Hundreds of Muslims feared dead in Myanmar earthquake, mosques destroyed
Hundreds of Muslim worshippers are feared to be among the more than 1,600 people who died in a powerful earthquake which struck central Myanmar when they had gathered at mosques for prayers during Ramadan. According to the shadow National Unity Government, more than 50 mosques across the country also sustained damage when the magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck on Friday. Htet Min Oo was performing ritual ablutions before Ramadan prayers at a mosque next to his house in Mandalay. His home collapsed along with part of the mosque, trapping half his body with the rubble of a wall that buried two of his aunts. Residents raced to pull them out, he said, but only one survived. The 25-year-old told the Reuters news agency, that his two uncles and his grandmother were also trapped under piles of concrete. With no heavy equipment available, he tried desperately to clear the rubble with his hands but could not shift it. “I don’t know if they are still alive under the debris. After so long, I don’t think there’s any hope,” he said on Friday. Advertisement “There’s too much rubble and no rescue teams have come for us,” he added, his voice shaking as he broke into tears. A 39-year-old resident of the Mandalay region described harrowing scenes as he tried to save a man trapped under the debris of a collapsed mosque in Sule Kone village but had to flee because of strong aftershocks. “I had to leave him behind … I went in a second time to try to save him,” he told Reuters, declining to be identified. “I retrieved four people with my own hands. But unfortunately, three were already dead, and one died in my arms.” The resident said 10 people had been killed there, and they were among 23 who died at three mosques that were destroyed in the village. Government restrictions had prevented them from being upgraded, he said. Damaged pagodas are seen after an earthquake in Naypyitaw, Myanmar [File: Aung Shine Oo/AP] Muslims are a minority in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar and have been repressed and marginalised by successive governments, while ultranationalist groups have in recent years incited violence. The Rohingya, a large Muslim minority, have been among the most persecuted groups by the Myanmar authorities, suffering mass deaths and expulsion. Myanmar authorities have for decades also made it difficult for Muslims to obtain permission to repair or build mosques, according to a 2017 report by the US Department of State, which said historic mosques have deteriorated because routine maintenance was denied. One man, Julian Kyle, appealed on social media for heavy equipment to lift concrete pillars after the quake destroyed another Mandalay mosque. Advertisement “Underneath the rubble, my family members and others were crushed and lost their lives,” he posted. “We desperately want to recover their bodies.” A resident from the town of Taungnoo, about 370km (230 miles) away, said he was praying when one side of the Kandaw mosque caved in on two rows of men seated before him. “I saw so many people carried out from the mosque, some of them died right before my eyes,” he said. “It was truly heartbreaking.” Citing a local newspaper, Al Jazeera’s Sanad agency said that the collapse of mosques on Friday also increased fears of more buildings falling, especially older ones that are more than 150 years old and have not received the necessary permits for renewal, according to government regulations. Buddhist buildings were also badly hit by the earthquake, with 670 monasteries and 290 pagodas damaged, according to the military government. It did not mention any mosques in its damage report. So far, the quake has also destroyed other buildings, bridges and roads across swaths of Myanmar. But many believe the true scale of the disaster has yet to emerge due to patchy communications in remote areas. Harry Roberts, a Bangkok-based volunteer, said the situation in Myanmar was likely to be “very complex” and “really serious” considering the government’s rare appeal for international help. “That request must trickle down to immigration and customs, so nongovernmental organisations like ourselves can get the immediate aid in there,” Roberts said. Advertisement “At this stage, it’s largely about gathering information and assessing the accessibility into the country.” Adblock test (Why?)
A Reel War: Israeli filmmaker’s search for stolen Palestinian films
An Israeli filmmaker uncovers seized PLO archives, raising questions about Palestinian heritage and identity. Was Palestinian history carefully recorded by the earliest 20th-century filmmakers as a way of preserving their heritage? Or were they, as some Israelis claim, simply disorganised amateurs operating on basic equipment in a primitive society? In this documentary, Israeli researcher and filmmaker Karnit Mandel uncovers previously unseen footage of Palestinian life and history in a box of old VHS tapes. The cassettes are a small sample from a huge archive seized from the PLO during Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Mandel tries to retrieve it from the Israeli army but comes up against overwhelming obstacles and bureaucracy. She hears a range of contrasting views, from Palestinians who describe a well-developed film industry in the 1930s to dismissive Israeli historians who say Palestinian cinema never existed at all. In the end, Mandel is forced to abandon her search – but it highlights the continuing struggle for narrative control over Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory. Adblock test (Why?)
Skygazers marvel at Saturday’s partial solar eclipse
Partial eclipse dazzled Europe, Africa, and Newfoundland, offering a glimpse of the celestial alignment. Skygazers in some parts of the world have been enthralled catching the Moon passing between the Sun and the Earth, making a partial solar eclipse. Saturday’s eclipse was visible throughout Europe, including Greenland, the far northwest of Africa and Newfoundland, weather permitting. Clouds meant some were unable to see up to one-fifth of the Sun obscured by the Moon. During a solar eclipse, the Moon stands between the Earth and the Sun. And since the three are not completely aligned, when the Moon passes through the other two, it obscures only part of the Sun. The next partial solar eclipse in Europe is due to fall on August 12, 2026, with more than 80 percent of the Sun set to be covered. A seagull passes a partial solar eclipse above Greenland’s capital Nuuk, Greenland [Leonhard Foeger/Reuters] A composite image of 7 separate photographs taken with a single fixed camera shows the partial solar eclipse seen from Castillo del Romeral, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain [Borja Suarez/Reuters] However, the next total eclipse – which occurs when the Moon completely blocks out the sun – in the region will not occur until 2081. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun’s light on one side, and casting a shadow on a small area of Earth on its other side. Authorities warned residents Saturday to avoid looking directly at the sun without protection, especially through binoculars or a telescope. Those seeking a glimpse of the eclipse were advised to wear special protective glasses. Adblock test (Why?)
After 17 years, CBI court clears former HC judge Nirmal Yadav, 3 others in cash-at-judge’s-door case, acquitting Rs 15 lakh
Former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Justice Nirmal Yadav, was acquitted in a 17-year-old corruption case involving Rs 15 lakh cash delivery mix-up.
Texas Democrats select Kendall Scudder as state party chair
Scudder takes over after a difficult 2024 election for the party.
Trump appoints Sara Carter as next drug czar, says she ‘will lead the charge to protect’ US
President Donald Trump appointed Sara Carter as the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). He made the announcement on Friday in a post on social media platform Truth Social. “As our next Drug Czar, Sara will lead the charge to protect our nation, and save our children from the scourge of drugs,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. ‘ZOMBIE DRUG’ SMUGGLED ACROSS SOUTHERN BORDER A GROWING THREAT TO AMERICANS, DOCTOR WARNS Carter re-posted Trump’s Truth Social post on X with a message thanking the president and expressing her excitement about joining the administration. “It is truly an honor to serve President Donald J. Trump and be part of an administration committed to putting America first,” Carter wrote. “America’s greatest resource is our people and it will be up to each and every one of us to do our part – I promise you I will never stop fighting.” As a journalist, Carter, who was a Fox News contributor, did extensive reporting on the border, particularly during the Biden administration when immigration policies were more lax. She called for stronger border policies due to the massive amount of drug and human trafficking occurring. NAVY DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL WARSHIP TO CURB ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, DRUG SMUGGLING AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., congratulated Carter in a post on X. Blackburn praised Carter’s work on the border, saying the new drug czar would “fight tirelessly” to keep Americans safe. Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez also congratulated Carter and praised her appointment, saying it was “GREAT for the country.” “This is an excellent opportunity for you to effect change and help so many families who have lost loved ones due to deadly illicit drugs,” Olivarez wrote. Fox News Digital reached out to Carter for comment.
Trump releases powerful video highlighting US-Greenland bond after deadly Nazi attack
On the same day Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland, President Donald Trump posted a compelling video highlighting the strong historical bonds between the Arctic nation and the United States. The 90-second video touts past U.S. military efforts to defend and protect Greenland during World War II when the U.S. suffered hundreds of casualties after a Nazi U-boat torpedoed and sank the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester. The U-boat struck in the dead of night on Feb. 3, 1943, killing dozens instantly while hundreds more succumbed to the icy waters of the Atlantic, according to the Defense Department. The incident is remembered four Army chaplains giving up their lives to save others. TRUMP REMAINS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ODDS OF ACQUIRING GREENLAND: ‘I THINK IT’LL HAPPEN’ “In the cold silence of the tundra, a bond was born. Not from treaties or trade, but from blood and bravery,” the narrator of the clip says. “While Germany controlled Europe, the Nazis set their sights on the Arctic. Greenland became an unwitting combatant and the United States stepped in, not to conquer but to protect.” The video notes that nearly 1,000 service members, civilians and crew carried with them “hope, duty and a quiet fear” in a voyage they knew was rife with danger. But after the attack, the frigid waters of the North Atlantic “became a grave.” “Those four chaplains gave up their life vests, giving their lives so that others might live to protect America and Greenland,” the narrator says. “Their sacrifices helped win our freedom and we will never forget. Together, Americans and Greenlanders stood as sentinels at the top of the world.” In total, 672 people died during the deadly attack, according to the Defense Department. The video was created by Securing American Greatness a non-profit created during the 2024 presidential election to support then-candidate Trump. It also shows several clips from the war and landscape images of Greenland before going on to make the case why the U.S. needs to join forces with Greenland, arguing that Greenland faces new threats from Russia’s “aggression” and China’s “expansion.” PUTIN SAYS TRUMP PLANS FOR GREENLAND ‘HAS NOTHING TO DO’ WITH RUSSIA “Our shared legacy lives on in every joint mission, every Arctic patrol, every partnership forged in the shadow of melting ice and rising tensions, this is not just history,” the narrator says. “It is destiny. Now is the time to stand together again, for peace, for security, for the future. America stands with Greenland.” Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared the video on X. The video was posted by Trump as he doubled down Friday on his efforts to acquire Greenland as part of the U.S. for international security purposes Friday, Although the Danish territory has said it is seeking independence from Copenhagen and isn’t interested in becoming part of the U.S., Trump has repeatedly offered, dating back to his first administration, a desire to secure Greenland for the U.S. as Russian and Chinese presence grows in the Arctic. “If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships all over the place, and we’re not going to be able to do that,” Trump told reporters Friday. “We’re not relying on Denmark or anybody to take care of that situation. And we’re not talking about peace for the United States, we’re talking about world peace, we’re talking about international security.” Vance echoed the commander and chief’s goals for Greenland on Friday during his visit to Pituffik Space Base, the Defense Department’s northernmost military installation. He said that Denmark has not done a good job at keeping Greenland safe. “What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark,” Vance explained in a more toned-down approach from Trump’s previous statements. “And then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there.” The chaplains who died in the attack were George L. Fox, a Methodist minister, John P. Washington, a Catholic priest, Clark V. Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister, and Alexander D. Goode, a rabbi. They were all awarded Purple Hearts and Distinguished Service Crosses for their actions that day. Congress additionally created a “Four Chaplains’ Medal,” which was presented to their survivors in 1961, according to the Defense Department. Fox News’ Diana Stancy Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
Top vaccine official allegedly pushed out of FDA: report
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official, who was part of the first Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, has reportedly been forced out of his position, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. A Health and Human Services (HHS) allegedly gave Dr. Peter Marks a choice between resigning or being fired, the WSJ reported, citing people familiar with the matter. SENIOR MAHA ADVISOR SAYS FDA IS ‘ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL,’ HAS NO CLUE WHAT’S IN AMERICA’S FOOD “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” Marks allegedly wrote in his resignation letter. WSJ reports his resignation will go into effect on April 5. WSJ reported that people familiar with the matter said Marks’ stance on vaccines conflicted with that of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, an outspoken vaccine skeptic, was asked about the issue of immunizations during his confirmation hearing. However, he stressed that he was not “anti-vaccine” and defined himself as “pro-safety.” He also revealed during his hearing that “all of my kids are vaccinated, and I believe vaccines have a critical role in healthcare.” ANYONE OVER 50 SHOULD BE GETTING THESE 5 VACCINES, DOCTORS SAY Recently, Kennedy’s stance on vaccines was put to the test as measles spread in Texas. He told Fox News’ senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel earlier this month that he was recommending measles vaccines to promote “community immunity.” Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA and HHS, but did not immediately receive responses, as the requests were sent outside business hours. In August 2020, Marks reportedly confirmed to Reuters that he threatened to resign if the COVID-19 vaccine was released before it was proven to be safe and effective. “You have to decide where your red line is, and that’s my red line,” Marks told Reuters in 2020. “I would feel obligated [to resign] because in doing so, I would indicate to the American public that there’s something wrong.”
Sudan’s army claims latest major victory, taking Omdurman’s key market
Army claims control of Souq Libya, a pivotal commercial hub in Omdurman, solidifying gains in Khartoum’s twin city. The Sudanese army has said it seized control of a key market in Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city, building on a series of recent successes in its offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The announcement on Saturday comes days after it also took control of most parts of the capital in a potentially pivotal victory in the devastating two-year war that has caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The army said in a statement that its forces were now in control of the market in western Omdurman, Souq Libya, having seized weapons and equipment left behind by the RSF when they fled. Souq Libya is one of the largest and most important commercial hubs in Sudan. The army already controlled most of Omdurman, home to two big military bases. It appears intent on securing control over the entire capital area, which is made up of the three cities of Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri, divided by branches of the River Nile. The RSF has not commented on the army’s advance in Omdurman, where the paramilitary forces still hold some territory. Advertisement The army senses that the recapture of Khartoum, which had been under RSF control for most of the war, will mark a shift in battlefield momentum that could spread to other areas. Still, the conflict seems far from over as the warring sides remain in control of large swaths of land each while remaining engaged in fierce clashes. Fighting is continuing in the huge Darfur region to the west of Sudan, the Kordofan region in central and southern parts of the country, and Gezira state, a strategic agricultural hub located south of the capital. Neither side has managed to strike a knockout blow to the other, and there is no sign of a political settlement or peace process in the near future, while each side continues to enjoy the support of its regional backers. In the meantime, the Sudanese army has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF, a charge found credible by UN experts and US lawmakers. On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said it would hear a case filed by Sudan demanding emergency measures against the UAE for violating obligations under the Genocide Convention by giving direct support to the RSF and implicating it in genocidal acts allegedly perpetrated by the paramilitary group against the Masalit people of Darfur. The Gulf state has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling the ICJ case “nothing more than a cynical publicity stunt“. In January, the United States accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur. The war in Sudan erupted amid a power struggle between the army and RSF before a planned transition to civilian rule. It uprooted more than 12 million Sudanese from their homes, and left about half of the 50 million population suffering acute hunger. Advertisement Overall deaths are hard to estimate, but a study published last year said the toll may have reached 61,000 in Khartoum state alone in the first 14 months of the conflict. In another development, Al Jazeera Arabic reports that the army evacuated hundreds of freed civilian and military prisoners held by the RSF in several detention centres in Jebel Awliya, south of Khartoum, to the city of Al-Qatana in White Nile State. Sudanese army commander Major General Mohamed Saleh Abu Halima said that the RSF detained approximately 4,700 prisoners under appalling conditions, where they suffered from malnutrition and a lack of healthcare, leading to the deaths of several of them in detention. Adblock test (Why?)
Eid Mubarak 2025: Hear greetings in different languages
Eid begins on Sunday, March 30 in Saudi Arabia. Here’s how to wish a blessed Eid in different languages. With the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, the first day of Eid will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30. Other countries follow their own moon sightings, and those that began fasting on March 2 will announce tomorrow night whether Eid will fall on Monday, March 31. BREAKING NEWS: Eid Al Fitr 1446/2025 is tomorrow: Sunday, 30 March 2025 The Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1446 was SEEN in Saudi Arabia today subsequently tomorrow is the beginning of the month of Shawwal 1446 pic.twitter.com/6om5sAl38D — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) March 29, 2025 Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast”, is celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims worldwide. There are about 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, approximately 25 percent of the world’s population. Indonesia has the world’s highest Muslim population, with some 240 million Muslims living in the country. Pakistan is second with about 225 million Muslims, followed by India (211 million), Bangladesh (155 million), and Nigeria (111 million). Advertisement Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country. Muslims begin Eid celebrations by attending a prayer service shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon. The day is spent visiting relatives and neighbours, accepting sweets and extending Eid greetings as they move around from house to house. The most popular greeting is “Eid mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language. The video and graphics below show Eid greetings in 13 different languages. (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) (Al Jazeera) Adblock test (Why?)