The body of an inmate who died inside the central prison has been referred to forensic medicine for an autopsy.

According to friends of the inmate the man suddenly fell to the ground and was struck by convulsions.

He was rushed to the prison doctor and after examining he was declared dead, reports Al-Rai daily.

Al-Anba daily reports that the Ministry of Interior plans to grant foreign investors and investment entities privileges concerning their residency, workers, and family members in Kuwait, regardless of their nationalities. In accordance with a decision that is being prepared for issuance, the investor will be granted a multiple entry visa for a period of six months to complete the licensing procedures.

Investment entities and their employees are also granted regular residence for a period of five years, renewable from the date of issuance, with the possibility of staying outside Kuwait for a period exceeding six months without obtaining permission to leave.

As part of the decision, to be issued soon, investment entities will be allowed to use specialized technical workers for commercial visits and will not have to obtain a university degree, unless he is granted temporary residence in accordance with Article 11 of Amiri Decree 17/1959 or converts his visit into a family residence.

Investing companies and their workers will be able to obtain a visa to join a family if they have regular residency, according to the decision, and investment companies will be able to apply for entry visas for several trips not exceeding one year, as well as be able to enter the country repeatedly with that visa without being restricted from staying within the country for a certain period of time.

According to the established rules and principles, investment entities can also apply for entry visas for nationalities prohibited from entering, after conducting an audit and obtaining security permission from the competent authority.

In an announcement recently, Air India announced special fares for Kuwait travelers planning to travel to India. The prices of one way tickets from Kuwait to Chennai start from 36 KD while from Kuwait to Bombay or Delhi start from KD 28. These fares are valid until 31st March 2023.

The fares of Air India are significantly lower compared to other carriers by almost half. The country manager urges passengers to take advantage of these special promotional fares by flying Air India.

The Public Authority for Civil Information stopped the home delivery service of civil cards as the contract with the specialized company was not renewed. The last request for renewal of the contract was submitted to the State Audit Bureau on July 28, 2021.

PACI earns 650 fils from the Civil ID card holders while remaining amount goes to the delivery company, reports Al Qabas. The Audit Bureau report revealed that the company continued to provide its services during 2022, despite the end of the contract in July 2021. The authority stopped the service this month.

The Public Authority for Civil Information  is expediting the issuance of cards for domestic workers, citizens, and expats working in government ministries. The delay in issuing Civil ID cards for private company workers, dependent residence delay may continue for months. Already the complaints from Kuwaitis and expats have increased due to the delay in obtaining civil cards.

Anu Abel, who met with an accident on Saturday, January 28th, passed away at Farwaniya hospital. She was 34 years old. She was hit by a speeding vehicle while crossing the road on Saturday evening while returning from her work place. Anu Abel was working with Lulu Exchange as a Customer Care manager.

Originally from Kottarakkara, Kerala, Anu left behind her husband Abel Rajan and son Haron Abel, who is 9 years old.

Heartfelt condolences - IFL Team

The Kuwaiti Meteorological Department said the country expects light rainfall Monday and will gradually increase on Tuesday, peaking in the afternoon and continue until Wednesday morning, reports Al- Rai daily. Amira Al-Azmi, Head of the Department of Navigational Forecasting Department, told Kuwait News Agency today, that the country is expected to be affected by rainfall as a result of the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a moist air mass that coincides with the presence of an atmospheric depression in the upper layers of the atmosphere that leads to the multiplication of low and medium clouds accompanied by thunderstorms and a decrease in temperature and horizontal visibility in some areas. She added that the chance of light rain begins on Monday, with light to moderate southeasterly winds that will gradually activate, especially in the coastal areas, with waves rising at night to more than 6 feet.

Al-Azmi expected that the chances of rain will gradually increase from Tuesday, as it will peak from afternoon until Wednesday morning, and it will be moderate in its entirety, with active to strong winds, with a speed of more than 70 kilometers per hour, leading to turbulent waves, as they reach a height of 8 feet. She indicated that the maximum temperatures are expected to record a noticeable increase on Monday and Tuesday, between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius, and to decrease again on Wednesday.

In order to prevent money laundering, local banks refuse to provide electronic payment links to home business owners, indicating approval to provide them with electronic payment services, and to transfer the proceeds of their operations to an account designated for that purpose, while other banks are strict in this regard, including the creation of a company or the request for deposits.

According to the banks, the required certificate allows individuals to receive means to accept open payments, similar to large companies with audited budgets, which makes them more sensitive to the possibility of money laundering, terrorist financing, or other acts that violate the law. Sources told Al-Rai daily that some may use these tools to commit crimes.

The sources indicated that payment agents complained to the Central Bank of Kuwait verbally about depriving their individual customers of obtaining the electronic payment gateway service and point-of-sale devices that enable them to settle their payments, arguing that the license they obtained from the Central Bank and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives them the right to activate this service to their individual clients, but the banks’ strict stances weaken their ability to expand their business and increase their market share in the home projects market, and from here the story begins.

In the recent period, some electronic payment agents have received growing complaints from their individual clients who work in small businesses such as selling swimming pools, T-shirts, handicrafts, and others, stating that they are unable to obtain electronic payment certificates from banks, as they are refused electronic payment gateway service and point-of-sale devices to complete their operations, and that they can obtain this service if they obtain a commercial license, meaning if they establish a company.

It was said that they had tried other banks to obtain the certificate, but faced difficulties such as obtaining credit cards and transferring their salaries or requesting a deposit that they were not able to make.

To deal with these claims, they turned to their agents who practice electronic payment services, who contacted the banks for further clarification. As a result of the risks of exposure to the violation of AML/CFT instructions associated with this activity, it is difficult from the bank's perspective to allow individuals to accept payments within the limits of corporate transfers.

They made it clear that they do not question the soundness of the business of this segment, and that the requirement of a commercial license to grant the certificate does not carry any complication, indicating that what confirms this is that banks accept to grant the certificate to the holders of commercial licenses, even for one-person companies without capital or founding partners, or microbusiness license holders.

According to the sources, the banks' position is consistent with what they are required to do regarding continuous due diligence in work relations. In order to ensure that these operations are consistent with what is known about the customer, his activity, and the degree of risk associated with him during the duration of this relationship, the operations must be checked during that period.

In their view, this procedure is not complicated as long as the bank guarantees that the payment tools available to the customer are not used to commit acts that violate the law, stating that the bank must comply with instructions regarding money laundering and terrorist financing, according to the "Central" circular.

Applicants of payment certificates are increasingly required to obtain a commercial banking license because it assures the existence of a supervisory regulator that oversees the business and financial accounts of this segment. Unlike individuals who work without regulatory cover, which makes their business more dangerous than companies, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the supervisory regulator.

Based on regulatory directives issued to all banks regarding the regulation of electronic payment services, it is clear that agents practicing electronic payments were not convinced by this proposition. The instructions for regulating electronic payment of funds and providing payment services for individuals emphasize the need for direct follow-up of agents to ensure that they comply fully with them.

Sources confirmed that 95 of the clients of bank agents practicing electronic payments are individuals, and that the banks' requirement of a commercial license for granting certificates of payments is illegal, along with an unspecified supervision procedure. She indicated that banks give their individual clients the service of receiving money through links, although they do not have commercial licenses, nor do they require payment certificates from them, while they do not allow clients of individual payment agents to use the links of payment and settlement companies licensed by the Central Bank and “commerce”.

Sources noted that the strictness of the banks threatens the survival of payment and settlement companies and prevents home business owners from collecting electronically, contrary to the government's and banks' efforts to transform Kuwait into a financial center and boost digitization locally and globally.

The sources said, “If individual micro-business owners obtain commercial licenses, why would they need the services of payment practitioners to collect their payments, after they are now able to open corporate accounts in banks that guarantee them the flow of their money electronically?”

There was a proposal submitted by Hani Shams, Khalil Abel, Khalil Al-Saleh, Ahmed Lari and Saleh Ashour stating that a National Committee for Regulating and Managing Demographics should be formed in order to address the imbalance, as well as to develop plans for amending the current demographic structure in order to achieve social, economic and job security.

Al Qabas said that the committee would take on tasks and specializations, including conducting a comprehensive study of the population dimensions, as well as developing a labor policy and plan to reach the maximum number of expats at a rate not exceeding 30 percent of Kuwait's population, and at a rate not exceeding 25 percent of Kuwait's citizens for one nationality. The plan’s development, implementation, and completion will be within a period not exceeding seven years, and oblige the concerned authorities to link educational outcomes with the targeted percentages in the plan to bridge the deficit in the labor market of Kuwaiti labor. In addition, expat workers will be replaced with Kuwaiti labor by a rate of no less than ten percent annually in the government sector, and a percentage of not less than five percent in the private sector for a period of five years.

According to a study prepared by the Research and Information Sector of the National Assembly's Studies and Research Department, Kuwait's demographics should be regulated by a national committee affiliated with the Prime Minister, titled "The National Committee for Regulating and Managing Demographics". According to the study, among its objectives is to develop a labor policy in the state, determine the actual needs of the required specializations from foreign workers, and set regulations and laws for expat workers.

Furthermore, it is responsible for resolving all legal, financial and humanitarian issues related to expat workers, as well as ensuring that companies and institutions that employ foreign workers are held accountable, as well as submitting periodic reports on the employment situation and variables to the executive and legislative authorities.

It was claimed that the increase in expat labor, mainly marginal labor, has many security and social implications, and the study focused on achieving a few main objectives, including increasing gross domestic product and raising the standard of living for citizens. With regard to the development of population policies, the plan mainly aims at regulating population growth, both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti, in a way that improves the demographic composition for the benefit of citizens. It also seeks to improve the labor force in the public and private sectors and deals with population policies.

The plan also addresses issues of developing, qualifying and training the national workforce, as well as improving the quality and productivity of expat workers, as well as maintaining the country's reputation. The report mentioned that the process of national development has resulted in an increase demand for the labor force in the past, and with the small size of the Kuwaiti population, as well as the scarce supply of the national labor force, the general policy of the state tended to facilitate the recruitment and employment of expat labor to compensate for the deficiencies to meet the requirements of the economic expansion, infrastructural development, social services and related activities, disrupting the labor market.

The Kuwait Ministry of Health has formed a special partnership with Abbott Laboratories, an international company specializing in medical devices and healthcare, to meet the local market's demand for pharmaceutical supplies, as part of its efforts to meet local market demands. A joint partnership agreement has been signed between Kuwait Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries (KSP) and Mezzan Holding. The partnership aims to manufacture 26 innovative products locally in Kuwait. Commenting on this new partnership, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al Awadi, Minister of Health said: “This partnership supports the ministry’s goal of making Kuwait the pharmaceutical hub in the Middle East, placing great importance on the quality of medications and pharmaceutical products that it procures, securing the needs of our country.”

The welfare of our nation is our priority, and today Kuwait has direct access to innovative and quality products that meet local needs, as well as gaining valuable knowledge. Investments from multinational companies like Abbott contribute to the well-being of our local community as well as to the diversification and growth of Kuwait's economy in line with its New Kuwait Vision 2035. We are here today to witness a promising partnership between Abbott and KSP (subsidiary of Mezzan Holding KSCP), a leading Kuwaiti pharmaceutical company.

The partnership marks a milestone for Kuwait as an international pharmaceutical company invests in local manufacturing. Kuwait's Ministry of Health and the US Embassy facilitated and supported the agreement. As Kuwait localizes manufacturing, it will have easier and faster access to these products, as well as the opportunity to receive technology transfers, employment opportunities, and training programs.

As a result of this partnership, Dr. Rashed Khazal, Chairman and Managing Director of KSP, said: "We are immensely proud to be partnering with Abbott in this landmark agreement for Kuwait and our company." Abbott is a solid brand when it comes to quality and innovation and we believe this is the start of a long-term partnership that will help us advance our manufacturing capabilities and the pharmaceutical sector in Kuwait.” With a 15-year track record of successful manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products for local and regional customers, KSP has in recent years invested in its manufacturing lines, manufacturing facilities, and strategic partnerships to develop the product and portfolio range.

With over 120 products available in the Kuwaiti and Middle Eastern markets, the company is committed to expanding its portfolio of high-quality medicines. The Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy, James Holtsnider, also commented on the partnership and its role in facilitating it, saying, "This is a big deal for Kuwait and Abbott." Kuwait is working hard to create a business-friendly environment that attracts new investment, so this investment will help improve the healthcare ecosystem. In addition, it demonstrates Abbott's long-term commitment to Kuwait and its citizens." He also added: "We are also proud to announce that Abbott has taken on a leadership position as a Board member of the US-Kuwait Business Council, highlighting their commitment to this bilateral relationship."

Among the 12 government institutions and companies for which preliminary studies have been conducted as part of the proposed privatization process are Kuwait Airport, according to the provisions of the Law Regulating Privatization Programs and Operations and its implementing regulations.

Al-Anba daily reported that a preliminary study in this regard does not mean the airport will be privatized.

As the sources pointed out, privatization requires legal procedures, which include the approval of the Supreme Council for Privatization and the presentation to the Council of Ministers for approval, and before that, accurate, comprehensive and specialized studies will be prepared, pointing out that this study was prepared many years ago.

Mazen Al-Nahedh, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Affairs, announced 262 government services will be available exclusively through Sahel.

The success of the application, Al-Nahedh told Al-Rai daily, has contributed to the attainment of Kuwait's digital transformation goals in line with its National Development Plan. The number of Vision 2035 users has exceeded one million, who have completed about 8.610 million services, and have received about 29 million notifications and 17.615 million statements.

He indicated that the number of entities participating in the application is 28, providing 277 services, leaving approximately 400 electronic services with those entities, which have not been converted to “Sahel”; and added that the step comes as a continuation of reaping the fruits of success, and is very supportive of launching the application in completing transactions, without reviewing government agencies, as this will have a great impact in directing the different segments of society to electronic dealing in completing transactions, and on the other hand, easing pressure on government agencies and preventing wasting time in completing transactions manually despite their electronic availability, through the Sahel application.

In addition, we will be able to reduce traffic congestion and direct work energies from each side to other businesses to make the best use of them.

Ali Al-Fahd, head of the Federation of Cooperative Societies, confirmed that the federation refused the companies' requests to increase the price of their products, saying some companies would not supply products to cooperative societies as a result.

According to Al-Fahd, "no company can raise the prices of its commodities without the approval of the Federation, and no decision to fix prices can be revoked."

However, informed sources denied halting the sale of Almarai products based on a court ruling, as well as increasing prices for some of the company’s products, stressing that what was said in this regard is related to a judicial closure order, which came for a period of one day, for the refrigerator displaying the company’s products at the Jahra Association, resulting from a complaint filed 3 years ago by a citizen.

According to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the automatic suspension of the files of companies that fail to transfer the salaries of their registered workers has been reactivated. According to sources in the authority, avoiding suspension requires deposited salaries by the seventh day of the due date, according to Al-Qabas daily. PAM stated Thursday that the automatic suspension of files of companies that are not committed to paying salaries “was decided to be implemented during the Corona crisis, starting from March 19, 2020, to remedy the negative effects of the epidemic on business owners and workers.” The authority pointed out that activating the suspension automatically is in accordance with the law and PAM regulations to control the labor market, and is in line with the standards of organizations and bodies concerned with human rights to ensure the rights of workers.

It was noted that the suspension is "a precautionary measure to alert the employer of the necessity to transfer salaries to local financial institutions." PAM emphasized that what has been circulated regarding stopping the renewal and transfer of is not accurate, stressing that the suspension of the company's file does not stop the renewal of work permits for suspended files, and does not stop the transfer of unsuspended files, which confirms that the employment will not be harmed or that they are violating residence laws.

According to sources, the company will not be able to obtain new work permits because of its financial obligations to the workers. To resolve technical difficulties when transferring labor wages to local financial institutions, business owners should find out the reason for rejection from the electronic system.

A source at PAM confirmed that the government’s system automatically follows up on workers’ wages, and enters reasons for non-transfer, as well as reasons for deductions on wages, so that the authority’s specialists can follow up on requests without having to review them personally. If the conditions are met, PAM stated that the employer's file will also be automatically opened, allowing him to submit his requests more easily.

It is expected that the Ministry of Education will terminate the services of around 1,800 expatriate teachers on February 5, according to Al- Anba daily. As a result, the concerned teachers will have sufficient time to prepare for termination, which will take effect at the end of the current academic year.

According to the source, the ministry is keen on implementing Kuwaitization policies in educational institutions, especially for subjects where Kuwaiti teachers or those born to Kuwaiti women who married non-Kuwaitis are sufficient. In accordance with its Kuwaitization policy, the ministry announced two days ago it would recruit Kuwaitis, Kuwaiti citizens born to Kuwaiti wives who marry non-Kuwaitis, Bedouns, and citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Al- Anba daily reports that the Kuwaiti Association of the Basic Evaluators for Human Rights (KABEHR) has emphasized the need to review the healthcare system for expatriates, including medicine provision. After several doctors criticized recent decisions regarding medical fees for expatriates, the association issued a press release, stating these decisions were made without considering the salaries of expatriate workers and the fact that they pay for health insurance on a yearly basis.

Inability to pay medical fees has led to many expatriates not visiting clinics or hospitals or undergoing necessary tests, according to the association. KABEHR pointed out that health care is one of the basic human rights. The solution shouldn't be at the expense of the weaker party, including families that are burdened with financial obligations as a result of global inflation and high prices, even if there are administrative obstacles, such as an inefficient distribution of medicines or a lopsided demographic structure.

In the association's proposal, health insurance hospitals should be opened immediately, and the Secretariat General of Awqaf should support the healthcare system by providing some coverage for expatriates' treatment costs, such as X-rays, tests, or medicines; explaining that in Islam, Awqaf is a civilized system that provides humanitarian assistance. When such decisions are not thoroughly studied, they will negatively affect Kuwait's international human rights record at a time when Kuwait's government and civil society are promoting Kuwait's civilizational and humanitarian roles to improve its image, the association concluded.

According to a recent scientific study, people who received a third dose of the Corona virus vaccine, or a booster dose, had significant increases in antibodies and protection from the disease.

According to the BBC, Al-Rai daily reports that the BBC report concluded that patients who received the third dose of the vaccine were protected from the disease like healthy people.

Those who contracted the virus and received the vaccine during the epidemic may feel more confident if they leave the house now.

More than 9,000 blood samples were examined in the study.

Compared to the first two doses, the booster dose resulted in a 10-fold increase in antibodies.

The national study included the Bristol Kids Study of the 1990s, which followed thousands of people born in the city over the course of their lives.

During the 1990s, Professor Timpson, co-author of the national study and principal investigator of the Bristol Children Study, said: "The Bristol Children Study provided insight into the response to Coronavirus and the impact of vaccines over the course of the pandemic as participants responded to antibody tests."

"Observing the dynamics of the immune response was fascinating, and seeing the effect of booster doses was reassuring," he said.

The study helped reassure Sheila Smith, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Smith was confined to her home during the lockdown and was hardly out for more than two years.

“It was really difficult,” Smith says. I felt so stressed and so lonely.”

Anne Morris, chief nurse at North Bristol Health Services, hopes this new study will help people with chronic illnesses who have not yet received the booster shot.

“It’s really important that they come and get a booster dose, because only about 60 percent of these groups got the booster doses, and we want to encourage them to get the booster doses now,” she says.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry warned Friday against marketing or selling any product or publication bearing the image of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince or state emblem of Kuwait.

“Article 16 of the ministerial resolution No. 216 of 2014 bans exhibiting, selling, or marketing any product or publication putting a printed a photo of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince or the state emblem,” the ministry Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Enezi told KUNA.

He affirmed that the ministry would not hesitate in taking legal actions against violators.

Al-Enezi cautioned that the ministry inspection teams were carrying sudden raids on stores to catch violators.

He added that the inspectors had already registered a number of violations in this regard.

India's grand Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path was special because the participants showcased indigenous weapons systems to support the theme of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

This year, only Made-in-India weapon systems were showcased at the Republic Day parade, which included ammunition showcasing India's indigenization power such as 21 Gun Salute through 'Made in India' 105 mm Indian Field Guns, recently inducted LCH Prachand, the K-9 Vajra howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag anti-tank guided missiles, Akash air defence missiles, and the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles.

Notably, the Defence Services witnessed path-breaking reforms with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the helm of affairs to transform the military into a modern, Atmanirbhar, youthful and tech-savvy force.

The seamless modernization plan focused on developing 'Force Capabilities', the creation of Self Reliant Defence ecosystem with Make-in-India pursuit, and a learner and agile Army driven by technology.

The doctrinal and operational studies continued on the establishment of theatre commands to enhance Op preparedness, synergy, and combat potential of the Armed forces.

Many decisions on re-structuring were also satisfactorily implemented. The defence forces were further strengthened with the appointment of General Anil Chauhan as the Second Chief of Defence Staff.

For the first time, the 21 Gun Salute was given to President Droupadi Murmu during the parade with 105 mm Indian Field Guns on Kartavya Path replacing the British-made 25-pounder guns.

MBT Arjun

The Main Battle Tank ARJUN of the 75 Armoured Regiment was led by Captain Amanjeet Singh. The motto of MBT Arjun is`Sahasam Vijayate'.

The State of the art MBT ARJUN is third generation main battle tank developed indigenously by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Arjun features a 120 mm main rifled gun, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun.

It is powered by a 1400 HP Diesel engine and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).

The four-men crew MBT is augmented with an array of systems including a Fire Control System, Integrated Fire Detection & Suppression System, and NBC protection systems. The newly developed Kanchan armour provides all-round anti-tank warhead protection, much higher than available in comparable third-generation tanks.

Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

The NAG Missile System of 17 Mechanised Infantry Regiment was led by Lieutenant Siddhartha Tyagi.

The System popularly called NAMIS is a tank destroyer indigenously designed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory Hyderabad, a lab of DRDO.

The motto of NAMIS is `Satrah Mech - Har Maidan Fateh.

It consists of a tracked Armoured Fighting Vehicle, which has a crew-less turret capable of firing six 'Nag' Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.

NAMIS has been developed for the recce and support units of the Mechanised infantry to reinforce and enhance anti-tank capability along our borders during offensive and defensive operations. The Nag missile is a Fire and Forget ATGM with an effective range of 5km.

The tandem warhead with the capability to lock-on- before launch and top-attack, accurately hits the targets that are moving or trying to escape.

The NAMICA has a crew of four and apart from other niche technologies, it has an integrated satellite cum inertial navigation system, NBC protection, radio sets for encrypted communication, on-board Auxiliary Power Unit for silent operations and Nag Missile Checkout Equipment for health check of ATGMs before firing.

NAMIS is a game-changer and the successful development of this modern weapon system for the Indian Army has propelled India into the select club of countries which have developed their own fire-&-forget top-attack tactical ATGMs integrated on AFVs.

Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (QRFV)

The Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle was led by Captain Naveen Dhatterwal of the 3 Ladakh Scouts Regiment with a motto of War Cry: `Ki Ki So So Lahargyalo' which means 'Victory to God.

These vehicles under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme are being manufactured by TATA Advance System and Bharat Forge Limited for the Indian Army and are a shining example of the Indian Army's quest for self-reliance.

This 4x4 wheeled Armoured Platform has full Armour Protection with a 360 Degree Turret which mounts a 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun, can carry 10 Fully Armed Troops. The vehicle is ideally designed for troops operating in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

The vehicle is also Mine and Bullet Proof which makes it suited as an Escort vehicle and special response for CI OPS. It has a maximum speed of 80 km/h with an OP range up to 600 kms and can negotiate a gradient up to 25 degrees.

10m Short Span Bridge

The 10m Short Span Bridge of 64 Assault Engineer Regiment led by Captain Shivashish Solanki is a mechanically launched Assault Bridge designed by DRDO to help Combat Engineers in Crossing formidable obstacles like Canal or Nallahs in a matter of minutes.

The motto of 10 meter Short Span Bridge System was Agrani Ajay' which means 'Always Leading and Unconquerable.

These bridges can be utilized by mechanised and armoured columns to speedily cross the obstacles and destroy the enemy. These indigenous bridges signify that no obstacles remain impediment to the Mechanised

Forces of the Indian Army and are a step forward to Atmanirbharta in defence. The Regiment will celebrate 50 years of glorious history on 30 Sept 2023.

Mobile Microwave Node and Mobile Network Centre

Mobile Microwave Node and Mobile Network Centre of Corps of Signals was led by Major Mohd Asif Ahmed of 2 AHQ Signal Regiment with a motto of `Teevra Chaukas' which means 'Swift and Secure?

The column consists of two vehicles, a `Mobile Microwave Node' along with 'Mobile Network Centre Major Mahima Kataria of 2 AHQ Signal Regiment is in charge of the Mobile Network Centre.

The Mobile Microwave Node of the Indian Army is capable of extending high-speed operational communications to the tactical battle area.

The Node is mounted on a High Mobility Vehicle platform and housed in an NBC proof ruggedised shelter to provide matching mobility and sustenance to mobile mechanised operations. The vehicle can operate on optical, microwave and satellite media to provide triple play services including voice, data and video to field formations in active hostilities.

The Mobile Network Centre is a next-generation network vehicle and enabler of network-centric operations.

It hosts three core functionalities of Network Operations, Security Operations and the Data Centre. It acts as a force multiplier by enhancing battlefield transparency and increasing situational awareness.

The vehicle has a crew of six led by an officer and is equipped with IMS core, aggregation routers access switches, large screen displays, and high-speed processing platforms. The mobile node is developed indigenously and upholds the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission.

Wheeled Armoured Platform - WHAP 8x8 on 70-ton trailer

Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier, WhAP 8x8, carried on a specialist 70-ton trailer is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.

WhAP is a modular, 8x8-wheeled combat platform. WhAP is a state-of-the-art customisable platform for roles such as Infantry Vehicle, CBRN Vehicle, ATGM carrier. The Armoured Personnel Carrier variant on display is integrated with a 30mm turret, composite armour and innovative blast protection. This amphibious vehicle can cross rivers and canals and its maximum on-road speed is 100 km/h.

The 70-ton trailer is equipped with state-of-the-art hydraulic suspension for better mobility, steerable axles, and a hydraulic ramp for ease of loading and unloading heavy payloads. With MBT Arjun as a payload, the trailer has been extensively tested for its ability to negotiate sharp turns and gradients.

Suffocation killed an unidentified Kuwaiti woman in Kabad. According to reports, she burned coal to stay warm during the winter months. Security sources told Al-Rai that after a report was received from the Ministry of Interior, paramedics were rushed to the spot but could do little to save the woman. Her remains have been referred to forensics.

The security men said the woman was found in her bed inside a closed room with the coal burning in one of the corners of the room. She died of asphyxiation.

Since  modern technologies have been implemented at Kuwait International Airport 530 deported expats’ plans to re-enter Kuwait were thwarted in the year 2022. Despite using forged passports and false names mostly from Asian countries, they failed to fool the finger printing devices known as “Deportee Detector”. This has been done to preserve security in the country. 

Those deported who tried to re-enter using fake passports with name change could easily enter the country before 2011 without being detected. Since 2011 it has stopped manipulation and forgery, exposed the criminal plans of the deportees, and stopped thousands of them from entering the country.

Among those deportees who tried to enter Kuwait 120 were females, mostly Asian nationals, reports Al Qabas. The sources stated that the “Identity Investigation” department of the General Department of Criminal Evidence participated in the Gulf Criminal Evidence Team in developing a system  for exchanging data of fingerprints of deportees between Gulf countries. 

The new system transfers files of high quality data safe and fast since the operation of the deportees detection system has been implemented at international airports, and all land and sea ports. The data of all deportees is stored in a special system and the system is capable of detecting any person who was deported from the country or from any GCC country. 

It takes 3 seconds for the system to identify any person arriving or departing against the data stored in the system. The system also reveals those who are on wanted list and travel ban.