What awaits us in 2013? Astrologers, political commentators and economic experts alike often hear this question. The Russian news agency Novosti has made its own forecast for Russians for the coming year. The most anticipated events of 2013 - this is the result of the work of RIA Novosti analysts who analyzed important economic and political trends, upcoming socio-cultural, scientific and sports events.
From several dozen events noted by experts, we have selected our own Top-10, which we offer today to your attention.
10. Test competitions on the eve of the 2014 Olympics
The newly built sports complexes and Olympic arenas in Sochi are preparing to host a number of top-level competitions in skiing, luge and speed skating, biathlon, curling and hockey. In addition, the Olympic tracks and facilities will be open to athletes from all over the world as part of international training weeks.
9. Mapping the human brain
As part of the Human Connectome Project, scientists plan to study connections between neurons in the brain of 1200 people. All individual differences in neural connections will be recorded to determine how they affect human behavior and mental activity.
8. Cirque du Soleil Anniversary Tour
The legendary circus celebrates the fifth anniversary of its appearance in Russia. Three colorful shows of an unprecedented scale are timed to this event at once: a dance performance by Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, a lyrical performance by Alegria and the Big Tent - the visiting card of the circus.
7. Tightening of sanctions for illegal migrants
For illegal migration in 2013, it is planned to tighten both criminal and administrative liability. The maximum prison term is 7 years. Legislators plan to ban entry of migrants who have outstanding convictions for crimes on Russian territory. Those who stay with us longer than the prescribed period will be banned from entering the Russian Federation for 3 years.
6. Year of Chinese tourism in Russia
What kind of events will be held to attract Russian tourists to China is not yet reliably known. Rosturizm plans to organize a press tour for hundreds of journalists from Russia, a motor rally, internships in China for Russian students and university professors.
5. New immunotherapy against cancer
Bispecific antibodies BiTE are a new generation of molecules designed to deliver to tumor cells destructive toxins, chemicals and radioactive isotopes. If the trials planned for 2013 are successful, then cancer therapy will have far fewer side effects with an increase in effectiveness.
4. Year of environmental protection
During the year, Russians will be taught to sort waste and complain about environmental pollution to Rosprirodnadzor, where a direct telephone line will be opened. At the end of the year, it is planned to hold an all-Russian congress of ecologists.
3. Introduction of a luxury tax
It is planned that already in 2013 an additional financial burden will be borne by the owners of real estate worth over 30 million rubles, as well as vehicles worth over 3 million.
2. Appointment of a new head of the Central Bank
In 2013, the contract of the current head of the Central Bank, Sergei Ignatiev, ends. The State Duma will have to choose a new helmsman for the country's main bank. Among the most likely candidates are First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, Central Bank First Deputy Chairman Alexei Ulyukaev, ex-Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin and VTB head Andrei Kostin.
1. Joining the ISS laboratory module "Science"
The most anticipated event of 2013. The multifunctional module has been designed since 1995. On board the "Science" will place three tons of scientific equipment and equip places for three scientists-cosmonauts. Now at the site planned for the new module, the Pirs compartment is docked to the ISS, which will be flooded.