Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy in Kuwait in which a number of Indian nationals died and many were injured, at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi earlier today.

Prime Minister expressed his deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He wished speedy recovery of those injured.

Prime Minister directed that Government of India should extend all possible assistance. MOS External Affairs should immediately travel to Kuwait to oversee the relief measures and facilitate expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains.

Prime Minister announced ex- gratia relief of Rupees 2 lakh to the families of the deceased India nationals from Prime Minister Relief Fund.

The Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, Principal Secretary to PM Shri Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

 A devastating fire engulfed a six-storeyed building in the Mangaf block of Kuwait's Ahmadi Governorate on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people, including 14 Malayalis.

Out of the 49 fatalities in the Al-Mangaf building, 42 were Indians, while the remaining victims were Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali nationals. The casualties also included people from other Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Currently, 35 individuals are under intensive care, with seven reported to be in critical condition. Five are on ventilator support. The injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra hospitals.

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, is traveling to Kuwait following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive. Singh's primary objectives are to assist the injured Indians and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased's remains. Authorities have announced that DNA testing will be conducted to identify some victims.

List of Keralites Who Perished in the Fire:

1. Akash S Nair (23) from Pandalam - Worked in Kuwait for 6 years.
2. Umarudheen Shameer (33) from Kollam Pooyappally - A driver in Kuwait.
3. Stefin Abraham Sabu (29) from Kottayam Pampady - An engineer.
4. KR Ranjith (34) from Kundadukam, Kasaragod - A store-keeper in Kuwait for 10 years.
5. Kelu Ponmaleri (55) from Kasaragod - A production engineer, survived by his wife K N Mani and two sons.
6. P V Muraleedharan from Vazhamuttom, Pathanamthitta - Worked in Kuwait for 30 years as a senior supervisor in the fabrication division.
7. Sajan George from Punalur, Kollam - A chemical engineer.
8. Lukose (48) from Velichikala, Kollam - Worked in Kuwait for 18 years.
9. Saju Varghese (56) from Konni.
10. Thomas Oommen from Tiruvalla.
11. Viswas Krishnan from Dharmadom, Kannur.
12. Nooh from Kootayi, Tirur, Malappuram.
13. MP Bahulayan from Malappuram.
14. Srihari Pradeep from Changanassery, Kottayam.

Other Indians Identified:

1. Thomas Joseph
2. Praveen Madhav
3. Bhoonath Richard Roy Anand
4. Anil Giri
5. Muhammad Shareef
6. Dwarikesh Patnaik
7. Viswas Krishnan
8. Arun Babu
9. Raymond
10. Jesus Lopez
11. Denny Baby Karunakaran

The Indian Embassy has set up a helpline at +965-65505246 (available for WhatsApp and regular calls) for family members seeking information. Regular updates are being provided through this helpline.

Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib has warned against leaving mobile phones, portable chargers (power banks) and highly flammable materials like perfumes and others in vehicles in light of the extremely high temperature during summer in order to prevent fire. In a statement to the daily, Al-Gharib also clarified there is no truth to the allegation that completely filling up a vehicle’s fuel tank during summer could lead to fire or explosion due to the high temperature. He said “this is not dangerous, because vehicles have a safety system that protects them even if the fuel tank is full.

Car engines and fuel operating systems are specially designed to adapt to the hot climate.” He stressed the necessity of installing smoke and gas detectors in homes, performing regular maintenance on vehicles and ensuring their safety so that they are not exposed to fire; in addition to the importance of having a fire extinguisher in vehicles, homes and boats to immediately deal with fire emergencies and to extinguish the fire before the situation worsens.

He advised citizens and expatriates that if they go to beaches, waterfronts, chalets, farms or rest houses; they have to pay attention to children and not leave them alone to prevent drowning — Allah forbid — as it happened in previous years. He said those wishing to go on sea excursions must adhere to safe sailing procedures; such as wearing a life jacket, informing the Operations Unit by calling hotline number 112 about their location and the number of people, and ensuring that the weather condition is stable. He confirmed that all fire stations in the governorates are always ready to deal with fire reports quickly; wishing at the same time, for the safety of everyone.

In a recent press statement, Muhammad Sandan, the Director of the Public Relations Department and official spokesman for Kuwait Municipality, clarified that all services provided by the Funeral Affairs Department are entirely free of charge. These services encompass transporting the body, preparing it, washing it, shrouding it, and burial at the cemetery.

Sandan addressed misconceptions regarding the alleged mandatory purchase of a shroud for 30 dinars. He emphasized that this information is inaccurate and that purchasing a shroud is an optional service for those who prefer to handle the preparations at their own expense.

He reiterated that the service of preparing and purchasing a coffin has been available for years due to requests from citizens who wished to manage the preparation of bodies privately. To accommodate these requests, the Kuwait Municipality offers this service optionally. The municipality has also introduced a “barcode” system for easy payment through the official municipal website for those who opt to purchase the shroud and equipment, which costs 30 dinars.

Sandan underscored that these services are provided to facilitate citizens’ needs and that no compulsory fees are associated with the funeral services offered by the municipality.

The Ministry of Health has amended the healthcare fees for foreigners, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The amendment exempts illegal residents (Bedouns) holding valid security cards, children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis, non-Kuwaiti men married to Kuwaiti women, citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member-states provided they hold valid civil identification cards or passports, scholarship students, wards of social care centers, youths below 18 years old who are suffering from cancer, non-Kuwaiti children below 12 years old who have severe disabilities, prisoners, domestic workers staying in domestic labor shelters, and members of official envoys and transit passengers.

The illegal residents (Bedouns) with expired security cards and registered in the health insurance system will pay KD10. Expatriates and diplomats registered in the health insurance system will pay KD2 as service fee in addition to KD5 for medicines. Visitors who are not registered in the health insurance system will pay KD10. Domestic workers will pay KD1 for services and medicines. Non-Kuwaiti employees in ministries and their family members will pay KD2 for services in addition to KD5 for medicines. They are exempted from the X-Ray and nuclear medicine fees.

A recent study has confirmed that healthcare workers, particularly those in primary healthcare centers, experience significantly higher rates of violence compared to workers in other fields. The findings reveal alarming statistics about the prevalence of verbal and physical abuse faced by dispensary staff, including doctors and nurses.

The following are the key findings: Overall Exposure to Violence

85.9% of dispensary staff, totaling 383 individuals, have experienced some form of violence; 77.3% have been subjected to physical violence; 48.8% have faced psychological violence; 20.3% have encountered verbal assault; 15% have been bullied; 1.9% have experienced sexual harassment and 6.4% have been targets of racism. Expatriate Workers

76.7% of expatriate doctors and nurses, totaling 294 individuals, have reported experiencing violence Gender and Occupational Differences

Women are more frequently subjected to all types of violence than men in primary health care centers; Nurses face higher rates of violent practices compared to doctors and this trend is consistent in countries such as Kuwait, Serbia, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Hoda Al-Ghareeb, a contributor to the study, emphasized the severe impact of such violence on healthcare personnel. The study warns of the critical need to address and mitigate the high rates of violence against healthcare workers, stressing that those in primary healthcare settings are at a substantially greater risk of verbal and physical abuse than professionals in other fields. The findings underscore the urgent need for policies and measures to protect healthcare workers from violence and ensure a safer working environment.

The study highlights the importance of addressing this issue to safeguard the well-being of those dedicated to providing essential health services. A study conducted by Dr. Hoda Al- Gharib, a family medicine consultant at the Ministry of Health, highlights the prevalence of violence in primary healthcare environments and its detrimental effects on work efficiency, employee health, societal behaviors, healthcare costs, and job satisfaction. This study underscores the critical need to address and mitigate violence in healthcare settings, particularly in primary healthcare centers, to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both healthcare providers and patients.

The Public Authority for Manpower revealed that the Authority is consistently working to enhance online systems and integrate services and procedures within the Sahel application, alongside the Ashal service and other online services provided by the Authority.

This initiative is part of the Authority’s commitment to streamline and automate all procedures to achieve complete digitalization. The goal is to facilitate and expedite the completion of transactions for business owners, encompassing everything from opening files and registering national and expatriate workers to needs assessment services and inspections.

The Authority has launched several platforms, including the “Fakhruna” platform, designed for recruiting Kuwaiti national citizens. This platform benefits job seekers in the private sector and includes services such as the disbursement of a job search allowance for eligible individuals, requests for graduate stipends, and unemployment insurance. It also addresses graduates’ bonus grievances and provides a service for applying for the graduates’ bonus.

Additionally, the platform offers services for submitting requests to disburse graduates’ stipends and unemployment allowances and completing graduates’ transactions. It also facilitates access to job search allowances and unemployment insurance and showcases job opportunities provided by companies through the Authority’s website.

The source added that the Authority enables Kuwaiti nationals to register via online forms of Ashal service, which streamlines 71 automated procedures within companies.

‎His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, sends a cable of congratulations to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on the occasion of the victory of the Indian People’s Party (BJP) in the parliamentary elections and his swearing-in as Prime Minister for a new term. ‎

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah sends a cable of congratulations to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on the occasion of the victory of the Indian People’s Party (BJP) in the parliamentary elections and his swearing-in as Prime Minister for a new term.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has warned that failure to amend the address in the civil identification card could lead to a fine not exceeding KD100 as per Law No. 32/1982. PACI recently published an announcement on the Official Gazette ‘Kuwait Al-Youm’ about the deletion of the addresses of 397 people based on the house owner’s acknowledgment or due to the demolition of the building.

It urged all those whose residential addresses were deleted and whose names were published in the gazette must register the new address and submit the supporting documents within 30 days from the date of publication. It stressed that failure to register the new address warrants a fine not exceeding KD100 as per Law No. 32/1982. In this context, PACI recently announced the launching of a new service through the unified government application, ‘Sahel’.

It disclosed that the ‘Address Availability’ service enables the user to inquire about the availability of a residential address in its records and amend the status if necessary in order to avoid paying the stipulated fine. In other news, the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has vehemently denied the rumor about the collection of fees for the authentication process on ‘My Identity’ (Kuwait Mobile ID) application. PACI stressed that it provides services through the application for free; including authentication, e-signature and sending notifications.

Narendra Modi, leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken oath as India's prime minister for a third time. The ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president.

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi, followed by other members of his team of ministers.

Thousands of guests have been attending his inauguration at Delhi's Presidential Palace. The swearing-in ceremony is being attended by Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif.

Apart from two terms as Prime Minister beginning 2014, Narendra Modi also has the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat with his term spanning from October 2001 to May 2014.

His previous two terms as Prime Minister have been marked by several key initiatives.

PM Modi has laid thrust on the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' and on "development-oriented and corruption-free governance".

PM Modi has worked with speed and scale and ensured last-mile delivery of schemes and services.

His initiatives include Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Housing for All, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, UDAN, Make in India.

The Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Al-Wasmi, has announced the forthcoming launch of 19 new electronic services by the Ministry of Justice within the year. In addition, 10 new notifications will be activated through the unified government application for electronic services, “Sahel.”

Dr. Al-Wasmi revealed that during the year 2023, the “Sahel” application facilitated over 1,220,000 electronic transactions and delivered more than 4 million notifications to its users.

Emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation, Dr. Al-Wasmi stated that the Ministry of Justice is intensifying its efforts to expand its digital services. The primary objective is to enhance customer service by focusing on the ease and quality of electronic services available through the “Sahel” app.

The Traffic Department has begun tracking vehicles with expired insurance using advanced traffic camera technology installed in security patrols and on all ring, main, and internal roads. According to a recent report, since the implementation of this modern system, patrol teams have seized 176 vehicles that were either wanted or lacked valid insurance.

Last week, officials registered 3,186 traffic violations and impounded 176 vehicles and 26 motorcycles. They arrested 43 violators and reckless drivers, referred 18 juveniles to the Juvenile Prosecution for driving without licenses, and detained 31 individuals wanted for security and criminal cases, as well as residency law violations. Additionally, three people were arrested for narcotic substance use.

The Traffic Operations Sector has developed an integrated traffic security plan to manage the traffic situation, focusing on vehicles without valid insurance and addressing the issue of juveniles driving, particularly during the summer vacation, officials said.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has officially denied circulating claims on social media regarding the imposition of financial fees for using authentication processes through the My ID application, as reported by the Al-Rai newspaper.

In a recent statement, the Authority confirmed that the My ID application remains free for all its services, including authentication, electronic signature, and notifications. PACI assured the public that no financial charges are imposed for these processes.

The clarification aims to dispel any misinformation and reassure users of the continued free access to My ID services.

Citizens and residents were cautioned against unreliable websites for booking chalets during the summer vacation, as hundreds have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes involving fake reservations and payments. Fraudsters are active on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, enticing victims with attractive prices lower than usual. Security sources reveal that scammers exploit the summer holidays and Eid al-Adha to prey on people’s eagerness to vacation in chalets. Some create fake accounts and websites, luring victims with enticing offers before disappearing after receiving deposits or payments.

The Cybercrime Department has received numerous complaints related to fraudulent chalet reservations, with perpetrators being tracked down and legal action taken against them. Scammers often operate from abroad to evade prosecution. Experts emphasize the importance of verifying rental sites and confirming chalet details before making any payments. Victims can file fraud cases and seek legal assistance to recover losses. Dr. Safaa Zaman, President of the Information Security Association, warns that social engineering techniques are evolving, making fraud detection more challenging.

The spread of advanced technologies further facilitates fraud operations, emphasizing the need for legislation to regulate technology use. Specialist Qusai Al-Shatti advises verifying advertisements and the authenticity of rental entities or brokers. Families are urged to exercise caution and report suspicious activities to security authorities to avoid falling victim to scams.

Fraud carries penalties of imprisonment and fines, with civil compensation lawsuits available for victims. Lawyer Inaam Haider stresses the importance of legal recourse for recovering embezzled amounts and damages. As fraud methods become increasingly sophisticated, public awareness and legislative measures are crucial for combating cybercrime and protecting individuals from financial losses.

Kuwait is set to enter the ‘Al Thuraiya’ season, which begins tomorrow, Friday, and will last for 13 days. This season is characterized by a rise in temperatures and the onset of dust storms.

According to a statement issued by the Al-Ajiri Scientific Center on Thursday, during this time, plants start to dry out, and dust waves become more frequent.

Kuwait Airways is excited to announce several job openings! Join our dynamic team and contribute to our mission of providing world-class aviation services. We have the following positions available:

1. Sales Representative - Kuwait City, Kuwait (Full-Time)
2. Officer Ticketing, Sales - Kuwait City, Kuwait (Full-Time)
3. Chief Security Coordinator - Hyderabad, India (Full-Time)

For detailed job descriptions and requirements, please visit the following link: Kuwait Airways Careers.

Apply now and take the next step in your career with Kuwait Airways!

To enhance attendance monitoring, the Ministry of Health has decided to apply the “fingerprint system” to all employees of the Ministry’s office and central departments, whether those practicing the profession or holding a public job. This decision also extends to all those assigned to work overtime.

The decision states that all sectors concerned with monitoring working hours in the Ministry’s office and the central departments shall undertake the necessary measures to take the fingerprint of employees who have not previously been fingerprinted, starting today until July 4. The decision excludes the categories scheduled to be exempted from fingerprinting.

In a separate development, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health has issued an administrative decision to form an investigation committee into the suspicion of seizure of medicines from a primary health care center. The agent also decided to suspend the head of the pharmacy from work for the sake of investigation, in implementing the provisions of Article 30 of Decree Law No. 15 of 1979 regarding civil service.

The Ministry confirmed, in a press statement, that it took the initiative to take measures based on urgent instructions from the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi after there was suspicion of seizure by one of the parties outside the pharmacy affiliated with the same center.

Implementing the fingerprint attendance system and investigating the suspected medicine seizure reflects the Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and the proper management of its resources. These measures aim to strengthen the Ministry’s operations and maintain the public’s trust in the healthcare system.

In a recent decision, the Kuwait Cabinet has directed the Minister of Public Works to initiate the replacement of road names across Kuwait with numerical designations. This directive excludes roads honoring heads of state and those named after foreign countries or cities as part of reciprocal agreements.

Per the cabinet's resolution, the naming of roads, roundabouts, and similar infrastructure will be restricted to honor sultans, kings, rulers, princes, and heads of state exclusively. Additionally, it emphasized that naming roads, streets, and squares after nations and capitals must adhere to reciprocity principles outlined in relevant protocols and regulations.