A theme of modernisation was behind the prime minister's swing through Siberia this week.
Plans to develop Russky Island as 'a model advanced development area'.
Demands increased on 3 August for a 'state of emergency' to be declared on the world's fifth longest river due to a catastrophic shortage of water.
Intense search reveals no sign of Mil Mi-8 lost early Saturday with 12 people on board.
A $7.4 billion cash injection for Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur rail lines confirmed by president.