Kuwait has launched one of the most extensive urban enforcement and rehabilitation campaigns in its history, with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh becoming the focus of a multi-agency operation aimed at tackling decades of accumulated violations, restoring public safety and laying the foundation for the district’s long-term redevelopment.

Describing the area as having reached “the brink of disaster,” First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef said the government had exhausted every available option before deciding on the sweeping intervention.

“The situation in Jleeb had reached a stage where silence was no longer possible,” Sheikh Fahad said in an interview with Arabic dailies. “We tried every possible solution over the years, but the problems only continued to grow. The current campaign is not a choice it is a necessity.”

The minister likened the government’s action to a doctor resorting to cauterization only after all other treatments have failed. “Medicine comes first, but when every treatment fails, the doctor has no option except cauterization. That is where we are today. This campaign is the last remedy after years of unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem.”

Officials say Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh did not reach its current condition overnight. Years of uncontrolled urban growth, illegal construction and weak compliance with municipal regulations gradually transformed the district into one of Kuwait’s most challenging urban areas.

Residential buildings designed for a limited number of families were illegally altered into densely packed labour accommodations, with apartments subdivided into dozens of cramped rooms housing far more occupants than the buildings were intended to accommodate.

These modifications placed enormous pressure on electricity, water and sewage networks while creating dangerous fire hazards and severely compromising building safety.

Authorities also documented widespread municipal, environmental and commercial violations, including illegal markets, unauthorized businesses operating from residential properties, street vendors, encroachments on state land, unsafe warehouses, food safety violations and buildings that failed to meet basic structural and fire safety standards.

Officials said the combination of overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure and illegal activities had created serious public health concerns while contributing to crime and placing immense pressure on government services.

“The issue is no longer simply about municipal violations,” officials said. “It has become a humanitarian, environmental and security challenge that affects the entire country.”

The campaign has brought together an unprecedented number of government agencies in what officials describe as a whole-of-government response to decades of accumulated problems.

The operation includes personnel from the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Manpower, Kuwait Fire Force, and the Ministries of Health, Electricity, Water, Commerce and Industry, and Public Works, together with several other government bodies.

Each agency has been assigned specific responsibilities. Municipality teams are inspecting buildings for structural and municipal violations and identifying properties requiring evacuation or demolition. The Public Authority for Manpower is conducting inspections for labour and residency violations.

Health inspectors are examining food establishments, warehouses and sanitation conditions, while the Kuwait Fire Force is assessing buildings that pose significant fire and safety risks. The Ministry of Interior is overseeing security throughout the operation while supporting inspection and enforcement teams.

Officials said the unprecedented coordination reflects the complexity of the problems facing the district and demonstrates the government’s determination to resolve them permanently.

Humanitarian approach to enforcement

Despite the scale of the campaign, authorities insist the operation is being carried out with humanitarian considerations at its core. Buildings identified as unsafe or illegally modified are first inspected and documented before evacuation notices are issued.

Residents are being given sufficient time to relocate before demolition work begins, with relevant government agencies coordinating assistance to families affected by the operation.

Officials stressed that the objective is not to punish residents but to protect lives and restore safe, dignified and lawful living conditions. “We are not targeting people,” Sheikh Fahad emphasized. “We are targeting violations that have endangered residents themselves.”

Authorities say the current campaign marks only the first phase of a much broader plan to transform Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Once unsafe buildings, illegal activities and major violations have been addressed, attention will shift toward reorganizing the district in accordance with modern urban planning principles.

Future plans include improving infrastructure, upgrading roads and utilities, enhancing municipal services and creating a healthier residential environment capable of supporting sustainable development.

Officials believe the redevelopment will significantly improve the quality of life for residents while reducing environmental and security risks that have plagued the area for years.

Sheikh Fahad stressed that the government will continue the operation until all its objectives are achieved, reiterating that no area in Kuwait can remain beyond the reach of the law. He said the campaign is about far more than demolishing illegal structures or issuing citations.

“Our objective is to restore order, protect people, improve public safety and ensure that every part of Kuwait is governed by the rule of law,” he said. Officials added that the operation sends a clear message that violations threatening public safety will no longer be tolerated, regardless of location.

They also indicated that similar enforcement campaigns will continue in other parts of the country where serious violations exist, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving urban conditions, safeguarding public health and ensuring that all communities meet Kuwait’s legal and safety standards.

For authorities, the campaign in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh represents more than an enforcement drive it marks the beginning of a long-term effort to reclaim one of Kuwait’s most densely populated districts and transform it into a safer, more organized and sustainable urban community.

Indian scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in neuroscience by creating what is believed to be the world’s most detailed three-dimensional atlas of the human brainstem, offering an unprecedented view of one of the brain’s most vital yet least understood regions.

Developed by researchers at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), the project is named ANCHOR (Atlas of Neurochemical Characterisation of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction).

The atlas provides a seamless digital bridge between whole-brain MRI scans and individual nerve cells, enabling researchers to navigate from large-scale brain structures down to cellular-level anatomy with remarkable precision.

Built using more than 500 tissue sections collected from fetal, childhood and adult brains, the atlas reconstructs the brainstem in three dimensions using high-resolution microscopic images rather than expensive molecular imaging techniques.

Researchers identified more than 200 clusters of brain cells and neural pathways, using eight distinct chemical markers to differentiate various cell types, producing one of the clearest maps ever created of the human brainstem.

Although the brainstem occupies only a small portion of the brain, it performs life-sustaining functions by regulating breathing, heartbeat, sleep, wakefulness and movement while connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

Scientists say mapping this region has historically been extremely challenging because of its densely packed and complex cellular architecture, making this achievement particularly significant.

Experts describe the project as a milestone because it connects two traditionally separate fields—medical imaging, which visualizes the entire brain, and microscopic pathology, which studies individual brain cells.

The atlas has been made freely available online, allowing neuroscientists, neurologists and neurosurgeons around the world to use it as a reference for research, education and clinical studies.

Although ANCHOR is not designed as a diagnostic tool, it is expected to significantly improve research into neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, autism, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Researchers believe the atlas could also help explain how infections, including COVID-19, may contribute to long-term neurological complications by revealing changes at the cellular level.

Neurosurgeons are also expected to benefit from the detailed mapping, which may improve surgical planning and reduce risks when operating in the highly sensitive brainstem region.

The project represents a fusion of neuroscience, engineering, computational science and advanced imaging. Around 20 scientists spent 18 months manually analysing more than 200 brain sections, integrating MRI data, microscopic anatomy and 3D reconstruction into a single digital platform.

Today, the SGBC brings together more than 200 researchers, engineers and technicians, collaborating with international experts to advance brain research and address longstanding gaps in neuroscience.

Scientists say the achievement places India among the global leaders in brain mapping and provides an invaluable resource that could accelerate discoveries in neuroscience while improving understanding of the human brain for decades to come.

Kuwait is taking another step toward strengthening financial transparency and expanding digital payment practices, with a new regulation requiring private healthcare providers to move away from large cash transactions.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Ministerial Resolution No. (110) of 2026, prohibiting companies operating licensed private healthcare facilities from accepting cash payments exceeding 10 dinars for medical services.

Under the new framework, hospitals, medical centers, clinics, home healthcare providers and other privately operated health establishments must ensure that any payment above the 10-dinar limit is completed through approved banking channels or electronic payment systems authorized by the Central Bank of Kuwait.

The decision marks a significant shift in the way private healthcare transactions are handled, aiming to enhance payment security, improve financial monitoring and encourage wider adoption of electronic payment solutions within one of the country’s most essential service sectors.

The Ministry emphasized that the move applies to all companies owning private health facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health, making digital payment compliance a mandatory requirement rather than an optional practice.

Officials noted that the measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and align commercial activities with modern financial systems.

Private healthcare establishments that violate the new rules will face legal consequences, including penalties stipulated under Decree Law No. (10) of 1979. Possible measures include closure of the facility and referral of cases to relevant investigation authorities for further legal action.

The resolution also cancels any previous regulations that conflict with its provisions and came into effect immediately upon issuance on July 13, 2026.

The latest decision reflects Kuwait’s accelerating transition toward a more digitally driven economy, where electronic payments, financial accountability and stronger regulatory frameworks are becoming key pillars across commercial and service sectors.

Indonesia is looking to strengthen cooperation with India by drawing on the South Asian nation’s development experience, particularly in the fields of technology, digital transformation, public policy and innovation.

The move reflects Indonesia’s growing interest in adopting successful Indian models that have supported economic growth, improved public services and expanded access to technology-driven solutions.

India’s rapid progress in areas such as digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, healthcare innovation, and technology-led governance has attracted global attention, with Indonesia exploring opportunities to adapt similar approaches to meet its own development goals.

Among the areas of interest is India’s digital transformation journey, which has enabled millions of citizens to access government services, banking facilities and digital platforms through large-scale technology initiatives.

Indonesian officials have expressed interest in learning from India’s experience in building a stronger innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, encouraging entrepreneurship and using technology to improve efficiency across public and private sectors.

The two countries, which share longstanding economic and strategic ties, have increasingly expanded cooperation in trade, investment, technology and human resource development.

India’s experience in combining economic growth with large-scale digital adoption is seen as particularly relevant for Indonesia, which is pursuing ambitious development plans and seeking solutions to support its growing population and expanding economy.

Analysts say closer collaboration between the two nations could create opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint innovation projects and partnerships in emerging sectors, including digital technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

With both countries playing increasingly important roles in the Indo-Pacific region, stronger cooperation could further deepen their economic partnership while allowing Indonesia to benefit from India’s development achievements.

The engagement highlights the growing importance of South-South cooperation, where developing economies share expertise, technology and policy solutions to accelerate inclusive growth.

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, whose extraordinary voice captivated generations of music lovers across India, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88 following health complications.

Janaki was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Mysuru in the early hours of Saturday after her condition deteriorated. According to hospital officials, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition. Despite intensive medical care and continuous monitoring, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead later in the evening, reports The Hindu.

Family sources said the singer, who had been living in Mysuru’s Bogadi area for the past few years, was rushed to the hospital by her caregivers after her health worsened. However, she did not respond to treatment.

Paying tribute, her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying Janaki “left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.”

“While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music,” she wrote.

Remembering her as both a legendary artist and a beloved family member, Apsara added, “To the world she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness and grace will remain with us forever.”

Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest playback singers, Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in multiple languages, primarily Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

During a remarkable career spanning over six decades, she lent her voice to films, albums, television and radio, performing in around 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.

Her unparalleled versatility, expressive singing style and enduring musical legacy made S. Janaki one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire generations.

Travelers heading to India from international destinations will now need to complete an additional online requirement before arrival, following the launch of India’s updated Air Suvidha 2.0 — a mandatory health self-declaration rule implemented by the Government of India for all incoming international passengers designed as a precautionary measure to screen for Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa.

The new digital form is mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India, including Indian citizens, regardless of nationality, travel route or whether they have recently visited countries affected by health concerns.

The updated system has been introduced to strengthen health monitoring procedures at Indian airports and allow authorities to collect essential travel information before passengers enter the country.

A Quick Guide for Travellers

Passengers are advised to complete the process before boarding their flight to avoid delays on arrival. The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires basic travel and personal information.

Step 1: Keep Travel Details Ready — Travellers should have their passport, flight number, ticket details and travel dates available before starting the form.

Step 2: Access the Air Suvidha Portal — Passengers can complete the declaration through the official Air Suvidha website or by using the QR code provided by airlines and airport authorities.

Step 3: Submit Personal and Flight Information — The form requires passengers to enter their personal details, journey information and verify their mobile number through a one-time password (OTP).

Step 4: Complete the Health Declaration — Travellers must provide details of their travel history over the previous 21 days and answer questions related to possible exposure risks, including travel to countries affected by recent health alerts.

Passengers who have not visited the listed areas or have no relevant exposure can select the appropriate option indicating that none of the conditions apply.

Step 5: Save the Confirmation — After submitting the form, travellers will receive an acknowledgement and confirmation number, usually by email. Passengers should save a digital copy or screenshot, as it may be required during immigration procedures upon arrival in India.

Important Information for Visitors

Authorities recommend completing Air Suvidha 2.0 as early as possible, preferably before departure or during online check-in, rather than waiting until the last moment.

The new health declaration is separate from India’s existing e-Arrival Card requirement for foreign travellers, meaning passengers may need to complete both procedures depending on their travel status.

The updated system was launched by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited in coordination with health authorities following international health developments and new monitoring requirements.

Travellers arriving in India are also advised to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with serious infectious diseases within 21 days of arrival and to inform healthcare providers about their recent travel history.

For health-related inquiries, India’s national helpline is available at 1075, while additional assistance can be obtained through official health channels.

For passengers travelling from the Gulf, including the UAE, the message is simple: completing Air Suvidha 2.0 before departure can help ensure a smoother and faster arrival experience in India.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under the revised pricing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major increase in passport charges

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

Revised Passport Fees (Effective 1 July 2026)

Revised fees for minors

Children and minor applicants will also see revised charges.

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

Special travel documents

The fees for special travel documents remain largely unchanged.

Miscellaneous passport services

Several commonly used consular services have also become more expensive.

Important provisions remain unchanged

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

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

Why the revision?

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

Advice for applicants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Account of Artemis III Astronauts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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