Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is a holy month of fasting and prayer observed by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide. Starting on 22 or 23 March this year, it is based on the lunar Hijri calendar, causing it to begin 10 to 12 days earlier each year. Fasting from sunrise to sunset, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking, with the fast ending with Eid-el-Fitr. Fasting is obligatory from puberty, with some children starting practice from age ten. Suhur and iftar meals are significant, with traditional dishes varying by region. Exemptions from fasting include pregnant and nursing women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. Ramadan is widely observed in European countries with significant Muslim populations, such as the UK, France, and Spain, and in the Russian Federation, where Muslims make up about 10% of the population.

Ukrainian singer Maruv, stage name for Anna Korsun, was selected to represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest but refused to sign a contract with the Ukrainian TV authority that barred her from performing in Russia. Maruv stated she did not want to be a political puppet. The National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine, led by Zurab Alasania, now seeks a new candidate who will agree to the terms, highlighting the social issue of artists performing in Russia amidst ongoing tensions.

Blockchain technology is considered revolutionary due to its decentralized architecture, which makes it nearly impossible to control or suspend by any authority once it reaches a certain level of societal acceptance. The technology allows for the creation of unchangeable and unstoppable networks, potentially reducing the need for fiat money and traditional financial systems. Blockchain's applications are diverse, including cryptocurrencies, document certification, product tracking, and more. Projects like Arcade City and Ehab illustrate its potential to disrupt traditional business models by eliminating intermediaries and providing better financial terms for participants.

The 2018 Russian presidential election features eight candidates, including incumbent President Vladimir Putin. Notable candidates are Ksenia Sobchak of the Civic Initiative party, Maxim Suraykin of the Communists of Russia party, Vladimir Zhirinovsky of LDPR, and Grigory Yavlinsky of Yabloko. Putin, running as an independent, could potentially extend his term until 2024. Alexei Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, was barred from running due to a criminal record, leading him to call for an election boycott. The election process is straightforward, with voters choosing their preferred candidate on the ballot. If no candidate receives more than half the vote, a second round is held between the top two candidates.