POLITICS
Russia’s ruling United Russia party is facing a heated internal discussion over new political challenges in light of growing public dissatisfaction with current domestic policies and the emergence of “hostile rightist forces” in the Kremlin. (Kommersant)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will deliver an annual government report to parliament on April 20. Lawmakers have sent Putin a list of issues they would like to be reflected in the report with focus on education and social issues. (Vedomosti)
WORLD
Former Russian prime minister, academician Yevgeny Primakov shares his opinion on the causes and future of popular uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. (Moscow News)
Recent violent clashes in Afghanistan brought the attention of the world community back to the war-torn Central Asian country. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michael Steiner describes the current situation in Afghanistan. (Kommersant)
The military campaign against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi appears to have come to a dead-end. Libyan rebels, pounded by forces loyal to Gaddafi, have accused the international coalition of a lack of effective support. (Rossiiskaya Gazeta)
ECONOMY
Russia, European Union and several Asian countries have tightened import controls over goods from Japan in a wake of radioactive leaks at Fukushima nuclear power plant. Russia has suspended imports of fish and seafood from 242 Japanese plants. (Moscow News)
The increase in the annual average price for oil by 20 percent, projected by the Russian government, has led to a sharp drop in investment and consumer demand in the country. (Kommersant, Vedomosti)
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov confirmed during his visit to the United States that Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization was being blocked by Georgia. Ivanov reaffirmed that Moscow intended to resolve the issue through direct talks with Tbilisi. (Kommersant)
The Russian government has decided to extend the program on scrapping old cars until the end
of 2011 and allocated additional 5 billion rubles (about $170 mln) for this purpose. (Vedomosti)
INDUSTRY
Federal Space Agency head Anatoly Perminov, who may soon leave his post, could be replaced by First Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin. (Kommersant, Rossiiskaya Gazeta)
Russia may allow foreign airlines to enter its domestic market if Russian companies fail to keep up with growing passenger flows on domestic routes. (Kommersant, Vedomosti)
After 19 years of franchising in Russia, German fashion and lifestyle house Hugo Boss has decided to open its own direct-management stores in the country. (Kommersant)
Russia’s energy giant Gazprom is still mulling over the sale of its 51% stake in Northgaz. Experts believe it would be a big mistake to allow competitors, such as Novatek, to grow. (Vedomosti)
Russian authorities are planning to sell licenses on the development of the Imilor oil deposit with estimated reserves of 193 mln metric tons. (Vedomosti)
SOCIETY
Russia’s lower house of parliament is expected to pass in the second reading a draft law that allows the heads of federal districts and regional governors to request data on personal assets of their subordinates as part of an anti-corruption campaign. Independent anti-corruption activists believe this measure will not be effective. (Moscow News)
The Russian Orthodox Church aims to play a more active role not only in the Russian society, but also on the international arena – an interview with Metropolitan Illarion. (Rossiiskaya Gazeta)
Russia’s public notary system is facing drastic reforms. Interview with the President of the Federal Notary Chamber Maria Sazonova. (Izvestia)
CRIME
Several Russian tax officials are suspected of an attempt to embezzle about 2 billion rubles ($70 million). Police searched tax offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg and interrogated suspects and witnesses on Wednesday. (Kommersant, Vedomosti, Izvestia)
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