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.

Surveillance cameras installed around the house, are not required to place a warning sign to inform visitors that the premises are protected by CCTV surveillance, the Ministry of Interior has clarified.

The ministry said the requirement to display surveillance camera notices applies only to commercial establishments, government entities and public buildings under Kuwait’s Law No. 61 of 2015 regulating the installation and use of security cameras and monitoring systems.

For homeowners, the rules are different. As long as cameras are installed within the boundaries of private property and comply with the law and its implementing regulations, displaying a warning sign is entirely optional.

The clarification comes amid growing public confusion over whether residential properties are subject to the same requirements as businesses and public institutions.

By distinguishing between private and public premises, the ministry sought to dispel misconceptions circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.

Officials also reminded residents that while homeowners have flexibility regarding warning stickers, surveillance systems must still be used in accordance with Kuwait’s legal framework, respecting the privacy of others and remaining within the limits of private property.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public to verify legal information through official channels rather than relying on unverified reports or social media posts.

Residents seeking further clarification on surveillance camera regulations or other legal matters can contact the ministry’s Public Relations and Security Media Department via WhatsApp on 25580888.

The latest clarification is intended to improve public awareness of Kuwait’s CCTV regulations while ensuring that residents and businesses understand their respective legal obligations.

Kuwait has taken another step toward a fully digital government experience with the launch of an electronic driving license service that allows motorists to access and store a digital copy of their license directly on their mobile phones.

The Ministry of Interior, through its Human Resources and Information Technology Sector in coordination with the Traffic and Operations Affairs Sector, announced the activation of the new service on the unified government electronic services application “Sahel.”

Under the new service, users can download an electronic version of their driving license through the application, allowing them to keep the document digitally available for quick access whenever required.

The ministry said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand smart government services, simplify procedures for citizens and residents, and provide faster and more convenient access to official documents through digital platforms.

The launch further strengthens Kuwait’s digital transformation drive by reducing reliance on traditional paperwork and enhancing the efficiency of government services.

Kuwait has taken another step toward a fully digital government experience with the launch of an electronic driving license service that allows motorists to access and store a digital copy of their license directly on their mobile phones.

The Ministry of Interior, through its Human Resources and Information Technology Sector in coordination with the Traffic and Operations Affairs Sector, announced the activation of the new service on the unified government electronic services application “Sahel.”

Under the new service, users can download an electronic version of their driving license through the application, allowing them to keep the document digitally available for quick access whenever required.

The ministry said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand smart government services, simplify procedures for citizens and residents, and provide faster and more convenient access to official documents through digital platforms.

The launch further strengthens Kuwait’s digital transformation drive by reducing reliance on traditional paperwork and enhancing the efficiency of government services.

The Ministry of Health has announced a series of recommendations and operational guidelines for medical, nursing, and support staff as part of the implementation of its new “Quiet Hours” initiative across hospital departments.

The initiative, which will be observed daily from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am under the slogan “Patient comfort first… a more peaceful and supportive therapeutic environment for recovery,” aims to improve patients’ rest and promote healing through a calmer hospital atmosphere.

The ministry urged staff to lower their voices while speaking, avoid unnecessary side conversations in corridors and nursing stations, and limit the use of loudspeaker announcements except in cases related to patient safety or emergencies.

The recommendations also call for reducing the volume of telephones and non-critical alarms to the minimum appropriate level, minimizing noise from medical trolleys and equipment, closing doors and cabinets quietly, and conducting shift handovers away from patient rooms whenever possible.

To further reduce nighttime disturbances, the ministry advised grouping non-urgent procedures into a single visit, including routine checks and the administration of non-essential medications, while ensuring medical devices and intravenous equipment are reviewed before the quiet period begins.

The guidelines also recommend dimming corridor and workstation lighting to safe but lower levels, turning off unnecessary lights inside patient rooms with patient approval, and postponing non-urgent examinations or procedures until after quiet hours whenever medically possible.

The ministry stressed that all hospital personnel, including workers in cleaning, maintenance, nutrition, transport, and support services, are expected to cooperate in minimizing unnecessary movement and noise during the designated hours to help create a more peaceful healing environment without compromising patient safety.

The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new regulatory framework governing ride-hailing services and transport applications in Kuwait, setting out seven eligibility conditions for Kuwaiti citizens wishing to operate passenger transport services through electronic platforms.

The new rules were issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 893 of 2026 by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and were published in the Official Gazette.

Under the decision, applicants must be Kuwaiti citizens aged 21 or above, possess a valid driving license appropriate for the activity, obtain a permit from the General Traffic Department, and maintain a clean criminal and traffic record.

Individuals convicted of felonies, crimes involving dishonesty or serious traffic offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not be eligible unless legally rehabilitated.

The regulations also introduce strict vehicle requirements. Cars used for ride-hailing services must be owned by the driver, be no more than three years old when entering service, and must be discontinued once they reach seven years from the date of manufacture.

Vehicles must be air-conditioned, clean, meet all traffic safety standards and be designed to carry between three and seven passengers, excluding the driver.

For transport companies operating through electronic applications, the ministry has mandated licensing by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, approval from the General Traffic Department and the maintenance of detailed electronic trip records.

Companies must also install interior cameras in passenger transport vehicles and retain recordings for at least 120 days, providing data to authorities upon request.

The General Traffic Department has been granted powers to monitor electronic transport applications and may request the suspension or blocking of platforms that fail to comply with the regulations after being issued a warning. Drivers who violate traffic laws or the provisions of the new decision may also have their permits withdrawn, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Existing companies have been given three months to comply with the new requirements, while the new regulations take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, replacing the previous 2020 ministerial decision governing the sector.

India is on track to open the first section of its long-delayed high-speed bullet train project in 2027, marking a major milestone in the country’s railway modernization drive nearly a decade after construction began.

Railway ministry officials said the initial operational segment will run between Surat and Vapi, covering part of the 508-kilometre Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, India’s first bullet train line.

“A considerable amount of work on the entire corridor has already been completed,” said Dharmendra Tewari, Additional Director General of Indian Railways, adding that the first section is expected to become operational in 2027.

The project, launched in 2017 by Indian and Japanese leaders, was originally scheduled for completion in 2023 but has faced repeated delays due to engineering challenges, land acquisition issues, and rising costs.

The $17 billion project is being developed with Japanese Shinkansen technology and is largely financed through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), covering about 81 percent of the cost.

Once fully completed, the bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from around six hours to under two hours, with trains designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Authorities say the project is not only a transport upgrade but also a foundation for a broader high-speed rail network across India, with proposals for multiple corridors linking major economic and regional hubs.

These include potential routes connecting New Delhi, Varanasi, Siliguri, and southern tech centers such as Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai, although most remain at the planning stage.

The government describes the initiative as a key step in transforming India’s railway system into a modern, high-speed network capable of supporting long-term economic growth and regional connectivity.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has announced a series of notable astronomical phenomena that will be visible in Kuwait’s skies during July 2026, including planetary conjunctions, the Earth’s aphelion, the birth of the crescent moon of Safar 1448 AH, and the month’s full moon.

In a statement, the center said the first event will occur on July 4, when Mars and Uranus enter a conjunction. However, the phenomenon will not be visible from Kuwait as both planets will be positioned high in the daytime sky.

On July 6, Earth will reach its farthest point from the Sun in its orbit, known as aphelion, at a distance of approximately 1.0167 astronomical units.

The center added that on July 11, a dawn conjunction between the Moon and Mars will be visible in Kuwait, with both celestial bodies rising together in the early morning sky.

On July 14, the crescent moon of Safar 1448 AH will be born following the astronomical new moon conjunction, marking the start of the new lunar month.

A further conjunction between the Moon and Venus will occur on July 17, visible in the evening sky, as the Moon passes close to the bright planet.

The month will conclude with the full moon on July 29, when the lunar disk appears fully illuminated in the “Saad Bulaa” constellation. This full moon is widely known as the “Deer Moon,” a traditional name linked to seasonal changes observed in North American indigenous cultures.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center noted that these events provide a valuable opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts in Kuwait to observe celestial movements under suitable viewing conditions.

The Ministry of Interior has launched a new electronic service enabling the registration and management of drone ownership data through the unified government services application “Sahel”.

The ministry said the service allows users to inquire about, update, or cancel drone ownership records, as part of efforts to streamline procedures and enhance digital government services.

It stressed, however, that registering drone ownership does not grant permission to operate or use the device.

The ministry clarified that users must obtain all required approvals and licences from the competent authorities before flying drones.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to regulate drone ownership and ensure compliance with national security and aviation safety regulations.

The committee responsible for reviewing state subsidies has approved a temporary increase in the price of Ultra gasoline (98 octane), raising it by 50 fils per litre to 275 fils, effective July 1 through September 30, 2026.

The decision leaves the prices of all other fuel products unchanged.

Under the revised pricing:

• Ultra gasoline (98 octane): 275 fils per litre (up from 225 fils)
• Premium gasoline (91 octane): 85 fils per litre
• Special gasoline (95 octane): 105 fils per litre
• Diesel: 115 fils per litre
• Kerosene: 115 fils per litre

The committee’s decision means that only Ultra gasoline users will be affected by the temporary price adjustment, while prices for other fuel grades will remain stable during the three-month period.

The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new electronic service through the Sahel application, allowing vehicle owners to download a digital copy of their vehicle registration license directly to their mobile devices.

The new service enables users to access and save an electronic version of their vehicle license on their phones, making it readily available whenever needed.

The initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand digital government services, simplify administrative procedures, and provide residents and citizens with faster and more convenient access to official documents.

NASA is preparing for one of its most ambitious satellite rescue missions yet, launching a robotic spacecraft designed to prevent the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from plunging back to Earth after more than two decades of groundbreaking space exploration.

The $30 million mission, scheduled to launch as early as Tuesday, will see an autonomous spacecraft named Link, developed by startup Katalyst Space Technologies, attempt to capture and reposition the aging observatory into a higher, more stable orbit.

Swift, launched in 2004, has spent over 20 years detecting gamma-ray bursts, exploding stars, black holes and other high-energy cosmic events. However, intensified solar activity has accelerated the telescope’s orbital decay, leaving NASA with only a narrow window to save the spacecraft before it reaches an altitude from which recovery would no longer be possible.

The rescue vehicle will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket deployed from an aircraft over the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

After entering orbit, Link will spend about a month catching up with Swift before using its three robotic arms to securely grasp the observatory. The spacecraft will then gradually raise Swift’s orbit from about 360 kilometers to nearly 600 kilometers above Earth over the course of two months, AP reports.

If successful, the operation will extend the telescope’s scientific life by several years, allowing astronomers to continue using it as one of NASA’s fastest-response observatories for detecting powerful cosmic explosions and following up on discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

NASA officials describe the mission as a landmark demonstration of in-orbit servicing technology. Unlike previous spacecraft, Swift was never designed to be repaired or moved once in orbit, making the complex robotic rendezvous and capture a major engineering challenge.

The agency awarded the contract to Katalyst Space Technologies less than a year ago, giving the company just months to design, build and prepare the mission. NASA’s only stipulations were to complete the operation quickly and avoid causing further damage to the observatory.

Should the mission succeed, it could transform the economics of space exploration by proving that valuable satellites can be repaired, refueled or repositioned instead of being abandoned once their orbits deteriorate.

The technology could also provide a lifeline for the iconic Hubble Space Telescope, which is gradually losing altitude under similar conditions. Katalyst believes an upgraded version of its robotic spacecraft could carry out a servicing mission for Hubble as early as 2028, potentially extending the life of one of the world’s most celebrated scientific instruments.

Beyond saving aging observatories, the company envisions a future fleet of robotic spacecraft capable of maintaining satellites, refueling spacecraft, assembling orbital infrastructure and supporting the next generation of commercial space operations.

For NASA, however, the immediate priority is ensuring that Swift remains in orbit—preserving a scientific asset that has transformed humanity’s understanding of the universe for more than two decades.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait has announced a comprehensive revision of passport and passport-related service fees, effective 1 July 2026, following the Government of India’s notification under G.S.R. 516(E) amending the Passport Rules, 1980. The revised fee structure applies to all Indian Missions abroad, including Kuwait, and affects passport issuance, renewals, Tatkaal services, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), Emergency Certificates, Surrender Certificates, and several other passport-related services.

The Embassy has advised all applicants to carefully check the revised fee schedule before submitting applications, as all applications received on or after July 1, 2026, will attract the new charges, regardless of when appointments were booked.

Major increase in passport charges

The revision represents the first major overhaul of overseas passport fees in many years and will directly affect nearly one million Indians residing in Kuwait. Adult passport fees have increased significantly across all categories, while Tatkaal (urgent) services now attract substantially higher charges.

Revised Passport Fees (Effective 1 July 2026)

Revised fees for minors

Children and minor applicants will also see revised charges.

*The KD 26 fee reflects the applicable 10% concession for eligible fresh passport applications.

Special travel documents

The fees for special travel documents remain largely unchanged.

Miscellaneous passport services

Several commonly used consular services have also become more expensive.

Important provisions remain unchanged

Despite the increase in fees, several provisions of the Passport Rules remain unchanged:

• Adult passports continue to have a maximum validity of 10 years.
• Passports issued to minors remain valid for five years or until the applicant turns 18, whichever is earlier.
• A 10 percent discount continues to be available on fresh passport applications (not reissues) for:
  • Children up to 8 years of age.
  • Senior citizens above 60 years.

Why the revision?

The revised fee schedule has been introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, replacing the previous fee schedule that had remained largely unchanged for overseas applicants since 2012. According to government notifications, the revision is intended to align passport service charges with the increased costs of delivering secure, technology-driven passport and consular services worldwide.

Advice for applicants

The Embassy has urged Indian nationals in Kuwait who intend to renew or apply for passports or related services to verify the revised fee schedule before visiting the Embassy or its authorized service centre. Since the revised charges become applicable from 1 July 2026, applicants submitting forms on or after that date should ensure they pay the updated fees to avoid delays in processing. Queries may be addressed to the Embassy’s Consular and Passport Wing via email cons1.kuwait@mea.gov.in

NASA has announced the four astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission, marking a key step in the United States’ plan to return humans to the Moon for the first time in more than half a century.

The crew includes Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio as mission specialists, Luca Parmitano as pilot, and Randy Bresnik as commander.
The mission, scheduled for 2027, is expected to be a defining moment in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

The astronauts will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the Orion spacecraft, carried into orbit by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The launch is planned for next year as part of preparatory operations ahead of the lunar landing phase.

During the mission, the crew will conduct critical tests of rendezvous and docking procedures between Orion and commercial spacecraft.

These maneuvers are essential for future Artemis missions that will involve landing astronauts on the lunar surface.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described Artemis III as “the beginning of the future,” highlighting its importance in advancing deep-space exploration and preparing for long-term lunar operations.

The announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny of private sector involvement in lunar transport after a Blue Origin spacecraft, intended to support future Moon missions, exploded during a test last month, BBC reports.

NASA officials say the Artemis program remains on track despite setbacks in the commercial space sector, with Artemis III seen as a pivotal mission in the agency’s long-term exploration goals.

Brief Account of Artemis III Astronauts

Randy Bresnik (Commander) is the commander of NASA’s Artemis III mission and a highly experienced astronaut and former US Marine Corps officer. He has logged more than 10,000 flight hours across over 95 types of aircraft and spacecraft.

Born in Kentucky and raised in California, Bresnik earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The Citadel and joined the US Marine Corps in 1989. He trained at the elite TOPGUN program and flew combat missions during his service in Kuwait.

Frank Rubio (Mission Specialist) is a NASA astronaut and US Army physician-turned-helicopter pilot. He holds the rank of colonel and has more than 1,100 flight hours, including deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia.

Originally from Florida, Rubio trained as a medical doctor specializing in family medicine while serving in the military. He joined NASA’s astronaut program in 2017.

Andre Douglas (Mission Specialist)  is a NASA astronaut and engineer selected for Artemis III. He has a background in engineering and research, with experience supporting NASA mission systems and deep space exploration programs.

Before joining NASA’s astronaut corps, Douglas worked in aerospace engineering and contributed to safety and technology development for future human spaceflight missions.

He is part of NASA’s new generation of astronauts preparing for lunar exploration under the Artemis programme.

Luca Parmitano (Pilot) is an Italian astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA) and serves as pilot for Artemis III.

He is a highly experienced space traveller who has completed multiple missions to the International Space Station. Parmitano has also performed spacewalks and long-duration missions in orbit.

Before becoming an astronaut, he served as a fighter pilot in the Italian Air Force, giving him strong operational experience in high-performance aviation and spaceflight readiness.

He is expected to play a key role in guiding spacecraft operations during Artemis III’s lunar mission.

India has reinstated its Air Suvidha health declaration system for all international passengers arriving in the country, introducing a mandatory pre-arrival health screening measure aimed at strengthening disease surveillance at airports amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.

Launched jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 portal enables travellers to submit a fully digital and paperless Self-Declaration Form (SDF) before their arrival in India.

Under the new protocol, all international passengers travelling to India are required to complete the online health declaration within 24 hours before the start of their journey, preferably during web check-in, to facilitate faster immigration and health clearance upon arrival. Authorities have advised travellers to download the acknowledgement after submission and keep it readily available for inspection at the International Travel Health Desk or immigration counters, if required.

The self-declaration form seeks information on the passenger’s personal and passport details, flight information, recent 21-day travel history, any travel to Ebola-affected regions, possible exposure to infected individuals, and symptoms such as fever, body aches or unexplained bleeding. The digital platform allows health authorities to identify and respond quickly to travellers who may require further medical screening.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the upgraded portal has been developed in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and enables real-time coordination among airport health officials, immigration authorities and state surveillance agencies. The system is designed to enhance public health preparedness while ensuring a seamless, contactless arrival process without the need for physical paperwork.

The reintroduction of Air Suvidha follows heightened global health surveillance after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Indian authorities have emphasized that the measure is precautionary and intended to safeguard public health while facilitating safe international travel.

With thousands of passengers travelling daily between Kuwait and India, the advisory is particularly relevant for the large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait. Travellers are urged to complete the mandatory declaration well before departure to avoid delays during boarding or upon arrival in India.

The Air Suvidha 2.0 portal can be accessed through the official website at https://airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in, where passengers can submit their health declaration free of charge before travelling. (airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in)

The Government of India has clarified that a passport has never been considered conclusive proof of citizenship, stressing that there has been no recent change in policy or legal interpretation on the issue.

The clarification follows public debate triggered by remarks from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which reiterated that a passport is primarily a travel document and cannot, by itself, establish citizenship.

Officials said the government’s position is consistent and based on long-standing law, and not a new policy decision as has been suggested in parts of the political debate.

The government explained that Indian citizenship is governed by the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, 1955, and not determined by a single document such as a passport.

Authorities also cited Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, which allows the government to issue a passport or travel document in special cases, including to individuals who may not be citizens of India if it is deemed necessary in the public interest.

This legal provision, officials said, makes it clear that possession of a passport alone cannot be treated as definitive proof of citizenship.

The government also referred to past judicial rulings, including a 2013 judgment of the Bombay High Court, which held that a passport cannot, by itself, be considered conclusive evidence of citizenship.

Officials said this interpretation has been consistently upheld in Indian legal practice over the years.

The issue gained political attention after the MEA stated that a passport is a travel document and not proof of citizenship, prompting questions from opposition leaders over what documents would then be accepted as valid proof.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned how citizenship would be established if a passport is not considered sufficient, and raised concerns about possible implications for voter eligibility and identity verification.

His remarks contributed to a wider debate on how citizenship is determined and which documents carry legal weight in official processes.

BJP leader Amit Malviya said there has been no change in law or policy, and that the MEA only reiterated an established legal position already supported by courts and statutes.

He stated that citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and supported by multiple documents such as birth certificates, school records, electoral rolls, and land ownership records.

According to him, a passport may support a claim of citizenship but does not independently establish it.

The government reiterated that citizenship is a legal status defined under the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Officials emphasized that while a passport remains an important identity and travel document, it is not the final or sole proof of nationality.

They added that the clarification is intended to remove confusion and reaffirm that no new legal changes have been introduced regarding citizenship verification.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not a conclusive legal proof of citizenship, despite the fact that passports are issued only to Indian citizens.

The clarification was made on the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas and has sparked widespread discussion over what documents legally establish Indian citizenship.

According to the MEA, the primary purpose of a passport is to facilitate international travel and verify the nationality of the holder before foreign authorities.

However, the ministry stressed that possession of a passport alone does not automatically constitute definitive proof of citizenship in every legal context.

The clarification has drawn attention because passports are not issued to non-citizens. However, the government explained that a passport is granted after verification of supporting documents and assessment of eligibility under citizenship laws, rather than serving as the original or final document establishing citizenship itself.

The MEA pointed out that Indian citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act of 1955, under which citizenship may be acquired through birth, descent, registration or naturalization. Determination of citizenship depends largely on birth records, parental citizenship status and other legal criteria laid down under the law.

Under Indian law, individuals born in India between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987, are considered citizens by birth. For those born after July 1, 1987, citizenship depends on whether one parent was an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

For individuals born on or after December 3, 2004, citizenship by birth applies only if both parents are Indian citizens, or if one parent is an Indian citizen and the other is not an illegal immigrant.

The clarification also comes in the backdrop of earlier observations by the Supreme Court that Aadhaar is merely an identity document and not proof of citizenship. Similarly, voter identity cards are considered documents establishing identity, age and residence for electoral purposes, but not conclusive citizenship certificates.

The MEA further noted that every Indian passport remains the property of the Government of India and may be surrendered if required under the law. A note printed inside Indian passports clearly states that the document belongs to the Government of India.

Alongside the clarification, the MEA highlighted major achievements in passport services across the country. Officials revealed that during 2025, approximately 1.5 crore (15,000,000) passport and related services were delivered, including 1.39 crore (13.9 million) passports.

The ministry also stated that passport processing has become significantly faster, with most passports now issued within six working days, excluding police verification time. Citizens reportedly spend less than 45 minutes on average at Passport Seva Kendras.

According to the MEA, the improvement in efficiency has been driven by the rapid expansion of passport service centers across India. The country currently has 545 Passport Seva Kendras, compared to only 77 centers a decade ago.

The ministry also highlighted the successful rollout of chip-enabled e-passports as part of India’s broader efforts to modernize passport and travel services.

The General Administration of Civil Defense has issued a warning to citizens and residents, stating that temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days between 47°C and 55°C.

The administration said weather conditions are expected to shift in most areas due to a low-pressure system and issued a series of safety warnings and alerts.

The administration advised that cars should be checked for materials, mugs and high-pressure sprays that may be affected by heat, as well as invasive drinks and their derivatives, fragrances, and batteries in general. It added that car windows should be kept in a position that can be easily opened.

The warning also advised against fully filling fuel tanks, recommended parking cars in the evening, and urged limiting morning travel where possible. It further cautioned against overloading vehicle tyres, particularly during long trips.

The Civil Defence cautioned that scorpions and snakes may appear from their habitats in greater numbers and may enter farms and houses in search of cooler places.

The administration urged frequent consumption of water and fluids and advised caution regarding gas cylinders being exposed to sunlight.

It also called for ensuring that electricity meter loads are not increased and that air conditioners are used only in family areas, particularly during peak heat hours.

Residents are advised to avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has introduced new measures allowing expatriate workers to amend their registered educational qualifications or professions when they correspond with the actual nature of their work.

The move follows Ministerial Circular No. 1 of 2026, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of PAM, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, as part of ongoing efforts to develop Kuwait’s labor market, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency and flexibility in meeting the needs of employers across various sectors.

According to PAM sources, the circular permits amendments to an expatriate worker’s educational qualification or profession, provided that the qualification, profession, and actual work performed are proven to be compatible and meet approved procedures and regulations. The measure is expected to improve alignment between workers’ registered credentials and their job responsibilities.

Sources said the decision reflects PAM’s continued efforts, under the leadership of Director General Eng. Rabab Al-Osaimi, to regulate the labor market and ensure that professional classifications match the actual requirements of different economic sectors, while balancing employers’ needs with the protection of workers’ rights.

The circular also provides for the continued preparation of the Kuwaiti Unified Guide for Professional Description and Classification, a project aimed at standardizing job titles and improving the accuracy of occupational classifications. Officials said the initiative will enhance labor market data quality and support more informed policymaking and future workforce planning.

The new regulations came into effect on June 2, 2026.