VTB head Andrey Kostin talks to the BBC about ‘opening‘ the Russian economy and its reliance on the export of raw materials.  Under a new bill ordered by Dmitry Medvedev, banks will have to disclose information on the accounts and transactions of candidates for state jobs.  Search engine Yandex is preparing for an IPO that, it is hoping, will raise $1 billion on the NASDAQ.  VTB and Gazprombank are aiming to start selling Islamic debt as a bid to tap into the $4.9 billion global market for sukuk, or Islamic bonds.  On foreign involvement and investment in Russia’s automobile market.  Whiskey has been the only spirit whose imports grew during the crisis, according to this report.  First Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin has been relieved of his duties, possibly so that he can take up a role at Roscosmos.  The BBC reports on the diamond-mine-town of Mirny.  Alfa Group may sell its 25.3% stake in CTC Media, which could be bought be another Russian company if Sweden’s Modern Times Group declines.