US President Donald Trump's Decision to Halt Funding to The

Monday, April 20, 2020 Sha’ban 27, 1441 AH

Doha today 240 - 280

Cover Deserting WHO Story US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt funding to the already underfunded world body has drawn flak from all over the world. P4-5

Bollywood Back Page

Film personalities condemn the ‘Focus on strengths; look for ‘witch-hunt’ by Delhi police. opportunities to stay positive’. Page 14 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.46am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.08am Zuhr (noon) 11.34am Asr (afternoon) 3.04pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.01pm Isha (night) 7.31pm

USEFUL NUMBERS 30 Rock and turn around TGS, which for years has been unable to DIRECTION: Tina Fey find the proper audience it deserves. So to do so, he brings CAST: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan on unhinged, wildly unpredictable star Tracy Jordan (Tracy SYNOPSIS: Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Lemon (Tina Fey) is the Morgan) to turn the series into a ratings hit. But Liz soon finds executive show runner for a late night sketch comedy show out that controlling her oddball writing staff, the NBC page called The Girlie Show, that stars her close friend and major programme, keeping Tracy on a short leash, and getting him drama queen Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski). When GE hires to get along with Jenna proves to be one disaster after another. Emergency 999 a new Executive Vice President for NBC named Jack Donaghy Will TGS ever see true success? And will Liz find the right Worldwide Emergency Number 112 (Alec Baldwin), he decides to take Liz Lemon under his wing partner to get married and start a family? Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Office (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel kids, and an Upper West Side apartment. But when her life Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: Amy Sherman-Palladino suddenly takes a turn and Midge must start over, she discovers Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle a previously unknown talent, one that will take her all the SYNOPSIS: It’s 1958 Manhattan and Miriam ‘Midge’ way from the stages of Greenwich Village to a spot on Johnny Maisel has everything she’s ever wanted: the perfect husband, Carson’s couch.

ote Unquo Qu te “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

Community Editor Kamran Rehmat Mr. Robot when the mysterious leader of an underground hacker e-mail: [email protected] DIRECTION: Sam Esmail group recruits him to destroy the firm he is paid to protect. Telephone: 44466405 CAST: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin Compelled by his personal beliefs, Elliot struggles to resist the Fax: 44350474 SYNOPSIS: The series follows Elliot, a young programmer chance to take down the multinational CEOs he believes are who works as a cyber-security engineer by day and as a running (and ruining) the world. Eventually, he realises that a vigilante hacker by night. Elliot finds himself at a crossroads global conspiracy does exist, but not the one he expected. Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY 5 tips to avoid foggy glasses while wearing a face mask There are ways to prevent condensation on your glasses while still following the CDC’s guidelines on how to properly wear face masks, writes Joshua Axelrod

he world has been forced Like soap and water, these to make lifestyle changes sprays are designed to keep large and small during condensation from sticking to the Covid-19 pandemic. lenses. Environmental Design and So where do foggy Construction Magazine recently eyeglassesT fit in? put together a handy list of the Since the Centres for Disease best anti-fog sprays for those stuck Control and Prevention began wearing glasses at this moment in recommending that folks wear human history. cloth face masks in public places, A quick word of caution: Be people with glasses have learned careful before putting chemicals the hard way that these masks near your eyes. Defogging your cause their glasses to fog up just glasses isn’t worth causing about every time they exhale. irritations that could affect your While not a major issue, it’s quite vision in more serious ways. annoying. Luckily for the bespectacled A flexible ‘nose’ among us, there are ways to prevent Some masks come with a metal condensation on your glasses while nose clip that allows the wearer to still following the CDC’s guidelines limit the amount of moisture that on how to properly wear face comes in or out of the mask. If masks. If you either have perfect you’re sewing homemade masks, vision or wear contacts, more you can use flexible objects like power to you. For the rest of us, bobby pins, paper clips or pipe here are a few methods to help you cleaners to create a fitted “nose.” maintain a clear view while wearing It’s worth mentioning that they glasses and a face mask. should be fastened tightly to ensure they don’t come out and scratch Soap and water your face. Doctors were on the front lines of this innovation long before the Fold down part of the mask coronavirus pandemic as they wear Though this sounds like the face masks every day. They figured easiest way to mitigate the problem, it out and codified this technique it’s not as simple as it sounds. in a 2011 study published in the CHEMICAL SPRAY: Some chemical sprays stop moisture from collecting on your glasses. Competitive swimmers Folding down the top quarter of Annals of The Royal College of sometimes use similar sprays to prevent foggy goggles in the middle of a race. a face mask provides extra space Surgeons of England. for your breath to escape before “Immediately before wearing it hits your glasses. This method a face mask, wash the spectacles is championed by the Tokyo with soapy water and shake off the Metropolitan Police Department excess,” the study recommends. and has gained traction through “Then let the spectacles air dry or YouTube tutorials like one from C gently dry off the lenses with a soft Channel. tissue before putting them back on. Keep in mind, though, that this Now the spectacle lenses should doesn’t work in masks containing not mist up when the face mask is metal noses and more importantly, worn.” it reduces the area covered by the The soapy water creates a “thin mask. surfactant film” that temporarily prevents the surface tension that Folded tissues causes glasses to fog up from the That same Channel C video breaths directed upward by face also teaches us another way to masks, according to the study. It’s keep glasses from fogging: folding not a permanent solution, however, a tissue into a rectangle and and must be repeated a few times connecting it to the mask so it stays a day. Woodworkers who have on the bridge of your nose. The to wear safety goggles with dust tissue blocks and absorbs some of masks have found that shaving the moisture escaping the mask to cream is also effective in preventing keep lenses clear. condensation on glasses. Keeping the tissue in place can be tricky, and it’s vital to get it Anti-fog spray right the first time so you’re not Some chemical sprays stop constantly touching your face to moisture from collecting on your adjust it. Thin tape – medical tape glasses. Competitive swimmers particularly – could work. If that sometimes use similar sprays to LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF MOISTURE: Some masks come with a metal nose clip that allows the wearer to limit feels uncomfortable, consider one prevent foggy goggles in the middle the amount of moisture that comes in or out of the mask. If you’re sewing homemade masks, you can use flexible of the other options laid out here. of a race. objects like bobby pins, paper clips or pipe cleaners to create a fitted ‘nose.’ – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY What is WHO and who’s doing what The badly underfunded WHO acts as a clearing house for investigation, data and technical recommendations on emerging disease threats such as the coronavirus and Ebola, write Peter Beaumont and Sarah Bosely

SPOTLIGHT: The World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is the agency that’s looking out for other countries and leading efforts to stop the pandemic. This is exactly the time when they need more funding, not less — Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health, ‘ University of Edinburgh ’ Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

What is the World Health Organization’s remit? The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded as the UN global health body in 1948 in the aftermath of the Second World War with a mandate to promote global health, protect against infectious disease and to serve the vulnerable. It was inspired by the international sanitary conferences of the 19th century set up to combat communicable diseases such as cholera, yellow fever and plague. Its current programme envisages expanding universal healthcare to a billion more people, protecting another billion from health emergencies and providing a further billion people with better health and well- being.

What does that involve? In practical terms, the badly underfunded WHO acts as a clearing house for investigation, data and technical recommendations on emerging disease threats such as the coronavirus and Ebola. It also supports eradication of existing diseases such as malaria and polio and promotes global public health. While its role on emerging diseases is most familiar in the developed world with its more resilient healthcare systems, its practical involvement is far more marked in the global south, where it has been working to expand basic healthcare, support vaccination and sustain weak and often stressed health systems through its emergencies programmes. Its 2018-9 budget was $4.8bn, The WHO, to whom the US theoretically contributes roughly 10-15% which became $5.7bn when emergencies were of its budget as its largest contributor, has been appealing for an included. extra $1bn to help fight the coronavirus . It appears Donald Trump is Why is the WHO under fire from Trump? following a familiar playbook: finding others to blame amid his own Trump has presented the freezing of US funding to the WHO as a direct response handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which has included calling to what he claims was its slow reaction it the “Chinese virus”, blaming the previous Obama administration in raising the alarm over the global threat from the coronavirus and being and taking aim at state governors too “China-centric” in its response. But the organisation’s funding was already months late, it had reached the dense cities. and governments had not increased their How big an impact will the US funding in his sights on 7 February, when his The fallout for the WHO was serious contributions in years. cuts have? administration was suggesting cutting the and undermined its credibility. US critics Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the While the suspension of funding by the US contribution, about $400mn annually, suggested scrapping it and setting up a new current director general, and all other US for 60-90 days is relatively small — not by half as part of $3bn cuts to US global global public health body, although the idea candidates for the role after Chan stood down least because the US is so far in arrears in its health funding across the board. did not take off and President Obama did not pledged to reform its governance and funding. annual payments — the potential for a general The WHO, to whom the US theoretically support it. Most health experts agree the organisation US withdrawal from global health funding contributes roughly 10-15% of its budget as An independent report commissioned by under Tedros has performed much better over under the cover of this announcement would its largest contributor, has been appealing for Chan said the WHO’s funding was inadequate the coronavirus. be very serious and felt most profoundly in an extra $1bn to help fight the coronavirus. places that need the most support. The allegation by Trump and his Even before the Trump announcement, supporters that the WHO was slow to the organisation was looking at potential warn of the risk of human-to-human cuts to already underfunded programming. transmission, and that it failed to cross- Such impacts could be felt in programmes examine Chinese transparency early on, is already complicated by the coronavirus, such largely not borne out by the evidence. WHO as vaccination for communicable diseases technical guidance issued in early January and in building up early warning systems and was warning of the risk of human-to- resilience to deal with diseases such as Ebola human transmission and the organisation in African countries. declared coronavirus a public health Devi Sridhar, the chair of global public health emergency of international concern a day at the University of Edinburgh, called Trump’s before Trump announced his partial ban on decision extremely problematic, noting that flights from China. the WHO was leading efforts to help developing Instead, it appears Trump is following a countries fight the spread of Covid-19. “This is familiar playbook: finding others to blame the agency that’s looking out for other countries amid his own handling of the coronavirus and leading efforts to stop the pandemic. This is outbreak, which has included calling it exactly the time when they need more funding, the “Chinese virus”, blaming the previous not less,” she said. Obama administration and taking aim at state governors. What other impacts will there be? Trump’s assault on the reliability of WHO How does the WHO’s performance in data and early warning systems, in pursuit the coronavirus crisis compare with the of his own agenda against China, threatens 2014-15 Ebola outbreak? its leadership role. While global health The WHO, under the then-director diplomacy is a balancing act when dealing general, Margaret Chan, was savaged from with countries like China, which have a poor all sides for responding so slowly to an Ebola record on freedom of speech, transparency outbreak that began in a remote forested and human rights, the information provided to part of Guinea where the borders with Sierra health officials by the WHO is designed to be Leone and Liberia were virtually non- scientifically and clinically useful in the control existent. By the time the WHO acted, six of the spread of disease. — The Guardian 6 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY

NU-Q student clubs continue virtually

In the spirit of solidarity, students from all With the help of this experience, members classes and majors at Northwestern University of the Chess Club, who were set to take part – Qatar (NU-Q) recently joined student club in a championship in March and April, took leaders in creating a platform where student the spirit of competition online where they needs are addressed, and their interests participated in a tournament on chess.com, engaged through interactive virtual activities hosted by the Qatar Chess Association on spanning dance challenges, cooking tutorials, March 27. and online game contests. Other student clubs engaging their members “While some student clubs have gone on a during the ongoing pandemic includes the hiatus, others have been very active in finding South Asian Student Association, which creative ways to remain connected to their hosted a bingo game tailored to the interests members and the larger student body,” said of the club, and the Afrowimbo Dance Group, Indee Thotawattage, student life specialist which made a video re-creating the Yope at NU-Q, who mentors and advises student dance. leaders. “We thought it would be a good way to One such association is the NU-Q Student destress after a long week of classes,” said Union (NUQSU), whose main priority has been Azma Mulundika, President of the Afrowimbo to ensure that student voices continue to enjoy Dance Group, a dance club for students in representation in the discussions taking place NU-Q and EC interested in African dance. across the University during the global health “Quarantine has been tough, but it has also crisis. given us some extra time to practice new “We are ensuring that the students’ questions dances, take part in some challenges, and are always answered through Town Halls and also focus on our social media presence,” meetings, especially with the dean, student Mulundika added. affairs, facilities, and production,” said Sarah Beyond student clubs, NU-Q’s student Shaath, President of NUQSU. “NUQSU does affairs department is also responsible for not stop whether in person or virtually; the several programmes catering to the diverse transition online is just making sure that we are interests of the student body, such as NU-Q still as present, if not even more in these crucial Cooks, which, according to Keelie Sorel, times.” Director of Student Affairs, “is an initiative For NU-Q’s Chess Club, headed by Cade Aguda rooted in building community through food. as President and Beatrice Zemelyte as Vice Students who heard about the concept President, the cancellation of gatherings on of the programme requested that Darrell campus was an opportunity to put into action Pinontoan, a sophomore known among his the months of preparation the club had spent peers for his passion and skill in cooking, be in honing its members’ virtual chess skills. asked to participate. “Throughout the whole year, we have been “I love cooking and have cooked ever since emphasising the importance of using chess. I was a child,” Pinontoan said. “It’s a bond com — a website with explanatory videos that that I share with all my family members. I cover the rules and strategies of chess—and also love to be able to serve others and be hosted several training sessions on how to use a source of joy for people and just to share it.” Zemelyte said. something back with my community.”

GU-Q organises workshop on time management and self-management tools

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) recently organised Georgetown Leadership Track (GLT) have the time or energy to focus on life priorities.” Kohli’s advice to students was simple and workshop ‘Finding the Rhythm’ on how to get the best out of technology without getting distracted in effective. “Our time is still precious and valuable, just be mindful and make wise choices, on what an online world with a focus on time management and self-management tools. you choose to spend your time on. Get control of your time, else someone else will.” The workshop was led by Afsha Kohli, Associate Director for Student Development and GLT International Politics major and Leadership Track participant, Khushboo Shah, said that she signed programme organiser, and attended by students enrolled in the GLT programme, as well as other up for the session because of the benefit of previous workshops. “The past workshops have students, faculty, and staff at GU-Q. She provided practical techniques on how students can take helped me to improve my soft skills such as communication and time management, and have also back control of their time and their attention by understanding the psychological triggers that lead to helped me gain insights into new topics such as financial literacy and social media management.” technological distractions. By understanding those triggers and using technological tools like online Learning a new skill is important, she emphasised, but noted that the benefits of the workshops calendars to schedule all activities in the day, she explained, students will be better equipped to take on goes beyond that. “A feature I love about these workshops is to meet with other Hoyas and the added challenges of the current crisis. Student Life members virtually. For me, this is a recognition and re-emphasis on the sense of “Practising physical distancing means so much of our time is spent virtually online,” said Kohli. And community and collective work we continue to do, despite these challenging and unprecedented it’s not only school work and staying in touch with loved ones that keeps us online. “There is so much times.” news and information streaming across our screens, whether that’s Facebook, or Instagram or Twitter. The workshop was partly based on the book Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and And there is a pressure to stay informed and on top of all of that. While it’s important to know what’s Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal, an international bestselling author and former Stanford lecturer and going on, it’s also important to know where to draw some boundaries, because otherwise we won’t behavioural design expert. Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 GARDENING COMMUNITY Harvest time for nutritious, tasty weeds Show a little old-fashioned ingenuity and dine like a prince on foraged plants, writes James Wong

PLEASING PODS: Opium poppies have a sculptural form.

For flowers that last, the there is a range of much smaller, answer is cut and dried annual grasses that are super simple to grow from seed. Bunny’s tail grass (Lagurus ovatus) lives My first exposure to dried up to its name, with bobbles of flowers was as dusty, pastel- white fluff so soft you just want shaded posies on doily-covered to rub them on your face. There tables. So when my floristry- are also the intricate, pendant expert mate Chanel told me that inflorescences of greater quaking dried flower arrangements were grass (Briza maxima), which back in vogue, my reaction was a despite being annual will often judgmental eye-roll. self-sow to give you years of new However, in their latest growth. incarnation, dried flowers If it is curious structure you are simple and structural, in are after, however, it doesn’t get displays often of a single species, much better than hops (Humulus celebrating the forms of nature. lupulus) – a quick-growing The look is more “wabi-sabi” (the climber whose dangling, cone- EDIBLE: Dandelions. Japanese aesthetic appreciation shaped flowers look and smell for age and imperfection) than amazing. Opium poppies (Papaver “potpourri” tweeness. Lasting somniferum) couldn’t be easier t’s amazing how quickly the term “hungry gap” is one that is Shepherd’s purse is a relative of for at least a year before they to grow. You don’t need space in everyday things can today little known beyond hobby veg watercress and has a similar peppery need replacing, they are, of your beds in pride of place; these suddenly come to feel quite growers. flavour. While its summer leaves can course, far more sustainable, tough candidates will spring up extraordinary. After queuing This newfound plenty has, be tough and fiery, its new flushes more affordable, and frankly from seed sprinkled on the edges for 45 minutes to do my weekly however, meant that many of spring growth rival the fanciest less faff than buying fresh-cut of gravel paths or driveways. Their foodI shop, walking through the traditionally foraged foods have salad greens. Traditionally eaten flowers. I am now fascinated by urn-shaped seed heads are true supermarket doors felt strangely disappeared from our diets. Just like everywhere from here to Japan, the the concept, especially as many things of beauty. emotional – the sight of such watercress, these ingredients might leaves can be used in all the same species are at their most beautiful If it’s all about colour for you, bewildering choice, particularly not have been much fun to base your dishes that watercress can. in their dried form. While the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) of fruit and veg, stopped me in my diet on, but they can offer up a source Finally, I know eating nettles majority are bought ready-cut, has a blaze of orange at the centre tracks. Despite having seen this of unusual flavours and textures, not might sound like some kind of bizarre most of them are easy to grow and of each papery whorl: ‘Kinko’ thousands of times before, the ability to mention a rich source of vitamins punishment, but the tiny, venom- dry at home, providing a steady is a variety specifically bred for of the modern food system to offer and minerals, when there is little else filled needles that cause them to sting source of new material with which cut flowers. Craspedia is a great up such plenty, even in the midst of a homegrown around. are rendered harmless by a minute to express creativity. annual with yellow bobbles on worldwide pandemic, really felt like a Dandelions are not just edible or two in a hot pan. Like shepherd’s Stepping away from bright the end of long sticks – in mild minor miracle. but, if prepared correctly, can be purse, its peak of deliciousness is blocks of colour, what I love about winters they may even return the In the not-so-distant past, this positively delicious. In regional right now, so don’t wait around. It’s this new take is the celebration next year as perennials. time of year was known as the Italian and French cuisine, they are like a richer, more complex-flavoured of texture. Fluffy sprays of Finally, if you love the old- “hungry gap”. Stores of winter crops actively planted in vegetable gardens spinach, with no hint of bitterness. feather reed grass (Calamagrostis school look, strawflowers were running perilously low and as a prized alternative to chicory, Trust me, I wouldn’t don rubber brachytricha), or even its giant (Xerochrysum bracteatum) offer the first spring harvests were still to which they are related. Mature gloves to pick them each year if they relative the pampas grass a mass of daisy-like blooms in a few weeks away. Many people leaves are wilted in hot oil with a weren’t genuinely worth the effort. (Cortaderia selloana), are delicate dazzling colours and will last were forced to wade into ice-cold few lardons and bring a rich bitter So, there you have it, three and structural at the same time. for years at a time. For all these streams to gather watercress to green taste to dishes such as risotto. delicious and nutritious crops that If you have a decent-sized patch flowers, drying couldn’t be more stave off hunger pangs, which gives However, if you fancy a milder are often overlooked in our food in full sun with well-drained soil, simple. Just hang small bunches the plant its traditional nickname: flavour, simply cover the plants with culture, which will turn the drudgery both are hardy perennials that upside down in a cool, dry place, “poor man’s bread”. Thanks to the an upturned bucket for a week or of weeding into the joy of harvesting, will offer up a yearly harvest in such as a shed or garage, for a work of scientists, farmers, truck two before harvest. This excludes the just when your veg patch needs it the exchange for very little work. But month or so and they’ll be ready drivers, shelf-stackers and hundreds light and results in longer, pale yellow most. even if all you have is a container, to display. – The Guardian of others who rarely get much credit, leaves with only a hint of bitterness. – The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY INTERIOR DESIGN The expert guide to painting your house perfectly Paint sales are up, but it needs to be used carefully if you want to change your home for the better. Here is how to prepare, proceed and get your preferred finish, writes Tim Dowling

Before you start The good news is, you can save a lot of money by painting your own home, because labour accounts for the majority of decorating costs. The bad news is, there’s a reason painters are expensive. Painting is difficult. The biggest mistake first-timers make is thinking too big, according to Joa Studholme, author of How to Decorate and colour curator for the paint company Farrow & Ball. “My main piece of advice is to start small,” she says. “If you have a small hall, that can be a good place to start. There you can indulge your fantasies of doing something quite strong and bold, which might be something you’re feeling you want to do right now, but then you don’t have to look at it all day.” Painting a whole room will certainly keep you busy, but if you are new to it, you probably won’t find it terribly therapeutic. “I do it where I think: ‘Oh, I’m gonna paint this, and it’s gonna be really soothing,’” says Studholme, “And, actually, painting is stressful. Smaller things are much better to do.” For beginners, she suggests starting with your front door, or the legs of a table. “Paint the inside of a cupboard in a jolly colour and that will make you smile every time you open it,” she says. When you have some idea of what it entails, you can move on to a room. PREPARATION: Push all the furniture into the middle of the room and cover it Choosing colours with dust sheets. Lockdown may seem like fertile ground for ill-advised decisions, but Edward Bulmer, an interior designer and head of the Edward Bulmer Natural Paint company, says there may never be a better time to pick colours. “If you think about it, it’s not often that we can contemplate our rooms at all times of day,” he says, “and in varying weathers, and probably with full-on use, if you’ve got your family around.” You can still order sample pots from many companies, including Bulmer’s and Farrow & Ball (delivery times may be a bit longer, but none of us is going anywhere). Instead of applying it to the wall, paint a generous piece of card – A5 or larger – or a bit of old wallpaper. “Then place it against the wall round the room and look at it in different lights,” says Studholme. “You might FIRST THINGS FIRST: If you are doing the ceiling, that should be done first; feel like a right idiot doing it, but you can get up there with either a ladder or a roller on a pole. that’s the best way to gauge how it’s going to look.” ver the course of the alone: paint companies are still If you don’t know where to begin, past year you may have delivering and sales are brisk. But try being led by the colours of given idle thought is this really the time to embark on other surfaces in the room: floors, to repainting all or such a project? And can you make a worktops, tiles, any large bits of part of your home. In success of it, even if you have never furniture. “Some decision that’s Olockdown, you might have decided done it before? We asked the experts already out of your hands,” says TOOLS: At the minimum you will need a scraper, masking tape, some now is the time. If so, you are not the best way to go about it. Bulmer. Work with what you’ve got. sandpaper, filler, ample dust sheets, a decent brush or two, and a roller and tray. Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY The expert guide to painting your house perfectly

Tools and supplies skirting boards with nice straight At the minimum you will need edges and without getting any drips a scraper, masking tape, some or splatters on your freshly painted sandpaper, filler, ample dust sheets, walls. Not once but three times, a decent brush or two, and a roller because you will need primer plus and tray. “We advise a medium two top coats. It’s fiddly, but there pile roller, not a foam roller,” says is still an opportunity for some Bulmer. “It will help the paint lay a creativity here. bit more like it would with a brush.” “One trick is to paint the spindles As for paint, the amount you need of your stair balustrade dark,” says varies depending on the type, but Studholme. “That’s quite laborious, five litres of emulsion will cover but it’s quite a fun thing to do, and around 60 square metres. Emulsion it makes a huge difference. It creates is for walls and ceilings; eggshell for this satisfying dark core, a backbone woodwork. Cheap paint is probably through your house.” a false economy, because it won’t go as far. “One of the expensive Floors ingredients in paint is titanium “I love a painted floor,” says dioxide, the basic white pigment,” Studholme. “The rule with painted says Bulmer. “Normally, to make a floors is that they always look much paint cheaper you use less of that, so lighter than you expect. Nobody you’ll have less coverage.” realises how much light bounces on to a floor. If you paint a floor Getting ready light, it will bounce light all round “Preparation is everything,” says your room.” It’s also just about the Studholme. Professional painters cheapest way to cover a floor there spend far longer prepping a room is. than they do painting it. Push all You will need a robust, hard- the furniture into the middle of the wearing paint. There are specialist room and cover it with dust sheets. floor paints, and some experts Scrape away any loose old paint. Fill even recommend boat paint. It is cracks and nail holes, and sand flat. a big undertaking – you need to Sand to create a key (an adhesive completely empty the room – but surface) for the new paint. Mask is not that technically challenging. the edges of carpet. Apply primer “Painting floors is easy,” says to your walls, and don’t worry too Studholme. “Gravity helps. Having much what it looks like; it’s just said that, you do need to let them there to provide a stable painting cure for a few days before you walk surface. on them.” If you are stuck in two rooms during the lockdown, now The ceiling might not be the time to restrict If you are doing the ceiling, that yourself to one. You also need to should be done first; you can get think about what part of the room up there with either a ladder or a you are going to end up in when you roller on a pole. Beforehand, paint finish, or you might literally paint round the edges where the ceiling yourself into a corner. meets the wall or any architectural features, using a small brush. You Radiators can mask the edges with tape if The factory finish of a modern you are unsure of yourself. Then radiator does not need to be painted roll. Expect to come away heavily but if it is obtrusive, you might speckled. want to hide it. In that case, a light sanding and an oil undercoat, The walls followed by “the eggshell version Start by “cutting in” the top of the wall” should suffice, says edge where the wall meets the Bulmer. There is such a thing as ceiling, carefully, with a brush, radiator paint, but it might not come by eye. Do the same along any in the colour you need. The radiator woodwork edges (you can be a should be cold when you paint it and bit less precise here, because will need to remain off for 24 hours you are painting the woodwork afterwards, so the weather forecast later). If this part sounds might be a consideration. daunting, Studholme has a simple solution that also happens to be Finishing up fashionable: paint everything – Once you have completed the walls, ceilings, woodwork – the project, Studholme suggests you same colour. “It’s so much easier make a record of all the colours and for home decorating and it makes finishes you have used in case you the room look bigger,” she says. need to repaint any bits later. Store It’s by no means a radical idea. leftover paint in a cool, dry, frost- “There’s historic precedent for it. free place, ready for touching-up Georgian rooms were often painted or any other little projects. “Last in one colour.” night, I got on a ladder and painted When it comes to rolling your a square round the mirror above walls, the main advice is to keep our fireplace,” she says. “I thought going. “That’s the single pitfall, LIGHT REFLECTOR: The rule with painted floors is that they always look much lighter than you expect. Nobody realises it might be nice to have a little bit really,” says Bulmer. “Modern how much light bounces on to a floor. of colour there. It took me probably emulsion is lovely and quick- eight minutes to do it, and I can drying, but it also means that what call and have a cup of coffee.” in one go, and let it dry overnight. Woodwork paint it out again tomorrow if I don’t you have to do is start, and carry A stop-start approach yields a Two coats should be sufficient in This is where real care is required: like it.” on. Not start, stop, take a phone streaky finish. Paint a single coat most cases. painting windows, door frames and – The Guardian 10 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Dance with your grandmother tonight to improve her life quality

hysical fitness and social said study author Dr Einat Shuper Engelhard connection can be difficult to from the University of Haifa. maintain in old age but researchers For results, the researchers analysed taped have found that Dance Movement videos of the sessions, personal diaries, Therapy (DMT) may promote and semi-structured interviews between Pexercise, improve quality of life and deepen granddaughters and grandmothers to analyse familial ties between grandparents and the effect of DMT. grandchildren. The dance was chosen as a unique and For the study, published in the journal versatile intervention since it can improve Frontiers in Psychology, sixteen dance muscle strength, balance, and endurance, movement therapists met with their prevent anxiety and depression, and aid with grandmothers for three free-form dance dementia — all issues commonly faced among sessions. the elderly population. According to the researchers at Kibbutzim It also offers a model for low-cost and College and the University of Haifa in Israel, accessible community support. The goal was to determine how these sessions Each of the three sessions was conducted would affect each group, and whether one week apart and took place in the intergenerational bonds might strengthen as grandmother’s home for just 10 to 15 minutes. a result. Granddaughters were nervous at first The study also wanted to examine a over their ability to provide a meaningful potential low-cost method to treat issues experience but were instructed to mirror their commonly faced by an ageing population, grandmother’s movements, encourage their such as depressed mood and limited mobility. abilities, and give them space to rest when perspective of ageing and allowed them to even when the body was fatigued and weak. “The increase of the proportion of elderly needed. process their grandparent’s eventual death. This emphasises the significance of the in the population, along with the increase The researchers found that for Both groups expressed gratitude and felt close and familiar relationship as a means in the age group of adult grandchildren grandmothers, dancing promoted positive their bond was stronger after the sessions, to promote new experiences (which can necessitates creativity and innovation in feelings and improved mood. according to the study. occasionally seem impossible) for the older providing diverse resources and support,” For granddaughters, dancing shifted their “The sessions promoted physical activity person,” Engelhard noted. — IANS

Aries Taurus Gemini March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Be careful of people who talk a great deal and promise the world Your positive strength is especially noticeable today. You may find Gemini, instead of digging deep into the barrel looking only for the but have a difficult time delivering the goods, Aries. You might get that you’re radiating gloriously to the people around you, Taurus. misshapen, bruised, and rotten apples, concentrate on bringing up trapped today if you rely on people who simply don’t come through This is due to your polite, gentle, and peaceful nature. You’re the the shiny, bright red ones. This way you’ll bring laughter and smiles the way they said they would. Feel free to engage in social activities jewel that isn’t always noticed or appreciated as much as it should to the company around you rather than miserable frowns. Whatever with partners, but don’t sign any major business deals with them at be. More than likely, you leave it up to others to make the first move. you bring to the surface will be distributed far and wide, so make this time. Consider being the instigator today. The world is in your hands. sure you reach for the good times instead of the sour ones. Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today there are many areas in which you can shine, Cancer. You If you’re feeling needy today, you might consider seeking counsel Get out in the fresh air today in whatever way suits your fancy, need only be yourself to win over the hearts of others. There is from others, Leo. Close partners might make light of the situation, Virgo. It’s important to exercise your body with some brisk physical a graciousness to your manner that draws people close to you, so if you’re looking for deep metaphysical advice, you might want activity, or at least refresh your spirit with a ride in a convertible. This whether or not you’ve ever noticed it before. Realise this, and know to look elsewhere. Most of all, pamper yourself with some relaxing is a terrific time for you. You feel alive and joyous about your life. that it isn’t a fluke. You need not take much action. It will come to downtime. This day is well suited for playing board games, watching Join with others to recognise all that you have, and give thanks for you. a movie, or reading the latest edition of your favourite magazine. your meal tonight. Libra Scorpio Sagittarius September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Making decisions today is apt to be nearly impossible for you, Libra. This is going to be one of those days when you get annoyed Use the power of words as an artistic medium to express yourself, That’s why you should leave them up to someone else. Walk with if someone takes too long to make up his or her mind about Sagittarius. You have a magic way with words that often goes your friend so you don’t have to really think about where you’re something, Scorpio. You aren’t going to have the patience to abide unrecognised. Your sensual nature is poetic. You shouldn’t deprive going. Your job is to focus on the emotional side of things and make anyone who continues to go over every single detail of an issue. others of this talent, so show it off to the world. Perhaps you’re it safe for everyone to dream. Your loving, caring nature is a valuable You’re more likely to want to simply make a decision, for better or moved to write a poem to a partner who means a great deal to you. commodity these days. Protect and cherish this gift. worse. Capricorn Aquarius Pisces December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Whatever you’re working on at this time can be expanded Take advantage of the lighthearted, flighty feeling of the day instead The more you talk to people, the more successful you’ll be, Pisces. tremendously with the help of a partner, especially a creative project of getting annoyed by it, Aquarius. You can’t hide in your bedroom Everyone is a valuable resource, so tap in to this boundless well. or written work, Capricorn. Watch as one seed of an idea blossoms forever. Well, you could, but you’d end up wasting away and no Your agility with words and facts is impressive, so use it to your into a whole field of creativity. There is more than meets the eye as one would even notice. This is a good day to get out and have fun advantage. Friends are a source of great joy, and this is a wonderful you find yourself soaring higher and higher. Remember that you’re with friends. Make wishes for people instead of cursing them. Make time to be with them. For the most part, it doesn’t matter what you’re only restricted by your own imagination, so dream big. connections. Remember to laugh as often as possible. doing. The person you’re with is what is important. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe ATOLL HEATH SIERRA FJORD GLEN RIDGE DESERT MOUNTAIN PLATEAU CREEK MARSH VALLEY BAYOU HILL STEPPES FOREST GROVE SAVANNA DUNE PAMPAS PRAIRIE DALE MEADOW WOOD CANYON JUNGLE SWAMP GLACIER GULF SHORE ESTUARY PEAK RAVINE DELTA MESA GLADE CLIFF LAKE TUNDRA PLAIN

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 The sort to press keys? (4) 1 Ready for sleep, having eaten 3 Promptly noted – hot stew heartily (6,2) (2,3,3) 2 Diarist takes a look, we hear (5) 9 Rome, for example, is excellent 4 Stockings only ordered by (7) Poles (6) 10 Provide French article over 5 Composer taking short breaks there (3,2) before the end of August (5) 11 Racecourse to keep so many 6 Uninteresting weed seen content (5) where ships are laid up (3,4) 12 Alliance including one new 7 Large cask on top of a fish (4) county (6) 8 Part of flower set man off (6) 14 Where circus audience is 13 So-and-so born on boat (8) engrossed (6) 15 Mid-term may be reduced (7) 16 Pinch the Spanish metal (6) 17 Grass in class (6) 19 Glass and paper? (6) 18 Animals following King 21 Cast fly, initially, to get fish (5) George for fruit (6) 24 Preserved Egyptian mother? 20 Artificial silk â€” or any sort (5) (5) 25 Funny priests carry on (7) 22 I spot one inside supplying 26 Take legal action about dope (5) Europeans or Africans (8) 23 Prophet seen in Judaea, 27 Celebrity with a heavenly mostly (4) body? (4)

Solution Answers

Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD Film personalities condemn the ‘witch-hunt’ by Delhi Police

ver 20 celebrities, including East Delhi who had participated in peaceful Anurag Kashyap, Vishal protests against the CAA,” the signatories Bhardwaj, Mahesh Bhatt and said. Ratna Pathak Shah, joined “Even as we write this, more students hands to urge “Delhi Police and activists are being called for toO stop abusing the lockdown” and put an questioning and interrogation by the police “end to the witch-hunt” against “students on a daily basis.” and activists protesting against CAA”. “In a twisted fairy tale that the Delhi The artistes released the statement on Police is trying to weave, these activists Sunday on Twitter. are now being implicated in cases related “To fight this pandemic, the citizens and to the communal violence in Delhi that authorities need to stand by each other. By took place in February. A riot in which the targeting activists taking advantage of the minorities suffered the maximum damage, lockdown, when there is hardly even any both in terms of lives and livelihoods, has media coverage of its actions, the Delhi now become a pretext for the Delhi Police to Police is betraying the civic rights of the further witch-hunt activists, most of whom citizens. We urge the Delhi Police to stop also come from the minority community,” abusing the lockdown, respect the human they added. rights of our fellow citizens and put an The personalities stressed that “the end to this witch-hunt. We demand the lockdown cannot be a lockdown of the release of these students and activists”, the rights of citizens, and must not be abused celebrities urged in the statement. by the authorities in this manner”. The 29 signatories include Mahesh Bhatt, “These actions of the Delhi Police are Aparna Sen, Ratna Pathak Shah, Anurag utterly inhuman and undemocratic. Making Kashyap, Vishal Bhardwaj, Vishal Dadlani, several people travel to police stations every Nandita Das, Konkona Sen Sharma, Hansal day and then throwing some of them to jails Mehta, Onir, Sushant Singh, Mohammed also defeats the purpose of the lockdown Zeeshan Ayyub, Neeraj Ghaywan, Ashwini and makes a mockery of social distancing. Chaudhury, Ankur Tewari, Abish Mathew, At a time when various governments are Sandhya Mridul, Andre Borges, Vinta releasing under-trials from jail to relieve Nanda, Mallika Dua, Saba Singh Azad, the pressure from the prisons and restrict Sohail Tatari, Kushan Nandy among others. chances of contamination, the Delhi Police The statement came as a response to the is pushing students and activists into jail,” recent arrest of two students of Jamia Millia read the statement. Islamia University. It states that “the constitution gives us “The country right now is reeling the right to protest and express our views through a grave crisis as a result of the against the government and its policies”, novel coronavirus and nearly a month-long going on to note that their “opposition to lockdown. We are all being asked to stay the CAA continues, as we see it as a bigoted home and stay safe in order to break the law that strikes at the secular fabric of our chain of the deadly virus. We are shocked country”. to know that in this midst of such a grave “We condemn this witch-hunt of students situation, the Delhi Police has arrested and activists because they exercised their two students of Jamia Millia Islamia and constitutional right to protest against CAA/ CONCERNED: Anurag Kashyap is among 20 film celebrities who have spoken out against the several activists from localities of North- NRC/NPR,” the statement read. – IANS police action.

Love is the most unifying Rangoli and I will publicly emotion: Arjun apoligise if anyone finds offensive tweet: Kangana The romantic drama 2 States, starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor Actress Kangana Ranaut has come up in was released six years ago on this date, support of her sister Rangoli Chandel, whose and highlighted the feel-good romance verified Twitter account was suspended of a Punjabi boy and a Tamil girl. recently over a controversial post. On Saturday, Arjun spoke to real-life Kangana’s sister and manager Rangoli’s post couples who were culturally opposite was reported by several people who considered and yet found a common ground in it a hate tweet. love, noting that love was the most The actress shared an Instagram video unifying emotion. message on Saturday where she says if “2 States is and will always be one anyone can find a tweet where Rangoli says of the most special films of my life and anything offensive, “then we both will publicly on its sixth anniversary. I’m trying to apologise”. SUPPORTIVE: Kangana has come out in do something really special. For me, “My sister Rangoli Chandel had specifically support of sister Rangoli Chandel. love is the most unifying emotion CANDID: Arjun Kapoor says love is the mentioned that people who have attacked and it transcends all barriers. I will be most unifying emotion and it transcends doctors and police personnel should be shot nation is going through a lot right now but highlighting some really special, real all barriers. dead,” Kangana says in her video message, we have to find a way to completely demolish life love stories on my social media,” adding that celebrities like “Farah Ali Khan these (social media) platforms and start our Arjun said. love to be the perfect glue between ji and Reema Kagti ji made a false allegation” own platforms,” she said. 2 States, an adaptation of Chetan them and their contrasting families. that Rangoli’s comment was community- Towards the end of the video message, the Bhagat’s bestseller novel of the same These couples truly highlight the spirit specific. The actress added that she and actress referred to a controversial video of name, was directed by Abhishek of our film’s core messaging – 2 states, her sister did not believe that every person wrestler Babita Phogat. “I saw Babita Phogat Varman. One love and I can’t wait to speak to “attacking doctors and cops” belonged to any ji’s video today. The way she is being harassed, “I will be speaking to some couples them and tell you all more about their particular community. I would request the central government to who come from poles apart cultural fantastic love stories!” Arjun said. Kangana also took a dig at Twitter for provide her security in this hour,” she said. backgrounds but have found their pure — IANS blocking her sister’s account. “I know the — IANS Monday, April 20, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Penn gets tested for coronavirus He himself works at the testing site in Malibu where he lives. Actor Sean Penn was spotted getting tested “We have an infrastructure in place to for coronavirus with a nasal swab recently respond, and so we decided that we would if The 59-year-old star was at the free Malibu we could be value added. It’s something that testing site set up by his organisation CORE we can adapt to very quickly with the training (Community Organised Relief Effort), reports of the Los Angeles Fire Department initially. www.dailymail.co.uk And then we’re able to take all those firemen He kept his backpack on as he leaned back in and put them back in to serve the people in the an outdoor chair to be tested by a staff member way that we need them to,” he said last week. in a mask, gloves, face shield and hazmat suit. Between March 30 and April 10 the movie star’s CORE, which Penn founded in 2010 to nonprofit gave 6,500 tests free of charge. help with earthquake relief in Haiti, is now The Fast Times At Ridgemont High icon collaborating with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti to shared more about his relief efforts while combat the ongoing health crisis. The non- appearing on MSNBC this week. profit’s goal is to establish free drive-in testing ‘One of the things we always have to sites in Los Angeles, working with both the remember is that all of this is very liquid mayor and fire department, according to USA because the tests do change, we do look Today. towards the next most rapid test that has Penn’s goal is to “save lives and alleviate integrity,’ shared the Milk Oscar-winner. VOLUNTEER: Sean Penn’s goal is to save lives and alleviate depletion of depletion of resources” with the programme. – IANS resources with his organisation CORE. Struggling AMC to raise $500 million amid coronavirus crisis the first phase of the economy’s By Ryan Faughnder reopening. Mooky Greidinger, chief executive of Regal Cinemas’ British resident Trump last parent company Cineworld Group, Thursday offered said there’s still no firm timeline, beleaguered movie but the company is “optimistic.” theatres a glimmer of “There is no way today that we hope that they could can make any decision about an Pgradually return to business in the opening date,” Greidinger said in coming months, as the nation’s a statement. “However, we are largest cinema chain said it plans optimistic that we will be able to raise $500 million in order to to open toward the second half survive the coronavirus crisis. of June, subject of course to an AMC Theatres said it will raise understanding with the studios the money in a private debt offering about new releases. The studios are in order to stay afloat during the our main partners, and both parties public health emergency that should be convinced what is the forced the closure of all 1,000 of its right date to reopen our theatres.” global locations, including about Cinemark Holdings executives 630 in the US. Domestic cinemas on Wednesday gave Wall Street have been closed since mid-March analysts a rough plan of how its because of government restrictions circuit may pursue a reopening in meant to curb the spread of the the coming months. virus. Sean Gamble, Cinemark’s Theatre owners have increasingly chief operating officer, said on a begun to float the possibility of conference call that the company reopening sometime in July, in the anticipated a July 1 opening, middle of what would normally which would be in time for major be Hollywood’s key summer rescheduled studio releases, blockbuster movie season. But including Walt Disney Co.’s Mulan AMC’s offering of first lien notes, and Warner Bros.’s Christopher due in 2025, comes amid lingering CLOSED: The closed AMC theatres on East Illinois Street in Chicago. Nolan film Tenet. uncertainty. Under that scenario, the Plano, Some analysts have predicted Texas, company, which has laid that the prolonged coronavirus the company “until a partial capacity in order to conform to coronavirus cases or a reduced off 17,500 workers and pursued a cash crunch could force heavily reopening in July.” The new debt social distancing rules. trajectory of positive tests. Under $250-million debt raise, would start indebted AMC to file for Chapter offering should give the exhibitor a The Trump administration the second phase, venues would rehiring employees in June and kick 11 bankruptcy protection from significantly longer runway. released guidelines on reopening be able to moderately ease physical off marketing initiatives to attract creditors. AMC, burdened with “We believe the company the nation’s economy, including distancing regulations as long as consumers. long-term debt of $4.85 billion and will have sufficient liquidity to multiplexes, while saying that the virus doesn’t rebound. That would begin a “three- no revenue coming in, has laid off or withstand a global suspension governors will have authority National Assn. of Theatre month slow build of operations,” furloughed thousands of workers, of operations until a partial re- over the return of their states’ Owners, the Washington lobbying Gamble said. For the first couple including 600 corporate staffers opening ahead of Thanksgiving,” businesses. group for cinema owners, declined of weeks, theatres would probably all the way up to Chief Executive AMC said. The federal guidelines offered to comment on the White House stick to showing older studio Adam Aron. Though it remains unclear when states a phased approach. Under guidance. movies as moviegoers slowly grow As of March 31, Leawood, Kan., theatres will be allowed to resume the first phase, movie theatres, However, the guidelines more comfortable with going to company had a cash balance operations, exhibitors and studios restaurants, gyms and large represented a modicum of hope theatres. “We’re having great of $299.8 million, including have begun to prepare for business sporting venues can reopen if they for the exhibition industry, in part discussions already with the studios borrowings of $215.0 million in resuming in early July, though the adhere to strict social distancing because they put movie houses in about a range of different tactics to March, the company said last Covid-19 situation remains fluid. rules. However, states should begin the same category as restaurants get the theatrical exhibition engine Thursday in a statement. AMC said Theatres that reopen would have the phase only if they meet criteria and other venues that would be restarted,” Gamble said. – Los its balance sheet should sustain strict guidelines to limit seating including a 14-day decrease in allowed to resume business in Angeles Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Monday, April 20, 2020 COMMUNITY “Focus on strengths; look for opportunities to stay positive”

Psychologist Dr Bindu Salim advises Indian expats during an online session organised by Indian Community Benevolent Fund

human beings have seven strengths By Mudassir Raja that we can bank on. These “There are many strengths are; resilience, humanity, optimism, trust, knowledge/ ways to ward off hen social wisdom, sense of purpose, and distancing is the relationship. We can use these negativity. During call of the day, strengths to remain positive and people need each face the difficult times confidently. hard times, we other more than “Further, the humans also Wever to counter the economic and have seven opportunities to deal need to analyse our psychological fallout of the novel with difficult situations like coronavirus pandemic. the coronavirus outbreak. Our opportunities and The best way is to stay connected opportunities are: more time; and get solace from each other and reflection and reconciliation; speed strengths. We as stay positive in order to ward off and innovation; better meeting; the negativity caused during these reconnect and social bonding; human beings have uncertain times. In this connection, better and clean environment; and community service and reach-out modesty and acceptance. We have seven strengths can be useful as there are many more time now to think and to people who face different sorts connect with others. The modern that we can bank on. of issues and need support and technologies have made connection guidance. speedier and more innovative. These strengths are; Indian Community Benevolent Our meetings can get better as we Forum (ICBF), under the aegis have time and technologies to do resilience, humanity, of the Indian embassy in Qatar, so during this challenge. There is a recently organised an online session visibly positive impact of staying at optimism, trust, on ‘Psychological Wellbeing’ as part home on our overall environment. of their programme called Mental The health crisis and resultant knowledge/wisdom, Health – Facing Challenges with social distancing have also taught Positivity. Using Zoom application, us to be modest and accepting as sense of purpose, and the community group brought everything is not in our control.” together over 50 people and a Commenting on the online relationship. We can mental health expert. session for mental well-being, Invited by ICBF, Dr Bindu Salim, Baburajan PN, ICBF president, use these strengths to Doha-based psychologist and said: “The focus of the online philanthropist, engaged with 52 interaction between the expert and remain positive and people from different strata of the community members was to the Indian expatriate community think positive and stay connected. face difficult times and underscored how looking at It is very necessary for our mental brighter side of the bad situation and psychological well-being as we confidently” and thinking positive could be are stuck at homes.” helpful for overall mental health He added: “The session proved — Dr Bindu Salim and well-being. to be very helpful as people asked Sharing the details of her online different questions and looked for session with Community, Dr positive answers. People learnt that Bindu, who carries professional how they can be busy and positive experience of 23 years, said: “Since while being at home. They can get the Covid-19 related difficulties registered with online short courses are testing the people, I tried the to enhance their skills or capacities. community members to focus They leant how useful it can be to on how to stay positive while spend quality time with families. stuck at home. I also underlined The session was the part of our the fact that how an individual regular programme that we have can check his or her personal started since the social distancing negative thoughts. Often, our phenomenon got into practice.” negative thoughts and feelings The long-time resident of lead to negative behaviour. I also Doha and active community guided the participants on how to leader further said: “Most of the challenge negative thoughts and people are stuck in their homes. how to be positive.” Emotionally fine, but what about Further explaining the steps to your social life. What about your ward off negative during uncertain gatherings. Who will pay for times, Dr Bindu, who is also a life your domestic requirements? For member of American Psychological these questions, we have a simple Association, said: “There are many formula. That is to stay connected, ways to ward off negativity. During you are not alone. Of course we all hard times, we need to analyse our are together in the fight against this IN SESSION: The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) recently organised an online session on ‘Psychological opportunities and strengths. We as pandemic.” Wellbeing’ as part of their programme called Mental Health – Facing Challenges with Positivity.