News Digest for January 31: Key Events
Every day, numerous events occur around the world that are impossible to follow in the constant news flow. Therefore, we gather the most important stories in this digest. Today we summarize January 31.
Turkey Detains 10 Show Business Stars in Drug Case
Turkey has detained several show business stars as part of a drug investigation conducted by the Istanbul Prosecutor«s Office, reports the Hürriyet newspaper.
«As part of the drug investigation, a decision was made to detain the suspects, among whom there are also well-known personalities,» writes the publication.
The detention operation took place in Istanbul, Ankara, Mugla, and Yalova. Those taken into custody include comedian Hasan Canay Kaya, singer Reyman (Yusuf Aktas), rapper Emirhan Cakal, as well as Mazlum Akturk, Mert Eren Bulbul, Silu Dundar, Dondu Sahin, Burak Gungor, Ahmet Kan Dundar, Berkkan Guven, and Firat Yaylu.
Details of the charges and further procedural steps are not specified in the publication.
Russian Man Paralyzed While Vacationing in Thailand
A man from Russia was suddenly paralyzed while on a family vacation in Thailand. Doctors diagnosed him with a rare autoimmune disease. Transportation to Russia is not possible due to a cost of 900,000 rubles (about $10,000 at current rates). His wife is trying to raise the money.
«We need to somehow get him back to Russia when the acute phase of the disease subsides. To say how hard it is for me is to say nothing. Sometimes the pain inside is so intense you want to scream from helplessness,» writes the Siberian woman on her social media.
The 45-year-old businessman from Novosibirsk arrived in Thailand with his wife and daughter in early December last year to spend the winter there. The family lived in a villa, the couple went to the gym, and the vacation was going well until January 17. That morning, the man felt numbness in his hands, and within a day, he lost the ability to move.
During the examination, Thai doctors diagnosed the man with Guillain-Barré syndrome — a rare autoimmune disease that affects the nerves of the cranium and the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms in patients usually include muscle weakness and loss of sensation, and in severe cases, complete paralysis is possible. As a rule, the cause of the illness is complications from a viral or bacterial infection.
According to the Russian man«s wife, on January 30 they managed to raise 450,000 rubles (about $5,000) for transporting her husband to Russia. They also need to pay for the hospital stay — about a thousand dollars a day.
The man, in serious condition, is being discharged from the hospital on January 31 because the insurance company did not authorize continued hospitalization and therapy. For the flight, the Russian man requires a business-class aircraft to accommodate him horizontally on special stretchers.
«Someday we will remember this as a terrible nightmare. But right now this hell does not stop for a minute. I just want to wake up and for none of this to have happened,» shares the Siberian woman.
The family now faces two paths: either continue to search for money and return home, or use the raised funds for rehabilitation in Thailand.
The woman has sought support from the Russian Embassy in Thailand and the Ministry of Health. Upon returning home, the man will face a six-month rehabilitation, which will require about 3.5 million rubles (about $39,000).
Free Tests Now Available to Determine Risks of Early Aging
The government has approved an approximate list of free medical examinations to identify factors of premature aging. Under the program, Russians will be able to undergo a clinical blood test with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a general urine test, and a biochemical blood test, including measuring levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, zinc, magnesium, and tumor necrosis factor. These examinations are available under the compulsory health insurance system and are intended for people whose biological age exceeds their calendar age by five years or more.
Blood tests will also be conducted to determine levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), testosterone (in men) and estradiol (in women). Additionally, patients will have their calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels checked for early detection of risks of musculoskeletal system disorders.
Furthermore, examinations are planned to detect risks of psycho-emotional state disorders, metabolic disorders, obesity, and signs of decreased cognitive function.
The examinations will be conducted at healthy longevity medicine centers, reports RIA Novosti.
In addition, scientists have proposed introducing important vaccinations for the elderly. These proposals are now being discussed in the State Duma. According to information from Alexander Rumyantsev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), RAS academician, President of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology (FGBU NMITS DGOI), and Scientific Supervisor of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNIMU) Institute of Molecular Diagnostics (IMD), the list includes five vaccines: against influenza, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, chickenpox, and HPV.
Foreigners with Criminal Records to Be Barred from Entering Russia
Russia plans to ban entry for migrants with convictions for serious and especially serious crimes. A bill to this effect is planned to be introduced to the State Duma by deputy Leonid Slutsky.
«The LDPR (Liberal Democratic Party of Russia) insists that foreign citizens and stateless persons who already have a criminal record for committing serious or especially serious crimes should be banned from entering our country for life,» said Slutsky.
According to the explanatory note, under current legislation, measures are applied to convicted foreign citizens to bar them from entering Russian territory for a certain period. However, the number of crimes committed by migrants is growing. Slutsky emphasized that the safety of Russians must be a priority.
«Russian citizens should not be afraid that they will find themselves on the same street in the evening with a migrant who has robbery, assault, or, worse, murder in their »track record.« They should not be afraid to let their child go alone to school or to friends on the next street,» the deputy noted.
Russian Government Introduces New Ban on Gasoline and Diesel Exports
Russia has introduced a new temporary ban on gasoline and diesel fuel exports to stabilize the domestic market situation. The decree will remain in effect until July 31, 2026.
However, an exception has been made for direct producers. They will be able to export automotive gasoline. It is noted that this measure is intended to prevent overstocking of their production capacities.
The new rules will take effect immediately after their official publication.
Signs of Fraud When Job Hunting Named
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has explained how scammers deceive Russians looking for work. According to the ministry, if you are offered a job without a contract, and communication occurs exclusively via messengers, this is one reason to be wary.
In addition, signs of fraud can include promises of a fixed percentage from completed tasks when looking for side jobs. Often, fraudsters use these schemes to avoid responsibility and gain access to applicants« personal data or finances.
The MVD recommends thoroughly checking the employer, not transferring money for «employment guarantees,» and insisting on formal employment.
Sharp Turn in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
Russia and Ukraine are ready for negotiations without the participation of the United States. Today, White House chief Donald Trump announced this.
«Yes... I think they (the negotiations) have a chance. We tried,» said the American leader, answering journalists« questions about whether the countries» negotiations could proceed without the involvement of his special envoys.
The American leader did not go into details about what formats of US participation in future negotiations are currently being discussed by the administration. Furthermore, he again emphasized that the sides «came close to resolving the conflict.»
First Russian Athletes Begin Training on Olympic Trails in Italy
Russian neutral skiers Savely Korostelev and Darya Nepryaeva, selected for the 2026 Games, have flown to Italy. The athletes have already begun training on the Olympic trails.
«The athletes [Korostelev and Nepryaeva] have arrived at the trails and are training. Today is the first day. Before that, they were training in Switzerland,» coach Danil Akimov told TASS.
By the way, Akimov also holds neutral status as a representative of athlete personnel.
It is known that Nepryaeva will be the first of the Russian athletes to begin competing for Olympic medals. On February 7, she will start in the skiathlon. The next day, Korostelev will compete in this cross-country skiing discipline.
On February 1, Russian lugers and speed skaters will fly to Italy. They will all begin their performances at the Olympic Games earlier than representatives of other sports.
Teenager Falls from High-Rise Window in Moscow Region
A youth survived after falling from the 16th floor in Domodedovo, Moscow Region. Details are published by «Moskovsky Komsomolets.»
The teenager survived because he fell into a large snowdrift — this softened the impact. The boy with numerous fractures was taken to the intensive care unit of Domodedovo Hospital.
Fortunately, doctors were able to stabilize his condition, after which he was transferred to another hospital by medical helicopter.
