Latest news with #KD
Arab Times
21 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti and Two Gulf Nationals Jailed for Forging Citizenship Documents
KUWAIT CITY, July 13: The Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Mutab Al-Ardi, has sentenced a Kuwaiti citizen and two Gulf nationals to seven years in prison with hard labor, following their conviction in a major citizenship fraud case spanning three decades. The court also ordered the defendants to return all illegally obtained funds and imposed a financial penalty exceeding KD 473,000. According to the charges brought by the Public Prosecution, the three individuals were found guilty of forging key documents (including a Kuwaiti citizenship certificate, birth certificate, and debit card) between 1994 and 2024, with the intent of unlawfully acquiring financial and state benefits reserved for Kuwaiti nationals. In its verdict, the court affirmed its confidence in the findings of the officer from the Nationality and Passports Investigation Department, whose confidential inquiry uncovered a scheme involving all three accused. The investigation revealed that the first defendant, a Kuwaiti citizen, colluded with the second defendant, a Gulf national, to falsely register the third defendant (the son of the second) as his own to add him to his citizenship file. Based on this fraudulent claim, the first defendant submitted falsified information to the General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents, which enabled the third defendant to unlawfully obtain a Kuwaiti civil ID, passport, and citizenship certificate. The court ruled that all three defendants be held equally responsible, sentencing each to seven years of imprisonment with hard labor, in addition to full restitution and a substantial financial fine. The case is regarded as one of the more significant rulings in recent years involving citizenship fraud and misappropriation of state resources.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Salary reform sparks uproar, experts demand transparency
KUWAIT CITY, July 13: There has been widespread uproar and intense interaction on social media over the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the 'strategic alternative.' Many are questioning its scope of application, whether it will ease or worsen citizens' financial burdens, and to what extent it will achieve fairness in salaries. The daily raised these concerns with experts, legal professionals, and former MPs, who unanimously stressed the need for clarity and transparency on the plan's details and implications before any formal approval. In this regard, former MP and minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi affirmed that while the 'strategic alternative' is important for salary imbalances, there are simpler and more direct ways to adjust salaries, particularly given that the project has been under discussion by successive governments since 2013. Al-Mulaifi indicated that the government has significantly delayed salary adjustments due to rising inflation, increasing prices, higher fees, allowance changes, and new taxes, all of which negatively impact low-income earners. He emphasized the need for a simple system for allowances, benefits, and salary increases in a way that motivates productivity, enhances healthy competition, and ensures fairness among employees. Al-Mulaifi noted that while unifying the salary structure is good, differences in certain professions such as lawyers, engineers, and accountants, should be recognized and should be based on experience and competencies. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Fahad Al- Abduljader, administrative consultant and member of the advisory committee formed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the strategic alternative project, explained that the Civil Service Council approved the implementation of the strategic alternative in 2015. This approval was based on a study conducted by a committee selected by the council in 2013, which included CSC employees, retirees, and experts in administrative development and human resources. The committee proposed a unified salary schedule for all government agencies to address the issue of unfair salaries, along with the implementation of job descriptions and a performance assessment plan. The project's results were presented to the Civil Service Council, which approved it and referred it to the Council of Ministers, and subsequently to the National Assembly, where it remains pending to this day. Al-Abduljader stressed the need to update the strategic alternative, as when it was first proposed, it was based on outdated data, particularly concerning the salary market, organizational and functional structures, and job descriptions. Dr. Al-Abduljader pointed out another fairness issue in the current salary schedule, which is that Kuwaitis with the same specialization may receive different salaries depending on their workplace. For example, one employee at a ministry earns KD 850, while another at a government agency with an independent budget receives KD 1,100 per month, along with additional benefits such as an annual bonus and health insurance. Designing the salary schedule in line with the strategic alternative should address these disparities and ensure fairness in salaries, benefits, and allowances. This includes implementing a modern annual performance evaluation system that differentiates employee productivity and performance levels and standardizes salaries based on job titles rather than solely on educational qualifications. He noted that, according to the strategic alternative presented in 2015, the government projected savings of between KD 10 billion and KD 19 billion over 10 years upon its implementation. Al-Abduljader went on to explain that the strategic alternative system will not freeze salaries for all employees. The freeze will apply only to those whose salaries have reached the maximum limit in the unified salary schedule; however, an annual salary increase will still be granted based on the employee's performance evaluation. The strategic alternative does not affect the private sector or retirees. Under the strategic alternative, job-related allowances, known as the 'nature of work allowance', will be consolidated. There are allowances related to work conditions such as housing, car rental, and shift work, which will remain separate. Also, the annual bonus will be divided into three parts, awarded based on employee performance evaluations. In addition, Lawyer Ali Al-Attar called on the Ministry of Finance to present the strategic alternative' for public discussion before approving it. He noted that most of what is currently being circulated consists of personal opinions rather than official details, and stressed that ordinary citizens have the right to know all aspects of the project, as it directly affects their livelihood and their families' well-being. Lawyer Al-Attar affirmed the importance of allowing sufficient time to clearly explain the pros and cons of the strategic alternative to avoid surprising citizens upon its implementation. He indicated that citizens are expecting a positive salary adjustment, especially in light of the continued rise in living costs, adding that the strategic alternative must ensure fairness and serve as a motivation for citizens to enhance their productivity.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shilpa Shetty, Sanjay Dutt join KD team, win hearts in Bengaluru
The team behind the Kannada film KD - The Devil is on a press tour, spanning Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bengaluru for the film's anticipated teaser launch, and they're truly winning hearts along the way. From Sanjay Dutt 's heartfelt admiration for South Indian cinema to Shilpa Shetty dancing with V Ravichandran, here are a few moments at the event in the city that stole the spotlight… Shilpa Shetty, who debuted in Kannada cinema alongside V Ravichandran in Preethsod Thappa, joined him on stage in Bengaluru. The duo, set to appear in KD-The Devil, danced to their iconic song Bangaradinda Bannana Thanda. Shilpa also shared her appreciation for V Ravichandran, highlighting his guidance during her initial foray into Kannada cinema: 'My first Kannada film was with Ravi sir, he was the one who taught me how to be a Kannada heroine, because it was very different from Bollywood, and he was the one who gave me the taste of Kannada cinema.' Prem, director of KD, had garnered attention for his remarks on the language controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan's Thug Life, made during the teaser launch for the film, held in Chennai. Responding to this on Saturday, he said, 'Kannada is my mother tongue; I am most comfortable in this language and speak from my heart. While people may continue to discuss it, it does not bother me – I am a mannina maga.' Sharing his admiration for Sanjay Dutt, Prem said, 'It feels surreal to work with Sanjay Dutt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You have too much belly fat? (eat this before breakfast) Gut Solution Learn More Undo I used to sell Khal Nayak tickets in black, and now directing him feels like a full circle moment.' Sanjay Dutt drew a parallel between himself and Dhruva Sarja, stating, 'I see the reflection of my younger days in Dhruva. He respects everyone on set, especially the senior actors; I too was like this while working with Amitji and Dilip sahab. He will be a huge star across the nation with KD.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Gold In Kuwait Soars To KD 33
KUWAIT CITY, July 13 : Precious metal prices in the local Kuwaiti market responded strongly to global developments last week, as demand surged amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The price of 24-karat gold reached approximately KD 33 per gram, while 22-karat gold stood at around KD 30.27 per gram. Silver also saw a notable uptick, with the price of one kilogram hitting KD 421. This local surge mirrored global trends, where gold prices recorded a significant rise, closing at $3,356 per ounce by the end of last week's trading. The increase was largely driven by escalating U.S. trade tensions and heightened geopolitical risks, reinforcing gold's status as a safe-haven asset. According to a report released Sunday by Kuwait's Dar Al-Sabeek company, U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to announce a 35 percent tariff on Canadian imports, set to take effect in early August, along with potential tariffs of 15 percent to 20 percent on other major trade partners, contributed to growing market uncertainty. As a result, investors turned to precious metals for protection. The report also highlighted President Trump's call for a 300-basis-point interest rate cut, which has raised expectations of appointing a more dovish Federal Reserve chair to replace Jerome Powell. Such a move could increase inflationary pressures and enhance gold's appeal as a hedge. Despite a fourth straight week of declining U.S. jobless claims, attention is now focused on upcoming inflation data due this Thursday. Forecasts suggest a year-on-year rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2.6 percent for June, which may further drive investors toward gold as a store of value. Gold traded last week within a support range between $3,300 and $3,332 per ounce, with resistance levels noted at $3,376 and $3,400. This positioning gives gold buyers a clear technical advantage and strengthens the likelihood of a continued medium-term upward trend. Silver also witnessed impressive gains, rising three percent both on a daily and weekly basis to reach its highest level in 13 years at $38.30 per ounce. The report noted that silver broke through its previous technical resistance at $37 per ounce, signaling strong short-term buyer control and sustained momentum within a solid upward trend. On the geopolitical front, the report highlighted escalating tensions in the Middle East and Red Sea, particularly due to repeated attacks on commercial vessels. These developments have led investors to seek refuge in safe assets like gold and silver, reinforcing their roles as primary hedging tools during global crises. (KUNA)
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Committee reviews new draft law regulating humanitarian work
Committee reviews new draft law regulating humanitarian work Interior Minister chairs sixth meeting of Humanitarian and Charitable Work Committee KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah chaired the sixth meeting of the Committee for Regulating Humanitarian and Charitable Work on Thursday. The meeting, attended by representatives from various government agencies, focused on reviewing a draft law to regulate humanitarian work in the country. According to a statement by the Ministry of Interior, the proposed law is part of Kuwait's ongoing efforts 'to enhance the efficiency of humanitarian and charitable work and organize it according to the highest international standards.' The committee emphasized that the draft law aims to modernize the legal framework governing humanitarian and charitable activities in Kuwait. It is designed to 'promote governance and ensure the highest levels of transparency and effectiveness,' the statement said. 'These efforts reflect Kuwait's commitment to supporting and developing humanitarian and charitable initiatives,' the committee noted, 'in a way that achieves the desired positive impact and supports beneficiary communities both locally and internationally.' The meeting comes amid broader efforts by the Kuwaiti government to safeguard the country's global reputation as a leader in humanitarian aid, while ensuring accountability and trust in the charitable sector. On June 22, Kuwait introduced a new bylaw regulating charitable foundations (mabarat), requiring official licensing, security clearances, and a minimum of 10 Kuwaiti founders with clean legal records and a KD 10,000 deposit. Foundations are prohibited from fundraising or conducting any charitable activities without prior written approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The law also grants the ministry full oversight powers, sets clear conditions for dissolution, and imposes penalties for non-compliance or financial misconduct. The government released another set of regulations the same month, specifically targeting charitable associations' fundraising activities. The rules govern how donations are collected, managed, and reported. They focus on controlling the use of fundraising links, overseeing contracts with marketing firms and influencers involved in promotion, regulating financial transparency and reporting, and managing both local and international charity campaigns. The aim is to regulate the entire process of collecting and handling donations within the charitable sector. — Agencies
