A book titled 'A Lad’s Word' about the street gangs of Kazan during the late 1980s and early 1990s inspired a hit Russian TV show and raises questions about Russia’s economic transition. The book, which includes first-person recollections from former gang members, contrasts with Svetlana Stephenson's academic research in 'The Gangs of Russia'. The author, Garayev, a former gang member himself, adds his memories to the narrative. The book explores various aspects of gang life, including their structure, rituals, and interactions with authorities. It also discusses the transformation of youth gangs into criminal enterprises during the 1990s and the subsequent police crackdown. The TV series based on the book, subtitled 'Blood on the Asphalt', has been popular with young viewers but criticized for potentially romanticizing criminality. The article suggests that the legacy of the street gangs and the criminal code of that era persist in contemporary Russia.

Yandex N.V., the Dutch parent company of Russia's Yandex, is selling its Russian assets for $5.2 billion and will rebrand and refocus as a global AI technology company. The sale includes a complete disconnection from Russia, with no operations, investments, or employees remaining in the country. Yandex N.V. aims to become a leading European developer of AI services and solutions, with a focus on self-driving cars, AI cloud computing, machine learning, and ed-tech. The company has a team of about 1,300 employees, with plans to establish a significant presence in Amsterdam and R&D hubs in Israel, Europe, the UK, and the US. Projects like Nebius AI, Toloka AI, Avride, and TripleTen are central to Yandex N.V.'s strategy. The company's shareholders are mainly from the US, UK, and Europe, and it plans to distribute proceeds from the Russian asset sale among them and invest in its operations. The new owners of Yandex's Russian assets include Lukoil and several other companies.

Russia is aiming to enhance its supercomputer capabilities, as indicated by President Vladimir Putin's directive to increase computing power. Despite having seven supercomputers in the global Top 500, Russia lags behind the US and China. The quasi-governmental Digital Economy organization has proposed building 10 new supercomputers by 2030. However, US sanctions on chip exports from Nvidia and AMD, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, pose significant challenges to this ambition. The cost of such an endeavor is estimated at $6bn, and while a national project for tech-based economic development could provide funding, past inefficiencies and current military expenditures complicate the situation.

A study focused on developing new chemotherapeutic agents against cancer, utilizing unsymmetrical pincer ligands combining benzothiazole and thiocarbamate donor groups. These compounds underwent direct cyclopalladation, resulting in S,C,N-type Pd(II) pincer complexes, characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The solvent-free synthesis approach was efficient and environmentally friendly. The palladacycles demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines, with the dimethylamino-substituted derivative showing high effectiveness and inducing apoptosis in both parental and doxorubicin-resistant cells, suggesting the potential of these palladacycles as anticancer agents.

Russian rock band Picnic, known for their apolitical stance, is returning to the stage after their concert at Moscow's Crocus City Hall was targeted in a mass shooting by ISIS-K, resulting in at least 137 deaths. The band's frontman, Edmund Shklyarsky, expressed condolences but refrained from political commentary. Picnic's upcoming concert in St. Petersburg will be dedicated to the victims, with proceeds going to their families. Despite the tragedy, the band has seen a surge in U.S. on-demand streams. Picnic's history includes navigating the Soviet Union's scrutiny of rock music and maintaining a diverse fan base.

Belarus has passed a law that allows the use of copyrighted music and audiovisual content from 'unfriendly countries' without the need for permission from rights holders. This move comes after Western sanctions were imposed on Belarus due to political repression and its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The law could potentially encourage global piracy, as Belarus might become a base for piracy networks. Music analyst Mark Mulligan from MIDiA Research and the IFPI have expressed concerns about the impact on the music industry and international copyright law. Russia, which has been considering a similar law, has followed Belarus's lead in the past. Both countries are signatories to the Berne Convention and WIPO treaties, and such laws would violate their international obligations.

The article discusses the Russian streaming service VK, which has been found to allow uploads of albums from major record labels that left Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Despite its efforts to combat piracy in the past, VK is now hosting albums from artists like Taylor Swift and Red Hot Chili Peppers, which were released by labels such as Universal Music Group and Warner Records Music. The global labels body IFPI and the major labels Sony, Warner, and Universal have not commented on these copyright violations. The article also touches on the broader impact of Western sanctions on the Russian music market, including the withdrawal of major music providers and the potential for future regulation of intellectual property rights in Russia.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts have reached their 100-week milestone, showcasing the enduring popularity of 20th-century hits in the 2020s. Notable chart runs include songs from the 1960s to the 1990s, with 'Monster Mash' and Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' representing the '60s. The '70s saw Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' achieve significant chart success. The '80s were marked by high activity, with Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' reaching No. 1 following its feature in Netflix's 'Stranger Things.' The '90s introduced genre diversity with hip-hop classics like Coolio's 'Gangsta's Paradise' and DMX's 'Ruff Ryders Anthem' charting posthumously. The article also notes the impact of the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show on the charts.

Russian cinemas, facing international sanctions due to the war in Ukraine, have resorted to pirating Hollywood movies. Major western corporations, including Hollywood studios, ceased operations in Russia after the invasion began on February 24. Reports indicate illicit screenings of films like 'The Batman' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' under different Russian titles. The practice of piracy, which had declined significantly since the 1990s, is re-emerging as theaters struggle with the withdrawal of Hollywood films and low attendance. Some theaters had pre-existing contracts and have opted to pay into escrow accounts, while others are hosting pirate screenings. The Russian Association of Cinema Owners (RACO) and the Russian Ministry of Culture are grappling with the situation, with some calling for the legalization of piracy and others seeking support for domestic film production. The future of Russian cinemas remains uncertain, with many at risk of closing and the legality of screening unlicensed films in question.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has polarized the local music scene, with pro-invasion artists profiting from government-sponsored 'patriotic' concerts, while anti-war musicians face censorship and legal repercussions. Notable artists like Pelageya and Denis Maidanov have received substantial fees for participating in such events. In contrast, musicians like Maxim Pokrovsky, Yevgeny Fedorov, Miron Fyodorov, and Yuri Shevchuk, who oppose the war, have either left Russia or canceled shows, with some facing legal challenges. The situation reflects the broader societal divide and the risks faced by those who speak out against the conflict.

Ethernet optical transceiver sales hit a record $4.6 billion in 2021, a 25% increase from 2020. LightCounting forecasts a 14% CAGR from 2022 to 2027, with the market expected to reach $10 billion by the end of this period. Growth is driven by strong demand for 200 GbE and 400G transceivers, with significant contributions from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. Despite a projected slowdown in growth, the demand for higher bandwidth in data centers is anticipated to continue, with a conservative forecast considering current economic and geopolitical volatility. The article is authored by Vladimir Kozlov, founder and CEO of LightCounting, which provides market research in optical communications.

Microsoft's Russian office has been downsizing due to a shift to cloud technology, a push for local software use, and declining revenue. Staff numbers have dropped from about 1,000 in 2014 to approximately 300, with further reductions expected. The Russian government's policy of import substitution, mandating public sector organizations to use locally manufactured software, has impacted sales. This has led to the closure of subsidiaries in several regions and a reduction in personnel. Microsoft's Russian revenue also fell from RUB 9.9 billion in 2016 to RUB 6.5 billion in 2020.

Russia's largest state-run bank, Sber, has acquired the local music streaming company Muzlab to merge with its service SberZvuk, aiming to expand its presence in the consumer and business streaming markets. The merger is expected to offer synergies and new opportunities for growth, with a larger library for business customers and enhanced playlist access for individual consumers. Muzlab, founded in 2016, is a significant player in Russia's B2B streaming segment, operating on a subscription model. The acquisition is part of Sber's strategy to establish itself as a major player in the competitive Russian music streaming market.

Russia is considering the implementation of a 'sovereign internet' which would involve disconnecting from the World Wide Web and establishing centralized state management of the internet within its borders. Former president Dmitry Medvedev confirmed the ongoing seriousness of this consideration. The legal framework for such a move was established in November 2019, but technical and practical challenges remain. The Russian government has been uneasy about global internet control since 2014, and recent efforts include installing equipment for filtering online traffic. However, the full execution of a sovereign internet is not yet feasible, and experts warn of the unavailability of global services in Russia if such a disconnection occurs.

Russian mobile operators are exploring eSIM technology, which allows the use of virtual SIM cards and services from multiple operators. The government plans to centralize eSIM user profile storage for better data protection, a task assigned to TsNIIS. This centralization contradicts the global IT trend towards decentralization and is seen as less secure by operators. The Ministry of Digital Development supports the idea but requires an open tender for the platform operator. VEON and Megafon tested eSIM in 2020, and the technology is available on various smartphones and Apple watches. However, a proposed nationwide biometric identification system could hinder eSIM's operability, especially for non-Russian residents.

Russian mobile operators are exploring eSIM technology, which allows users to use services from multiple operators and is expected to replace physical SIM cards. The government plans to centralize eSIM user profile storage for better data protection, a task to be carried out by TsNIIS. Operators currently use various storage solutions, including foreign-developed ones, which the government views with concern. A central platform, managed by TsNIIS, would require all operators to use it, although the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media insists on an open tender for the platform operator. Operators argue that decentralized storage is more secure. VEON and Megafon tested eSIM in July 2020, and the technology is available on various smartphones and Apple watches. However, a proposed nationwide remote biometric identification system could complicate eSIM functionality, especially for non-Russian residents.

X5 Group, Russia's largest retailer, reported a 13% year-on-year sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2020, with like-for-like sales up by 5%. Despite a modest 1.7% expansion in the food retail market in 2020, X5 leveraged COVID-19 related tailwinds and digital innovation to become the largest e-grocer in Russia. The company's digital business contributed significantly to its revenue, with Perekrestok Vprok's revenue increasing by 191.2% in 4Q20. BCS Global Markets has given a Buy rating to X5 shares.

Sberbank's partnership with Mail.ru Group is at risk due to management and cultural clashes, potentially leading to the dissolution of their $1.6bn joint venture. The venture aimed to combine ride-hailing and food delivery services but has faced disagreements over control and integration. Both Sberbank and Mail.ru have invested significantly, but the joint venture has not been profitable, with Delivery Club and Citymobil reporting substantial losses. The Russian government, owner of Sberbank, is reportedly dissatisfied with the bank's tech investments, and the Finance Ministry may take a stricter stance on such expenditures.

Russia's Interior Ministry has proposed a RUB55bn digital transformation program emphasizing artificial intelligence to improve law enforcement operations. The initiative aims to develop AI solutions for identifying criminals from biological samples at crime scenes. The program follows successful digital overhauls in other sectors, such as tax collection and banking. Previous attempts at digital transformation within the ministry faced setbacks, including a failed platform development and subsequent investigations. Private Russian companies have been advancing AI for law enforcement, with some interest from foreign agencies. The digitalization of the Russian economy has been a priority, though the pandemic has impacted government spending and progress.

The Russian government's extension of tax privileges to the local IT sector is expected to lead to higher software prices due to the planned reinstatement of value added tax (VAT) on software products. The VAT, proposed to be reintroduced by January 1, 2021, could increase software prices by 16%. President Vladimir Putin announced support measures for the IT industry, including tax cuts, in response to concerns about a potential brain drain. However, the reinstatement of VAT may negate the benefits of these measures, according to industry representatives. The 'Google tax' introduced in 2017, which applies to foreign companies, may now also affect Russian companies, potentially impacting their competitiveness and sales.

The Russian government's extension of tax privileges to the local IT sector is expected to lead to higher software prices due to the planned reinstatement of value added tax (VAT) on software products. The National Plan for Economic Recovery includes measures to support the IT industry, such as reduced social security payments and profits tax rates. However, the reinstatement of VAT, proposed to offset budget losses from these tax privileges, could increase software prices by 16%. Industry representatives have expressed concerns that this could negate the benefits of the support measures and harm the competitiveness of Russian IT companies.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in Russia have significantly boosted the country's digital retail industry, with a notable increase in online shopping. The e-commerce client base in Russia grew by 37% and 11% in April and May 2020, respectively. Food retailers like Perekrestok and non-food retailers such as Tom Tailor reported higher sales and adjusted their business models to meet demand. Online pharmacies also saw increased sales, with regulatory changes facilitating delivery orders. However, the long-term strength of these online shopping trends remains uncertain, particularly for electronics and clothing.

The Russian IT sector anticipates significant losses in Q2 due to the COVID-19 crisis and is seeking government support. The communications ministry has backed a set of 15 measures proposed by industry players, including tax relief and deferred payments. Without support, the sector could see a RUB100bn revenue decline and the loss of 27,000 jobs in 2020. Investment is also expected to drop by 7% year-on-year in Q2. The industry's high loan burden could exacerbate the situation. The proposed support measures could prevent these negative outcomes and even create more jobs in 2021. However, the IT sector has not yet been included in the Duma's list of strategically important companies eligible for state support. The bailout could cost the state budget RUB198.7bn in 2020 and RUB68.1bn in 2021 but is expected to be beneficial in the long term.

Russian soccer fans gained notoriety for their violent behavior at Euro 2016, particularly during clashes with English fans in Marseille. The violence was attributed to well-organized, trained hooligan groups rather than regular fans. French authorities, focused on terror threats, were unprepared for the hooliganism, which is a relatively new phenomenon in Russia. Russian politicians' reactions ranged from dismissive to supportive of the fans' actions, with some using nationalist rhetoric. UEFA issued a 'suspended' ban to Russia, meaning further violence would lead to disqualification. The incidents occurred against a backdrop of tense Russia-West relations.

In Russia, a crackdown on Western music is underway, with two major FM radio stations playing foreign language artists facing closure and a proposed 25 percent quota for non-Russian lyrics on air. This reflects anti-Western sentiment following the annexation of Crimea and Western sanctions. Producer Vladimir Kiselyov suggested Western artists receive too much airplay and proposed turning the Russian Media Group into a 'patriotic media group' with state support. Communist legislator Ivan Nikitchuk proposed the foreign language quota, citing cultural protection in other countries, and the political climate suggests the proposal may pass.