Russia abolishes two time zones

The country previously had 11 different timezones and the new changes will affect three regions of Siberia and two parts of European Russia.

The change has been effected by Russians in these areas not moving their clocks forward one hour at the weekend.

Discussing the plans last week, President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that the reduction in the number of time zones across the nation to nine could "help to breathe new life into business activity".

He added: "It's possible that this could also aid the strengthening of Russia's position as a link in the global information infrastructure."

Supporters of the move have suggested improved communications will now be possible with the US and China, but opponents note that darkness now starts at lunchtime in some northern parts of Russia.


/Digital Spy/