Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, celebrated the 4th anniversary of ‘March 30 International Zero Waste Day’ with his post on his social media account. Pointing out that this year’s International Zero Waste Day will raise awareness with the theme of ‘food waste’, Minister Kurum said in his message: “Reduce, share, transform. Food waste consumes not only today but also tomorrow. Every food that goes to waste steals from a child’s table; every drop of water wasted dries a lake. Turkey is determined to break this cycle with the Zero Waste Movement, which spreads to 7 continents under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan. Because it is a more just world.” “It is possible with Zero Waste,” he said.

‘International Zero Waste Day’ was accepted by the UN

The Zero Waste Movement started on September 27, 2017, under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The project, carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, has turned into a global environmental movement accepted by the United Nations (UN). In the voting held at the UN General Assembly on December 14, 2022, with Türkiye as the main presenter and 105 countries as co-hosts, March 30 was accepted as “International Zero Waste Day”.

One of the most important agendas for the COP31 Presidency this year is zero waste.

One of the main topics at the “International Zero Waste Day” events at the UN this year was Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency and hosting process. COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum attended the programs organized in New York under the umbrella of the UN on the occasion of “March 30 International Zero Waste Day” and talked about Türkiye’s COP31 vision and Zero Waste success. First Lady Erdoğan’s video message was also published in the program.

Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi answered journalists’ questions in a program he attended. Minister Çiftçi, who made important statements about APP, fake license plates and in-car multimedia systems, said, “The license plate issue is not just a matter of shape. It is an extremely important issue in terms of public security, the peace of our country and our general security strategies. Just as a person has an identity card, an identity card and a citizenship number that identify him, a license plate is the identity of a vehicle, and the letters and numbers on it are the number of that vehicle.” he said.

“PLATE PLATE ISSUE IS A SECURITY ISSUE: THE PURPOSE IS NOT PUNISHMENT, BUT A STANDARD”

Minister Çiftçi, who made a statement at a time when the inspections regarding APP license plates were intensely discussed in the public, emphasized that their main purpose in license plate applications is not to impose fines, but to ensure public safety by maintaining standards. Stating that the plate is not just a formal element, Çiftçi stated that it serves a critical function as vehicle identification. Minister Çiftçi made public statements regarding the increasing discussions regarding inspections and sanctions regarding APP license plates in recent days. Stating that their aim is not to victimize citizens, Çiftçi said that they aim to ensure unity and security in practice.

“PLATE PLATE IS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION”

Emphasizing that the plate is an identity for a vehicle, Çiftçi said, “Just as a person has an identity, the plate is also the identity of the vehicle. For this reason, it should only be issued by authorized institutions.” Stating that there are security elements on the plates, Çiftçi noted that the TŞOF seal, TR phrase, hologram, security stripe and crescent-star signs are the basic elements of the standards. Reminding that the license plates printed as of January 1, 2024 include a QR code and a 12-digit serial number, Çiftçi stated that the license plates without a QR code will not automatically be considered fake, and that other security elements are sufficient.

“NO PENALTIES FOR PLATES WITH BOLD LETTERS”

Çiftçi stated that license plates with letters and numbers that are thicker than normal remain valid, provided that they comply with the standards, and that vehicle owners are not obliged to renew these plates. He also particularly emphasized that no penalty will be imposed during traffic inspections due to such license plates.

“NUMBER OF VEHICLES IS INCREASING RAPIDLY”

Drawing attention to the increase in the number of motor vehicles in Türkiye, Çiftçi announced that the number of vehicles has increased from 23.2 million to 33.9 million since 2019, while the number of motorcycles has increased from 3.3 million to 7.2 million. Stating that the total number of registered vehicles exceeds 34.5 million, Çiftçi said that a vehicle park of this size can only be inspected with a strong technological infrastructure and standard license plate system.

“APP PLATES CREATE A SECURITY VULNERABILITY”

Stating that non-standard APP plates cannot be read properly by electronic control systems, Çiftçi said that this situation creates a serious security vulnerability. He emphasized that it is essential to maintain license plate standards for systems such as Radar, PTS, KGS and EDS to operate effectively.

“THE PURPOSE IS PEACE AND LIFE SAFETY”

Stating that the regulations regarding drivers’ in-car display devices are also evaluated, Çiftçi stated that their basic approach is to ensure a balance that will protect life safety in traffic. “Our goal is to protect the peace and law of our citizens,” he said.

APP license plate statement from Minister Çiftçi: It is not just a matter of shape

“12/36 WORKING SYSTEM IS COMING TO THE POLICE”

Minister Çiftçi, who made important statements regarding internal security policies, noted that according to the new regulation, guards can work not only at night but also in areas of need determined by the governorships, and said that a guard system will be implemented at different points in line with the initiative to be taken in the provinces. Announcing that the induction process for 10 thousand candidates who will graduate from the Police Academy will be brought forward, Çiftçi stated that the graduations planned for September will be moved to the beginning of June. Stating that with this step, 12/36 hours working order will be implemented throughout the country, Çiftçi emphasized that the regulation will improve the working conditions of police officers and increase motivation.

A HARD MESSAGE TO STREET GANGS

Giving a message of determination in the fight against street gangs, Çiftçi said, “We cannot afford to lose even a single child. Our stance against these gang activities is clear.” Stating that the necessary instructions were given to the security units, Çiftçi stated that the operations will continue increasingly. He announced that 358 people were caught and brought to justice in operations carried out across Türkiye last week.

DETERMINATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

Pointing out that drugs are the main source of crimes, Çiftçi stated that the fight is being continued in many aspects. Stating that the coast guard and intelligence elements, as well as the police and gendarmerie units, will take an active role, Çiftçi said that they are acting with the aim of “draining the source” against this threat, which especially targets young people. Declaring that 13 tons of drugs, 37.8 million synthetic pharmaceuticals and 13 thousand cannabis-skunk roots were seized in the operations carried out between January 1 and March 22, 2026, Çiftçi stated that these data reveal the intensity of the struggle in the field.

Yasin Yellice, who was allegedly one of the closest staff of Muhittin Böcek, who was detained within the scope of the “Corruption” investigation against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), was suspended from his duty as the Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and was detained, was taken into custody. Yasin Yellice, who was detained in Antalya, was brought to the Istanbul Police Department.

HE WAS REFERRED TO THE COURTHOUSE

Yasin Yellice, who is alleged to be the son-in-law of the detained former Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek’s brother and works in Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, was referred to the courthouse after being processed by the Istanbul Police Department’s Financial Crimes Department.

HE WAS REFERRED TO ARREST

Yasin Yellice was referred to arrest on the charge of “bribery” after the prosecutor’s statement.

ARRESTED:

After the interrogation at the Criminal Court of Peace on Duty, Yasin Yellice was arrested and sent to prison.

DETAILS OF THE REFERRAL LETTER HAVE BEEN REACHED

According to Yasin Yellice’s arrest referral letter; It was stated that Yasin Yellice worked as the relative and mobile private secretary of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek, who is currently detained in the ‘corruption’ investigation.

“MUHITTIN BÖCEK AND FERDİ ZEYREK MEET IN MANİSA”

According to the dispatch letter, Yasin Yellice went to Manisa with Muhittin Böcek on January 15, 2024. It was reported that CHP Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Candidate Ferdi Zeyrek and Muhittin Böcek had a meeting that lasted approximately 3 hours. It was stated in the dispatch letter that Muhittin Böcek’s vehicle stopped at a gas station at the entrance of Manisa, confirming the report that was made public before this meeting and was also made to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

“15 MINUTES AT THE GAS STATION”

According to the referral letter of the prosecutor’s office; The drivers waited outside, while Yasin Yellice stayed at the gas station with Muhittin Böcek for about 15 minutes, and when Muhittin Böcek’s HTS records were examined, it was determined that he had no contact with Ferdi Zeyrek before this meeting. However, it was noted that they started meeting frequently shortly before the date of meeting.

“IT IS AGAINST THE ORDINARY FLOW OF LIFE”

In its referral letter, the prosecutor’s office stated that it took into account the suspicious statements and the information reflected to the public at the time and said, “It is against the normal flow of life for Muhittin Böcek, who is not considered as a candidate by the party, to visit a city that has nothing to do with him in order to support another mayoral candidate.” He used his expressions.

DEFENDANT IN THE CASE IN ANTALYA

In the referral letter; In his statement, it was stated that Yasin Yellice said that he had to be with the mayor due to the nature of his job, that Yellice was one of the people closest to Böcek, and that he participated in some of the ‘corruption’ acts of Muhittin Böcek and his son Gökhan Böcek within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

AK Party General Secretary and Izmir Deputy Eyyüp Kadir İnan reacted harshly to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who called for the renewal of elections in Aydın at the rally he attended. Believe me, “You are the puppet of thieves who call you ‘cute chimpanzee’! Stop making a show with your cap and collect your party, which has turned into a pit first!” he said. İnan, who also supported Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, said, “We are with Ms. Özlem’s stance to the end! She protects Aydın’s rights and law. And you are the leader of the development profiteers, Özgür Özel!” he said.

Because he took his own chairmanship at the congress with bribery and delegate exchange; We are not surprised that he evaluates every democratic choice and honorable stance put forward by others with his own incompetence and dirty mentality. All CHP members are now shouting loudly that ‘CHP is no longer a party to stand in’!

“WE STAND BY ÖZLEM HANIM’S STANCE UNTIL THE END”

We stand by Özlem Hanım’s stance until the end!

Ms. Özlem is the Metropolitan Mayor of Aydınlı; It protects Aydin’s rights and law. You are the leader of the development profiteers, Özgür Özel! You defend the rights of thieves. Because this is the duty of a hostage.

He suddenly puts on a show saying ‘Hodri square, let’s go to the elections in Aydın’. If you are so brave, challenge yourself; Let’s go to the election in Uşak!

Or wait, I’m going even further: If you have the courage, come and let’s set up the ballot box in Izmir this Sunday! Are you in? Go and make these bluffs in the provinces that you took backwards within 2 years with your incompetence!

“YOU ARE THE PUPPET OF THIEVES!”

We clearly say this to this mentality, which thinks speaking in the language of the thieves it defends is a skill in politics: You are the puppet of the thieves who call you ‘cute chimpanzee’!

Stop showing off with your cap and pack up your party, which has turned into a pit first!”

In his written statement, Kacır stated that they attended the “National Will Meetings: Industry in the Turkish Century” program organized by the National Will Platform, with Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Science Dissemination Foundation. Minister Kacır pointed out that they discussed the strategic importance of the National Technology Move in the future of the great and powerful Türkiye.

“BEING STRONG IS POSSIBLE WITH TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES”

“Unfortunately, there is no order that will protect the rights of the weak.” Kacır said, “We have to be very strong until we build such an order together and reunite justice and mercy with humanity. Being strong in today’s world is possible with technological capabilities. The survival of countries that do not develop their own technology, do not produce their own technology, and do not have the ability to protect themselves with their own means, in this cruel world depends only on the grace of others.”

Kacır said: “Therefore, in order to be strong and powerful as the Turkish nation that has claimed to be free and independent throughout history and served Islam in the strongest way, we have to turn the claim of a national technology move into reality, which we have been working hard to implement for more than 20 years under the leadership of our President. All our efforts are in this direction. Our President, throughout this process, we want our state to protect the systems and products developed and produced by Türkiye’s own children, especially the defense industry.” “It made it possible for the issue of localization, the production and development of domestic technology, to become one of Türkiye’s main policies.”

Turkey shifted its strategy by stepping up the fight against drugs; Now the target is not only the “supply” (sellers), but also the “demand” side that finances the drug and makes it popular. The operations, which started in the last quarter of 2025 and left their mark on 2026, are destroying the drug’s mask of being a “symbol of prestige” in luxury neighborhoods. Investigations carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and numbering 500 suspects; It shows that no one is “untouchable”, from famous names to business people, from influencers to high-income profiles. The “Turkey Drug Report” and “NARKOLOG” analyzes prepared by the General Directorate of Security (EGM) Anti-Narcotic Crimes Presidency show that high-cost substances, especially cocaine, target the masses with good economic conditions, with false promises that they are “prestige” and “performance enhancing”.

STRUGGLE WITH ‘DEMAND’ AS WELL AS ‘SUPPLY’

Türkiye’s anti-drug strategy reached a new dimension in the last quarter of 2025 and the first months of 2026. The high-profile operations carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office constitute the state’s determination on this issue and the concrete steps of the “cleansing” period initiated against criminal networks. Recently, there has been a focus on high-profile users, with the logic of “if there is demand, the supply never ends”.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BREAK THE SOCIAL IMPACT

FAMOUS names, artists and influencers have a very strong “role model” effect, especially on young people. Presenting drug use as “elite”, “cool” or “part of modern life” stands out as the biggest marketing tool of dealers. These steps towards profiles who say “Nothing will happen to me” and who think they are untouchable thanks to their popularity and wealth, give the message to the society in general that “Everyone is equal before the law”. The operations are not just a wave of “detentions”; It operates as a state will that aims to radically shake the drug economy, logistics and the fake “shiny” world it creates.

CENTER OF OPERATIONS ISTANBUL

It is not a coincidence that the OPERATIONS are based in Istanbul. Istanbul is the key point of the drug route between Europe and Asia. Especially the highest cash circulation of substances such as heroin and cocaine takes place in the nightlife and luxury districts of Istanbul. The collapse of the network here has the capacity to shake the market across Türkiye.

THE NUMBER OF SUSPECTS IN SOCIETY HAS REACHED 500

A serious cash flow is required to continue the DRUG traffic. It is being carefully examined whether some business people finance this traffic or are involved in money laundering processes. Celebrities generally procure substances from “private couriers” who provide special services to them, rather than from low-level sellers called “bag dealers”. The detention of a famous person serves as a golden key that leads the police to the real barons and large organizations that supply that person with drugs. The number of suspects in the high society line reached 500 in the drug and prostitution investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.