A recent decision by Azerbaijani authorities regarding a standardized school uniform—aligned with the principles of secular education—has sparked debate both within the country and abroad. Amidst protests against restrictions on wearing the hijab in schools, various politicians and public figures have voiced their positions. Their assessments have been sharply divided: some cite a violation of the right to education, while others point to the need to protect the state's secular nature and warn against attempts to politicize religious issues.
In 2022, liquor sales in Chechnya fell by 42%. However, in Ingushetia, according to the Russian Alcohol Regulation, they increased by 26.4%. In Karachay-Cherkessia the growth was 23.9%, in Kabardino-Balkaria - 13.3%, in North Ossetia - 11.6%, in Stavropol territory - 8.1%, in Dagestan - 4.8%.
The increase in alcohol consumption is due to the low base effect: absolute volumes in the North Caucasus are very small. In Chechnya, the figure is 0.1 liters of vodka, cognac, liqueurs, etc. Per capita consumption in Ingushetia is 0.5 litres, in Kabardino-Balkaria 1 litre, in North Ossetia 1.1 litre, in Dagestan 1.5 litres. For comparison, in Karelia the figure is 15.5 litres per person per year, in Sakhalin 14.9 litres, in Komi 14.6 per person in Adal and 1.