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.

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.

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.

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.