AI In-brief 14 Sept 05:11

Egyptians cling to Ramadan charity as inflation soars

Despite soaring inflation, which hit 32.9% in February, Egyptians are steadfastly maintaining the Ramadan tradition of charity, with holiday generosity becoming a critical lifeline for struggling families.
Charities are facing immense pressure as demand for aid increases and costs rise, while donations are becoming scarcer, making it challenging to provide essential meals like iftar, which often include now-unaffordable protein sources like meat or chicken.
Ramadan is a pivotal period for charitable giving in Egypt, with an estimated 90% of annual donations occurring during the holy month, supporting initiatives like 'mawaed al-rahman' (charity tables) and individual community feeding programs.
Amidst personal financial struggles, many Egyptians are demonstrating resilience and solidarity by doubling their donations, volunteering their time, and preparing meals for those around them, ensuring community support persists during economic hardship.

AI In-brief Yesterday 17:12

Japan launches new national agency to deal with disasters

Japan established a new National Disaster Management Agency to centralize preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts, addressing a critical gap in its historically reactive disaster management approach.
The agency aims to bolster readiness for potential megaquakes along the Pacific coast, in Tokyo, and Mount Fuji eruptions, drawing lessons from past disasters like the 2011 quake and tsunami.
Reconstruction Minister Goshi Hosono, managing the agency, issued urgent calls for citizens and municipalities to review home safety, evacuation procedures, and stock emergency supplies for at least three days.
A key objective is to significantly improve conditions at evacuation centers by providing better facilities like portable toilets, hot food, and proper bedding, addressing past criticisms linked to health problems and fatalities.