KUWAIT: A rare celestial event graced Kuwait’s skies on Thursday evening as the July full moon — known as the “Buck Moon” — made a stunning appearance, captivating stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts across the country. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Al-Ojairi Scientific Center described the sighting as “a rare and beautiful phenomenon” that marked the first full moon of the astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. “The sky of Kuwait today witnessed the brilliance of the first full moon of the astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere, lighting it up with a magical and distinct color in a way considered rare,” the center said.

The term “Buck Moon,” the Center explained, originates from the time of year when young antlers begin to grow on the foreheads of male deer. According to the center, this particular full moon is one of the lowest of the year, giving it a unique appearance. The phenomenon began at 6:51 pm on Thursday , just after sunset, and lasted for about 10 minutes — offering a short but spectacular show. Moonrise occurred at 6:53 pm, creating an ideal moment for observers to capture the moon’s vibrant colors. “The scene began with its enchanting rise at dusk,” the statement added.

During its rise, the moon appeared orange before slowly climbing over the eastern horizon, where it settled into a low position opposite the sun. “Its color leaned toward a warm golden hue due to the light passing through dense layers of the atmosphere near the horizon,” the center explained. The moon also appeared larger and brighter than usual. “Its size during this phenomenon seems bigger and more luminous thanks to its proximity to Earth, while being at its farthest point from the sun this year,” the center said, noting that this made it a perfect opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts, especially in the Gulf region. The brief but radiant display reminded many of the wonders of the natural world — and the sky’s ability to surprise, even in the heart of summer. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has officially launched its new First Responder fleet, a nationwide project aimed at delivering faster emergency medical care—especially during critical moments where rapid intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

Unveiled on Wednesday, the project is a joint initiative between the ministry’s Emergency Medical Department and the General Secretariat of Endowments. “This is not just an operational upgrade or logistical support—it’s a direct extension of our national health vision, which places a strong emphasis on medical readiness,” said Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi at the launch event.

Designed to serve both remote and densely populated areas, the project aims to bring early resuscitation and immediate medical treatment to patients before they even reach the hospital. Dr Al-Awadhi explained that the goal is to “enhance the speed and quality of emergency response across the country, protect lives, and reduce complications.”

He added that the fleet of 28 specially equipped vehicles will be distributed strategically across Kuwait based on population density, service coverage, and response priorities. This setup, he said, will be “continuously evaluated and updated to maintain the highest operational efficiency.”

Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi honors Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, for the secretariat’s contribution to the fleet.

Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi

Each vehicle in the fleet is staffed by trained emergency technicians and paramedics who are required to pass both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) courses. According to Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Dr Abdullah Al-Faras, the vehicles come fully stocked with resuscitation equipment, oxygen tanks, advanced respiratory devices, IV fluids, essential emergency medications, and tools to stabilize fractures and spinal injuries.

“When a call is received by the central operations room, the nearest First Responder vehicle is dispatched,” Dr Al-Faras explained. “The field teams then conduct an immediate assessment and send a report from the scene, followed by on-site care until backup arrives or the patient is transported to the hospital.”

The project is funded through the Waqf Healthcare Fund, part of the General Secretariat of Endowments. Nasser Al-Khader, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Endowments, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, praised the collaboration with government bodies to support national development goals.

He highlighted the role of donors whose endowments continue to fund projects that serve the public good, saying, “This initiative reflects our commitment to using Waqf resources in line with donors’ wishes and Islamic legal guidelines.” — KUNA

KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA