MOSCOW HIKES VODKA TAX.

The Russian government is raising the tax on domestically-produced vodka, producing a price increase of 37.5 percent. The tax hike, which will not affect imported brands, is intended to boost sagging state revenues. Russia’s Independent TV commented caustically that the government is clearly determined to price legally-produced alcohol out of the market, leaving the field to bootleggers who pay no tax at all. (NTV, UPI, April 15)

Governor Wants Defense Industries Ministry Restored.