fire lit next to her brother's grave in a cemetery during a Orthodox Palm Sunday memorial for the departed, in Herasti, Romania, April 11 © AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda


tass--2020-04-17--Lockdown at experimental farms, home labs: How COVID-19 impacted Russian scientists

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
Although Russian universities and research centers have shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic , scientists are pushing ahead with research .
Some have preferred to voluntarily lock themselves down at experimental farms , while others run devices at their laboratories from home .
True , the opportunities for making experiments in the field have utterly fizzled away , but , as many researchers polled by TASS say , they have more time for analysis and for projects that previously remained on the back burner .
Doctor of Agricultural Science Alexander Fyodorov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center under the Russian Academy of Sciences , packed his bags as soon as the lockdown rules were introduced to leave for his countryside home 160 away from Izhevsk .
`` I decided to lock down myself in my native area .
Next to my home there is an experimental farm field , where I continue to study plants and replicate my collection .
Amid the lockdown restrictions I have to spend most of daylight hours working with plants .
And I dedicate the rest of my working hours to studying the collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and write articles .
Honestly , I work even more than usual , '' Fyodorov said .
At his experimental plot , he went on , there are many plants quite exotic in Udmurtia ’ s climate , for instance , those from the country ’ s southern areas , such as magnolia , dogwood and sakura .
As a result of Fyodorov and his colleagues ' work , some plant varieties accustomed to the climate of the foothills of the Middle Urals , have appeared .
Some adapted plants can be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Innopolis University in Tatarstan is one of Russia ’ s leading IT centers that focuses on education and research into information technologies and robotics .
Assistant professor Stanislav Protasov has told TASS that now he has to work mostly from home , but , as the nearby childcare center is closed and his two-year-old son has to stay home , he has to go to work for distance lectures and working meetings on some days .
`` I get up at six .
After breakfast and exercise I get down to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
It ’ s his turn to wash up and have breakfast .
And to be entertained , of course .
Then my wife and I take turns at the working desk for two hours each .
While one is busy , the other takes care of the boy .
When the kid is asleep , we both work , '' Protasov said about his daily routine .
Research continues at the original pace .
Students have many questions to discuss and their progress is easy to track .
The chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gafurov , says that some of his colleagues had worked outside the office before the quarantine measures were introduced .
His team is now focused on improving the quality of software products and on testing them .
Oddly enough , the restrictive measures have put an end to redundant red-tape and unnecessary meetings . ''
`` Regrettably , we are still unable to make full-scale tests on the roads , because the traffic has eased .
Also , some equipment remains at the university : the vehicles and processing equipment .
Everything else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate VPN .
In general , I ’ ve revised my daily schedule to retain effectiveness .
I do not have to waste time to travel to work .
I start at five thirty in the morning and finish around nine in the evening .
I take several breaks during the day .
Some interviewed researchers told TASS it is a great problem for them that many experiments in the field or at university laboratories are stalled .
`` We had not expected anything like this .
We ’ d thought the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress by now .
It is very hard to do without field experiments , but we have supporters and enthusiasts in the Rostov Region , who love birds .
They send us information about the species they ’ ve seen .
Some send in photos and videos .
We ’ ve long been in touch with such enthusiasts .
In the current situation this fills in the gap in field research somehow , '' the leading research fellow at the Southern Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Ramiz Savitsky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the research and ecology center for the protection of dolphins in Sochi , Tatyana Belei , has said all research at sea has been paused for the time being .
The center ’ s staff have focused on analytical work .
Amid the quarantine there were no chances for promptly rescuing animals trapped in fishing nets or washed ashore .
`` Police and volunteers have been very helpful .
They phoned us several times already to report such cases .
It is very good the people have taken such a considerate attitude , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , humans .
They do not forget that dolphins may need help too , '' Belei said .
A team of scientists at the Novosibirsk State Technical University is conducting research into components for quantum computers .
These computers ' distinguishing feature is a fundamentally new unit of information , which allows for considerably speeding up computations and resolving problems none of the existing computers can cope with .
Assistant professor Boris Ivanov explains that his colleagues make a number of measurements inside the laboratory ’ s refrigerator .
`` Making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measurement process begins .
The behavior of samples can be monitored remotely , '' Ivanov said .
Scientists get connected to the computer that controls the process with the help of remote access programs and can run the process of measurements from home .
Human presence would have allowed for replacing samples and adjusting their parameters .
Now this can not be done .
However , on the other hand the researchers have more time to examine a larger number of parameters of specific samples — this will allow for using them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quantum computers .
The deputy rector for external relations of Crimea ’ s V.I .
Vernadsky Federal University , Mikhail Sergeyev , has told TASS that the university is putting finishing touches to the newly-created center of digital farming for forecasting and analysis of agricultural crops .
It consists of a satellite system , a network of weather watching stations in all parts of the peninsula , and its own fleet of aircraft , including heavy drones .
This will make it possible to address many problems the farming industry is faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat-loving plants from sudden drops in air temperatures or to learn about the risk of an onslaught of pests .
`` On the one hand , the quarantine is a good time to go ahead with research .
On the other , there are not enough human resources to finalize practical work in the field .
Also , foreign supplies , including those from China have been disrupted , '' he said .
Young scientists at the Stavropol State Agrarian University had been working on the promotion of city farming with support from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The university runs several facilities for growing vegetables , greengrocery and fish in a very limited space .
When distance work began , the facilities had to be closed and the harvest and fish distributed .
`` There is always plenty of work to do .
We are quarantined and have no chance to take care of our facilities , which normally require daily care .
They can not be brought home .
We would have to hire trucks and dismantle them , '' an employee of the electric power in agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. Although Russian universities and research centers have shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are pushing ahead with research. Some have preferred to voluntarily lock themselves down at experimental farms, while others run devices at their laboratories from home. True, the opportunities for making experiments in the field have utterly fizzled away, but, as many researchers polled by TASS say, they have more time for analysis and for projects that previously remained on the back burner.
Self-isolation at experimental farms
Doctor of Agricultural Science Alexander Fyodorov, of Udmurtia’s Federal Research Center under the Russian Academy of Sciences, packed his bags as soon as the lockdown rules were introduced to leave for his countryside home 160 away from Izhevsk. "I decided to lock down myself in my native area. Next to my home there is an experimental farm field, where I continue to study plants and replicate my collection. Amid the lockdown restrictions I have to spend most of daylight hours working with plants. And I dedicate the rest of my working hours to studying the collected data. Also, I read documents and write articles. Honestly, I work even more than usual," Fyodorov said.
At his experimental plot, he went on, there are many plants quite exotic in Udmurtia’s climate, for instance, those from the country’s southern areas, such as magnolia, dogwood and sakura.
As a result of Fyodorov and his colleagues' work, some plant varieties accustomed to the climate of the foothills of the Middle Urals, have appeared. Some adapted plants can be seen in Izhevsk’s public gardens.
Distance teaching at Innopolis University
The Innopolis University in Tatarstan is one of Russia’s leading IT centers that focuses on education and research into information technologies and robotics. Assistant professor Stanislav Protasov has told TASS that now he has to work mostly from home, but, as the nearby childcare center is closed and his two-year-old son has to stay home, he has to go to work for distance lectures and working meetings on some days.
"I get up at six. After breakfast and exercise I get down to work till eight. Then our boy wakes up. It’s his turn to wash up and have breakfast. And to be entertained, of course. Then my wife and I take turns at the working desk for two hours each. While one is busy, the other takes care of the boy. When the kid is asleep, we both work," Protasov said about his daily routine. Research continues at the original pace. Students have many questions to discuss and their progress is easy to track.
The chief of the autonomous transport vehicles laboratory, Salimzhan Gafurov, says that some of his colleagues had worked outside the office before the quarantine measures were introduced. His team is now focused on improving the quality of software products and on testing them. Oddly enough, the restrictive measures have put an end to redundant red-tape and unnecessary meetings."
"Regrettably, we are still unable to make full-scale tests on the roads, because the traffic has eased. Also, some equipment remains at the university: the vehicles and processing equipment. Everything else can be accessed remotely, via the corporate VPN. In general, I’ve revised my daily schedule to retain effectiveness. I do not have to waste time to travel to work. I start at five thirty in the morning and finish around nine in the evening. I take several breaks during the day.
Without experiments
Some interviewed researchers told TASS it is a great problem for them that many experiments in the field or at university laboratories are stalled.
"We had not expected anything like this. We’d thought the field season would’ve been well in progress by now. It is very hard to do without field experiments, but we have supporters and enthusiasts in the Rostov Region, who love birds. They send us information about the species they’ve seen. Some send in photos and videos. We’ve long been in touch with such enthusiasts. In the current situation this fills in the gap in field research somehow," the leading research fellow at the Southern Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ramiz Savitsky, has told TASS.
The director of the research and ecology center for the protection of dolphins in Sochi, Tatyana Belei, has said all research at sea has been paused for the time being. The center’s staff have focused on analytical work. Amid the quarantine there were no chances for promptly rescuing animals trapped in fishing nets or washed ashore. "Police and volunteers have been very helpful. They phoned us several times already to report such cases. It is very good the people have taken such a considerate attitude, although there is a real risk for us, humans. They do not forget that dolphins may need help too," Belei said.
A team of scientists at the Novosibirsk State Technical University is conducting research into components for quantum computers. These computers' distinguishing feature is a fundamentally new unit of information, which allows for considerably speeding up computations and resolving problems none of the existing computers can cope with.
Assistant professor Boris Ivanov explains that his colleagues make a number of measurements inside the laboratory’s refrigerator. "Making the refrigerator ready requires human presence. Then the measurement process begins. The behavior of samples can be monitored remotely," Ivanov said.
Scientists get connected to the computer that controls the process with the help of remote access programs and can run the process of measurements from home. Human presence would have allowed for replacing samples and adjusting their parameters. Now this cannot be done. However, on the other hand the researchers have more time to examine a larger number of parameters of specific samples — this will allow for using them more effectively, and not only in the quantum computers.
Problems for biotechnologies
The deputy rector for external relations of Crimea’s V.I. Vernadsky Federal University, Mikhail Sergeyev, has told TASS that the university is putting finishing touches to the newly-created center of digital farming for forecasting and analysis of agricultural crops. It consists of a satellite system, a network of weather watching stations in all parts of the peninsula, and its own fleet of aircraft, including heavy drones. This will make it possible to address many problems the farming industry is faced with. For instance, to protect heat-loving plants from sudden drops in air temperatures or to learn about the risk of an onslaught of pests.
"On the one hand, the quarantine is a good time to go ahead with research. On the other, there are not enough human resources to finalize practical work in the field. Also, foreign supplies, including those from China have been disrupted," he said.
Young scientists at the Stavropol State Agrarian University had been working on the promotion of city farming with support from the presidential grants fund before the pandemic. The university runs several facilities for growing vegetables, greengrocery and fish in a very limited space. When distance work began, the facilities had to be closed and the harvest and fish distributed.
"There is always plenty of work to do. We are quarantined and have no chance to take care of our facilities, which normally require daily care. They cannot be brought home. We would have to hire trucks and dismantle them," an employee of the electric power in agriculture department, Igor Devederkin, told TASS.


tass--2020-04-17--Finland’s coronavirus cases near 3,500

Finland’s coronavirus cases near 3,500

HELSINKI , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Finland has risen to 3,489 after a single day increase of 120 infections , the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare said Friday .
Finland shut down its borders between March 19 and May 13 due to the coronavirus developments .
Moreover , the authorities restricted movement between the capital region of Uusimaa and the rest of the country to curb the spread .
Schools and universities are now employing distance learning , while preschools are still open , although parents are advised to leave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of over 10 people are banned .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,190,000 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported .
In addition , so far , over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

HELSINKI, April 17. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Finland has risen to 3,489 after a single day increase of 120 infections, the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare said Friday.
Finland shut down its borders between March 19 and May 13 due to the coronavirus developments. Moreover, the authorities restricted movement between the capital region of Uusimaa and the rest of the country to curb the spread. Schools and universities are now employing distance learning, while preschools are still open, although parents are advised to leave their children home if possible. Moreover, gatherings of over 10 people are banned.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-17--Kremlin sees lack of effectiveness of business support measures, vows to finalize them

`` So far we have been observing the insufficient effectiveness of implementing these measures .
We see that both economic entities and citizens face problems in banks .
We are documenting these problems , '' Peskov said , commenting on the information that in the first week of additional support measures entrepreneurs and individuals faced serious difficulties in using the tools and benefits announced by the government .
MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kremlin sees the lack of effectiveness of measures taken to support business and works to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the complaints are being analyzed .
`` Of course , there will be more discussions on how this all works , '' he assured .
Peskov noted that all facts are also well known to the government coordination committee , which makes decisions daily .
The Russian government has adopted a package of measures to support business amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Small and medium-sized businesses from the most affected sectors will be eligible for a delay in rental and tax payments , with the exception of VAT .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies is being introduced , as well as special loan programs .
Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 15 at a meeting with ministers asked the government to begin preparations for new measures to support the economy .
In particular , small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to receive 12,130 rubles per month ( $ 163.7 ) for the payment of salaries to each employee on condition of their retaining at least 90 % of the number of employees as of April 1 .
Putin also ordered to include small and medium-sized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the sectors most affected by the pandemic .
Currently , the government has approved a list of 11 such industries .
Additional business support measures are also being introduced at the level of regional authorities .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"So far we have been observing the insufficient effectiveness of implementing these measures. We see that both economic entities and citizens face problems in banks. We are documenting these problems," Peskov said, commenting on the information that in the first week of additional support measures entrepreneurs and individuals faced serious difficulties in using the tools and benefits announced by the government.
MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kremlin sees the lack of effectiveness of measures taken to support business and works to improve the situation.
Peskov noted that all the complaints are being analyzed. "Of course, there will be more discussions on how this all works," he assured. Peskov noted that all facts are also well known to the government coordination committee, which makes decisions daily.
The Russian government has adopted a package of measures to support business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Small and medium-sized businesses from the most affected sectors will be eligible for a delay in rental and tax payments, with the exception of VAT. In addition, a moratorium on the bankruptcy of such companies is being introduced, as well as special loan programs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 15 at a meeting with ministers asked the government to begin preparations for new measures to support the economy. In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to receive 12,130 rubles per month ($163.7) for the payment of salaries to each employee on condition of their retaining at least 90% of the number of employees as of April 1. Putin also ordered to include small and medium-sized businesses selling non-food products in the list of the sectors most affected by the pandemic. Currently, the government has approved a list of 11 such industries. Additional business support measures are also being introduced at the level of regional authorities.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-17--Kremlin slams Google’s move to block Russian news outlet’s account as unacceptable

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin believes that Google ’ s moves to block the accounts of @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
When asked about the Kremlin ’ @ @ @ @ @ , he said that it was `` highly negative . ''
`` We believe that @ @ @ @ @ hope that these decisions will be reviewed , '' he said , commenting on reports @ @ @ @ @ ’ s account had been blocked .
Peskov was hopeful that the decision concerning the @ @ @ @ @ reviewed like it had been done in relation to other news outlets .
The Federal @ @ @ @ @ Google had blocked its account , as well as its YouTube account , `` deleting @ @ @ @ @ agency ’ s reports and documentaries . ''
According to the media outlet , Google @ @ @ @ @ that corporation rules had been violated .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that Google’s moves to block the accounts of Russian media outlets are unacceptable, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. When asked about the Kremlin’s attitude towards such actions, he said that it was "highly negative."
"We believe that it is unacceptable. We hope that these decisions will be reviewed," he said, commenting on reports that the Federal News Agency’s account had been blocked. Peskov was hopeful that the decision concerning the Federal News Agency would be reviewed like it had been done in relation to other news outlets.


tass--2020-04-17--Russian anti-aircraft gunners repel enemy air attack in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
The personnel of the anti-aircraft missile battalion from the Northern Fleet ’ s separate motor rifle brigade repelled a notional enemy ’ s air attack during the drills at the Pechenga firing range in the Murmansk Region , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` The tactical drills of air defense units involved the personnel of the anti-aircraft missile battalion with Strela-10 surface-to-air missile systems and Tunguska anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers .
The anti-aircraft gunners also practiced fire against air targets employing Igla man-portable air defense missile systems , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The drills focused on air defense measures to shield the brigade ’ s main forces from the notional enemy ’ s air attack under intensive jamming .
During the drills , the anti-aircraft missile troops also tested the methods of fighting the notional enemy ’ s precision weapons , the statement says .
Overall , the drills involved over 50 items of armament , military and special hardware .
The troops held anti-aircraft missile firings at the practice range in adverse weather conditions and strong winds and in a situation close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the practice range was closed for flights for the time of the drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported .

MURMANSK, April 17. /TASS/. The personnel of the anti-aircraft missile battalion from the Northern Fleet’s separate motor rifle brigade repelled a notional enemy’s air attack during the drills at the Pechenga firing range in the Murmansk Region, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
"The tactical drills of air defense units involved the personnel of the anti-aircraft missile battalion with Strela-10 surface-to-air missile systems and Tunguska anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers. The anti-aircraft gunners also practiced fire against air targets employing Igla man-portable air defense missile systems," the press office said in a statement.
The drills focused on air defense measures to shield the brigade’s main forces from the notional enemy’s air attack under intensive jamming. During the drills, the anti-aircraft missile troops also tested the methods of fighting the notional enemy’s precision weapons, the statement says.
Overall, the drills involved over 50 items of armament, military and special hardware. The troops held anti-aircraft missile firings at the practice range in adverse weather conditions and strong winds and in a situation close to a real combat environment. The airspace over the practice range was closed for flights for the time of the drills, the Fleet’s press office reported.


tass--2020-04-17--Putin to check readiness of new hospitals for COVID-19 patients via video link

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the opening of several hospitals specializing in the treatment of COVID-19 patients , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
Over 20,000 hospital beds for coronavirus patients to be set up in Moscow The spokesman informed that after 15:00 Moscow time , `` several hospitals are expected to open , this will take place in the format of a video conference with the president taking part . ''
Peskov added that an infectious diseases hospital in Moscow and a multipurpose medical center in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He noted that specialists from Russian regions where new medical centers are under construction will speak to the president via video link .
`` Essentially , this will be a session aimed to confirm readiness of new hospital beds and new facilities , '' Peskov said .
He added that Putin plans to hold an international phone call on Friday .
On March 5 , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin signed a decree on introducing the state of high alert over the coronavirus threat .
Among other measures , he announced launching the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be constructed within a short time using prefabricated units in Voronovskoye settlement , in the new Moscow region .
Earlier , Putin ordered Russian authorities to construct 16 multifunctional medical centers to fight the coronavirus infection .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that by May 15 , 16 medical centers would be built , providing 1,600 hospital beds .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the opening of several hospitals specializing in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
Over 20,000 hospital beds for coronavirus patients to be set up in Moscow
The spokesman informed that after 15:00 Moscow time, "several hospitals are expected to open, this will take place in the format of a video conference with the president taking part." Peskov added that an infectious diseases hospital in Moscow and a multipurpose medical center in Nizhny Novgorod are expected to open. He noted that specialists from Russian regions where new medical centers are under construction will speak to the president via video link.
"Essentially, this will be a session aimed to confirm readiness of new hospital beds and new facilities," Peskov said.
He added that Putin plans to hold an international phone call on Friday.
On March 5, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin signed a decree on introducing the state of high alert over the coronavirus threat. Among other measures, he announced launching the construction of a new hospital. The facility will be constructed within a short time using prefabricated units in Voronovskoye settlement, in the new Moscow region.
Earlier, Putin ordered Russian authorities to construct 16 multifunctional medical centers to fight the coronavirus infection. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that by May 15, 16 medical centers would be built, providing 1,600 hospital beds.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,190,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 147,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 553,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-17--Kremlin notes Russian regions in different stages of preparedness to fight coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
Readiness of certain regions to counter the coronavirus pandemic leaves much to be desired , special work is being conducted with them , Kremlin spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` There are regions where the situation leaves much to be desired , and there are regions that are preparing [ for the coronavirus spread ] more successfully , '' he acknowledged .
According to the spokesman , `` Moscow is the trendsetter here as it faced the infection growth earlier than others and infection rates are still high there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions that are taking too much time to complete tasks to improve preparedness to tackle the coronavirus crisis , adding that special works are being conducted with them , `` the federal coordination commission is working more closely with them . ''
Answering the question what plan the authorities have to fight the coronavirus , Peskov stressed , `` the plan is not changing , there is only one tactic . ''
`` The [ Russian ] president [ Vladimir Putin ] is supervising rates of introducing additional capabilities and specially equipped hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds are provided with the necessary equipment and protective gear . ''
To date , a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. Readiness of certain regions to counter the coronavirus pandemic leaves much to be desired, special work is being conducted with them, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
"There are regions where the situation leaves much to be desired, and there are regions that are preparing [for the coronavirus spread] more successfully," he acknowledged. According to the spokesman, "Moscow is the trendsetter here as it faced the infection growth earlier than others and infection rates are still high there."
Peskov reiterated that there are regions that are taking too much time to complete tasks to improve preparedness to tackle the coronavirus crisis, adding that special works are being conducted with them, "the federal coordination commission is working more closely with them."
Answering the question what plan the authorities have to fight the coronavirus, Peskov stressed, "the plan is not changing, there is only one tactic." "The [Russian] president [Vladimir Putin] is supervising rates of introducing additional capabilities and specially equipped hospital beds in the regions and how these beds are provided with the necessary equipment and protective gear."
To date, a total of 32,008 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,590 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 273 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-17--Kremlin expects effect of new OPEC+ deal after its implementation starts

MOSCOW , April 17 .
/TASS/ .
The effect of the new OPEC+ deal will definitely come in , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday , adding that it is expected after practical implementation of the agreement starts in May 2020 .
`` The deal has not been activated though , it has been finalized , but technologically its implementation is to start , which will take some time , '' he said , adding that `` the effect will definitely come in . ''
Asked whether the Kremlin is concerned about the current situation on the markets as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new OPEC+ deal , Peskov said : `` That is obviously a reason for thorough monitoring . ''
`` The price dynamics and the state of global energy markets are currently the object of intense attention both of the country ’ s leadership and the leadership of all countries of the world , '' he emphasized .
OPEC+ countries finalized the deal on crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12 .
The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smaller quota than expected .
Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day .
Meanwhile , despite the reached agreements , the oil price has been declining this week .
Particularly , on April 16 , the price of Brent crude futures contracts dropped below $ 28 per barrel and continued extending losses despite the record volumes of output cuts .
According to experts polled by TASS , there are four main reasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ deal : small reduction volumes , new discounts announced by Saudi Arabi , distrust in fulfillment of obligations assumed by participants , and the lack of the start of virtual output reduction .

MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The effect of the new OPEC+ deal will definitely come in, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, adding that it is expected after practical implementation of the agreement starts in May 2020.
"The deal has not been activated though, it has been finalized, but technologically its implementation is to start, which will take some time," he said, adding that "the effect will definitely come in."
Asked whether the Kremlin is concerned about the current situation on the markets as the oil price continues falling despite the new OPEC+ deal, Peskov said: "That is obviously a reason for thorough monitoring."
"The price dynamics and the state of global energy markets are currently the object of intense attention both of the country’s leadership and the leadership of all countries of the world," he emphasized.
OPEC+ countries finalized the deal on crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12. The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 mln barrels per day as Mexico assumed a smaller quota than expected. Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day.
Meanwhile, despite the reached agreements, the oil price has been declining this week. Particularly, on April 16, the price of Brent crude futures contracts dropped below $28 per barrel and continued extending losses despite the record volumes of output cuts.
According to experts polled by TASS, there are four main reasons for such a pessimistic market response to the OPEC+ deal: small reduction volumes, new discounts announced by Saudi Arabi, distrust in fulfillment of obligations assumed by participants, and the lack of the start of virtual output reduction.