tass--2020-12-14--US must take care of its Moon orbiter’s compatibility with Russian spacecraft — Roscosmos

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
The CEO of Russia ’ s space corporation Roscosmos , Dmitry Rogozin , has said he has recommended NASA to equip its future Moon orbiter with a docking port compatible with Russian space vehicles just in case .
This would enable Russia to extend a helping hand in emergency .
Rogozin said he had addressed NASA ’ s director , Jim Bridenstine , with such a proposal some time ago .
`` I said : listen , you can have whatever ideas you wish , but you are obliged to make a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to do this at your own expense , because this will meet your own vital interests and the interests of your crew .
This would let our spacecraft approach yours and bring your crew back , if need be , '' Rogozin said during a roundtable discussion at the Federation Council ( upper house ) , devoted to US space exploration policies .
He stressed that the space realities were `` too aggressive to let anyone indulge in political games there where great distances are involved . ''
`` Should something happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew in the Moon ’ s orbit , no country but Russia and , I do hope , China , will be able to do something to help a US crew , '' Rogozin said .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. The CEO of Russia’s space corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, has said he has recommended NASA to equip its future Moon orbiter with a docking port compatible with Russian space vehicles just in case. This would enable Russia to extend a helping hand in emergency.
Rogozin said he had addressed NASA’s director, Jim Bridenstine, with such a proposal some time ago.
"I said: listen, you can have whatever ideas you wish, but you are obliged to make a special docking port compatible with Russian space vehicles and to do this at your own expense, because this will meet your own vital interests and the interests of your crew. This would let our spacecraft approach yours and bring your crew back, if need be," Rogozin said during a roundtable discussion at the Federation Council (upper house), devoted to US space exploration policies.
He stressed that the space realities were "too aggressive to let anyone indulge in political games there where great distances are involved."
"Should something happen to the US spacecraft Orion and its crew in the Moon’s orbit, no country but Russia and, I do hope, China, will be able to do something to help a US crew," Rogozin said.


tass--2020-12-14--Wad of 10,000 Soviet rubles discovered on Gulf of Finland island

ST. PETERSBURG , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
The keeper of the lighthouse situated on the Island of Bolshoy Tyuters @ @ @ @ @ has discovered a treasure of 10,000 Soviet rubles , Russia ’ s Western Military District @ @ @ @ @ The lighthouse keeper < … > discovered a treasure during repairs , almost 10,000 rubles @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Gosbank , '' the statement reads .
The treasure was found in a @ @ @ @ @ which houses a power station .
The newest banknote in the wad of cash dates @ @ @ @ @ the money will be preserved in the lighthouse museum on the island .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 14. /TASS/. The keeper of the lighthouse situated on the Island of Bolshoy Tyuters in the Gulf of Finland has discovered a treasure of 10,000 Soviet rubles, Russia’s Western Military District told reporters Monday.
"The lighthouse keeper <…> discovered a treasure during repairs, almost 10,000 rubles issued by the Soviet Union’s Gosbank," the statement reads.
The treasure was found in a building adjacent to the lighthouse which houses a power station. The newest banknote in the wad of cash dates back to the 1960s, the money will be preserved in the lighthouse museum on the island.


tass--2020-12-14--Russia’s Father Frost says every tenth letter he receives is from adults

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Every tenth letter that is delivered to the residence of Russia ’ s Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug is written by adults .
At the same time , the New Year ’ s wishes barely mention the pandemic or coronavirus vaccines , the Father Frost himself told a press conference in TASS .
`` A very interesting feature : I read many letters which come from children .
There is almost nothing about the pandemic in the letters , no wishes relating to the pandemic or vaccine development .
This is just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have said many times that every tenth letter that I receive in Veliky Ustyug by mail is from adults , '' he underlined .
At the same time , the Russian Santa Claus added that it is hard to determine which presents are asked for the most .
According to the Father Frost , New Year is a time when wishes come true , the main thing is to make them properly on New Year ’ s night .
`` New Year is a family holiday , the more relatives - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the celebration table , even via the Internet , the better , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Every tenth letter that is delivered to the residence of Russia’s Father Frost in Veliky Ustyug is written by adults. At the same time, the New Year’s wishes barely mention the pandemic or coronavirus vaccines, the Father Frost himself told a press conference in TASS.
"A very interesting feature: I read many letters which come from children. There is almost nothing about the pandemic in the letters, no wishes relating to the pandemic or vaccine development. This is just a fleeting temporary notion. <…> I have said many times that every tenth letter that I receive in Veliky Ustyug by mail is from adults," he underlined. At the same time, the Russian Santa Claus added that it is hard to determine which presents are asked for the most.
According to the Father Frost, New Year is a time when wishes come true, the main thing is to make them properly on New Year’s night.
"New Year is a family holiday, the more relatives - but remembering about social distancing - gather at the celebration table, even via the Internet, the better," he added.


tass--2020-12-14--Non-OPEC states to increase oil supply in 2021

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
The oil offer of non-OPEC countries will grow by 850,000 barrels per day @ @ @ @ @ of Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) says in its December report released on Monday @ @ @ @ @ Canada , Brazil and Norway are expected to be the key drivers of oil supplies @ @ @ @ @ The organization revised downward its forecast for oil production in Russia in the next year @ @ @ @ @ supply for 2020 was lowered by 80,000 barrels per day to 62.67 mln barrels per @ @ @ @ @ production in Brazil , the US , the UK and Norway was lower than expected @ @ @ @ @ OPEC reports .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. The oil offer of non-OPEC countries will grow by 850,000 barrels per day in 2021, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says in its December report released on Monday.
The United States, Canada, Brazil and Norway are expected to be the key drivers of oil supplies growth, OPEC reports. The organization revised downward its forecast for oil production in Russia in the next year.
The forecast of oil supply for 2020 was lowered by 80,000 barrels per day to 62.67 mln barrels per daily, largely because oil production in Brazil, the US, the UK and Norway was lower than expected in the fourth quarter, OPEC reports.


tass--2020-12-14--Storms, bears, nuclear tests: When equipment fails, people continue working

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Vera Kovalenko is a meteorologist .
She has been working north of the Arctic circle .
Her kids grew there , and her son continues the Arctic dynasty .
In the 1960s , the Novaya Zemlya was a range for nuclear tests .
The Khodovarikha meteorology station , where Vera worked from 1969 , is on Russkii Zavorot Peninsula in the Pechora Sea .
The Novaya Zemlya is , so to say , opposite it .
Vera shows the map : right , across the strait .
Meteorologists were not notified about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mushroom cloud , when an explosion occured on Novaya Zemlya at night .
We saw it , registered it and described it as an anomaly : at night in the north above the sea there is an orange mushroom cloud .
We reported it , and were told it was nothing special but a test .
Back then , we did not know what it was . ''
Vera began working at that station right after graduating from the Sverdlovsk Meteorology School .
`` There were no vacancies anywhere closer , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come from the Novosibirsk college . ''
Vera did not know much about what it was like to work in hydro-meteorology or ocean studies .
She was only familiar with a girl , who after graduating from a meteorology school came to her native city - Naryan-Mar .
It was almost the edge of the world , though not absolutely isolated .
In the late 1960s , the station included a lighthouse , where four staff members lived with families , a small military base with a radar station .
Transport communication was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back then had better supplies than they have now .
`` We had even a post helicopter , and planes would fly to fishing settlements where there used to be post offices .
Once a week or ten days , we had mail flights , and every month , flights served the lighthouse , the military base , and taking a flight out was not a problem , '' she said .
`` Nowadays , all the post offices are shut down . ''
At that meteorology station , Vera met her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We got married and lived together for 42.5 years , '' she said .
Her husband had come to the Far North from Kuban ( south of Russia ) - to replace a friend who worked there .
`` Vyacheslav came to Arkhangelsk , took a course and became the head of that polar station , '' she continued .
Vera has been working in meteorology for 49 years : most stations were north of the Arctic circle on the Barents Sea , along the navigation route .
In the Arctic , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance , as many lives depend on them .
`` In a snowstorm or fog , no planes or helicopters will fly .
We must report that there is no visibility and it is stormy or foggy .
It is important for people ’ s safety to report what the weather will be like tomorrow , '' she added .
Most devastating are strong winds .
They may affect both the navigation and flights .
`` We are on the sea shore , and no big planes fly here .
[ Antonov ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind speed limits .
If the wind is more than 12 mps , we consider it a storm , and we report storm warnings to airports , '' she said , adding that vessels require information on wind speed and on ice .
`` If everything is stuck with ice , a small vessel would have to request an icebreaker . ''
In the 1970s , Vera ’ s husband went to the construction site of the Shapkino station for geologists .
`` Back then , in the Nenets Region an exploratory expedition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine levels of the Shapkino River , and thus the expedition made a house for us , equipped a site , and Vyacheslav supervised the construction , installed our equipment .
On June 1 , 1974 , he and I and our kids opened that station , '' she said .
The family had two kids - the daughter was only 12 months old .
Before 1980 , the family worked at two more stations on the coasts of polar seas .
`` On the seas - because my husband was a fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
Kids , like many children of people working at polar stations , studied at a boarding school .
They saw mom and dad during holidays only .
In 1982 , they moved to the Indiga station on the Barents Sea , some 17 km from the settlement .
There , the family worked for more than 20 years .
`` Now , our son and daughter-in-law work there , for 25 years already , '' Vera said .
`` His wife was a surgery nurse in Arkhangelsk , and she followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , Vera disclosed that he mastered the job of a meteorologist through practice .
`` Before school , our kids understood the Morse code , '' she remembered .
The son has been managing the station , and the parents worked as meteorologists there .
The mom often replaced the son and his wife , when they went away on holidays .
Once , when the children were away , in 2014 , a bear came to the station .
`` We had a dog , it was barking , almost lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pit , where we threw tins , it used to come there for two days running , though getting to the station was rather a long trip for it - when it was not there , we managed to run to the site .
We did not have a gun . ''
Bears , both brown and polar , are the biggest danger at polar stations .
`` Work couldn ’ t wait , and we worked .
Repelled the animals , shot .
In early May , two polar bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night we registered data on the sea..
I had a bad feeling .
`` I won ’ t go , '' I said .
The husband asked : `` Why ? ''
I said : `` Well , you go .
He steps out on the porch and hears the roaring , the horse was neighing - the lighthouse staff had a horse .
He rushed in , shouting : `` Give me the gun ! ''
I said : `` Which gun , why ? ''
`` There ’ s a bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realized he needed a signal pistol , not a gun… Away it went .
In 2019 , one of the stations - on Vaygach Island - was equipped with cameras and a fence .
If the system proves to be reliable , similar ones will appear at other stations where predators are frequent visitors .
However , most animals are peaceful guests .
Once , in summer , a little hare used to come to the station .
`` It comes , sits in the corridor , I carry it away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back . ''
The climate north of the Arctic circle has changed , Vera said .
In the 1970-80s , it was the classical Far North with severe winters : freezing cold and snow .
`` From around the early 2000s , or even the late 1990s , for example , on the Indiga , there have been lots of strong winds .
A wind of 15 , 20 , 30 mps blowing from one direction may stay for a week .
The winds blow like inside a tube , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea near the station remains without ice - the wind would not let thin ice remain on top and blows it away .
`` This year , at the station , all antennas and satellite dishes have got broken… Understand , this means no Internet , how can we work without it… '' Nowadays , weather data are transmitted via the Internet , and in the mid-1990s they were coded .
The speed requirement was 60 characters per minute .
Modern stations have automatic meteorology complexes , from which data are displayed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , soil temperature , wind , air pressure , precipitation .
Specialists still estimate the latter by eye .
`` A specialist gets outside and watches what precipitation would be like .
A shift is eight hours long , and we either observe it from the inside or get outside , '' Vera said .
Life at polar stations is not easy .
At Indiga , people have to melt snow to get water .
`` We melted snow in winter , when the well froze to the bottom .
Now , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tundra , to a lake .
They have all conveniences now , about which we could only dream : a shower cabin , a boiler , a dishwasher , a washing machine , freezers and fridges .
In the past , we could not have much as we did not have sufficient electricity . ''
However , a fridge was an extra in winter , and in summer , they used to put ice into the basement , and it remained frozen there through the summer .
`` Nowadays , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every 100-200 kilometers along the shore .
They are used to study ice formation and to continue ice observation - ice is different in every area , '' she said .
Vera continues working - she verifies data from stations .
Equipment is fine , but verification is still necessary .
Stations north of the polar circle make her nostalgic .
The modern automatic meteorology station can not replace humans .
Those are not emotions , she said .
The stations use certain parameters , but they can not analyze the cloud cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low temperatures equipment may be acting up , unlike people , who continue working in any circumstances .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Vera Kovalenko is a meteorologist. She has been working north of the Arctic circle. Her kids grew there, and her son continues the Arctic dynasty.
In the 1960s, the Novaya Zemlya was a range for nuclear tests. The Khodovarikha meteorology station, where Vera worked from 1969, is on Russkii Zavorot Peninsula in the Pechora Sea. The Novaya Zemlya is, so to say, opposite it. Vera shows the map: right, across the strait. Meteorologists were not notified about the tests.
"We saw a nuclear mushroom cloud, when an explosion occured on Novaya Zemlya at night. We saw it, registered it and described it as an anomaly: at night in the north above the sea there is an orange mushroom cloud. We reported it, and were told it was nothing special but a test. Back then, we did not know what it was."
Vera began working at that station right after graduating from the Sverdlovsk Meteorology School.
"There were no vacancies anywhere closer," she laughed. "Nowadays, most graduates come from the Novosibirsk college."
Vera did not know much about what it was like to work in hydro-meteorology or ocean studies. She was only familiar with a girl, who after graduating from a meteorology school came to her native city - Naryan-Mar.
It was almost the edge of the world, though not absolutely isolated. In the late 1960s, the station included a lighthouse, where four staff members lived with families, a small military base with a radar station. Transport communication was mostly by air. Those small settlements back then had better supplies than they have now.
"We had even a post helicopter, and planes would fly to fishing settlements where there used to be post offices. Once a week or ten days, we had mail flights, and every month, flights served the lighthouse, the military base, and taking a flight out was not a problem," she said. "Nowadays, all the post offices are shut down."
From south to Arctic circle
At that meteorology station, Vera met her husband. Vyacheslav managed the station. "We got married and lived together for 42.5 years," she said.
Her husband had come to the Far North from Kuban (south of Russia) - to replace a friend who worked there.
"Vyacheslav came to Arkhangelsk, took a course and became the head of that polar station," she continued.
Vera has been working in meteorology for 49 years: most stations were north of the Arctic circle on the Barents Sea, along the navigation route. In the Arctic, she says, meteorology services are of high importance, as many lives depend on them.
"In a snowstorm or fog, no planes or helicopters will fly. We must report that there is no visibility and it is stormy or foggy. It is important for people’s safety to report what the weather will be like tomorrow," she added.
Most devastating are strong winds. They may affect both the navigation and flights.
"We are on the sea shore, and no big planes fly here. [Antonov] An-2 and helicopters have to observe certain wind speed limits. If the wind is more than 12 mps, we consider it a storm, and we report storm warnings to airports," she said, adding that vessels require information on wind speed and on ice.
"If everything is stuck with ice, a small vessel would have to request an icebreaker."
In the 1970s, Vera’s husband went to the construction site of the Shapkino station for geologists.
"Back then, in the Nenets Region an exploratory expedition was working, and they needed to determine levels of the Shapkino River, and thus the expedition made a house for us, equipped a site, and Vyacheslav supervised the construction, installed our equipment. On June 1, 1974, he and I and our kids opened that station," she said.
The family had two kids - the daughter was only 12 months old. Before 1980, the family worked at two more stations on the coasts of polar seas.
"On the seas - because my husband was a fan of hunting and fishing," she continued.
Kids, like many children of people working at polar stations, studied at a boarding school. They saw mom and dad during holidays only.
In 1982, they moved to the Indiga station on the Barents Sea, some 17 km from the settlement. There, the family worked for more than 20 years.
"Now, our son and daughter-in-law work there, for 25 years already," Vera said. "His wife was a surgery nurse in Arkhangelsk, and she followed the husband."
Speaking about her son, Vera disclosed that he mastered the job of a meteorologist through practice. "Before school, our kids understood the Morse code," she remembered.
The son has been managing the station, and the parents worked as meteorologists there. The mom often replaced the son and his wife, when they went away on holidays. Once, when the children were away, in 2014, a bear came to the station.
"We had a dog, it was barking, almost lost its voice. The bear came up to the pit, where we threw tins, it used to come there for two days running, though getting to the station was rather a long trip for it - when it was not there, we managed to run to the site. We did not have a gun."
Bears, both brown and polar, are the biggest danger at polar stations.
"Work couldn’t wait, and we worked. Repelled the animals, shot. In early May, two polar bears came to Khodovarikha. At three at night we registered data on the sea.. I had a bad feeling. "I won’t go," I said. The husband asked: "Why?" I said: "Well, you go. He steps out on the porch and hears the roaring, the horse was neighing - the lighthouse staff had a horse. He rushed in, shouting: "Give me the gun!" I said: "Which gun, why?" "There’s a bear," he replied. Then he realized he needed a signal pistol, not a gun… Away it went.
In 2019, one of the stations - on Vaygach Island - was equipped with cameras and a fence. If the system proves to be reliable, similar ones will appear at other stations where predators are frequent visitors.
However, most animals are peaceful guests. Once, in summer, a little hare used to come to the station.
"It comes, sits in the corridor, I carry it away from the house; look - it’s back."
Changing climate
The climate north of the Arctic circle has changed, Vera said. In the 1970-80s, it was the classical Far North with severe winters: freezing cold and snow.
"From around the early 2000s, or even the late 1990s, for example, on the Indiga, there have been lots of strong winds. A wind of 15, 20, 30 mps blowing from one direction may stay for a week. The winds blow like inside a tube," she said.
Winters are milder, even the sea near the station remains without ice - the wind would not let thin ice remain on top and blows it away. "This year, at the station, all antennas and satellite dishes have got broken… Understand, this means no Internet, how can we work without it…"
Nowadays, weather data are transmitted via the Internet, and in the mid-1990s they were coded. The speed requirement was 60 characters per minute. Modern stations have automatic meteorology complexes, from which data are displayed on a monitor: air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, wind, air pressure, precipitation. Specialists still estimate the latter by eye.
"A specialist gets outside and watches what precipitation would be like. A shift is eight hours long, and we either observe it from the inside or get outside," Vera said.
Life at polar stations is not easy. At Indiga, people have to melt snow to get water.
"We melted snow in winter, when the well froze to the bottom. Now, my son drives a snow bike deep into the tundra, to a lake. They have all conveniences now, about which we could only dream: a shower cabin, a boiler, a dishwasher, a washing machine, freezers and fridges. In the past, we could not have much as we did not have sufficient electricity." However, a fridge was an extra in winter, and in summer, they used to put ice into the basement, and it remained frozen there through the summer.
"Nowadays, there are fewer stations: they are now about every 100-200 kilometers along the shore. They are used to study ice formation and to continue ice observation - ice is different in every area," she said.
Vera continues working - she verifies data from stations. Equipment is fine, but verification is still necessary. Stations north of the polar circle make her nostalgic.
The modern automatic meteorology station cannot replace humans. Those are not emotions, she said. The stations use certain parameters, but they cannot analyze the cloud cover or precipitation. Besides, in extremely low temperatures equipment may be acting up, unlike people, who continue working in any circumstances.


tass--2020-12-14--Number of COVID cases in Azerbaijan up to nearly 179,000

BAKU , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 3,112 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day , the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday .
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 178,986 .
Forty-four coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day , with the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities standing at 1,966 .
A total of 114,841 coronavirus patients have recovered , with 2,923 recoveries reported in the past day .
As many as 62,179 patients are undergoing treatment at hospitals .
More than two million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in the country , including more than 10,000 in the past day .
About a fifth of the country ’ s population has been tested for the coronavirus infection .
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Azerbaijan on February 28 .
The morbidity rate began to go up in mid-August , with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9 .
The highest daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases ( 4,451 ) was registered on December 13 .
In view of the worsening epidemic situation , with the morbidity rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October 19 .
Thus , operation of metro in the capital city of Baku was suspended , educational establishments were closed for vacations , and up to 70 % of employees of government institutions were switched to work from home .
A nationwide quarantine has been extended until January 31 , 2021 .
A strict quarantine will be in place from December 14 to January 18 , with public catering and trading outlets being closed , except food stores and pharmacies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special SMS-permit to leave their home .
Entry to and exit from 17 big cities and districts , including Baku , is restricted .

BAKU, December 14. /TASS/. As many as 3,112 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day, the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday.
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 178,986. Forty-four coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day, with the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities standing at 1,966.
A total of 114,841 coronavirus patients have recovered, with 2,923 recoveries reported in the past day. As many as 62,179 patients are undergoing treatment at hospitals. More than two million tests for the coronavirus infection have been made in the country, including more than 10,000 in the past day. About a fifth of the country’s population has been tested for the coronavirus infection.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Azerbaijan on February 28. The morbidity rate began to go up in mid-August, with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9. The highest daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases (4,451) was registered on December 13.
In view of the worsening epidemic situation, with the morbidity rates exceeding those in the spring, the country’s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October 19. Thus, operation of metro in the capital city of Baku was suspended, educational establishments were closed for vacations, and up to 70% of employees of government institutions were switched to work from home. A nationwide quarantine has been extended until January 31, 2021. A strict quarantine will be in place from December 14 to January 18, with public catering and trading outlets being closed, except food stores and pharmacies. People will have to obtain a special SMS-permit to leave their home. Entry to and exit from 17 big cities and districts, including Baku, is restricted.


tass--2020-12-14--Some 320,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses put into civil circulation

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Some 320,000 doses of the Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine were put into civil circulation as of December 13 , Alexander Gintsburg , director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , Sputnik V developer , said on Monday .
`` I would like to noted that as of yesterday some 320,000 vaccine doses were put into civil circulation .
I can not say how many people were vaccinated today but I think that all of them will be used in a couple of days , '' he said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable , '' batch of the vaccine will be put into civil circulation on December 15 .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched .
The third , post-registration , stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September 9 .
As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials , with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Some 320,000 doses of the Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine were put into civil circulation as of December 13, Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Sputnik V developer, said on Monday.
"I would like to noted that as of yesterday some 320,000 vaccine doses were put into civil circulation. I cannot say how many people were vaccinated today but I think that all of them will be used in a couple of days," he said, adding that the next, a "quite considerable," batch of the vaccine will be put into civil circulation on December 15.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7. Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September 9. As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials, with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo.


tass--2020-12-14--Payload mock-up launched atop Russia’s Angara carrier rocket delivered into orbit

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
A Briz-M booster of an Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket delivered a payload mock-up into the designated orbit , the press office of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Monday .
`` The Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket that lifted off from the Plesetsk spaceport ( the Arkhangelsk Region ) at 08:50 Moscow time today , December 14 , delivered an integral payload mock-up into the designated orbit within the required time , '' the press office said in a statement .
The rocket ’ s launch and the payload mock-up ’ s delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the normal mode , the ministry specified The Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket blasted off at 08:50 a.m. Moscow time on December 14 from site No .
35 of the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s Plesetsk state testing spaceport in the northern Arkhangelsk Region .
This was the second test-launch of the heavy Angara rocket .
Twelve minutes after the blast-off , the rocket ’ s space head comprising a booster and an integral payload mockup separated from the third stage in the normal mode .
As Russia ’ s Defense Ministry specified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket ’ s launch proceeded normally .
The launch was carried out by a combat team of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force .
The Angara is a family of next-generation Russian space rockets .
It consists of light , medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes .
The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components .
Until now , Russia carried out only two Angara launches , both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport : a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2014 , orbiting a payload mock-up of 2 tonnes .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. A Briz-M booster of an Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket delivered a payload mock-up into the designated orbit, the press office of Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Monday.
"The Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket that lifted off from the Plesetsk spaceport (the Arkhangelsk Region) at 08:50 Moscow time today, December 14, delivered an integral payload mock-up into the designated orbit within the required time," the press office said in a statement.
The rocket’s launch and the payload mock-up’s delivery into orbit by the Briz-M booster proceeded in the normal mode, the ministry specified
The Angara-A5 heavy carrier rocket blasted off at 08:50 a.m. Moscow time on December 14 from site No. 35 of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Plesetsk state testing spaceport in the northern Arkhangelsk Region. This was the second test-launch of the heavy Angara rocket. Twelve minutes after the blast-off, the rocket’s space head comprising a booster and an integral payload mockup separated from the third stage in the normal mode.
As Russia’s Defense Ministry specified, all the pre-launch operations and the rocket’s launch proceeded normally. The launch was carried out by a combat team of Russia’s Aerospace Force.
The Angara is a family of next-generation Russian space rockets. It consists of light, medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes. The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components.
Until now, Russia carried out only two Angara launches, both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport: a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off on December 23, 2014, orbiting a payload mock-up of 2 tonnes.


tass--2020-12-14--Russia stand for wide discussion of space exploration matters, says diplomat

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia calls for discussing issues of the exploration and use of outer space at the interstate level , with the United Nations playing the central role , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday .
`` As an alternative to the narrow , nationals and multinational off-UN initiatives we promote a wide interstate dialogue involving maximal possible circle of participants , with the central role of the United Nations as a universal international platform .
We understand that it is an objectively lengthy and uneasy process , especially on such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the Russian senior diplomat , within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space ( COPUOS ) Russia and a number of other countries are promoting the initiative that a legally binding instrument based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law codified in the Outer Space Treaty be adopted as an optimal format of regulation in the sphere of the exploration and use of space resources .
As a stage on this path , the COPUOS should agree basic principles and rule that are to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly , analogously wit the 1963 UN General Assembly resolution titled the Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space .
`` Such a course is not shared by the United States , its Anglo-Saxon allies , and Japan , which are seeking to use every possible pretext to ensure utter freedom of action for themselves , '' Ryabkov stressed .
He emphasized that Russia ’ s goal is to prevent the erosion of international law , in particular article 6 of the Outer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national activities in outer , including Moon and other celestial bodies , on states but not on legal entities or private individuals .
`` We are continuing our efforts in each and every sectoral multilateral format , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Russia calls for discussing issues of the exploration and use of outer space at the interstate level, with the United Nations playing the central role, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday.
"As an alternative to the narrow, nationals and multinational off-UN initiatives we promote a wide interstate dialogue involving maximal possible circle of participants, with the central role of the United Nations as a universal international platform. We understand that it is an objectively lengthy and uneasy process, especially on such a comprehensive matter," he said.
According to the Russian senior diplomat, within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Russia and a number of other countries are promoting the initiative that a legally binding instrument based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law codified in the Outer Space Treaty be adopted as an optimal format of regulation in the sphere of the exploration and use of space resources.
As a stage on this path, the COPUOS should agree basic principles and rule that are to be further approved by the United Nations General Assembly, analogously wit the 1963 UN General Assembly resolution titled the Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
"Such a course is not shared by the United States, its Anglo-Saxon allies, and Japan, which are seeking to use every possible pretext to ensure utter freedom of action for themselves," Ryabkov stressed.
He emphasized that Russia’s goal is to prevent the erosion of international law, in particular article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, placing international responsibility for national activities in outer, including Moon and other celestial bodies, on states but not on legal entities or private individuals. "We are continuing our efforts in each and every sectoral multilateral format," he added.


tass--2020-12-14--UAE welcomes Russia’s security efforts in Persian Gulf

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
The United Arab Emirates welcome Russia ’ s initiatives on establishment of security @ @ @ @ @ UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in the wake of the @ @ @ @ @ Sergey Lavrov .
`` We , of course , welcome Russia ’ s efforts in @ @ @ @ @ to unite and step up efforts in our region to make our states more modern @ @ @ @ @ said .
The UAE top diplomat noted that there are still options to improve security @ @ @ @ @ .
`` First and foremost , we must protect our region from becoming an area @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The diplomat underscored that it is important to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ extremism in the region .
In July 2019 , Russia published the Concept of collective @ @ @ @ @ area .
The document poses a strategic goal of establishment a comprehensive collective security and @ @ @ @ @ states on equal basis .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. The United Arab Emirates welcome Russia’s initiatives on establishment of security in the Persian Gulf, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in the wake of the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
"We, of course, welcome Russia’s efforts in this field. We intend to unite and step up efforts in our region to make our states more modern and up-to-date," he said.
The UAE top diplomat noted that there are still options to improve security in the Persian Gulf region.
"First and foremost, we must protect our region from becoming an area with weapons of mass destruction," he said.
The diplomat underscored that it is important to prevent the return to neo-colonialism and counter extremism in the region.
In July 2019, Russia published the Concept of collective security in the Persian Gulf area. The document poses a strategic goal of establishment a comprehensive collective security and cooperation mechanism involving all regional states on equal basis.


tass--2020-12-14--Two Russians sentenced to 3, 10 years behind bars in France for Euro 2016 brawl

PARIS , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizens Mikhail Ivkin and Pavel Kosov have been sentenced to 3 and @ @ @ @ @ in France for inflicting severe injuries to a British football fan , Andrew Bache during @ @ @ @ @ Euro 2016 in Marseille , Ivkin ’ s defense attorney told TASS .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ three years behind bars .
Pavel Kosov got 10 years in prison , '' he @ @ @ @ @ French prosecution demanded 5 and 15 years in prison for the Russians .
During the @ @ @ @ @ Russian fans broke through police ranks and stormed the English fan sector to start a @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian national team against England in Marseille .
One of the British fans @ @ @ @ @ disabled , the police couldn ’ t immediately end the fight .
The Russians accused @ @ @ @ @ arrested in Germany in 2018 and were handed over to France later .

PARIS, December 14. /TASS/. Russian citizens Mikhail Ivkin and Pavel Kosov have been sentenced to 3 and 10 years in prison correspondingly in France for inflicting severe injuries to a British football fan, Andrew Bache during a mass brawl at the Euro 2016 in Marseille, Ivkin’s defense attorney told TASS.
"The court sentenced my client to three years behind bars. Pavel Kosov got 10 years in prison," he informed.
Earlier, the French prosecution demanded 5 and 15 years in prison for the Russians.
During the Euro 2016, around 30 Russian fans broke through police ranks and stormed the English fan sector to start a brawl following the first match of the Russian national team against England in Marseille. One of the British fans was seriously injured and became disabled, the police couldn’t immediately end the fight. The Russians accused of starting the brawl were arrested in Germany in 2018 and were handed over to France later.


tass--2020-12-14--No plans to introduce strict quarantine in Russia for winter holidays, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian authorities do not plan to follow suit of a number of European @ @ @ @ @ quarantine during the winter holidays , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ plans , '' he said .
Earlier , German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that German @ @ @ @ @ in the country from December 16 through January 10 in order to decrease the rates @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
On December 12 , Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at a press conference announced @ @ @ @ @ in the country in a group of no more than 10 people , and New @ @ @ @ @ by a gathering of only two families .

MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Russian authorities do not plan to follow suit of a number of European countries and introduce a strict quarantine during the winter holidays, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Monday.
"There are no such plans," he said.
Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that German authorities introduce a strict quarantine in the country from December 16 through January 10 in order to decrease the rates of the spread of the coronavirus. On December 12, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at a press conference announced that Christmas can be celebrated in the country in a group of no more than 10 people, and New Year can be rung in by a gathering of only two families.


tass--2020-12-14--Russian Navy sailors eliminate saboteurs in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
The warships of the Northern Fleet ’ s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces @ @ @ @ @ Barents Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ tip of Kildin Island , the sailors of the small anti-submarine warfare ship Yunga , @ @ @ @ @ and the coastal-type minesweeper Yelnya alternately performed practical grenade throwing .
Under the drills ’ @ @ @ @ @ sailors practiced striking a notional enemy ’ s underwater saboteurs with hand grenades and rocket-propelled @ @ @ @ @ grenade launchers , '' the press office said in a statement .
The drills involved @ @ @ @ @ from the Kola Flotilla ’ s water protection force , the press office specified .
@ @ @ @ @ the crews of the warships Yunga , Rassvet and Yelnya practiced operations at sea to @ @ @ @ @ training course for surface ships as well as combat and everyday service measures , the @ @ @

MURMANSK, December 14. /TASS/. The warships of the Northern Fleet’s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces held anti-saboteur drills in the Barents Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"In the area of the easternmost tip of Kildin Island, the sailors of the small anti-submarine warfare ship Yunga, the small missile ship Rassvet and the coastal-type minesweeper Yelnya alternately performed practical grenade throwing. Under the drills’ scenario, the Northern Fleet sailors practiced striking a notional enemy’s underwater saboteurs with hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades during firings from hand-held grenade launchers," the press office said in a statement.
The drills involved the crews of the warships from the Kola Flotilla’s water protection force, the press office specified.
Apart from the drills, the crews of the warships Yunga, Rassvet and Yelnya practiced operations at sea to fulfil the tasks of the training course for surface ships as well as combat and everyday service measures, the statement says.


tass--2020-12-14--Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU Celebrates Graduates in Virtual Reality

PHOENIX , Dec. 14 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Delivering an innovative and inclusive experience fit for this historic year , Thunderbird safely recognized the academic accomplishments of its class of 2020 in a technology-enhanced graduation celebration today to close an unprecedented fall semester .
The online event took place within an immersive virtual reality rendering of Thunderbird 's new global headquarters , opening August 2021 .
The ceremony was held in a digital version of the global forum , which will be a centerpiece of the state-of-the-art facility .
The commencement speaker appeared as a holographic projection within the virtual building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction now .
Outstanding graduates also had a special aerial delivery of their award certificates , courtesy of the Dean 's drone .
`` The Coronavirus Pandemic has accelerated the adoption of transformative new technologies like the ones we 're pioneering at Thunderbird that help us stay healthy while connecting us so we can still learn and celebrate together , '' said Director General and Dean , Dr. Sanjeev Khagram .
`` In keeping with our commitment to impactful and inclusive innovation when others retreat , we 're harnessing these powerful tools not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this historic health crisis , but also to be a vanguard in business , leadership , and management education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution going forward .
As the most global and digital leadership , management and business academy in the world , we 're proud to celebrate our 2020 graduates and their families in a way that transcends limitations and highlights the future-ready skills and experience they gained at Thunderbird .
Next , we look forward to welcoming our fall 2021 class to the most cutting-edge educational facility anywhere , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global Management Thunderbird School of Global Management is a unit of the Arizona State University Enterprise .
For 75 years , Thunderbird has been the vanguard of global management and leadership education , creating inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide by educating future-ready global leaders capable of tackling the world 's greatest challenges .
Thunderbird 's Master of Global Management was ranked # 1 in the world for 2019 by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education .
ASU is ranked No .
1 `` Most Innovative School '' in the nation by U.S. News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succession .
About ASU Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University , creating an institution that is committed to access , excellence , and , impact .
ASU measures itself by those it includes , not by those it excludes .
As the prototype for a New American University , ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good , and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic , social , and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it .

PHOENIX, Dec. 14. /PRNewswire/. Delivering an innovative and inclusive experience fit for this historic year, Thunderbird safely recognized the academic accomplishments of its class of 2020 in a technology-enhanced graduation celebration today to close an unprecedented fall semester.
The online event took place within an immersive virtual reality rendering of Thunderbird's new global headquarters, opening August 2021. The ceremony was held in a digital version of the global forum, which will be a centerpiece of the state-of-the-art facility. The commencement speaker appeared as a holographic projection within the virtual building, which mirrors the real headquarters under construction now. Outstanding graduates also had a special aerial delivery of their award certificates, courtesy of the Dean's drone.
"The Coronavirus Pandemic has accelerated the adoption of transformative new technologies like the ones we're pioneering at Thunderbird that help us stay healthy while connecting us so we can still learn and celebrate together," said Director General and Dean, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram.
"In keeping with our commitment to impactful and inclusive innovation when others retreat, we're harnessing these powerful tools not only to adapt to the challenging circumstances of this historic health crisis, but also to be a vanguard in business, leadership, and management education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution going forward. As the most global and digital leadership, management and business academy in the world, we're proud to celebrate our 2020 graduates and their families in a way that transcends limitations and highlights the future-ready skills and experience they gained at Thunderbird. Next, we look forward to welcoming our fall 2021 class to the most cutting-edge educational facility anywhere," Khagram said.
About Thunderbird School of Global Management
Thunderbird School of Global Management is a unit of the Arizona State University Enterprise. For 75 years, Thunderbird has been the vanguard of global management and leadership education, creating inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide by educating future-ready global leaders capable of tackling the world's greatest challenges. Thunderbird's Master of Global Management was ranked #1 in the world for 2019 by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. ASU is ranked No. 1 "Most Innovative School" in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for six years in succession.
About ASU
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence, and, impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
CONTACT:
Jonathan Ward – Thunderbird Media Relations
Jonathan.Ward@thunderbird.asu.edu
+1 480.490.9773


tass--2020-12-15--North Korea buys Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine, starts vaccination - report

TOKYO , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea has purchased Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and Chinese diagnostic equipment , including thermographs , Japan ’ s Asahi newspaper reported on Tuesday .
The price tag of the contract and the volume of the vaccine 's batch are unknown .
Some members of the ruling Workers ' Party of Korea were given the jab , the newspaper reported , citing sources in South Korean intelligence and Chinese business circles engaged in trade relations with North Korea .
There is no data on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most likely , this will happen once the vaccine ’ s full safety is confirmed .
As for thermographs , they were installed on the border between China and North Korea with the goal of gradually resuming economic activity between the two countries .
According to official data , no cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been recorded in North Korea .
Since late January , the North Korean authorities have introduced urgent measures on preventing the spread of the disease , including closing borders , shutting down schools and imposing a @ @ @

TOKYO, December 15. /TASS/. North Korea has purchased Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and Chinese diagnostic equipment, including thermographs, Japan’s Asahi newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The price tag of the contract and the volume of the vaccine's batch are unknown. Some members of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea were given the jab, the newspaper reported, citing sources in South Korean intelligence and Chinese business circles engaged in trade relations with North Korea.
There is no data on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been inoculated with the vaccine. Most likely, this will happen once the vaccine’s full safety is confirmed.
As for thermographs, they were installed on the border between China and North Korea with the goal of gradually resuming economic activity between the two countries.
According to official data, no cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been recorded in North Korea. Since late January, the North Korean authorities have introduced urgent measures on preventing the spread of the disease, including closing borders, shutting down schools and imposing a nationwide lockdown.


tass--2020-12-15--Highest COVID-19 incidence among industrial workers, top sanitary doctor says

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The highest indicators of the coronavirus incidence over the past two weeks have @ @ @ @ @ industrial enterprises , Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` Over the past two weeks we have been noting the highest @ @ @ @ @ workers of the industrial enterprises .
Of course , this is an issue of additional @ @ @ @ @ process precisely at those enterprises , '' she said at a session of the presidium @ @ @ @ @ to control the coronavirus incidence in the Russian Federation .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The highest indicators of the coronavirus incidence over the past two weeks have been recorded among workers of industrial enterprises, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova reported on Tuesday.
"Over the past two weeks we have been noting the highest indicators of incidence among the workers of the industrial enterprises. Of course, this is an issue of additional effort to organize safe working process precisely at those enterprises," she said at a session of the presidium of the state coordination council to control the coronavirus incidence in the Russian Federation.


tass--2020-12-15--Nearly 300 FSB employees have received threats recently, says Russian MP

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Dmitry Vyatkin , a Russian lawmaker who authored a bill on restricting access to personal data of Russian law enforcement officers and judges , informed that recently , nearly 300 employees of the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) and their families have received threats .
`` Just by way of an example , so that we can understand : only recently , real threats have been identified against nearly 300 employees of the Federal Security Service .
The threats also target their family members , '' he said during a plenary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower house of parliament ) on Tuesday .
On Tuesday , the Russian State Duma approved the first reading of the bill on a possible ban on providing personal data ( property status included ) of judges , prosecutors , employees of the Investigative Committee , the FSB and certain categories of military officers even without a direct threat to their safety .
The authors of the bill note that currently , this measure can be applied only if there is a threat to the employees ’ life or health .
Lawmakers point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement and military officers is often published unlawfully , which `` negatively impacts the implementation of their duties . ''

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Dmitry Vyatkin, a Russian lawmaker who authored a bill on restricting access to personal data of Russian law enforcement officers and judges, informed that recently, nearly 300 employees of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and their families have received threats.
"Just by way of an example, so that we can understand: only recently, real threats have been identified against nearly 300 employees of the Federal Security Service. The threats also target their family members," he said during a plenary session of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Russian State Duma approved the first reading of the bill on a possible ban on providing personal data (property status included) of judges, prosecutors, employees of the Investigative Committee, the FSB and certain categories of military officers even without a direct threat to their safety. The authors of the bill note that currently, this measure can be applied only if there is a threat to the employees’ life or health.
Lawmakers point out that information about private lives of law enforcement and military officers is often published unlawfully, which "negatively impacts the implementation of their duties."


tass--2020-12-15--Experts believe gas supplies via Nord Stream 2 may start in 2021

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
By mid-2021 , Gazprom may complete construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and begin the first gas deliveries through the new pipeline by the end of the year , according to experts interviewed by TASS .
Last Friday , the Russian barge `` Fortuna '' began laying a 2.6 km section of the pipeline in the exclusive economic zone of Germany in waters at a depth of less than 30 meters .
It is planned to complete work on this section by the end of the year .
Then the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 will begin in the territorial waters of Denmark .
`` The speed ( of construction ’ s completion - TASS ) will depend on the technical capability of the vessels , which is still difficult to assess .
Factors of weather conditions and logistic nuances also play a role .
In theory , completion of construction by the end of the first quarter looks like a realistic goal , '' department at Fitch Dmitry Marinchenko said .
It is possible that the construction of the remaining section may take up to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy Institute Sergey Pravosudov believes .
The construction deadlines may be influenced by storms typical for the Baltic Sea in winter , and the lack of experience in implementing large infrastructure projects by Russian ships , analysts said .
`` Earlier , very powerful ships were involved in the project , and these were originally designed for small projects .
That is , Akademik Cherskiy ( the vessel was named as one of the possible completers for Nord Stream 2 - TASS ) was purchased to build small gas pipelines from fields on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not designed for global projects , '' Pravosudov noted .
According to him , Russian gas supplies via Nord Stream 2 will begin closer to Q4 of 2021 , after pipeline tests are completed .
Fitch 's Marinchenko also noted it is likely that the pipeline will be commissioned next year .
DPA International , citing a high-ranking official in the Donald Trump administration , said on Friday that gas via Nord Stream 2 `` will never be transported . ''
Meanwhile , analysts told TASS that the demand for Russian gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And given the EU 's commitment to abandoning coal and nuclear power and plans to switch to hydrogen energy , the demand for Russian gas may grow in the future .
`` In the next , relatively speaking , 20-30 years , everything will be fine with gas , and supplies will at least not decrease , most likely even increase .
Therefore , the Nord Stream 2 project will be quite cost-effective and will work , '' Pravosudov added .
At the same time , after the commissioning of the Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission system will also be used to supply Russian gas to Europe in months of high demand , for example , in winter , experts believe .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. By mid-2021, Gazprom may complete construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and begin the first gas deliveries through the new pipeline by the end of the year, according to experts interviewed by TASS.
Last Friday, the Russian barge "Fortuna" began laying a 2.6 km section of the pipeline in the exclusive economic zone of Germany in waters at a depth of less than 30 meters. It is planned to complete work on this section by the end of the year. Then the construction of the last section of Nord Stream 2 will begin in the territorial waters of Denmark.
"The speed (of construction’s completion - TASS) will depend on the technical capability of the vessels, which is still difficult to assess. Factors of weather conditions and logistic nuances also play a role. In theory, completion of construction by the end of the first quarter looks like a realistic goal," department at Fitch Dmitry Marinchenko said.
It is possible that the construction of the remaining section may take up to six months, Director General of the National Energy Institute Sergey Pravosudov believes. The construction deadlines may be influenced by storms typical for the Baltic Sea in winter, and the lack of experience in implementing large infrastructure projects by Russian ships, analysts said.
"Earlier, very powerful ships were involved in the project, and these were originally designed for small projects. That is, Akademik Cherskiy (the vessel was named as one of the possible completers for Nord Stream 2 - TASS) was purchased to build small gas pipelines from fields on the shelf to the coast, it was not designed for global projects," Pravosudov noted.
According to him, Russian gas supplies via Nord Stream 2 will begin closer to Q4 of 2021, after pipeline tests are completed. Fitch's Marinchenko also noted it is likely that the pipeline will be commissioned next year.
DPA International, citing a high-ranking official in the Donald Trump administration, said on Friday that gas via Nord Stream 2 "will never be transported."
Meanwhile, analysts told TASS that the demand for Russian gas in Europe will persist for several decades. And given the EU's commitment to abandoning coal and nuclear power and plans to switch to hydrogen energy, the demand for Russian gas may grow in the future.
"In the next, relatively speaking, 20-30 years, everything will be fine with gas, and supplies will at least not decrease, most likely even increase. Therefore, the Nord Stream 2 project will be quite cost-effective and will work," Pravosudov added.
At the same time, after the commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline the Ukrainian gas transmission system will also be used to supply Russian gas to Europe in months of high demand, for example, in winter, experts believe.


tass--2020-12-15--Pandemic impacted activities of nearly 90% of Russian enterprises, says business ombudsman

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic has hit the activities of almost 90 % of private @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs ’ Rights Boris Titov told a conference on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ hit almost 87 % of entrepreneurs through financial , organizational or other issues , '' @ @ @ @ @ the figure is based on sociological calculations made by his office in the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ of all businesses `` have lost up to 80 % of revenue , and only @ @ @ @ @ , '' Titov said .
`` As of today , a large number of entrepreneurs @ @ @ @ @ , which is declining compared with the third quarter , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the activities of almost 90% of private enterprises in Russia, Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights Boris Titov told a conference on Tuesday.
"The pandemic has hit almost 87% of entrepreneurs through financial, organizational or other issues," he said, adding that the figure is based on sociological calculations made by his office in the country’s regions.
One fifth of all businesses "have lost up to 80% of revenue, and only 13% are developing stably," Titov said.
"As of today, a large number of entrepreneurs still complain about the demand, which is declining compared with the third quarter," he added.


tass--2020-12-15--TI Fluid Systems of Vehicles With Thermal Coolant Fluid Carrying Systems

AUBURN HILLS , Mich. , Dec. 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ TI Fluid Systems ( LSE : TIFS ) , a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology , announced today that it will provide thermal coolant fluid carrying loops for a large family of Hyundai , Kia and Genesis brand vehicles , starting with the NE EV , a new battery electric compact crossover based on the futuristic `` 45 '' concept vehicle .
Starting in January , coolant fluid carrying systems will be supplied by TI Fluid Systems across eight different Hyundai battery electric vehicle platforms , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluid carrying products apply our innovative approach for light weight and optimized engineered polymer lines produced from nearly 100 % nylon material along with quick connectors that are molded , formed and assembled in various diameter sizes for the battery and motor drive thermal management .
`` We are proud to contribute our nylon and other expertise and experience in fluid and thermal management systems to this exciting evolution of battery electric vehicles , '' commented Bill Kozyra , President and CEO of TI Fluid Systems .
`` We have enjoyed a tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look forward to supporting these unique global BEV platforms as they expand in the various regional markets . ''
Hyundai plans to expand their BEV lineup to 25 vehicles by 2025 , the first of which is launching in January 2021 .
TI Fluid Systems will be providing the brake line bundles for the new BEV models as well as the fuel tank assemblies and fuel lines for several current Hyundai hybrid EV models .
TI Fluid Systems has been a longtime supplier to Hyundai , providing brake and fuel systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems and thermal management systems to more than 50 different Hyundai vehicle lines worldwide .
About TI Fluid Systems TI Fluid Systems is a leading global manufacturer of fluid storage , carrying and delivery systems primarily for the light duty automotive market .
With nearly 100 years of automotive fluid systems experience , TI Fluid Systems has manufacturing facilities in 108 locations across 28 countries serving all major global OEMs .

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ TI Fluid Systems (LSE: TIFS), a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology, announced today that it will provide thermal coolant fluid carrying loops for a large family of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brand vehicles, starting with the NE EV, a new battery electric compact crossover based on the futuristic "45" concept vehicle.
Starting in January, coolant fluid carrying systems will be supplied by TI Fluid Systems across eight different Hyundai battery electric vehicle platforms, all produced in South Korea. The new fluid carrying products apply our innovative approach for light weight and optimized engineered polymer lines produced from nearly 100% nylon material along with quick connectors that are molded, formed and assembled in various diameter sizes for the battery and motor drive thermal management.
"We are proud to contribute our nylon and other expertise and experience in fluid and thermal management systems to this exciting evolution of battery electric vehicles," commented Bill Kozyra, President and CEO of TI Fluid Systems. "We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with Hyundai for many years and we look forward to supporting these unique global BEV platforms as they expand in the various regional markets."
Hyundai plans to expand their BEV lineup to 25 vehicles by 2025, the first of which is launching in January 2021. TI Fluid Systems will be providing the brake line bundles for the new BEV models as well as the fuel tank assemblies and fuel lines for several current Hyundai hybrid EV models.
TI Fluid Systems has been a longtime supplier to Hyundai, providing brake and fuel systems, fuel tank and delivery systems, powertrain systems and thermal management systems to more than 50 different Hyundai vehicle lines worldwide.
About TI Fluid Systems
TI Fluid Systems is a leading global manufacturer of fluid storage, carrying and delivery systems primarily for the light duty automotive market. With nearly 100 years of automotive fluid systems experience, TI Fluid Systems has manufacturing facilities in 108 locations across 28 countries serving all major global OEMs.
CONTACT: Domenic Milicia, Chief HR & Communications Officer, dmilicia@tifs.com, +1-248-296-8400


tass--2020-12-15--Russia-China deal on notifying of missile launches shows mutual trust, Moscow says

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The prolongation of the Russia-China intergovernmental agreement on notifying of ballistic missile and space rocket launches for 10 years shows that the relations between both states are based on trust , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday .
China to become NATO ’ s second main enemy after Russia in next 10 years , report says '' In the years the agreement has been active , it has proven to be efficient , facilitating further strengthening of mutual trust and ensuring that the relations between the Russian Federation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become more open , '' the ministry stressed .
`` A protocol was signed to prolong the agreement for a new ten-year period .
This shows the trusting nature of Russian-Chinese relations and helps maintain global security and stability , '' the ministry stated .
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the agreement ’ s goal was to establish a mechanism of mutual notification of ballistic and space rocket launches in order to avoid misunderstandings and unexpected incidents .
Earlier , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Chinese colleague Wei Fenghe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The prolongation of the Russia-China intergovernmental agreement on notifying of ballistic missile and space rocket launches for 10 years shows that the relations between both states are based on trust, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
China to become NATO’s second main enemy after Russia in next 10 years, report says
"In the years the agreement has been active, it has proven to be efficient, facilitating further strengthening of mutual trust and ensuring that the relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China have become more open," the ministry stressed.
"A protocol was signed to prolong the agreement for a new ten-year period. This shows the trusting nature of Russian-Chinese relations and helps maintain global security and stability," the ministry stated.
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the agreement’s goal was to establish a mechanism of mutual notification of ballistic and space rocket launches in order to avoid misunderstandings and unexpected incidents.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Chinese colleague Wei Fenghe signed the agreement’s extension protocol.


tass--2020-12-15--Russian lower house introduces fines of up to $2,000 for public officials insulting people

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) has adopted a @ @ @ @ @ of up to 150,000 rubles ( $ 2,000 ) for insulting citizens by public officials @ @ @ @ @ reading .
The bill also equates insults on the Internet to public ones and introduces @ @ @ @ @ for legal entities .
The bill was introduced back in early May .
According to @ @ @ @ @ made by a state or municipal public official linked to their work responsibilities is punishable @ @ @ @ @ between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles ( $ 680- $ 1360 ) or a removal from @ @ @ @ @ year .
A repeated offence will see the perpetrator fined between 100,000 and 150,000 rubles @ @ @ @ @ ) or a ban of up to two years .
Moreover , fines for insults @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .
In addition , Internet insults are now equated with public offences , @ @ @ @ @ , while legal entities can now be punished for defamation .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) has adopted a bill to introduce administrative fines of up to 150,000 rubles ($2,000) for insulting citizens by public officials in its second and main reading. The bill also equates insults on the Internet to public ones and introduces a hefty fine for defamation for legal entities.
The bill was introduced back in early May. According to the text, an insult made by a state or municipal public official linked to their work responsibilities is punishable by an administrative fine of between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles ($680-$1360) or a removal from office of up to one year. A repeated offence will see the perpetrator fined between 100,000 and 150,000 rubles ($1360-$2000) or a ban of up to two years.
Moreover, fines for insults in general rise as well in Russia. In addition, Internet insults are now equated with public offences, particularly those in the media, while legal entities can now be punished for defamation.


tass--2020-12-15--Vaccination against coronavirus begins in all of Russia’s regions

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Vaccination against the novel coronavirus has begun in all regions of Russia , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday .
`` The vaccine has been delivered to all regions of Russia .
Vaccination has begun .
Before that we carried out test supplies to see how the logistic chains work .
All regions are ready to get the vaccine and start using it , '' Murashko told the presidium of the government ’ s coordination council for struggle against the coronavirus on Tuesday .
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier set the task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the vaccination must be voluntary and free of charge .
In the first place it must be available to school teachers , medics and social workers .
Mishustin said that 480,000 doses of the vaccine are to be distributed among Russian regions in December .
According to the latest statistics , over 72.9 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,707,945 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,149,610 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data indicates 47,968 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Vaccination against the novel coronavirus has begun in all regions of Russia, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday.
"The vaccine has been delivered to all regions of Russia. Vaccination has begun. Before that we carried out test supplies to see how the logistic chains work. All regions are ready to get the vaccine and start using it," Murashko told the presidium of the government’s coordination council for struggle against the coronavirus on Tuesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier set the task of holding vaccination across the nation. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the vaccination must be voluntary and free of charge. In the first place it must be available to school teachers, medics and social workers. Mishustin said that 480,000 doses of the vaccine are to be distributed among Russian regions in December.
According to the latest statistics, over 72.9 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 2,707,945 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,149,610 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 47,968 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-15--UN, Russia deliver food aid to rural school students in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The UN World Food Programme ( WFP ) has sent a food shipment to Tajikistan as part of the school meal project financed by Russia .
The ceremony of official delivery of 180 tonnes of vegetable oil attended by WFP representatives , the Russian embassy to Tajikistan and the Tajik education ministry took place on Tuesday , the Russian diplomatic mission told TASS .
According to the embassy , the WFP delivered 180 tonnes of vegetable oil to the country , while 123 more tonnes will be received in Tajikistan before the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was financed by Russia , as Moscow allocated $ 5 million to boost Tajikistan ’ s food security in 2020 in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the WFP and the Russian Emergency Ministry , '' the press service reported .
The diplomatic mission underlined that this food shipment is part of the WFP school feeding programme which covers more than 500,000 schoolchildren in grades 1 to 4 of 2,000 schools working in 52 rural districts of Tajikistan .
Earlier , the country already received 3,000 tonnes of vitaminized flour as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to Tajikistan Igor Lyakin-Frolov spoke at the ceremony to laud this delivery as an example of friendly and partner-like relations which emerged between Russia and Tajikistan in many years of cooperation .
According to him , Russia is the biggest donor in implementing projects of international organizations and specialized UN agencies in Tajikistan , which cover issues of food security , education , business , situation with women and many others .
`` Deliveries continue , we expect that more than 300 tonnes of vegetable sunflower oil will be supplied to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year , '' the diplomat clarified .
The envoy added that Russia had sent $ 82.5 million between 2005 and 2020 through the WFP to support those who need food in Tajikistan .
The WFP school feeding programme is the largest WFP project in Tajikistan which envisions supplies of food to Tajik schools and facilitates technical modernization of the school meal system , particularly envisioning construction and renovation of school canteens , bakeries and greenhouses .
Since 2012 , Russia allocated more than $ 28 million to these ends .

DUSHANBE, December 15. /TASS/. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has sent a food shipment to Tajikistan as part of the school meal project financed by Russia. The ceremony of official delivery of 180 tonnes of vegetable oil attended by WFP representatives, the Russian embassy to Tajikistan and the Tajik education ministry took place on Tuesday, the Russian diplomatic mission told TASS.
According to the embassy, the WFP delivered 180 tonnes of vegetable oil to the country, while 123 more tonnes will be received in Tajikistan before the end of 2020. "This humanitarian shipment was financed by Russia, as Moscow allocated $5 million to boost Tajikistan’s food security in 2020 in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the WFP and the Russian Emergency Ministry," the press service reported. The diplomatic mission underlined that this food shipment is part of the WFP school feeding programme which covers more than 500,000 schoolchildren in grades 1 to 4 of 2,000 schools working in 52 rural districts of Tajikistan. Earlier, the country already received 3,000 tonnes of vitaminized flour as part of the programme.
Russia’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Igor Lyakin-Frolov spoke at the ceremony to laud this delivery as an example of friendly and partner-like relations which emerged between Russia and Tajikistan in many years of cooperation. According to him, Russia is the biggest donor in implementing projects of international organizations and specialized UN agencies in Tajikistan, which cover issues of food security, education, business, situation with women and many others. "Deliveries continue, we expect that more than 300 tonnes of vegetable sunflower oil will be supplied to the country in total before the end of the year," the diplomat clarified. The envoy added that Russia had sent $82.5 million between 2005 and 2020 through the WFP to support those who need food in Tajikistan.
The WFP school feeding programme is the largest WFP project in Tajikistan which envisions supplies of food to Tajik schools and facilitates technical modernization of the school meal system, particularly envisioning construction and renovation of school canteens, bakeries and greenhouses. Since 2012, Russia allocated more than $28 million to these ends.


tass--2020-12-15--MC-21-310 airplane with Russian engines makes first flight

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The MC-21-310 passenger jet fitted with Russian engines PD-14 has completed the first @ @ @ @ @ of Rostec corporation said on Tuesday .
`` The maiden flight of the MC-21-300 airplane @ @ @ @ @ PD-14 was made on December 15 , 2020 at the aerodrome of the Irkutsk Aviation @ @ @ @ @ .
Engine operating modes , aircraft stability and sensitivity and functioning of all airplane systems @ @ @ @ @ .
The MC-21 is the medium-range passenger jet .
The base aircraft version with US @ @ @ @ @ MC-21-300 .
Aircraft customers are anticipated to select the engine for flight operation .
Versions @ @ @ @ @ 132 to 165 seats and up to 250 seats are also expected to be produced @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The MC-21-310 passenger jet fitted with Russian engines PD-14 has completed the first flight, the press service of Rostec corporation said on Tuesday.
"The maiden flight of the MC-21-300 airplane fitted with new Russian engines PD-14 was made on December 15, 2020 at the aerodrome of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant," Rostec said.
Engine operating modes, aircraft stability and sensitivity and functioning of all airplane systems were tested during the flight.
The MC-21 is the medium-range passenger jet. The base aircraft version with US engines PW1400 is known as MC-21-300. Aircraft customers are anticipated to select the engine for flight operation. Versions with the seating capacity from 132 to 165 seats and up to 250 seats are also expected to be produced in the future.


tass--2020-12-15--Moscow snaps into action with mammoth cleanup effort following overnight snowfall

MOSCOW , December 15./TASS/ .
Over 50,000 specialists assisted by 10,000 pieces of hardware are engaged in clean-up operations along @ @ @ @ @ after a snowfall drifted into the city last night , Deputy Moscow Mayor Pyotr Biryukov @ @ @ @ @ `` Over the past 24 hours , 6cm of snow fell in the city , @ @ @ @ @ , the overall [ volume ] for December has been 11cm , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ , efforts continue to clean [ city ] streets , sidewalks and courtyards .
Roofs @ @ @ @ @ .
The collected snow is transported to snow-melting stations , '' Biryukov said , adding @ @ @ @ @ and hardware was enough to deal with the situation .
Bridges , tunnels , embankments @ @ @ @ @ and descents , braking areas at public transport stops have been treated with de-icing chemicals @ @ @ @ @ paid to removing snow from pedestrian zones , sidewalks , approaches to public transport stops @ @ @ @ @ , social facilities and parking lots , Biryukov said .

MOSCOW, December 15./TASS/. Over 50,000 specialists assisted by 10,000 pieces of hardware are engaged in clean-up operations along Moscow’s city streets after a snowfall drifted into the city last night, Deputy Moscow Mayor Pyotr Biryukov told TASS on Tuesday.
"Over the past 24 hours, 6cm of snow fell in the city, yet according to the weathermen, the overall [volume] for December has been 11cm," he said. "At the moment, efforts continue to clean [city] streets, sidewalks and courtyards. Roofs are being cleared of snow. The collected snow is transported to snow-melting stations," Biryukov said, adding that the number of specialists and hardware was enough to deal with the situation.
Bridges, tunnels, embankments, overpasses, steep ascents and descents, braking areas at public transport stops have been treated with de-icing chemicals.
Specific attention is being paid to removing snow from pedestrian zones, sidewalks, approaches to public transport stops, subway and railway stations, social facilities and parking lots, Biryukov said.


tass--2020-12-15--IEA lowers forecast for oil demand growth in 2021 by 170,000 bpd to 5.7 mln bpd

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The International Energy Agency ( IEA ) has lowered its forecast for the @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 by 170,000 barrels per day to 5.7 million barrels per day , according @ @ @ @ @ December report received by TASS .
The agency attributes the revision of the forecast to @ @ @ @ @ fuel consumption .
`` This is mainly because of another downgrade for jet fuel/kerosene demand @ @ @ @ @ around 80 % of the overall 3.1 mb/d shortfall in consumption in 2021 versus 2019 @ @ @ @ @ .
However , in 2021 , demand for both gasoline and diesel is projected to @ @ @ @ @ their 2019 levels , the agency said .
The IAE also lowered forecast for oil @ @ @ @ @ day to 8.8 mln barrels per day .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has lowered its forecast for the growth of global oil demand in 2021 by 170,000 barrels per day to 5.7 million barrels per day, according to the agency’s December report received by TASS.
The agency attributes the revision of the forecast to a sharp drop in jet fuel consumption. "This is mainly because of another downgrade for jet fuel/kerosene demand, which will account for around 80% of the overall 3.1 mb/d shortfall in consumption in 2021 versus 2019," the agency said.
However, in 2021, demand for both gasoline and diesel is projected to return to 97-99% of their 2019 levels, the agency said. The IAE also lowered forecast for oil demand by 50,000 barrels per day to 8.8 mln barrels per day.


tass--2020-12-15--Nansha District of China: Ready for International Talents

GUANGZHOU , China , Dec. 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ The high-quality development of China 's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is attracting the world 's top talents to come .
As the geographic and geometric center of the Area , Nansha district , located in Guangzhou , has become a gathering place for talents , innovation and technology , providing growth pole and power source for global cooperation .
Here the establishment of a virtuous cycle and sustainable development for talent development environment has not only become the written policy , but also the consensus of all sectors of society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Talents Conference kicked off .
In the conference , 69 people were identified as high-end leading talents of Nansha District .
According to the introduction plan implemented by Nansha District , each of these talents can receive a minimum resettlement subsidy of RMB 2 million or a talent apartment of 100 square meters .
At the same time , Nansha officially released the `` 20 Measures for Gathering International Talents in Guangzhou Nansha New Area ( Free Trade Zone ) '' , focusing on the links of attracting , training , retaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-round and whole-chain support and guarantee through innovation and entrepreneurship support , resettlement subsidy and housing security .
During the event , 6,500 job postings were also released globally , including key enterprises and institutes such as The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ( Guangzhou ) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences .
A considerable number of positions have an annual salary ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 RMB .
Talent gathering and technological innovation are undergoing `` chemical reactions '' .
HKUST ( GZ ) is recruiting academic leaders and talents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the university 's planning office .
`` Nansha has created a good opportunity for us to attract talents .
The first batch of professors we have recruited have already enjoyed the '20 Measures for Gathering International Talents ' .
Five of them have received resettlement subsidy and housing security support , with resettlement subsidy up to 5 million yuan . ''
Lu Yixian , head of Nansha District said that by continually building a top science city , a first-class environment for business and international talents , and high-quality living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strong , and considerate pattern to promote creative talents around the global .
In recent years , Nansha has made continuous progress in promoting institutional innovation , scientific and technological innovation , industrial development and urban development , and the regional GDP has maintained double-digit growth for years .
In the first three quarters of this year , the regional GDP increased by 4.2 % year-on-year , and the total import and export value increased by 21.1 % .
17 new investment projects by fortune 500 companies were newly introduced , putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-quality development .
Excellent environment and efficient economic operation provide strong impetus for high-quality projects and talents to settle down here .
On the morning of December 14 , 13 talent teams from China , the United States , Canada , the United Kingdom and other countries participated in the roadshow of Nansha , on which projects covered artificial intelligence , biomedicine , new materials , high-end manufacturing and other fields are introduced .
Deng Honghao , founder and CEO of Butlr , an artificial intelligence and Internet of Things company , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roadshow that Nansha has gathered first-class innovative projects and investment institutions , and he looks forward to more in-depth communication with each other and enter the market of the Greater Bay Area .

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ The high-quality development of China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is attracting the world's top talents to come. As the geographic and geometric center of the Area, Nansha district, located in Guangzhou, has become a gathering place for talents, innovation and technology, providing growth pole and power source for global cooperation. Here the establishment of a virtuous cycle and sustainable development for talent development environment has not only become the written policy, but also the consensus of all sectors of society.
On December 14, 2020 Nansha International Talents Conference kicked off. In the conference, 69 people were identified as high-end leading talents of Nansha District. According to the introduction plan implemented by Nansha District, each of these talents can receive a minimum resettlement subsidy of RMB 2 million or a talent apartment of 100 square meters.
At the same time, Nansha officially released the "20 Measures for Gathering International Talents in Guangzhou Nansha New Area (Free Trade Zone)", focusing on the links of attracting, training, retaining, and utilizing international talents, providing all-round and whole-chain support and guarantee through innovation and entrepreneurship support, resettlement subsidy and housing security. During the event, 6,500 job postings were also released globally, including key enterprises and institutes such as The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A considerable number of positions have an annual salary ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 RMB.
Talent gathering and technological innovation are undergoing "chemical reactions". HKUST (GZ) is recruiting academic leaders and talents from around the world, according to the head of the university's planning office. "Nansha has created a good opportunity for us to attract talents. The first batch of professors we have recruited have already enjoyed the '20 Measures for Gathering International Talents'. Five of them have received resettlement subsidy and housing security support, with resettlement subsidy up to 5 million yuan."
Lu Yixian, head of Nansha District said that by continually building a top science city, a first-class environment for business and international talents, and high-quality living circle, Nansha is forming a comprehensive, strong, and considerate pattern to promote creative talents around the global.
In recent years, Nansha has made continuous progress in promoting institutional innovation, scientific and technological innovation, industrial development and urban development, and the regional GDP has maintained double-digit growth for years. In the first three quarters of this year, the regional GDP increased by 4.2% year-on-year, and the total import and export value increased by 21.1%. 17 new investment projects by fortune 500 companies were newly introduced, putting the region to the fast lane of high-quality development.
Excellent environment and efficient economic operation provide strong impetus for high-quality projects and talents to settle down here. On the morning of December 14, 13 talent teams from China, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries participated in the roadshow of Nansha, on which projects covered artificial intelligence, biomedicine, new materials, high-end manufacturing and other fields are introduced.
Deng Honghao, founder and CEO of Butlr, an artificial intelligence and Internet of Things company, said in an online Q&A on the roadshow that Nansha has gathered first-class innovative projects and investment institutions, and he looks forward to more in-depth communication with each other and enter the market of the Greater Bay Area.
CONTACT: Ms. Cui, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-12-15--Russian Navy frigate to test-fire weapon systems in Sea of Japan after upgrade

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Pacific Fleet ’ s modernized frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov has entered the Sea of Japan to test its missile and artillery armament , the press office of the Dalzavod Shipyard announced on Tuesday .
`` The frigate will practice drop tests from missile systems to check the strength of the reinforcement of launchers and ensure the weapons ’ secure storage aboard , '' the press office said in a statement .
During the shipbuilders ’ sea trials , missile firings against naval and coastal targets are planned along with anti-aircraft artillery fire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment will be tested along with the comprehensive tests of all communications systems , the statement says .
During its upgrade , the Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ship Marshal Shaposhnikov was converted into a multi-purpose frigate capable of fighting ground , naval and underwater targets .
The frigate received the latest Kalibr-NK and Uran strike missile systems and the most advanced artillery armament .
Its firepower increased several-fold compared to its original designation .
The large anti-submarine warfare ship Marshal Shaposhnikov was laid down at the Yantar Shipyard in the Kaliningrad Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the final stage of its heavy upgrade at the Dalzavod Ship Repair Plant .
The project of such a scope is being implemented in Russia for the first time .
The service life of the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov will be extended by ten years .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The Pacific Fleet’s modernized frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov has entered the Sea of Japan to test its missile and artillery armament, the press office of the Dalzavod Shipyard announced on Tuesday.
"The frigate will practice drop tests from missile systems to check the strength of the reinforcement of launchers and ensure the weapons’ secure storage aboard," the press office said in a statement.
During the shipbuilders’ sea trials, missile firings against naval and coastal targets are planned along with anti-aircraft artillery fire to practice air defense tasks. Electronic countermeasures equipment will be tested along with the comprehensive tests of all communications systems, the statement says.
During its upgrade, the Project 1155 large anti-submarine warfare ship Marshal Shaposhnikov was converted into a multi-purpose frigate capable of fighting ground, naval and underwater targets. The frigate received the latest Kalibr-NK and Uran strike missile systems and the most advanced artillery armament. Its firepower increased several-fold compared to its original designation.
The large anti-submarine warfare ship Marshal Shaposhnikov was laid down at the Yantar Shipyard in the Kaliningrad Region in 1983. The warship is currently at the final stage of its heavy upgrade at the Dalzavod Ship Repair Plant. The project of such a scope is being implemented in Russia for the first time. The service life of the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov will be extended by ten years.


tass--2020-12-15--Crimea registers more than 300 coronavirus cases for five days in a row

SIMFEROPOL , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Another 345 COVID-19 cases were reported in Crimea ; the Russian region has @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections for the fifth day running , Crimea ’ s head Sergei Aksenov informed @ @ @ @ @ 14 , 345 cases of the coronavirus infection were registered in Crimea , including 41 @ @ @ @ @ the total number of infections , 277 were recorded when people sought medical care and @ @ @ @ @ of the previously infected cases , '' Aksenov wrote .
According to him , regional @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours .
Meanwhile , 14,763 patients recovered since the pandemic began , @ @ @ @ @ the virus and almost 400 have died .
On Tuesday , Crimea ’ s Simferopol @ @ @ @ @ workers .
The first batch of Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine ( 500 @ @ @ @ @ Crimea on December 8 .
Mass vaccination in the region will start in January , @ @ @

SIMFEROPOL, December 15. /TASS/. Another 345 COVID-19 cases were reported in Crimea; the Russian region has been identifying more than 300 coronavirus infections for the fifth day running, Crimea’s head Sergei Aksenov informed Tuesday.
"On December 14, 345 cases of the coronavirus infection were registered in Crimea, including 41 asymptomatic ones. Out of the total number of infections, 277 were recorded when people sought medical care and 68 more through tracing contacts of the previously infected cases," Aksenov wrote.
According to him, regional laboratories tested 909 people in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, 14,763 patients recovered since the pandemic began, around 20,000 people have contracted the virus and almost 400 have died.
On Tuesday, Crimea’s Simferopol launches coronavirus vaccination for health workers. The first batch of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine (500 doses) was received in Crimea on December 8. Mass vaccination in the region will start in January, Aksenov added.