As per media reports, the Russian government is extending financial support to state-owned mining company Alrosa, to face the market slowdown, as part of its assistance programme. Along with Alrosa, there are 294 firms selected for government aid. %% Apart from diamond mining other sectors which will be assisted by the aid are power, transport, food production, telecommunications, oil & gas industries. Companies within these sectors will receive government loans, government guarantees, and subsidies for their debt disbursements. The government will also aid in restructuring debts of these companies, government orders and customs tariff measures.