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Category: Russia

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic students learn to fight corruption

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Youth Council of the Administration of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg, the intracity municipal formation of the Akademicheskoe municipal district and the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science (HSJISTE) of SPbPU held an interactive practice-oriented event within the framework of anti-corruption education and counteraction to antisocial phenomena among the youth “Corruption: A Game Without Rules”.

    Prevention of antisocial phenomena, including corruption, is one of the tasks of the security and legal education system at the Polytechnic University, solved jointly with the administration of the Kalininsky District and the municipal formation of the Akademicheskoe municipal district. Practical knowledge obtained by students will allow them to apply it in their future professional activities, and at present will help develop the skills of lawful behavior in society, – noted the Vice-Rector for Security of SPbPU Alexander Airapetyan.

    The interactive format of individual and team work, heated discussions and debates with elements of simulating professional investigations and court decisions made the event exciting for students. Volunteers of the Polytechnic Squad and interested students coped with the task perfectly.

    In the event “Corruption: Game without rules” we took on the roles of investigators who had to solve complicated corruption cases using specific materials with evidence. Each administrative-investigative version contained information on various signs of corruption provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The goal of the game: to collect as much evidence as possible to identify the corruption scheme and expose the culprits, the guys shared.

    The organizers’ significant legal and practical experience in fighting corruption made it possible to fill the format of the business scientific and educational game with practice-oriented aspects.

    The municipality actively works with young people, including on issues of preventing antisocial phenomena, and in the Polytechnic University we have found a partner and like-minded person in organizing significant scientific, educational and practice-oriented events, – commented the head of the municipality of the MO “Akademicheskoe” Igor Pyzhik, expressing hope for the introduction of positive experience not only in the student environment, but also in schools.

    “The formation of an anti-corruption worldview in the modern youth environment is a priority of the national security of the Russian Federation, since it is aimed at developing democratic processes of state and municipal governance,” noted Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Technical Education. “Reinforcing skills in the educational process through professional interactive events in cooperation with subjects of state and municipal governance, law enforcement officers has become a trend in the training of modern youth at the Polytechnic University. This is why our graduates are in demand on the labor market.”

    Following the event, the organizers noted the adaptability of new methods of interaction with young people, the students’ interest in acquiring new skills and the ability to apply this knowledge in real professional situations and in their personal lives. Further points of interaction in matters of legal education were outlined, including the participation of students as mentors in schools in the Kalininsky District.

    It was interesting. This is not a game, but professional training close to real activities. We had to work hard and use all the knowledge we received in class so that the team not only completed all the tasks, but also demonstrated unconventional thinking in resolving practical disputes. Thanks to the Polytechnic University for the fact that there are so many interesting things in our studies! — the guys shared their impressions of the event.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: February 27 – International Polar Bear Day

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Every year on February 27, International Polar Bear Day is celebrated, the purpose of which is to attract additional attention to the protection of the largest land predator on our planet.

    Preservation of the population of this polar animal is one of the main priorities of Rosneft’s environmental program. The polar bear is one of the main indicator species of the sustainable state of Arctic ecosystems. A significant part of the population lives in the Russian sector of the Arctic. At the same time, the polar bear has a special conservation status and is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

    Since 2013, Rosneft has been caring for 35 polar bears in 16 Russian zoos, providing them with adequate feeding, care, and veterinary support. As part of the corporate polar bear care program, 7 new enclosure complexes have been built in zoos, and existing enclosures are repaired and reconstructed annually. With the support of the Company, special toys have also been developed to increase the animals’ physical activity.

    Rosneft also implements a comprehensive program to support and protect polar bears living in the wild without the care of their mothers. Thanks to this, since 2016, six orphaned bear cubs have already been rescued in the Russian sector of the Arctic.

    Since 2012, Rosneft has been organizing complex expeditions in the regions of the Far North. Hydrometeorological, geological, and biological research is conducted in cooperation with the country’s leading scientific institutes on the coast, islands, and archipelagos in all seas of the Russian sector of the Arctic — from the Barents to the Chukchi.

    In 2024, a full-scale polar bear census was conducted during the Tamura scientific expedition. Scientists surveyed the coastal area and adjacent islands of the Kara Sea. To obtain information about the movements of polar bears, ear satellite transmitters were installed on the animals for the first time.

    During field research in the territory of the “Russian Arctic” National Park on the islands of the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos, coastal observations of the Kara-Barents Sea population of polar bears were carried out. Scientists collected biological samples and collected animal samples for subsequent laboratory processing.

    The samples obtained during the expedition allowed for unique molecular-genetic, serological, microbiological, hematological and toxicological analyses. Toxicological blood analysis allows for the identification of the composition and levels of pollutants, including those of anthropogenic origin.

    The results obtained help to significantly expand and update information about the polar bear population living in the Russian Arctic – their migration routes, physical condition, and also to develop measures to preserve the animals.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 27, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists have studied the neurobiology of pragmatic thinking

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    An international team with the participation of HSE scientists studied how the brain understands hidden meanings in speech. Using fMRI, the researchers discovered that if the meaning is obvious, the areas responsible for decision-making are active, and with complex and ambiguous statements, the areas that analyze the context and intentions of the interlocutor are activated. The more difficult the task, the more these areas interact, helping the brain figure it out. Studypublished in the journalTerround.

    Every person has encountered a situation when the words of the interlocutor do not match their real meaning. We understand hints, sarcasm and even irony, although the formally spoken words may indicate the opposite. This process in cognitive science is called pragmatic thinking – the ability to extract meaning from context, even if it was not explicitly expressed.

    An international team of scientists tried to understand how the brain copes with such situations. The study participants played a “referential game” — a method for studying how people interpret ambiguous messages. In each test, four available characteristics and three monsters — potato, eggplant, or pear — appeared on the screen. Each of them had an accessory: a blue cap, a red cap, or a yellow scarf. The speaker gave a hint, highlighted with a yellow rectangle, for example: “red cap.” The subjects had to understand which character was being discussed, but the hint was not always unambiguous, and the correct answer depended on the context. The tasks were divided into three difficulty levels: simple, complex, and unambiguous. There were 96 tasks in total — 32 for each level.

    To understand which areas of the brain are involved in the interpretation process, the scientists recorded the participants’ brain activity using functional MRI (fMRI). This is a neuroimaging method that allows studying brain activity in real time. The authors of the article also developed six computer models to understand how people analyze information and what strategies their understanding is based on.

    The results showed that when a person quickly understands the meaning of a phrase and is confident in their answer, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which helps make decisions, and the ventral striatum (VS), which is associated with the feeling of making the right choice, are active.

    But when the meaning of a statement is not obvious, the brain restructures its work, involving other areas. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) analyzes the intentions of the interlocutor and helps to understand a complex situation. The anterior insular cortex (AI) reacts to uncertainty and tension, participating in the formation of emotions. The inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) is responsible for speech processing. The more complex the task, the more actively these areas interact, helping the brain correctly interpret the meaning.

    The researchers also found that the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others affected how well they performed on the task. Those who performed better had more active connections between the prefrontal and anterior insular cortex, indicating that they were more flexible in their thinking. Previously, pragmatic thinking had been studied within the framework of general models that assumed common cognitive mechanisms. However, this study showed that people’s interpretation strategies differed.

    “Understanding speech is not just a matter of intelligence or memory. Our brains use a complex system that integrates language, social thinking, and contextual analysis,” comments the research fellow. International Laboratory of Social Neurobiology, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsMario Martinez Saito: “These findings could also have practical applications. Perhaps, thanks to such research, your voice assistant will finally understand the difference between sincere praise and sarcasm.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the forum of rectors of leading Russian and Iranian universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The University of Tehran hosted the 7th Forum of Rectors of Universities of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was attended by more than 50 university leaders, representatives of scientific organizations and government agencies of the two countries. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was represented by the Director of the Institute of Power Engineering Viktor Barskov and Associate Professor of the SPbPU Institute of Power Engineering, a graduate of the Iranian Shahid Beheshti University and SPbPU Mehdi Basati Panah.

    The forum participants were welcomed by Iranian Minister of Science Simo Sarraf Hossein and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky.

    The partners discussed strategies for developing academic and scientific cooperation. In his speech at the session “Exact and Natural Sciences, Agriculture”, Viktor Barskov highlighted priority areas for cooperation: joint research in the field of sustainable energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. He also touched upon student and teacher exchange programs, the creation of joint specialized courses, and the organization of summer and winter schools on innovative technologies.

    During the discussions, Mehdi Basati Panah proposed expanding the format of the event to “BRICS” to include universities from other developing countries. This, he said, would enhance international knowledge exchange and open up new opportunities for joint projects.

    The Polytechnic University actively cooperates with 8 Iranian universities. The SPbPU delegation held talks with Iranian universities, including the University of Tehran, the Iranian University of Science and Technology (IUST) and the Sharif University of Technology, where they discussed cooperation in energy between the Gas Turbine Institute and the Institute of Power Engineering of SPbPU. The parties also expressed their intention to participate in joint research projects, the development of specialized training courses for students and student exchange programs in the field of engineering.

    The Polytechnic delegation held talks with the Mayor of Tehran, Dr. Zakani, and members of the Energy Committee of the Iranian Parliament to discuss potential areas of cooperation between SPbPU and Tehran municipal institutions, focusing on urban development and technological innovation.

    Developing a partnership between our universities is not just a step towards academic progress, but also an important contribution to solving global challenges such as energy transition, noted Viktor Barskov. Mehdi Basati Panah added that his personal experience of studying in Russia and Iran demonstrates the effectiveness of such partnerships.

    The forum became an important step for the implementation of new projects and expansion of educational opportunities for students and researchers of both countries.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IPMET has been transformed: modern classrooms await students

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    As part of the StroimNashDom project, large-scale renovation work to re-equip the academic building at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade (50 Novorossiyskaya St.) has been completed. On February 26, the grand opening of the renovated first floor of the academic building, equipped with modern and comfortable classrooms for students, took place.

    The transformed floor is the result of the painstaking work of the builders and the enormous work of the university and IPMET staff to equip the classrooms with modern equipment. The total area of the renovated space was 2,242 m².

    The main goal of the renovation was to create the most favorable environment for learning and research. And this was certainly a success. 19 rooms with 320 seats are ready for work. Particular attention was paid to the computerization of the educational process.

    “It’s nice to see how the space here is being transformed. It’s very comfortable here. I think that students and teachers will spend not only their study time here, but also their extracurricular time,” noted Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities at SPbPU, during the opening ceremony. “This space can become a second home for our graduates. For example, we can invite former students here to give lectures to the students.”

    “We understand that the future of education is in technology,” emphasized Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEiT. “That is why we focused on creating modern computer classes, equipping classrooms with projection equipment, and updating the laboratory base for quality management. Now there are six computer classes for 159 seats, equipped with modern technology. In addition, students can expect four classrooms for 140 seats, as well as a specialized educational laboratory for “Qualimetry and Modeling in Quality Management.”

    In total, 190 computers have been installed and prepared for the educational process. Each classroom is equipped with projection equipment and connected to the Internet. Moreover, all rooms and corridors have access to high-speed Wi-Fi.

    In addition to the classrooms, the spaces for employees and utility rooms have also been renovated. For the convenience of students, the corridors have been equipped with rest areas.

    “We are very happy that we now have the opportunity to study in such wonderful conditions,” said first-year student Stepan Orlov. “Modern equipment and a comfortable environment will undoubtedly help us better absorb the material and achieve greater success in our studies.”

    The opening of the renovated building is an important step in the development of the institute and an investment in the future of students. Modern classrooms with the latest equipment will allow teachers to use innovative teaching methods, and students to gain knowledge that meets the requirements of the modern labor market.

    Photo archive

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Regiment. Student Katya Petrova’s Memories of War and Study

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    When talking about contemporaries of the Great Patriotic War, the first to be remembered are the participants in the military operations, and they do not forget about home front workers, scientists and teachers, but stories about ordinary students are rare. They did not throw themselves under tanks, defending their native land, did not stand two shifts in a row at the machine, did not organize production and did not save lives in hospitals, but they also lived their war years and remembered them forever – they performed a small student feat, receiving an education in a difficult time for the country and using it for the benefit of the Motherland in the post-war years. Today we will tell you about such a person in the “Scientific Regiment” section.

    Ekaterina Valerianovna Petrova is a candidate of economic sciences, professor of the statistics department at the Moscow Institute of Economics and Management, and an Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation. She was awarded the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd degree, the Order of Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, and other medals.

    Ekaterina Petrova entered the mechanical engineering department of the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze (now the State University of Management) in 1940. After completing her first year, the war began and she and her family had to evacuate to the Saratov region for two years, where she worked as an accountant on a state farm. In October 1943, the institute called Ekaterina back to Moscow, where she was able to live independently due to the fact that students were given work cards for food, orders for clothing and footwear, and a stipend was paid to all students, and not just excellent students or those with low incomes, as was the case before the war. In this way, the state invested in the future even in the most difficult years. Despite all the difficulties, the management of the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute tried to provide comfortable living conditions in the dormitories, replenished the institute’s material resources whenever possible, arranged a normal life, and even organized festive evenings with the participation of artists.

    The dean of the mechanical engineering faculty at that time was Khadzhi-Murat Timurovich Aldakov, who at the beginning of the war was deputy head of the construction of defensive lines near Moscow.

    “At first, Hadji-Murat Timurovich gave the impression of being a withdrawn, somewhat gloomy person, so at first the students were afraid of him,” recalls Ekaterina Valerianovna. “However, having met him on business once or twice, everyone understood that he treated the students very kindly and fairly. I was able to see for myself that he was also an excellent teacher, since I completed my diploma project under his supervision.”

    According to Ekaterina Valerianovna, everyone studied with great enthusiasm and tried not to miss lectures. The shortage of textbooks also had an impact on attendance – often only one manual was given to three or four students, and for some subjects there were none at all, so they prepared for exams only from their own lecture notes. Accordingly, teachers approached teaching with full responsibility and explained the subject until the students fully understood it. For example, Professor of the Department of Organization and Planning of Production Eduard Adamovich Satel had a manner of conducting, as they would say now, interactive lectures – he asked students questions about how they would solve various problems of production processes.

    Ekaterina Petrova especially remembers the associate professor of the department of production organization and planning, Yuri Osipovich Lyubovich, who, thanks to his sensitive attitude towards students, goodwill and gentle humor, became a true friend of his students.

    “His imposing appearance, velvety voice and artistic abilities captivated the audience and worked genuine miracles. The students listened with admiration to every word when the material of deep scientific content was presented. And, what is most surprising, these wonderful lectures, thanks to the art of reading, could be easily recorded,” says Ekaterina Valerianovna.

    There were practically no vacations during the war years, instead students worked in the Moscow suburban subsidiary farm of the Moscow Institute of Power Engineering, in haymaking, in logging, at vegetable warehouses. No one even thought about being released from work, everyone worked for the needs of the country and the front.

    In May 1945, the maximum concentration of efforts of the entire state led to the Great Victory over Nazi Germany and its allies. Of course, the difficulties did not end there; a long period of restoration of the country lay ahead. Ekaterina Petrova graduated from MIEI in 1947, continued her education in graduate school, and since 1950 began teaching at her native university, which she never left, having trained thousands of specialists over many years.

    Yes, the years of the Great Patriotic War were much harder physically and morally than our days. However, the feelings that students of those years experienced, judging by the words of Ekaterina Valerianovna, were the same:

    “The student years, which coincided for my generation with the war years, were nevertheless the happiest: there was the joy of victories at the front, the joy of communicating with teachers and friends, the joy of youth and the expectation of all the best ahead.”

    Students of those years forged victory with knowledge and labor in the rear, bringing a bright future closer. Today, when our country is once again facing challenges, students of the State University of Management continue to study and develop, making their contribution to supporting the country and preserving the future. The stories of these generations are separated by time, but united by a common desire for knowledge and love for the Motherland.

    #Scientific regiment

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/27/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government restricts gasoline exports until August 31

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Resolution of February 26, 2025 No. 229

    Document

    Resolution of February 26, 2025 No. 229

    The government is introducing a ban on the export of motor gasoline from March 1 to August 31 inclusive. The decree on this has been signed.

    The restriction will not apply to supplies carried out directly by producers of petroleum products.

    The decision was made to maintain a stable situation on the domestic fuel market, support the oil refining economy, and counteract the grey export of motor gasoline.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moon Occultation of Star Cluster, Double Visibility of Venus and Partial Solar Eclipse

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    In March, high solar activity continues: if there are spots on the surface of the Sun, flares are possible, which can lead to the appearance of polar lights (sometimes visible in mid-latitudes). In addition, the period from February to April is close to the equinox (March 20), which means that the probability of the appearance of polar lights increases.

    The most interesting events of March: on the night of March 5-6, the Moon will cover the open star cluster M45 Pleiades, known as the “Seven Sisters”; double visibility of Venus (the ability to see the planet both in the evening and in the morning) will be observed from March 17 to 25; on March 29, there will be a partial solar eclipse that will be visible to residents of the North-West and Central parts of Russia.

    More details about the events that can be observed from the territory of the Russian Federation:

    On March 2, the Moon will appear larger because it will be at its closest point in its orbit to Earth (perigee) and will pass 6° south of Venus, which will also be quite visible, allowing those with perfect vision to try to see the planet’s phase.

    March 8 is the best day of the month to observe Mercury, which will reach its maximum elongation (angular distance from the Sun). Like Venus, Mercury can be observed in phase, but you will need a telescope for this. Also, from March 8, Mercury begins its retrograde motion for Earth observers (from east to west, i.e. in the direction opposite to the Sun’s (annual) motion).

    In March, as in February, it will be easier for us to find the planets of the Solar System, which on certain days of the month will be near the Moon. For example, the Moon will pass north of Uranus on March 5, on March 6 – north of the bright star Aldebaran – alpha of the winter constellation Taurus, which, if you try, can be seen in full, comparing the less bright stars of this constellation with star maps. They all form a recognizable outline, which our ancestors defined as the outline of a bull.

    On March 6 and 7, the Moon passes 5° north of another planet in the Solar System, Jupiter. On March 9, the Moon passes 2° north of Mars, which is easily recognizable by its orange hue, 2° south of Pollux, the brightest star in the constellation Gemini, and Castor, the alpha of this constellation, can be seen nearby on the same line.

    On March 12, Mercury passes 6° south of Venus, and the Moon passes 2° north of the bright star Regulus in the constellation Leo.

    On March 14, there will be a total lunar eclipse, which, unfortunately, will only be visible in the northeast of the country (Kamchatka and Chukotka). There, the total phase of the eclipse will be visible (the Moon will be illuminated by sunlight that has passed through the Earth’s atmosphere, which will give the Moon a red tint).

    In mid-March, the period of visibility of Mercury will end, hiding in the rays of the setting Sun. Astrologers call this phenomenon “retrograde Mercury” and build various frightening scenarios for such a movement of the closest planet to the Sun in the Solar System, but in reality such a movement does not threaten anyone or anything.

    On March 17, a “double” visibility of Venus is expected, when we will be able to see this planet both in the morning, before sunrise over the eastern horizon, and in the evening, immediately after sunset low over the western horizon.

    On March 20, the vernal equinox will occur – the time when the length of day and night becomes equal. A holiday that has been celebrated in many countries of the world since ancient times.

    March 29 — a partial solar eclipse that can be observed in the central and northwestern regions of Russia (Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, St. Petersburg and Pskov). In these cities, the Moon will cover the Sun by 13-40%, depending on the location. Thus, for Murmansk, the maximum phase of the eclipse is about 0.4 (40% of the solar disk), the peak time is 14:45 local time. For St. Petersburg: the phase is about 0.13 (13%), the peak time is 13:47 local time. For Moscow: the phase is only 0.02 (2%), which makes the eclipse almost invisible without special equipment. This very rare, fascinating phenomenon is definitely worth seeing, but due to the small phase of the eclipse, it is necessary to use special solar filters.

    The material was prepared by: Alfiya Nesterenko, head of the Vega observatory of NSU, Egor Konyaev, engineer of the Vega observatory of NSU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St. Kitts and Nevis: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 26, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Recent Developments and Outlook

    Growth is expected to pick up to 2 percent in 2025—from 1.5 percent in 2024—supported by tourism, with inflation remaining around 2 percent. In the medium term, growth is projected at 2.5 percent, and inflation is expected to remain stable. Progress has been made in the transition to renewable energy, as the geothermal project is nearing the drilling phase with funding secured.

    The current account deficit (CAD) further widened to 15 percent of GDP in 2024, from 12 percent in 2023. The CAD remains significantly larger than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a decline in CBI inflows and widening fiscal deficits. It is expected to remain around 12 percent of GDP in the medium term. The external position in 2024 is assessed as weaker than implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies.

    Staff projects fiscal deficits to remain large with public debt rising. The fiscal deficit in 2024 is estimated at 11 percent of GDP, driven by a sharp reduction in CBI revenue. Recent reforms to the program, reinforced by international agreements, suggest that CBI revenue will likely be structurally lower but more sustainable going forward. Hence, the fiscal deficit is projected to be 9 percent of GDP this year, also impacted by the increase in the wage bill and the temporary VAT reduction. Public debt is expected to rise to 61 percent of GDP in 2025. The overall risk of sovereign debt stress continues to be assessed as moderate. In the medium term, fiscal deficits are expected to decrease modestly due to the authorities’ efforts to control expenditures, while debt is projected to reach 68 percent of GDP in 2030.

    Bank credit growth accelerated while vulnerabilities remain. Bank credit grew rapidly at 11 percent (y/y) (particularly in mortgages and consumer loans) amid high non-performing loans (NPLs) and low buffers, while competition among banks increased. Overall, bank NPLs declined, profits rose, and capital somewhat improved. Meanwhile, lending by credit unions expanded swiftly by 12 percent (y/y), while their delinquency ratio increased to 10 percent.

    Near-term risks are tilted to the downside, but the potential for renewable energy provides upsides over the medium term. Substantial changes in CBI revenue constitute an important two-sided risk but a further decline in CBI revenue would pressure fiscal accounts. Downside risks include a slowdown in key source markets for tourism, commodity price volatility, as well as global financial instability impacting domestic banks. The country is also highly exposed to natural disasters (ND). On the other hand, the renewable energy projects could create an additional source of growth and fiscal revenue.

    Economic Policies

    Fiscal Policy

    The staff believes that the main priority is to implement a prompt and steady fiscal consolidation to keep public debt below the regional ceiling of 60 percent of GDP. While the authorities made efforts to contain the fiscal deficit in 2024, more active policies are necessary going forward. Fiscal consolidation will help create space to protect capital expenditure, strengthen resilience against NDs, and hedge against contingent liabilities.

    Under staff’s active policies scenario, the adjusted primary balance (excluding CBI and transfers to public banks) should be tightened by 2 percentage points of GDP by 2029 relative to the baseline. To this end, fiscal consolidation should be anchored by a set of fiscal rules and driven by tax reforms and reductions in current expenditures while protecting capital expenditure. The combined net impact of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms on growth and the external position is assessed to be positive in the medium term. In particular:

    • Statutory fiscal rules should include an adjusted primary balance floor and a primary current expenditure ceiling, as well as the regional debt ceiling—with escape clauses related to NDs. This would enhance the credibility of the fiscal path and help contain borrowing costs.
    • Tax reforms would boost tax revenue by 2.5 percentage points of GDP and are well within reach. The reforms would also help reduce reliance on the CBI and improve equity and growth. Recommended measures include harmonizing the VAT, supplemented by improved targeted social support; increasing excise rates on alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and fossil fuels; and updating property tax assessments. The Housing and Social Development Levy could become more progressive, and non-labor income, such as investment and rental income, could be taxed to improve equity. The temporary reduction in VAT for the first half of 2025, as well as other pandemic-era tax breaks, should be phased out. Negotiated tax concession packages for corporate income tax—which unfairly benefit profitable large international hospitality companies—should be lapsed, especially in light of the upcoming OECD Pillar II. The authorities’ efforts to improve tax collections, including property taxes and CIT, and to enhance tax administration are welcome, and should be further strengthened.
    • Current expenditure. The authorities’ efforts to streamline current expenditure are welcome and should go further to bring them closer to pre-pandemic levels. Limiting public wage increases and employment—the largest in the ECCU—would help foster private sector job creation. Transfers, including social spending, should be better targeted and more effective.
    • Accompanying structural reforms aimed at enhancing productivity, labor quality, and access to finance could generate significant growth gains.

    The planned establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is welcome. The SWF should absorb any upside in the projected CBI revenue, reduce the impact of volatile and uncertain CBI revenue on the budget, and help create fiscal buffers against NDs.

    Progress has been made in improving the CBI framework, but its transparency needs to be enhanced. The government has taken important steps to improve the governance of the program and strengthen the due diligence and application processes. To further improve transparency and accountability, comprehensive annual reports following external audits should be published regularly, including statistics on applications and financial accounts.

    The authorities’ efforts to publish the medium-term debt management strategy (MTDMS) are welcome. Heavy reliance on short-term borrowing—entailing large gross financing needs and additional fiscal risks—should continue to be reduced. The MTDMS—now under government review—should aim to lengthen debt maturity, reduce costs, and diversify the sources of funds. The authorities’ plan to resume the publication of the MTDMS—not published since 2018—is welcome. The government has recently reached three loan agreements with favorable terms with international partners. Additionally, the government could consider increasing engagement with multilateral development partners for concessional borrowing and tapping into the Regional Government Securities Market.

    The staff supports the authorities’ intention to reform the Social Security Fund (SSF). The authorities announced their intention to reform the SSF and have initiated extensive consultations with stakeholders. The proposed options are welcome and concrete measures should be identified. Furthermore, a more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the SSF, including improvements in asset management.

    Financial Sector Policy

    Progress to strengthen the systemic bank and safeguard public deposits should continue. The bank has made progress toward reducing NPLs, restoring profitability of its lending business, and further de-risking its foreign investment portfolio. These efforts should continue. The government—as its majority shareholder—and the bank are encouraged to engage with external advisors to revitalize its business model. The planned establishment of the SWF presents an opportunity to transfer public sectors deposits and associated foreign investments from the bank to the SWF, except for the portion necessary for the government’s cash management.

    The Development Bank needs to be reformed. The bank is facing significant challenges due to high NPLs and weak profits. Although the bank does not take deposits, it has borrowed from the public and the banking sector and poses a contingent liability to the government. The government and the new management are actively working to address the bank’s accountability and financial performance. The external audit—not conducted since 2018—is ongoing to fully assess the bank’s financial condition and is expected to conclude in the coming months. The priority is to thoroughly analyze the bank’s financial situation, including its NPLs and loss-making loan programs, reassess its financial and social functions—potentially achievable through private lending and targeted social support—and chart the optimal path forward, firmly based on the bank’s viability and fiscal prudence. The legal framework around the bank should be revised to significantly strengthen its regulation and supervision.

    Financial soundness should be strengthened at private banks and credit unions. Banks should continue their efforts to reduce NPLs and to meet the prudential requirements for provisions and capital, based on their plans submitted to the ECCB. Banks’ efforts to improve financial education of their potential clients are welcome and should be potentially joined with public resources. This is especially important amid the rapid credit growth and the regional credit bureau becoming more operational. In addition, the regulation and oversight of credit unions by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission has room for improvement, particularly in the areas of lending standards, provisioning requirements, and supervisory actions. Efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the AML/CFT framework should continue.

    Structural Policy

    The medium-term growth prospects can be improved. Staff analysis indicates that potential growth has steadily declined from around 6 percent in the 1980s to 2.5 percent, mainly driven by slow productivity growth and a lower contribution from human capital. Staff assess that growth potential can be enhanced through structural reforms aimed at better resource allocation, particularly in the following areas.

    • The efficiency of government services can be enhanced. In this regard, recent progress with digitalization, streamlining tax administration, and implementing a single electronic window is welcome.
    • Credit access should be improved, especially for firms. All banks and credit unions are encouraged to participate in the recently created regional credit bureau to make it effective. While foreclosure processes appear to work efficiently, bankruptcy and insolvency regimes can be enhanced to incentivize out-of-court debt workouts, given the lengthy in-court processes.
    • Labor skills should be better aligned with private and public sector demands. Upskilling is essential for maintaining labor market competitiveness, especially with the recent two-tier increases in minimum wage in 2024 and July 2025, which position the minimum wage well above that of ECCU peers. There are shortages of qualified workers in both the private (tourism) and public (healthcare) sectors. Recent efforts aimed at improving access to education and vocational training can help, especially benefiting the unemployed, and these initiatives should be tailored to meet market demands.
    • Accelerating the energy transition is crucial to increasing competitiveness and growth resilience. The energy transition is expected to enhance energy security, reduce energy costs, and support economic diversification. It is essential to build strong expertise in project management. The investment, ownership, and taxation agreements related to large energy projects should be crafted carefully, considering their long-term economic and fiscal implications.

    To strengthen ND preparedness, the public investment framework and the multi-layered insurance framework should be further enhanced.

    • ND-resilient Infrastructure. Upgrading the power grid—as part of the geothermal project—will enhance resilience to NDs, support energy sustainability by introducing a one-grid that connects the two islands and facilitate the energy transition. Given the country’s challenges with water supply, the authorities’ plan for a renewable energy-powered desalination plant is a significant development.
    • Investment framework. Integrating a pipeline of projects funded by the overall public sector, including statutory bodies, into the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP)) will help improve medium-term fiscal planning, anchor ND-resilient investment plans, and help unlock concessional financing. Strengthening capital expenditure forecasts would be important for the medium-term fiscal framework. Project execution should be improved considerably. In this regard, the authorities’ plan to formulate a medium-term PSIP strategy will provide a useful framework for comprehensive oversight of public investment and enable project progress tracking.
    • An enhanced multi-layered insurance framework. Staff analysis indicates additional fiscal buffers are essential to enhance an insurance framework against NDs, and government deposits should be preserved at their current level as the first self-insurance layer. This could be further supplemented by (i) expanding coverage through the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility and (ii) issuing a state-contingent instrument, such as catastrophe bonds or lines of credit.

    The mission would like to thank the St. Kitts and Nevis authorities and all other counterparts for the constructive and candid policy dialogue and productive collaboration.

     

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Reah Sy

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/27/st-kitts-and-nevis-cs-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with the Republic of Madagascar

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 26, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the First Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Republic of Madagascar, allowing for an immediate disbursement of US$101 million.
    • Madagascar’s performance under the ECF and RSF programs has been adequate albeit uneven. The implementation of an automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism will create fiscal space for social spending and investment. The reform of JIRAMA remains a priority.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the First Reviews under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. The ECF and RSF arrangements were approved by the IMF Executive Board in June 2024.

    The completion of the reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 36.7 million (about US$48 million) under the ECF arrangement and of SDR 40.7 million (about US$53 million) under the RSF arrangement.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Madagascar continues to face important development needs amid its high poverty rate and vulnerability to climate shocks. A faster pace of reform is needed to spur growth, which remains well below its medium-term potential. Program performance at end-June 2024 was broadly assessed as mixed, stressing the need for continued strong political ownership to support program implementation.

    “The continued implementation of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism will help contain fiscal risks and create space for more public investment and social spending. In addition, further efforts are needed to continue improving domestic revenue mobilization and firmly secure the financial recovery of JIRAMA.

    “Reinforcing public financial and investment management processes is critical to improve budget execution and traceability. Better cash flow projections and management should facilitate spending and limit the accumulation of arrears. Continued improvements in governance, building on the ongoing Governance Diagnostic Assessment, and the implementation of the newly published Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2025-30 will support efforts to fight corruption and promote transparency.

    “The central bank (BFM) should stand ready to raise its policy rates to keep inflation on a downward path. Further improvements in the liquidity management framework and better communication about monetary policy decisions would bolster BFM’s credibility.

    “Further building adaptation and resilience to climate shocks as well as mobilizing climate finance should continue to be a key priority. The new decree on environmental and social impact assessments provides a framework to evaluate and select investment projects, which should be applied to new investments, including road projects.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/26/pr-2547-madagascar-imf-completes-the-1st-rev-under-ecf-rsf

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Short-term Policy Responses to Geoeconomic Shocks in CESEE Countries

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Speech by Alfred Kammer, Director, IMF European Department, Amsterdam, February 14, 2025

    February 26, 2025

    It is a great pleasure to open this session.

    Let me begin by setting the stage for what I hope will be an insightful discussion on short-term policy responses to geoeconomic shocks. I will focus on the Central, Eastern, and South Eastern European (CESEE) countries.

    The CESEE region experienced a respectable recovery last year with growth accelerating from 0.8 percent in 2023 to 2.5 percent in 2024.

    As expected, the composition of growth changed. Domestic demand (consumption and investment) rebounded, while net exports—which had been a key driver in 2023—turned into a drag.

    Supportive fiscal policies at both the national and EU level played a role alongside a strong labor market and disinflation aided by tight monetary policy.

    However, the growth momentum is weakening.

    Geoeconomic fragmentation, linked to both Russia’s war in Ukraine and trade policy uncertainty, is weighing on demand.

    In my remarks today, I will address three key questions:

    • How much can the CESEE region rely on domestic and external demand for a continuation of the cyclical recovery into 2025?
    • How well-prepared is the region to handle external demand challenges arising from geoeconomic fragmentation? And,
    • What can policymakers do in the short term?

    Let me start with the first question.

    How much can the CESEE region rely on domestic and external demand to support growth in 2025?

    Our baseline forecast assumes moderate growth in 2025 at around 3 percent, supported by some remaining pent-up demand.

    However, the cyclical recovery has largely run its course for three reasons.

    • First, the recovery in household spending is nearly complete. While strong wage and income growth initially supported consumption, momentum is fading as wage growth slows alongside inflation. Additionally, upward shift in uncertainty has also raised precautionary savings, dampening spending. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.
    • Second, business investment is not expected to accelerate further. Despite improved financing conditions from less restrictive monetary policy, firms remain cautious due to diminished growth expectations and uncertainty about trade policies and EU reforms.
    • Third, external demand remains weak, limiting the region’s ability to rely on exports for additional growth.

    Let me add two more observations:

    Not all CESEE countries face the same challenges.

    Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will continue to benefit from remittances, EU support, and tourism revenues, offering them some insulation from external risks.

    However, others will be impacted by the effects of the strong nominal wage growth over the last few years.

    • For one, minimum wage increases are unlikely to be repeated. More broadly, household incomes will grow much more slowly in 2025 as wage negotiations follow inflation, which is slowing down.
    • In addition, like elsewhere, households have changed their savings behavior and are spending less out of their earned income, likely due to the lingering memory of recent income shocks and uncertainty about external developments.

    Taken together this means that with a few exceptions the region’s recovery momentum is weakening.

    Let me now turn to the second question.

    How well-prepared is the region to handle external demand challenges arising from geoeconomic fragmentation?

    The region faces three key vulnerabilities in the face of geoeconomic fragmentation:

    One, rising labor and high energy costs are eroding competitiveness.

    Two, high trade openness and deep integration into global value chains—once advantages during globalization—now heighten exposure to external demand shocks in times of de-globalization, and

    Three, there is limited room from returning to accommodative macroeconomic policies.

    Let me start with a word on cost competitiveness.

    Export growth has stalled across the region with net exports subtracting about ½ percentage point from GDP growth last year.

    Several adverse cost developments weigh now on CESEE’s competitiveness:

    • Energy costs in Europe remain significantly higher than in the US—nearly five times more for natural gas and more than double for electricity (CHART).
    • The level of labor costs is becoming a headwind. The real effective exchange rate (REER) relative to unit labor costs (CHART) has deteriorated for the region.
    • Additional wage increases and persistently higher energy prices could translate into higher production costs and, eventually, higher final prices—just as external demand conditions are weakening.

    These cost pressures have significant economic implications. If the REER continues to appreciate by 2 percentage points per year, as observed over the past five years, export growth could be dampened by approximately 0.6-0.8 percentage points per year.

     

    Beyond costs, the CESEE region’s integration into global value-chains and trade linkages create exposure to shifting trade dynamics.

    A recent IMF study shows that Chinese EV imports could have very large GDP effects on CESEE countries through the supply chain.

    For example, the estimated negative impact on Hungary and the Czech Republic from a shift to EVs is about 10 times larger than in advanced European economies, reducing GDP by 1.5 to 2.0 percent (cumulatively) over 5 years. For these countries and sectors to adjust, retaining cost competitiveness plays an important factor. 

    Now to the third question:

    What can policymakers do in the short term?

    After waves of external shocks, reducing uncertainty through clear communication is crucial. Governments should focus on reinforcing fundamentals, pursuing credible and sustainable macroeconomic policies, and building resilience.

    Fiscal consolidation is necessary, but it is not sufficient.

    Despite the recovery, fiscal balances have not improved (LHS) and long-term fiscal spending needs remain high [RHS]. They are mostly aging-related (health and pensions), security related (defense) and climate-related.

    An important discussion to be had is on the next EU budget, including on expenditures on European public goods, such as defense and the environment.

    Monetary policy needs to move cautiously in removing its restrictive stance.

    While weakening of external demand is likely to be disinflationary (barring sharp currency depreciations), inflation persistence remains a concern. This is especially the case in countries where inflation expectations remain above inflation targets (RHS) and where sustained wage growth is not supported by productivity gains.

    Growth-oriented reforms and moderation in public sector wage raises—serving as signals to the private sector—are key.

    Two observations on the role of central banks:

    • Effective communication is crucial. Given the uncertainty, central banks must clearly communicate policy intentions to steer expectations. To clarify policy responses sensitivity analyses or scenarios are useful.
    • Maintaining central bank independence is essential. Pressures on institutional independence have risen in several countries. Research shows that lower trust in central banks increases the costs of achieving price stability, a risk that the region cannot afford.

    And last but not least in terms of policy priorities, countries need to accelerate structural reforms, to raise their growth potential and strengthen economic resilience.

    We are currently undertaking new work on assessing national structural reform priorities across Europe. (This complements work on what can be done at the EU level).

    This work finds that the CESEE region lags behind its European and global peers in almost all areas (see chart).

    Governance and trade-related barriers are two areas where gaps are large. Similarly, credit and capital markets remain underdeveloped notwithstanding healthy banking sectors.

    These gaps limit growth potential but can be addressed with limited fiscal costs. Targeted reforms could unlock investment and long-term competitiveness gains.

    Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/26/022625-Alfred-Amsterdam

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 6)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 2232 of the Federal Law “On Insolvency (Bankruptcy)”

    The development of the bill is due to the need to provide additional support to participants in the special military operation.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 28 and 2137 of the Federal Law “On Insolvency (Bankruptcy)”

    The bill is aimed at regulating the issue of the date from which the ten-day period for the execution by the bankruptcy trustee of the obligation to include in the Unified Federal Register of Bankruptcy Information a notice of completion of the procedure applied in the bankruptcy case should be calculated.

    3. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at updating the normative legal regulation in the area of preferential regimes for the implementation of economic activities.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Veterans””

    The bill is aimed at granting the status of veteran and disabled person of combat operations to military personnel (employees) who carried out tasks to repel an armed invasion of the country’s territory, as well as during an armed provocation on the state border of Russia and in the territories of the country’s subjects adjacent to the areas where a special military operation is being conducted.

    5. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 26 of the Federal Law “On Road Safety””

    The bill is aimed at improving the quality of training for vehicle drivers.

    6. On amendments to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 20, 2011 No. 590 (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation)

    The draft resolution is aimed at ensuring that the activities of the Ministry of Culture of Russia comply with the provisions of the Federal Law of December 13, 2024 No. 472 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Cultural Heritage Sites (Historical and Cultural Monuments) of the Peoples of the Russian Federation”.

    7. On the allocation of budgetary allocations for the financial support of the one-time payment to certain categories of citizens of the Russian Federation established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2025 No. 15 in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

    The draft order is aimed at providing support to disabled people and participants of the Great Patriotic War, as well as categories of citizens equivalent to them.

    Moscow, February 26, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Approves New 40-month US$1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility Arrangement for El Salvador

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    IMF Executive Board Approves New 40-month US$1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility Arrangement for El Salvador

    February 26, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board approved a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for El Salvador, with access equivalent to US$1.4 billion. The Board’s decision allows the authorities an immediate disbursement equivalent to around US$113 million.
    • The IMF-supported program aims to ensure conditions are in place to boost El Salvador’s growth prospects and resilience by strengthening public finances, rebuilding external and financial buffers, and improving governance and transparency. Bitcoin risks are also being addressed.

    Washington, DC: Today the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 40-month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for El Salvador, with access of SDR 1033.92 million (around US$1.4 billion, or 360 percent of quota). The Board’s approval allows the authorities an immediate disbursement of SDR 86.16 million, equivalent to around US$113 million. The arrangement is expected to catalyze additional multilateral financial support, for a combined overall financing package of over US$3.5 billion over the program period.

    Building on recent progress, the authorities’ IMF-supported program aims at addressing macroeconomic imbalances and strengthening governance and transparency, with the objective of boosting El Salvador’s growth prospects and resilience. Under the program, the primary balance will improve by 3½ percent of GDP over three years, underpinned initially by a rationalization of the wage bill, while protecting priority social and infrastructure spending. This will be complemented by measures to rebuild reserve buffers and bolster financial stability, as well as actions to strengthen fiscal transparency and anti-corruption and Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks. The program also addresses risks arising from the Bitcoin project, including by making acceptance of Bitcoin voluntary and by confining public sector engagement in Bitcoin-related activities and transactions in and purchases of Bitcoins.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion on El Salvador, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “The Salvadorean economy is steadily expanding on the back of robust remittances and tourism, and a greatly improved security situation. External deficits have narrowed, inflation has fallen, and recent liability management operations have reduced near-term financing needs. Nevertheless, El Salvador continues to face deep macroeconomic imbalances, stemming from high debt and weak external and financial buffers, as well as barriers to investment and productivity. The authorities’ economic program, supported by an Extended Fund Facility arrangement, aims to strengthen fiscal and external sustainability while creating the conditions for stronger and more inclusive growth.

    “The Fund-supported program is underpinned by an ambitious growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, aiming to put public debt on a firm downward path and building fiscal buffers. The consolidation is being supported by raising public spending efficiency and reforms of the civil service and the pension system over time, while providing sufficient space to protect priority social and infrastructure spending.

    “The program will enhance El Salvador’s resilience to shocks, through a gradual and determined strengthening of external and financial sector buffers. A plan to increase banks’ liquidity buffers has already been approved, with Fund financing also supporting government buffers and central bank reserves. Improvements in regulation and supervision as well as a new financial stability legislation will also bolster financial stability and inclusion.

    “Envisaged improvements in governance and transparency are expected to boost confidence and private investment. Early steps have been taken through the enactment of a new Anti-Corruption legislation, and publication by the Court of Accounts of audits of financial statements of government agencies and COVID audits. These will be followed by upgrades to procurement and accountability processes, as well as the strengthening of AML/CFT frameworks.

    “The potential risks of the Bitcoin project are being addressed in line with Fund policies and with Fund advice to the authorities. Prior actions include legal reforms that have made acceptance of Bitcoin by the private sector voluntary and ensured that tax payments are made only in U.S. dollars. Transparency of the public crypto e-wallet has been strengthened, and the government plans to gradually unwind its participation in the e-wallet. Going forward, program commitments will confine government engagement in Bitcoin-related economic activities, as well as government transactions in and purchases of Bitcoin. Regulation and supervision of digital assets will be enhanced in line with evolving international best practices.

    “Decisive ownership and implementation and broad political and public support will be critical to ensure the program’s success. Agile policy making and contingency planning will be essential to manage downside risks in the context of dollarization. Continued financial and technical support from other official creditors will also be necessary to support program implementation.’’

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/26/pr25043-el-salvador-imf-approves-new-40-month-us1-bn-eff-arr

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov headed the supervisory board of Bauman Moscow State Technical University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has been elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The creation of the Supervisory Board of Bauman Moscow State Technical University is connected with the new status of the university as an autonomous educational institution.

    “Thank you for supporting my candidacy. It is a great responsibility for me to coordinate the development of our legendary engineering university, whose history goes back almost 200 years. Needless to say, how many outstanding visionaries have emerged from the university over these years. And today, Bauman Moscow State Technical University remains a support university for leading enterprises of Russian industry. It ensures an annual influx of about 5 thousand qualified specialists into the real sector. It conducts research and development in the interests of large industrial partners, as well as through state defense procurement,” Denis Manturov noted.

    The First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for maximum involvement of the university in the implementation of national projects of technological leadership and strengthening its ties with industrial enterprises and executive authorities.

    “Such a representative composition of the council reflects the close relationship of the university with specialized departments, business, industry, our customers and future employers of our students. Interaction in this format, in support of the autonomous status, will allow us to better understand our strategic partners, become more adaptive and develop the most effective approaches in response to the major challenges that engineering education and science face today, to ensure sustainable technological leadership of our country,” said Mikhail Gordin, Rector of Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

    Denis Manturov also visited the building of the university’s advanced engineering school. The centers and laboratories of the building train systems engineers in the field of rocket and space technology. Students, postgraduates and employees of industry enterprises solve current applied problems of space exploration here. The First Deputy Prime Minister visited the M.P. Arzhakov Engineering Center – the Competence Center of the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation and the ProKIT design bureau, where students design and assemble small spacecraft of the CubeSat format. Currently, seven Bauman CubeSats, launched as part of the UniverSat program, are operating in space. Every day, they collect and transmit data to Earth for space weather forecasting, as well as monitoring the movement of sea and river vessels.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The deposit auction of the Investment Agency of the Tyumen Region will take place on 02/26/2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    The date of the deposit auction is 26.02.2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 50,406,000.00. Placement period, days is 117. Date of depositing funds is 26.02.2025. Date of return of funds is 23.06.2025. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 22.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 50,406,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). Basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 12:15 to 12:30. Applications in competition mode from 12:30 to 12:40. Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 13:10.

    Additional conditions – Placement of funds without the possibility of early withdrawal of the deposit, monthly payment of interest on the deposit.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 26.02.2025, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    The date of the deposit auction is 26.02.2025. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 1,750,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 19. The date of depositing funds is 26.02.2025. The date of return of funds is 17.03.2025. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 21.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 1,750,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 12:30 to 12:40. Bids in competition mode from 12:40 to 12:45. Setting the cutoff percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 12:55.

    Additional conditions With the right of early withdrawal of the deposit at a rate of 0.01% per annum.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/26/2025, 11:31 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the BYN/RUB currency pair have been changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC), on 26.02.2025, 11-31 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to RUB 23.4375 in the mode with TOD settlements) and the range of market risk assessment (up to RUB 22.3998, equivalent to a rate of 19.51%) of the BYN/RUB currency pair were changed. New values are available Here.

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    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.Mom/N77990

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 28.02.2025, the deposit auction of ANO “ARSG NO” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    The deposit auction date is 28.02.2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 300,000,000.00. Placement period, days is 150. The date of depositing funds is 03.03.2025. The date of return of funds is 31.07.2025. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 19.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 300,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). Basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 10:00 to 10:10. Bids in competition mode from 10:10 to 10:20. Setting the cutoff percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 10:40.

    Additional terms

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N77997

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev visited the production site of trains for the high-speed railway

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During a working trip to the Sverdlovsk region, Vitaly Savelyev visited the Ural Locomotives plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma

    February 26, 2025

    During a working trip to the Sverdlovsk region, Vitaly Savelyev visited the Ural Locomotives plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma

    February 26, 2025

    The Ural Locomotives plant (part of the Sinara group) in Verkhnyaya Pyshma

    February 26, 2025

    During a working visit to the Sverdlovsk region, Vitaly Savelyev held a meeting on the implementation of the project to build a high-speed railway (HSR) Moscow – St. Petersburg

    February 26, 2025

    During a working visit to the Sverdlovsk region, Vitaly Savelyev held a meeting on the implementation of the project to build a high-speed railway (HSR) Moscow – St. Petersburg

    February 26, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    During a working trip to the Sverdlovsk region, Vitaly Savelyev visited the Ural Locomotives plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma

    Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev made a working visit to Sverdlovsk Oblast. During the trip, he visited the Ural Locomotives plant (part of the Sinara Group) in Verkhnyaya Pyshma and held a meeting on the implementation of the Moscow-Saint Petersburg high-speed railway (HSR) construction project.

    The plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma will become a site for the production of trains for the Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed railway. A complex for the production of high-speed electric trains with a total area of 60 thousand square meters will be built on the territory of the plant in 2026. The train for the high-speed railway will be a unique domestic product, the result of cooperation between more than 100 manufacturers of components and technical solutions, many of which have already proven themselves in the production of the Finist and Lastochka trains. In terms of technical characteristics, it will surpass many foreign analogues – an aerodynamic shape with a minimum drag coefficient will reduce noise and energy consumption. The train will be made of state-of-the-art materials, extruded aluminum profile, which will reduce its weight to fully comply with the technical parameters of the project.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted the high pace of work. The site presented prototypes of high-speed electric train components manufactured by Russian enterprises: an engine, a traction inverter and elements of a traction gearbox.

    In the summer of 2027, the first two trains will be handed over for certification and infrastructure testing.

    At the meeting on the implementation of the high-speed railway construction project, the participants discussed the current status of the main stages. The reports were made by the Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, the Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, the General Director of JSC Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov and the General Director of the Sinara Group Viktor Lesh.

    The project is being implemented according to schedule. In July of this year, according to the terms of the concession agreement, it is planned to receive a positive conclusion from Glavgosexpertiza on all stages of the design documentation, after which construction work will begin on the main high-speed section. Work on the access sections is already underway. The start of passenger transportation is scheduled for April 2028.

    “The construction of the Moscow-Saint Petersburg HSR is a landmark event for the development of the Russian transport complex, it is one of the anchor megaprojects of the national project “Efficient Transport System”. The launch of the Moscow-Saint Petersburg HSR will mark a new level of quality of passenger service in the country, will connect two major agglomerations, will have a qualitative impact on the growth of population mobility and increased connectivity of territories. As of today, we are moving according to schedule, ahead of schedule in a number of areas. The Government of the Russian Federation pays close attention to this project, since it is a pilot project for the subsequent development of high-speed traffic in the country,” noted Vitaly Savelyev.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The IT industry has become one of the fastest growing in the Russian economy

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko presented the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” at the National Center “Russia”.

    “Over the past five years, the IT industry has become one of the fastest growing in the Russian economy. Its contribution to the country’s GDP has almost doubled, and the number of specialists has increased by one and a half times – today almost a million people work in this area. These figures show that the industry is actively developing. And the national project “Data Economy” is the next step in the digital development of Russia. We make technologies accessible to everyone: from residents of megacities to residents of the most remote corners of the country. The key focus is the development of solutions that work on the basis of accumulated data, and the creation of technological tools that allow increasing the efficiency of any task. First of all, this is artificial intelligence, robots, the Internet of Things and others. At the same time, we pay special attention to security: we form a legal environment that not only protects against cyber threats, but also creates conditions for the development of innovations,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the key goals and results of the national project “Data Economy” by 2030.

    Within the framework of the federal project “Internet Access Infrastructure”, a domestic low-orbit satellite group of 292 satellites will be launched, which will provide 100% Internet coverage of the entire territory of Russia and the world. This will allow even the most remote regions of the country to be connected to the network.

    The federal project “Digital platforms in social sectors” is aimed at introducing a platform model of interaction between citizens, businesses and the state. By 2030, industry platforms such as “My School”, “Universities”, “Science”, “Safe Environment” and “Smart City” will be created. All schools and colleges will be equipped with IT infrastructure and Wi-Fi, and 634 thousand teachers will receive domestic tablets.

    The federal project “Digital Public Administration” provides for the complete digitalization of public administration and the transition to 100% paperless document flow. This will simplify processes and increase the efficiency of government agencies.

    As part of the federal project “Domestic Solutions,” by 2030, 100% of cellular network equipment and software will be produced in Russia, which will strengthen the country’s technological independence.

    The Federal Project “Artificial Intelligence” provides for the introduction of AI technologies in the economy, social sphere and public administration. One of the key tasks will be the provision of personalized government services based on the principle of “life situations”. This means that citizens and businesses will no longer have to fill out applications or visit departments – at least 100 services will be provided proactively, based on the analysis of data and user preferences. For example, if a person changes their place of residence, the system itself will offer to issue the necessary documents or update information. This approach will make interaction with the government more convenient and effective.

    The Federal Project “Information Security” provides for the creation of a security infrastructure for the Russian Internet. By 2030, an assessment of the security of 100% of key state information systems will be conducted.

    The federal project “Advanced Developments” is aimed at developing quantum and telecommunication technologies. In particular, it is planned to increase the power of a quantum computer from 50 to 300 qubits.

    Within the framework of the federal project “State Statistics”, a digital analytical platform (GIS “TsAP”) will be created for collecting, processing and analyzing large volumes of data in real time. This will allow 100% automation of the provision of official statistics.

    The federal project “Personnel for Digital Transformation” will ensure the training of qualified IT specialists. By 2030, with the participation of businesses, at least 250 thousand students will be trained, and the total number of employees in the IT industry will grow to 1.4 million people.

    These initiatives are aimed at ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country, digitalization of economic and social sectors, improving the quality of life of citizens and the efficiency of governance based on big data.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The in-person stage of the “Future Managers Tournament” has ended

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On February 26, 2025, the final off-site venue of the State University of Management Olympiad for schoolchildren in social studies, “Future Managers Tournament,” was held in Rostov-on-Don.

    37 students of grades 9-11 from 7 schools gathered to solve the tasks of the in-person round. The children had to give detailed answers to questions from the school social studies program. The time given for completing the tasks ranged from 140 to 180 minutes, depending on the grade level.

    The desire of Rostov guys to show their knowledge at the Olympiad of the State University of Management is understandable, because victory or prize-winning will allow them to receive an additional 4 points when entering the first management university.

    Preliminary results of the in-person stage will be published on March 25, and in April, the winners and prize winners will receive their well-deserved awards within the walls of the SUM Scientific Library.

    Let us recall that this year the in-person stage of the Tournament was held at three venues: February 15-16 at the State University of Management, February 19-25 in Nalchik and February 26 in Rostov-on-Don.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/26/2025

    Турнир будущих управленцев»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/photo_5330216412368727269_y.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b7%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%80%d1%88%d0%b8%d0%bb%d1%81%d1%8f-%d0%be%d1%87%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b9-%d1%8d%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bf-%d1%82%d1%83%d1%80%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%80%d0%b0-%d0%b1%d1%83%d0%b4%d1%83%d1%89/”>

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: 39 bypasses built and reconstructed thanks to the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Lobnya Bypass, Moscow Region

    February 26, 2025

    Bypass of Verkh-Tula village, Novosibirsk region

    February 26, 2025

    Bypass of Ruzaevka, Republic of Mordovia

    February 26, 2025

    Bypass of the village of Chikola, Republic of North Ossetia – Alania

    February 26, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Lobnya Bypass, Moscow Region

    Construction and reconstruction of bypasses of populated areas allow to create alternative routes for transit transport. Over the six years of the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”, 39 bypasses have been built and reconstructed. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “In road activities, we pay great attention to the construction of bypasses around populated areas. Such roads help to significantly relieve cities and towns from transit transport, and also improve the environmental situation there. This undoubtedly has a positive effect on the quality of life of people and increases the efficiency of transport communications in the regions. From 2019 to 2024 inclusive, 39 bypasses were built and reconstructed under the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”. This work will continue, including under the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”. By 2030, on the instructions of the President of Russia, it is planned to build more than 50 bypasses around populated areas,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Bypass roads solve a number of important social and economic problems.

    “In 2024, eight bypass sections were put into operation on the federal road network of Rosavtodor, their total length was 367.7 km. In particular, a bypass was built around five settlements (Isametovo, Verkhneyarkeevo, Layashty, Ishkarovo and Asyanovo) on the M-7 Volga highway in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Thanks to such facilities, a number of important tasks are solved: they allow transit transport to leave the boundaries of the settlement, and drivers can get to their destination faster. Bypass roads help reduce the risk of accidents and, importantly, improve the environmental situation in the settlement itself. In addition, the construction of such facilities can stimulate the development of adjacent territories, creating new opportunities for business,” said Transport Minister Roman Starovoit.

    A great deal of work on the construction and reconstruction of bypasses around populated areas is also being carried out on the regional road network.

    “In 2024, four sections of bypass roads around populated areas were put into operation, which is almost 135 km. In addition, construction and installation work has been completed on several more bypass roads: traffic on them has already opened, the facilities will be put into operation this year. The implementation of such large-scale projects became possible thanks to the effective work of the road workers’ team, as well as the constructive interaction of federal and regional authorities. It is this approach that allows us to successfully solve problems of improving the quality of life of people,” said Igor Kostyuchenko, Deputy Head of the Federal Road Agency.

    In 2024, the construction of the third stage of the northern bypass of Lobnya – a roundabout on Rogachevskoye Highway – was completed in the Moscow Region. The length of the facility is 1.5 km, the total length of the northern bypass of Lobnya is 16.5 km. There are six traffic lanes, the capacity of the highway is over 120 thousand cars per day.

    In 2024, the Republic of Mordovia opened traffic on the second stage of the Ruzayevka bypass (4.1 km). It became one of the connecting links to ensure non-stop high-speed communication in the advanced development area. The road allows connecting two important transport arteries of the republic – the federal highway R-158 and the regional Saransk – Ruzayevka. The bypass significantly reduces the travel time of residents, and also takes the transit freight flow outside the city.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: More than 94 thousand people have moved from dilapidated housing in the Central Federal District since 2019

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Work to reduce the emergency housing stock is being carried out in all federal districts of Russia. In the regions of the Central Federal District, since 2019, when the implementation of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” began, houses unfit for habitation with an area of 1.6 million square meters have been resettled. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Resettlement of people from dilapidated housing, improving their quality of life is the task that the President of the country set for the construction complex of Russia. Deterioration of houses is a constant and, unfortunately, irreversible process. Therefore, work continues to solve this problem through joint efforts of the federal center and regions. For example, in the Central Federal District since 2019, more than 94 thousand citizens have been resettled from dilapidated houses. The unsuitable housing stock has decreased by 1.6 million square meters. Since 2025, these tasks are being addressed within the framework of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    According to Marat Khusnullin, in the Central Federal District the largest number of citizens who moved from dilapidated houses are in the Moscow region (26 thousand people), Vladimir region (9.14 thousand people), Tula region (7.6 thousand people) and Lipetsk region (7.3 thousand people).

    The General Director of the Territorial Development Fund, Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, recalled that the regions also launched their own mechanisms, which accelerated the implementation of the resettlement program.

    “Among the first subjects to complete the task of resettling citizens from emergency housing recognized as such before January 2017 are Voronezh, Ivanovo, Smolensk and Tula regions. Last year, they already began resettling houses recognized as unsuitable after 2017. Together, they resettled 36.2 thousand square meters of such housing. In January of this year, Kursk Region also completed the program of resettling citizens from emergency housing identified before 2017,” said Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Discover the future in transport with the new bachelor’s degree program at GUU!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management announces the launch of a new bachelor’s degree program “Transport Systems Management” to train a new generation of management engineers.

    This engineering and management program is implemented within the framework of the direction 23.03.01 “Technology of transport processes”. The main goal is to train qualified engineers-managers who will understand the functioning of enterprises in the transport sector, improve their efficiency and implement innovative solutions.

    It should be noted that the training of specialists in the field of transport education has been carried out at our university since 1940 on the basis of our own unique system.

    The new program was carefully developed by specialists from the Department of Transport Complex Management and was announced back in the spring of last year.

    “Transport Systems Management” is a unique educational product that combines engineering knowledge, industry expertise in the field of transport, management training, end-to-end digital competencies and project-based learning.

    Engineering training is implemented on the basis of the modern and developing infrastructure of the State University of Management, including the Center for Engineering Project Management and the Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.

    Why choose the Transport Systems Management program at the State University of Management?

    1. Integrated approach: the program combines engineering knowledge with the management skills necessary for a successful career in the modern transport industry. 2. Relevant expertise: the curricula are developed taking into account market requirements and are built on the basis of a process approach to the activities of transport organizations. 3. Practical focus: training is closely related to the real tasks facing transport companies. 4. Partnership with industry leaders: the program is implemented with the active participation of leading employers: Avtostruktura LLC, Tekhnotrade LLC, and Mostransagentstvo JSC. 5. Employment opportunities: successful students can receive job offers from leading companies in the automotive business, such as GUP MO Mostransavto, GUP Mosgortrans, OAO Mostransagentstvo, GC Rolf, OOO Avtostruktura, OOO Klyuchavto, OOO GLT, OOO Tekhnotrade, OOO PEK, Automobile Group Avilon, Transport Association of the Moscow Agglomeration (Association TAMA), OOO Torg-Koms, OOO Hussmann, OOO Ecolife, GUP Moscow Metropolitan, AO IERT, AO Central Suburban Passenger Company, MAZ Moskvich and others.

    What will students learn by pursuing the Transportation Systems Management program?

    The program will cover a wide range of disciplines covering key aspects of transport systems management: 1. Transportation organization: freight, international transportation, leasing of transport equipment, transportation insurance. 2. MAAS (Mobility Management): passenger transportation, navigation services. 3. Analytics and transport consulting: digital transport technologies, transport telematics, intelligent transport systems. 4. Public sector: transport supervision, vehicle evacuation, transportation of hazardous goods, regional transport departments. 5. Green transport: collection, transportation, sorting and disposal of solid municipal waste. 6. Transport engineering: supply chain management of manufacturing companies, engineering graphics, design of transport equipment.

    Take the first step towards a successful career in the dynamic and promising field of transport, enroll in the Transport Systems Management program at the State University of Management!

    Details of the educational program can be found on the official website.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/26/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated at the Polytechnic Military Training Center

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Military Training Center (MTC) of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held ceremonial events dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day.

    The military training center was visited by the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova. The Head of the Academic Department – Deputy Head of the Military Training Center, Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Filin reported to the Vice-Rector about the start of training students under the military training program for reserve soldiers in the specialty of “unmanned aerial vehicle operator”. The training is carried out using new models of educational and material base and taking into account the experience of conducting a special military operation.

    Lyudmila Vladimirovna also took part in the award ceremony of the employees of the Military Training Center. For high professionalism, exemplary performance of official and service duties, Stanislav Shidlovsky, a teacher of the communications department, received the medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” of the second degree. The medals of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation “Marshal of the Signal Troops Peresypkin” were awarded to the head of the communications department Igor Popok and the head of the training unit – deputy head of the department Andrei Yurov.

    Lyudmila Pankova presented the teachers of the departments of anti-aircraft missile forces of the Aerospace Forces and communications, general military training cycles and unmanned aerial vehicles with jubilee medals “110 years of the Air Defense Forces”.

    Lyudmila Vladimirovna congratulated teachers and students on the holiday and emphasized the importance of their role in the life of the country.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Academician Alexander Sergeev told students about the technologies of the future

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The lecture on the topic “Forecast 2045: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life and… Physics” for students and postgraduates of SPbPU was given by the famous physicist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, scientific director of the National Center of Physics and Mathematics Alexander Sergeev.

    Introducing the guest to the students, the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy noted that the event was organized with the support of the Rosatom State Corporation as part of the Time of Science project and was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.

    I am confident that this significant meeting will give a special impetus to both students and employees to develop their research activities to ensure Russia’s technological sovereignty, Andrei Ivanovich emphasized.

    ‘

    In his lecture, Alexander Sergeev reviewed the challenges facing modern physics and technologies using artificial intelligence that are changing our present and future. He quoted the famous physicist Vitaly Ginzburg, who identified three problems of all sciences: the irreversibility of time; the problem of interpreting and understanding quantum mechanics; the problem of reductionism – the question of the connection between physics and biology. And today, Alexander Sergeev emphasized, science is looking for answers to the questions of what is life and what is thought. And an important role here is given to physics, which allows us to describe a very complex system in the simplest possible way.

    Alexander Mikhailovich spoke about modern trends in the development of artificial intelligence technologies, describing their pros and cons. The main advantage is the acceleration and optimization of all processes, and the main problem that the academician identified is depriving people of the ability to make decisions and take responsibility.

    It is possible that there will be a very thin layer of people who own and manage information, then a powerful machine layer and 99% of people who will be a crowd living according to the laws and algorithms dictated to them, chosen by artificial intelligence. To prevent this, one must remain a thinking and critical person, and not trust all decisions to artificial intelligence.

    After the lecture, which also presented the latest developments of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and answered questions from students, Alexander Sergeev held a meeting with the scientific community of SPbPU. The scientist spoke about the key areas of the scientific program of the NCPhM and projects for the creation of advanced laboratories and installations of the “midiscience” and “megascience” class, about schools and seminars for students based at the National Center for Physics and Mathematics. Alexander Mikhailovich called on students and scientists of the university to participate more actively in scientific events of the NCPhM and invited them to the XXVI Kharitonov Thematic Scientific Readings “Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Technical, Industrial, Natural and Social Systems”, which will be held on April 14-18 this year in Sarov.

    The busy program of the visit of the scientific director of the NCFM also included a visit to the Peter the Great SPbPU Supercomputer Center, accompanied by the first vice-rector of the university Vitaly Sergeev and a meeting with the vice-rector for digital transformation Alexey Borovkov, where they discussed prospects for cooperation, including in the field of creating digital twins.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft develops small-tonnage chemistry

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the Moscow scientific institute Rosneft have developed for the first time in Russia a recipe and production method for a new low-tonnage chemical product* – a peroxide polymerization initiator.

    The product’s recipe consists entirely of domestic raw materials, which are not inferior to the best world analogues, and in some parameters significantly surpass them.

    Polymerization initiators are used in industrial processes for the production of additives to diesel fuels, as well as various polymers (plastics, rubbers, paints, adhesives, and much more). Successful tests of the new product were conducted at Rosneft production sites – the Angarsk Polymer Plant and the Angarsk Plant of Catalysts and Organic Synthesis.

    The approach to synthesizing new structures developed by Rosneft scientists will form the basis for the development of a whole line of polymerization initiators in demand in our country in the future.

    The Company’s scientific unit pays special attention to the development of small- and medium-tonnage chemistry**. Small-tonnage chemistry in Russia is focused on the production of high-margin products – catalysts, initiators, special additives and reagents, which play a key role in petrochemistry, polymer production, pharmaceuticals and other industries.

    *Small-tonnage chemistry refers to the production of petrochemical products in volumes of up to 10,000 tons per year. **Medium-tonnage chemistry refers to the production of products in volumes from 10,000 to 150,000 tons per year.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 26, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dubai is closer than it seems: a meeting with a famous architect from the UAE was held at the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On February 25, 2025, as part of the Project Days at the State University of Management, a meeting was held between students and the famous architect Najmus Chowdhry, founder of the ZneraSpaceLab architectural bureau located in Dubai.

    The architect spoke about the projects implemented by his bureau. Thus, in 2018, together with the Znera Space team, the Smog Project was developed – a network of filter towers for air purification in Delhi. Each tower was to be 100 meters high and generate a volume of semi-clean air that would spread over two kilometers.

    Najmus Chowdhry was also involved in the creation of the concept of the Downtown Circle, a spherical megastructure that will surround the Burj Khalifa tower in the center of Dubai. The ring, 550 meters high, located on five pillars, is planned to have a circumference of three kilometers. It will house residential, public, commercial and cultural spaces.

    The meeting was organized by the General Director of the architectural bureau DOITPROJECT and co-founder of the brand PATRIKI_20 Olga Shibkova and the head of the project and educational laboratory of urban development of the State University of Management Irina Milkina. Communication with the famous architect is aimed at transferring practical experience and inspiring students to create sustainable projects.

    Students from GUU and MSTU-MASI who took part in the meeting asked questions about the image of the city of the future, the significance of the bureau’s work, and the necessary skills for a modern architect.

    The guest advised students to develop their observation skills and always analyze what competitors are doing and form their own opinion. In the future, this will help to do something new and innovative. The architect also noted that a professional should have equal qualities such as productivity and creativity so that the idea does not remain unimplemented.

    MSTU-MASI student Stepan Bosalygo asked the guest how he sees his projects in the future. Nadjmus Chowdhry replied that when developing projects, it is necessary to take into account the context of the objects that are nearby – their culture, heritage, in order to fit the object into the culture of the nation.

    As a memento of his visit to the State University of Management, the architect was presented with souvenirs with the university’s symbols and a group photo was taken with all the participants.

    1st year student of the State University of Management Maria Naumocheva shared her impressions of the meeting: “I was very interested in the project called “The Breeze Tower” – Wind Tower. Quite an interesting idea to introduce a vertical garden into part of the building. It was also interesting that instead of windows there is a net, thanks to which the breeze blows into the tower and cools the air.”

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/26/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Macedonia: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 26, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Growth is gaining momentum amid rising risks

    Growth is gaining momentum. After picking up in early 2024, growth is expected at 3.3 percent in 2025, driven by stronger domestic demand as public investment projects (including the Corridor 8/10d road project) intensify and consumption is supported by government transfers and real wage growth. The impact of weak external demand seen in 2024 is expected to persist in 2025, driven by structural shifts in the European automotive sector. In the long term, high emigration, especially among the young segment of the population, is projected to lower potential growth, which Staff now estimate at 3.0 percent.

    Inflation is rising again. In January, inflation reached 4.9 percent year-on-year, up from a low of 2.2 percent in August 2024. Core inflation has become the main driver and remains persistent, fueled by strong wage growth. Food inflation remains high despite administrative price controls and other interventions.

    Domestic risks are elevated and the external outlook more uncertain. Weak public investment, stalled productivity reforms, emigration, and slowing activity of key trade partners threaten growth in the medium-term. Meanwhile, high real wage growth without productivity gains and increased fiscal transfers could further fuel inflation and erode competitiveness. Trade policy shifts and shocks to FDI may suppress exports and tighten financial conditions.

    Adhering to the fiscal rules requires credible fiscal consolidation

    IMF staff agree with the authorities’ goal of reducing the deficit this year, but are concerned revenue will underperform, rendering this goal out of reach. The 4 percent of GDP deficit envisaged in the 2025 budget will be exceeded if the authorities’ expected revenue gains (of 1½ percent of GDP) from reducing the shadow economy and increasing tax compliance fall short. We welcome the Public Revenue Office’s efforts to modernize tax collection and reduce informality, but these efforts will take time to deliver results. Staff recommends that in any planned supplementary budget, the authorities avoid increasing spending and focus on reducing tax expenditures and transfers (e.g., subsidies to agriculture). Ensuring the full and timely transfer of contributions to the second-pillar pension system is essential.

    A credible fiscal strategy is needed to bring debt on a downward path. The budget deficit has exceeded the 3 percent of GDP ceiling in the fiscal rules, while public debt is on an upward trend and has surpassed 60 percent of GDP in 2024—14 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels. A credible fiscal strategy to restore compliance with fiscal rules is key, for preserving credibility to maintain access to international capital markets, for creating space for investment, and strengthening resilience against future shocks. The focus should be on:

    • Controlling current spending:Staff recommend omitting further pension increases in September 2025 and returning to a rule-based pension system in 2026—indexing only to inflation—to support consolidation while protecting pensioners’ purchasing power. Staff advise limiting public wage growth to inflation in the near term. The Ministry of Finance should strengthen oversight to ensure public wage increases are consistent with achieving the fiscal rules. Over time, unifying the fragmented wage negotiating system will help prevent unexpected budget pressures.
    • Mobilizing revenues. North Macedonia’s tax revenue potential is estimated at 22-24 percent of GDP. To realize these revenues, tax reforms should focus on reducing tax expenditures, limiting reduced rates and exemptions, improving tax compliance, and gradually increasing property tax. The government’s accelerated digitalization efforts will enhance revenue mobilization.

    Beyond consolidation, structural fiscal reforms are needed to strengthen fiscal governance and improve spending efficiency, with some progress underway. Key ongoing measures include implementing the Public Investment Management decree and manual, adopting the PPP law, and conducting spending reviews to optimize budget allocation. Managing fiscal risks, especially from SOEs and major projects like the Corridor 8/10d road, is crucial. The inclusion of a fiscal risk assessment in the Medium Term Fiscal Strategy marks an achievement for the ministry. The state-owned electricity generator, ESM, requires investments in technology and efficiency improvements to lower production costs and expand production, while gradually reducing its role in the subsidized, regulated market. The operationalization of the Fiscal Council is a positive step and it is encouraged to strengthen its independent assessments.

    Monetary and financial sector policies to maintain stability and mitigate risks

    Policy rates should remain on hold and liquidity tools warrant further tightening until inflation steadily declines. Robust reserves accumulation in 2024 has fostered stability in the foreign exchange market. Given the renewed acceleration in both headline and core inflation, the National Bank (NBRNM) should remain on hold until there is clear evidence of sustained disinflation. Staff support the changes in reserve requirements implemented by the NBRNM and advise further tightening to absorb excess liquidity. The NBRNM should remain vigilant to inflationary risks from domestic factors, including wage and pension increases, as well as heightened external risks from trade uncertainties. If these risks materialize, the NBRNM should be prepared to tighten further to prevent inflation from becoming entrenched. The NBRNM has effectively managed recent challenges, including the energy cost shock. Its resilience stems from operational and financial autonomy, which underpin its independence and credibility—both essential for maintaining price and exchange rate stability and must be safeguarded.

    The financial system remains resilient, but macro prudential settings may need to be tightened in response to brisk credit growth. Overall, the banking sector is well-capitalized, highly liquid, and profitable, with low system-wide non-performing loans. NBRNM’s active macroprudential and microprudential measures have strengthened resilience. Strong balance sheets and increased deposits have fueled an acceleration in lending activity towards the end of 2024. The implemented loan-to-value and debt service-to-income ratios will continue to help safeguard financial stability by reducing pressures in the real estate market and preventing higher levels of indebtedness. Staff support the NBRNM’s gradual tightening of the countercyclical capital buffer and additional capital requirements to ensure banks maintain adequate loss-absorbing and recapitalization capacity, in line with EU regulations. Should lending and real estate prices continue growing briskly, further tightening of macroprudential instruments may be warranted.

    Structural reforms to boost productivity and offset costs of emigration

    IMF staff support the authorities’ objectives of boosting productivity, raising living standards, and reducing informality. Over the past decade, growth in North Macedonia has lagged regional peers and convergence with the EU has stalled. High emigration has led to a declining population that threatens to be a drag on potential growth. Accelerating structural reforms is key to achieving the authorities’ objectives, offsetting the costs of emigration, and supporting the country on its path to EU accession. The priorities are well known:

    • Improving the business environment. Reducing informality through streamlined business registrations and expanded digital public services is a priority. The predictability of the legal and regulatory environment can be improved by limiting the use of expedited procedures in Parliament, increasing stakeholder consultation, and applying the regulatory requirements more consistently. Simplifying and digitalizing work permits would help businesses address skill and labor shortages more efficiently. Avoiding ad-hoc adjustments to the minimum wage will help contain inflation, preserve competitiveness and provide a more predictable policy environment for business.
    • Strengthening the labor market. Improving labor market outcomes can stimulate private investment, increase labor participation, and reduce emigration. Raising educational quality and job matching between firms and workers through vocational training will help address labor shortages. Expanding affordable childcare in municipalities, and gradually raising the retirement age of women to match men can help to offset workforce losses from high emigration.
    • Increasing public infrastructure investment. The quality of public infrastructure in North Macedonia lags peers. The major infrastructure projects Corridor 8/10d and the Kicevo-Ohrid highways are over budget and behind schedule. Staff urge the authorities to complete the started projects and realize their investments. Capital expenditures should be safeguarded in the budget and public investment management should be strengthened to prioritize high-impact projects.
    • Strengthening the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. Improving judicial independence and impartiality would strengthen contract enforcement and help reduce informality. The fight against corruption remains weak, particularly in prosecuting high-profile cases. Aligning the Criminal Code with international standards and enhancing resources for key anti-corruption institutions are crucial. The upcoming new national anti-corruption strategy is an opportunity to accelerate reforms through stronger accountability and coordination.
    • Enhancing governance.Improving public resource efficiency, accountability, and transparency requires expanding digital public services, reassessing state aid schemes, strengthening procurement systems, and improving SOE management.

    The IMF team thanks the authorities of North Macedonia and other counterparts for their productive collaboration and constructive policy dialogue.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/26/cs-northmacedonia-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Winter Sports Games Start in Krasnoyarsk

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The 13th Rosneft Winter Sports Games have opened in Krasnoyarsk. From February 25 to March 2, about 650 oil industry athletes from 41 teams of the Company’s subsidiaries will compete in winter sports such as hockey, cross-country skiing and biathlon. Men’s and women’s distances, as well as a relay race, are provided for skiers.

    The opening ceremony of the Winter Games was attended by Russian sports stars. The athletes were greeted by Olympic relay champion, skier Denis Spetsov and leading players of the CSKA hockey club.

    Rosneft’s summer and winter sports games bring together thousands of oil industry athletes every year. The first sports competitions were held in 2005 and have since become part of the Company’s corporate culture. The winter games are a shining example of effective promotion of a healthy lifestyle, strengthening the spirit of camaraderie, supporting mass sports and good traditions.

    Sports development is one of the main areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The company finances the construction of ice arenas, sports complexes and multifunctional sports grounds in the regions where it operates. Rosneft also supports amateur sports and carries out large-scale work to popularize a healthy lifestyle among both its own employees and the population in the regions where it operates.

    Reference:

    Rosneft athletes also take part in the main mass sports competitions held in our country, winning prizes. As part of the corporate sports and health movement “Energy of Life”, the Company’s employees regularly play sports and compete in various sports disciplines. In 2024, almost 128 thousand employees of the Company played sports as part of the “Energy of Life” movement. At the same time, more than 92 thousand employees took part in competitions in various sports.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 26, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –