tass--2020-11-17--More than 248,000 market entities registered on Hainan in January-October

HAIKOU , November 17 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new market entities registered on Hainan from January to October 2020 amounted to 248,700 , which is 25 % higher compared to the same period last year .
The total number of businesses and individual entrepreneurs on the island increased to 1.13 million last month , the Hainan Daily reported , citing the provincial market regulator .
According to the authorities , about 417,000 companies and about 715,000 individual entrepreneurs are registered on the island .
In the first ten months , the number of enterprises in Internet technologies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a particularly fast pace .
An increase in the growth rate of the number of market participants occurred after the publication of a general program for Hainan 's free port .
Thus , in June , 23,3000 new market entities were registered on the island , in July — 25 , 300 , in August — 27,000 , and in September — 38,300 .
Last month , 33,7000 new market participants were registered on the island .
The Hainan authorities believe that the world-class business climate in the province is very important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, November 17. /TASS/. The number of new market entities registered on Hainan from January to October 2020 amounted to 248,700, which is 25% higher compared to the same period last year. The total number of businesses and individual entrepreneurs on the island increased to 1.13 million last month, the Hainan Daily reported, citing the provincial market regulator.
According to the authorities, about 417,000 companies and about 715,000 individual entrepreneurs are registered on the island. In the first ten months, the number of enterprises in Internet technologies, modern financial services and medicine increased at a particularly fast pace.
An increase in the growth rate of the number of market participants occurred after the publication of a general program for Hainan's free port. Thus, in June, 23,3000 new market entities were registered on the island, in July — 25, 300, in August — 27,000, and in September — 38,300. Last month, 33,7000 new market participants were registered on the island.
The Hainan authorities believe that the world-class business climate in the province is very important, and they consistently create conditions for its development.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-11-17--Apstra's Software Release Accelerates the Speed and Reliability of How SONiC Networks

MENLO PARK , Calif. , Nov. 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Apstra , the pioneer of Intent-Based Networking ( IBN ) and multinational software company , has updated its industry-leading data center network automation , validation , and analytics software with significant SONiC ( Software for Open Networking in the Cloud ) operational and feature enhancements .
The software enhancements eliminate the deployment complexities and operational challenges that were barriers to entry for SONiC .
Apstra has continuously delivered on its SONiC commitment to dramatically increase the speed and reliability of how SONiC networks are deployed and operated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business needs .
Apstra integrates with SONiC , developed by Microsoft and the Open Compute Project ( OCP ) , to configure and automate for easy deployment and operation in your data center network .
Apstra and SONiC support protocols that are critical to the enterprise space .
Now , all enterprise customers will realize the significant benefits and efficiencies of open networking that the hyper-scale and web-scale companies have recognized for years .
The above enhancements enable advanced day 0-2 network automation to simplify data center network management dramatically — automating your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , troubleshooting , and security of SONiC deployments .
In doing so , Apstra further empowers enterprises to standardize on a consistent operational model across multiple hardware vendors and network operating systems , including SONiC , Juniper , Arista , Cisco , Cumulus , Dell , and VMware .
`` Apstra eliminates the barriers to entry and is a strategic enabler for enterprises deploying and operating SONiC.
, '' said Mansour Karam , Co-Founder , and President of Apstra .
`` Apstra 's software abstracts the switch OS complexity to present a consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including SONiC . ''
Additionally , the solution combines industry-leading hardware , automation , and analytics , enabling enterprise data center transformations while leveraging open networking to eliminate vendor lock-in .
Apstra is a strong advocate of network disaggregation and we are unwavering in our commitment to deliver automated , hardware-independent , turnkey infrastructure operations at scale .
Apstra 's integration with the latest version of SONiC expands the options for enterprises to deploy data center networks by removing hardware constraints and complexities .
`` This software release is the result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovation cycle to meet their needs , '' said Jeff Jones , Senior Vice President of Sales at Apstra .
`` It delivers our unparalleled Intent-based automation , validation , and analytics capabilities , that our customers are leveraging today in their Arista , Cisco , Cumulus .
Dell , Juniper , and VMware networks to SONIC . ''
Apstra empowers organizations to automate all SONiC network aspects , including designing , building , deploying , and operating phases .
The leading IBN solution leverages advanced intent-based analytics to continuously validate the network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outages resulting in a secure and resilient network .
To learn more about transforming your enterprise with Apstra , visit .
About Apstra , Inc Apstra® is a multinational software company delivering a unified solution to automate the architecture and operations of the data center network .
Apstra 's flagship product , AOS , empowers organizations to automate all aspects of designing , building , deploying , and operating their networks , enabling them to make changes to their networks quickly and reliably , while making efficient use of human capital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organizations using AOS have seen a more than 80 percent reduction in OpEx , 99 percent improvement in agility , and more than 70 percent improvements in reliability .
AOS uses Apstra 's advanced intent-based analytics to continually validate the network , thereby eliminating complexity , vulnerabilities , and outages resulting in a secure and resilient network .
Apstra , founded in 2014 by established and proven networking industry leaders David Cheriton , Mansour Karam , and Sasha Ratkovic , is headquartered in Menlo Park , California , with offices worldwide .

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Apstra, the pioneer of Intent-Based Networking (IBN) and multinational software company, has updated its industry-leading data center network automation, validation, and analytics software with significant SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) operational and feature enhancements. The software enhancements eliminate the deployment complexities and operational challenges that were barriers to entry for SONiC.
Apstra has continuously delivered on its SONiC commitment to dramatically increase the speed and reliability of how SONiC networks are deployed and operated in the data center to rapidly meet innovation and business needs. Apstra integrates with SONiC, developed by Microsoft and the Open Compute Project (OCP), to configure and automate for easy deployment and operation in your data center network.
Apstra and SONiC support protocols that are critical to the enterprise space. Now, all enterprise customers will realize the significant benefits and efficiencies of open networking that the hyper-scale and web-scale companies have recognized for years.
Apstra's latest software release includes:
Commercial single-vendor support for SONiC
Software enhancements focused on stability, scalability, and operations
Functionality enhancements including Data Center Interconnect , Top-of-Rack, and Spine feature parity with commercial network vendors
The above enhancements enable advanced day 0-2 network automation to simplify data center network management dramatically — automating your data center network's build, operations, troubleshooting, and security of SONiC deployments. In doing so, Apstra further empowers enterprises to standardize on a consistent operational model across multiple hardware vendors and network operating systems, including SONiC, Juniper, Arista, Cisco, Cumulus, Dell, and VMware.
"Apstra eliminates the barriers to entry and is a strategic enabler for enterprises deploying and operating SONiC.," said Mansour Karam, Co-Founder, and President of Apstra. "Apstra's software abstracts the switch OS complexity to present a consistent operational model across all switch OS options, including SONiC."
Additionally, the solution combines industry-leading hardware, automation, and analytics, enabling enterprise data center transformations while leveraging open networking to eliminate vendor lock-in. Apstra is a strong advocate of network disaggregation and we are unwavering in our commitment to deliver automated, hardware-independent, turnkey infrastructure operations at scale. Apstra's integration with the latest version of SONiC expands the options for enterprises to deploy data center networks by removing hardware constraints and complexities.
"This software release is the result of listening to our customers and aligning our innovation cycle to meet their needs," said Jeff Jones, Senior Vice President of Sales at Apstra. "It delivers our unparalleled Intent-based automation, validation, and analytics capabilities, that our customers are leveraging today in their Arista, Cisco, Cumulus. Dell, Juniper, and VMware networks to SONIC."
Apstra empowers organizations to automate all SONiC network aspects, including designing, building, deploying, and operating phases. The leading IBN solution leverages advanced intent-based analytics to continuously validate the network, thereby eliminating complexity, vulnerabilities, and outages resulting in a secure and resilient network. To learn more about transforming your enterprise with Apstra, visit https://apstra.com/ .
About Apstra, Inc
Apstra® is a multinational software company delivering a unified solution to automate the architecture and operations of the data center network. Apstra's flagship product, AOS, empowers organizations to automate all aspects of designing, building, deploying, and operating their networks, enabling them to make changes to their networks quickly and reliably, while making efficient use of human capital and ridding themselves of hardware vendor lock-in. Organizations using AOS have seen a more than 80 percent reduction in OpEx, 99 percent improvement in agility, and more than 70 percent improvements in reliability. AOS uses Apstra's advanced intent-based analytics to continually validate the network, thereby eliminating complexity, vulnerabilities, and outages resulting in a secure and resilient network.
Apstra, founded in 2014 by established and proven networking industry leaders David Cheriton, Mansour Karam, and Sasha Ratkovic, is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with offices worldwide.


tass--2020-11-17--Supermicro Delivers Industry-Leading Portfolio of Advanced HPC Platforms at SC20

SAN JOSE , Calif. , Nov. 17 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer , Inc. ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , a global leader in enterprise computing , storage , networking solutions , and green computing , brings the industry 's broadest selection of high-performance computing ( HPC ) systems to SuperComputing 2020 ( SC20 ) , in Supermicro 's virtual booth , from November 17-19 .
In addition to product demonstrations , Supermicro is also hosting several speaking sessions on recent HPC deployments from senior Supermicro representatives .
Supermicro offers an extensive range of leading-edge HPC systems optimized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power/cooling requirements to accelerate the deployment of complete field-proven HPC solutions .
`` Supermicro offers the most advanced HPC systems targeting computationally intensive applications for scientific research and discovery across a range of disciplines and Supermicro is actively innovating to provide customer solutions for these dynamic markets , '' said Charles Liang , president and CEO of Supermicro .
`` Our extensive portfolio supports our focus on Resource-Saving Architecture™ designed to help customers reduce power consumption and TCO , plus the ability to replace critical components and reuse many of the subassemblies for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minimize TCE ( Total Cost to the Environment ) . ''
• Advanced High-performance Computing Systems to Find Cure for COVID-19 – The Corona and Mammoth Clusters at Lawrence Livermore National Lab ( LLNL ) • Deploying Liquid-cooling supercomputer cluster at Scale in a Challenging Environment – The Ruby Cluster at Lawrence Livermore National Lab ( LLNL ) Supermicro provides advanced compute solutions including the latest SuperBlade® systems with one-socket , two-socket and four-socket blade servers supporting up to 280-watt processors , NVMe , 200G HDR InfiniBand switches , 25G/10G Ethernet switches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AC/DC power supplies , and Battery Backup ( BBP® ) , making them ideal for enterprise , cloud , and HPC applications .
Critical to HPC is the industry-leading density that SuperBlade provides ( 10 x 4-socket , or 20 x 1 or 2-socket blade servers ) , delivering up to 40 CPUs and 40 GPUs in 8U .
Supermicro offers the industry 's broadest selection of GPU servers optimized for AI , Deep Learning , and HPC workloads , including a full line of systems from 1U up to 10U that support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PCI-E GPUs in one node for SuperBlade in a single system .
Supermicro offers high-density 2U and 4U servers with interconnected 4-GPU and 8-GPU boards as well as 8 PCI-E based on the four- and eight-way boards .
With several GPUs now also available in PCIe form factor , customers can also expect a major performance boost across Supermicro 's extensive portfolio of multi-GPU servers including 1U Ultra , and BigTwin™ , and embedded systems supporting GPUs ; as well as GPU blade modules up to 2 GPUs per module for our 8U @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widest and deepest selection of GPU systems to power supercomputing applications .
Supermicro 's multi-node Twin family was designed to meet the density and shared power requirements of HPC environments .
Supermicro 's new BigTwin™ multi-node family delivers density , shared power , and full performance for HPC .
The BigTwin is a 2U four dual-processor node system with six NVMe drives per node .
This system is capable of supporting up to 280W processors .
Also , the H12 BigTwin family of servers is optimized to deliver a new level of integration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HPC applications are continuing to grow in complexity as they unlock new scientific insights .
HPC deployments , especially data-intensive projects , can yield sophisticated environmental challenges ( power and cooling ) .
Supermicro is featuring its expanded offering of liquid-cooled server solutions to address the power and cooling challenges for computationally intensive workloads in today 's HPC datacenters .
For complete information on HPC solutions from Supermicro , visit the HPC section of the website .
Supermicro ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , the leading innovator in high-performance , high-efficiency server @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Enterprise Data Center , Cloud Computing , Artificial Intelligence , and Edge Computing Systems worldwide .
Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its `` We Keep IT Green® '' initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient , environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market .
Supermicro , Server Building Block Solutions , and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .
Supermicro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a global leader in enterprise computing, storage, networking solutions, and green computing, brings the industry's broadest selection of high-performance computing (HPC) systems to SuperComputing 2020 (SC20), in Supermicro's virtual booth, from November 17-19. In addition to product demonstrations, Supermicro is also hosting several speaking sessions on recent HPC deployments from senior Supermicro representatives.
Supermicro offers an extensive range of leading-edge HPC systems optimized for specific software, storage, and power/cooling requirements to accelerate the deployment of complete field-proven HPC solutions.
"Supermicro offers the most advanced HPC systems targeting computationally intensive applications for scientific research and discovery across a range of disciplines and Supermicro is actively innovating to provide customer solutions for these dynamic markets," said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. "Our extensive portfolio supports our focus on Resource-Saving Architecture™ designed to help customers reduce power consumption and TCO, plus the ability to replace critical components and reuse many of the subassemblies for multiple refresh cycles to reduce IT waste and minimize TCE (Total Cost to the Environment)."
Supermicro Sessions at SC20:
Advanced High-performance Computing Systems to Find Cure for COVID-19 – The Corona and Mammoth Clusters at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Deploying Liquid-cooling supercomputer cluster at Scale in a Challenging Environment – The Ruby Cluster at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) Wednesday, November, 18, 2020, 12:45 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Supermicro provides advanced compute solutions including the latest SuperBlade® systems with one-socket, two-socket and four-socket blade servers supporting up to 280-watt processors, NVMe, 200G HDR InfiniBand switches, 25G/10G Ethernet switches, single or double-width GPUs, redundant AC/DC power supplies, and Battery Backup (BBP®), making them ideal for enterprise, cloud, and HPC applications. Critical to HPC is the industry-leading density that SuperBlade provides (10 x 4-socket, or 20 x 1 or 2-socket blade servers), delivering up to 40 CPUs and 40 GPUs in 8U.
Supermicro offers the industry's broadest selection of GPU servers optimized for AI, Deep Learning, and HPC workloads, including a full line of systems from 1U up to 10U that support up to 40 GPUs with two single-width PCI-E GPUs in one node for SuperBlade in a single system. Supermicro offers high-density 2U and 4U servers with interconnected 4-GPU and 8-GPU boards as well as 8 PCI-E based on the four- and eight-way boards. With several GPUs now also available in PCIe form factor, customers can also expect a major performance boost across Supermicro's extensive portfolio of multi-GPU servers including 1U Ultra, and BigTwin™, and embedded systems supporting GPUs; as well as GPU blade modules up to 2 GPUs per module for our 8U SuperBlade®. Supermicro offers the industry's widest and deepest selection of GPU systems to power supercomputing applications.
Supermicro's multi-node Twin family was designed to meet the density and shared power requirements of HPC environments. Supermicro's new BigTwin™ multi-node family delivers density, shared power, and full performance for HPC. The BigTwin is a 2U four dual-processor node system with six NVMe drives per node. This system is capable of supporting up to 280W processors. Also, the H12 BigTwin family of servers is optimized to deliver a new level of integration and superior performance for modern supercomputing clusters.
HPC applications are continuing to grow in complexity as they unlock new scientific insights. HPC deployments, especially data-intensive projects, can yield sophisticated environmental challenges (power and cooling). Supermicro is featuring its expanded offering of liquid-cooled server solutions to address the power and cooling challenges for computationally intensive workloads in today's HPC datacenters.
For complete information on HPC solutions from Supermicro, visit the HPC section of the website.
About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (Nasdaq: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server and storage technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Enterprise Data Center, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Edge Computing Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green®" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.
Supermicro, Server Building Block Solutions, and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Supermicro, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


tass--2020-11-19--Over 536,000 coronavirus cases registered over day globally - WHO

GENEVA , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world has exceeded 55.32 mln , an increase in 24 hours was more than 536,000 according to data published on Thursday night by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the number of deaths increased by more than 9,200 , exceeding 1.33 mln .
On November 18 , WHO received information about 55,326,907 cases and 1,333,742 deaths .
The number of cases increased by 536,224 , and deaths - by 9,220 .
The highest number in the incidence over a day was recorded on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics take into account only officially confirmed information on cases and deaths provided by states .
More than 45 % of cases reported to WHO over the past day are in the European Region ( 244,710 ) , North and South America are in the second place ( 195,663 ) , Southeast Asia - in the third place ( 47,152 ) .
The majority of the cases were registered in the United States - 11,085,184 , followed by India ( 8,912,907 ) , Brazil ( 5,876,464 ) , France ( 2,000,060 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,458,591 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,410,736 ) , Argentina ( 1,318,384 ) , Italy ( 1,238,072 ) , Colombia ( 1,205,217 ) , Mexico ( 1,009,396 ) , and Peru ( 938,268 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, November 19. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world has exceeded 55.32 mln, an increase in 24 hours was more than 536,000 according to data published on Thursday night by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths increased by more than 9,200, exceeding 1.33 mln.
On November 18, WHO received information about 55,326,907 cases and 1,333,742 deaths. The number of cases increased by 536,224, and deaths - by 9,220.
The highest number in the incidence over a day was recorded on November 14 with 670,785 cases. WHO statistics take into account only officially confirmed information on cases and deaths provided by states.
More than 45% of cases reported to WHO over the past day are in the European Region (244,710), North and South America are in the second place (195,663), Southeast Asia - in the third place (47,152).
The majority of the cases were registered in the United States - 11,085,184, followed by India (8,912,907), Brazil (5,876,464), France (2,000,060), Russia (1,991,998), Spain (1,458,591), the United Kingdom (1,410,736), Argentina (1,318,384), Italy (1,238,072), Colombia (1,205,217), Mexico (1,009,396), and Peru (938,268).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-19--China counts on Russia in fight against world hegemony - Chinese Foreign Minister

BEIJING , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi , during a telephone conversation with his Russian @ @ @ @ @ the desire of the Chinese authorities to join forces with Russia to fight global hegemony @ @ @ @ @ individual countries , the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday .
According to the statement @ @ @ @ @ to continue interaction with Russia at a high level to promote the Sino-Russian comprehensive partnership @ @ @ @ @ jointly oppose one-sided policies , protectionism and hegemonies of individual countries that deal a blow @ @ @ @ @ international order , the statement said According to the Chinese Minister , Beijing is interested @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , in close coordination of positions on important issues .
He noted that China @ @ @ @ @ strong partnerships with Russia to combat the pandemic and restore the global economy .

BEIJING, November 19. /TASS/. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, announced the desire of the Chinese authorities to join forces with Russia to fight global hegemony and the growing protectionism of individual countries, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Chinese side intends to continue interaction with Russia at a high level to promote the Sino-Russian comprehensive partnership. China is ready to jointly oppose one-sided policies, protectionism and hegemonies of individual countries that deal a blow to international relations and the international order, the statement said
According to the Chinese Minister, Beijing is interested in strengthening political dialogue with Moscow, in close coordination of positions on important issues. He noted that China intends to take advantage of strong partnerships with Russia to combat the pandemic and restore the global economy.


tass--2020-11-19--ACRA expects ruble to strengthen by 4-15% until 2024

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Analytical Credit Rating Agency ( ACRA ) expects the ruble to strengthen against the dollar by 4-15 % before 2024 , the agency said in its macro forecast .
In all three forecast scenarios in the medium term , the ruble is strengthening in comparison with the exchange rate levels of mid-November 2020 ( by 4-15 % ) , the report said .
Thus , this year the agency forecasts the rate of the Russian currency at 72.6 rubles per dollar , in 2024 the ruble exchange rate could be 62.4-69.7 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be possible thanks to a gradual recovery in demand for basic goods exported by Russian producers , as well as a decrease in the external assessment of the risk of investments in assets in developing countries .
The agency also expects growth of the recovery rate of economic activity in 2021-2022 in the baseline scenario .
GDP in real terms , according to the agency , could grow by more than 3.5 % in 2021 due to less stringent restrictions imposed during the new wave of COVID-19 , which leads to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline in which explains 60-70 % of the total decline in business activity in 2020 .
The calculation based on the selected assumptions shows that a return to the pre-crisis level of economic activity can happen in 2022-2023 .
After 2023 , the potential for economic growth for several years will be close to 2 % or even slightly exceed this level due to the additional contribution of the labor force , the agency noted .
The key difference between the dynamics of the current crisis and the previous ones is the severity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , the decline in the volume of purchases by the population , caused by regulatory restrictions , and not by economic incentives , led to the fastest reduction in retail trade and the volume of services provided to the population in the history of Russian crises .
Therefore , despite the more stable industrial production and construction by historical standards , business activity as a whole has also declined at a record pace , the report said .
Comparison of the main macroeconomic indicators in the current year and in the crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that certain markets in Russia , in particular the foreign exchange , are now experiencing less pressure .
Unlike the crisis of 2014-2015 , in the baseline scenario the agency sees the possibility of almost complete adjustment of business and population to new conditions during 2020-2022 to a state in which labor productivity will be very close to the pre-crisis already in 2023 .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. The Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) expects the ruble to strengthen against the dollar by 4-15% before 2024, the agency said in its macro forecast.
In all three forecast scenarios in the medium term, the ruble is strengthening in comparison with the exchange rate levels of mid-November 2020 (by 4-15%), the report said.
Thus, this year the agency forecasts the rate of the Russian currency at 72.6 rubles per dollar, in 2024 the ruble exchange rate could be 62.4-69.7 per dollar.
The strengthening of the ruble will be possible thanks to a gradual recovery in demand for basic goods exported by Russian producers, as well as a decrease in the external assessment of the risk of investments in assets in developing countries.
The agency also expects growth of the recovery rate of economic activity in 2021-2022 in the baseline scenario. GDP in real terms, according to the agency, could grow by more than 3.5% in 2021 due to less stringent restrictions imposed during the new wave of COVID-19, which leads to the growth of the service sector, the decline in which explains 60-70% of the total decline in business activity in 2020.
The calculation based on the selected assumptions shows that a return to the pre-crisis level of economic activity can happen in 2022-2023.
Potential after 2023
After 2023, the potential for economic growth for several years will be close to 2% or even slightly exceed this level due to the additional contribution of the labor force, the agency noted.
The key difference between the dynamics of the current crisis and the previous ones is the severity of the recession. At the first stage, the decline in the volume of purchases by the population, caused by regulatory restrictions, and not by economic incentives, led to the fastest reduction in retail trade and the volume of services provided to the population in the history of Russian crises. Therefore, despite the more stable industrial production and construction by historical standards, business activity as a whole has also declined at a record pace, the report said.
Comparison of the main macroeconomic indicators in the current year and in the crises of 1998, 2008-2009 and 2014-2015 shows that certain markets in Russia, in particular the foreign exchange, are now experiencing less pressure. Unlike the crisis of 2014-2015, in the baseline scenario the agency sees the possibility of almost complete adjustment of business and population to new conditions during 2020-2022 to a state in which labor productivity will be very close to the pre-crisis already in 2023.


tass--2020-11-19--US coronavirus-related deaths hit highest figure in six months

NEW YORK , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The daily death rate from coronavirus has reached a six-month high in the United States , according to data published on Wednesday by Johns Hopkins University , which uses information from international organizations , federal and local authorities .
According to the report , 1,707 people died in the United States on Tuesday due to coronavirus .
This is the highest data for the period from May 14 this year .
The higher figure was set in mid-April , when more than 2,600 Americans fell victims to the pandemic over a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases has accelerated in the United States over the past week by 29 % , CNN cited experts at Johns Hopkins University .
At the same time , in 47 out of 50 American states , the incidence increased by at least 10 % .
The most severe epidemiological situation is in the states of the Midwest , including Ohio , Indiana , Iowa , Nebraska , Wyoming , as well as North and South Dakota .
In general , according to Johns Hopkins University , more than 11.4 mln coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , 249,477 people have died .
The country ranks first in the world for both indicators .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic @

NEW YORK, November 19. /TASS/. The daily death rate from coronavirus has reached a six-month high in the United States, according to data published on Wednesday by Johns Hopkins University, which uses information from international organizations, federal and local authorities.
According to the report, 1,707 people died in the United States on Tuesday due to coronavirus. This is the highest data for the period from May 14 this year. The higher figure was set in mid-April, when more than 2,600 Americans fell victims to the pandemic over a day.
The daily increase in the number of coronavirus cases has accelerated in the United States over the past week by 29%, CNN cited experts at Johns Hopkins University. At the same time, in 47 out of 50 American states, the incidence increased by at least 10%. The most severe epidemiological situation is in the states of the Midwest, including Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, as well as North and South Dakota.
In general, according to Johns Hopkins University, more than 11.4 mln coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, 249,477 people have died. The country ranks first in the world for both indicators.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-18--Another 936 people return to Stepanakert escorted by Russian peacekeepers - ministry

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Another bus column with 936 refugees onboard has arrived to Stepanakert escorted by Russian peacekeepers , the Russian Defense Ministry reported Wednesday .
`` On November 18 , 2020 , 936 more refugees returned to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia , as 23 buses travelled from Yerevan to Stepanakert ’ s main square escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police , '' the agency said .
The Russian inter-agency humanitarian response center is overseeing the refugees ’ security as they return to the disputed region and travel across the line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says more than 2,600 people who earlier fled their homes have returned to Stepanakert since November 14 .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and 1,960 Russian peacekeepers would be deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .
The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh will mainly comprise units of the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command has been deployed in the area of Stepanakert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ round-the-clock .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Another bus column with 936 refugees onboard has arrived to Stepanakert escorted by Russian peacekeepers, the Russian Defense Ministry reported Wednesday.
"On November 18, 2020, 936 more refugees returned to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia, as 23 buses travelled from Yerevan to Stepanakert’s main square escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police," the agency said.
The Russian inter-agency humanitarian response center is overseeing the refugees’ security as they return to the disputed region and travel across the line of contact.
Overall, the defense agency says more than 2,600 people who earlier fled their homes have returned to Stepanakert since November 14.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and 1,960 Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.
The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh will mainly comprise units of the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District, Russia’s Defense Ministry said.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command has been deployed in the area of Stepanakert. The Russian peacekeepers are monitoring the situation round-the-clock.


tass--2020-11-18--Moscow's death toll from confirmed COVID-19 cases rises by 73 to 8,082

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 73 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian capital ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
The COVID-19 death toll has risen to 8,082 in Moscow .
As of November @ @ @ @ @ than 526,600 cases of COVID-19 , while more than 382,600 people have recovered from this @ @ @ @ @ latest statistics , over 55.6 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more @ @ @ @ @ been reported .
To date , 1,991,998 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 34,387 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 73 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the Russian capital’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
"Seventy-three patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for coronavirus," the center informed.
The COVID-19 death toll has risen to 8,082 in Moscow. As of November 18, Moscow recorded more than 526,600 cases of COVID-19, while more than 382,600 people have recovered from this disease.
According to the latest statistics, over 55.6 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.3 million deaths have been reported. To date, 1,991,998 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,501,083 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 34,387 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-11-18--Oxygen pipe rupture eliminated at Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
The work to eliminate the oxygen line rupture at one of the temporary facilities on the premises of the Kommunarka hospital has been completed , the Moscow City Health Department told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The work to eliminate the consequences of depressurization of the oxygen supply line is complete at a temporary unit in the Kommunarka hospital .
The incident poses no risk either to the patients or to the hospital staff , '' the press service said .
It was reported earlier that there were no patients in the newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work was underway .
The patients have already been transferred from the neighboring units to those that are not connected to the facility affected by the depressurization .
No one was injured in the incident and the lives and health of both the patients and the staff are not in jeopardy .
Each patient ’ s condition is under the control of the chief physician .
A source told TASS that on Wednesday evening , the oxygen supply line burst at a temporary unit at Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no impact on the hospital ’ s operation .
The pipe rupture damaged the outer panels of the unit .
A source with emergency services told TASS that there were no patients in that facility .
The Moscow health department said that the patients undergoing treatment at the Kommunarka hospital were not in jeopardy after the oxygen supply line had depressurized at a temporary unit .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. The work to eliminate the oxygen line rupture at one of the temporary facilities on the premises of the Kommunarka hospital has been completed, the Moscow City Health Department told TASS on Wednesday.
"The work to eliminate the consequences of depressurization of the oxygen supply line is complete at a temporary unit in the Kommunarka hospital. The incident poses no risk either to the patients or to the hospital staff," the press service said.
It was reported earlier that there were no patients in the newly erected unit, where startup and commissioning work was underway. The patients have already been transferred from the neighboring units to those that are not connected to the facility affected by the depressurization. No one was injured in the incident and the lives and health of both the patients and the staff are not in jeopardy. Each patient’s condition is under the control of the chief physician.
A source told TASS that on Wednesday evening, the oxygen supply line burst at a temporary unit at Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients. The incident is said to have no impact on the hospital’s operation. The pipe rupture damaged the outer panels of the unit. A source with emergency services told TASS that there were no patients in that facility.
The Moscow health department said that the patients undergoing treatment at the Kommunarka hospital were not in jeopardy after the oxygen supply line had depressurized at a temporary unit.


tass--2020-11-18--UNGA committee adopts resolution condemning human rights abuses in Crimea

UNITED NATIONS , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly has Wednesday adopted the Ukraine-sponsored resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Crimea , as the resolution was supported by 63 countries , 85 abstained and 22 opposed it .
The document has been considered annually since 2016 and is not mandatory .
The resolution in particular calls on Russia `` to take all measures necessary to bring an immediate end to all violations and abuses against residents of Crimea . ''
The document notes `` discriminatory measures and practices , arbitrary detentions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhuman or degrading treatment , sexual and gender-based violence , including to compel apprehended persons to self-incriminate or ‘ cooperate ’ with law enforcement '' among these abuses .
Moscow is urged `` to repeal laws imposed in Crimea by the Russian Federation that allow for forced evictions and the confiscation of private property , including land in Crimea , in violation of applicable international law . ''
The resolution also calls on Russia `` to respect the right to freedom of religion or belief and guarantee its enjoyment by all residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parishioners of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , Muslim Crimean-Tatars and Jehovah ’ s Witnesses . ''
Russia ’ s deputy permanent envoy Gennady Kuzmin said that `` the resolution co-authors had been trying to punish Crimea ’ s population for their free choice in favor of Russia by shedding `` crocodile tears '' about Crimeans . ''
`` The Crimean population realized the right to self-determination , enshrined in the UN Charter , through a free and peaceful vote that was held in accordance with all international standards , '' he recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reunification with Russia are pointless . ''
`` Russia guarantees respect for human rights across its territory , including Crimea , '' Kuzmin underlined .
He also emphasized , `` the US and European countries have been enacting illegal unilateral sanctions since 2014 aimed at precisely hurting interests of Crimeans . ''
`` I don ’ t even want to mention Ukraine , '' the diplomat added .
`` How did Kiev express ‘ care ’ about Crimeans ?
I ’ ll remind you .
In winter 2015 , Kiev stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where almost half of the peninsula ’ s population lived , '' he noted adding that Ukraine also blocked off water supply to Crimea .
After the coup d ’ etat in Ukraine in February 2014 , Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum , in which 96.7 % of Crimeans and 95.6 % of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia .
Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deal on March 18 , 2014 , which the Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament ) ratified on March 21 , 2014 .
Despite the convincing results of the referendum , Kiev refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia .

UNITED NATIONS, November 18. /TASS/. The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly has Wednesday adopted the Ukraine-sponsored resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Crimea, as the resolution was supported by 63 countries, 85 abstained and 22 opposed it. The document has been considered annually since 2016 and is not mandatory.
The resolution in particular calls on Russia "to take all measures necessary to bring an immediate end to all violations and abuses against residents of Crimea." The document notes "discriminatory measures and practices, arbitrary detentions and arrests, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, including to compel apprehended persons to self-incriminate or ‘cooperate’ with law enforcement" among these abuses.
Moscow is urged "to repeal laws imposed in Crimea by the Russian Federation that allow for forced evictions and the confiscation of private property, including land in Crimea, in violation of applicable international law."
The resolution also calls on Russia "to respect the right to freedom of religion or belief and guarantee its enjoyment by all residents of Crimea, including but not limited to parishioners of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Muslim Crimean-Tatars and Jehovah’s Witnesses."
Russia’s response
Russia’s deputy permanent envoy Gennady Kuzmin said that "the resolution co-authors had been trying to punish Crimea’s population for their free choice in favor of Russia by shedding "crocodile tears" about Crimeans."
"The Crimean population realized the right to self-determination, enshrined in the UN Charter, through a free and peaceful vote that was held in accordance with all international standards," he recalled. "Any discussions about the peninsula’s reunification with Russia are pointless."
"Russia guarantees respect for human rights across its territory, including Crimea," Kuzmin underlined.
He also emphasized, "the US and European countries have been enacting illegal unilateral sanctions since 2014 aimed at precisely hurting interests of Crimeans." "I don’t even want to mention Ukraine," the diplomat added. "How did Kiev express ‘care’ about Crimeans? I’ll remind you. In winter 2015, Kiev stopped supplying electricity to 575 inhabited communities, where almost half of the peninsula’s population lived," he noted adding that Ukraine also blocked off water supply to Crimea.
After the coup d’etat in Ukraine in February 2014, Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum, in which 96.7% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification deal on March 18, 2014, which the Federation Council (upper house of the Russian parliament) ratified on March 21, 2014. Despite the convincing results of the referendum, Kiev refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia.


tass--2020-11-18--UNGA committee adopts Russian resolution combating glorification of Nazism

UNITED NATIONS , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Third Committee of the UN General Assembly has held a meeting Wednesday and adopted the Russian draft resolution entitled `` Combating glorification of Nazism , neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism , racial discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance . ''
The draft resolution was supported by 122 states , 53 abstained and two opposed it ( the United States and Ukraine ) .
The text , co-sponsored by more than twenty countries , expresses `` deep concern about the glorification , in any form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former members of the Waffen SS organization , including by erecting monuments and memorials , holding public demonstrations in the name of the glorification of the Nazi past , the Nazi movement and neo-Nazism . ''
Russia ’ s deputy permanent envoy Gennady Kuzmin in his speech underlined that the draft resolution `` is not at attempt at historic exploration and research . ''
`` We are talking about the problems which states face not just regularly but constantly , '' the diplomat pointed out .
According to him , the document doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to account . ''
`` This is a resolution focused on cooperation and dialogue , '' Kuzmin explained .

UNITED NATIONS, November 18. /TASS/. Third Committee of the UN General Assembly has held a meeting Wednesday and adopted the Russian draft resolution entitled "Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance." The draft resolution was supported by 122 states, 53 abstained and two opposed it (the United States and Ukraine).
The text, co-sponsored by more than twenty countries, expresses "deep concern about the glorification, in any form, of the Nazi movement, neo-Nazism and former members of the Waffen SS organization, including by erecting monuments and memorials, holding public demonstrations in the name of the glorification of the Nazi past, the Nazi movement and neo-Nazism."
Russia’s deputy permanent envoy Gennady Kuzmin in his speech underlined that the draft resolution "is not at attempt at historic exploration and research." "We are talking about the problems which states face not just regularly but constantly," the diplomat pointed out.
According to him, the document doesn’t aim "to hold certain states to account." "This is a resolution focused on cooperation and dialogue," Kuzmin explained.


tass--2020-11-18--Scientists uncover propagation mechanism of most common microbiota viruses

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and American molecular biologists have discovered an enzyme which helps the most common viruses in the microbiota , the so-called crAss-bacteriophages , to copy their genome and form new viral particles , the press service of Skoltech ( the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology ) reported on Wednesday .
`` Since crAss-bacteriophages dominate in the microbiota of the human gut , the understanding of how they infect the microbes will help us manage the content of the microbiota which influences both human health and the nature of development of various diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skoltech , was quoted by the press service as saying .
Single-cell microbes suffer from diseases and infections much like humans and animals do .
The scientists think that viruses emerged almost simultaneously with bacteria and they have been battling for survival with each other for hundreds of millions of years .
The consequences of this war can be found anywhere .
For instance , every milliliter of fresh or sea water contains hundreds of millions of bacteriophages , the viruses that specialize in infecting microbes .
According to current estimates , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be their carriers .
The researchers have been studying their genetics and evolution mechanism for a long time , however , during the past fifty years it was possible to study only a small number of both viruses dangerous to mammals and potentially useful bacteriophages .
A good example of this , as the Skoltech researchers note , are the viruses from the crAss-bacteriophage family which was discovered by biologists only in 2014 .
Later the scientists uncovered that these viruses dominate in the gut microbiota as well as play an important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property of the crAss-bacteriophages is the fact that until recently the researchers did not know how precisely this virus copies its genetic material , forming new particles inside the infected microbes .
As a rule , the viruses use for these purposes the so-called RNA polymerases , special enzymes which read certain DNA molecules and prepare their copies in the form of RNA threads .
First attempts to find the molecules inside the viruses themselves were not successful .
This , however , does not prevent the virus from propagating and dominating in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their colleagues from the United States attempted to understand how they manage to do this by studying the structure of proteins of one of such viruses dubbed phi14:2 .
The scientists discovered a short protein fragment structurally similar to the RNA polymerases of metazoans .
Having encountered this molecule which was named gp66 , the biologists studied its properties , transplanting the coding part of the viral genome inside a coliform bacterium .
Subsequent experiments demonstrated that this enzyme indeed plays a role of the RNA polymerase , copying single DNA threads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which human cells and cells of other metazoans use for flexible management of gene activity , producing the so-called siRNAs .
Those are short nucleotide chains which adhere to copies of certain genes and prevent the cellular protein `` factories '' from reading them .
`` This is a very surprising result which means that those proteins responsible for the functioning of siRNAs in cells of higher organisms could have initially appeared in the bacteriophages .
In other words , in distant past our ancestors may have `` borrowed '' these enzymes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crAss-bacteriophages , '' Skoltech professor Konstantin Severinov added .
According to him , this event was not something unique for the process of evolution of human ancestors who frequently borrowed the enzymes of various viruses and bacteria in their development process .
Moreover , the mitochondria , the cellular power stations of sorts , in the past used to be independent bacteria which established symbiotic relationship with the ancestors of the protozoans and the metazoans and ended up being absorbed by them .
The scientists hope that the further research of these viruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use them in the solution of a number of scientific and medical tasks related to the management of properties of the gut microbiota as well as to manipulations of DNA and RNA .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Russian and American molecular biologists have discovered an enzyme which helps the most common viruses in the microbiota, the so-called crAss-bacteriophages, to copy their genome and form new viral particles, the press service of Skoltech (the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology) reported on Wednesday.
"Since crAss-bacteriophages dominate in the microbiota of the human gut, the understanding of how they infect the microbes will help us manage the content of the microbiota which influences both human health and the nature of development of various diseases," Maria Sokolova, researcher at Skoltech, was quoted by the press service as saying.
Single-cell microbes suffer from diseases and infections much like humans and animals do. The scientists think that viruses emerged almost simultaneously with bacteria and they have been battling for survival with each other for hundreds of millions of years. The consequences of this war can be found anywhere. For instance, every milliliter of fresh or sea water contains hundreds of millions of bacteriophages, the viruses that specialize in infecting microbes. According to current estimates, up to 70% of live bacteria currently may be their carriers. The researchers have been studying their genetics and evolution mechanism for a long time, however, during the past fifty years it was possible to study only a small number of both viruses dangerous to mammals and potentially useful bacteriophages.
A good example of this, as the Skoltech researchers note, are the viruses from the crAss-bacteriophage family which was discovered by biologists only in 2014. Later the scientists uncovered that these viruses dominate in the gut microbiota as well as play an important role in its functioning.
Another interesting property of the crAss-bacteriophages is the fact that until recently the researchers did not know how precisely this virus copies its genetic material, forming new particles inside the infected microbes. As a rule, the viruses use for these purposes the so-called RNA polymerases, special enzymes which read certain DNA molecules and prepare their copies in the form of RNA threads.
Evolutionary traces of viruses
First attempts to find the molecules inside the viruses themselves were not successful. This, however, does not prevent the virus from propagating and dominating in the microbiota. The Russian scientists and their colleagues from the United States attempted to understand how they manage to do this by studying the structure of proteins of one of such viruses dubbed phi14:2.
The scientists discovered a short protein fragment structurally similar to the RNA polymerases of metazoans. Having encountered this molecule which was named gp66, the biologists studied its properties, transplanting the coding part of the viral genome inside a coliform bacterium.
Subsequent experiments demonstrated that this enzyme indeed plays a role of the RNA polymerase, copying single DNA threads. Its mechanism is similar to those enzymes which human cells and cells of other metazoans use for flexible management of gene activity, producing the so-called siRNAs. Those are short nucleotide chains which adhere to copies of certain genes and prevent the cellular protein "factories" from reading them.
"This is a very surprising result which means that those proteins responsible for the functioning of siRNAs in cells of higher organisms could have initially appeared in the bacteriophages. In other words, in distant past our ancestors may have "borrowed" these enzymes from ancient viruses, the ancestors of the crAss-bacteriophages," Skoltech professor Konstantin Severinov added.
According to him, this event was not something unique for the process of evolution of human ancestors who frequently borrowed the enzymes of various viruses and bacteria in their development process. Moreover, the mitochondria, the cellular power stations of sorts, in the past used to be independent bacteria which established symbiotic relationship with the ancestors of the protozoans and the metazoans and ended up being absorbed by them.
The scientists hope that the further research of these viruses and the gp66 enzyme will help to use them in the solution of a number of scientific and medical tasks related to the management of properties of the gut microbiota as well as to manipulations of DNA and RNA.


tass--2020-11-18--President of Serbia, Gazprom Neft CEO give start to deep refining facility

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander @ @ @ @ @ operation of the deep refining unit at the Pancevo Refinery owned by Serbia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Gazprom Neft , the Russian oil producer says on Wednesday .
The refinery will increase @ @ @ @ @ gasoline by 2 % and Euro 5 diesel fuel by 38 % on account of @ @ @ @ @ The unit will give an opportunity to increase the annual output of Euro 5 grade @ @ @ @ @ 2 % and 38 % respectively , and liquefied petroleum gas by 7 % .
@ @ @ @ @ abandon fuel oil production and reduce the production impact on environment from the Deep Refining @ @ @ @ @ company says .
The new facility will also enable the company to start Serbia ’ @ @ @ @ @ coke .
The conversion ratio at the Pancevo Refinery will grow to 99.2 % owing @ @ @ @ @ line with the level of the best global refineries , Gazprom Neft noted .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov gave a start to operation of the deep refining unit at the Pancevo Refinery owned by Serbia’s NIS, a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft, the Russian oil producer says on Wednesday.
The refinery will increase annual production of Euro 5 gasoline by 2% and Euro 5 diesel fuel by 38% on account of the facility commissioning.
"The unit will give an opportunity to increase the annual output of Euro 5 grade gasoline and diesel fuel by 2% and 38% respectively, and liquefied petroleum gas by 7%. The refinery in Pancevo will abandon fuel oil production and reduce the production impact on environment from the Deep Refining operations start," the company says.
The new facility will also enable the company to start Serbia’s first production of petroleum coke. The conversion ratio at the Pancevo Refinery will grow to 99.2% owing to the unit, in line with the level of the best global refineries, Gazprom Neft noted.


tass--2020-11-18--Argentine authorities to begin inoculating population with Sputnik V in January-February

BUENOS AIRES , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Argentine government is working jointly with the Russian side in order to begin inoculation against the coronavirus in the Latin American republic with the Sputnik V preparation in January-February , Argentine President Alberto Fernandez reported on Wednesday .
`` We continue to work with Russia in order to begin inoculation in January and February , '' the presidential press service quoted him as saying .
In addition to the supplies of Sputnik V , the Argentine authorities expect the production launch of a vaccine by the British-Swedish AstraZeneca company in March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have regular monthly deliveries of this vaccine .
This will allow us to vaccinate the majority of the population of Argentina , '' the president noted .
Earlier , the president of Argentina reported that the country may receive 10 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus as early as December .
According to Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev , the vaccines for the Latin American republic will be produced by the RDIF partners in India , China , and South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known that Mexico and Argentina would launch the production of the vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the scientists of the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca .
It is planned to manufacture 150-250 mln doses of the preparation designated for all countries of Latin America with the exception of Brazil which has a separate contract with AstraZeneca .

BUENOS AIRES, November 18. /TASS/. Argentine government is working jointly with the Russian side in order to begin inoculation against the coronavirus in the Latin American republic with the Sputnik V preparation in January-February, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez reported on Wednesday.
"We continue to work with Russia in order to begin inoculation in January and February," the presidential press service quoted him as saying.
In addition to the supplies of Sputnik V, the Argentine authorities expect the production launch of a vaccine by the British-Swedish AstraZeneca company in March. "From that moment on, we will have regular monthly deliveries of this vaccine. This will allow us to vaccinate the majority of the population of Argentina," the president noted.
Earlier, the president of Argentina reported that the country may receive 10 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus as early as December. According to Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev, the vaccines for the Latin American republic will be produced by the RDIF partners in India, China, and South Korea.
In August, it became known that Mexico and Argentina would launch the production of the vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the scientists of the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca. It is planned to manufacture 150-250 mln doses of the preparation designated for all countries of Latin America with the exception of Brazil which has a separate contract with AstraZeneca.


tass--2020-11-18--Over-the-counter sales of antigen tests for COVID-19 should be forbidden, expert says

ST. PETERSBURG , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Free sales of tests for the presence of antigens to the novel coronavirus infection at pharmacies should be stopped since consumers can not accurately interpret the test results on their own , chief non-resident expert on clinical and laboratory diagnostics of the St. Petersburg Healthcare Committee Andrei Ivanov said at the St. Petersburg International Health Forum on Wednesday .
`` The practice of conducting and selling tests which should be conducted only by medical specialists and only in a setting of a medical institution , without proper skills , the over-the-counter sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped .
People consider it possible to use the tests this way , and in a number of cases , not having the expertise to interpret the test results , to draw some conclusions < ….
> The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare should pay attention to this , I am talking about tests for antigens which are sold freely , this practice should be stopped , '' the expert thinks .
The specialist added that these tests should be conducted only with expert supervision .
According to him , even clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with laboratory specialists , are unable to conduct these tests effectively .
The expert also added that the sensitivity of the PCR-diagnostics for the presence of the coronavirus infection when testing nasal and oral swabs does not surpass 70 % .
Based on this data , the expert urged to keep this limit in mind in diagnostic interpretations without `` idealizing '' this testing method .

ST. PETERSBURG, November 18. /TASS/. Free sales of tests for the presence of antigens to the novel coronavirus infection at pharmacies should be stopped since consumers cannot accurately interpret the test results on their own, chief non-resident expert on clinical and laboratory diagnostics of the St. Petersburg Healthcare Committee Andrei Ivanov said at the St. Petersburg International Health Forum on Wednesday.
"The practice of conducting and selling tests which should be conducted only by medical specialists and only in a setting of a medical institution, without proper skills, the over-the-counter sales of these tests to population should be stopped. People consider it possible to use the tests this way, and in a number of cases, not having the expertise to interpret the test results, to draw some conclusions <….> The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare should pay attention to this, I am talking about tests for antigens which are sold freely, this practice should be stopped," the expert thinks.
The specialist added that these tests should be conducted only with expert supervision. According to him, even clinical specialists, not having an interdisciplinary interaction with laboratory specialists, are unable to conduct these tests effectively.
The expert also added that the sensitivity of the PCR-diagnostics for the presence of the coronavirus infection when testing nasal and oral swabs does not surpass 70%. Based on this data, the expert urged to keep this limit in mind in diagnostic interpretations without "idealizing" this testing method.


tass--2020-11-18--Safety violations may have caused oxygen pipe depressurization

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Safety violations might have caused the depressurization of an oxygen pipe at Moscow @ @ @ @ @ a law enforcement source told TASS on Wednesday .
`` According to preliminary reports , @ @ @ @ @ the depressurization of the oxygen line , but other leads are also being considered , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Safety violations might have caused the depressurization of an oxygen pipe at Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital, a law enforcement source told TASS on Wednesday.
"According to preliminary reports, safety violations could be behind the depressurization of the oxygen line, but other leads are also being considered," the source said.


tass--2020-11-18--Serbia reports record high 5,600 new cases of COVID-19

BELGRADE , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia recorded a record high number of COVID-19 single-day cases , as 5,613 cases were confirmed in the country over the past 24 hours , the country ’ s Health Ministry said on Wednesday .
The ministry said that the total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 97,988 .
According to the ministry , 27 patients died from the complications caused by COVID-19 in the past 24 hours , pushing the total death toll to 1,081 .
In the past 24 hours , 18,040 people were tested for novel coronavirus .
As many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care units .
A day before , the ministry reported about 4,994 new cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
A total of 1,555,000 tests were carried out since the coronavirus outbreak .
According to health professionals , the clinical picture of the latest wave ’ s patients is far worse , due to a high percentage of pneumonia cases and severe complications .
In the wake of the resurgence in cases , the Serbian government banned operation of the entertainment facilities , shopping malls and stores from 21.00 until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that the cabinet had been considering a curfew , but decided not to impose this extreme measure yet .
Earlier , Serbia banned gatherings of more than five people both indoors and outdoors , compared to 30-strong gatherings allowed previously .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

BELGRADE, November 18. /TASS/. Serbia recorded a record high number of COVID-19 single-day cases, as 5,613 cases were confirmed in the country over the past 24 hours, the country’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
The ministry said that the total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 97,988. According to the ministry, 27 patients died from the complications caused by COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, pushing the total death toll to 1,081. In the past 24 hours, 18,040 people were tested for novel coronavirus. As many as 182 patients are on ventilators in intensive care units.
A day before, the ministry reported about 4,994 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. A total of 1,555,000 tests were carried out since the coronavirus outbreak. According to health professionals, the clinical picture of the latest wave’s patients is far worse, due to a high percentage of pneumonia cases and severe complications.
In the wake of the resurgence in cases, the Serbian government banned operation of the entertainment facilities, shopping malls and stores from 21.00 until 05.00 for the next 15 days. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that the cabinet had been considering a curfew, but decided not to impose this extreme measure yet.
Earlier, Serbia banned gatherings of more than five people both indoors and outdoors, compared to 30-strong gatherings allowed previously.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-18--Lavrov, Chinese counterpart discuss highest-and high-level contacts

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi have had a @ @ @ @ @ details of upcoming bilateral contacts on the highest and high level .
`` Special attention @ @ @ @ @ of upcoming contacts on the highest and high level as well as specific issues of @ @ @ @ @ format and in the framework of implementing agreements of the leaders to integrate development plans @ @ @ @ @ and China ’ s Belt and Road Initiative , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi have had a phone call Wednesday and considered details of upcoming bilateral contacts on the highest and high level.
"Special attention was placed on the schedule of upcoming contacts on the highest and high level as well as specific issues of practical cooperation in the bilateral format and in the framework of implementing agreements of the leaders to integrate development plans of the Eurasian Economic Union and China’s Belt and Road Initiative," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.


tass--2020-11-18--No one injured in oxygen pipe depressurization at Moscow hospital for COVID-19 patients

Earlier , the media reported that a worker had been injured in the rupture of an oxygen pipe at the @ @ @ @ @ treated by physicians there .
MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
No one was @ @ @ @ @ depressurized at Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients , the Russian Emergencies Ministry @ @ @ @ @ told TASS on Wednesday .
`` An oxygen line burst during commissioning and startup work @ @ @ @ @ which have not been put into operation yet , for patients with infectious diseases at @ @ @ @ @ were no patients in that facility .
No one was injured , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ added that the emergency teams were fixing the failure .
`` Neither patients nor hospital @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service added .

Earlier, the media reported that a worker had been injured in the rupture of an oxygen pipe at the Kommunarka hospital and was being treated by physicians there.
MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. No one was injured when an oxygen pipe depressurized at Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients, the Russian Emergencies Ministry’s department for Moscow told TASS on Wednesday.
"An oxygen line burst during commissioning and startup work in the makeshift facilities, which have not been put into operation yet, for patients with infectious diseases at the Kommunarka hospital. There were no patients in that facility. No one was injured," the press service said.
The spokesperson added that the emergency teams were fixing the failure.
"Neither patients nor hospital staff are at risk," the press service added.


tass--2020-11-18--Putin to take part in APEC summit on November 20

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the online APEC summit on November 20 , presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS .
`` Yes , the president will take part in the summit , '' he said in reply to a question .
Earlier , the APEC Secretariat said that this year would see the first-ever virtual summit of the 21 leading APEC economies .
Earlier on Wednesday there were rumors that President Donald Trump might lead the US delegation at this event , Reuters said citing a US administration official .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed this to TASS .
APEC includes 19 countries .
Among them there are 12 founding states ( Australia , Brunei , Indonesia , Canada , Malaysia , New Zealand , Singapore , the US , Thailand , Philippines , South Korea and Japan ) , as well as China ( joined in 1991 ) , Mexico and Papua New Guinea ( 1993 ) , Chile ( 1994 ) , and Russia , Vietnam and Peru ( 1998 ) .
In 1991 , two Chinese territories also joined the APEC - Xianggang ( @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the online APEC summit on November 20, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.
"Yes, the president will take part in the summit," he said in reply to a question.
Earlier, the APEC Secretariat said that this year would see the first-ever virtual summit of the 21 leading APEC economies. Earlier on Wednesday there were rumors that President Donald Trump might lead the US delegation at this event, Reuters said citing a US administration official. The White House has not yet officially confirmed this to TASS.
APEC includes 19 countries. Among them there are 12 founding states (Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the US, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea and Japan), as well as China (joined in 1991), Mexico and Papua New Guinea (1993), Chile (1994), and Russia, Vietnam and Peru (1998). In 1991, two Chinese territories also joined the APEC - Xianggang (Hong Kong) and Taiwan.


tass--2020-11-18--Rallies for and against PM held in central Yerevan

YEREVAN , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Hundreds of supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have gathered in Yerevan @ @ @ @ @ evening , calling to prevent his resignation , TASS reports .
`` Nikol is Prime @ @ @ @ @ go , everyone who demands his resignation are supporters of previous authorities .
We will @ @ @ @ @ .
He was elected by people , '' the rally participants are chanting .
A @ @ @ @ @ approximately 300 meters away .
More than 1,000 opposing Yerevan residents want the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ them , Pashinyan , who recently signed the trilateral statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire , @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijanis . ''
Police and security forces are at the site , there are no @ @ @ @ @ are only shouting slogans and are not trying to start conflicts with each other .

YEREVAN, November 18. /TASS/. Hundreds of supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have gathered in Yerevan’s Republic Square Wednesday evening, calling to prevent his resignation, TASS reports.
"Nikol is Prime Minister! He should not go, everyone who demands his resignation are supporters of previous authorities. We will not allow that he goes. He was elected by people," the rally participants are chanting.
A different rally is taking place approximately 300 meters away. More than 1,000 opposing Yerevan residents want the prime minister to resign. According to them, Pashinyan, who recently signed the trilateral statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire, "ceded Armenian territories to Azerbaijanis."
Police and security forces are at the site, there are no clashes or provocations. People are only shouting slogans and are not trying to start conflicts with each other.


tass--2020-11-18--Russia, Belarus discuss Belarusian oil products export

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Novak and Alexei Overchuk held talks with Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ on bilateral cooperation in the oil sphere and the opportunity of exporting Belarusian petroleum products @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government says on its website .
`` Issues of bilateral cooperation between Russia @ @ @ @ @ sphere and the opportunity of using the Russian infrastructure for exports of Belarusian petroleum products @ @ @ @ @ talks , '' the Cabinet says .
Russian companies continue oil deliveries to Belarusian refiners @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said .
`` In line with our agreements , Russian @ @ @ @ @ on long-term and mutually beneficial conditions , '' the official noted .
It was reported @ @ @ @ @ started working out the redirection of petroleum products deliveries from Lithuanian to Russian ports .
@ @ @ @ @ products can be up to 4-6 mln tonnes , Novak said earlier .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Prime Ministers Alexander Novak and Alexei Overchuk held talks with Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Nazarov on bilateral cooperation in the oil sphere and the opportunity of exporting Belarusian petroleum products through the Russian infrastructure, the Russian government says on its website.
"Issues of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Belarus in the oil sphere and the opportunity of using the Russian infrastructure for exports of Belarusian petroleum products were in the focus during talks," the Cabinet says.
Russian companies continue oil deliveries to Belarusian refiners and perform assumed obligations, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. "In line with our agreements, Russian companies continue stable oil deliveries on long-term and mutually beneficial conditions," the official noted.
It was reported earlier that Russia and Belarus started working out the redirection of petroleum products deliveries from Lithuanian to Russian ports. Such redirected supplies of petroleum products can be up to 4-6 mln tonnes, Novak said earlier.


tass--2020-11-18--No patients in building of Moscow’s COVID-19 hospital where oxygen pipe ruptured

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
There were no patients in the building of Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital @ @ @ @ @ , as it is being renovated , a source with emergency services told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ no patients in the hospital building where the oxygen line depressurized , as it is @ @ @ @ @ said .
The press service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry ’ s department for Moscow @ @ @ @ @ had not been put into operation yet .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. There were no patients in the building of Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital where an oxygen pipe burst, as it is being renovated, a source with emergency services told TASS on Wednesday.
"There were no patients in the hospital building where the oxygen line depressurized, as it is being renovated," he said.
The press service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry’s department for Moscow told TASS that the facility had not been put into operation yet.


tass--2020-11-18--Oxygen pipe ruptures at Moscow’s hospital for COVID-19 patients, says source

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
An oxygen pipe burst at Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ services told TASS on Wednesday .
`` There was a rupture in the oxygen supply @ @ @ @ @ without fire or destruction .
According to immediate reports , no one got injured , @ @ @ @ @ It was reported earlier that the news about the explosion of an oxygen cylinder in @ @ @ @ @ Eyewitnesses reported about a fire as there was while smoke .
`` The eyewitnesses took @ @ @ @ @ the emergency pipe for a fire , '' the source added .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. An oxygen pipe burst at Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital for COVID-19 patients, a source with emergency services told TASS on Wednesday.
"There was a rupture in the oxygen supply line of the modules, without fire or destruction. According to immediate reports, no one got injured," the source said.
It was reported earlier that the news about the explosion of an oxygen cylinder in the hospital were checked. Eyewitnesses reported about a fire as there was while smoke.
"The eyewitnesses took the oxygen coming out of the emergency pipe for a fire," the source added.


tass--2020-11-18--Putin warns governors against "rosy reports" on coronavirus

NOVO-OGARYOVO , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reminded the regional governors of their responsibility for well-timed decisions amid the fight against coronavirus and warned them against attempts to sugarcoat the facts in `` rosy reports . ''
After his meeting with the government on Wednesday , the president addressed the regional governors , reminding them that they had been given broad powers to implement the measures against the novel disease .
`` Nobody has removed this personal responsibility for , I hope , the decisions taken in due time or for those not taken .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you try to sugarcoat the situation , as it is totally inadmissible to pretend that everything is alright .
Neither here in the center , nor on the ground do we need rosy reports or the veil of silence , '' Putin said .
The president mentioned the information from the All-Russia People ’ s Front which says that Russians face such problems in regions as shortages of medicines and long waits for a doctor ’ s visit or for the arrival of an ambulance .
`` The task for all the regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even hourly find prompt solutions to emerging problems and to constantly keep sight of all the fields in the fight against the epidemic as well as of key issues of the health institutions ’ operation , '' Putin said adding that it involves both the treatment for COVID-19 patients and the planned treatments , including for patients with chronic diseases .
Putin demanded that in case of any disruption , `` the response must follow immediately and the situation must be remedied urgently . ''
According to the president , the overwhelming majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their duty courageously and professionally , go above and beyond [ the call of duty ] and risk their lives to help people . ''
`` It is unacceptable when their tremendous efforts and the hardest labors are being devalued because of managerial sloppiness , the inability to work like clockwork so as to ensure them with everything they need .
The health workers ’ needs must be attended to without red tape , '' the Russian president concluded .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, November 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reminded the regional governors of their responsibility for well-timed decisions amid the fight against coronavirus and warned them against attempts to sugarcoat the facts in "rosy reports."
After his meeting with the government on Wednesday, the president addressed the regional governors, reminding them that they had been given broad powers to implement the measures against the novel disease.
"Nobody has removed this personal responsibility for, I hope, the decisions taken in due time or for those not taken. And certainly, in no way should you try to sugarcoat the situation, as it is totally inadmissible to pretend that everything is alright. Neither here in the center, nor on the ground do we need rosy reports or the veil of silence," Putin said.
The president mentioned the information from the All-Russia People’s Front which says that Russians face such problems in regions as shortages of medicines and long waits for a doctor’s visit or for the arrival of an ambulance.
"The task for all the regional heads is to persistently, daily and even hourly find prompt solutions to emerging problems and to constantly keep sight of all the fields in the fight against the epidemic as well as of key issues of the health institutions’ operation," Putin said adding that it involves both the treatment for COVID-19 patients and the planned treatments, including for patients with chronic diseases.
Putin demanded that in case of any disruption, "the response must follow immediately and the situation must be remedied urgently."
According to the president, the overwhelming majority of health workers in Russia "do their duty courageously and professionally, go above and beyond [the call of duty] and risk their lives to help people."
"It is unacceptable when their tremendous efforts and the hardest labors are being devalued because of managerial sloppiness, the inability to work like clockwork so as to ensure them with everything they need. The health workers’ needs must be attended to without red tape," the Russian president concluded.


tass--2020-11-18--Contracting coronavirus possible between 1st and 2nd injections — vaccine developer

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Contracting the novel coronavirus is possible between the first and second injections of the anti-coronavirus vaccine as immunity develops on the 21st day after the first jab on average , becoming stable three weeks after the second shot , the director of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology ( developer of the Sputnik V vaccine ) , Alexander Gintsburg , said in the wake of reports that a group of medics in Tomsk had been infected after vaccination .
`` Vaccination against the novel coronavirus infection with the vaccine Sputnik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human body begins to develop immunity after the first injection , but a stable immunity against the novel coronavirus emerges about three weeks after the second shot , which is administered on the 21st day after the first one .
During the period between the injections it is possible to contract the infection , while the vaccine Sputnik V proper can by no means be a source of the infection , because it does not contain the coronavirus , '' Gintsburg said .
He stressed that the immunity that begins to develop after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a milder form of the disease .
`` Until stable immunity has been developed all those vaccinated with Sputnik V must take precautions recommended by the authorities , '' Gintsburg added .
Earlier , the anti-coronavirus task force in the Tomsk Region said five out of the 42 medics vaccinated against COVID-19 in the region , tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection .
All of them feel well .
Three either lack any clinical manifestations of the disease or experience the mild form .
The condition of two is moderate .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 1,501,083 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 34,387 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. Contracting the novel coronavirus is possible between the first and second injections of the anti-coronavirus vaccine as immunity develops on the 21st day after the first jab on average, becoming stable three weeks after the second shot, the director of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology (developer of the Sputnik V vaccine), Alexander Gintsburg, said in the wake of reports that a group of medics in Tomsk had been infected after vaccination.
"Vaccination against the novel coronavirus infection with the vaccine Sputnik V is done in two stages. Human body begins to develop immunity after the first injection, but a stable immunity against the novel coronavirus emerges about three weeks after the second shot, which is administered on the 21st day after the first one. During the period between the injections it is possible to contract the infection, while the vaccine Sputnik V proper can by no means be a source of the infection, because it does not contain the coronavirus," Gintsburg said.
He stressed that the immunity that begins to develop after the first shot enables patients to experience a milder form of the disease. "Until stable immunity has been developed all those vaccinated with Sputnik V must take precautions recommended by the authorities," Gintsburg added.
Earlier, the anti-coronavirus task force in the Tomsk Region said five out of the 42 medics vaccinated against COVID-19 in the region, tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection. All of them feel well. Three either lack any clinical manifestations of the disease or experience the mild form. The condition of two is moderate.
To date, 1,991,998 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,501,083 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 34,387 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-11-18--Dialogue between BRICS legal communities in high demand, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
The dialogue between BRICS ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) legal communities is in high demand especially as Western countries try to impose `` a world order based on rules '' instead of an international legal architecture , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his welcome message to the organizers and participants of the VII BRICS Legal Forum 2020 .
The message was published on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s website .
`` The dialogue between legal communities makes its contribution to the common cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high demand , especially now that a number of Western states are trying to destroy the international-legal architecture that was formed after the Second World War , trying to impose their own self-serving and non-inclusive world order based on rules , '' Lavrov said .
The minister noted that BRICS cooperation is becoming more multi-faceted , covering new prospective areas of joint work .
`` The key to such success is the coincidence or significant convergence of approaches , the reliance on international law , and on a positive , future-oriented agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VII BRICS Legal Forum 2020 is held on November 18-19 in an online format .

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. The dialogue between BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) legal communities is in high demand especially as Western countries try to impose "a world order based on rules" instead of an international legal architecture, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his welcome message to the organizers and participants of the VII BRICS Legal Forum 2020. The message was published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
"The dialogue between legal communities makes its contribution to the common cause. Today, such high-ranking discussions are in high demand, especially now that a number of Western states are trying to destroy the international-legal architecture that was formed after the Second World War, trying to impose their own self-serving and non-inclusive world order based on rules," Lavrov said.
The minister noted that BRICS cooperation is becoming more multi-faceted, covering new prospective areas of joint work. "The key to such success is the coincidence or significant convergence of approaches, the reliance on international law, and on a positive, future-oriented agenda," the minister added.
The VII BRICS Legal Forum 2020 is held on November 18-19 in an online format.


tass--2020-11-18--Armenian president appoints Ara Ayvazyan as foreign minister

YEREVAN , November 18 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has signed the order Wednesday to appoint Ara Ayvazyan @ @ @ @ @ national diplomatic agency , the presidential office reports .
`` Accepting the proposal of the @ @ @ @ @ Sarkissian has appointed Ara Ayvazyan as minister of foreign affairs , '' the statement reads @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan relieved Ayvazyan from his duties as deputy foreign minister .

YEREVAN, November 18. /TASS/. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has signed the order Wednesday to appoint Ara Ayvazyan as the head of the national diplomatic agency, the presidential office reports.
"Accepting the proposal of the prime minister, President Armen Sarkissian has appointed Ara Ayvazyan as minister of foreign affairs," the statement reads.
Earlier on Wednesday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan relieved Ayvazyan from his duties as deputy foreign minister.