Modi Heads For Bhutan Next Week
Prime Minister Modi is off to Bhutan next week for discussions with his counterpart Tshering Tobgay. The latter was in Delhi on his first overseas visit following his victory in the January elections. Bhutan-China boundary talks and rail connectivity between southern Bhutan and West Bengal are expected to figure high on Modi’s agenda. He is also expected to review progress on various India-funded development projects.
Hamas Proposes Exchange Of Israeli Hostages For Palestinian Prisoners
A Reuters report says Hamas has proposed a ceasefire that would see them release Israeli hostages in return for 700 to 1000 Palestinians being held by Tel Aviv. It was not clear how many Israeli hostages Hamas is holding and how many would be released. The Hamas offer said a permanent ceasefire could be scheduled after the exchange of hostages for Palestinian takes place. Israel had dismissed the offer as unrealistic but will respond formally shortly.
Putin Expected To Win Another Presidential Term
Russia heads to the polls on Sunday with the result a foregone conclusion: President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to win, which means he stays on in office until 2030. With no visible challenger and the economy doing well (3.6% growth last year) despite over 16,000 international sanctions in place, Putin is expected to smoothly coast to victory. As yet there is no significant public opposition to the war in Ukraine.
New Prime Minister For Palestinian Authority
Mohammad Mustafa, a trusted aide of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, is the new prime minister of the Palestinian territories. He has to form a new government for the Palestinian Authority which is responsible for administering the West Bank. Mustafa’s appointment is seen to have US approval since he is considered a liberal. It is also seen as the first step towards the Palestinian Authority returning to govern Gaza.
UK PM Says No Elections In May
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dismissed speculation about early elections in May. He has indicated that the elections could be held in the “second half” of this year. With the ruling Conservative Party trailing Labour by 20 points in the opinion polls, Sunak may have considered it safer to aim for elections later and give the Conservatives time to rebuild their low public standing. Sunak may have gone for an early election if his position came under threat.
