In a significant political development, the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has appointed Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah as the new Prime Minister. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Kuwait's political landscape, signaling potential changes in the country's governance and policy direction. Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, a member of Kuwait's royal family, is known for his extensive experience in both political and diplomatic spheres. Prior to his appointment as Prime Minister, he held several key positions, including serving a
In a significant development reshaping global economic alliances, Saudi Arabia has officially joined the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This strategic move marks a pivotal shift in the international order, as Saudi Arabia becomes the first Middle Eastern country to join this influential group. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia into BRICS represents a strategic expansion of the bloc, which is increasingly seen as an alternative to the Western-dominated global economic system. With Saudi Arabia's membership, BRICS diversifies its geopolitical and economic
As a significant diplomatic engagement, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, arrived in Moscow for a key visit, with the agenda primarily centered on discussing bilateral issues between India and Russia. This visit is particularly noteworthy given the current global geopolitical climate and the longstanding relationship between the two nations. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including strategic partnerships, trade, defense, energy, and regional stability. Both countries have historically maintained a close relationship, with Russia being a critical
The Lok Sabha approved three revised criminal law bills on December 20, signalling a substantial transformation in the Indian criminal justice system. Aimed at establishing a "justice system based on Indian thinking," the bills propose to replace key legal frameworks. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita seeks to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita aims to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita is set to replace the Indian Evidence Act. Introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these bills address a colonial mindset inherent
After a decade of delay, Iraqis voted in local elections Monday, with apathy trumping excitement. Only 41% turned out, mirroring the 2021 parliamentary vote. Disillusionment among youth, plagued by unemployment and corruption, is likely the culprit. Despite the sluggish turnout, the stakes were high. The election, seen as a precursor to 2025's general vote, tested the balance of power in a nation where Iran-aligned groups hold increasing sway. Local elections last took place in 2013. They were postponed due to the war against Islamic State militants who took over large parts of Iraq but we
Kuwait has announced the succession of Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new emir, following the passing of the late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah at the age of 86. The royal court disclosed that Sheikh Nawaf had been admitted to the hospital last month due to an emergency health issue, and the cause of his death has not been immediately revealed. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, 83, has been serving as Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021, having assumed many duties from Sheikh Nawaf due to the latter's declining health. According to Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince
In a ceremony on Wednesday, Switzerland welcomed Viola Amherd as its new president, succeeding Alain Berset in the rotating honorary role within the country's cabinet. Amherd, currently the defence minister, is set to assume the presidency from January. The change comes as part of the annual rotation tradition among cabinet members. In tandem with this transition, the Swiss parliament elected Beat Jans to the seven-member cabinet, succeeding Berset, who opted to step down by the year's end. The cabinet reshuffle maintains the existing political balance, with Jans hailing from the centre-le
New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, announced on Monday a renewed commitment to strengthen ties with intelligence partners, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia. The four countries, which together with New Zealand are known as the Five Eyes, have shared intelligence since World War Two, though the alliance has come under pressure in recent years. Peters, a key figure in the right-of-center government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aims to bolster defense and security engagement, marking a departure from New Zealand's traditionally moderate stanc
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the President's authority to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, leading to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading the five-judge Bench, affirmed that the President could unilaterally issue a notification to cease the existence of Article 370. The court emphasized that the President possessed the power to abrogate Article 370 when "special circumstances warrant a special solution," and that the judiciary could not question the decision based on the
In a significant move aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and addressing shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, the Indian and Vietnamese armies commenced an 11-day joint military exercise on Monday. The exercise, named "VINBAX-23," is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from December 11 to 21, marking the latest chapter in the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The primary objective of VINBAX-23 is to foster collaboration and promote interoperability between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces. With 45 personnel from each side participating, t