TODAY: Adoptions ban to remain in place until 2014; opposition activist says beating is political; United Russia would support ban on electoral blocs; Novatek and Gazprom LNG deal; navy’s new subs; bank forecasts; Serdyukov questioned; Duma deputy questioned over hunting; Steve Jobs memorial. 

The ‘politically-motivated’ ban on U.S. adoptions will remain in place until January 2014, although comments by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicate that some of the adoptions already in process will be permitted, except in the cases of those which have not yet been given court approval.  The Duma denies that a 14-year-old boy personally contacted President Vladimir Putin over his pending adoption.  Opposition activist Yevgeny Domozhirov says he has ‘no doubt’ that his being beaten yesterday by ‘an unknown assailant with a large stick’ was ‘connected to my political and anti-corruption activities’.  United Russia says it would support the lifting of a ban on electoral blocs touted as being of benefit to smaller, non-parliamentary parties, but a political expert says the ruling party would be the ‘main beneficiary’.