The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) announced on Wednesday the discovery of significant archaeological finds at Al-Qusur Monastery in the center of Failaka Island, including pottery inscribed with Syriac writings and evidence dating to the Umayyad and early Abbasid periods.

The Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums Mohammad bin Redha told KUNA that the joint Kuwaiti-French mission uncovered large architectural remains, early examples of artificial basalt, and pottery bearing Syriac script, indicating the presence of a Christian community that likely followed Eastern Syriac traditions.

Excavations, ongoing since 2011, have documented a monastic settlement dating from the mid-7th to mid-9th centuries CE. Professor Hassan Ashkanani of Kuwait University described the discovery as a landmark for Failaka Island, shedding light on the transition from the Christian period to early Islam.

The finds include Syriac and Persian inscriptions on ostraca, coins, an ornate perfume bottle, and food-processing installations, offering rare insight into daily, economic, and religious life on the island more than 1,200 years ago.

French mission supervisor Dr. Julie Bonneric said the site includes a monastery with a large church, refectory, and extensive food-preparation complex, highlighting evidence of Christian-Islamic coexistence during the early Islamic era.

She added that the current excavation season-the 12th-began on Nov. 17, 2025, and focuses on the monastery’s earliest phase and the daily lives of its monks. Members of the Kuwaiti archaeological team Saif Al-Batti Boutaiban, Ahmad Al-Thawadi, and Anwar Al-Tamimi, said that among the most notable discoveries was a food-processing building opposite the church. The team uncovered a flour mill featuring two low mud-brick pillars designed to support rotating grinding stones.

They explained that part of the grinding equipment was made from local stone, likely sourced from Failaka Island, while other grinding stones were produced from artificial basalt. Although this material closely resembles natural basalt rock, it was manufactured from clay and sand and fired at extremely high temperatures in large kilns. This advanced process, known as “pyrotechnology,” involved melting and recrystallizing materials to replicate the mechanical properties of volcanic basalt.

Daily consumption is capped at two cans per person, provided that the caffeine content does not exceed 80 milligrams per 250 milliliters per can. Producers and importers are also required to display clear and prominent health warnings on all packaging.

The decision imposes a comprehensive ban on all forms of commercial advertising and sponsorships related to energy drinks.

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Abdul Wahab Al-Awadi has issued a ministerial decree regulating the sale, circulation and advertising of energy drinks, introducing strict controls aimed at protecting public health.

According to the decision, the sale of energy drinks is limited to individuals aged 18 and above. Daily consumption is capped at two cans per person, provided that the caffeine content does not exceed 80 milligrams per 250 milliliters per can. Producers and importers are also required to display clear and prominent health warnings on all packaging.

The decision imposes a comprehensive ban on all forms of commercial advertising and sponsorships related to energy drinks, reports Al-Rai daily.

It further prohibits their sale and distribution in government institutions and agencies, as well as in public and private educational institutions at all levels, including schools, institutes and universities.

In addition, the sale and distribution of energy drinks are banned in restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, food trucks, sports clubs, and through self-service vending machines.

The decision also prohibits sales via external ordering and delivery platforms, and regulates permitted product types and sizes.

However, the sale of energy drinks is allowed under specific conditions. Sales may take place only in cooperative societies and supermarkets markets, within designated areas, and under strict supervision by the relevant authorities.

All such sales must fully comply with the stipulated age and quantity restrictions.

The Ministry of Health said the measures form part of broader efforts to regulate the market and limit excessive consumption of energy drinks, particularly among young people.

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi has issued four key ministerial decisions establishing an integrated regulatory framework for imported medical products, human medicines, and cosmetic materials. The measures aim to align Kuwait’s health market with international best practices while enhancing safety, quality, and regulatory efficiency.

The first decision assigns exclusive authority to the Drug and Medical Products Registration and Control Administration to release and authorize the circulation of medical products. It also sets clear requirements for importing human, veterinary, plant, and herbal medicines, as well as health products, cosmetics, medical devices, and laboratory supplies, ensuring product safety from entry into the country to market distribution, reports Al-Rai daily.

The second decision mandates that all human medicines undergo a pre-registration process, allowing electronic verification of certificates to replace paper documentation. It introduces eight regulatory tracks for medicine registration, offering flexibility based on product type and evaluation requirements.

The third decision implements a comprehensive framework defining procedures and conditions for registering and evaluating human medicines. It sets clear timeframes for evaluation processes, improving transparency, predictability, and decision-making efficiency.

The fourth decision establishes regulations for registering cosmetic products for marketing, specifying regulatory requirements and setting the registration validity period at five years. It empowers authorities to suspend or cancel registrations in cases of proven violations by the product, manufacturer, or marketing company, reinforcing consumer protection.

Together, these measures aim to modernize Kuwait’s regulatory system, streamline processes for industry stakeholders, and enhance public confidence in the safety and quality of health and cosmetic products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated India’s space scientists and engineers on the successful launch of the LVM3-M6 mission, which carried the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft of the United States into its designated orbit.

The mission marked the launch of the heaviest satellite ever placed into space from Indian soil, representing a major milestone in India’s space program.

In a message of appreciation, the Prime Minister said the achievement reflects India’s growing technological strength and its commitment to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the successful flight of the LVM3 rocket further establishes India’s reliable heavy-lift launch capability and enhances its standing in the global commercial space market.

“With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships,” Mr Modi said. He added that the achievement underscores the growing impact of India’s space sector, driven largely by the energy and innovation of the country’s youth.

Posting on social media platform X, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as “a significant stride in India’s space sector,” highlighting its importance for both national capability and international collaboration. He said the successful deployment of BlueBird Block-2 not only reinforces India’s launch credentials but also signals its expanding role in the global space economy.

Modi also stressed that the enhanced capacity demonstrated by the LVM3-M6 mission will benefit future generations. “Powered by India’s youth, our space program is getting more advanced and impactful,” he said, adding that the boost to self-reliance and technological capability would have long-term benefits for the country.

He concluded by congratulating the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and all those involved in the mission, saying India continues to “soar higher in the world of space.”

The Middle East is witnessing a remarkable surge in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, outpacing global averages in both usage and workforce upskilling. Driven by government mandates, corporate digital transformation, and a tech-savvy workforce, AI is increasingly shaping productivity, creativity, and economic growth across the region.

According to a recent PwC survey, nearly 75% of employees in the Middle East used AI tools in their work over the past year, compared with a global average of 69%. Generative AI (GenAI) tools are also gaining traction, with 32% of the regional workforce using them daily, surpassing the 28% global average.

The UAE has seen the fastest growth, with AI usage among professionals rising from 56% to 80% within a year, second only to India.

PwC estimates that AI could contribute US$320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia expected to lead the potential GDP impact. Employees report significant benefits: around 8 in 10 say AI has boosted their productivity, enhanced work quality, and increased creativity.

Additionally, 69% of employees have acquired new skills in the past year, while 81% prefer roles offering transferable skill development.

The rise of AI is also reshaping the job landscape. While some routine and entry-level roles face automation risks, new opportunities are emerging in AI strategy, ethics, and innovation management.

The traditional notion of job security is shifting; 85% of employees now link stability to adaptability and technological fluency. Challenges remain, including leadership readiness, data privacy concerns, and potential skill erosion if AI outputs are used without verification.

Governments and industry leaders are actively promoting AI adoption.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are embedding AI into national strategies, such as UAE Vision 2031, establishing specialized institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and integrating AI into public services—the UAE’s HR AI Agent now automates 80% of self-service HR transactions.

Corporates, including Saudi Aramco and G42, are investing in proprietary AI models and data centers, supporting hybrid human-AI teams and workforce training at scale.

As the Middle East positions itself as a global AI hub, employees and organizations alike are embracing innovation while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Meanwhile, reports show global investment activity in data centers surged to a record high in November, fueled by soaring demand for computing infrastructure needed to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies.

According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, more than 100 data center transactions were completed during the month, with a combined value of nearly $61 billion. The deals included mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, and equity investments, underscoring strong investor confidence in the sector.

Interest in data centers has accelerated throughout the year as major technology firms and AI-focused companies commit billions of dollars to expand their digital infrastructure. These investments are seen as critical to meeting the growing needs of AI models, cloud computing, and data-intensive applications.

By the end of November, total global investments in data centers had already exceeded $60.81 billion, surpassing the previous annual record set in 2024.

In North America alone, the cumulative value of data center deals in the United States and Canada since 2019 has reached approximately $160 billion. The Asia-Pacific region recorded around $40 billion, while Europe accounted for about $24.2 billion over the same period.

AI-related companies have been a key driver behind the strong performance of US stock markets this year. However, analysts have also raised concerns about high valuations and the growing reliance on debt-financed spending, questioning how quickly companies will be able to convert massive infrastructure investments into sustainable profits.

An Air India Boeing 777-300ER flight bound for Mumbai returned safely to Delhi on today morning after a technical issue was detected in its right-hand engine.

Flight AI887, carrying approximately 335 passengers, was airborne for nearly an hour following takeoff around 6:30 am when the crew observed that the engine oil pressure on the right engine had dropped to zero during flap retraction. according to PTI.

Following standard operating procedures, the pilots decided to return to Delhi, where the aircraft made an emergency landing without incident.

Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.

The plane is currently undergoing inspections, and alternative arrangements have been made to transport passengers to Mumbai.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation noted that a review of previous records did not indicate any abnormal oil consumption.

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi has issued the executive regulations for Law No. 1 of 1999, as amended, governing health insurance for foreigners, making health insurance mandatory for obtaining residency and visit visas and defining the applicable fees. The regulations are set to take effect on December 23.

Under the new regulations, a 5-dinar fee is imposed for eight categories of entry visas for residency, including:

• Employment in the government sector
• Employment in the private sector
• Engagement in commercial or industrial activities
• Family reunification
• Study
• Foreign investors
• Temporary government contracts
• Temporary employment in the oil sector

The regulations also state that health insurance fees for visit visas are determined in accordance with the private sector health insurance system and apply to nine types of visit permits, namely — government visits, business visits, family visits, private visits, medical visits, multiple-entry visits, tourist visits, sports-related visits, and cultural or social visits, reports Al-Rai daily.

A 5-dinar fee is also set for four additional visa categories — transit entry visas, entry visas for drivers of transport vehicles (trucks and buses), emergency entry visas, and a newly introduced entry category.

For residency permits, the regulations set a health insurance fee of 100 dinars for 10 categories — government and private sector employees, foreign partners, foreign investors, foreign students, foreigners who sponsor themselves, property-owning foreigners, certain categories of former illegal residents (bedoun) who have obtained foreign passports, religious figures such as imams and preachers of Husseiniyas, as well as a newly introduced residency category.

A 10-dinar fee is imposed for establishing work in the private sector under Article 18 for specific professions, including agricultural workers, fishermen, camel and sheep herders, and employees of dairy companies.

The regulations exempt domestic workers and similar categories serving Kuwaiti families from health insurance fees for the first three workers, while a 10-dinar fee is applied for the fourth domestic worker and above.

In addition, the health insurance fee for family reunification has been set at 100 dinars, depending on the residency status of the sponsor.

This applies to family members of government and private sector employees, foreign partners and investors, students, self-sponsored residents, property owners, religious figures, and foreigners who are children of Kuwaiti women who acquired citizenship through dependency.

Meteorologist Issa Ramadan said that today, December 21, will be the longest night and shortest day of the year, as a result of the beginning of the winter solstice, which is an annual astronomical phenomenon.

Ramadan explained the sun will rise at 6:39 am and set at 4:54 pm, making the night hours on this day the longest of the year, compared to the shortest daytime period.

He pointed out that this astronomical event represents the beginning of winter astronomically in the northern hemisphere, after which daylight hours gradually increase, while the night gradually shortens.

The Ministry of Interior has launched a new digital service through the government’s unified “Sahel” application, enabling citizens and residents to verify the status of domestic worker visas before beginning the recruitment process.

The initiative aims to curb duplication, reduce rejected applications, and enhance transparency in a sector considered highly sensitive in the country, The Economic Times (India) reports.

According to the ministry, the service allows users to confirm whether a visa has already been issued for a specific worker, helping streamline procedures and limit administrative errors.

Officials said the move supports broader efforts to modernize public services and protect the rights of all parties involved in domestic labor recruitment.

In a separate development, the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, announced decisions to revoke citizenship in a number of cases.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared glimpses of the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in New Delhi, underscoring India’s commitment to integrating traditional healthcare with modern medical systems.

In his posts on X, the Modi emphasized that the focus of traditional healthcare must go beyond meeting present needs. “We carry an equally important responsibility towards the health and well-being of future generations,” he noted, highlighting India’s vision for a sustainable and holistic approach to wellness.

The Indian Premier further stated that India’s sustained efforts at multiple levels demonstrate that traditional medicine can play an effective and meaningful role, even in critical healthcare situations.

The summit’s exhibition showcased a wide array of herbal remedies and ancient medical systems from around the world, illustrating the growing relevance and potential of traditional medicine in the modern healthcare sector.

The display highlighted India’s leadership in promoting Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and other indigenous practices alongside global systems of traditional medicine.

As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, the ancient medicinal herb widely recognized for its adaptogenic and wellness-promoting properties.

During the summit, Shri Modi also held an enriching discussion with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The discussion focused on the immense potential of traditional medicine in promoting holistic health, preventive care, and overall wellness. Both leaders underlined the importance of evidence-based practices and international cooperation to further integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.

India’s leadership at the summit reaffirms the country’s efforts to elevate traditional medicine on the global stage, fostering research, innovation, and collaboration while preserving centuries-old knowledge systems.

The Prime Minister’s participation and remarks signal India’s commitment to advancing a healthcare model that balances modern science with ancient wisdom, ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations.

Many expatriates in Kuwait are bracing for significant changes to visa and residency costs in 2025. The government has overhauled its fee structure for visit visas, residency renewals, and dependent sponsorships – the first major update in years. These changes affect virtually all expat workers and their families, sparking concerns about higher expenses for visiting relatives and renewing iqama (residence permits).

While officials say the reforms will streamline the system and boost state revenue, expats are worried about the immediate impact on their wallets. From a new KD 10 fee on every visit visa to doubled renewal fees for most residencies, the costs of living and bringing family to Kuwait are rising. Below we break down all the updated fees and rules, compare old vs new charges, and explain what they mean for you as an expat in Kuwait.

New Visit Visa Fees in Kuwait (2025)

Kuwait has introduced a flat KD 10 fee for all types of visit visas as part of the 2025 regulations. This applies to every entry visa, whether for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment, or new employment. Previously, many of these visas were free or charged only a small stamp fee. Now, every visa issuance will cost KD 10.

• Tourist visit visas – KD 10
• Family visit visas – KD 10
• Business/commercial visit visas – KD 10
• Medical treatment visit visas – KD 10
• Work entry visas – KD 10
• Residency entry visas – KD 10

The visit visa can be extended once for another 3 months, and multiple-entry visas valid for 1 year are available (but each stay capped at 30 days).

Updated Residency Renewal Fees

The annual fees for renewing an iqama have increased for most expatriates:

• Government/private sector employees – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Students – KD 20/year
• Clergy/religious workers – KD 20/year
• Foreign investors & property owners – KD 50/year (was ~KD 10)
• Self-sponsored expats (Article 24) – KD 500/year (new category)
• Domestic workers – KD 10/year if sponsored by Kuwaitis

This means most working expats now pay KD 20 annually for their own residency. Specialized residencies like investors and self-sponsored pay significantly more.

Family Visa & Dependent Fees – What Expats Must Know

Bringing or keeping your family in Kuwait has become more expensive. Expatriates must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or children on a dependent visa.

Salary Requirement:

• Minimum income: KD 800 per month
• Degree requirement: Removed (salary only matters now)
• Exemptions: Teachers, nurses, imams, government engineers, and similar professions

Annual Residency Fees per Dependent:

• Spouse/children of private or government workers – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Spouse/children of investors or clergy – KD 40/year
• Spouse/children of self-sponsored expats – KD 100/year
• Parents or other relatives – KD 300/year (was ~KD 200)

Dependents like elderly parents require special approval, and the fees are significantly higher than for immediate family. Overstaying or falling below salary threshold can trigger cancellation of family visas.

Comparison Table: Old Fees vs New Fees

Work Permit Transfer Fee: KD 150 Standard Charge

Starting 2025, all work permit transfers across companies or sectors will require payment of a KD 150 fee. This applies to:

• Private to private company transfers
• Government to private or vice versa
• Local company to free zone or similar

Previously, transfer fees varied widely or were waived in many cases. The KD 150 rule now standardizes the cost for all types of employer transfers.

Other Important Rule Changes for Expats

• Residency stamping for newborns: Must be completed within 60 days of birth in Kuwait
• Health insurance: Mandatory health insurance required at the time of all visa renewals and new entries
• Converting visit visa to residency: Still allowed in some cases (e.g., for spouses/children or new work permit holders), but not for tourists. Official policy has not changed but enforcement varies.

Golden Visa & Long-Term Residency

While there is no confirmed launch of a UAE-style Golden Visa yet, Kuwait’s 2025 regulations introduced a new self-sponsored residency category (Article 24). It costs KD 500/year and is intended for retirees, investors, or those who want to reside in Kuwait independently without a sponsor.

Golden visa legislation has been discussed in Parliament, but no formal announcement or eligibility criteria have been issued as of November 2025.

Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Visa Fees?

The new visa and residency rules in Kuwait will impact:

• Mid-income expats with family: Especially those earning below KD 800, who cannot sponsor spouses or children anymore
• Workers with aging parents: Sponsoring parents now costs KD 300 annually, with stricter approval
• Frequent visitors: KD 10 applies for every short-term visit visa, even for medical or business purposes
• Investors or retirees: Higher fees (KD 50–500) for staying in Kuwait without employment sponsor

Overall, the changes increase costs for most expats – especially those maintaining dependents or switching jobs.

Practical Tips for Expats Planning Travel or Family Visits

• Budget for higher renewal and visit visa costs in 2025
• Confirm your monthly salary is officially recorded over KD 800 before applying for dependent visas
• Speak to your company PRO or mandoub before transferring or sponsoring dependents
• Consider annual health insurance renewal timing – it is now mandatory alongside residency
• Check visa types carefully before travel or conversion requests – visit visas may not convert easily

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the new Kuwait visa fees start?The new fee structure came into effect in 2025, after the executive regulations were published and approved by authorities.How much is the visit visa to Kuwait now?All visit visas now cost KD 10 regardless of type (tourist, family, business, medical, work entry, etc.).What is the new minimum salary to bring family to Kuwait?You must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or child on a dependent visa, with limited profession-based exemptions.How much is the fee to sponsor parents or other relatives?The dependent visa fee for parents and extended relatives is now KD 300 per year. Approval is subject to strict requirements.Are there any exemptions from the new fees?Yes – domestic workers employed by Kuwaiti citizens still pay KD 10. Teachers, medical staff, and clergy may have lower salary rules for family sponsorship.Can visit visas still be converted to residency in Kuwait?Yes, but only in limited cases (e.g., family reunification, approved job offer). Tourists and general visitors cannot convert.Will these fees change again soon?There’s no official statement yet. However, future fee adjustments or exceptions may be made based on government directives or economic needs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest award, ‘The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,’ by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The ceremony was held at the Addis International Convention Centre in Addis Ababa.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi stated that the award recognized Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and his visionary leadership as a global statesman.

The accolade marks a historic milestone in India-Ethiopia relations and underscores the deepening collaboration between the two nations in areas spanning investment, energy, education, and global governance.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, his first bilateral trip to the country in 15 years, has been hailed as a significant step in advancing strategic cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries.

In a landmark victory, senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman president of the Press Club of India (PCI), one of the country’s most prestigious media institutions. Her panel achieved a resounding clean sweep, securing all office-bearer and managing committee positions with an emphatic 21-0 margin, signaling a strong mandate for inclusive leadership amid evolving challenges in the media landscape.

The elections, held on Saturday and with votes counted on Sunday, saw Pisharoty’s team dominate across the board. Afzal Imam clinched the General Secretary post with 948 votes, defeating Gyan Prakash’s 290. Jatin Gandhi secured the Vice President’s role with 1,029 votes, trouncing nearest rival Prahlad Singh Rajput by over 900 votes. Aditi Rajput was elected Treasurer unopposed, while P.R. Sunil took the Joint Secretary position without contest.

For the 16-member Managing Committee, Neeraj Kumar led with 932 votes, followed by Abhishek Kumar Singh (911), Jahanvi Sen (903), Ashok Kaushik (892), Kallol Bhattacharjee (882), Praveen Jain (878), Agraj Pratap Singh (865), Manoj Sharma (861), Nyanima Basu (851), P.B. Suresh (838), V.P. Pandey (833), Prem Bahukhandi (831), Sneha Bhura (829), Javed Akhtar (823), Rezaul Hasan Laskar (781), and Sunil Kumar (780). The diverse lineup spans print, digital, and broadcast journalism, underscoring a broad representational base.

Results were declared Sunday evening by PCI Chief Election Officer M.M.C. Sharma and his team on the Press Club’s lawn, amid a gathering of journalists. Pisharoty, addressing the crowd, attributed the win to members’ faith in her panel’s vision: “This victory reflects the confidence of the Press Club members in the thinking of her panel and its long-term commitment to the values of independent, fair, and responsible journalism.”

Outgoing President Gautam Lahiri expressed gratitude to members and voiced optimism about the new team’s direction: “I was confident that the new team would make the Press Club more inclusive, responsive, and in tune with the challenges of the times.”

The decisive outcome highlights robust support for Pisharoty’s leadership at a pivotal moment for Indian journalism, as the industry grapples with issues of press freedom, ethical standards, and institutional resilience. The incoming administration is poised to prioritize journalist welfare and reforms, fostering a more equitable space for the fraternity in the national capital.

The Ministry of Justice has announced the launch of a new digital service enabling users to obtain the full text of court judgments through the unified government electronic services application, Sahel, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital transformation and streamline procedures for litigants.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said the service allows individuals to access the complete text of rulings directly through the application, without the need to visit courts, for submission to government bodies and entities that require official judgments, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The ministry stressed that the initiative aims to save time and effort for litigants by reducing visits to court facilities, accelerating the completion of transactions, and easing administrative burdens.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to expanding user-friendly digital services that simplify procedures and remove obstacles facing the public.

It noted that on November 18 it had also launched the “Family Insurance Fund Certificates” and “Court of Cassation Citation” services via the Sahel app, further supporting its goal of delivering efficient and accessible electronic services.

Anahat Singh applied the finishing touches as India created history by defeating top seeds Hong Kong China in the final to win the Squash World Cup 2025 title at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Sunday.

The win marked India’s maiden Squash World Cup title, improving on their previous best finish of a bronze medal at the 2023 edition.

The Indian squash team, seeded second, did not lose a single match en route to the title.

After blanking Switzerland and Brazil by identical 4-0 margins in the group stage ties, India dominated South Africa and two-time winners Egypt 3-0 in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively, to earn a title clash at the mixed-team squash event.

On Sunday, veteran Joshna Chinappa, 79th in the PSA rankings, gave India the perfect start as she stunned world No. 37 Lee Ka Yi 3-1 (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1) in the opening women’s singles rubber.

Asian Games medalist Abhay Singh, India’s best-ranked men’s singles player at world No. 29, followed up perfectly as he did not drop a beat and outplayed the 42nd-ranked Alex Lau 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-4) in 19 minutes to give India a 2-0 lead.

Playing to seal off a win and a historic title, the 17-year-old Anahat Singh stepped up and handled the pressure spectacularly.
Up against world No. 31 Tomato Ho, the Indian squash player, ranked 28th, was clinical as she picked up a 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) win in the third rubber, ensuring India did not need men’s singles national champion Velavan Senthilkumar to enter the court against Henry Leung in the final match.

“An unbelievable evening, what more can I say?” Abhay Singh said. “I am so privileged to be able to do this with some really legendary teammates and what an end to the year and what a week.”

The victory also made India only the fourth nation after Australia, England and Egypt to win the Squash World Cup title in its five editions. This was also the third straight time that the meet was held in Chennai.

Squash is all set to make its Olympic debut at LA 2028.

Attorney General Saad Al-Safran has announced the creation of the Banking Affairs Prosecution Office, a specialized body dedicated to investigating banking-related crimes.

The move is described as one of the most significant steps in recent years to protect Kuwait’s banking system.

The new office will primarily focus on cases of electronic fraud, bank forgery, and issuing checks without sufficient funds, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to a statement from the Public Prosecution Office, the initiative comes in response to rapid financial transformations, making such a specialized entity an urgent necessity to strengthen confidence in banking transactions.

Attorney General Al-Safran emphasized that the office will mark a qualitative leap in combating banking crimes and enhancing the efficiency of investigative and prosecutorial procedures.

The selection of staff for the Banking Affairs Prosecution Office will be based on strict criteria, prioritizing professional competence and practical experience.

The goal is to build a capable system that can effectively confront modern banking crimes, which are evolving at an increasingly rapid pace.

For the first time, the office will also prepare periodic analytical studies and reports monitoring banking crime methods. These reports aim to develop practical solutions to mitigate such crimes, positioning the office as a key source of information and analysis in the field.

In addition to investigations, the office will launch legal awareness programs targeting both institutions and individuals. These initiatives will focus on cybercrime awareness, detailing the procedures taken against offenders, and keeping pace with evolving methods of electronic fraud.

The office will also implement initiatives to track emerging crime patterns and intervene promptly to reduce their impact on the financial sector.

This move is viewed as a major step toward securing the national economy, enhancing the integrity of financial transactions, and creating a stable and secure economic environment for individuals and businesses alike.

The Banking Affairs Prosecution Office is slated to begin operations in 2026, ushering in a new phase of professional and robust action against financial crimes in Kuwait.

Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi affirmed on Saturday that the land designated for the Kuwait Geopark project is unique, stressing that efforts are underway to invest in the site in an attractive and sustainable manner that reflects its environmental, geological and historical significance.

Al-Mutairi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the Kuwait Geopark site, which is supervised by the Ministry of Information and implemented by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in partnership with the Tourism Projects Company, the Earth Sciences Association, and a number of state entities, reports Al-Rai daily.

The visit was to review progress on the ongoing works and monitor preparations at the site, as part of national efforts to highlight Kuwait’s natural and cultural heritage and promote cultural and educational tourism.

The minister emphasized that the project seeks to transform challenges into opportunities through cooperation among all stakeholders, noting that government agencies and the private sector are jointly implementing an integrated national project based on a site of exceptional environmental importance.

He added that a range of activities will be launched within the Geopark to translate the project’s vision into a tangible reality.

Al-Mutairi said early indicators show that the site will become an attractive destination in Kuwait, explaining that the project reflects the country’s environmental and climatic nature and is linked to land with distinct geological characteristics.

He noted that the Geopark will serve as a unique destination for tourists from within and outside Kuwait, offering scientific content and diverse services to create a new desert-themed tourism experience that distinguishes Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

He described the project as an ambitious and promising start, stressing the Ministry of Information’s commitment to expanding partnerships and enabling all parties to contribute their expertise. He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to strengthening Kuwait’s tourism ecosystem in cooperation with government bodies, the private sector and civil society through high-quality, distinctive projects.

Mohammed Al-Abduljalil, Deputy CEO for Planning and Innovation at the KOC, said the Geopark site holds exceptional historical value due to its association with archaeological sites dating back to the Ubaid civilization, which flourished between approximately 5500 and 4900 BC.

He noted that this period represents one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Gulf region and reflects early human settlement and cultural interaction along the Gulf’s coasts, giving the site profound historical and human significance.

Al-Abduljalil explained that KOC is responsible for supervising and implementing construction and development works at the site, drawing on its extensive technical and field experience in managing desert and environmental locations.

He added that the company is committed to executing the project according to the highest environmental and technical standards, ensuring the preservation of the site’s geological nature and the protection of its historical landmarks as part of its social and national responsibility.

Located north of Kuwait Bay, the Kuwait Geopark project is a national initiative aimed at reinforcing Kuwait’s position as a global destination for geology, archaeology, natural heritage and human history.

The project is envisioned as an open-air museum and a “living memory” of the country’s environmental and cultural legacy.

The project also seeks to enhance Kuwait’s international standing through inclusion in the global network of geoparks affiliated with UNESCO, while highlighting the historical depth that forms a core part of Kuwait’s national identity.

In addition, it aims to develop eco-tourism and geo-tourism as promising economic sectors that support income diversification, protect natural and geological heritage, raise public awareness through education and interactive experiences, and stimulate scientific research and innovation in earth sciences, environmental studies and cultural heritage.

The first phase of the Kuwait Geopark covers an area of 20 square kilometers, while the second phase will extend to 1,000 square kilometers. Planned facilities include geological and heritage activity centers, cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and a dedicated stargazing platform.

Site managers have completed securing and surveying the area, repairing the outer wall, installing the main entrance gate, and planting more than 1,500 native plants, including ghaf, awake, tamarisk, acacia, sedge and wild jujube, in addition to sowing sedge seeds across the site.