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.

Nearly a year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the military capabilities of both countries are assessed. Western powers have been supplying Ukraine with heavy armaments, including a historic agreement for modern tanks from Germany, the UK, and the US. Russia maintains an advantage in artillery and aviation, but its consumption of artillery munitions has decreased. Ukraine critically depends on Western supplies for defense and potential counterattacks. Russian military potential has been damaged and is unlikely to return to its peak strength from 2020-2021. The US has provided long-range Himars missile systems to Ukraine, enhancing their ability to strike Russian forces. Ukraine has been using captured Russian equipment and has improved its air defenses with modern Western systems. Russia has mobilized 300,000 men and is relying on Soviet-era equipment. Military innovations boasted by Moscow have not materialized in the conflict.

Maxime Caron, a young photographer with a passion for discovery, shares his journey from borrowing his father's camera to capturing post-apocalyptic images in Pripyat, near Chernobyl. His work has evolved from photographing friends to a more narrative approach, focusing on social and historical dimensions. Caron discusses his travel essentials, the importance of building a narrative, and his preference for photojournalism and landscape photography. He also reflects on memorable moments and the challenges of capturing the perfect shot.

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.

Dmitri Voloshin, an extreme sports enthusiast from Moldova, completed a 50km run in the Oymyakon district of the Sakha Republic, Russia, where temperatures can reach -71°C. He set a record for running this distance at -60°C without medical or rescue support. The event, part of the 'Unfrozen' charity race founded by Voloshin, aimed to raise awareness for cerebral palsy. Voloshin's past achievements include participating in the North Pole Marathon and the Marathon Des Sables, as well as completing the IronMan triathlon and swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Alexander Vetrov from Russia rescued his wife's dog, Bulochka, after it fell into the freezing Fotanka river in St Petersburg on October 28. Despite the cold temperatures, Vetrov jumped in to save the dog and was assisted by an unknown man in a green hat, who helped them out of the water. The couple later found the man who helped and planned to meet him for tea. Bulochka was treated to a slice of pizza after the rescue.

Vladimir Putin's statement that Russian victims of a foreign nuclear strike would go to heaven as martyrs has led to a bizarre meme and a morbid stunt by activists in Kurgan. The activists, dressed in black, asked passers-by whether they would prefer to go to heaven as martyrs or drop dead, with most preferring the latter. This stunt aligns with Kurgan's historical association with burial mounds. The satirical group plans to rename the local airport after a mafia mob, coinciding with nationwide referendums on naming airports after celebrities.

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.

Achilles, a deaf cat residing at the Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, is set to predict the results of the World Cup games played in the city. His deafness is believed to make him an unbiased prognosticator, according to his veterinarian Anna Kondratyeva. Achilles has a track record of accurately predicting football games, including last year's Confederation Cup matches. His predictions are made by choosing between two identical bowls of food, each marked with the flag of the competing teams.

Eight candidates, including incumbent President Vladimir Putin, are competing in Russia's 2018 presidential election. The candidates range from young politicians like Ksenia Sobchak and Maxim Suraykin to seasoned figures like Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Grigory Yavlinsky. Notable exclusions include Alexei Navalny, who was barred from running due to his criminal record. If Putin wins, it will be his fourth term, potentially extending his rule until 2024. The election process involves over 109 million eligible voters in Russia and 1.8 million abroad, with a second round if no candidate secures more than half the votes.