tass--2020-08-28--Spread of COVID-19 in Russia is controlled, top sanitary doctor says

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Situation with the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia now is evaluated @ @ @ @ @ Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna @ @ @ @ @ ’ Council on Friday .
`` I would like to draw your attention to the @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian Federation is completely controlled .
We understand how to do this .
@ @ @ @ @ today is considered stabilizing .
The growth rates have decreased almost 60 times compared to @ @ @ @ @ We are comparing us with the end of March because that was the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ said .
The top sanitary doctor also added that the coronavirus infection incidence at the @ @ @ @ @ Russia was over three times lower than in a vast number of other countries .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Situation with the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia now is evaluated as stabilizing and controlled, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at the Vice-Chancellors’ Council on Friday.
"I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the epidemiological process in the Russian Federation is completely controlled. We understand how to do this. <...> The situation today is considered stabilizing. The growth rates have decreased almost 60 times compared to the end of March. We are comparing us with the end of March because that was the beginning of restrictive measures," she said.
The top sanitary doctor also added that the coronavirus infection incidence at the peak of the epidemic in Russia was over three times lower than in a vast number of other countries.


tass--2020-08-28--Norwegian envoy summoned by Russian Foreign Ministry over expulsion of diplomat

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Norwegian Ambassador to Moscow Rune Resaland has been summoned by the Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ Norway to expel a Russian diplomat , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said , answering a corresponding question .
On August 19 , the @ @ @ @ @ a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway `` because he has engaged in actions @ @ @ @ @ role and status as a diplomat . ''
The ministry did not provide the diplomat @ @ @ @ @ .
Norway ’ s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed later that Alexander Stekolshchikov , an employee @ @ @ @ @ in Norway , is the Russian diplomat set to be expulsed from Oslo over a @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Norwegian Ambassador to Moscow Rune Resaland has been summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry over the decision of Norway to expel a Russian diplomat, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS on Friday.
"Yes," she said, answering a corresponding question.
On August 19, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry informed that a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway "because he has engaged in actions that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat." The ministry did not provide the diplomat’s name or position.
Norway’s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed later that Alexander Stekolshchikov, an employee of the Russian trade mission in Norway, is the Russian diplomat set to be expulsed from Oslo over a spy scandal.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia reports 4,829 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia grew by 4,829 in the past @ @ @ @ @ number of infected people has reached 980,405 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ in case of second wave of COVID-19 According to the crisis center , the daily @ @ @ @ @ 0.5 % for 13 days in a row .
The lowest daily growth rates were @ @ @ @ @ region ( 0 % ) , the Moscow region and Chechnya ( 0.2 % ) @ @ @ @ @ and Kamchatka regions , the Khanty-Mansi autonomous district , Kabardino-Balkaria , the Bryansk , Tambov @ @ @ @ @ ( 0.3 % each ) .
Another 654 cases were confirmed in Moscow , 187 @ @ @ @ @ in the Moscow region , 133 in the Nizhny Novgorod region and 132 in the @ @ @ @ @ of 165,025 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia grew by 4,829 in the past 24 hours, the total number of infected people has reached 980,405, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday.
Russian hospitals ready in case of second wave of COVID-19
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate does not exceed 0.5% for 13 days in a row.
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Nenets autonomous region (0%), the Moscow region and Chechnya (0.2%), Moscow, the Tuva and Kamchatka regions, the Khanty-Mansi autonomous district, Kabardino-Balkaria, the Bryansk, Tambov, Smolensk and Tula regions (0.3% each).
Another 654 cases were confirmed in Moscow, 187 in St. Petersburg, 150 in the Moscow region, 133 in the Nizhny Novgorod region and 132 in the Rostov region.
A total of 165,025 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia.


tass--2020-08-28--Russian online video market grows to $250 mln in first half of 2020

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/ TASS / .
In the first half of 2020 , the Russian online video market grew by 56 % year-on-year amounted to 18.6 billion rubles ( $ 250 mln ) , according to a study conducted by the information and analytical agency TelecomDaily , which was released on Friday .
This year , in particular due to the coronavirus pandemic , the growth rate of the Russian online video market is noticeably higher than in previous years , which ranged from 35 % to 45 % .
By the end of 2020 , experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 41.9 bln rubles ( $ 562 mln ) , if remote work continues to be a trend .
According to the results of H1 2020 , the market leaders were ivi online cinema ( with a constant share of 23 % ) , Okko multimedia service ( its share increased to 17 % from 12 % ) and YouTube video hosting ( the share decreased to 9 % from 11 % ) .
The shares of Megogo ( up 7 % ) , Rostelecom ( up 6 % ) and Netflix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 pp .
The biggest revenue growth ( 4.6 times ) in H1 2020 was shown by the Start online cinema , whose market share was 4 % - the same as that of Kinopoisk , Amediateka and Megafon TV .
In second place in terms of growth rates is Okko , whose revenue grew 2.2 times .
Ivi , Rostelecom and Premier have increased their revenues by about 1.5 times .
In addition , according to TelecomDaily , for the first time , the share of revenue from purchases of video on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a digital copy of a unit of content ) exceeded the share of revenue from advertising ( 27.1 % versus 26 % ) .
The subscription model still dominates sales ( 46.9 % ) .
According to the general director of TelecomDaily Denis Kuskov , during the pandemic , some market participants managed to increase their revenue , which ultimately affected the market volume in monetary terms , and the assumptions that all subscribers connected during stimulating campaigns during quarantine will leave without starting pay until they are justified .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen on subscriptions for 1 ruble will see subscribers turn away by the end of the year .

MOSCOW, August 28. / TASS /. In the first half of 2020, the Russian online video market grew by 56% year-on-year amounted to 18.6 billion rubles ($250 mln), according to a study conducted by the information and analytical agency TelecomDaily, which was released on Friday.
This year, in particular due to the coronavirus pandemic, the growth rate of the Russian online video market is noticeably higher than in previous years, which ranged from 35% to 45%. By the end of 2020, experts predict a growth of 55% - up to 41.9 bln rubles ($562 mln), if remote work continues to be a trend.
According to the results of H1 2020, the market leaders were ivi online cinema (with a constant share of 23%), Okko multimedia service (its share increased to 17% from 12%) and YouTube video hosting (the share decreased to 9% from 11%). The shares of Megogo (up 7%), Rostelecom (up 6%) and Netflix (up 3%) decreased by 1 pp.
The biggest revenue growth (4.6 times) in H1 2020 was shown by the Start online cinema, whose market share was 4% - the same as that of Kinopoisk, Amediateka and Megafon TV. In second place in terms of growth rates is Okko, whose revenue grew 2.2 times. Ivi, Rostelecom and Premier have increased their revenues by about 1.5 times.
In addition, according to TelecomDaily, for the first time, the share of revenue from purchases of video on demand (one-time paid rent or purchase of a digital copy of a unit of content) exceeded the share of revenue from advertising (27.1% versus 26%). The subscription model still dominates sales (46.9%).
According to the general director of TelecomDaily Denis Kuskov, during the pandemic, some market participants managed to increase their revenue, which ultimately affected the market volume in monetary terms, and the assumptions that all subscribers connected during stimulating campaigns during quarantine will leave without starting pay until they are justified. However, he admitted, companies that are too keen on subscriptions for 1 ruble will see subscribers turn away by the end of the year.


tass--2020-08-28--Hainan's Sanya hashes over ways to better cruise business amid pandemic

HAIKOU , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities held a symposium in the resort city of Sanya , at which representatives of China 's scientific and business circles discussed the main problems , opportunities and prospects for the development of the cruise business amid the novel coronavirus pandemic , announced the regional administration .
`` The participants worked out in detail strategic solutions to boost the yachting and cruise business at Hainan 's free trade port , '' reads a statement published on the website of the Hainan administration .
It specifies that Chinese businessmen , officials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the issues of modernization and development of sea tourism .
The main task of the discussions was to find effective solutions that will allow organizing cruise tours and all kinds of sea voyages with minimal risks in a difficult epidemiological situation in the world .
In order to coordinate these issues , Chen Shi , the head of the research center of the China Classification Society ( CCS ) , which promotes the development of shipping by providing industry-specific enterprises with advanced international specifications and standards , came here from Shanghai .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government agencies that deal with theoretical issues of transport development and the formulation of a national economic strategy attended the event as well .
`` Sanya is located in an excellent place with a unique climate , '' the Hainan administration notes .
`` Due to this , in recent years , both yachting and cruise business have been dynamically developing here . ''
According to statistics , the island has 14 ports with marinas equipped for the needs of yachting .
In total , there are more than 2,300 thousand berths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships .
The province has about 750 registered yachts and 150 service companies .

HAIKOU, August 28. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities held a symposium in the resort city of Sanya, at which representatives of China's scientific and business circles discussed the main problems, opportunities and prospects for the development of the cruise business amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, announced the regional administration.
"The participants worked out in detail strategic solutions to boost the yachting and cruise business at Hainan's free trade port," reads a statement published on the website of the Hainan administration.
It specifies that Chinese businessmen, officials and scientific experts this time paid great attention to the issues of modernization and development of sea tourism. The main task of the discussions was to find effective solutions that will allow organizing cruise tours and all kinds of sea voyages with minimal risks in a difficult epidemiological situation in the world.
In order to coordinate these issues, Chen Shi, the head of the research center of the China Classification Society (CCS), which promotes the development of shipping by providing industry-specific enterprises with advanced international specifications and standards, came here from Shanghai. Moreover, heads of scientific structures at government agencies that deal with theoretical issues of transport development and the formulation of a national economic strategy attended the event as well.
"Sanya is located in an excellent place with a unique climate," the Hainan administration notes. "Due to this, in recent years, both yachting and cruise business have been dynamically developing here."
According to statistics, the island has 14 ports with marinas equipped for the needs of yachting. In total, there are more than 2,300 thousand berths on Hainan, adapted for amateur and cruise ships. The province has about 750 registered yachts and 150 service companies.


tass--2020-08-28--Number of COVID-19 recoveries in Moscow reaches 210,000

`` The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps growing .
Over the past day another 1,280 patients recovered after undergoing @ @ @ @ @ of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 210,908 , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ that upon discharge , all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations @ @ @ @ @ have recovered , have been asked to volunteer to assist the infected or to donate @ @ @ @ @ 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors , provided they do not have chronic @ @ @ @ @ HIV , and Hepatitis B and C .

"The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps growing. Over the past day another 1,280 patients recovered after undergoing treatment. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 210,908," she said.
The deputy mayor reiterated that upon discharge, all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations. Moscow residents, who have recovered, have been asked to volunteer to assist the infected or to donate their plasma. People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors, provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-08-28--Platform + Sharing Giant TOJOY Expects a Trillion-Dollar Valuation in the Future

BEIJING , Aug. 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recent 2020 China Unicorn Carnival , co-sponsored by China Business News and The China Business Federation , Experts in attendance generally agreed that companies including Bytedance , SpaceX , Alibaba , Didi , WhatsApp , Airbnb , and TOJOY Sharing could all potentially reach the trillion-dollar valuation mark , with much competition expected for which could do so first .
TOJOY Global CEO Ge Jun voiced his confidence that TOJOY could indeed become the next trillion-dollar valuated company .
Ge pointed out similarities that TOJOY 's model has with Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years as the company built itself into the world 's first company with a trillion-dollar valuation .
Ge said that Apple had succeeded by integrating the world 's best production capabilities with world class software development and visual and ergonomic design .
Ge felt that TOJOY is doing something similar as it integrates the shared resources of over 800,000 active entrepreneurs on the TOJOY platform to accelerate businesses .
With millions of entrepreneurs worldwide ready to put their own resources towards promising business models , the market is large .
Ge also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trillion-dollar valued company .
`` TOJOY has accelerated 229 projects , delivering rapid growth through services in exchange for equity , '' said Ge .
`` In another five years , TOJOY can reach 2,000 to 3,000 accelerated companies .
In accordance with the value growth created for these companies , it is expected that TOJOY will grow to a trillion-dollar market value . ''
Ge said he believes that enterprise-level services such as TOJOY 's will increasingly be in demand over the next 20 years .
According to Ge , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forest-like one Mr. Li described that TOJOY has created .
`` Platform + Sharing '' model hopes to create the next super unicorn The resilience of this platform was shown by TOJOY 's continued business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Having prepared a global collaborative digital business platform in advance , TOJOY was able to take its full business online quickly at the start of the pandemic .
This not only brought its Unicorn Business Opportunity Sharing Conferences online , but also enabled all 7,000 of its employees to work remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the TOJOY Entrepreneur Cloud app hosted nearly 30 online China Unicorn Business Opportunity Sharing Conferences and released more than 100 high-quality projects .
In its first online/offline event following the pandemic , the 2020 China Unicorn Carnival , TOJOY announced that 34 projects that were incubated on the TOJOY Sharing Platform have collectively launched plans to list publicly .
This brings TOJOY one step closer to its goal of a trillion-dollar valuation .
TOJOY plans to continue helping innovative companies grow into large companies it refers to as `` big trees '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lush `` forest '' .
With this system it hopes to become the next trillion-dollar valuation super unicorn .

BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recent 2020 China Unicorn Carnival, co-sponsored by China Business News and The China Business Federation, Experts in attendance generally agreed that companies including Bytedance, SpaceX, Alibaba, Didi, WhatsApp, Airbnb, and TOJOY Sharing could all potentially reach the trillion-dollar valuation mark, with much competition expected for which could do so first.
TOJOY Global CEO Ge Jun voiced his confidence that TOJOY could indeed become the next trillion-dollar valuated company. Ge pointed out similarities that TOJOY's model has with Apple – where Ge worked as an executive for years as the company built itself into the world's first company with a trillion-dollar valuation.
Ge said that Apple had succeeded by integrating the world's best production capabilities with world class software development and visual and ergonomic design. Ge felt that TOJOY is doing something similar as it integrates the shared resources of over 800,000 active entrepreneurs on the TOJOY platform to accelerate businesses. With millions of entrepreneurs worldwide ready to put their own resources towards promising business models, the market is large.
Ge also explained why he feels TOJOY will become a trillion-dollar valued company.
"TOJOY has accelerated 229 projects, delivering rapid growth through services in exchange for equity," said Ge.
"In another five years, TOJOY can reach 2,000 to 3,000 accelerated companies. In accordance with the value growth created for these companies, it is expected that TOJOY will grow to a trillion-dollar market value."
Ge said he believes that enterprise-level services such as TOJOY's will increasingly be in demand over the next 20 years. According to Ge, there is no other business ecosystem comparable to the forest-like one Mr. Li described that TOJOY has created.
"Platform + Sharing" model hopes to create the next super unicorn
The resilience of this platform was shown by TOJOY's continued business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having prepared a global collaborative digital business platform in advance, TOJOY was able to take its full business online quickly at the start of the pandemic. This not only brought its Unicorn Business Opportunity Sharing Conferences online, but also enabled all 7,000 of its employees to work remotely.
Even before China's pandemic recovery, the TOJOY Entrepreneur Cloud app hosted nearly 30 online China Unicorn Business Opportunity Sharing Conferences and released more than 100 high-quality projects.
In its first online/offline event following the pandemic, the 2020 China Unicorn Carnival, TOJOY announced that 34 projects that were incubated on the TOJOY Sharing Platform have collectively launched plans to list publicly. This brings TOJOY one step closer to its goal of a trillion-dollar valuation.
TOJOY plans to continue helping innovative companies grow into large companies it refers to as "big trees", and thus grow its ecosystem into a lush "forest". With this system it hopes to become the next trillion-dollar valuation super unicorn.


tass--2020-08-28--Hainan reports an increase in luxury goods sales at duty free stores

SANYA , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Sales of luxury goods at Hainan 's duty free shops from July 1 to August 18 2020 reached 1.2 billion yuan ( about $ 173.7 million ) , up by 420 % over the same period last year , Xinhua reported .
According to the news agency , this dynamics is seen due to the increase of the quota for one person for purchases in duty free stores from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan ( from $ 4,200 to 14,200 ) , as well as the expansion the list of duty free goods from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes that due to the sharp decline in international travel amid the novel coronavirus pandemic , the tourism business is under pressure .
At the same time , the measures taken by the authorities are helping to revive consumption , in particular , in the duty free segment .
`` Expanding the list of duty free goods is widely welcomed by consumers , '' the agency quoted the head of the provincial department of commerce Chen Xi as saying .
The latest adjustments to duty-free shopping on Hainan have led to a kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he pointed out .
The most popular , according to Chen Xi , are mobile phones , expensive alcoholic beverages , as well as tablets and other gadgets .
The official also pointed out that the latest changes contribute to attracting new customers and tourists to the region : if earlier some goods were available in duty free shops only when traveling abroad , now they can be purchased without leaving China — on the Island of Hainan .
According to the latest official data , as of August 18 , total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are up 250 % year-on-year since July 1 , when the one-person shopping quota was increased .
The corresponding figure for the specified period exceeded 5 billion yuan ( about $ 720 million ) .
During this time , about 740,000 people visited the island 's duty free shops , which is by 70 % more than in the same period last year .
There are currently four duty free shops on the island : two of them are located in the provincial capital , Haikou , and the rest — in Sanya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya .

SANYA, August 27. /TASS/. Sales of luxury goods at Hainan's duty free shops from July 1 to August 18 2020 reached 1.2 billion yuan (about $ 173.7 million), up by 420% over the same period last year, Xinhua reported.
According to the news agency, this dynamics is seen due to the increase of the quota for one person for purchases in duty free stores from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan (from $ 4,200 to 14,200), as well as the expansion the list of duty free goods from 38 to 45 items.
The article notes that due to the sharp decline in international travel amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the tourism business is under pressure. At the same time, the measures taken by the authorities are helping to revive consumption, in particular, in the duty free segment.
"Expanding the list of duty free goods is widely welcomed by consumers," the agency quoted the head of the provincial department of commerce Chen Xi as saying. The latest adjustments to duty-free shopping on Hainan have led to a kind of consumer boom in the luxury segment, he pointed out. The most popular, according to Chen Xi, are mobile phones, expensive alcoholic beverages, as well as tablets and other gadgets. The official also pointed out that the latest changes contribute to attracting new customers and tourists to the region: if earlier some goods were available in duty free shops only when traveling abroad, now they can be purchased without leaving China — on the Island of Hainan.
According to the latest official data, as of August 18, total sales of Hainan's duty free shops are up 250% year-on-year since July 1, when the one-person shopping quota was increased. The corresponding figure for the specified period exceeded 5 billion yuan (about $ 720 million). During this time, about 740,000 people visited the island's duty free shops, which is by 70% more than in the same period last year.
There are currently four duty free shops on the island: two of them are located in the provincial capital, Haikou, and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao. Last week, the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya.


tass--2020-08-28--Japanese PM plans to resign due to health issues — media

TOKYO , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to resign due to deteriorating health , @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
It noted that the head of government had already made a decision @ @ @ @ @ announce it at a special news conference , which will be held at 17:00 local @ @ @ @ @ ) on Friday .
After the resignation , if it really takes place , the @ @ @ @ @ have to endorse a candidate for prime minister in parliament .
Currently , the party @ @ @ @ @ majority in both houses of the national parliament , which will make it possible for @ @ @ @ @ without any obstacles from the opposition .
Earlier this month , Shinzo Abe set a @ @ @ @ @ as head of government in the history of Japan .
He has chaired the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ consecutively since the start of his second term as prime minister in December 2012 .

TOKYO, August 28. /TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to resign due to deteriorating health, the Japanese public television reported on Friday.
It noted that the head of government had already made a decision. Abe is expected to announce it at a special news conference, which will be held at 17:00 local time (11:00 Moscow time) on Friday.
After the resignation, if it really takes place, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will have to endorse a candidate for prime minister in parliament. Currently, the party and its allies have a majority in both houses of the national parliament, which will make it possible for them to obtain parliamentary approval without any obstacles from the opposition.
Earlier this month, Shinzo Abe set a record for the longest tenure as head of government in the history of Japan. He has chaired the Cabinet for a total of 2,799 consecutively since the start of his second term as prime minister in December 2012.


tass--2020-08-28--Kazakhstan’s COVID-19 cases surpass 105,400

NUR-SULTAN , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Another 165 coronavirus cases were recorded in Kazakhstan in the past 24 hours , bringing the total number of infected people to 105,408 , the government anti-coronavirus commission said on Friday .
Research center Vektor may provide first batch of coronavirus vaccine in October '' Another 165 coronavirus cases , including 111 patients showing symptoms and 54 asymptomatic patients , were recorded .
A total of 105,408 cases have been confirmed nationwide so far , '' the statement said .
Infected people account for 0.5 % of the population ( 18.7 mln people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections ( 1,962 ) was recorded on July 9 .
To date , 95,253 people have recovered , with 540 recoveries reported in the past 24 hours .
The death toll has climbed to 1,554 .
Kazakhstan has so far conducted 2,434,444 coronavirus tests .
Kazakhstan declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak on March 16 , which ended on May 11 .
However , restrictions remained in place in its regions .
Due to the growing number of infections , the authorities imposed additional restrictions on July 5 .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NUR-SULTAN, August 28. /TASS/. Another 165 coronavirus cases were recorded in Kazakhstan in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infected people to 105,408, the government anti-coronavirus commission said on Friday.
Research center Vektor may provide first batch of coronavirus vaccine in October
"Another 165 coronavirus cases, including 111 patients showing symptoms and 54 asymptomatic patients, were recorded. A total of 105,408 cases have been confirmed nationwide so far," the statement said.
Infected people account for 0.5% of the population (18.7 mln people). The highest number of confirmed infections (1,962) was recorded on July 9.
To date, 95,253 people have recovered, with 540 recoveries reported in the past 24 hours. The death toll has climbed to 1,554. Kazakhstan has so far conducted 2,434,444 coronavirus tests.
Kazakhstan declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak on March 16, which ended on May 11. However, restrictions remained in place in its regions. Due to the growing number of infections, the authorities imposed additional restrictions on July 5. They began to lift them on August 17.


tass--2020-08-28--Universities unlikely to opt for distance learning, say 70% of Russia’s students

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 73 % of polled students across Russia have expressed doubts their universities will drop customary forms of instruction in favor of distance classes .
Also , more than 60 % of students are certain that distance learning harms the quality of education , as follows from an opinion poll held by the research and consulting company IFORS .
`` Most of the polled students ( 73 % ) said that the unexpected and quick transition to online education last spring will by no means phase out traditional classes completely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survey , 64 % of the respondents believe that online instruction harms the quality of education in general .
Forty three percent of students find intramural classes most effective , and 42 % would prefer to have ordinary classes combined with distance learning .
At the same time 48 % percent of the respondents find online education more convenient .
If students were free to choose , 40 % would prefer to have both intramural and extramural classes , while 38 % would like to attend normal lessons .
The online poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience of 1,000 university students across Russia was questioned .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. As many as 73% of polled students across Russia have expressed doubts their universities will drop customary forms of instruction in favor of distance classes. Also, more than 60% of students are certain that distance learning harms the quality of education, as follows from an opinion poll held by the research and consulting company IFORS.
"Most of the polled students (73%) said that the unexpected and quick transition to online education last spring will by no means phase out traditional classes completely," the pollster said.
According to the survey, 64% of the respondents believe that online instruction harms the quality of education in general. Forty three percent of students find intramural classes most effective, and 42% would prefer to have ordinary classes combined with distance learning. At the same time 48% percent of the respondents find online education more convenient.
If students were free to choose, 40% would prefer to have both intramural and extramural classes, while 38% would like to attend normal lessons.
The online poll was held on August 13-26. An audience of 1,000 university students across Russia was questioned.


tass--2020-08-28--Glavkosmos ends research into likely use of Russian equipment on Indian spacecraft

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s company Glavkosmos ( an affiliate of Roscosmos corporation ) has handed over to Indian customers the results of its research into the possibility of using Russian flight equipment on India ’ s crewed spacecraft Gaganyan , Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov told TASS on the sidelines of the forum Army-2020 .
`` The Russian side has honored all of its obligations under this contract .
It has carried out the necessary evaluations for its Indian partners .
The Indian side received a report in the middle of August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing further questions , '' Loskutov said .
There are plans for a number of distance conferences and consultations by experts from the two countries .
`` Under the terms of the contract a group of Russian specialists was to make a trip to India for presenting their report and answering more questions their Indian counterparts might find appropriate to ask , but amid the novel coronavirus pandemic the presentation will have to be held in a distance conference mode .
We are expecting a confirmation from the Indian side , '' Loskutov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of using Russian flight equipment in the life support and temperature control systems of the crewed spacecraft Gaganyan was concluded on October 25 , 2019 .
Specialists from the space rocket corporation Energia participated in the project .
On July 1 , 2019 Roscosmos said that Glavkosmos and the Human Space Flight Center under the Indian Space Research Organization concluded a contract for supporting the selection , medical examination and training of Indian astronauts .
In August 2018 , India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his country would orbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th year of independence .
Before that two crewless spacecraft will be put in space .
A group of four astronauts from India entered a course of instruction at the Gagarin Space Training Center in February 2020 .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 28. /TASS/. Russia’s company Glavkosmos (an affiliate of Roscosmos corporation) has handed over to Indian customers the results of its research into the possibility of using Russian flight equipment on India’s crewed spacecraft Gaganyan, Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov told TASS on the sidelines of the forum Army-2020.
"The Russian side has honored all of its obligations under this contract. It has carried out the necessary evaluations for its Indian partners. The Indian side received a report in the middle of August. Its specialists are now studying it and preparing further questions," Loskutov said.
There are plans for a number of distance conferences and consultations by experts from the two countries.
"Under the terms of the contract a group of Russian specialists was to make a trip to India for presenting their report and answering more questions their Indian counterparts might find appropriate to ask, but amid the novel coronavirus pandemic the presentation will have to be held in a distance conference mode. We are expecting a confirmation from the Indian side," Loskutov said.
The contract for examining the possibility of using Russian flight equipment in the life support and temperature control systems of the crewed spacecraft Gaganyan was concluded on October 25, 2019. Specialists from the space rocket corporation Energia participated in the project.
On July 1, 2019 Roscosmos said that Glavkosmos and the Human Space Flight Center under the Indian Space Research Organization concluded a contract for supporting the selection, medical examination and training of Indian astronauts.
In August 2018, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his country would orbit the first space crew in 2022, the 75th year of independence. Before that two crewless spacecraft will be put in space. A group of four astronauts from India entered a course of instruction at the Gagarin Space Training Center in February 2020.


tass--2020-08-29--Foreign Ministry warns Russians of threat of persecution from US intel agencies

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian nationals travelling overseas may face the threat of persecution from US intelligence agencies , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the arrest in the United States of Russian citizen Yegor Kryuchkov .
`` Following the August 22 arrest of Russian national Yegor Kryuchkov , 27 , in the United States… we would like to draw the attention of our fellow citizens travelling overseas to the threat of becoming the subject of persecution from US law enforcement and intelligence agencies , '' the statement reads .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies continue to arrest Russians around the world .
As many as 56 such incidents have taken place in third countries since 2008 , with six occurring in 2019 .
In this regard , the ministry pointed to the cases of Viktor Bout , Maria Butina , Roman Seleznev and Konstantin Yaroshenko .
`` In order to make them [ Russians ] plead guilty in fabricated cases , they are putting strong psychological pressure on them and make their incarceration conditions unbearable .
If our fellow citizens refuse to plead guilty , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement added .
The ministry emphasized that Russian diplomats did everything possible to provide assistance to Russian nationals , ensure their legitimate rights and speedy return home .
The US Department of Justice said earlier that Kryuchkov had been arrested in Los Angeles and charged with conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Russian nationals travelling overseas may face the threat of persecution from US intelligence agencies, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the arrest in the United States of Russian citizen Yegor Kryuchkov.
"Following the August 22 arrest of Russian national Yegor Kryuchkov, 27, in the United States… we would like to draw the attention of our fellow citizens travelling overseas to the threat of becoming the subject of persecution from US law enforcement and intelligence agencies," the statement reads.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, US law enforcement agencies continue to arrest Russians around the world. As many as 56 such incidents have taken place in third countries since 2008, with six occurring in 2019. In this regard, the ministry pointed to the cases of Viktor Bout, Maria Butina, Roman Seleznev and Konstantin Yaroshenko. "In order to make them [Russians] plead guilty in fabricated cases, they are putting strong psychological pressure on them and make their incarceration conditions unbearable. If our fellow citizens refuse to plead guilty, they are handed hefty prison sentences," the statement added.
The ministry emphasized that Russian diplomats did everything possible to provide assistance to Russian nationals, ensure their legitimate rights and speedy return home.
The US Department of Justice said earlier that Kryuchkov had been arrested in Los Angeles and charged with conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer.


tass--2020-08-29--Belarusian opposition leader says ready to consider Russia as mediator

MINSK , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian opposition is ready to consider Russia as a mediator if efforts @ @ @ @ @ in the country without international assistance fail , former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told @ @ @ @ @ need foreign mediation in talks , we will definitely see Russia as one of the @ @ @ @ @ Russia is a country we have friendly and close relations with , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander @ @ @ @ @ the vote , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12 % .
She refused to recognize the election @ @ @ @ @ Belarus and is currently in Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of @ @ @ @ @ following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .

MINSK, August 29. /TASS/. The Belarusian opposition is ready to consider Russia as a mediator if efforts to resolve the political crisis in the country without international assistance fail, former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya told Euronews.
"If we need foreign mediation in talks, we will definitely see Russia as one of the participants in the process. Russia is a country we have friendly and close relations with," she said.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya garnered 10.12%. She refused to recognize the election’s results, left Belarus and is currently in Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.


tass--2020-08-29--Militants killed in Russia's Ingushetia had National Guard member's gun - source

MAGAS , August 29 .
/TASS/ .
A gun that was found in the things of militants eliminated in a @ @ @ @ @ settlement in the Russian region of Ingushetia had belonged to a member of the National @ @ @ @ @ , a regional law enforcement source told TASS .
On August 23 , three members @ @ @ @ @ group ( outlawed in Russia ) were killed in the Troitskoye settlement in Ingushetia 's @ @ @ @ @ improvised explosive devices were found in their things .
`` A gun found at the @ @ @ @ @ was the service weapon of a National Guard member , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian Investigative Committee said earlier that a 32-year-old law enforcement officer had been killed by @ @ @ @ @ of the Yandare settlement on July 28 .
The attackers seized his weapons .

MAGAS, August 29. /TASS/. A gun that was found in the things of militants eliminated in a counterterrorism operation in the Troitskoye settlement in the Russian region of Ingushetia had belonged to a member of the National Guard killed in late July, a regional law enforcement source told TASS.
On August 23, three members of the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia) were killed in the Troitskoye settlement in Ingushetia's Sunzhensky district. Weapons and improvised explosive devices were found in their things.
"A gun found at the site of the special operation was the service weapon of a National Guard member," the source said.
The regional branch of the Russian Investigative Committee said earlier that a 32-year-old law enforcement officer had been killed by unidentified individuals on the outskirts of the Yandare settlement on July 28. The attackers seized his weapons.


tass--2020-08-28--Security measures enhanced in Tskhinval amid unauthorized rally

TSKHINVAL , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Police have enhanced security measures in the South Ossetian capital city Tskhinval amid @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s acting Interior Minister Merab Pukhayev told TASS on Friday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ in the capital city .
This is an unauthorized rally , so we keep the @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports about @ @ @ @ @ resident who had been detained on the previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on @ @ @ @ @ People demanded resignation of the government .
On Friday evening , South Ossetian Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ stepping down .
The president has not yet accepted his resignation .

TSKHINVAL, August 28. /TASS/. Police have enhanced security measures in the South Ossetian capital city Tskhinval amid the unauthorized rally, the country’s acting Interior Minister Merab Pukhayev told TASS on Friday.
"We have maximally enhanced security measures in the capital city. This is an unauthorized rally, so we keep the situation under control," he said.
Several hundred people gathered in central Tskhinval on Friday following reports about the death of a local resident who had been detained on the previous day on suspicion of assassination attempt on Interior Minister Igor Naniyev. People demanded resignation of the government.
On Friday evening, South Ossetian Prime Minister Erik Pukhayev said he was stepping down. The president has not yet accepted his resignation.


tass--2020-08-28--Twelve more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Twelve more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ nearing 4,800 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 4,798 .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious in @ @ @ @ @ .
By today , Moscow has reported more than 260,300 confirmed coronavirus cases .
More @ @ @ @ @ .
A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 798,466 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 16,914 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Twelve more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities nearing 4,800, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Twelve coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,798.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly improved. By today, Moscow has reported more than 260,300 confirmed coronavirus cases. More than 210,900 patients have recovered. A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city.
To date, 980,405 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 798,466 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,914 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-28--Head of South Ossetian Cabinet announced resignation following people’s demand

TSKHINVAL , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the South Ossetian government Erik Pukhayev announced his resignation , the press service of South Ossetian President and Governmetn told TASS Friday .
`` Head of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia Erik Pukhayev announced his resignation .
In his address to the people of the republic , the head of the cabinet noted that he thought his decision through and considers it right , '' the press service said .
On Friday , several hundred people gathered in downtown Tskhinval , following report of the death of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted attack on the republic ’ s Minister of the Interior .
The citizens demanded resignation of the government .
Pukhayev noted in his address , obtained by TASS , that he made his decision after he visited the square where the people gathered .
`` I listened to the people , some chanted demands for the government ’ s resignation , '' he said .
`` I would like to express my gratitude to the people who supported me for three years , who trusted me .
[ … ] I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new government . ''
Earlier on Friday , head of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary ties Zaza Driayev announced that the parliament of South Ossetia will hold an emergency meeting , and the lawmaker will discuss the issue of the cabinet resignation over tense situation in the republic that emerged after the death of the Minister of the Interior Igor Naniyev ’ s suspected attacker .
The criminal proceeding and the Minister 's suspension According to the South Ossetian Prosecutor General ’ s Office , three suspects were delivered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention facilities earlier .
On Friday , one suspect has been hospitalized with body injuries and in an unconscious state ; later , the suspect died .
A criminal investigation has been initiated over charges of power abuse that led to unintentional death .
South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov temporarily suspended Minister Naniyev until the investigation is over .
He also ordered investigation materials to be sent to Russia ’ s Rostov-on-Don for expertise `` so that there are no doubts that the results are credible and that nobody has affected them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ under his personal supervision .

TSKHINVAL, August 28. /TASS/. Head of the South Ossetian government Erik Pukhayev announced his resignation, the press service of South Ossetian President and Governmetn told TASS Friday.
"Head of the government of the Republic of South Ossetia Erik Pukhayev announced his resignation. In his address to the people of the republic, the head of the cabinet noted that he thought his decision through and considers it right," the press service said.
On Friday, several hundred people gathered in downtown Tskhinval, following report of the death of a local, apprehended earlier over suspicion of attempted attack on the republic’s Minister of the Interior. The citizens demanded resignation of the government.
Pukhayev noted in his address, obtained by TASS, that he made his decision after he visited the square where the people gathered.
"I listened to the people, some chanted demands for the government’s resignation," he said. "I would like to express my gratitude to the people who supported me for three years, who trusted me. […] I would also like to wish success to the new government."
Earlier on Friday, head of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary ties Zaza Driayev announced that the parliament of South Ossetia will hold an emergency meeting, and the lawmaker will discuss the issue of the cabinet resignation over tense situation in the republic that emerged after the death of the Minister of the Interior Igor Naniyev’s suspected attacker.
The criminal proceeding and the Minister's suspension
According to the South Ossetian Prosecutor General’s Office, three suspects were delivered to the Ministry of the Interior’s detention facilities earlier. On Friday, one suspect has been hospitalized with body injuries and in an unconscious state; later, the suspect died. A criminal investigation has been initiated over charges of power abuse that led to unintentional death.
South Ossetian President Anatoly Bibilov temporarily suspended Minister Naniyev until the investigation is over. He also ordered investigation materials to be sent to Russia’s Rostov-on-Don for expertise "so that there are no doubts that the results are credible and that nobody has affected them." The president has taken the case under his personal supervision.


tass--2020-08-28--Russian fighters scrambled to intercept NATO spy planes over Baltic Sea

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept NATO reconnaissance planes @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s National Defense Management Center reported on Friday .
According to the Center @ @ @ @ @ detected an aerial targets over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea approaching Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ A Su-27 fighter from the Baltic Fleet ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces @ @ @ @ @ targets , '' the Center said .
`` The crew of the Russian fighter approached @ @ @ @ @ safe distance and identified them as a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane RC-135 , @ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance plane and a Danish Air Force Challenger reconnaissance aircraft . ''
The Russian state @ @ @ @ @ the NATO aircraft , the National Defense Control Center stressed .
`` The entire flight @ @ @ @ @ proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept NATO reconnaissance planes over the Baltic Sea, Russia’s National Defense Management Center reported on Friday.
According to the Center, Russian airspace control systems detected an aerial targets over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea approaching Russia’s state border.
"A Su-27 fighter from the Baltic Fleet’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to intercept the targets," the Center said. "The crew of the Russian fighter approached the aerial target at a safe distance and identified them as a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane RC-135, a Swedish Air Force Gulfstream reconnaissance plane and a Danish Air Force Challenger reconnaissance aircraft."
The Russian state border was not violated by the NATO aircraft, the National Defense Control Center stressed.
"The entire flight of the Russian Su-27 fighter proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace," the Center added.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia concerned over attempts to play anti-Russian card ahead of elections in Montenegro

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is concerned over attempts to play the anti-Russian card ahead of the parliamentary polls in Montenegro , the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
`` We are seriously concerned over the situation in Montenegro ahead of the elections to the national parliament due on August 30 .
Pursuing their selfish political and electoral interests , Montenegro ’ s top officials are using the entire confrontational arsenal and are deliberately fanning tensions , '' the ministry said .
`` They don ’ t confine themselves to attacks at domestic rivals and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being accused , well in advance and without any grounds , of seeking to influence the conflict between the Montenegrin authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church and to realize its `` imperial ambitions in the Balkans . ''
The ministry drew attention to frequent hints at repeating the 2016 scenario when a campaign was unleashed in Montenegro linked with `` an attempted state coup , '' with `` Russian agents '' allegedly being behind it .
The ministry expressed regret that it has become a routine habit in that country to instigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and picture Russia as an enemy .
Such a consumptive approach to bilateral relations , which are facing hard times , stands in contrast with periodical signals from Podgorica about its interest in normalization .
`` So far , we see only negative things being piled up , an unfriendly atmosphere being formed around Russians visiting Montenegro although that country ’ s authorities have begun to invite to local resorts again , '' the ministry added .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Russia is concerned over attempts to play the anti-Russian card ahead of the parliamentary polls in Montenegro, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
"We are seriously concerned over the situation in Montenegro ahead of the elections to the national parliament due on August 30. Pursuing their selfish political and electoral interests, Montenegro’s top officials are using the entire confrontational arsenal and are deliberately fanning tensions," the ministry said. "They don’t confine themselves to attacks at domestic rivals and are playing the anti-Russian card again. Moscow is being accused, well in advance and without any grounds, of seeking to influence the conflict between the Montenegrin authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church and to realize its "imperial ambitions in the Balkans."
The ministry drew attention to frequent hints at repeating the 2016 scenario when a campaign was unleashed in Montenegro linked with "an attempted state coup," with "Russian agents" allegedly being behind it. The ministry expressed regret that it has become a routine habit in that country to instigate Russophobic moods ahead of major political events and picture Russia as an enemy.
Such a consumptive approach to bilateral relations, which are facing hard times, stands in contrast with periodical signals from Podgorica about its interest in normalization. "So far, we see only negative things being piled up, an unfriendly atmosphere being formed around Russians visiting Montenegro although that country’s authorities have begun to invite to local resorts again," the ministry added.


tass--2020-08-28--NATO planes escorted Russian jets over two oceans and Baltic Sea, says Ministry of Defense

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
NATO planes scrambled to escort Russian planes , who participated in the Ocean Shield 2020 drills , over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea , the Arctic and the Pacific Oceans , Russian Ministry of Defense ’ s National Defense Control Center reported Friday .
According to the Center , planes of Northern , Pacific and Baltic fleets , as well as planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces ’ Long-Range aviation , were involved in the incident .
A total of eight Tu-142 anti-submarine planes , four Il-38 anti-submarine planes , two Su-24M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one Il-78 flying tanker took part in the flights .
`` Russian planes were escorted by NATO countries ’ planes at certain parts of the flights , '' the Center noted .
Russian planes were in flight for over 12 hours , flying over 10,000 kilometers .
The Center underscored that the flights took place in strict accordance with the international air law .
`` During the flights , the pilots practiced piloting over area with no landmarks , and coordination of crew actions in absence of ground-based air navigation systems , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North American Aerospace Defense Command ( NORAD ) reported that the Russian planes `` remained in international airspace and at no time entered United States or Canadian sovereign airspace . ''
According to the report at the NORAD website , the planes `` loitered within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone for approximately five hours and came within 50 nautical miles of Alaskan shore .
`` .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. NATO planes scrambled to escort Russian planes, who participated in the Ocean Shield 2020 drills, over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, the Arctic and the Pacific Oceans, Russian Ministry of Defense’s National Defense Control Center reported Friday.
According to the Center, planes of Northern, Pacific and Baltic fleets, as well as planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Long-Range aviation, were involved in the incident.
A total of eight Tu-142 anti-submarine planes, four Il-38 anti-submarine planes, two Su-24M bombers, two Tu-95MS strategic bombers and one Il-78 flying tanker took part in the flights.
"Russian planes were escorted by NATO countries’ planes at certain parts of the flights," the Center noted.
Russian planes were in flight for over 12 hours, flying over 10,000 kilometers. The Center underscored that the flights took place in strict accordance with the international air law.
"During the flights, the pilots practiced piloting over area with no landmarks, and coordination of crew actions in absence of ground-based air navigation systems," the Center noted.
Meanwhile, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that the Russian planes "remained in international airspace and at no time entered United States or Canadian sovereign airspace." According to the report at the NORAD website, the planes "loitered within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone for approximately five hours and came within 50 nautical miles of Alaskan shore.".


tass--2020-08-28--Russia ready for cooperation with WHO in Syria

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready for active cooperation with the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after Deputy Minister Sergei Vershinin ’ s meeting with @ @ @ @ @ Magtymova .
According to the ministry , the sides discussed the situation in the sphere @ @ @ @ @ , including in the context of the coronavirus pandemic .
Special attention was focused on @ @ @ @ @ in Syria that had been destroyed during the war and to ensure people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ medicines .
`` Vershinin reiterated Russia ’ s support to the WHO ’ s efforts @ @ @ @ @ active cooperation , '' the ministry added .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Russia is ready for active cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Syria, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday after Deputy Minister Sergei Vershinin’s meeting with WHO Representative to Syria Akjemal Magtymova.
According to the ministry, the sides discussed the situation in the sphere of public health in Syria, including in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Special attention was focused on efforts to restore medical establishments in Syria that had been destroyed during the war and to ensure people’s access to medical service and medicines.
"Vershinin reiterated Russia’s support to the WHO’s efforts in Syria and readiness for active cooperation," the ministry added.


tass--2020-08-28--Children spread COVID-19 for many weeks even without symptoms, scientists discover

`` Most of the children with COVID-19 have silent disease , but SARS-CoV-2 RNA can still be detected in the respiratory tract for a prolonged period .
The potential role of children in transmitting disease in the community needs to be further elucidated , and strategies to contain COVID-19 should reflect its effects , '' the researchers write .
MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
A group of South Korean medics observed the recovery of children from COVID-19 and concluded that the children continue producing large amounts of virus particles for two to three weeks , despite a frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The medics ’ findings were published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal .
Early observations over the coronavirus outbreak in China ’ s Wuhan revealed that children contract SARS-CoV-2 much less often than adults and suffer next to none COVID-19 symptoms .
However , children do transmit the coronavirus , if they contract the disease themselves .
This point has become particularly relevant lately , as the new educational year approaches and schools and colleges get ready to reopen in the US and other countries .
To a large extent , the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not say with certainty what role children may play in transmission of the infection and how dangerous the schools will be for teachers and other staff .
A group of Korean medics , led by Jong-Hyun Kim of The Catholic University of Korea , discovered that children may play a significant role in the spread of the virus , by observing changes in health of 90 children receiving COVID-19 treatment between February and March this year .
Following mass coronavirus infection cases in the South Korean city of Daegu , the Korean healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all people who contacted SARS-CoV-2 carriers , including children .
Thanks to such measures , the researchers write , the medics were able to discover 90 infection cases among schoolchildren and teenagers , most of whom either displayed no symptoms at all or suffered from light forms of COVID-19 .
All these children were quarantined and observed until all traces of the virus in the bodies disappeared completely .
Such approach allowed the Korean medics to evaluate with precision how long children remain potential virus carriers , and whether there are any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As it turned out , both produced viral particles for several weeks , remaining potentially dangerous for people around them , despite either gradual disappearance of symptoms of the disease or complete lack thereof in the first place .
On average , the virus was present for 18 to 19 days in young Koreans with symptoms and for 14 days - in patients without symptoms .
Considering that about half of all infected children displayed no symptoms and were discovered only thanks to mass testing , this indicates that children and teenagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus sources .
The scientists believe that many relatives could have contracted COVID-19 from their children , grandchildren and nephews .
This factor , the researchers say , must be taken into account when reopening schools , developing counter-epidemic measures and observing the virus in regions , not yet infiltrated by the disease .

"Most of the children with COVID-19 have silent disease, but SARS-CoV-2 RNA can still be detected in the respiratory tract for a prolonged period. The potential role of children in transmitting disease in the community needs to be further elucidated, and strategies to contain COVID-19 should reflect its effects," the researchers write.
MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. A group of South Korean medics observed the recovery of children from COVID-19 and concluded that the children continue producing large amounts of virus particles for two to three weeks, despite a frequent absence of observable symptoms of the disease. The medics’ findings were published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal.
Early observations over the coronavirus outbreak in China’s Wuhan revealed that children contract SARS-CoV-2 much less often than adults and suffer next to none COVID-19 symptoms. However, children do transmit the coronavirus, if they contract the disease themselves.
This point has become particularly relevant lately, as the new educational year approaches and schools and colleges get ready to reopen in the US and other countries. To a large extent, the point has become important because the scientists cannot say with certainty what role children may play in transmission of the infection and how dangerous the schools will be for teachers and other staff.
A group of Korean medics, led by Jong-Hyun Kim of The Catholic University of Korea, discovered that children may play a significant role in the spread of the virus, by observing changes in health of 90 children receiving COVID-19 treatment between February and March this year.
The hidden carriers
Following mass coronavirus infection cases in the South Korean city of Daegu, the Korean healthcare services conducted mass testing for coronavirus traces in all people who contacted SARS-CoV-2 carriers, including children.
Thanks to such measures, the researchers write, the medics were able to discover 90 infection cases among schoolchildren and teenagers, most of whom either displayed no symptoms at all or suffered from light forms of COVID-19. All these children were quarantined and observed until all traces of the virus in the bodies disappeared completely.
Such approach allowed the Korean medics to evaluate with precision how long children remain potential virus carriers, and whether there are any differences between children with or without symptoms.
As it turned out, both produced viral particles for several weeks, remaining potentially dangerous for people around them, despite either gradual disappearance of symptoms of the disease or complete lack thereof in the first place. On average, the virus was present for 18 to 19 days in young Koreans with symptoms and for 14 days - in patients without symptoms.
Considering that about half of all infected children displayed no symptoms and were discovered only thanks to mass testing, this indicates that children and teenagers may act as one of the main virus sources. The scientists believe that many relatives could have contracted COVID-19 from their children, grandchildren and nephews.
This factor, the researchers say, must be taken into account when reopening schools, developing counter-epidemic measures and observing the virus in regions, not yet infiltrated by the disease.


tass--2020-08-28--Baku announces striving to 100% fulfill obligations under OPEC+ deal

BAKU , August 28 .
/ TASS / .
The OPEC + agreement is yielding positive results , and Azerbaijan will strive for 100 % fulfillment of its obligations within the deal , the country 's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during a video conference with the participation of the co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on Friday .
`` The decision taken within OPEC + proves that it is the only mechanism in the current situation .
The positive results of the OPEC + agreement show that we have made the right decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % fulfillment of our obligations , '' Shahbazov said , quoted by the Energy Minister press service .
In December of 2016 , Azerbaijan joined the agreement to cut oil production among 11 non-OPEC countries .
Since that time , the country has supported all OPEC + agreements to reduce production , taking appropriate obligations .
As part of the OPEC + deal concluded in April this year , which provides for a cumulative decrease in daily production in May-June 2020 by 9.7 mln barrels , which was extended until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production by 164,000 barrels per day during this period .
( from the production level in October 2018 ) , up to 554,000 bar /s .
According to the Ministry of Energy , in July Azerbaijan fulfilled its obligations by 99.9 % .
As part of the OPEC + deal , Azerbaijan in August-December 2020 should reduce daily production by 131,000 barrels , to 587,000 barrels .
Energy Ministers Parviz Shahbazov and Nurlan Nogayev are co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation .
An agreement was reached at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intergovernmental commission in the second half of October .

BAKU, August 28. / TASS /. The OPEC + agreement is yielding positive results, and Azerbaijan will strive for 100% fulfillment of its obligations within the deal, the country's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during a video conference with the participation of the co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on Friday.
"The decision taken within OPEC + proves that it is the only mechanism in the current situation. The positive results of the OPEC + agreement show that we have made the right decision. We are trying to continue to achieve 100% fulfillment of our obligations," Shahbazov said, quoted by the Energy Minister press service.
In December of 2016, Azerbaijan joined the agreement to cut oil production among 11 non-OPEC countries. Since that time, the country has supported all OPEC + agreements to reduce production, taking appropriate obligations. As part of the OPEC + deal concluded in April this year, which provides for a cumulative decrease in daily production in May-June 2020 by 9.7 mln barrels, which was extended until the end of July, Azerbaijan pledged to reduce production by 164,000 barrels per day during this period. (from the production level in October 2018), up to 554,000 bar /s. According to the Ministry of Energy, in July Azerbaijan fulfilled its obligations by 99.9%.
As part of the OPEC + deal, Azerbaijan in August-December 2020 should reduce daily production by 131,000 barrels, to 587,000 barrels.
Energy Ministers Parviz Shahbazov and Nurlan Nogayev are co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. An agreement was reached at a videoconference to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission in the second half of October.


tass--2020-08-28--Syria’s Constitutional Committee should work without foreign interference, says BRICS

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy foreign ministers and special representatives of BRICS countries for the Middle East and Northern Africa have underlined importance of non-interference in the work of Syria ’ s Constitutional Committee in Geneva , they said in a joint statement following a consultative meeting held via videoconference on Friday .
The meeting participants noted the importance of lunching the committee with the decisive contribution of the Astana peace process guarantors and all other countries involved in the peaceful resolution of the conflict and also welcomed efforts of Geir Pedersen , UN Secretary-General Special Envoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and effective operation of this body .
`` Conviction was expressed that to reach common ground the Constitutional Committee members should be guided by pursuit of compromise and constructive cooperation without foreign interference , '' the text reads .
The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to sovereignty , independence and territorial integrity of Syria , noting that the conflict in this country can not be resolved militarily .
`` They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing political process , led and guided by Syrians themselves through the UN cooperation in accordance with UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in a constitutional reform as well as free and fair elections , '' the diplomats stressed .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Deputy foreign ministers and special representatives of BRICS countries for the Middle East and Northern Africa have underlined importance of non-interference in the work of Syria’s Constitutional Committee in Geneva, they said in a joint statement following a consultative meeting held via videoconference on Friday.
The meeting participants noted the importance of lunching the committee with the decisive contribution of the Astana peace process guarantors and all other countries involved in the peaceful resolution of the conflict and also welcomed efforts of Geir Pedersen, UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Syria, to establish a sustainable and effective operation of this body. "Conviction was expressed that to reach common ground the Constitutional Committee members should be guided by pursuit of compromise and constructive cooperation without foreign interference," the text reads.
The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, noting that the conflict in this country cannot be resolved militarily. "They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing political process, led and guided by Syrians themselves through the UN cooperation in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which should result in a constitutional reform as well as free and fair elections," the diplomats stressed.


tass--2020-08-28--EU position in WTO dispute with Russia reveals crisis in European trade policy,says expert

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union 's appeal in the dispute with Russia on energy adjustments reveals serious structural problems in the trade policy of European countries , as well as changes in the EU policy and approaches as a WTO member , Polina Tonkikh , Director General of the WTO Expertise Center told TASS .
`` The intention of the European Union to prevent the execution [ of the decision ] in the dispute over energy adjustments won by the Russian Federation indicates the existing crisis and serious structural problems in the trade policies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be perceived by the international expert community without perplexity .
The fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system imply compliance with international obligations , consistency , and good faith in decision-making by national governments .
In recent decades , the EU was considered one of the most principled members of the WTO , committed to the observance of the rules and principles of international trade .
Now we are witnessing a turning point in EU policy and approaches , '' she said .
According to the expert , the EU has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WTO dispute settlement mechanism and is trying to avoid responsibility for actions recognized as illegal at the international level , and by using the rules developed with the active participation of the EU .
`` The EU 's blocking of the results of the dispute on energy adjustments by filing an appeal into the `` void '' threatens the EU 's own achievements in trade cooperation , '' she noted. ''
This raises a serious , perhaps fundamental in its importance question : how to build EU relations in the future ?
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expert says .
In her opinion , from a legal point of view , the EU filing an appeal leads to the fact that the decision of the panel will not be approved at a meeting of the dispute settlement body , and the EU will not have an obligation to fulfill it .
`` The situation hangs for an indefinite period , until the moment when the WTO members manage to agree on the resumption of the appellate body or through other agreements to resolve the current crisis in the WTO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On July 24 , the arbitration group made the decision in favor of Russia in the country ’ s dispute with EU over the so-called energy adjustments applied by EU .
The EU practice implies that the costs of Russian enterprises for the purchase of raw materials are not taken into account in anti-dumping investigations .
The arbitration group found that this practice contradicts the WTO rules .
The arbitrators also stated that specific EU measures regarding welded pipes and ammonium nitrate from Russia were contrary to the rules of the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring its measures in line with WTO rules .
Earlier on Friday , it became known that the EU had filed an appeal in a dispute with Russia over energy adjustments , thereby blocking the approval of the report of the WTO panel .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry emphasizes that Brussels is trying to avoid the execution of the decision on the dispute , including the abolition of measures contrary to the WTO rules .
According to the ministry , the EU behavior actually obstructs justice , trying to prolong the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-competitive producers .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The European Union's appeal in the dispute with Russia on energy adjustments reveals serious structural problems in the trade policy of European countries, as well as changes in the EU policy and approaches as a WTO member, Polina Tonkikh, Director General of the WTO Expertise Center told TASS.
"The intention of the European Union to prevent the execution [of the decision] in the dispute over energy adjustments won by the Russian Federation indicates the existing crisis and serious structural problems in the trade policies of European countries. Such a situation cannot be perceived by the international expert community without perplexity. The fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system imply compliance with international obligations, consistency, and good faith in decision-making by national governments. In recent decades, the EU was considered one of the most principled members of the WTO, committed to the observance of the rules and principles of international trade. Now we are witnessing a turning point in EU policy and approaches," she said.
According to the expert, the EU has taken advantage of the current vulnerability of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and is trying to avoid responsibility for actions recognized as illegal at the international level, and by using the rules developed with the active participation of the EU.
"The EU's blocking of the results of the dispute on energy adjustments by filing an appeal into the "void" threatens the EU's own achievements in trade cooperation," she noted.
" This raises a serious, perhaps fundamental in its importance question: how to build EU relations in the future? How to negotiate with the EU? " the expert says.
In her opinion, from a legal point of view, the EU filing an appeal leads to the fact that the decision of the panel will not be approved at a meeting of the dispute settlement body, and the EU will not have an obligation to fulfill it.
"The situation hangs for an indefinite period, until the moment when the WTO members manage to agree on the resumption of the appellate body or through other agreements to resolve the current crisis in the WTO dispute settlement system," Tonkikh concluded.
About dispute
On July 24, the arbitration group made the decision in favor of Russia in the country’s dispute with EU over the so-called energy adjustments applied by EU.
The EU practice implies that the costs of Russian enterprises for the purchase of raw materials are not taken into account in anti-dumping investigations. The arbitration group found that this practice contradicts the WTO rules. The arbitrators also stated that specific EU measures regarding welded pipes and ammonium nitrate from Russia were contrary to the rules of the organization. The panel recommended that the EU bring its measures in line with WTO rules.
Earlier on Friday, it became known that the EU had filed an appeal in a dispute with Russia over energy adjustments, thereby blocking the approval of the report of the WTO panel.
Russia’s Economic Development Ministry emphasizes that Brussels is trying to avoid the execution of the decision on the dispute, including the abolition of measures contrary to the WTO rules. According to the ministry, the EU behavior actually obstructs justice, trying to prolong the use of illegal practices to protect its non-competitive producers.


tass--2020-08-28--Japan, Russia hold consultations on joint business activity in southern Kuril Islands

TOKYO , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Japan and Russia have held another meeting of the working group for the @ @ @ @ @ southern Kuril Islands , the Japanese foreign ministry reported .
It is noted that the @ @ @ @ @ .
The parties discussed contents of the joint projects for possible implementation in these territories @ @ @ @ @ of these activities .
The two foreign ministries ’ representatives also paid attention to the @ @ @ @ @ two countries adopted a joint statement during the Russian president 's visit to Japan in @ @ @ @ @ consultations on joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands would help pave the way @ @ @ @ @ Consultations are underway on cooperation in the areas of aquaculture , greenhouse farming , tourism @ @ @ @ @ management .

TOKYO, August 28. /TASS/. Japan and Russia have held another meeting of the working group for the joint business activity in the southern Kuril Islands, the Japanese foreign ministry reported.
It is noted that the consultations were held via videoconference. The parties discussed contents of the joint projects for possible implementation in these territories as well as legal aspects of these activities. The two foreign ministries’ representatives also paid attention to the coronavirus pandemic situation.
The two countries adopted a joint statement during the Russian president's visit to Japan in December 2016, saying that consultations on joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands would help pave the way for a peace treaty. Consultations are underway on cooperation in the areas of aquaculture, greenhouse farming, tourism, wind energy and waste management.


tass--2020-08-28--Russian fighter scrambled to intercept US spy plane over Black Sea

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Management Center reported on Friday .
According to the Center , Russian airspace control systems detected an aerial target over the neutral waters of the Black Sea approaching Russia ’ s state border .
`` A Su-30SM fighter from the Southern Military District ’ s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to intercept the target , '' the Center said .
`` The crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target at a safe distance and identified it as a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135 . ''
The Russian state border was not violated by the US spy plane , the National Defense Control Center stressed .
`` After the US reconnaissance plane moved away from Russia ’ s state border , the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield , '' the Center said .
`` The entire flight of the Russian Su-30SM fighter proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace .
`` .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea, Russia’s National Defense Management Center reported on Friday.
According to the Center, Russian airspace control systems detected an aerial target over the neutral waters of the Black Sea approaching Russia’s state border.
"A Su-30SM fighter from the Southern Military District’s air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to intercept the target," the Center said. "The crew of the Russian fighter approached the aerial target at a safe distance and identified it as a US Air Force strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135."
The Russian state border was not violated by the US spy plane, the National Defense Control Center stressed.
"After the US reconnaissance plane moved away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield," the Center said. "The entire flight of the Russian Su-30SM fighter proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace.".


tass--2020-08-28--Russian lawmaker says hopes Abe’s successor will continue cooperation with Russia

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Shinzo Abe has done much as Japan ’ s prime minister to develop @ @ @ @ @ resignation is regrettable , Leonid Slutsky , chairman of the international committee of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ house , told TASS on Friday .
`` Shinzo Abe , who is vacating the @ @ @ @ @ minister , has dome very much for the development of the Russian-Japanese relations .
He @ @ @ @ @ of his health condition and , naturally , it is a regret , '' he @ @ @ @ @ only hope that Abe ’ s successor will continue a constructive policy towards cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ the peace treaty in still on the bilateral agenda and both Russia and Japan should @ @ @ @ @ this goal , '' he added .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Shinzo Abe has done much as Japan’s prime minister to develop relations with Russia and his resignation is regrettable, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the international committee of Russia’s State Duma lower parliament house, told TASS on Friday.
"Shinzo Abe, who is vacating the office of the Japanese prime minister, has dome very much for the development of the Russian-Japanese relations. He has to do it because of his health condition and, naturally, it is a regret," he said.
"We can only hope that Abe’s successor will continue a constructive policy towards cooperation with Russia. The problem of the peace treaty in still on the bilateral agenda and both Russia and Japan should be equally interested in achieving this goal," he added.


tass--2020-08-28--President Putin agrees to further discuss financial aide distribution to Tatarstan

NOVO-OGAREVO , August 28 .
/ TASS / .
Tatarstan is not snubbed by the financial support from the federal @ @ @ @ @ are issues in this area , they can be further discussed , said Russian President @ @ @ @ @ on Friday via videoconference with Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov .
Minnikhanov said during the meeting @ @ @ @ @ economic situation this year , the budget revenues of Tatarstan have decreased .
According to @ @ @ @ @ compensated in May by the first tranche of financial support , but the second tranche @ @ @ @ @ as a donor region .
Minnikhanov asked President Putin to provide support `` in an @ @ @ @ @ financial aid . ''
`` Regarding the distribution of financial aid : Tatarstan is not @ @ @ @ @ we all know this well , '' President Putin said .
`` If you think @ @ @ @ @ pay attention to some specific issues , let us discuss this later at the meeting @ @ @ @ @ added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, August 28. / TASS /. Tatarstan is not snubbed by the financial support from the federal center, but if there are issues in this area, they can be further discussed, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting on Friday via videoconference with Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov.
Minnikhanov said during the meeting that due to the worsening economic situation this year, the budget revenues of Tatarstan have decreased. According to him, this was partially compensated in May by the first tranche of financial support, but the second tranche was denied to the republic as a donor region. Minnikhanov asked President Putin to provide support "in an objective and fair distribution of financial aid."
"Regarding the distribution of financial aid: Tatarstan is not hurt by this support, we all know this well," President Putin said. "If you think that somewhere you need to pay attention to some specific issues, let us discuss this later at the meeting," the President Putin added.


tass--2020-08-28--Dagestan resident apprehended over creation of IS cell in Russia

MAKHACHKALA , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian security agents apprehended a Makhachkala resident who sought to create an IS terror group cell in Russia .
The suspect pledged his allegiance to the leadership of the group via Telegram , a source in Russia ’ s Dagestan told TASS Friday .
`` Makhachkala resident Gadji Gadjiev , born 2002 , recorded and sent a video address to the IS leader in a restricted Telegram chat , pledging his allegiance to this organization .
During his apprehension , a traumatic gun , refurbished for lethal ammo and loaded with 9mm rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were discovered on him , '' the source said .
According to the source , the apprehended suspect admitted an attempt to create an IS cell in Makhachkala , the Republic of Dagestan , to conduct terror-related crimes .
`` In a bid to prepare terror-related crimes , [ the suspect ] gathered information on police officers , studied improvised explosive devices blueprints and purchased components for their assembly .
He also rented a garage , where he stockpiled IED components , and set up a cache on Mount Tarki-Tau in Makhachkala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators initiated criminal proceedings over charges of partaking in a terror cell , partaking in training for terror activity , and assistance in terror activity .

MAKHACHKALA, August 28. /TASS/. Russian security agents apprehended a Makhachkala resident who sought to create an IS terror group cell in Russia. The suspect pledged his allegiance to the leadership of the group via Telegram, a source in Russia’s Dagestan told TASS Friday.
"Makhachkala resident Gadji Gadjiev, born 2002, recorded and sent a video address to the IS leader in a restricted Telegram chat, pledging his allegiance to this organization. During his apprehension, a traumatic gun, refurbished for lethal ammo and loaded with 9mm rounds, as well as a hunting knife, were discovered on him," the source said.
According to the source, the apprehended suspect admitted an attempt to create an IS cell in Makhachkala, the Republic of Dagestan, to conduct terror-related crimes.
"In a bid to prepare terror-related crimes, [the suspect] gathered information on police officers, studied improvised explosive devices blueprints and purchased components for their assembly. He also rented a garage, where he stockpiled IED components, and set up a cache on Mount Tarki-Tau in Makhachkala," the source said.
The investigators initiated criminal proceedings over charges of partaking in a terror cell, partaking in training for terror activity, and assistance in terror activity.


tass--2020-08-28--Vaccine will help control COVID-19 infection, Health Ministry’s expert says

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The domestic Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus as well as other similar vaccine preparations being developed in the country will help manage and control this infection .
This opinion was voiced to TASS by chief of the epidemiology and evidence-based medicine department of the Sechenov medical university , chief non-resident epidemiologist of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Nikolay Briko .
`` [ Vaccine ] is the sole radical effective instrument capable of stopping the spread of this infection .
The measures being undertaken on social distancing , isolation , mask regime , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t solve the problem completely .
The problem can be solved only by the availability of an effective vaccine .
This is wonderful , it ’ s good that such vaccine exists and that it was created in Russia .
I am confident that with the help of this vaccine we will manage to control this infection , '' he said .
The expert noted that he thinks the development of a number of vaccines in the country is a good thing since he is confident that they `` will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that precisely with the help of inoculation it is possible to create herd immunity necessary to fight the pandemic .
He also thinks that various critical remarks on the Russian vaccine , including those from abroad , are a `` simple manifestation of competition . ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The domestic Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus as well as other similar vaccine preparations being developed in the country will help manage and control this infection. This opinion was voiced to TASS by chief of the epidemiology and evidence-based medicine department of the Sechenov medical university, chief non-resident epidemiologist of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Nikolay Briko.
"[Vaccine] is the sole radical effective instrument capable of stopping the spread of this infection. The measures being undertaken on social distancing, isolation, mask regime, and other restrictions do have an influence but don’t solve the problem completely. The problem can be solved only by the availability of an effective vaccine. This is wonderful, it’s good that such vaccine exists and that it was created in Russia. I am confident that with the help of this vaccine we will manage to control this infection," he said.
The expert noted that he thinks the development of a number of vaccines in the country is a good thing since he is confident that they "will also be in demand."
The scientist added that precisely with the help of inoculation it is possible to create herd immunity necessary to fight the pandemic. He also thinks that various critical remarks on the Russian vaccine, including those from abroad, are a "simple manifestation of competition."


tass--2020-08-28--Scientists collect on Taimyr about 1,500 samples for further tests

KRASNOYARSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists , participating in the Big Norilsk Expedition , during the field stage in the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s northern part collected about 1,500 samples , the team ’ s leader Nikolai Yurkevich told TASS on Friday .
“ The results are most positive ; we have collected the samples we wanted , ” he said .
“ The number of samples is huge , about 1,500 , and they weight about half a tonne .
The longest trips were a success – we ’ ve made it to the Kara Sea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a couple of months to process the samples .
“ Required time differs for different samples , ” he explained .
“ Some specialists , institutes will have results even earlier than that.
” The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of Nornickel , a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present suggestions for industrial companies , working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points are watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya , and Lake Pyasino .
The expedition ’ s term is five months – from July to November .
Before end of August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch will collect samples of soils , plants and sediments , and then will make tests at labs .
First results may be expected in November-December , 2020 .
Scientists collect on Taimyr about 1,500 samples for @ @ @

KRASNOYARSK, August 28. /TASS/. Scientists, participating in the Great Norilsk Expedition, during the field stage in the Krasnoyarsk Region’s northern part collected about 1,500 samples, the team’s leader Nikolai Yurkevich told TASS on Friday.
“The results are most positive; we have collected the samples we wanted,” he said. “The number of samples is huge, about 1,500, and they weight about half a tonne. The longest trips were a success – we’ve made it to the Kara Sea, and everywhere.”
It will take scientists about a couple of months to process the samples.
“Required time differs for different samples,” he explained. “Some specialists, institutes will have results even earlier than that.”
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points are watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya, and Lake Pyasino. The expedition’s term is five months – from July to November. Before end of August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch will collect samples of soils, plants and sediments, and then will make tests at labs. First results may be expected in November-December, 2020.
Scientists collect on Taimyr about 1,500 samples for further tests.