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

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

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

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

This strategic push is already translating into strong export performance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Food Scarcity to Global Supplier

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

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

A Seed Revolution Driving Yields

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

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

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

184 New Varieties Released

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

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

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

Focus on Pulses and Oilseeds

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

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

Stronger Seed Supply Chain

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

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

A Defining Moment for Indian Agriculture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kuwait Human Rights Association (KHRA) has launched its first electronic service through the government’s “Sahel” application, introducing the “Submit a Complaint” feature as part of efforts to enhance accessibility and digital transformation.

The new service enables users to file human rights complaints directly via the KHRA services menu on the “Sahel” platform, reports Al-Rai daily.

Complainants can provide full details of their case and upload supporting documents electronically, without the need for in-person visits.

The Association said the initiative aims to simplify procedures, strengthen communication with the public, and ensure efficient handling of complaints in line with modern digital service standards.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has confirmed the enforcement of significant fines under the new residency law, which includes penalties for failing to register newborns and obtain residence permits on time.

Under the updated residency law, failure to register a newborn within the legally defined period can result in a fine of up to KD 2,000, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accurate and timely registration of residents and dependents. The law has come into effect as of Dec 23, according to local news reports.

The Ministry’s executive regulations under Article 9, state foreigners entering Kuwait on visas — including government, private sector employment, family reunification, study, temporary contracts, commerce, or medical treatment — are required to secure a residence permit within the legally specified period.

Failure to do so triggers fines as follows:

• KD 2 per day for each day of delay during the first month
• KD 4 per day for each day after the first month
• Maximum total fine capped at KD 1,200

For domestic workers who enter Kuwait with an entry visa but do not complete their residency formalities, the fines are similar, though the maximum is KD 600.

These measures are part of the Ministry’s broader initiative to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that residency regulations are fully observed and administrative processes remain effective.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has announced the launch of a new electronic service ‘Resident Cancellation’ through the government’s “Sahel” application, making it available to private housing property owners.

PACI said the introduction of the service reflects its ongoing efforts to expand digital services and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of data updates across government systems, reports Al-Anba daily.

Under the new service, property owners can electronically remove individuals registered as residents at their property, should they wish to do so, after activating the pre-registration service for resident data.

The authority emphasized that the initiative aims to simplify procedures, improve data governance, and provide faster, more reliable services to users through secure digital platforms.

The Court of Appeal has ordered Agility Public Warehousing Company (Makhazen) to pay KD 13.694 million to the Ministry of Industry as compensation for failing to utilize the Phase Four site in the South Amghara area.

According to the ruling issued on December 26, 2025, the amount represents unpaid rent owed to the Public Authority for Industry for land allocated to the company but left unused.

The compensation covers the period from November 1, 2018, until the date of the last payment specified for each plot, as detailed in the expert committee’s report.

The disputed plots, located in the South Amghara industrial area, span a total area of 939,323 square meters. The court ruled that the authority was deprived of the benefit of these sites due to their non-utilization, warranting financial compensation.

The judgment was based on the findings of the expert committee report dated January 22, 2023, issued in Appeal No. 2022/836, which assessed the rental value and period of non-use for the allocated land.

Agility Public Warehousing disclosed the expected impact of the ruling, stating that it intends to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision and that it is currently unable to determine the financial implications of the judgment on the company’s results.

It is noteworthy that the Court of First Instance had previously ruled the case inadmissible due to prior adjudication, ordering the plaintiff, in his capacity as Director General of Industry, to pay court expenses and KD 50 in attorney’s fees.

However, the appellate court overturned that outcome and issued a ruling in favor of the Ministry of Industry.

The case highlights the importance of adhering to land utilization requirements in industrial zones and reflects the authorities’ efforts to ensure optimal use of state-owned assets in line with development and planning objectives.

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted no objection certificates (NOCs) to two new airlines — Al Hind Air and FlyExpress — in a move to ease the heavy concentration in India’s domestic aviation market.

The approvals come amid mounting concern over the sector’s growing duopoly, with IndiGo and the Air India Group together accounting for more than 90 per cent of domestic air traffic.

IndiGo alone controls over 65 per cent of the market, fueling worries about excessive dependence on a single carrier.

These concerns were underscored earlier this month when widespread operational disruptions at IndiGo triggered major schedule disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers and exposing vulnerabilities in a highly concentrated industry, Indian news agencies report.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed the clearances in a post on X on Tuesday, stating that the ministry had held discussions with teams from Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.

While Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air had already received its NOC and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress were granted approvals this week.

The entry of new players is part of the government’s broader effort to widen participation in the aviation sector. Currently, only nine scheduled domestic airlines are operational in India, a number that declined further in October after regional carrier Fly Big suspended its scheduled services.

Al Hind Air is promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, while FlyExpress joins a growing list of aspirant airlines seeking to enter a market where scale, pricing power and network reach remain concentrated among a few dominant players.

The minister said encouraging new airlines has been a consistent policy objective, particularly in light of rapidly growing air travel demand. He highlighted initiatives such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which focuses on boosting regional connectivity by enabling smaller carriers to operate on underserved routes.

Under UDAN, airlines including Star Air, IndiaOne Air and Fly91 have expanded services to smaller cities, helping integrate them into the national aviation network. The government believes significant growth potential remains in this segment.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s current scheduled domestic airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Alliance Air, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, Fly91 and IndiaOne Air.

However, the push for increased competition comes against a backdrop of repeated airline failures. In recent years, carriers such as Jet Airways and Go First ceased operations due to mounting debt and operational challenges, highlighting the volatility and high-risk nature of India’s aviation sector despite rising demand.

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi has issued Ministerial Decision No. 354 of 2025, dated December 25, 2025, ordering the closure of Royal Pharmacy and the cancellation of its operating license.

Article One of the decision stipulates the revocation of license No. (3500081) granted to Royal Pharmacy, in accordance with Clause (10) of Article Two of Ministerial Decision No. 327 of 2025, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Article Two states that the decision shall be communicated to all concerned parties for implementation, shall take effect from the date of issuance, and repeals any provisions that conflict with its contents.

In this regard, the Minister of Health addressed a formal letter to the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajil, enclosing the ministerial decision and requesting that the relevant authorities be instructed to close the pharmacy in compliance with the order.

The Minister also called for the necessary measures to be taken to cancel the pharmacy’s commercial license and all related licenses and approvals issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

These include advertising permits, electronic platform licenses, trademark usage rights, and any other related records, in accordance with established procedures.

He further requested that the Ministry of Commerce inform the Ministry of Health of the actions taken, stressing the urgency and importance of the matter.

Meanwhile, the Al-Rai daily said, the Ministry of Health announced yesterday that, at its request and in accordance with the relevant decisions, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had closed 15 private pharmacies and revoked their licenses after it was found that their owners failed to meet one of the required licensing conditions.

Informed sources clarified that the pharmacies subject to the closure decisions do not belong to a single entity or chain, but rather include different pharmacies. The sources stressed that the measures were taken in line with the approved regulations and controls.

They added that the affected pharmacies are entitled to resume operations once they rectify their status and comply with the conditions and requirements approved by the Ministries of Health and Commerce and Industry.

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.