An index level greater than 50 points implies a rise in business activity, while a value less than 50 points suggests a slowdown.

The publication of information is suspended, starting with data for March and the first quarter of 2023.

In the first quarter of this year Russian banks already earned a total of 881 bln rubles ($10.7 bln) worth of net profit.

TASS learned from diplomatic sources in the South African capital that negotiations about the possible expansion of BRICS are to take place in the coming months.

"Even those leaving are nevertheless negotiating possible conditions for the return under the table and do not burn bridges," Dmitry Peskov noted.

"In 2023-2024, the Russian government will allocate up to eight billion rubles to regions for these goals," Dmitry Chernyshenko said.

The domestic demand for coal is fully met in Russia, deputy minister added, noting that export is the driver of the sector’s development.

It is noted that it is unreasonable to seriously amend the existing foreign currency restrictions now.

It is noted that the rise in prices of consumer goods producer is gradually becoming stronger.

Russian Deputy Economic Development Minister Dmitry Volvach also noted the ongoing talks on the free trade zone creation with India and Egypt, the plans to shift to a full-fledged free trade zone agreement with Iran, as well as a decision made to start the negotiations on a similar agreement with Indonesia.