Race against time in Morocco, Will Fed raise interest rates again? Gulf News Editors comment on September 11 trending news

RACE AGAINST TIME IN MOROCCO: Morocco is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 2,100 lives, with the death toll expected to rise. The quake, with a magnitude of 6.8 according to the US Geological Survey, struck remote mountain areas, making rescue efforts challenging. In Marrakech, residents have been forced to sleep on the streets due to damaged buildings. King Mohammed VI declared three days of mourning, and mosques nationwide held funeral prayers. Despite the immense challenges, Morocco's resilience shines through as it unites in the face of this tragedy, receiving support from both within the nation and around the world. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

ALL SIGNS THAT FED WILL WAIT IT OUT THIS MONTH: There are all the signs that the US Federal Reserve will hold its key interest rate at a policy meeting later this month. While the battle against inflation is yet to be won, it is likely that the Fed will keep its benchmark rate at the 22-year high. Price pressures are already easing, and the return to the 2 per cent mark needs to be achieved with a calibrated approach, and not a constant hiking of rates. The US economy has so far avoided a recession, and jobs and economic data is recovering. Therefore, it is only best that the Fed waits it out this month. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

PIONEERING INITIATIVE: In a forward-looking move that underscores Dubai's commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation, the Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030 has been approved. Under the plan's ambit, there will be a remarkable 188 per cent expansion of the marine transport network, and the pioneering use of 3D printing technology to craft the world's first electric Abra. Key targets of this plan include a 51 per cent surge in marine transport users, an impressive 188 per cent increase in the total length of the marine transport network, and an expansion of passenger transport lines from seven to 35, marking a 400 per cent surge. The marine transport fleet is also set to grow by 32 per cent. A notable highlight of the plan is the introduction of a 3D-printed 20-passenger electric Abra. This pioneering initiative, aligned with the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, dramatically reduces manufacturing time and costs — and heralds a new era of sustainable and technologically advanced marine transportation. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

DJOKOVIC, SERBING IT WITH A SMILE: Novak Djokovic has added another Grand Slam crown to his name and it only goes to prove what a champion the Serb is. Winning the US Open men’s singles title enabled the 36-year-old to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Majors and he must be eyeing a record 25th at his favourite hunting ground in Australia early next year, where he has won 10 titles so far. Djokovic’s never-say-die spirit has helped him tide over difficult situations and conditions. The tougher it gets, the better he performs and that too against some illustrious rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Still, all the difficulties that he had encountered didn’t change his nature of playing with a smile and having lots of fun on court, several injuries, vaccination status and on and on. All one could do is to tip the hat for a great champion. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

CHRIS EVANS OPTS FOR A NO-FRILLS WEDDING: It’s now a given that Hollywood and Bollywood stars love a big, fat wedding. However, Chris Evans marches to a different tune. As reports emerge that the 42-year-old actor is now married to Alba Baptista, what impresses us that he chose to wed in the most low-profile and intimate style. Instead of going down the all-frills and pomp affair, Evan chose to keep it low-profile. Barring a few of his close friends, mostly his Marvel co-stars Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, the groom made sure that his special day was shrouded in secrecy. And we respect him for not getting on this trend of spending millions on their wedding day. Here’s hoping more stars follow suit. Austerity isn’t always a bad thing. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)