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Approaching her, he greeted her with a respectful bow. "Teacher Zhang, it's been a long time. I wanted to come back and thank you for all that you've done for me," he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
New Search Reignites Hope for Finding Missing Flight MH370University of Liverpool Maths School: Meet the headteacher behind the North West's top sixth form collegeAs the plane soared through the clouds, carrying António back to the land of his birth, he whispered a quiet thank you to Beijing for leading him back to himself. And as he landed on familiar ground, he knew that his adventure was just beginning.
Valladolid beats fellow struggler Valencia to move off the bottom of La Liga
While the adjustments to Tencent Video's membership benefits have been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that the platform is committed to evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs and preferences of its user base. By differentiating between new and old users, Tencent Video aims to strike a balance between attracting new subscribers and retaining existing members.Today's fortune: Dec. 14, 2024 Published: 14 Dec. 2024, 07:00 Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 (Nov. 14 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: west 1936: A day to give more than you receive. 1948: Kindness given to others will return as blessings. 1960: Do not hold back on giving compliments. 1972: Helping one another is the essence of humanity. 1984: Avoid letting trivial matters hurt your feelings. 1996: Echo the words of others to show agreement. Ox Wealth: average Health: average Love: tolerant Lucky direction: east 1937: Avoid clinging solely to the old ways. 1949: Broaden your perspective and show tolerance. 1961: Strive to understand the younger generation. 1973: Overlook minor faults instead of pointing them out. 1985: Refrain from belittling elders by labeling them as outdated. 1997: Consider situations from the other person’s point of view. Tiger Wealth: good Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: east 1938: There may be a joyous occasion in the family. 1950: Family harmony is the foundation of happiness. 1962: Your home might become bustling with visitors. 1974: Good events often draw large gatherings. 1986: The more, the merrier. 1998: Hearts and minds may connect deeply. Rabbit Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: south 1939: Save your words and open your wallet instead. 1951: Life for everyone is more similar than it seems. 1963: A little praise can motivate someone greatly. 1975: Too many leaders can derail progress. 1987: Other people's possessions may seem better than your own. 1999: Do not envy others. Dragon Wealth: average Health: average Love: understanding Lucky direction: north 1940: Observe quietly without interfering. 1952: Life’s struggles are universally similar. 1964: The outcome may remain the same regardless of your choice. 1976: Join efforts with others for mutual success. 1988: Seek advice from your superiors. 2000: You may develop an interest in someone older. Snake Wealth: excessive Health: cautious Love: conflicted Lucky direction: south 1941: Refrain from getting involved or interfering. 1953: Avoid setting expectations or harboring desires. 1965: Hide your disappointment even if it arises. 1977: Disputes with your partner may be short-lived. 1989: Quietly focus on your tasks. 2001: Manage your emotions carefully. Horse Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: happy Lucky direction: north 1942: You may find joy in multiple things today. 1954: A celebration might take place in your family. 1966: Today is always the best day to cherish. 1978: Laughter may fill your home. 1990: Your life may feel abundantly filled with happiness. 2002: Fortune and luck may favor you. Sheep Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: west 1943: Every finger you bite hurts equally. 1955: Helping others is the natural way of life. 1967: If you’ve received, be ready to give back. 1979: Be generous when contributing to celebrations. 1991: Wear bright and warm clothes when going out. 2003: You may achieve partial success today. Monkey Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: social Lucky direction: east 1944: You may hear news from relatives. 1956: You could host or attend an invitation. 1968: Plan an outing with your spouse or meet friends. 1980: Expect a delightful meeting or gathering. 1992: Spend time with friends or go on a date. 2004: You may have an enjoyable meeting or social activity. Rooster Wealth: steady Health: healthy Love: joyful Lucky direction: east 1945: You may receive a gift or enjoy a treat. 1957: You might celebrate or congratulate someone. 1969: Expect joyful spending on something pleasant. 1981: Go shopping or have a family outing. 1993: Enjoy a date or watch a cultural performance. 2005: Your financial luck may improve. Dog Wealth: average Health: average Love: passionate Lucky direction: south 1946: Youthful at heart, you feel like you’re 18 again. 1958: Age is just a number — life begins now. 1970: Juggle multiple tasks, but beware of overexertion. 1982: Focus on safety over speed when driving. 1994: Love grows stronger with passion. 2006: Live with confidence and determination. Pig Wealth: average Health: average Love: complete Lucky direction: west 1935: You may feel the urge to give even a little. 1947: A person or thing may deeply resonate with you. 1959: Show extra care and affection to your spouse. 1971: Be generous, even to those you dislike. 1983: The bonds of family may strengthen. 1995: Recharge your “love battery.” 2007: Focus on studies rather than romance.The announcement of the "stabilize property and stock markets" policy has been welcomed by investors and market participants, who see it as a positive step towards restoring confidence and stability. The government's proactive measures to support the markets are seen as a sign of its commitment to maintaining economic growth and stability in the face of external challenges. This has helped to ease concerns about the potential risks and uncertainties facing the markets, and has provided a boost to investor sentiment.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A massive brawl erupted at the London Stadium during Arsenal's victory over West Ham on Saturday. The Gunners quickly established a 4-0 lead before the Hammers retaliated with two swift goals. Bukayo Saka's penalty concluded an intense first half. The second half was less eventful, with no further goals scored. However, the match was overshadowed by a significant fight in the West Ham end after their team conceded four goals. Video footage from the home end reveals a group of fans engaged in a heated dispute. One man appears to throw a punch at another, who retaliates. He is then restrained by other spectators as the initial aggressor falls to the ground. Another individual attempts to strike the man from behind as he is held back. Stewards promptly intervened and cleared the area, reports the Mirror . Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Spectators can be heard remarking that the instigator seemed to have been "knocked out". The cause of the brawl remains uncertain, and West Ham has condemned the individuals involved. A spokesperson for the Hammers told The Sun: "The club is aware of the incident and will be working to identify the offender(s)." West Ham have reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, stating: "In line with our zero-tolerance approach, anyone identified will have their details passed to the police and will be given an indefinite ban and therefore be unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the club. There is no place for this kind of behaviour at our Stadium." Meanwhile, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui expressed his disappointment over the day's events, particularly criticising refereeing decisions during the match. Speaking to Match of the Day, Lopetegui said: "Overall, I am frustrated in the first half. We deserved two goals, but they didn't deserve five. We were unlucky in the decisions, in my opinion. The first goal I think it was a block," and added, "We have to do better for sure. We didn't take good decisions in a defensive way - that's why it was a strange match. The team showed character to compete. We were unlucky with the decisions today." He also mentioned the challenges of not being able to directly influence the game from the sidelines, saying: "We asked before the match, the referee with the block, as a coach we have to know the limit. This week we have to do better in our individual actions in a defensive way. It is always difficult to not stay on the bench because you can't help the team and I was very frustrated." Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:19 p.m. EST
Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index's three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.
In a landmark decision, the Chamber of Deputies of , has passed new legislation aimed at online gambling and minimizing its on minors. Up until this point, San Juan was one of the in the country that did not have any specific regulations related to online gambling, leading to rising addiction rates. The legislation responds to growing concerns over the of online gaming operations and their impact on the region’s youth. It combines elements from three draft bills, uniting efforts to establish a for the promotion, awareness, and prevention of gambling addiction among children and youth with to govern online gambling. These new regulations provide tools to authorities to combat operations and address effectively. San Juan will also launch a Provincial Program to about the dangers of gambling addiction, with a special focus on the need to safeguard where gambling harm can quickly spread. Deputy pointed out alarming statistics, showing of those aged between 18-24 admitted to engaging in online gambling. of regular players spend three or more hours daily on gambling platforms, while a of young players were spending money set aside for necessities, pooled resources with friends, or even sold personal belongings to finance their gambling. Local government representatives warned of the risks associated with the of online gambling, fueled by the expansion of technology and easy internet access. They noted how online betting sites remained freely available to San Juan youths, generating an . Many such operators lack adequate player protection safeguards, exacerbating the issue. The law also aims to reframe toward gambling by promoting healthier forms of entertainment and emphasizing the role of in preventing addiction. Lawmakers encouraged families, schools, and other organizations to in educating and guiding the youth away from such adverse behaviors. This legislation represents a for San Juan in addressing a . However, other similar jurisdictions have demonstrated that a is only useful with proper enforcement. It will be up to the region’s government to ensure operators comply with these new guidelines and help curb rising gambling harm rates.In conclusion, Elon Musk's extraordinary increase in net worth serves as a testament to his vision, perseverance, and ingenuity. As he continues to shake up the tech industry and redefine what is possible, one thing is clear: Elon Musk's impact will be felt for generations to come.
NoneIn conclusion, the opening of Amazon's Global Store office in Nanjing signals a new chapter in the company's expansion efforts in China. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and compliance, Amazon aims to shape the future of e-commerce in China and offer a world-class shopping experience to Chinese consumers.
"It Time to Try Defying Gravity" because Part One of "Wicked" is now in cinemas. Adapted from the popular Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire's book and a revelatory prequel to “ The Wizard of Oz, " "Wicked" is the first of a two-part epic. USA TODAY movie critic Brian Truitt gave the film ★★★ out of four , writing that "even with a few missteps, it’s easy to get swept up in director Jon M. Chu’s colorful spectacle ( rated PG) ." "The movie musical is both superfluous and splendiferous, yet it casts a big-hearted spell that you’d have to be wicked not to appreciate at least a little. The song-filled character study of the Wicked Witch of the West’s early years ekes out great performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that’ll wow musical theater kids and old-school “Oz” fans alike," Truitt wrote in his review, adding the film manages to "at least pulls off a truly soaring closing cliffhanger." With Part 1 of "Wicked" now in cinemas, anticipation for the second part, which is expected to pick up from where the first part ended, presumably beginning with the song "Thank Goodness," is high. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu, in April 2022, had announced the film would be split into two parts because it "became impossible" to shrink the Broadway play "into a single film without doing some real damage to it." “As we prepared the production over the last year, it became impossible to wrestle the story of 'Wicked' into a single film without doing some real damage to it," Chu had written in a social media post . "As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years." He continued: "We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one 'Wicked' movie but two! With more space, we can tell the story of Wicked as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys for these beloved characters.” 'Wicked' review: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande are fantastic as witchy BFFs We've got room on the couch! Sign up for USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter for more recaps of your favorite shows. Here's what we know so far about Part 2 of "Wicked" including release date and cast. 'Wicked' Part 2 release date Wicked Part 2 is expected to hit screens on November 21, 2025 — one year (minus a day) after the first installment, according to Universal Pictures . Both "Wicked" and "Wicked: Part 2" were shot back-to-back between December 2022 and January 2024, according to Forbes , which means the second installment of the "Wicked" has already been filmed. 'Wicked' Part 2 cast While Universal Studios has not yet announced the full cast list for Part 2 or hinted if there would be new characters, it is likely that much of the original cast will be returning including: Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle 'Wicked': The movie's biggest changes from the Broadway musical and book How to watch 'Wicked' The only way to watch "Wicked" at this point is to catch it in a cinema near you. The film is not currently available to stream. However, it is expected to be available to stream on Peacock in the future. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.In conclusion, Marcus Rashford's market value of 60 million euros and weekly wage of 300,000 pounds speak to his exceptional talent and potential in the world of football. With 4 years left on his contract and plenty of room for growth, Rashford is a player whose true worth may be even higher than what the market currently suggests. As the football world continues to evolve, Rashford's value will be a barometer for the ever-changing landscape of the sport.
The recent surge in Chinese assets has also been fueled by a wave of positive news, including the successful initial public offerings (IPOs) of several Chinese companies on U.S. exchanges. Companies such as Tencent-backed music streaming service Tencent Music, e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, and electric vehicle maker Nio have all seen their stock prices soar following their public debuts.Nonetheless, the debate over Jokic's scoring spree and its impact on the Denver Nuggets' dynamics continues to spark discussion among fans and analysts. While some view Jokic's performance as a testament to his skill and talent, others believe that a more balanced and team-oriented approach is essential for the team's long-term success.
In addition to her impressive skills on the table, Sun Yingsha is also admired for her sportsmanship and humility. Despite her numerous achievements and accolades, she remains down-to-earth and gracious in victory, earning the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike. Her positive attitude and dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.The live broadcast, which garnered a staggering 67 million viewers, solidified Xiaohua and Zhang Zao's status as trendsetters and influencers in the world of fashion and entertainment. The event served as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and artistry, showcasing the transformative impact of a well-executed hairstyle on an individual's overall image and presence.
Neymar's loyalty to PSG and his commitment to fulfilling his obligations as a player are admirable qualities that should be recognized and respected. While the allure of a return to Barcelona may have been tempting, Neymar's decision to prioritize his long-term career interests over short-term gains is a testament to his maturity and professionalism.
Title: The Rise of Social Commerce in the United States: TikTok Racks Up Billions in Sales on Black Friday
The world is heading into 2025 with high uncertainty. And no factor has contributed more to this unpredictable environment than the reelection of Donald Trump as the United States President. The US is the world’s biggest economy ($27.4 trillion), the biggest importer of goods ($3.17 trillion), the second largest exporter of goods ($2.02 trillion), and the largest source of foreign direct investments (FDI, $404 billion). The massive size of its economy and influence in global trade and investment means any major shift in US government policies is likely to have a significant impact on the global economy, including the Philippines. The US and the Philippines have developed a strong economic relationship over the years. In 2023 alone, the US was the Philippines’ top export destination ($11.5 billion), biggest source of overseas Filipino remittances ($13.7 billion), largest source of development assistance grants ($615 million), fourth biggest source of FDI inflows ($113.1 million), and fifth largest import source ($8.4 billion). Based on Trump’s pronouncements during the campaign, there are three policies that could potentially affect the Philippines. Stop outsourcing of jobs. Trump has pledged to stop the outsourcing of jobs to generate local employment. This could negatively impact the IT-BPO sector in the Philippines, which employs some 1.7 million Filipinos and generates at least $30 billion in revenues annually, more than half from the US. Tariffs. Trump has floated the idea to impose a blanket 10 to 20 percent tariff on imported goods from countries where the US has a trade deficit with. This will make our export goods such as textiles, garments, and coconut oil more expensive in the US, and likely lower demand and reduce earnings for these industries. Trump has also threatened to levy as much as 60 percent tariffs on all imported goods from China, which would indirectly affect the country, especially exporters linked in the global value chain. To illustrate: exporters of electronic parts to China as inputs for the manufacture of smartphones would likely suffer from lower demand. But high tariffs on China could also bring potential benefits, as US companies that face higher costs due to tariffs might look for alternative and cheaper sources of inputs, or even move out and establish production factories in alternative locations. This is where the Philippines could assert itself as a viable option. However, it remains to be seen whether recent reforms such as CREATE MORE Act and amendments to liberalization laws would make us an attractive investment destination at par with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Strict immigration policy. Trump has threatened a massive deportation of illegal immigrants in the US, ending automatic citizenship for their children. Currently, there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipino migrants in the US. This policy is likely to lower remittances and reduce the income of OFW families at home. It could also mean a more stringent vetting process for those seeking job opportunities in the US. Overall, early assessment shows that the net impact of Trump’s campaign agenda would be negative for the Philippines. Nevertheless, we’ll conduct another review of his policies six months after he assumes office in January. While there is much uncertainty heading into next year, the key takeaway for the government is to make our economy more resilient by focusing on things it can control. This includes diversifying the country’s growth drivers by investing in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Developing the agricultural sector through improvements in the supply chain is important for food security and managing food inflation. The government could partner with the private sector in building common warehouses, cold-storage facilities, and farm-to-market roads to minimize post-harvest losses. Strengthening the manufacturing sector, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), could generate quality jobs. The government could invest further in Shared Service Facilities of the Department of Trade and Industry which provide SMEs access to technology and equipment to improve their productivity. Ramping up reskilling and upskilling programs with universities and industries can improve the skills of Filipino workers. We should also improve our position as an investment destination for manufacturing companies, particularly those that can transfer technology and know-how to local firms. The government should continue addressing ease of doing business, particularly the burdensome process of permit approval and extra fees imposed at the local level. Equally critical is the need to lower the cost of doing business, like high power rates and unreliable internet connectivity which hampers digitalization. Lastly, it is crucial to strictly monitor budget utilization and program implementation of national government agencies to ensure that the limited resources of the government are spent prudently. As the saying goes, the best way to predict the future is to create it. —————- Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Gary B. Teves has served as finance secretary under the Arroyo administrationThe Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is set to visit Kuwait on December 21-22 . The visit will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, the last being the visit by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981. Mr. Modi was scheduled to visit Kuwait in January 2022, but the visit was postponed due to concerns about COVID-19. The visit holds great significance not only for the bilateral ties but also the region, which is going through a very difficult phase of conflict and transition. Mr. Modi has visited all the other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the past 10 years, some more than once, and not having visited Kuwait was seen as a gap in India’s West Asia engagement. This visit aims to not only plug this gap but also give a boost to the rather stagnant ties between the two countries which, otherwise, have much potential for a strong engagement. A country with strategic significance Why Is Kuwait important? Despite being one of the smallest countries in the region, it holds significant strategic importance. Located at the north-east end of the Persian Gulf, it shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia and hosts important American military bases. It is the only monarchy in the region which has experimented successfully with democracy. On regional issues, it has generally maintained a neutral stance and has often been the interlocutor in resolving disputes. Related Stories Indians in Kuwait and Gulf countries: A look at numbers EAM Jaishankar calls on Kuwaiti PM, Crown Prince to discuss bilateral ties Day-long State mourning in India after demise of Kuwaiti Emir Its wealth is owed primarily to its vast oil reserves, which are sixth-largest globally. It is also one of the founding members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It also has one of the largest basket sovereign wealth funds. These funds, managed by the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), have grown at an impressive rate and are currently estimated to be $924 billion (in March 2024), the fourth largest in the world after Norway, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Untapped potential, existing links India and Kuwait have always enjoyed friendly ties, built on a strong foundation of history and cultural bonds. India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait following its independence from the British Protectorate in 1961. In fact, the Indian rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait till 1961. Trade and people-to-people ties have traditionally been the main anchors of the bilateral ties. India has consistently been among the top trading partners of Kuwait, with the total bilateral trade with Kuwait during FY 2023-24 being $ 10.47 billion. During FY2023-24, Kuwait was the sixth largest crude supplier catering to about 3.0 % of India’s total energy needs. The KIA has invested indirectly in India with estimated investments of more than US$10 billion. During the COVID-19 pandemic too, India and Kuwait demonstrated a strong sense of brotherhood. India provided two lakh vaccine doses. During the second wave of COVID-19 in May 2021, Kuwait provided 282 oxygen cylinders, 60 oxygen concentrators, ventilators and many other medical supplies to India. People-to-people ties form the other firm anchor. Out of a population of almost 4.9 million, around 1 million Indians not only form the largest expatriate group in Kuwait but are also among the most trusted. As a special gesture, a ‘Festival of India’ was organised in Kuwait in March 2023. A weekly Hindi radio programme, ‘Namaste Kuwait has been started by Kuwait National Radio since April 2024. And, 26 schools in Kuwait with over 60,000 students, follow the Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum of India. When tragedy struck on June 12, in the form of a fire in a residential building in Kuwait killing over 40 Indians, Kuwait rendered help and repatriated their mortal remains quickly. Areas to elevate ties Despite enjoying mutual trust and goodwill, India’s ties with Kuwait — like with many others in the Gulf region — have not been able to transcend to the next level. Mr. Modi’s visit, therefore, offers the perfect opportunity to set things moving. The signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Kuwait could be the ideal start. An agreement on defence cooperation could be signed too. India has invited Kuwait to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which Kuwait is likely to accept. An agreement between KIA and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) in India could be mutually beneficial and give impetus to growth in India. Like the UAE, Kuwait could become an important partner for storing strategic oil reserves in India. From India, helping Kuwait in building its infrastructure under Kuwait’s ‘Vision 2035’ could be a good initiative. Setting up institutes of higher education, such as the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management, and modern hospitals in Kuwait could boost people-to-people ties. Kuwait’s request for additional seats for its airlines from India (in addition to 12,000 seats per week allotted), could be considered as a special exemption, despite Kuwait not fulfilling the required quota. Cooperation in space programmes including launching satellites for Kuwait would make good headlines too. The scope for Kuwait-India ties is huge and the wish list endless. Hopefully, this visit will provide the perfect platform to kick-start a golden era in this very important bilateral relationship. Rajeev Agarwal, retired colonel, is a former Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, a former Director in Military Intelligence (International Relations) and a former Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi (IDSA), New Delhi. Published - December 21, 2024 12:08 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Kuwait / India / diplomacy / Prime Minister Narendra Modi / democracy / finance (general) / China / United Arab Emirates / Iraq / Saudi Arabia / USA / armed Forces / history books / trade policy / investments / Coronavirus / population / education / school / radio / culture (general) / fire / defence / oil and gas - upstream activities / higher education / air transport / space programme