Turkey: crucial elections on 14 May for 'sultan' Erdogan

Today's headlines: two terror suspects arrested in Delhi; Race against time in China to produce anti-Covid drugs; In New Zealand, the iconic premier Jacinda Ardern resigns; Clashes between Rohingya militants on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border; In Russia new plans for military mobilisation.

TURKEY

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on 14 May, a month earlier than he had previously indicated. Given the country's difficult economic conditions, this is the most treacherous electoral test for the Turkish president since he came to power over 20 years ago.  

INDIA

Special units of the Delhi Police arrested two suspected terrorists linked to criminal circles. According to the authorities, Jagpreet (alias Jagga) and Gurupreet were preparing attacks in the capital and in Punjab against Hindu right-wing politicians. In their hideout, the police found explosive weapons allegedly coming from Pakistan.

CHINA

There is a race against time in the country to produce more flu drugs and Covid-19 treatments as millions of citizens travel for the Lunar New Year festivities. For the first time, Xi Jinping expressed concern about the possible spread of the virus to rural areas that are less well-equipped in terms of health.

NEW ZEALAND

Premier Jacinda Ardern, an icon of the global left, is resigning due to 'exhaustion'. She will remain in office until 7 February and will leave the parliamentary seat on 14 October, the date of the general election. Unlike other regional allies of the US, Ardern has maintained a balanced relationship with China, which is increasingly active in the South Pacific.

MYANMAR-BANGLADESH

Clashes between armed Rohingya groups on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border caused the destruction of a settlement where 3,000 refugees of the ethnic group of Islamic faith were living. One death was reported, while most of the refugees fled to Bangladesh.

RUSSIA

Russian Defence Minister Šojgu announced 'major changes' in the mobilisation of Russian soldiers for the next three years, which is to reach a mass of one and a half million by 2026. Two maxi military districts will be created and all branches of the army, navy and air force will be strengthened.

KYRGHZSTAN

The Kyrgyz government has set a temporary limit on taking cash dollars out of the country. Non-residents and foreigners up to USD 5,000; Kyrgyz citizens up to USD 10,000, under penalty of paying 10% of the amount over the limit. The attempt is to curb the devaluation of the Kyrgyz som, which has risen by a third against the dollar.

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