At least we have each other

Edward's weekly news roundup & open thread (October 22, 2023)

Edward Slavsquat

Oct 22, 2023

A serene Sunday to you, internet friend. Welcome to Edward’s weekend link emporium and open thread. You know the drill.

News from Russian media

Russia’s Foreign Ministry is working on simplifying visa-free travel with China [News.ru]
Russia has withdrawn from a cross-border cooperation agreement with Finland. [Nakanune]
Russia begins testing a “social rating” system. But is it legal? [Anna Rudneva]
The Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia said the transition to completely “non-cash” forms of payment is not expected in the near future, while noting that the share of non-cash payments in Russian retail has already exceeded 81%. [Gazeta]
A proposed bill being prepared for consideration in the State Duma will compel Russian businesses to share with the government data that can be used “for making decisions for public administration” and “AI development”. [RIA Novosti]
Over the nine months of 2023, Russia issued 225,000 visas of all categories in European countries. This is 10% less than for the same period in 2022. [Vedomosti]
Russia’s Ministry of Justice rejected the registration of the conservative/traditionalist political party “For the Family”, citing the fact that some of its founders—from the prominent Orthodox Christian group “Forty Times Forty”—had previously been involved in bankruptcy proceedings. The group criticized the ministry’s decision, claiming that they had been treated “worse than a kebab stall.” [Kommersant]
Privatization’s next victim in Russia: Vodka? [Free Press]
Crimea plans to receive more than a billion rubles by the end of the year from the sale of nationalized assets seized from Ukrainian oligarchs. [RIA Novosti]
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said that in 2022 he actively tried to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to help resolve the conflict between the countries. [Nakanune]
Clinical studies of the “updated” Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines are close to completion, according to Gamaleya Center director Alexander Gintsburg. [TASS]
The Ministry of Digital Development has published a draft resolution outlining how digital passports can be used. The ministry proposed that digital passports should serve as a valid form of ID when purchasing alcohol or tobacco; when visiting a museum or entertainment event; when boarding a long-distance train; when a mobile operators needs to identify a customer; when citizens are receiving government services; and when Russian citizens interact with banks. [Nakanune]
The Bank of Russia’s designs for the new 1000 and 5000 ruble notes have been attacked as an attempt by the central bank to “De-Christianize” Russia [Military Review]
Putin’s visit to Beijing and Russia’s “Chinese path” [Katyusha.org]
Russian scientists have developed an import-substitution “purple” radish that boasts an increased amount of nutrients. [TASS]