The Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a stern reminder to all charity societies and foundations to comply without exception with the approved regulations and conditions governing the advertising of licensed projects inside and outside Kuwait, stressing that any deviation will not be tolerated as it moves to enforce transparency, tighten governance and safeguard donors’ rights.

In a circular issued by the Department of Charity Societies and Foundations, the ministry has urged all registered charities to fully comply with the regulatory framework governing the announcement and promotion of charity projects, particularly with regard to the approved administrative percentage.

The ministry stressed that it is strictly prohibited to advertise any charity project unless it has been officially licensed in advance, in accordance with established procedures, reports Al-Qabasdaily

It further emphasized that all promotional materials must clearly and explicitly display the approved administrative percentage stated in the license issued by the ministry, without ambiguity or concealment.

Any attempt to use misleading phrases, indirect wording or advertising methods that obscure the actual administrative percentage will be considered a violation of the regulations, the ministry warned.

It also underlined that all advertising content must fully match the licensing data in terms of the project’s name, duration, objectives, destination of funds and the approved administrative percentage.

The ministry made it clear that charity organizations bear full legal and administrative responsibility for the content of their advertisements across all platforms, including print media, digital outlets, social media and other communication channels.

It cautioned that any breach of these regulations will be treated as a violation of the laws governing charitable work, and that necessary legal measures will be taken. These may include halting the advertisement or project and imposing administrative penalties in line with applicable laws and regulations.

In a related development, the Ministry of Social Affairs also called on all charity societies and foundations to ensure that all humanitarian contributions are registered in the Financial Tracking System (FTS).

This directive follows a communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the importance of documenting all humanitarian assistance through the official tracking platform to enhance oversight and accountability.

The ministry reiterated that these measures aim to regulate charitable activity, protect the integrity of humanitarian work, and reinforce public confidence in Kuwait’s charitable sector.

The Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Engineer Abdul Latif Al-Mashari, has ratified the decisions of the Municipal Council meeting held on December 8, 2025, with the exception of three items.

Al-Mashari approved the Council’s decision to set the end of the 2027–2028 academic year as the final deadline for cancelling municipal approvals and licenses issued to private schools operating in private residential areas. These schools will be closed by the Ministry of Education after the deadline.

In his ratification, Al-Mashari added a paragraph stipulating that sites allocated to private schools may not be handed over unless approval is obtained from the Directorate-General of Traffic and a traffic study approved by the competent authorities is submitted, reports Al-Rai daily.

The Municipal Council had previously approved amendments to three clauses related to the relocation of private schools from private residential areas, setting the evacuation deadline at the end of the 2027–2028 academic year, after the Ministry of Education completes the identification of alternative locations for the schools.

The original decision, issued on November 13, 2023, stipulated the evacuation and closure of all private schools located in private residential areas three calendar years after the completion of allocation procedures and the issuance of building permits, provided that construction begins within one year of site allocation and receipt.

The minister did not approve the following three decisions:

Car Washing and Polishing Activity — A proposal by the Vice President of the Municipal Council, Khaled Mufleh Al-Mutairi, to add car washing and polishing activities to the permitted uses in Abu Futaira, Al-Qurain Markets and Al-Ardhiya Crafts areas, due to its contradiction with technical opinion.

Sidewalk Use for Refreshments and Water Coolers – A decision to allow licensing for the exploitation of sidewalk space to place refreshment and water coolers for grocery, food supply and central food market activities by amending Ministerial Decision No. (30/2021). The proposal was deferred for further study and possible inclusion in the road occupancy regulations project prepared by the executive body.

Temporary Entrance to Rumaithiya Area — A proposal by member Nasser Al-Jadaan to create a temporary entrance to Rumaithiya from the Fahaheel Road service road opposite Block 12, with the Ministry of Public Works authorized to prepare the final design and coordinate with the Ministry of Interior. The proposal was rejected due to its violation of technical opinion, as outlined in the executive body’s letter.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef has issued Ministerial Resolution No. (1/2026) amending provisions of Resolution No. (89/2) relating to registration deadlines in the Civil Information System.

The decision, which has already become effective says the registration period for children born inside Kuwait has been set at 120 days from the date of birth.

The move is aimed at streamlining civil registration procedures, enhancing data accuracy, and improving administrative efficiency across government entities, in line with ongoing efforts to modernise public services and strengthen institutional governance.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to New Delhi this weekend, accompanied by a large delegation, as Berlin intensifies efforts to deepen political, economic and strategic ties with India.

The visit follows a recent trip by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, underlining India’s growing importance in Germany’s foreign policy calculus.

Germany’s renewed focus on the world’s most populous country, with around 1.45 billion people, is driven by both economic pressures and geopolitical realignments.

While Germany has been mired in recession for nearly three years, the OECD projects India’s economy will grow significantly faster than China’s this year, DW.COM reports.

Trade between Germany and India has expanded steadily, reaching €29 billion ($33.7 billion) in 2024, although this remains modest compared with Germany’s trade volume with China, which stood at approximately €246 billion in the same year.

Germany is also increasingly turning to India to address its acute shortage of skilled workers. Indians now form the largest group of foreign students at German universities, with many specializing in science and engineering.

Major German companies have shifted research and development activities to India, reflecting the country’s growing role as a global hub for services and innovation.

Christian Wagner, an India specialist at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said India has evolved rapidly. “It began with call centers. Now it is research facilities. Many large German companies have outsourced their research institutes to India,” he noted, adding that India now functions as “the office of the global economy,” while China remains “the factory of the global economy.”

Merz has repeatedly warned that the liberal world order is under pressure, citing growing instability, overlapping crises and the return of war to Europe.

Without naming the United States directly, he has expressed concern about US tariff policies and potential shifts in Washington’s defense commitments toward Europe.

He has also spoken of increasing systemic rivalry with China and argued that the World Trade Organization is no longer functioning effectively, urging Europe to build a new rules-based trading system. In this context, Merz sees India as a key partner in diversifying supply chains and strengthening Germany’s competitiveness.

“For the sake of our security and competitiveness, diversifying raw material supply chains and trading networks must be a priority,” Merz told German ambassadors last year, announcing plans to strengthen strategic partnerships beyond the transatlantic sphere.

Despite the growing engagement, Germany’s relationship with India is complicated by New Delhi’s close ties with Moscow. Indian efforts to maintain strategic autonomy have frustrated Western attempts to draw the country into sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

India continues to purchase large volumes of Russian oil, some of which is refined and resold to Western markets, effectively circumventing EU sanctions.

According to Wagner, Merz is unlikely to change India’s position. “It is comparatively difficult to bring India to the West’s side. India will stick with its course of strategic autonomy and continue to maintain good relations with Russia,” he said.

Merz has previously supported imposing tariffs on countries that trade with Russia. In August 2025, US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, one of the highest rates applied to a US trading partner, over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Although US and Indian officials are now seeking to ease tensions, India remains firmly committed to its relationship with Russia.

Defense cooperation is another sensitive area. Around 60 to 70 percent of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin, and New Delhi is reportedly negotiating further deliveries of S-400 air defense systems from Moscow. Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, followed by France.

In 2025, France secured a €6.6 billion deal to supply 26 Rafale fighter jets to India. Germany, by contrast, lags far behind in arms exports to the country. However, Berlin hopes to secure future contracts as India embarks on a major modernization of its armed forces, including potential orders for Airbus A400M transport aircraft and submarines from German shipyards.

Germany’s outreach to India reflects a strategic effort to reduce dependence on China, mitigate the impact of US tariffs, and secure new economic and security partnerships. However, India’s independent foreign policy, deep ties with Russia and emphasis on strategic autonomy mean that closer cooperation will not come without limits or complications.

As Merz arrives in New Delhi, both sides are expected to highlight strong bilateral relations in trade, technology and innovation, even as underlying geopolitical differences continue to shape the partnership.

Cybersecurity researchers have warned WhatsApp users of a newly discovered hacking technique that allows attackers to take over accounts without cracking passwords or breaking end-to-end encryption.

The method exploits WhatsApp’s legitimate “linked devices” feature, enabling criminals to secretly connect their own browser to a victim’s account.

Known as ‘GhostPairing’, the attack begins with a deceptive message that appears to come from a trusted contact. The message typically contains a link claiming to show a photograph of the recipient. To appear authentic, the link preview often mimics Facebook content.

When the victim clicks the link, they are redirected to a fake Facebook login page hosted on a look-alike domain. Instead of verifying credentials, the fraudulent page initiates WhatsApp’s official device-linking process.

Victims are prompted to enter their phone number, which allows attackers to trigger a legitimate pairing request from WhatsApp’s servers.

A pairing code generated by WhatsApp is then displayed on the fake website. The victim is instructed to enter this code into WhatsApp, unknowingly authorizing the addition of a new linked device.

Although WhatsApp displays a notification warning that a new device is being connected, researchers say many users overlook or misunderstand the alert during the process.

Once the pairing is complete, attackers gain real-time access to messages, shared media and conversations. They can also send messages that appear to originate from the victim’s account, enabling further fraud and the spread of the attack to contacts and group chats.

Cybersecurity firm Gen Digital warned that many victims remain unaware that an unauthorized device is connected in the background.

This allows attackers to monitor conversations, collect sensitive information and impersonate victims convincingly.
Researchers note that similar abuse of device-linking features has previously been observed on other messaging platforms.

They stress that the only reliable way to detect such a breach is to manually check the “Linked Devices” section within WhatsApp’s settings. Any unfamiliar device should be removed immediately to secure the account.

India’s clean energy transition has entered a decisive phase, with solar power emerging as the central pillar of its climate strategy, development agenda, and social equity framework.

As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India is reshaping its power sector at unprecedented speed, positioning solar energy not merely as an alternative source of electricity but as a foundation for long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth.

At the heart of this transformation is India’s commitment to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030. Of this, around 280 gigawatts is expected to come from solar energy, reflecting the country’s vast solar potential, falling technology costs, and the strategic need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. This ambitious target places India among the most proactive nations globally in pursuing a clean energy future.

Over the past decade, India has rapidly climbed the global solar rankings. As of 2024–25, installed solar capacity has crossed 75 gigawatts, with annual additions among the fastest worldwide. Large-scale solar parks in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh now stand alongside a growing network of rooftop and decentralized systems, creating a diversified and resilient solar ecosystem.

This dual-track approach — utility-scale projects combined with distributed generation — allows India to meet rising electricity demand while lowering carbon emissions. It also strengthens national energy security by reducing exposure to volatile global fuel markets. In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, domestic renewable energy has become a strategic asset.

A defining feature of India’s solar strategy is its strong emphasis on rooftop installations. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, aims to equip one crore households with rooftop solar systems, potentially adding up to 100 gigawatts of capacity over time. The scheme is designed to cut household electricity bills, enable income generation through surplus power, and turn millions of citizens into clean energy producers.

Crucially, the program prioritizes middle- and low-income households through substantial government subsidies, ensuring that solar adoption is not restricted to affluent urban communities. By lowering upfront costs, the initiative embeds equity into the energy transition and treats access to clean electricity as a public good rather than a luxury.

The employment impact of rooftop solar is equally significant. Installation, maintenance, manufacturing, and support services are labor-intensive and spread across regions, generating large numbers of local jobs. The government estimates that the rooftop push alone will create hundreds of thousands of green jobs, particularly for youth and skilled technicians, while stimulating small and medium enterprises nationwide.

India’s solar drive is increasingly framed within a rights-based development approach. Access to reliable electricity is fundamental to healthcare, education, livelihoods, and communication, and is widely viewed as integral to the right to a dignified life. In constitutional terms, this aligns with Article 21, under which the right to life has been interpreted to include access to basic services essential for human dignity.

Solar energy is playing a critical role in extending power to remote and underserved areas. Off-grid and decentralized solutions — such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and solar-powered public infrastructure — are transforming energy access in tribal regions, island territories, and climate-vulnerable zones where grid expansion is difficult.

These systems power schools, clinics, water supply schemes, and rural enterprises, strengthening social and economic inclusion.

This focus on universal access closely aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By combining subsidies, decentralized deployment, and community-level solutions, India is positioning clean energy as an extension of social welfare and human development policy.

Solar power is also emerging as a tool for climate resilience. India is highly exposed to climate risks such as heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather events. Distributed solar systems enhance local resilience by ensuring power continuity during grid disruptions, a lifeline for disaster-prone regions. In agriculture, solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and micro-enterprises are reducing reliance on diesel while stabilizing rural incomes.

Schemes such as PM-KUSUM have enabled farmers to use solar pumps, cutting energy costs and improving water management. This integration of solar into agriculture links environmental sustainability with livelihood security, demonstrating how clean energy can strengthen rural economies while reducing emissions.
A cornerstone of India’s strategy is the rapid expansion of domestic manufacturing.

Through targeted Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the government is building a complete solar manufacturing ecosystem, covering polysilicon, wafers, cells, and modules. This reduces import dependence, strengthens supply chain resilience, and positions India as a competitive global player.

As domestic capacity scales up, innovation and efficiency gains are driving costs down, making solar increasingly affordable across sectors. India’s growing manufacturing base is also opening export opportunities, particularly to developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America seeking affordable clean energy solutions.

By supplying solar technologies to the Global South, India is advancing South–South cooperation and shared climate prosperity. This export dimension strengthens diplomatic ties while contributing to global emissions reduction, reinforcing India’s role as a responsible and solutions-oriented international actor.

Analysts increasingly view India’s solar model as both scalable and replicable. The combination of ambitious targets, policy stability, manufacturing support, and social inclusion has created a virtuous cycle of investment, jobs, and innovation. Clean energy is no longer seen as a cost burden but as a growth engine.

Ultimately, India’s solar journey represents more than an energy transition—it is a development transformation. From empowering households with rooftop systems to building global manufacturing hubs, solar power is reshaping how the country grows, consumes, and competes. As capacity expands and access deepens, solar is emerging not just as a source of electricity, but as a foundation for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.

In a major boost to India’s soft power and wellness diplomacy, the country’s traditional medicine systems under AYUSH have received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand, the Ministry of Commerce said.

The landmark development comes as part of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), both finalized in December 2025.

Significantly, each pact includes dedicated annexures on health-related services and traditional medicine, marking a clear acknowledgment of AYUSH systems on the global trade platform.

The ministry said this recognition reflects growing international acceptance of India’s holistic healthcare practices, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, and opens new pathways for market access, collaboration and regulatory facilitation in partner countries.

This strategic push is already translating into strong export performance.

Exports of AYUSH and herbal products rose by 6.11 per cent, climbing from US $649.2 million in 2023–24 to US $688.89 million in 2024–25, underlining the rising global demand for Indian traditional medicine and natural wellness products.

By embedding AYUSH in formal trade frameworks, India is not only protecting its traditional knowledge systems but also positioning them as competitive, credible offerings in the international healthcare and wellness economy.

Kuwait National Library stands as the country’s living memory, preserving its history and intellectual heritage while serving as a key center for research and intellectual property protection.

The library was founded in 1923 as the Public Library during the rule of late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and evolved through several names over the decades.

It later became the Library of Public Information in 1936, a name it retained until 1957. Subsequently, it was known as the Main Information Library until 1962, then as the Main Public Library until 1966.

Afterward, it was renamed the Central Library until 1985, and later the State Central Library until 1994.

By Amiri Decree No. 52 of 1994, the library was established as the National Library of Kuwait at Al-Mubarakiyah School, before the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad inaugurated its landmark building on Arabian Gulf Street in 2011.

The library preserves national memory by collecting and documenting Kuwaiti, Arab, and Islamic heritage, preparing the unified national catalog, developing advanced information systems to support research, and assigning International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) to all publications issued in Kuwait.

The library’s new building was designed to house more than one million volumes and currently contains tens of thousands of books, references, manuscripts, and periodicals. Kuwait National Library launched the “Memory of a Nation” project to digitally preserve rare books, documents, stamps, and coins, ensuring protected and modern access to cultural heritage for researchers and the public. – KUNA

In one of the most uncompromising verdicts in Kuwait’s war on narcotics, the Criminal Court, presided over by Counselor Khaled Al-Tahous, has sentenced two Indian nationals to death after convicting them of trafficking large quantities of heroin and crystal meth as part of an international drug network operating from outside the country.

The accused were arrested in the Kaifan and Shuwaikh residential areas in possession of 14 kilograms of pure heroin, 8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and two electronic weighing scales, confirming their intent to sell drugs nside Kuwait, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The Ministry of Interior described the operation as a qualitative security strike against a transnational criminal organization that manages its activities beyond Kuwait’s borders and feeds narcotics into the local market.

The bust was carried out by the Criminal Security Sector, represented by the Directorate General for Drug Control, under the direct supervision and field follow-up of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef.

Investigations and continuous surveillance led to the identification and tracking of the suspects before security forces moved in and made the arrests. The scale of the seizure highlighted the seriousness of the operation and the level of organization behind the network.

The court’s verdict reflects Kuwait’s zero-tolerance policy toward major drug trafficking and its determination to dry up sources, dismantle criminal networks and protect society from the devastating impact of narcotics.

The ruling sends a clear message: Kuwait will not be a corridor, market or refuge for international drug syndicates.

The Assistant Undersecretary for Supporting Security Services, Major General Ali Musfer Al-Adwani, held a meeting with a number of sector heads to review work progress and examine mechanisms for improving the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

During the meeting, Major General Al-Adwani was briefed on the most notable achievements of the relevant sectors, particularly in developing service procedures, facilitating transactions and reducing processing times, in line with efforts to meet public expectations and enhance satisfaction, reports Al-Rai daily.

The discussions also addressed ways to develop work mechanisms to improve the beneficiary experience and strengthen coordination among service sectors, ensuring the delivery of more efficient and effective services in accordance with the highest approved standards.

Major General Al-Adwani stressed the importance of advancing public services on technical and technological levels by expanding electronic services and adopting smart systems, noting that this approach contributes to raising service quality and accelerating completion rates.

At the conclusion of the meeting, he emphasized the need to place public service at the top of priorities and to continue developing the supporting security services system in a manner that reflects the civilized image of the Ministry of Interior and strengthens public confidence.

• India unveils 184 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties across 25 crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• The 184 newly released varieties span a wide spectrum of crops, including 122 cereals; 6 pulses; 13 oilseeds; 11 fodder crops; 6 sugarcane varieties; 24 cotton varieties (including 22 Bt cotton);1 jute and 1 tobacco variety
• Since the gazette notification process began in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been approved across rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, fiber crops and more
• Of these, 3,236 high-yielding varieties have been approved since 2014, compared to 3,969 varieties notified between 1969 and 2014, reflecting an accelerated pace of innovation in the last decade

India has officially claimed the top global position in rice production, overtaking China with an output of 150.18 million tons, marking a historic milestone in the country’s agricultural journey.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the achievement in New Delhi on Sunday, describing it as an “unprecedented success” and a testament to India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation to a global food provider.

China, long the world’s largest rice producer, now stands second with 145.28 million tons, the minister revealed, underscoring the scale of India’s advance in agricultural productivity, according to Indian news reports.

Speaking at a major event in the national capital, Chouhan also unveiled 184 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties across 25 crops, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

He directed ministry officials to ensure that these advanced seeds reach farmers without delay, stressing that timely access is critical to boosting farm incomes and sustaining production growth.

From Food Scarcity to Global Supplier

Chouhan said India’s rise to the top of global rice production reflects decades of focused investment in research, seed development, and farmer support systems. He noted that the country now enjoys abundant foodgrain stocks, strengthening national food security while enabling India to supply rice to overseas markets.

“India has surpassed China in rice production and has become the world’s largest producer,” Chouhan said, calling the achievement a defining moment for Indian agriculture.

A Seed Revolution Driving Yields

Highlighting the country’s seed development journey, the minister said that since the gazette notification process began in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been approved across rice, wheat, sorghum, maize, pulses, oilseeds, fiber crops and more.

Of these, 3,236 high-yielding varieties have been approved since 2014 under the Narendra Modi-led government, compared to 3,969 varieties notified between 1969 and 2014, reflecting an accelerated pace of innovation in the last decade.

“This is a yield success story,” Chouhan said, crediting scientists, agricultural universities, and research institutions for ushering in what he described as a new agricultural revolution.

184 New Varieties Released

The 184 newly released varieties span a wide spectrum of crops, including 122 cereals; 6 pulses; 13 oilseeds; 11 fodder crops; 6 sugarcane varieties; 24 cotton varieties (including 22 Bt cotton);1 jute and 1 tobacco variety

These varieties have been developed by ICAR institutes, state and central agricultural universities, and private seed companies. They are designed to be high-yielding, climate-resilient, and resistant to major pests and diseases.

According to the official statement, the new seeds address challenges such as climate change, soil salinity, drought, and other biotic and abiotic stresses, while also supporting natural and organic farming practices.

Focus on Pulses and Oilseeds

Chouhan urged farm scientists to intensify efforts to increase the production of pulses and oilseeds, stressing that self-sufficiency in these segments is essential to reducing imports and strengthening farm incomes.

He said farmers stand to benefit significantly from the newly released varieties, which promise higher yields, better quality produce, and greater resilience to environmental shocks.

Stronger Seed Supply Chain

Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi said seed multiplication rates have been increased by 1.5 to 2 times to strengthen availability across the country.

He added that national and state seed corporations are working to ensure quality seeds at affordable prices reach farmers in a timely manner.

A Defining Moment for Indian Agriculture

Chouhan said the achievement is the result of collective efforts by ICAR’s All India Coordinated Projects, state and central agricultural universities, and private sector partners. He described the current phase as a turning point where science, policy, and farmer participation are converging to reshape India’s agricultural future.

With India now leading the world in rice production and rolling out a new generation of advanced seed varieties, the country is positioning itself not just as a food-secure nation, but as a key pillar of global food supply in an era of climate uncertainty and rising demand.

India’s rice fields are vast, iconic landscapes, especially prominent in fertile, water-rich regions like the Ganges-Brahmaputra deltas, coastal plains (West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh), Assam, and the Himalayan foothills, with major production in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, featuring terraced hillsides in the East (Manipur) and flooded paddies in the plains, essential for food security and cultural identity.

The Government Gazette has published a ministerial decision establishing a specialized committee to adjudicate disputes arising from the application of Law No. 1 of 1999 on health insurance for foreigners, as well as disputes related to the fees imposed for health services.

The committee will also handle matters linked to Ministerial Decision No. 306 of 2025, which issued the executive regulations for the law and its amendments.

Under the decision, the Al-Qabas daily, quoting reliable sources said, the committee will be chaired by a member of the Fatwa and Legislation Department, with the Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs serving as vice-chairman.

Its members will include the Director of the Insurance and Health Guarantee Department, the Director of the Legal Affairs Department, the Director of the Financial Accounting Department, a representative of the Insurance Regulation Unit, and a physician representing the Kuwait Medical Association.

The committee is mandated to resolve disputes related to the implementation of the law and its executive regulations. Its meetings will be held at the headquarters of the Health Insurance and Guarantee Administration, upon invitation by the chairman or his deputy.

A quorum will be achieved with the presence of three members, provided that the chairman or vice-chairman is among them.

The decision further stipulates that the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health will assign a sufficient number of employees from the Health Insurance and Guarantee Department to receive and process complaints, based on nominations by the department’s director. These employees will register each complaint under a serial number, refer it to the committee, and issue proof of registration to the complainant.

The designated staff will also coordinate with the committee to schedule the first hearing session and notify all concerned parties within two weeks of the complaint’s registration date. Complaints may be submitted electronically.

If a complaint is filed against the Ministry of Health, the Health Insurance and Guarantee Department will formally notify the Ministry’s Legal Affairs Department, whose director will appoint a legal representative to appear before the committee on behalf of the ministry.

The decision aims to institutionalize dispute resolution procedures, enhance transparency, and ensure the consistent application of health insurance regulations affecting foreign residents.

Kuwait’s real estate market recorded solid weekly activity, with official data from the Real Estate Registration and Documentation Department at the Ministry of Justice showing that 136 property contracts were concluded during the week, generating a combined value of approximately 69.8 million dinars.

According to statistics published on the ministry’s website for transactions completed between December 21 and 25, private residential properties dominated market activity, accounting for the largest share of deals.

A total of 114 private real estate contracts were registered, with a cumulative value of 48.7 million dinars, underscoring continued demand in the housing segment, reports Al-Rai daily.

Investment properties followed as the second most active category, with 19 contracts traded at a total value of 15.2 million dinars, reflecting sustained investor interest despite broader market pressures.

Commercial real estate saw more limited movement during the week, with two commercial contracts recorded at a combined value of 5 million dinars. Meanwhile, the coastal strip segment registered a single transaction valued at 650,000 dinars.

Geographically, the Capital Governorate recorded 17 private residential contracts alongside one investment property deal, while Hawalli Governorate emerged as one of the most active areas, logging 27 private contracts, four investment contracts, and one commercial transaction.

In Farwaniya Governorate, activity included 11 private contracts and one investment contract, whereas Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate posted the highest number of private residential trades with 28 contracts, in addition to one investment deal.

The Al-Ahmadi Governorate recorded a mix of 17 private residential contracts and eight investment contracts, highlighting notable investor presence. Meanwhile, Al-Jahra Governorate saw 14 private real estate transactions and one commercial contract during the reporting period.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will begin enforcing Ministerial Resolution No. 140 of 2025 starting Sunday, January 10, marking a new compliance phase for businesses operating in Kuwait.

The resolution, originally issued on July 10, 2025, requires all holders of commercial licenses to register updated contact details as part of their official commercial records.

Under the decision, businesses were granted a six-month adjustment period from the date the resolution was published in the Official Gazette to regularize their status. With this grace period nearing its end, enforcement measures are now set to take effect, reports Al-Anba daily.

The resolution, issued by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel, introduces an amendment to Ministerial Resolution No. 580 of 2018 by adding a new provision to Article 2.

The amendment makes it mandatory for license holders to include essential contact information, specifically a mobile phone number and an email address, while also allowing for the inclusion of other modern electronic communication channels.

In its second article, the decision obliges all entities listed in the commercial register to submit applications to update their records in line with the new requirements within the specified six-month period.

The Ministry stressed that verified contact information is no longer optional but a core condition of commercial licensing, forming an integral part of both the issuance and renewal process.

The measure aims to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of official notices, regulatory instructions, and formal correspondence to companies and institutions.

To ensure compliance, the resolution authorizes judicial officers, under Law No. 18 of 2018 and its executive regulations, to inspect violations and confirm the accuracy of submitted data. Businesses that fail to meet the updated requirements will face the suspension of license issuance or renewal until full compliance is achieved.

Guyana is opening new opportunities for Indian companies in its rapidly expanding energy sector, inviting them to participate in the exploration and production of crude oil as several offshore blocks are slated for auction in 2026.

Speaking to ANI, Guyana High Commissioner to India H.E. Dharamkumar Seeraj highlighted the growing energy ties between the two nations, noting that Guyana supplied nearly six million barrels of crude oil to India in 2025.

“Guyana wants to diversify its economy. I foresee that our relationship with India will expand in the area of trade of oil and gas already this year; a total of 6 million barrels of crude oil were sent to India. And I see a significant increase in the coming years,” he said.

Guyana’s oil sector has seen a remarkable boom following massive offshore discoveries in the Stabroek Block. Production surpassed 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) in late 2025, with a target of reaching 1.7 million bpd by 2030.

Seeraj emphasized that Indian firms could play a role beyond crude oil imports. “India has shown that interest, and India, of course, needs a lot of oil as a country to send more and more oil to India itself.

And as we get more and more companies involved in drilling, we expect that private sector companies, which are single companies in India, will express an interest, not only in purchasing crude, but also in the extraction of oil.”

A second offshore oil block auction is planned for 2026, following Guyana’s first auction in 2022, which resulted in six companies being awarded eight blocks in 2023.

“It is our hope, speaking from Guyana’s perspective, that we will attract a wide cross section of investors in the oil and gas sector coming from different countries, and quite frankly, we’ll be very happy if Indian companies show up,” Seeraj added.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Guyana is seeking broader cooperation with India in infrastructure, education, renewable energy, and digital technology. Indian companies are already active in road construction, transportation infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

“They have built our cricket stadium, they are constructing roads, and Indian firms are dominating the renewable energy space, including solar power stations operating across different regions,” Seeraj said.

Guyana plans to produce 100 megawatts of renewable energy over the next five years. An Indian firm has already signed a contract to establish a solar power plant, while the country is pursuing a 300-megawatt gas-to-energy project aimed at lowering its currently high electricity costs. Expressions of interest have also been floated for a hydroelectric power project.

Seeraj encouraged Indian firms to participate through various partnership models depending on the project. Discussions are also underway to explore cooperation in education, including the possibility of offshore campuses in Guyana.

Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi inaugurated today the Kuwait Geopark project in the north of Kuwait Bay, marking a major step in promoting the country’s geological, historical, and cultural heritage. The initiative is also aimed at developing cultural and educational tourism.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait State Television during the opening, Minister Al-Mutairi said the project reflects the political leadership’s focus on national initiatives and the Ministry of Information’s strategy of collaboration with civil society, government institutions, and the private sector.

He highlighted that the Geopark “contributes to providing comprehensive information about humans and the land, and confirms that this land is of geological importance. We are not satisfied with the educational aspect, but we contribute greatly to revitalizing the tourism sector.”

The minister emphasized the value of institutional partnerships, noting, “Our partnership with Kuwait Oil Company contributed to the implementation of this project in record time, and today we are giving all institutions the opportunity to contribute with us in developing the project from one stage to the next.”

Al-Mutairi also pointed out that the project “presents Kuwait’s identity, highlights the craftsmanship aspect, provides important information, and enhances the tourism aspect with the availability of all services. The private sector in the project also provides developed services that support the revitalization of the tourism aspect.”

The project is currently in a trial operation phase, with public visits scheduled to start on January 7. Visitors can make bookings from January 4 via the Visit Kuwait platform. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback to further develop the site.

The minister added, “We are working to strengthen the unification of efforts, and all government agencies are present, including the Ministry of Interior, the Fire Force, the Ministry of Health, and Kuwait Municipality. The Ministry of Public Works has also implemented many infrastructures works for this project, which has transformed from a geological area only into an integrated tourist area.”

The Kuwait Geopark is a national initiative overseen by the Ministry of Information and implemented by Kuwait Oil Company in partnership with the Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.

It aims to consolidate Kuwait’s position as a global tourist destination in geology, archaeology, and natural and human heritage, functioning as an open museum that reflects the country’s historical and geological depth.

Located in a region of significant historical and environmental value, the Geopark is linked to archaeological sites dating back to ancient civilizations of the Arabian Gulf, giving the project a rich historical and cultural dimension.

The initiative also seeks to develop ecotourism and geological tourism as a promising economic sector, helping diversify national income, protect natural and geological heritage, preserve biodiversity, and raise community awareness of earth and environmental sciences through education, interactive experiences, and research.

The first phase of the Geopark covers 20 square kilometers, while the second phase will expand over 1,000 square kilometers.

The project features a wide range of facilities, including geological and heritage activities, cafes, restaurants, craft shops, and a stargazing platform, making it a unique desert-themed tourist destination in Kuwait.

As the clock ticks down to usher in 2026, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has unveiled a comprehensive security blueprint designed to ensure that New Year’s Eve celebrations proceed safely and peacefully.

The plan, implemented at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday, places festivities under direct supervision of security personnel, aiming to maintain public order, deter violations, and provide immediate assistance to those in need.

A security source told Al-Rai that the initiative follows explicit directives from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Abdul Wahab Al-Wahib.

Officials emphasized heightened vigilance, rigorous deployment across the country, and intensified monitoring of public spaces.

The security measures include the strategic deployment of female officers in areas with large gatherings to ensure proper oversight, as well as fixed checkpoints in all governorates, markets, shopping malls, chalets, and farms.

Livestock pens and stables will also be patrolled, while traffic units and foot patrols will maintain a visible presence in vital facilities and popular public areas.

“The instructions are clear,” the source noted. “The law will be applied to everyone without exception. Security forces will act firmly against any violations to guarantee the safety of citizens and residents alike.”

Authorities confirmed that the measures are intended to preserve the celebratory spirit while safeguarding lives, property, and public peace.

With these measures in place, Kuwaitis can expect a well-coordinated security presence that balances vigilance with support, ensuring that New Year’s celebrations are both joyous and secure.

India has crossed a major economic milestone, overtaking Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to figures outlined in New Delhi’s latest end-of-year economic review.

The development underscores the country’s sustained growth momentum and strengthens expectations that India could soon rise even further in the global economic hierarchy.

The review estimates India’s gross domestic product at approximately $4.18 trillion, placing it ahead of Japan and behind only the United States, China, and Germany, reports dw.com

Based on current growth trajectories, Indian policymakers believe the country is on track to surpass Germany within the next three years, potentially securing third place worldwide.

Economic expansion has accelerated faster than earlier projections. Real GDP growth reached 8.2 percent in the second quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year, the strongest performance in six quarters.

This rebound has been supported by resilient domestic demand, with private consumption emerging as a key driver despite lingering global trade uncertainties.

India’s export sector has also shown renewed strength. Merchandise exports climbed steadily through the year, reaching more than $38 billion in November, buoyed by strong demand for engineering products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and refined petroleum goods. Officials say this diversification has helped cushion the economy from external shocks.

The Reserve Bank of India recently raised its full-year growth forecast to 7.3 percent, reflecting confidence in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals. Government economists described the current phase as a rare moment of balance — robust growth paired with relatively contained inflation — supported by healthier corporate balance sheets, steady credit availability, and years of structural reform.

Looking ahead, the review projects India’s GDP could expand to $7.3 trillion by 2030, positioning the country as the world’s third-largest economy, trailing only the US and China. However, officials caution that headline economic size masks deeper challenges.

Despite its growing aggregate output, India’s per capita income remains far below that of advanced economies. Average income levels are a fraction of those in Japan and Germany, highlighting the scale of development still required to translate national growth into widespread prosperity.

Demographics add both promise and pressure. More than a quarter of India’s 1.4 billion citizens are between the ages of 10 and 26, making job creation a central policy challenge.

The government acknowledges that sustaining growth will depend on generating quality employment capable of absorbing a rapidly expanding workforce.

Recent policy measures, including tax relief and labor reforms, are aimed at sustaining consumption and improving competitiveness. Yet risks remain, including currency pressures, global trade tensions, and the need to secure long-term investment.

Still, officials argue that India’s trajectory reflects a structural shift rather than a temporary surge—marking a decisive step in the country’s ambition to emerge as a leading global economic power by the centenary of its independence in 2047.