Students from Russia Win the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)
The 49th International Collegiate Programming Contest(ICPC) has ended in Baku. This is one of the largest programming competitions in the world. The team from Russia became the absolute winner. Students of St. Petersburg State University demonstrated the best result among 140 teams from 103 countries. They surpassed teams from the University of Tokyo (2nd place), Peking University (3rd place), Harvard (6th place) and the University of Massachusetts (8th place).
Team members
- Leonid Danilevich, 4th year student of the Bachelor programme "Mathematics"
- Maxim Turevsky, 4th year student of the Bachelor's programme "Mathematics"
- Fedor Ushakov, 1st year student of the Master's programme "Modern Mathematics".
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The 49th International Collegiate Programming Contest(ICPC) has ended in Baku. This is one of the largest programming competitions in the world. The team from Russia became the absolute winner. Students of St. Petersburg State University demonstrated the best result among 140 teams from 103 countries. They surpassed teams from the University of Tokyo (2nd place), Peking University (3rd place), Harvard (6th place) and the University of Massachusetts (8th place).
Team members
- Leonid Danilevich, 4th year student of the Bachelor programme "Mathematics"
- Maxim Turevsky, 4th year student of the Bachelor's programme "Mathematics"
- Fedor Ushakov, 1st year student of the Master's programme "Modern Mathematics".
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The Universal Postal Union presented the first AI tool in history during the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai
As part of a series of innovative projects by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a pilot tool has been developed that runs on artificial intelligence on the UPU Unified Data Platform. The platform brings together all relevant big data and other sources of information from the UPU to analyse the level and specifics of the postal sector's development at a global level.
The development is expected to provide sound recommendations on policy, regulatory and operational approaches to ensuring the functioning of the postal sector in order to:
• improve the efficiency, relevance, reliability and sustainability of postal services at the country level;
• improving customer service quality;
• maintaining the role of the postal service as a reliable provider of public services.
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As part of a series of innovative projects by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a pilot tool has been developed that runs on artificial intelligence on the UPU Unified Data Platform. The platform brings together all relevant big data and other sources of information from the UPU to analyse the level and specifics of the postal sector's development at a global level.
The development is expected to provide sound recommendations on policy, regulatory and operational approaches to ensuring the functioning of the postal sector in order to:
• improve the efficiency, relevance, reliability and sustainability of postal services at the country level;
• improving customer service quality;
• maintaining the role of the postal service as a reliable provider of public services.
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A Strategic Session on the Development of the GovTech Unified Platform Held by Mikhail Mishustin
What is GovTech?
GovTech is a platform for developing government information systems and services. It uses ready-made and proven software components that are customised to specific needs and tasks.
This approach allows for significant savings in budget resources and time. Government agencies and regions can quickly launch new services tailored to the needs of citizens, businesses, and executive branch employees, and exchange data in real time.
Only domestic software is used for all solutions, which eliminates dependence on foreign technologies and increases security.
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What is GovTech?
GovTech is a platform for developing government information systems and services. It uses ready-made and proven software components that are customised to specific needs and tasks.
This approach allows for significant savings in budget resources and time. Government agencies and regions can quickly launch new services tailored to the needs of citizens, businesses, and executive branch employees, and exchange data in real time.
Only domestic software is used for all solutions, which eliminates dependence on foreign technologies and increases security.
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Russia ranks among the top 3 countries with the most inexpensive internet access
Russia ranked second among the world's major economies in terms of home internet costs, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, which studied information from the Federal Statistics Service of the Russian Federation and static data for various countries.
The cheapest internet was found in India, costing $7.7 per month. Russia is in second place: according to the Federal Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, the monthly subscription fee for Internet access costs 693 roubles or $8.7. Romania rounded out the top three with an Internet cost of $9.8.
Also in the number of countries with the most affordable internet were China ($11.3), Uzbekistan (11.5), Kyrgyzstan (11.7), Kazakhstan (12.7), Turkey (13.8), Bulgaria (14.6) and Lithuania (16.5).
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Russia ranked second among the world's major economies in terms of home internet costs, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, which studied information from the Federal Statistics Service of the Russian Federation and static data for various countries.
The cheapest internet was found in India, costing $7.7 per month. Russia is in second place: according to the Federal Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, the monthly subscription fee for Internet access costs 693 roubles or $8.7. Romania rounded out the top three with an Internet cost of $9.8.
Also in the number of countries with the most affordable internet were China ($11.3), Uzbekistan (11.5), Kyrgyzstan (11.7), Kazakhstan (12.7), Turkey (13.8), Bulgaria (14.6) and Lithuania (16.5).
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The 3rd Digital Government Africa Forum Held in Zambia
The 3rd Digital Government Africa Forum was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 7 to 9 October. The Forum was organised for the third time and brought together representatives of African governments, relevant ministries and the private sector from more than 30 African countries.
The event was aimed at identifying strategies to build a strong digital ecosystem, foster innovation and strengthen policy frameworks to accelerate digital transformation within the continent.
The key topics of the forum were digital identification of citizens, digital platforms for public services, digital security and electronic payments.
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The 3rd Digital Government Africa Forum was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 7 to 9 October. The Forum was organised for the third time and brought together representatives of African governments, relevant ministries and the private sector from more than 30 African countries.
The event was aimed at identifying strategies to build a strong digital ecosystem, foster innovation and strengthen policy frameworks to accelerate digital transformation within the continent.
The key topics of the forum were digital identification of citizens, digital platforms for public services, digital security and electronic payments.
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A New “Life Situation” service “Tax Deduction” launched on the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation
It allows you to:
• Obtain information about the types of tax deductions available.
• Apply for the types of tax deductions you need without leaving the portal.
The “Life Situation” service is part of the federal project "The State for the People," which is overseen by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko.
The new service for tax deduction operates on a principle that applies to all life situations: it provides a comprehensive solution to a person's problem quickly, without visits to government agencies or the collection of unnecessary documents.
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It allows you to:
• Obtain information about the types of tax deductions available.
• Apply for the types of tax deductions you need without leaving the portal.
The “Life Situation” service is part of the federal project "The State for the People," which is overseen by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko.
The new service for tax deduction operates on a principle that applies to all life situations: it provides a comprehensive solution to a person's problem quickly, without visits to government agencies or the collection of unnecessary documents.
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IT industry in Russia grows five times faster than other economy sectors
In the first six months of 2025, the IT industry in Russia showed steady growth, significantly outpacing the overall economy. Sales in the industry increased by 14.6% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.9 trillion roubles. Meanwhile, the growth rate for the economy as a whole was 3.2%. This is evidenced by the results of a study by the the National Research University Higher School of Economics on key indicators for the ICT sector for the first half of 2025.
Implementation of IT services and investments in development
Software developers accounted for almost two-thirds (63%) of sales, showing a 33% increase compared to 2024 levels. Investment in the industry continued to grow: at the end of the first half of of 2025, it reached almost 300 billion roubles (+15.6% compared to the previous year).
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In the first six months of 2025, the IT industry in Russia showed steady growth, significantly outpacing the overall economy. Sales in the industry increased by 14.6% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.9 trillion roubles. Meanwhile, the growth rate for the economy as a whole was 3.2%. This is evidenced by the results of a study by the the National Research University Higher School of Economics on key indicators for the ICT sector for the first half of 2025.
Implementation of IT services and investments in development
Software developers accounted for almost two-thirds (63%) of sales, showing a 33% increase compared to 2024 levels. Investment in the industry continued to grow: at the end of the first half of of 2025, it reached almost 300 billion roubles (+15.6% compared to the previous year).
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UN Convention against cybercrime signed by 65 countries
The UN Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the "Hanoi Convention," was adopted in December 2024 by the UN General Assembly after five years of negotiations and sets out the grounds for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed online. The signing ceremony for the convention took place on 25 October in Hanoi, Vietnam, with the support of the Government of Vietnam and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
During the signing ceremony, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: "The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a powerful legal instrument for strengthening collective defence against cybercrime. It is a testament to the enduring power of the multilateral approach in finding solutions and a promise that no country, regardless of its level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime."
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The UN Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the "Hanoi Convention," was adopted in December 2024 by the UN General Assembly after five years of negotiations and sets out the grounds for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed online. The signing ceremony for the convention took place on 25 October in Hanoi, Vietnam, with the support of the Government of Vietnam and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
During the signing ceremony, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: "The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a powerful legal instrument for strengthening collective defence against cybercrime. It is a testament to the enduring power of the multilateral approach in finding solutions and a promise that no country, regardless of its level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime."
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A new round of digital progress: the Philippines place stake on AI
The digitital transformation of key areas of public life has become a widespread trend in many regions, including Asia-Pacific. For example, in the Philippines, one of the world leaders in IT outsourcing, the government is paying particular attention to the digitalization of public administration and electronic payments. Earlier we shared information about the creation of a unified digital platform in the Philippines.
This year, the Philippine government has focused on artificial intelligence as a tool for digitalization.
Since 2017, the country has been working to improve AI by training specialists, acquiring high-performance computing infrastructure, and investing more than 2.3 billion Philippine pesos in 113 AI-related projects.
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The digitital transformation of key areas of public life has become a widespread trend in many regions, including Asia-Pacific. For example, in the Philippines, one of the world leaders in IT outsourcing, the government is paying particular attention to the digitalization of public administration and electronic payments. Earlier we shared information about the creation of a unified digital platform in the Philippines.
This year, the Philippine government has focused on artificial intelligence as a tool for digitalization.
Since 2017, the country has been working to improve AI by training specialists, acquiring high-performance computing infrastructure, and investing more than 2.3 billion Philippine pesos in 113 AI-related projects.
Read more
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Moscow hosting the Digital Solutions Forum
From 12 to 15 November, the National Centre "Russia" (Moscow) is hosting one of the country's key IT events, the Digital Solutions Forum.
The forum is held for the first time and brings together entrepreneurs, top managers, IT specialists, investors and representatives of government agencies to identify new growth areas, assess the progress of national digitalization projects and develop a strategy for introducing information technology into various sectors of the economy.
Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, spoke at the plenary session of the forum. We share the key speaker`s theses.
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From 12 to 15 November, the National Centre "Russia" (Moscow) is hosting one of the country's key IT events, the Digital Solutions Forum.
The forum is held for the first time and brings together entrepreneurs, top managers, IT specialists, investors and representatives of government agencies to identify new growth areas, assess the progress of national digitalization projects and develop a strategy for introducing information technology into various sectors of the economy.
Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, spoke at the plenary session of the forum. We share the key speaker`s theses.
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Dmitry Grigorenko: public service obtained from space for the first time
A Russian cosmonaut has become the first person to obtain a public service online while aboard the International Space Station. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko during the session "Platform of the Future: 100 Projects for Russia. Digital."
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky used biometrics to log into the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation and used the service of self-ban to register SIM cards from the list of "Life Situation” services. The entire process took only 30 seconds. The broadcast was part of a communication session with the ISS and took place on the sidelines of the Digital Solutions Forum.
"Digitalization makes it easier than ever to access services, making them quick and convenient to use. And thanks to modern technologies, including biometrics, you can now use public services wherever you want – at home, at the office, or even in low Earth orbit," said Dmitry Grigorenko.
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A Russian cosmonaut has become the first person to obtain a public service online while aboard the International Space Station. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko during the session "Platform of the Future: 100 Projects for Russia. Digital."
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky used biometrics to log into the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation and used the service of self-ban to register SIM cards from the list of "Life Situation” services. The entire process took only 30 seconds. The broadcast was part of a communication session with the ISS and took place on the sidelines of the Digital Solutions Forum.
"Digitalization makes it easier than ever to access services, making them quick and convenient to use. And thanks to modern technologies, including biometrics, you can now use public services wherever you want – at home, at the office, or even in low Earth orbit," said Dmitry Grigorenko.
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Kazakhstan, the first country in Central Asia to adopt law on artificial intelligence
Kazakhstan is taking an important step towards the safe and responsible development of digital technologies by introducing the region's first law on artificial intelligence. The adopted document forms a new legal framework that allows AI to be integrated into the economy and public services while maintaining the highest priority for human rights, freedoms and dignity.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life: it helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses, speeds up public services, and creates new tools for business and education. At the same time, it is important for people to understand that AI does not replace their decisions or influence them in a hidden or unfair way.
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Kazakhstan is taking an important step towards the safe and responsible development of digital technologies by introducing the region's first law on artificial intelligence. The adopted document forms a new legal framework that allows AI to be integrated into the economy and public services while maintaining the highest priority for human rights, freedoms and dignity.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life: it helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses, speeds up public services, and creates new tools for business and education. At the same time, it is important for people to understand that AI does not replace their decisions or influence them in a hidden or unfair way.
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Russian experts appointed to senior positions in the working bodies of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector
Russian experts have been appointed to senior positions in the working bodies of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-D) for the upcoming four-year period.
From 17 to 28 November 2025, the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) was held in Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan), attended by a delegation from the Russian Federation's communications administration led by Grigory Borisenko, Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation.
Russia nominated three candidates for leadership positions in the working bodies of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector. Following the vote, all three were appointed to the positions for which they were nominated.
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Russian experts have been appointed to senior positions in the working bodies of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-D) for the upcoming four-year period.
From 17 to 28 November 2025, the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) was held in Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan), attended by a delegation from the Russian Federation's communications administration led by Grigory Borisenko, Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation.
Russia nominated three candidates for leadership positions in the working bodies of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector. Following the vote, all three were appointed to the positions for which they were nominated.
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Today Russian main portal marks its 16th anniversary
The Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation is always at your fingertips. For 16 years now, the portal has been helping people to fill out paperwork, receive payments, and even run businesses. It's fast, convenient, and simple.
Today, 120 million people use public services. More than 4 million personal accounts for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs have been created on the portal. More than 2 million applications are submitted every day. It takes from one minute to 72 hours to receive a service.
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The Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation is always at your fingertips. For 16 years now, the portal has been helping people to fill out paperwork, receive payments, and even run businesses. It's fast, convenient, and simple.
Today, 120 million people use public services. More than 4 million personal accounts for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs have been created on the portal. More than 2 million applications are submitted every day. It takes from one minute to 72 hours to receive a service.
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Software developers' sales volume grows by a third over the year
The IT industry is showing steady growth. In the first nine months of 2025, sales in the industry reached 3.16 trillion roubles, and the number of employees amounted to almost 1.15 million people. Software development companies sell the most products. These figures are provided by the the National Research University Higher School of Economics in its new study.
Sales volume
At the end of the first nine months of 2025, sales in the IT industry grew by 16.3% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 3.16 trillion roubles. The growth was particularly noticeable in the third quarter, where it amounted to 19.3% compared to 2024.
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The IT industry is showing steady growth. In the first nine months of 2025, sales in the industry reached 3.16 trillion roubles, and the number of employees amounted to almost 1.15 million people. Software development companies sell the most products. These figures are provided by the the National Research University Higher School of Economics in its new study.
Sales volume
At the end of the first nine months of 2025, sales in the IT industry grew by 16.3% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 3.16 trillion roubles. The growth was particularly noticeable in the third quarter, where it amounted to 19.3% compared to 2024.
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The State Programme "Digital Belarus" for 2026–2030: how will the ecosystem of digital solutions for the population, business and the state be formed?
At the end of 2025, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus approved the State Programme "Digital Belarus" for 2026–2030, aimed at forming a domestic ecosystem of digital solutions for the population, business and the state, based on a modern data management system and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus acts as the responsible customer.
The state programme includes the subprogrammes "Data Economy", "Digital State" and "Digital Sovereignty".
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At the end of 2025, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus approved the State Programme "Digital Belarus" for 2026–2030, aimed at forming a domestic ecosystem of digital solutions for the population, business and the state, based on a modern data management system and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus acts as the responsible customer.
The state programme includes the subprogrammes "Data Economy", "Digital State" and "Digital Sovereignty".
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Summarising the results of digitalization projects for 2025
The final meeting with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation was held by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted achievements in key areas and noted changes in the approach to project management.
Key figures in the digital sphere for 2025:
• 99.9% – the level of achievement of the measures planned for 2025 under the national project "Data Economy".
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The final meeting with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation was held by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted achievements in key areas and noted changes in the approach to project management.
Key figures in the digital sphere for 2025:
• 99.9% – the level of achievement of the measures planned for 2025 under the national project "Data Economy".
Read more
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China enhances digital environment for foreign citizens
The authorities of China are striving to enhance the country's digital environment: this week, recommendations were issued to improve the convenience of digital services for foreign citizens. The measures are aimed at improving the provision of basic digital services and the digital payment system.
The recommendations were prepared by 11 government agencies and departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the People's Bank of China.
The need to remove restrictions on the provision of digital services to foreign workers is emphasised, which will make the country's digital environment more inclusive and comfortable.
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The authorities of China are striving to enhance the country's digital environment: this week, recommendations were issued to improve the convenience of digital services for foreign citizens. The measures are aimed at improving the provision of basic digital services and the digital payment system.
The recommendations were prepared by 11 government agencies and departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the People's Bank of China.
The need to remove restrictions on the provision of digital services to foreign workers is emphasised, which will make the country's digital environment more inclusive and comfortable.
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The year of digitalisation: how the work of government agencies changed in 2025
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko summarised the results of the digitalisation of government agencies over the past year.
In 2025, every ministry and institution implemented its own digital transformation programme – a total of 61 IT programmes.
"The programmes are aimed at improving the efficiency of the institutions themselves and of public administration as a whole. This includes the quality of decisions made based on online data, transparency, and the speed of public service delivery.
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Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko summarised the results of the digitalisation of government agencies over the past year.
In 2025, every ministry and institution implemented its own digital transformation programme – a total of 61 IT programmes.
"The programmes are aimed at improving the efficiency of the institutions themselves and of public administration as a whole. This includes the quality of decisions made based on online data, transparency, and the speed of public service delivery.
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Digitalization of public services, citizen protection, and industrial software in Russia: highlights from the government report
Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin delivered his annual report to the State Duma. Among other things, he discussed the development of the IT industry.
Read below the key points of the Prime Minister.
Digitalization of public services
Based on the results of 2025, the World Bank included Russia in the group of leaders in the digitalization of government technologies. This index assesses the level of implementation of various digital tools. The digitalization of public services in Russia has reached a new level.
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Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin delivered his annual report to the State Duma. Among other things, he discussed the development of the IT industry.
Read below the key points of the Prime Minister.
Digitalization of public services
Based on the results of 2025, the World Bank included Russia in the group of leaders in the digitalization of government technologies. This index assesses the level of implementation of various digital tools. The digitalization of public services in Russia has reached a new level.
Read more
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Wedding with the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation: every second couple submits an application to the registry office online
It's easy to submit an application to the registry office of any city, even if you are in different parts of the country on that day! In 2025, more than 400,000 couples used the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation — that's every second couple who got married. Since the service began, more than 1.6 million couples have got married with its help.
The average age of grooms is 34.7 years, and brides is 32.6 years. The oldest applicant on Gosuslugi is 90 years old.
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It's easy to submit an application to the registry office of any city, even if you are in different parts of the country on that day! In 2025, more than 400,000 couples used the Portal of Public Services of the Russian Federation — that's every second couple who got married. Since the service began, more than 1.6 million couples have got married with its help.
The average age of grooms is 34.7 years, and brides is 32.6 years. The oldest applicant on Gosuslugi is 90 years old.
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