Day: February 16, 2026

“Areas of research respond to new challenges the Russian economy faces. One of the most pressing issues the researchers encounter is how artificial intelligence influences the economy and competition and making financial decisions,” the Central Bank said, News.az reports, citing TASS.

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The regulator is going to study the consequences of broad application of these methods for the economy and its structure, innovations and productivity, the labor market and inequality across households in terms of incomes. Furthermore, AI development changes financial markets and transforms the logic of decisions to be made by economic entities. “This generates new macroeconomic effects, including potential risks for financial stability,” the Bank of Russia noted.

“It is necessary to find the balance between government interference and market self-regulation in the sphere of AI use. Key areas of studies include the analysis of how AI transforms regulatory capabilities and constraints in different markets and for different kinds of services,” the regulator added.

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The incident took place on Monday evening in the Salaryevo Park residential complex in New Moscow, News.az reports, citing Russian media.

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The bodies of a 41-year-old man, identified as Vasif, and his 38-year-old wife, Aygun, were found near the building where they lived. The nature of their injuries indicated suicide, local reports said. Authorities have not yet issued a public statement confirming further details.

Source: Russian media

The couple’s five-year-old child was inside the apartment at the time of the incident. Law enforcement officers have temporarily taken the child into their care. Psychologists are reported to be working with the child.

According to Russian media, the couple owned a clothing and lingerie shop. They had previously run a business in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug before moving to Moscow, where they opened a store near their home.

The motive for the apparent suicide remains unclear. Reports say the couple are survived by three children.

If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, support is available through local helplines and mental health services.

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Organizers said the festival, scheduled for Feb. 23 to 27, was “postponed until further notice,” without providing a new date, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

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Habanos S.A., a joint venture between state-owned Cubatabaco and Iberian-British firm Altadis that exclusively distributes 27 premium Cuban cigar brands, confirmed the delay on its website.

Officials said the decision was intended to preserve “the highest standards of quality and experience,” although Cuba continues to face strict fuel rationing.

The energy crisis has intensified after Cuba stopped receiving Venezuelan oil after the the capture by the United States of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The situation worsened when President Donald Trump declared an emergency regarding Cuba and announced tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island.

Several distributors already had requested a postponement because of flight cancellations and travel advisories issued by some governments. The United Kingdom, Belgium and Canada have advised against nonessential travel to Cuba, while several airlines suspended operations because of aviation fuel shortages, according to independent outlet 14ymedio.

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