Stories from Russia

Belarusian fertilizers represent a significant portion of the global fertilizer export market. Their production and export are viewed as crucial from both economic and political perspectives, potentially influencing international trade relations and sanctions.

A survey of 15,000 taxi drivers in Russia reveals that approximately 80% of drivers do not undergo required medical examinations before their shifts. Only 10% of respondents reported undergoing regular medical checks, while 9% do so occasionally. The findings were released by an association of self-employed individuals. A survey conducted by the Association of Self-Employed in Russia involving 15,000 taxi drivers and 18,000 passengers reveals that nearly 80% of drivers do not undergo medical examinations before trips. The remaining drivers ignore the procedure entirely. Some drivers acknowledge that medical checks can prevent them from working if conditions like high blood pressure are detected. Russia has been ranked among the top five G20 countries for the affordability of taxi services. This information comes amid reports of rising car prices.

Intense rainfall has caused flooding across more than 130 properties in the Belorechensky district of Krasnodar Krai. Water entered 34 homes, though authorities have since pumped it out of 13 of those residences. Local officials are monitoring the situation as water levels begin to recede.

A Russian ethnographer, Knorozov, has successfully deciphered Maya hieroglyphs, identifying 355 distinct signs.

The Russian National Orchestra will perform masterpieces by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky on April 26th at the Moscow Conservatory's Grand Hall. The concert will feature exemplary renditions of these famous works. The program will commemorate the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. The performance will include works by Russian classical composers such as Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky.

The film 'Military Room' is described as a powerful story about the strength of an individual's internal position, capable of changing reality without external pressure. While not directly about war, the film's concept is considered strong and compelling by those involved in script production. It offers a unique perspective on personal agency and its impact.

Real estate experts in Moscow report that parking space prices have increased by an average of 40-50 percent over the last 1-2 years. In some residential complexes, prices have surged by as much as 100 percent. This trend is driven by the completion of new construction projects and high demand for daily rental options. Finding developer-priced spaces below 2.5 million rubles is reported as difficult. Average ticket prices for cultural events in Moscow during the May holidays increased by 7% compared to last year. Current average prices for these events are approximately 2,612 rubles. Ticket sales remain active, with high demand reported for theatrical productions according to Ticketland data. Anastasia Marketan, PR Director for MTS Life, noted that sales are performing similarly to the previous year despite the price hike.

A new video podcast titled 'Digital Bullying' will be released this Saturday, focusing on how to protect oneself and loved ones from online aggression. The term 'cyberbullying' is acknowledged as potentially frightening, but the podcast aims to demystify the issue and provide practical advice.

Relatives of patients are selecting donors from a pool for life-saving treatments, with a small payment offered to the donors. This process is described as not entirely fair, with one instance of a mother using social media to find a donor.

Three tourists have died following an avalanche near a peak in the Buryatia mountains. Rescuers recovered the bodies of two men on Saturday and a woman on Friday. Authorities are continuing to search for four remaining members of the hiking group. Search operations have concluded for six people killed by an avalanche at a mine in the Muysky district of Buryatia. The avalanche struck nine individuals who were clearing a technological road. Three people managed to escape the incident on their own, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. A criminal case has been opened for violation of safety rules.