Remittances by the Indian expats in Kuwait reached approximately 2.1 billion dinars (around 6.3 billion dollars) in 2023, constituting 4.8% of the total remittances from Indians abroad, totaling 125 billion dollars. New Delhi is pushing a proposal at the World Trade Organization to slash the costs of cross-border transfers and bolster the digital payment infrastructure’s interoperability and connectivity reports First Post.

Officials quoted by the newspaper stated that the proposal aims to save developing countries 30 to 40 billion dollars, with 78% of last year’s total remittance flows, amounting to $860 billion, directed towards low- and middle-income countries. They emphasized India’s goal of reducing remittance transaction costs to under 3% and eliminating remittance corridors with costs exceeding 5% by 2030, aligning with the World Trade Organization’s development agenda to diminish inequality within and between nations.

The proposal highlighted that fees on transfers below $200 to overseas workers could soar up to 10%, sometimes reaching 15 to 20%. The average global remittance cost was reported at 6.18%, double the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of 3%. The reduction in costs is anticipated to benefit numerous countries, with India projected to be the primary beneficiary, followed by Mexico ($67 billion), China ($50 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion), and Egypt ($24 billion). India has the largest number of immigrants abroad, around 17.9 million, with remittances contributing 3.4% to its GDP.

The Indian proposal advocates for interoperability and connectivity in digital payments infrastructure, emphasizing that digital transfers cost significantly less than non-digital transactions, with an average global cost of 4.84%. Switching from cash to digital transfers could yield substantial cost reductions, with digital platforms offering faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions. Moreover, linking national digital payment systems across borders could eliminate the necessity for foreign currency transfers.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education Anwar Al-Hamdan has specified the official working hours during the holy month of Ramadan based on the flexible working hours system, reports Al-Jarida daily. In a circular on the Ramadan working hours, Al-Hamdan announced that the working hours in the offices of the minister, undersecretary and public relations will be from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm; and from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm for the financial, legal, and administrative sectors.

She said the number of working hours from Sunday to Thursday during Ramadan will be four and a half hours per day, without prejudice to the provisions on the grace period for the employees — 15 minutes at the beginning of the work day for all employees and another 15 minutes before the end of the day for females.

She elaborated that working hours in the Financial Affairs Sector and its departments, the Legal Affairs Sector and its departments, and the Administrative Affairs Sector and its departments are from 9:00 am until 1:30 pm. She added the working hours in the private and special education sectors and their departments, the Information Systems Sector and its departments, the Educational Research and Curricula Sector and its departments, the Educational Development Sector and its departments, the Educational Facilities and Planning Sector and its departments, the Public Education Sector and its departments, and the Educational Districts General Department will be from 9:30 am until 2:00 pm.

She said the Ramadan working hours for the Office of the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research; Public Relations and Educational Media Department; National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; Supreme Council for Education, and Office of the Undersecretary are from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Following last week’s reassurances from the Ministry of Education that the implementation of the “Education” program was still in its experimental phase until issues were resolved, the Ministry has initiated an extensive review process for the post-secondary certificates of its employees dating back to the year 2000. This move has raised concerns among both Kuwaitis and expats in the education sector.

Sources have revealed to Al-Seyassah that the Ministry of Education is currently compiling a list of all its employees, estimated to be around 140,000 individuals across various fields. Employees have been instructed to submit scanned copies of their academic qualifications and transcripts certified by the relevant authorities in the country of issuance for equivalence verification by the Ministry of Higher Education.

The Ministry has already commenced the verification process, collecting data such as employee names, civil ID numbers, workplaces, areas of specialization, university degrees, graduation years, and more through integrated systems. This action comes in response to a request from the Civil Service Commission for all ministries and government entities to provide comprehensive data for scrutiny of post-high school educational certificates to combat forgery. Forgery of certificates is considered a felony under the law, punishable by imprisonment for at least five years, hefty fines, and publication of the forged certificate holder’s name, with repercussions lasting up to 10 years on their criminal record, rendering them ineligible for employment.

In a separate educational development, the Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Anwar Al-Hamdan, issued rotation decisions affecting several departments and educational regions. These decisions include reassigning individuals to various administrative roles within the ministry, aimed at optimizing organizational efficiency and resource management

In a bid to rectify the situation and safeguard Kuwaiti national identity, the Council of Ministers has taken a decisive step by revoking the citizenship of 11 individuals, as per the provisions outlined in Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 concerning the Nationality Law. This action follows the endorsement of the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef. They were naturalized citizens from Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt.

During the recent session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah, Al-Yousef elaborated on the committee’s recommendation to revoke Kuwaiti citizenship from individuals who acquired it unlawfully through deception, false information, or fraudulent certificates. Additionally, citizenship will be withdrawn from those who obtained it illegally through dependency, as well as individuals against whom final rulings have been issued by the provisions of Articles 13 and 21 bis (a) of Kuwaiti Nationality Law No. 15 of 1959 and its subsequent amendments.

In its ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience, WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, is preparing to introduce a novel feature enabling users to send messages to third-party apps like Signal and Telegram. This anticipated update, labeled as version 2.24.6.2, was unveiled by WABetaInfo.This forward-thinking initiative by WhatsApp is in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), emphasizing chat interoperability to facilitate seamless communication across diverse platforms. In compliance with the DMA, WhatsApp had previously announced the beta testing of a chat interoperability feature in version 2.24.5.18 for Android. The recent examination of the 2.24.5.20 beta update on the Google Play Store indicates the

active development of a specialized chat information screen for third-party chats.The chat information screen, showcased in a screenshot by WABetaInfo, provides essential details. Acknowledging the absence of profile names and photos for third-party chats, WhatsApp intends to display the default profile photo alongside the name of the third-party app associated with the chat.

Users will have the flexibility to manage which apps can interact with their WhatsApp account, ensuring a customized experience.However, certain restrictions will apply to third-party chats within WhatsApp. Notably, group chats involving third-party apps and making calls through these apps will not be supported initially. Initially, communication with third-party chats may be limited to text messages, with potential expansions in future updates. Crucially, users will have the option to manually enable the interoperability service, making it an elective feature.In addition to this advancement, WhatsApp is also developing a new privacy feature designed to prevent users from capturing screenshots of others’ profile pictures.

The beta version, accessible on the Google Play Store, introduces a notification that appears when attempting to capture a screenshot, stating ‘Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions.’ While currently available to select beta testers, this privacy feature is anticipated to roll out to all users in the coming weeks.

The Space Museum at the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center has unveiled the anticipated start date of Ramadan, slated for Monday, March 11.

Utilizing sophisticated calculations and simulations, the museum's planetarium forecasts the visibility of the crescent moon just 11 minutes post-sunset on Sunday, March 10. Khalid Al-Jumaan, the museum's supervisor, underscored the advanced capabilities of the planetarium in accurately simulating celestial phenomena. He further predicted that the midpoint of Ramadan would occur on Monday, March 25, followed by the commencement of Shawwal (Eid AlFitr) on Wednesday, April 10.

The committee will deliberate on the Ministry of the Interior’s memorandum, highlighting the collaborative efforts undertaken with relevant authorities to address traffic congestion issues, particularly in the Sabah Al-Salem suburb and nationwide. The positive impact of these initiatives on traffic flow in the area has been duly noted, reports Al-Qabas daily. Furthermore, the Ministry convened a meeting involving all stakeholders to discuss proposed solutions for alleviating traffic congestion and to establish a timeline for their implementation. Noteworthy electronic procedures implemented by the Ministry include:

– Adoption of the digital license through the “Kuwait Mobile ID” application, eliminating the need for printed IDs for expatriates.

– Networking between the Ministry and the Public Authority for Manpower to ensure compliance with traffic-related violations.

– Streamlined online renewal process for driving licenses via the govt web applications or the Ministry’s website.

– Online verification of licenses to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, and cancellation of licenses if found in violation.

In terms of procedural steps, stringent measures have been enforced for the driving test, requiring candidates to pass theoretical and practical examinations as per traffic laws and regulations.

Additionally, the Ministry is exploring the implementation of an integrated driving test among Gulf Cooperation Council countries to enhance efficiency. Moreover, modern equipment has been adopted for vehicle inspection, with plans to upgrade technical inspection centers for enhanced efficiency. Legislative amendments, including proposed revisions to traffic laws, have been submitted for approval.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, several vital road development projects are underway.

These include consultancy agreements for the development of ring roads and key thoroughfares, as well as contracts for infrastructure development in various regions, such as South Surra and the vicinity of the Avenues Mall. Identifying 39 major congestion sites, the Ministry is actively engaged in developing solutions in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works. A comprehensive traffic study has been recommended by the General Traffic Department to analyze traffic patterns and develop strategic plans for mitigating congestion, including the integration of the national metro project and mass transit buses.

When planning to exit Kuwait, especially for expatriates who expect to receive payments such as indemnity, MEW deposit, or other benefits after their departure, it's crucial to strategize the collection of these funds to avoid any financial losses. Based on the shared experience and advice, here's a detailed guide on how to secure your money before exiting Kuwait, with actionable steps and examples to illustrate the process.

Understand Bank Account Operations Post-Exit

Firstly, it’s essential to understand how your bank account operates after you cancel your residence in Kuwait. The account remains active until the expiry of your Civil ID (CID), allowing for online transactions and ATM withdrawals if you provide your ATM card to a trusted friend or relative. However, post-CID expiry, the account transitions to a state where deposits are allowed, but withdrawals are not, essentially freezing your funds.

Key Steps:

1. Check CID Expiry: Before planning your exit, check the expiry date of your Civil ID. This date becomes crucial as your bank account remains fully operational until then.
2. Plan Your Exit Strategically: Aim to leave Kuwait at least 4 months before your CID expires. This gap provides a buffer for receiving any pending payments like indemnity or deposits directly into your bank account.
3. Appoint a Trusted Representative: Draft a power of attorney in favor of a reliable person (a relative or a trustworthy friend) whose residence in Kuwait will continue. This legal document should grant them the authority to manage your bank account fully, including withdrawals, after you've left Kuwait.

Case Examples and Lessons Learned

Example 1: Successful Collection of Indemnity

A healthcare professional, before leaving Kuwait, prepared a power of attorney for a colleague, granting them complete operational control over their bank account. Despite leaving Kuwait, the professional successfully received their indemnity a year later, thanks to the proactive legal and banking arrangements made prior to their departure.

Example 2: Loss Due to Restricted Power of Attorney

In another case, an individual granted a power of attorney limited to withdrawal rights to a cousin. However, when the bank deducted 900 KD for unspecified reasons, and the cousin sought clarification, it was revealed that the power of attorney did not include rights to access account statements or query transactions. This limitation led to an inability to contest or understand the bank's actions fully.

Example 3: Forfeited MEW Deposit

An expatriate lost 125 KD of their MEW deposit because they were unaware that their bank account would become non-operational for withdrawals post-CID expiry. This loss underscores the importance of timely action and awareness of banking rules.

Actionable Advice:

• Legal Documentation: When preparing a power of attorney, ensure it grants comprehensive control over your bank account to prevent any limitations on account management. Consult with a legal professional to draft this document accurately.
• Bank Consultation: Before finalizing any legal documents, consult with your bank to understand their specific requirements and procedures for power of attorney, ensuring all actions taken are in line with banking policies.
• Monitor Transactions: If possible, monitor your bank account online and stay in communication with your appointed representative to keep track of any incoming payments or unexpected deductions.

Conclusion

Exiting Kuwait requires careful financial planning to ensure you do not lose out on money rightfully owed to you. By understanding the operational status of your bank account post-exit, planning your departure date wisely, and setting up a legally sound and comprehensive power of attorney, you can safeguard your assets. Always seek professional advice when dealing with legal documents and banking procedures to navigate this process effectively.

In compliance with directives from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, the Ministry of Interior emphasizes the prohibition of unauthorized gatherings or marches, except as permitted by established laws and regulations.

The General Administration of Security Relations and Media urges all individuals to adhere to the legal requirements and regulations governing the organization of gatherings or marches. It emphasizes that conducting such events without obtaining proper authorization from relevant authorities constitutes a violation of the law, subjecting individuals to legal consequences.

Furthermore, the Ministry prohibits the dissemination of advertisements on social media platforms promoting unauthorized gatherings or marches. It stresses that no permits have been issued by the Ministry for such events advertised on social media, and calls on all parties to respect and comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

Starting today, the Ministry of Interior has set three months to collect biometric fingerprints from all citizens and residents. Individuals who fail to comply within this time frame will have their transactions with the ministry frozen, such as renewing residency permits, vehicle registrations, and driving licenses, reports Al- Rai daily. According to security sources, the deadline is set for June 1.

Approximately 670,000 people, primarily residents, are yet to undergo the fingerprinting process. Since the initiation of the biometric fingerprint project last year, the General Department of Criminal Evidence has recorded about 1.78 million citizens and residents who have undergone fingerprinting at various land, air, and sea border crossings, as well as designated centers.

Of the total individuals fingerprinted, around 900,000 are citizens, while approximately 880,000 are residents. However, about 1.1 million individuals under the age of 18 are exempt from the fingerprinting requirement. It is imperative for those who have not yet undergone biometric fingerprinting to schedule an appointment via the Ministry of Interior’s website for one of the designated sites, typically located within the Public Security Directorates across all governorates for citizens. Residents can visit allocated sites in the Ahmadi and Jahra governorates. Additionally, fingerprinting can be completed upon returning from travel using devices installed at air, land, and sea ports. Failure to comply by the June 1 deadline will result in the suspension of transactions with the Ministry of Interior.

According to the Chairman of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week Activities Committee Brigadier General Nawaf Al-Hayyan, the General Traffic Department declared that the Gulf Traffic Week is not about issuance of traffic violations, but is instead aimed at raising traffic awareness and achieving discipline on the road.

Launch He revealed this during a press conference regarding the launch of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week activities under the slogan of “Driving Without a Phone” held yesterday morning in the Operations Room building in South Sabahiya in the presence of the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Major General Yousef Al-Khadda and other senior leaders in the General Traffic Department.

Brigadier General Al-Hayyan explained that “blocks” will be opened during the Traffic Week for all closed violations in Khairan Mall and the Avenues Mall including the violations for parking in the disabled parking lots, as they are within the jurisdiction of the General Department of Investigations. Any person with an impounded vehicle can receive clearance for his vehicle after paying the due fine. Since its implementation on September 1 last year, the “Rasid” application issued about 650,000 traffic citations, but made it easier for the violator to quickly receive full details about the violation. If some violations are repeated at the same time and place, a person may file a grievance through the Sahel app or any of the violations sections in the traffic departments.

There are officers in the Violations Investigation Department who verify the repetition of violations. If the repetition is proven, the repeated violation is reserved. Furthermore, there is a link between the General Traffic Department, the Public Authority for the Disabled Affairs (PADA), and all state institutions so that the driver’s license of a person with visual disability will be suspended, based on a letter from PADA. The same applies to the Psychiatric Hospital and other state institutions.

Regarding the mechanism for withdrawing expatriates’ licenses, Brigadier General Al- Hayyan indicated that the profession-based driver’s license of any expatriate who changes his profession will be canceled, and he will have to apply again for a new driving license. He said he hoped the members of the upcoming National Assembly would discuss the approval of the new traffic law because increased penalties for traffic violations will contribute to reducing serious traffic accidents.

Brigadier General Al-Hayyan reviewed the traffic statistics for the year 2023, explaining that the population of Kuwait is 4 million and 824 thousand. The number of driving licenses issued by the General Traffic Department is 1,951,495 licenses. The number of vehicles is 2,546,798 vehicles. The number of private licenses and general licenses is 1,751,203 and 152,779 respectively. The number of driving licenses issued for citizens is 1,900,735 licenses, for residents 876,432 licenses, and for non-Kuwaitis 65,240 licenses.

The number of construction licenses reached 16,299 licenses. The number of two-wheeler licenses is 31,284 licenses, including licenses for 11,992 delivery motorbikes. The number of violators for exceeding the speed limit is 4,294,446 violations, for crossing red signal 853,220, for not wearing a seat belt while driving 370,120, for using a phone while driving 185,816, for annoying noises from the exhaust 102,816, for violations related to road safety 49,380, for not paying attention while driving 21,897, for reckless driving 8,540, and for racing on public roads 892 violations. The number of direct violations amounted to 3,142,923, and indirect violations 5,977,83 violations, reaching a total of 9,120,000 violations. The number of impounded vehicles reached 10,460 vehicles, The number of deportees was 155.

Among the people arrested for traffic-related issues, 3,698 were referred to the traffic police, 314 to the traffic court, and 80 rulings were issued against violators. The number of traffic accidents in 2023 reached 74,870, including 985 run-over accidents, 2,132 vehicle overturns, and 296 accidents that resulted in death. Brigadier General Al-Hayyan indicated that the violations have been linked to the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, and in the future, they will be linked to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries. He revealed a decrease in the number of eye related injuries reported at the ophthalmology departments of the Ministry of Health hospitals during the national holidays, as the number reduced from 331 cases last year to 14 cases this year, which is a 95 percent decrease.

In related context, the Director of the Violations Investigation Department Brigadier General Muhammad Saad Al-Otaibi affirmed that police officers may issue citations through the Rasid application irrespective of whether when they are on-duty or off-duty. He stressed that if violations are repeated, there are officers who receive grievances about this type of violation, and once they make sure that the violation is repeated in the same place and at the same time, the violation is saved and one violation is reserved. Furthermore, Assistant Director for Technical Affairs at the General Traffic Department Brigadier General Mohammad Al- Adwani revealed that the General Traffic Department is working on a project to develop the technical inspection departments and provide them with modern equipment.

Introduction: In Kuwait, as in many other countries, the digitization of government services has become increasingly essential to meet the evolving needs of citizens. The META website stands as a testament to this digital transformation, offering a centralized platform for scheduling appointments for various governmental services. Recently, a notable change in its URL from https://metaprodapp.azurewebsites.net/En/Home/Index to https://meta.e.gov.kw signifies a significant step forward in improving accessibility and efficiency. This article delves into the utilization of the META website for scheduling appointments and the implications of its URL transition.

The Role of the META Website: The META website is a pivotal tool for Kuwaiti citizens seeking access to government services. Its primary function revolves around scheduling appointments for a wide array of governmental tasks, ranging from renewing official documents to applying for permits. By offering a streamlined and centralized platform, the META website simplifies the process for citizens, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.

Evolution of the META Website: In line with global trends in digital governance, Kuwait has continuously strived to enhance the functionality and accessibility of the META website. The recent transition in its URL reflects a concerted effort to optimize the user experience and align with modern web standards.

Enhanced Accessibility: The migration to the new URL, https://meta.e.gov.kw/ represents a significant improvement in accessibility for users. The shorter and more intuitive domain name facilitates easier access to the website, especially for individuals less tech-savvy or unfamiliar with complex URLs. This enhanced accessibility ensures that a broader spectrum of citizens can avail themselves of governmental services conveniently from anywhere with an internet connection.

Improved Security: Moreover, the shift to the ".gov.kw" domain not only enhances the website's credibility but also reinforces its security measures. By adhering to standard government web practices, the META website instills trust among users regarding the authenticity and reliability of the platform. This, in turn, fosters a sense of confidence among citizens when scheduling appointments and sharing sensitive personal information online.

Streamlined Appointment Scheduling: At its core, the META website serves as a catalyst for streamlining the appointment scheduling process. By offering a centralized platform accessible 24/7, citizens can efficiently book appointments for various governmental services at their convenience. This digital transformation not only enhances efficiency and reduces waiting times but also promotes transparency and accountability within the government.

Conclusion: The transition of the META website to its new URL underscores Kuwait's commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of citizen services. By prioritizing accessibility, security, and efficiency, the Kuwaiti government aims to create a more seamless and citizen-centric experience for scheduling appointments and accessing governmental services. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these pave the way for a more interconnected and efficient governance framework in Kuwait.

Detailed Guide for Biometric Enrollment Appointment Booking

All expatriates and citizens are requested to enroll their biometrics as part of the process for enhanced security and identity verification. During this process, both of your handprints will be scanned, an iris scan (eye scan) will be conducted, a photo of your face will be taken, and your signature will be recorded digitally. Follow these steps to book your appointment:

Also Read - Addressing Concerns Regarding The New Biometric System

Step 1: Navigate to the Meta website

Start by visiting the official Meta website where the biometric enrollment appointments are scheduled. Click here to navigate to the site directly. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Step 2: Login to your account

Click on the 'Login' button . You will need to enter your username and password in the respective fields. Please note, your 'User No.' is the same as your Civil ID.

Step 3: Access the Appointment Booking section

After logging in, locate and click on the 'Menu' button, usually found at the top left of the pageon mobile . From the dropdown, select 'Appointment Search'. This will direct you to a new page where various appointments can be scheduled.

Step 4: Select Ministry of Interior services

On the 'Appointment Search' page, scroll down until you find 'Ministry of Interior'. Click on this, followed by clicking on 'Service Categories' that appears.

Step 5: Choose the General Department of Personal Identification

Continue scrolling down until you find the 'General Department of Personal Identification'. abd click on services below it

Step 6: Find and Apply for Biometric Enrollment

Keep scrolling until you find 'Biometric Enrollment'. On the right side of this option, you'll find an 'Apply' button. Click on it to proceed with the appointment booking.

Step 7: Select your Preferred Location

On the Biometric Enrollment page, you will be presented with various location options. Choose the location that is most convenient for you based on where you reside.

the total number of biometric centers allocated for Kuwaitis and Gulf nationals has increased to five. Their working hours will be from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The biometric centers for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens are Hawally Security Directorate, Farwaniya Security Directorate, Ahmadi Security Directorate, Mubarak AlKabeer Security Directorate , Jahra Security Directorate and Shopping Malls 360 Mall , Al Kout Mall , Assima Mall , Minsitries Complex and  Avenues Mall

The centers for residents are in Ali Sabah Al-Salem , Jahra areas

Step 8: Choose Date and Time

After selecting your preferred location, you can choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. Ensure you select a timeframe that doesn't conflict with your other commitments.

Step 9: Confirm and Finalize Appointment

Review all the information you've entered and then confirm your appointment. You should receive a confirmation once this step is completed. save the qr code by taking screenshot or print to show it when you visit the location ,

Note - Please visit the location only after getting appointment confirmed message not pending , when you book appintment almost everyone getting appointment as pending , it mean you should wait for confirmation, I heard only Kuwiatis are getting confirmation SMS , some expats returned back as their appointments tatus still pending only

Note: It's crucial to carry your Civil ID to the appointment. Also, consider booking your biometric appointment well in advance so need to wait at long queues at Airport , if in futuref  they make biometric is mnadatory for travel or resincey renewal. All the appointments for the upcoming week at the Mishref location are typically booked, so early planning is encouraged. Passengers are allowed to leave without having to take a fingerprint at the airport, but it's always better to be prepared.

Remember to use the Meta platform for seamless and advance appointment bookings. Enjoy your smooth and hassle-free biometric enrollment process!

A moderately strong earthquake late on Sunday shook parts of Indonesia’s main island of Java and the country’s capital. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The US Geological Survey said that the shallow quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and that it occurred 37.2 kilometres below the surface. The epicentre was 80 kilometres west-southwest of Pelabuhanratu, a coastal town in West Java province.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency measured its preliminary magnitude at 5.7, and at a depth of 10 kilometres. Variations in early measurements of quakes are common.

The quake was strongly felt in several cities and villages and caused some to panic, said Daryono, who heads the Earthquake and Tsunami Centre at the agency.

Daryono, who like many Indonesians goes by a single name, said there was no danger of a tsunami, but warned of possible aftershocks.

High-rises in Jakarta, the capital, swayed for several seconds. Even two-story homes shook strongly in the West Java provincial capital Bandung, and in Jakarta's satellite cities of Bogor and Bekasi.

Earthquakes occur frequently across the sprawling archipelago nation, but it's uncommon for them to be felt in Jakarta.

Indonesia, a seismically active archipelago of 270 million people, is prone to seismic upheaval because of its location on major geological faults known as the Pacific “Ring of Fire".

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake last year killed at least 602 people in West Java’s Cianjur city. It was the deadliest in Indonesia since a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi killed more than 4,300 people.

In 2004, an extremely powerful Indian Ocean quake set off a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in a dozen countries, most of them in Indonesia’s Aceh province.

Data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait indicates that expats in Kuwait have sent approximately 33.353 billion dinars in remittances over the past seven years, equivalent to 108.3 billion dollars. Remittances saw fluctuations over the years, with an increase from 4.142 billion dinars in 2017 to 5.526 billion dinars in 2021. However, there was a slight decline in 2022 and a further reduction to about 2.979 billion dinars during the first nine months of 2023.

The data reveals a significant drop in expatriate remittances during the first nine months of 2023, with a decrease of 29.67% compared to the same period in 2022. This decline was observed across all quarters, with the largest decrease in the second quarter at 40.33%, followed by a 31.46% decline in the third quarter

Remittances play a crucial role in the household income of low- and middle-income countries, contributing to poverty alleviation and improving nutritional outcomes. However, the decline in remittances has impacted Kuwait’s balance of payments, with a decrease in the secondary income account deficit and a decline in the current account surplus during the third quarter of 2023. Overall, the balance of payments deficit increased by 40.73% compared to the same period in 2022.

The Ministry of Interior has advised citizens and expatriates to strictly comply with the guidelines and instructions on the celebration of the upcoming national holidays, warning that any violation of the law will be dealt with firmly, reports Al-Jarida Daily. In a press statement, the Public Relations and Security Media General Department in the ministry confirmed the completion of security and traffic preparations for the national celebrations. It pointed out that this complies with the directives of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah. Undersecretary of the ministry Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf is closely monitoring the implementation of these directives. According to the ministry, security and traffic awareness campaigns will be intensified, which will be supervised and implemented by the Public Relations and Security Media General Department in cooperation with various audio, print, and visual media and communication platforms.

It stated that the senior ministerial leadership stressed the need to achieve balance between decorum in dealing with revelers and being firm in handling violations and wrong behavior. It emphasized the need for everyone to comply with the guidelines and instructions regarding the national celebrations; which include preserving the flag of the State of Kuwait during and after the occasion, maintaining public morals and public order, and refraining from hurling waste, water balloons or foam at others as such acts are considered crimes punishable by law. It also underscored the importance of respecting the laws and instructions of security personnel, paying attention while driving, refraining from speeding and constantly monitoring children to guarantee the safety of everyone. It added that the emergency number 112 receives security, traffic, and other related reports around the clock.

Installing flag post on the body of the vehicle is considered as a violation of the traffic law, Ministry of Interior said.

Ministry, in a post on X Wednesday, warned that police will take action in case such violations are detected during the national day celebrations.

A satellite is falling back on Earth today! Authorities across the globe have been tracking the descent of the satellite that is set to fall back on Earth today.

Although this is not uncommon, as multiple satellites fall back to Earth every month, this is a considerably large satellite weighing nearly 2,300kg, with a length and width of 12 metres.

However, it must be noted that the satellite will disintegrate while passing through the Earth's atmosphere and only 20 to 40 per cent of the initial mass will reach the planet. The mass of the largest remnant landing back on Earth is expected to be 52kg.

The satellite's fall has been predicted to be at three different locations and at three different times. However, as the satellite, which is run by the European Space Agency, inches closer, authorities will be able to determine an accurate time and date.

The satellite is set to pass over Saudi Arabia during its fall.

About the satellite

The largest European satellite, called ERS-2, was launched on April 21, 1995. It had been launched for remote sensing purposes.

It was operational until July 4, 2011, after which the European Space Agency used the remaining fuel in the satellite to lower its orbit. This was done in order to prevent it from colliding with other satellites.

This satellite could have remained in space for at least another century had the orbit not been changed.