A powerful earthquake, the deadliest in decades, has hit Morocco, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 1,000 people. The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck a mountainous area near Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination.

The earthquake has caused immense devastation, with the majority of casualties occurring in the Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces. More than 1,200 people have been injured, with 721 in critical condition. The international community has expressed condolences and offered assistance to Morocco. Algeria, a neighboring country and regional rival, has even lifted its ban on Moroccan flights to facilitate aid delivery and medical evacuations.

Support from Kuwait

The Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has sent a message of condolences to the Moroccan King, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. The Kuwaiti government has also directed relevant entities to prepare food supplies for the people of Morocco. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, will coordinate the delivery of relief supplies to assist those affected by the earthquake.

Assistance from Local Charities

The Minister of Social Affairs in Kuwait has instructed local charities to organize a donation campaign to help the earthquake victims in Morocco. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society has expressed readiness to provide assistance and necessities to those affected by the disaster. They have also reached out to the Moroccan Red Crescent Society to offer support and express their wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

Safety of Kuwaiti Citizens

All Kuwaiti citizens in Morocco have been confirmed safe, with no reported injuries. The Kuwaiti embassy in Morocco has been in contact with local authorities to ensure the well-being of Kuwaiti nationals. The embassy has reassured the public that all Kuwaiti citizens present in Morocco are accounted for and unharmed.

Rescue Efforts and Damage

The earthquake caused significant damage in several cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings. The Moroccan army has set up a field hospital in one of the affected villages and deployed resources to support the rescue operation. Experts have noted that the earthquake is the strongest ever recorded in Morocco and the most powerful in the region in over 120 years.

Witness Accounts

Residents and tourists have shared their experiences during the earthquake. Many were terrified and sought safety as buildings shook violently. Some people slept outside due to fear of aftershocks. Witnesses reported collapsed structures, including a minaret in Jemaa el-Fna square. The earthquake has left people in shock, with some losing family members and others describing the chaos and devastation they witnessed.

Response and Assistance

The Moroccan authorities have mobilized all necessary resources to provide assistance to the affected areas. The regional transfusion center in Marrakesh has called on residents to donate blood for the injured. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has postponed a scheduled match indefinitely. The USGS PAGER system has issued a "red alert" for economic losses, indicating extensive damage.

Despite the immense challenges caused by this earthquake, the international community stands united in offering support and aid to Morocco during this difficult time.

 Gamal Khattab

Did you know that engineers often look to birds for inspiration when designing new technology? One great example of this is the Japanese train called the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. Before it became the sleek and fast train we know today, it had a big problem. When it reached speeds of 200 miles per hour and entered a tunnel, it created a super loud noise called a Sonic Boom. This noise could be heard by people who lived 15 miles away from the tunnel!

The Solution 

Engineers wanted to fix this noise problem, so they started looking at how birds are able to fly so smoothly and quietly. One engineer noticed something amazing while watching a Kingfisher bird dive into the water to catch fish. Even though the bird was moving from air to water, which are very different in density, it didn't cause any disturbance on the water's surface. How was this possible?

The Kingfisher's Secret

The engineer realized that the shape of the Kingfisher's beak was the key. The beak allowed the bird to move through the water without creating any big waves or splashes. It had a special design that helped it overcome the difference in density between air and water. This design allowed for a smooth flow, just like how the bullet train needed to move smoothly through the tunnel.

Applying the Bird's Design

The engineers took inspiration from the Kingfisher's beak and applied it to the front of the bullet train. They made the front of the train smoother and more aerodynamic, just like the beak. And guess what? It worked! The noise from the train decreased a lot, and its speed even increased by 10%. Plus, it used 15% less electricity!

A Sign of Intelligent Design

This incredible engineering feat shows us something important. The theory of evolution can't fully explain the amazing abilities of birds and their complex biological systems. Birds are so smart and well-designed that humans try to copy their designs to improve our own technology. This is evidence that birds and other organisms were created by a powerful and wise God, who knew exactly what they needed to survive and thrive.

The principal of a high school in Lyon, France recently sent a student home for wearing a kimono, a traditional Japanese garment. However, the principal later admitted that the student's outfit was not an abaya, as initially claimed, but rather a long coat of a religious nature.

Discussion with the Student

The 15-year-old student was called in to discuss the incident with the principal and her family. Accompanied by her mother and sister, she explained that her outfit did not represent any religious affiliation, despite being a Muslim herself.

Principal's Response

The principal responded by stating that the school's regulations cover all outfits that show a religious affiliation, not just abayas. According to the principal, when a student arrives veiled in the morning, it is clear what their religious affiliation is.

Similar Incident

It was discovered that at least one other student from the same high school faced a similar measure for wearing a kimono.

Legal Action

The family's lawyer, Maitre Nabil Boudi, has filed a complaint for discrimination based on religious affiliation. He emphasized the humiliation and religious discrimination experienced by his client and called for urgent intervention from the judicial authority.

Student's Experience

The student shared that she was reprimanded in front of her entire class by a member of the educational staff. When taken to the principal's office, she was asked to remove her kimono under the ban imposed by the Ministry of National Education. Refusing to comply would result in her being prohibited from attending classes. The student refused, stating that her outfit was not illegal as it was not an abaya. The principal then informed her that she could not be accepted in class wearing that outfit.

The Uttar Pradesh Police have taken legal action against the district president of the ruling BJP's Minority Morcha in Maharajganj. The leader, Masoom Raza Rahi, has been accused of assaulting a 17-year-old Dalit girl and causing the death of her father.

The Allegations

According to the complaint filed by the minor girl, Rahi assaulted her on August 28. When her father tried to intervene, the BJP leader attacked him, resulting in severe injuries that led to his death.

The Background

The Dalit girl and her family were living as tenants in Rahi's property. Unfortunately, this incident took place within the premises where they resided.

The Charges

Rahi has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, assault with intent to outrage a woman's modesty, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace, and criminal intimidation. Additionally, charges have been invoked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

It is important to note that these charges are serious and carry severe consequences if proven guilty.

This case highlights the importance of justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the Indian society. It is crucial that everyone, regardless of their background, is treated with respect and dignity. The legal system should now investigate the allegations against the BJP leader, and appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence presented.