The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has issued a reminder explaining workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities regarding annual leave under Kuwait’s Labour Law, as many employees prepare to travel to their home countries for their yearly vacations.

According to the awareness notice, every eligible worker is entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. However, employees cannot take their annual leave during their first year of employment until they have completed at least six months of continuous service with the same employer.

The authority clarified that the law does not mean workers automatically receive their first-year vacation immediately after joining a company. Instead, they must complete the required six-month period before becoming eligible to take annual leave.

Employer has the right to schedule vacation dates

The Public Authority for Manpower explained that employers have the legal right to organize annual leave schedules based on the needs and requirements of the business.

This means workers may request specific vacation periods, but the final scheduling can depend on the employer’s operational requirements. Companies are allowed to arrange leave dates to ensure that work continues smoothly and that business activities are not disrupted.

However, if an employer and employee agree, annual leave may be divided into separate periods according to the provisions of the law.

Annual Leave Salary Must Be Paid Before Vacation Starts

The authority also highlighted an important protection for employees: employers must pay the worker’s annual leave wages before the vacation begins.

This ensures that employees receive their entitled payment in advance and can use their leave period without financial difficulty.

Key Points Workers Should Know

• Workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave under Kuwait Labour Law.
• During the first year of employment, annual leave cannot be taken until six months of service have been completed.
• Employers have the right to organize vacation schedules according to business needs.
• Annual leave can be divided into parts if the worker agrees.
• Employers must pay annual leave wages before the employee starts vacation.

The Public Authority for Manpower said the awareness campaign aims to increase understanding of labour rights and responsibilities among both employees and employers, ensuring that annual leave is managed according to Kuwait’s legal requirements.

Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. (77) of 2026, converting Kuwait Airways Company into a joint-stock company wholly owned by the state.

The move aims to modernize the national carrier’s legal framework, improve operational flexibility and strengthen its competitiveness amid growing regional competition in the aviation sector.

Under the decree, Kuwait Airways’ shares will be transferred to full state ownership, while the company will operate in accordance with its founding documents and the Companies Law.

The decree prohibits the sale, mortgage or transfer of the company’s shares without approval from the Council of Ministers, ensuring that state ownership remains direct and complete.

The Board of Directors of the Kuwait Investment Authority will assume the powers of the company’s general assembly and appoint its board of directors in line with legal requirements.

The new framework grants Kuwait Airways greater independence in managing its operations, including approving organizational structures, financial and administrative regulations, procurement procedures and employment policies.

The decree also allows the airline to directly hire international expertise and specialists, while applying private sector labour regulations to employees in areas not covered by company rules.

Kuwait Airways’ activities will be exempt from competition law provisions, reflecting its status as the country’s national carrier and fully state-owned entity.

The decree also limits the Audit Bureau’s role to reviewing and commenting on the airline’s auditor reports and financial statements. It takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The Ministry of Health has launched a new digital service through the “Sahl” and “Salem” applications to remind users of upcoming vaccination appointments.

The service sends users a notification 48 hours before scheduled vaccination appointments and provides alerts in case of any changes to appointment timings.

The ministry said the initiative aims to improve adherence to vaccination schedules and ensure timely administration of doses for both children and adults, contributing to disease prevention and protecting public health.

It added that the new service enhances the healthcare experience by providing a convenient, secure, and time-saving digital solution, in line with Kuwait’s efforts to expand electronic health services.

Ministry of Health has officially begun implementing new regulations governing the appearance and official uniforms of employees across both public and private healthcare facilities, to strengthen professional identity, improve institutional discipline, and enhance the quality of healthcare services.

The regulations, introduced under a ministerial decision issued by Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi on January 21, establish standardized dress and appearance requirements for all healthcare personnel.

The ministry said the initiative is designed to create a professional work environment, unify the appearance of staff according to their respective roles, and make it easier for patients to identify members of the healthcare team.

In a statement, the ministry said the new policy supports efforts to improve healthcare quality while respecting public values and Kuwait’s diverse society.

It added that a consistent professional appearance will reinforce the sector’s image and strengthen public confidence in healthcare services.

The ministry also warned that failure to comply with the approved appearance and dress code will be treated as a workplace violation and may result in legal or disciplinary action under applicable regulations, reinforcing institutional accountability and ensuring fair implementation.

Under the new guidelines, employees are required to wear official identification badges at all times, maintain high standards of personal hygiene, and ensure tattoos remain fully covered during working hours and on-call duties. Clothing must be clean, modest, and appropriate for the workplace.

The regulations also prohibit clothing displaying inappropriate slogans or advertisements, as well as sportswear, shorts, ripped garments, sports caps, or attire above the knee. Staff are required to wear formal shoes or plain single-colored athletic footwear without bright colors or prominent logos.

In addition, the ministry has introduced standardized professional uniforms tailored to different healthcare professions, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, emergency medical personnel, support medical staff, and engineering employees.

Three standardized designs for clinical scrubs have been approved, covering men’s, women’s, and Islamic women’s styles, alongside dedicated uniforms for nursing staff, emergency medical teams, and Ministry of Health engineering personnel, with designs reflecting the specific operational and occupational safety requirements of each profession.

The Ministry of Health said the new regulations form part of its broader efforts to raise institutional standards, improve workplace professionalism, and deliver a more efficient and patient-focused healthcare system.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait has announced revised fees for passport, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and other passport-related services, effective from 1 July, 2026. The revised charges exclude the additional one dinar Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) fee.

Under the new fee structure, an ordinary fresh passport or reissue of a 36-page passport for adult applicants will cost 38 dinars, while the Tatkaal service for the same category will be charged at 76 dinars.

Applicants opting for a 60-page jumbo passport will pay 53 dinars for normal processing and 91 dinars under the Tatkaal category.

For replacement of lost or damaged passports, the fee for a 36-page passport will be 76 dinars under the normal category and 114 dinars under Tatkaal. Replacement of a 60-page jumbo passport will cost 91 dinars for normal service and 129 dinars for Tatkaal processing.

For minor applicants below 18 years, the fee for a fresh passport or reissue of a 36-page passport has been fixed at 28 dinars. A discounted fee of 26 dinars will apply for new passports issued to newborns, children up to eight years of age with five-year validity, and senior citizens above 60 years.

The Tatkaal service for minors will cost 65 dinars. A replacement passport for minors in case of loss or damage will be charged at 65 dinars, while the Tatkaal replacement service will cost 103 dinars.

The Embassy has also announced charges for special travel documents and miscellaneous passport-related services. An Emergency Certificate will cost 5 dinars, while a Certificate of Identity will be issued for 16 dinars.

The fee for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) has been fixed at 13 dinars. The same charge will apply to other passport-related services, including birth certificates based on passports, Non-Resident Indian certificates, Non-Resident Indian Status certificates, No-Objection Certificates, surrender certificates, miscellaneous passport certificates, and Global Entry Program verification.

The Embassy has advised applicants to submit passport applications in person for physical identification, verification of supporting documents, and completion of signatures or thumb impressions before final submission. Minor applicants, except newborn babies, are also required to be present during application submission.

For Tatkaal applications, applicants must submit an undertaking explaining the urgency, copies of three identification documents from India showing the present address (two documents in the case of minors), and the prescribed fee. Approved Tatkaal applications will be dispatched within three working days after acceptance.

Applicants have also been reminded to follow the prescribed passport photograph requirements based on ICAO standards. Photographs must be in colour, have a white background, show the applicant facing the camera directly, and meet required standards for size, lighting, facial visibility and image quality.

The Embassy said police verification may be required in certain cases before passport issuance. Processing time may vary depending on verification by state police authorities in India, which may take up to 30 days.

Applications that do not require prior police verification are generally processed at the Embassy within two to three working days, excluding dispatch time.
The Embassy advised applicants that incomplete forms, incorrect information, improper photographs, signature mismatches, or missing documents could lead to delays.

Applicants seeking corrections or modifications in passport details may visit the Passport Section at the Embassy on working days between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm with original supporting documents.

The Embassy has also reiterated that photography, videography, or recording inside Embassy premises and CPV outsourcing centers is prohibited.

Applicants without a valid Kuwait residence visa on the date of application may be issued a short-validity passport, subject to applicable rules and verification procedures.

For Police Clearance Certificates, the Embassy clarified that PCCs are normally issued by the police authorities of the concerned State or Union Territory in India where the applicant previously resided. All PCC applications must be submitted in person.

For queries or complaints, applicants may contact the Consular Section at cons1.kuwait@mea.gov.in or call +965-65501767.

The General Fire Force has urged the public to follow safety guidelines when charging smart electronic devices and equipment powered by lithium batteries, warning that improper charging practices can significantly increase the risk of fires.

In an awareness video published on its official social media platforms, the Fire Force stressed the importance of using high-quality, certified chargers that comply with approved safety standards. It cautioned against using counterfeit or low-quality chargers, which can cause devices to overheat or develop electrical faults.

The authority also advised users not to leave devices connected to chargers for prolonged periods, particularly overnight while sleeping, as overheating batteries or unexpected malfunctions could lead to fires.

The Fire Force further warned against leaving smartphones, tablets, laptops, electronic devices or spare lithium batteries inside vehicles or other locations exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, noting that excessive heat can damage batteries and increase the likelihood of ignition.

Officials also emphasized the importance of avoiding overloading electrical outlets by charging multiple devices simultaneously, as this can create additional fire hazards.

The Fire Force advised that lithium batteries should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials, stressing that proper storage and handling are essential to preventing battery-related accidents.

The awareness campaign forms part of the Fire Force’s ongoing efforts to promote public safety and reduce the number of preventable fires caused by the improper use of electronic devices and lithium batteries.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has denied reports circulating on social media claiming that all vehicles with unpaid traffic violations are prohibited from leaving the country’s border crossings.

In a statement, the ministry clarified that the restriction applies only to vehicles that are subject to judicial or precautionary impoundment orders, as well as vehicles with expired insurance policies, in accordance with existing legal procedures. It stressed that the measure does not apply to vehicles solely because they have outstanding traffic violations.

The ministry further explained that Kuwaiti citizens are not required to pay outstanding traffic fines before leaving the country through land border crossings.

However, expatriate residents must settle any unpaid traffic fines before departing Kuwait, in line with the country’s applicable laws and regulations.

The ministry urged the public to verify information before sharing it and to rely only on official sources for updates on traffic regulations and border procedures.

The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has warned residents, contractors and demolition workers to stop dumping construction and demolition waste on roads, sidewalks and residential areas, stressing that waste must be transported only to designated disposal sites.

The warning comes as Kuwait Municipality continues its nationwide campaign “Kuwait is more beautiful without encroachments”, which includes the removal of illegal structures and encroachments across various governorates.

EPA Director of Public Relations and Media Sheikha Al-Ibrahim said the authority is closely monitoring the environmental impact of demolition activities and is working to ensure that waste generated from removal operations is handled according to approved environmental standards.

She explained that the random disposal of demolition waste constitutes a violation of Article 33 of the Environmental Protection Law, which prohibits throwing garbage or waste of any kind except in approved containers or designated locations.

Al-Ibrahim warned that leaving construction waste in public areas not only damages the visual appearance of neighborhoods but can also obstruct traffic, endanger road users and create environmental hazards.

Under the law, violators may face a fine of up to 500 Kuwaiti dinars, in addition to being required to remove the waste, rectify the violation and cover any related costs and damages.

The EPA called on contractors and workers involved in demolition activities to follow environmental regulations, use authorized disposal locations and cooperate with government efforts to maintain clean and safe residential areas.

The authority stressed that protecting Kuwait’s environment is a shared responsibility between government institutions and the public, adding that compliance with environmental laws contributes to improving the quality of life and preserving the country’s urban landscape.

The Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) has urged the public to avoid using elevators during fires and other emergencies, stressing that stairways remain the safest means of evacuation in such situations.

In an awareness video published on its official website and social media platforms, the GFF emphasized that following basic safety precautions and ensuring regular elevator maintenance can significantly reduce malfunctions and accidents while protecting users.

The department advised the public not to overload elevators beyond their designated capacity, warning that excessive weight could cause sudden breakdowns or leave passengers stranded between floors.

It also called on parents to closely supervise children and prevent them from tampering with elevator controls or using elevators without adult supervision.

The KFF warned that elevators should never be used during fires or emergency situations, as power failures or system malfunctions could trap occupants and put lives at risk.

In the event of an elevator breakdown, the department urged anyone trapped inside to remain calm, avoid forcing the doors open or attempting to exit between floors, and instead use the emergency alarm button before immediately calling the unified emergency hotline 112 for assistance.

The Fire Force also advised users to be cautious of loose clothing or items that could become caught in automatic doors, avoid transporting flammable or hazardous materials unless safety requirements are met, and help maintain cleanliness and proper ventilation inside elevator cabins.

For building owners and property managers, the GFF stressed the importance of carrying out regular inspections and maintenance through certified technicians and approved companies. It also called for the prompt reporting of unusual noises, vibrations, or operational faults and warned against returning elevators to service until all defects have been fully repaired.

Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the General Fire Force said adherence to these guidelines would help reduce elevator-related accidents and encouraged the public to contact 112 immediately in the event of any emergency or if trapped inside an elevator.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has credited the cooperation of citizens and residents in reducing electricity consumption with helping stabilize Kuwait’s power grid during a period of increased pressure on the national electricity system.

Ministry spokesperson Eng. Fatima Hayat said the public’s commitment to energy conservation enabled the ministry to overcome a challenging phase experienced over the past two days, reducing electricity demand below expected levels and supporting technical teams in maintaining grid stability and uninterrupted power supply.

Hayat expressed appreciation to citizens, residents, government entities, public institutions, media organizations, the private sector and all those who helped amplify the ministry’s awareness campaign through social media platforms and messaging applications.

She said the widespread public response demonstrated a high level of community awareness and national solidarity, with many people actively sharing conservation messages to encourage responsible electricity use.

According to the ministry, the awareness campaign conducted on Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, played a direct role in reaching a broad segment of the public and strengthening the culture of energy conservation during what it described as an exceptional period for the country’s electricity system.

Hayat called for continued public cooperation, urging everyone to embrace electricity and water conservation as a national responsibility that helps protect resources, maintain the stability of utility networks and ensure the sustainability of essential services.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged the creation of a global governance system to regulate artificial intelligence, warning that the technology is advancing at “runaway speed” and without sufficient oversight.

Speaking ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, which brings together governments, technology companies, academia and civil society, Guterres said AI is already transforming societies, but cautioned that the world is witnessing “an experiment being run on our own societies, without a plan and without consent.”

He stressed that the key question facing humanity is whether AI will be shaped collectively or allowed to evolve unchecked.

Guterres warned that modern AI systems are increasingly operating beyond their original function as tools.

“They are writing code, acting online and making choices with less and less human oversight,” he said, adding that existing institutions were designed for machines that follow instructions, not systems capable of independent decision-making.

He also raised concerns over the growing difficulty of distinguishing between truth and falsehood in the digital space, noting that AI is accelerating misinformation and over-reliance on automated outputs.

While acknowledging that so-called “vibe-coding”, using AI systems to generate solutions based on natural language prompts, can be useful, Guterres warned against overdependence on such tools.

“Vibe-coding can do wonders,” he said, “but we cannot vibe-code the truth. We cannot vibe-code the future of humanity.”

The UN chief highlighted concerns that AI development is increasingly concentrated in a small number of companies and countries, leaving much of the world without meaningful input into its direction.

He warned that this imbalance risks deepening global inequality and widening the digital divide unless addressed through coordinated international action.

Guterres also pointed to the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, education and development, but stressed that these gains must be matched with safeguards rooted in human rights, safety standards and accountability.

He urged the establishment of common global methods to assess and verify AI risks, particularly in systems accessible to children.

Comparing AI regulation to safety standards in medicine and toys, he said children are already interacting with AI in sensitive areas such as learning and personal communication without adequate protections.

Guterres called for an AI Child Safety Pledge, requiring companies to ensure systems accessible to minors are safe, with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and mechanisms to connect vulnerable users with real human support.

“No child should be a guinea pig for unregulated AI,” he said.

Guterres expressed particular concern over the use of AI in military applications, especially lethal autonomous weapons systems.

Describing them as “killer robots,” he warned against machines that can select and engage targets without human judgment or control, calling such systems “morally repugnant” and urging an international legal ban.

The UN chief also proposed the creation of a Global AI Fund to help developing countries build technical capacity, access computing power and develop data infrastructure, warning that otherwise the global digital divide could deepen into an “AI divide.”

He further called on technology companies to disclose the environmental impact of AI systems and to commit to powering data centres with renewable energy by 2030.

Guterres concluded by stressing urgency in establishing global guardrails for AI development, warning that the window to act is limited.

“We may be the last generation able to set the terms on which humanity and machines coexist,” he said. “The door is still open. It will not stay open long.”

Kuwait has launched one of the most extensive urban enforcement and rehabilitation campaigns in its history, with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh becoming the focus of a multi-agency operation aimed at tackling decades of accumulated violations, restoring public safety and laying the foundation for the district’s long-term redevelopment.

Describing the area as having reached “the brink of disaster,” First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef said the government had exhausted every available option before deciding on the sweeping intervention.

“The situation in Jleeb had reached a stage where silence was no longer possible,” Sheikh Fahad said in an interview with Arabic dailies. “We tried every possible solution over the years, but the problems only continued to grow. The current campaign is not a choice it is a necessity.”

The minister likened the government’s action to a doctor resorting to cauterization only after all other treatments have failed. “Medicine comes first, but when every treatment fails, the doctor has no option except cauterization. That is where we are today. This campaign is the last remedy after years of unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem.”

Officials say Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh did not reach its current condition overnight. Years of uncontrolled urban growth, illegal construction and weak compliance with municipal regulations gradually transformed the district into one of Kuwait’s most challenging urban areas.

Residential buildings designed for a limited number of families were illegally altered into densely packed labour accommodations, with apartments subdivided into dozens of cramped rooms housing far more occupants than the buildings were intended to accommodate.

These modifications placed enormous pressure on electricity, water and sewage networks while creating dangerous fire hazards and severely compromising building safety.

Authorities also documented widespread municipal, environmental and commercial violations, including illegal markets, unauthorized businesses operating from residential properties, street vendors, encroachments on state land, unsafe warehouses, food safety violations and buildings that failed to meet basic structural and fire safety standards.

Officials said the combination of overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure and illegal activities had created serious public health concerns while contributing to crime and placing immense pressure on government services.

“The issue is no longer simply about municipal violations,” officials said. “It has become a humanitarian, environmental and security challenge that affects the entire country.”

The campaign has brought together an unprecedented number of government agencies in what officials describe as a whole-of-government response to decades of accumulated problems.

The operation includes personnel from the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Manpower, Kuwait Fire Force, and the Ministries of Health, Electricity, Water, Commerce and Industry, and Public Works, together with several other government bodies.

Each agency has been assigned specific responsibilities. Municipality teams are inspecting buildings for structural and municipal violations and identifying properties requiring evacuation or demolition. The Public Authority for Manpower is conducting inspections for labour and residency violations.

Health inspectors are examining food establishments, warehouses and sanitation conditions, while the Kuwait Fire Force is assessing buildings that pose significant fire and safety risks. The Ministry of Interior is overseeing security throughout the operation while supporting inspection and enforcement teams.

Officials said the unprecedented coordination reflects the complexity of the problems facing the district and demonstrates the government’s determination to resolve them permanently.

Humanitarian approach to enforcement

Despite the scale of the campaign, authorities insist the operation is being carried out with humanitarian considerations at its core. Buildings identified as unsafe or illegally modified are first inspected and documented before evacuation notices are issued.

Residents are being given sufficient time to relocate before demolition work begins, with relevant government agencies coordinating assistance to families affected by the operation.

Officials stressed that the objective is not to punish residents but to protect lives and restore safe, dignified and lawful living conditions. “We are not targeting people,” Sheikh Fahad emphasized. “We are targeting violations that have endangered residents themselves.”

Authorities say the current campaign marks only the first phase of a much broader plan to transform Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Once unsafe buildings, illegal activities and major violations have been addressed, attention will shift toward reorganizing the district in accordance with modern urban planning principles.

Future plans include improving infrastructure, upgrading roads and utilities, enhancing municipal services and creating a healthier residential environment capable of supporting sustainable development.

Officials believe the redevelopment will significantly improve the quality of life for residents while reducing environmental and security risks that have plagued the area for years.

Sheikh Fahad stressed that the government will continue the operation until all its objectives are achieved, reiterating that no area in Kuwait can remain beyond the reach of the law. He said the campaign is about far more than demolishing illegal structures or issuing citations.

“Our objective is to restore order, protect people, improve public safety and ensure that every part of Kuwait is governed by the rule of law,” he said. Officials added that the operation sends a clear message that violations threatening public safety will no longer be tolerated, regardless of location.

They also indicated that similar enforcement campaigns will continue in other parts of the country where serious violations exist, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving urban conditions, safeguarding public health and ensuring that all communities meet Kuwait’s legal and safety standards.

For authorities, the campaign in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh represents more than an enforcement drive it marks the beginning of a long-term effort to reclaim one of Kuwait’s most densely populated districts and transform it into a safer, more organized and sustainable urban community.

Indian scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in neuroscience by creating what is believed to be the world’s most detailed three-dimensional atlas of the human brainstem, offering an unprecedented view of one of the brain’s most vital yet least understood regions.

Developed by researchers at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), the project is named ANCHOR (Atlas of Neurochemical Characterisation of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction).

The atlas provides a seamless digital bridge between whole-brain MRI scans and individual nerve cells, enabling researchers to navigate from large-scale brain structures down to cellular-level anatomy with remarkable precision.

Built using more than 500 tissue sections collected from fetal, childhood and adult brains, the atlas reconstructs the brainstem in three dimensions using high-resolution microscopic images rather than expensive molecular imaging techniques.

Researchers identified more than 200 clusters of brain cells and neural pathways, using eight distinct chemical markers to differentiate various cell types, producing one of the clearest maps ever created of the human brainstem.

Although the brainstem occupies only a small portion of the brain, it performs life-sustaining functions by regulating breathing, heartbeat, sleep, wakefulness and movement while connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

Scientists say mapping this region has historically been extremely challenging because of its densely packed and complex cellular architecture, making this achievement particularly significant.

Experts describe the project as a milestone because it connects two traditionally separate fields—medical imaging, which visualizes the entire brain, and microscopic pathology, which studies individual brain cells.

The atlas has been made freely available online, allowing neuroscientists, neurologists and neurosurgeons around the world to use it as a reference for research, education and clinical studies.

Although ANCHOR is not designed as a diagnostic tool, it is expected to significantly improve research into neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, autism, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Researchers believe the atlas could also help explain how infections, including COVID-19, may contribute to long-term neurological complications by revealing changes at the cellular level.

Neurosurgeons are also expected to benefit from the detailed mapping, which may improve surgical planning and reduce risks when operating in the highly sensitive brainstem region.

The project represents a fusion of neuroscience, engineering, computational science and advanced imaging. Around 20 scientists spent 18 months manually analysing more than 200 brain sections, integrating MRI data, microscopic anatomy and 3D reconstruction into a single digital platform.

Today, the SGBC brings together more than 200 researchers, engineers and technicians, collaborating with international experts to advance brain research and address longstanding gaps in neuroscience.

Scientists say the achievement places India among the global leaders in brain mapping and provides an invaluable resource that could accelerate discoveries in neuroscience while improving understanding of the human brain for decades to come.

Kuwait is taking another step toward strengthening financial transparency and expanding digital payment practices, with a new regulation requiring private healthcare providers to move away from large cash transactions.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Ministerial Resolution No. (110) of 2026, prohibiting companies operating licensed private healthcare facilities from accepting cash payments exceeding 10 dinars for medical services.

Under the new framework, hospitals, medical centers, clinics, home healthcare providers and other privately operated health establishments must ensure that any payment above the 10-dinar limit is completed through approved banking channels or electronic payment systems authorized by the Central Bank of Kuwait.

The decision marks a significant shift in the way private healthcare transactions are handled, aiming to enhance payment security, improve financial monitoring and encourage wider adoption of electronic payment solutions within one of the country’s most essential service sectors.

The Ministry emphasized that the move applies to all companies owning private health facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health, making digital payment compliance a mandatory requirement rather than an optional practice.

Officials noted that the measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and align commercial activities with modern financial systems.

Private healthcare establishments that violate the new rules will face legal consequences, including penalties stipulated under Decree Law No. (10) of 1979. Possible measures include closure of the facility and referral of cases to relevant investigation authorities for further legal action.

The resolution also cancels any previous regulations that conflict with its provisions and came into effect immediately upon issuance on July 13, 2026.

The latest decision reflects Kuwait’s accelerating transition toward a more digitally driven economy, where electronic payments, financial accountability and stronger regulatory frameworks are becoming key pillars across commercial and service sectors.

Indonesia is looking to strengthen cooperation with India by drawing on the South Asian nation’s development experience, particularly in the fields of technology, digital transformation, public policy and innovation.

The move reflects Indonesia’s growing interest in adopting successful Indian models that have supported economic growth, improved public services and expanded access to technology-driven solutions.

India’s rapid progress in areas such as digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, healthcare innovation, and technology-led governance has attracted global attention, with Indonesia exploring opportunities to adapt similar approaches to meet its own development goals.

Among the areas of interest is India’s digital transformation journey, which has enabled millions of citizens to access government services, banking facilities and digital platforms through large-scale technology initiatives.

Indonesian officials have expressed interest in learning from India’s experience in building a stronger innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, encouraging entrepreneurship and using technology to improve efficiency across public and private sectors.

The two countries, which share longstanding economic and strategic ties, have increasingly expanded cooperation in trade, investment, technology and human resource development.

India’s experience in combining economic growth with large-scale digital adoption is seen as particularly relevant for Indonesia, which is pursuing ambitious development plans and seeking solutions to support its growing population and expanding economy.

Analysts say closer collaboration between the two nations could create opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint innovation projects and partnerships in emerging sectors, including digital technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

With both countries playing increasingly important roles in the Indo-Pacific region, stronger cooperation could further deepen their economic partnership while allowing Indonesia to benefit from India’s development achievements.

The engagement highlights the growing importance of South-South cooperation, where developing economies share expertise, technology and policy solutions to accelerate inclusive growth.

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, whose extraordinary voice captivated generations of music lovers across India, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88 following health complications.

Janaki was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Mysuru in the early hours of Saturday after her condition deteriorated. According to hospital officials, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition. Despite intensive medical care and continuous monitoring, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead later in the evening, reports The Hindu.

Family sources said the singer, who had been living in Mysuru’s Bogadi area for the past few years, was rushed to the hospital by her caregivers after her health worsened. However, she did not respond to treatment.

Paying tribute, her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying Janaki “left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.”

“While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music,” she wrote.

Remembering her as both a legendary artist and a beloved family member, Apsara added, “To the world she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness and grace will remain with us forever.”

Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest playback singers, Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in multiple languages, primarily Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

During a remarkable career spanning over six decades, she lent her voice to films, albums, television and radio, performing in around 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.

Her unparalleled versatility, expressive singing style and enduring musical legacy made S. Janaki one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire generations.

Travelers heading to India from international destinations will now need to complete an additional online requirement before arrival, following the launch of India’s updated Air Suvidha 2.0 — a mandatory health self-declaration rule implemented by the Government of India for all incoming international passengers designed as a precautionary measure to screen for Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa.

The new digital form is mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India, including Indian citizens, regardless of nationality, travel route or whether they have recently visited countries affected by health concerns.

The updated system has been introduced to strengthen health monitoring procedures at Indian airports and allow authorities to collect essential travel information before passengers enter the country.

A Quick Guide for Travellers

Passengers are advised to complete the process before boarding their flight to avoid delays on arrival. The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires basic travel and personal information.

Step 1: Keep Travel Details Ready — Travellers should have their passport, flight number, ticket details and travel dates available before starting the form.

Step 2: Access the Air Suvidha Portal — Passengers can complete the declaration through the official Air Suvidha website or by using the QR code provided by airlines and airport authorities.

Step 3: Submit Personal and Flight Information — The form requires passengers to enter their personal details, journey information and verify their mobile number through a one-time password (OTP).

Step 4: Complete the Health Declaration — Travellers must provide details of their travel history over the previous 21 days and answer questions related to possible exposure risks, including travel to countries affected by recent health alerts.

Passengers who have not visited the listed areas or have no relevant exposure can select the appropriate option indicating that none of the conditions apply.

Step 5: Save the Confirmation — After submitting the form, travellers will receive an acknowledgement and confirmation number, usually by email. Passengers should save a digital copy or screenshot, as it may be required during immigration procedures upon arrival in India.

Important Information for Visitors

Authorities recommend completing Air Suvidha 2.0 as early as possible, preferably before departure or during online check-in, rather than waiting until the last moment.

The new health declaration is separate from India’s existing e-Arrival Card requirement for foreign travellers, meaning passengers may need to complete both procedures depending on their travel status.

The updated system was launched by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited in coordination with health authorities following international health developments and new monitoring requirements.

Travellers arriving in India are also advised to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with serious infectious diseases within 21 days of arrival and to inform healthcare providers about their recent travel history.

For health-related inquiries, India’s national helpline is available at 1075, while additional assistance can be obtained through official health channels.

For passengers travelling from the Gulf, including the UAE, the message is simple: completing Air Suvidha 2.0 before departure can help ensure a smoother and faster arrival experience in India.