Ward's Weed, an Invasive Plant Found in California, Is Threatening To

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Thursday, April 18, 2019 Sha’baan 13, 1440 AH

Doha today 250 - 340

Plant slant

Ward’s weed, an invasive plant found in California, is threatening to spread across Southwest. P4-5

COVER STORY

SHOWBIZ BACK PAGE

I always attempt to do Umm Salama Primary School for relevant work: Madhuri. Girls wins Qatar e-Nature contest. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.49am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.10am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 3.04pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.59pm Isha (night) 7.29pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Dumbo enable him to ﬂ y, helps save a struggling circus, but when the DIRECTION: Tim Burton circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover CAST: Eva Green, Lucy DeVito, Nico Parker dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer. SYNOPSIS: A young elephant, whose oversized ears THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 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 Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374

Shazam a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batsons case, by shouting CAST: Zachary Levi, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Borth out one word – SHAZAM! – this streetwise fourteen-year-old DIRECTION: David F Sandberg foster kid can turn into the adult superhero Shazam. SYNOPSIS: We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark ote Unquo u te Q Nothing is The Mall Cinema (1): Kalank Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): impossible, the word (Hindi) 3pm; Shazam! (2D) 6pm; Missing Link (3D) 2:15pm; Missing itself says ‘I’m possible’!” Madhura Raja (Malayalam) Link (2D) 4pm; Mera Naam Shaji 8:30pm; Mera Naam Shaji (Malayalam) 5:45pm; Kalank (2D) 5:30pm; Madhura Raja — Audrey Hepburn (Malayalam) 11:15pm. (Hindi) 8:15pm; Kalank (Hindi) (Malayalam) 8pm; Madhura Raja The Mall Cinema (2): Mera 11:15pm. (Malayalam) 11pm. Naam Shaji (Malayalam) 2pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Landmark Cinema (2): Madhura Missing Link (2D) 4:30pm; (2): Kalank (Hindi) 00:3pm; Raja (Malayalam) 2pm; Missing Missing Link (2D) 6:15pm; Kalank Shazam! (2D) 6pm; Madhura Raja Link (2D) 4:45pm; Missing Link (Hindi) 8pm; Kalank (Hindi) 11pm. (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Madhura (2D) 6:30pm; Kalank (Hindi) The Mall Cinema (3): Missing Raja (Malayalam) 11:15pm. 8:15pm; Kalank (Hindi) 11:15pm. Link (2D) 2:30pm; Teen Spirit (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Landmark Cinema (3): Missing 4:30pm; Last Fool Show (Tagalog) (3): Madhura Raja (Malayalam) Community Editor Link (2D) 2:15pm; Dumbo (2D) 6:15pm; Stockholm (2D) 8pm; The 2:30pm; Mission In Seven 4pm; Last Fool Show (Tagalog) Kamran Rehmat Curse Of La Llorona (2D) 9:45pm; Days (Arabic) 5:30pm; The 6pm; Triple Threat (2D) 8pm; The e-mail: [email protected] Triple Threat (2D) 11:30pm. Hummingbird Project (2D) Curse of La Llorona (2D) 9:45pm; Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): Kalank 7:30pm; Mission Of Honor (2D) Mera Naam Shaji (Malayalam) Fax: 44350474 (Hindi) 2:30pm; Shazam! 9:30pm; Kursk (2D) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

The Pearl—Qatar Triathlon 2019 hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHERE: Qanat Quartier, The Pearl — Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 Qatar years old after school hours. WHEN: Tomorrow TIME: 6:45am – 9am Arabic Calligraphy Workshop Register for the ﬁ nal event of Qatar WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday National Triathlon Series, The Pearl—Qatar TIME: 6pm Triathlon starting in Qanat Quartier of The Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Pearl—Qatar. Event will be having a sprint Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic distance for individuals and teams. handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier. The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact registration@ atelierqatar.com

EVENTS Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb Hobby Classes Master Class of Authentic Indian Yoga WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art (Ladies only) TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm Centre WHERE: Oxygen Park, Qatar Foundation The olympic sport using horizontal bar, WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHEN: Tomorrow rings and ﬂ oor exercises on mats for the Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm children from age 4 till 16. holistic performing arts institution and a one As part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of stop solution for adults as well as children Culture celebration, Qatar Museums and looking to explore their talents in various Qatar Foundation are pleased to inform that art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, Indian Sports Centre, under the patronage Bollywood, hip hop, indian classical dance, of Embassy of India, is conducting a Master Ballet Lessons music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and class of authentic Indian Yoga. Class is WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier craft, karate, yoga, percussion (Chenda, open to all female adult students of all WHEN: Ongoing Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, levels. Please wear comfortable and non- TIME: 4pm – 8pm harmonium, public speaking. revealing clothes. Bring your own Yoga mat. For more info e-mail at registration@ Additional services include dance Photography is not permitted. Admission is atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. education, choreograph music videos and free. To register: www.qf.org.qa/YOCyoga dance cover albums, choreograph dance musical projects, corporate workshops and Career Guidance events, choreograph events for schools, WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al colleges, alumni meets and corporate Sadd and choreography events. For details, call WHEN: Sunday – Thursday 33897609. TIME: 6pm – 8pm Career guidance for course, country, Dr. Mashoor Gulati Clinic live in Doha college and entrance for students of Grade WHERE: Al Dana Club, Doha, Qatar IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments WHEN: April 26 administered for stream preference, career TIME: 6pm – 10pm test, branch preference, personality, Witness the genius of Indian stand-up multiple intelligence and learning styles comedian, Sunil Grover live as he plays his and productivity. For more information, popular characters ‘Dr. Mashoor Gulati’ 55448835. and ‘Gutthi’ from Kapil Sharma show. Sunil Grover will be performing live at Al Dana Club in Doha.

Syria Matters Exhibition WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 TIME: 9am – 7pm Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club presents a major exhibition, co-curated by WHERE: Losail Circuit MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania WHEN: Ongoing Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year TIME: 5pm anniversary celebrations. Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under Dance and Instrument Classes the ﬂ oodlights of Losail International Circuit WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times every Wednesdays. Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday After School Activities Learn the movements of dance styles in WHERE: Atelier Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical WHEN: Ongoing instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard Music and arts activities for students for adults as well kids and move in the world taking place after they ﬁ nish their day in of music. For details, contact 66523871/ school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Stopping Ward’s weed Part of the battle is education, teaching people to recognise the small, compact plant, not allow it to spread, and to remove it themselves or notify experts, writes Phil Diehl

We definitely have our work cut out for us. We are really struggling with this plant

— Jason Giessow, principal ecologist at Encinitas land management company ‘ Dendra Inc

new invasive weed extensive concentrations on the that can grow into a country’s arid southern coast. dense mat, choking The invader was ﬁ rst found in off most other Carlsbad, near San Diego, about plants, has gained 2008 by a botanist working in a Aits ﬁ rst North American foothold habitat preserve along Alicante in Carlsbad and is threatening Road in the La Costa area. to spread across the Southwest Despite several years of eff orts with seeds that can travel on to control it there, the plant clothes, boots and tyres. recently jumped to Bressi Ranch, Ward’s weed, a native of where it’s been found in the the Mediterranean region and protected habitat along El Fuerte BEWARE! Besides choking out much-loved natives such as the golden poppy, which is the state flower, Western Asia, has already Street and Poinsettia Lane. Ward’s weed is a wildfire hazard. Each year it dies off and turns into a brown mass of thin, dry brush, like a tiny conquered Australia. It arrived “It spreads like crazy,” said tumbleweed, that can go up in flames with a spark. on the small continent in 1915 Rosanne Humphrey, a senior and now can be found in every manager in the city’s’ habitat Australian state, with the most programme. Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Besides choking out much-loved natives such as the golden poppy, which is the state fl ower, Ward’s weed is a wildfi re hazard. Each year it dies off and turns into a brown mass of thin, dry brush, like a tiny tumbleweed, that can go up in fl ames with a spark. No-one is certain exactly when the plant arrived in Carlsbad or how it got there, Humphrey said. Smaller patches of it have recently been found elsewhere in San Diego County at Crest Canyon in Del Mar and in Otay Mesa near the Mexican border. It’s also been found near one of the military housing areas at the centre of Camp Pendleton. None of those locations have had Ward’s weed as long or seen it spread as widely as in Carlsbad. However, there’s still time to stop the plant, Humphrey said. “It’s still containable, we hope,” she said. “We have rare opportunities to catch new infestations early enough that we can eradicate them.” Isolated plants can be pulled out by hand, but that’s not practical when the weed covers large areas. Often it occurs in steep terrain, where it’s hard to reach, mixed in with native shrubs such as sage and coyote brush. “It’s not possible to remove all the plants manually,” said Jason Giessow, principal ecologist at the Encinitas land management INVASION: On a city of Carlsbad trail west of Carrillo Elementary School an invasive plant called Ward’s weed re-sprouts after being cut back in the Bressi company Dendra Inc. “It sprouts Ranch area of Carlsbad, California. and sets too quickly.” Also, sensitive habitat is and treated the lagoon fl oor to 30,000 seeds per square metre, on the site for as long as a year repeated every few weeks because damaged when large numbers with chlorine. The project was some of which dry up and remain to be killed by the sun. Hauling they only kill the above-ground of workers walk through, often controversial, but it worked and the on the plant, while others fall into them away to a landfi ll or recycling parts of the plants. crushing the native plants and algae was eliminated. the soil and stay there. facility is not recommended The pre-emergent chemical shrubs they are trying to protect. Still, California is fi lled with City offi cials encourage anyone because it could encourage their herbicide Gallery has been the Chemical herbicides are the only immigrant plants. Many have been who thinks they may have spotted spread. most eff ective tool so far, ecologists practical solution for widespread around so long they have become the plant in a new area to post a Anyone walking in areas where said, but the product is expensive treatments, he said, even though naturalised. photo using the iNaturalist app on Ward’s weed has been found should and often requires follow-up some people oppose the use of The bright yellow fl owers their cellphone. A local biologist wear fabrics that the seeds and with a broad-spectrum herbicide chemicals. covering hillsides across San Diego will confi rm and record the dirt won’t cling to, such as canvas, such as Telar or spot treatment “If herbicides weren’t used, you County and much of the Southwest observation. nylon or leather, and not brushed with glyphosate such as the brand are basically permanently writing this spring are black mustard, a Mowing or weed-whipping cotton, netting, knits or fl eece. Roundup. off these areas,” Giessow said. naturalised plant that arrived from the plants are not recommended They should check and clean their “We defi nitely have our work cut Part of the battle is education, Eurasia centuries ago. because that spreads the seed. clothing before leaving the area. out for us,” said Giessow. “We are teaching people to recognise the “Mustard has been here since the Any hand-pulled weeds should Organic herbicides can be used, really struggling with this plant.” — small, compact plant, not allow it to missionaries,” said Kris Preston, an be covered in clear plastic and left but the organic treatments must be The San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS spread, and to remove it themselves ecologist in the San Diego offi ce of or notify experts. the US Geological Survey. “It’s one Money is another factor in the of our early invaders. There’s not a fi ght. An all-out eff ort to eradicate lot you can do about that.” Ward’s weed could cost hundreds of With many invasive plants, the thousands of dollars and take 10 to management strategy is simply to 15 years, Humphrey said. keep them to a minimum. Removal Ownership issues also eff orts are focused on places where complicate the situation. Carlsbad they cause problems or threaten a owns only about 10 percent of the valuable concentration of native Organic more than 6,200 acres in its habitat species, Preston said. preserves. The rest of the property Ward’s weed falls into a diff erent herbicides can belongs to the state and individual category. It’s a newcomer, so there’s be used, but homeowners associations. still a chance to eliminate it. Carlsbad killed off a botanical “It is one of our target species the organic invader once before. to try to eradicate from the county In the late 1990s the invasive … the worst weeds that we have a treatments must algae Caulerpa taxifolia was chance of getting rid of,” Preston discovered in Carlsbad’s Agua said. be repeated Hedionda Lagoon. The plant was Several local invasive plants, every few weeks once used to decorate people’s mostly grasses, thistles and fl owers, aquariums, and a few pieces fall into the target species category, because they only probably were dumped into a storm she said. But Ward’s weed is drain that fl owed into the waterway. unusual because for now it’s still kill the above- The algae threatened to cover the new and it’s only been found in San ground parts bottom of the lagoon with dense, Diego County. palmlike fronds, and kill off the The weed can be identifi ed of the plants native marine life. in the spring by its small yellow Carlsbad launched a six-year, $7 fl owers with four petals and most million eff ort to save the lagoon. of the year by its unique “beaked” Divers sealed off underwater seed pods that look like a bird’s sections of the lagoon with plastic beak. The plants can produce up 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY

ISL Qatar hosts 5th Annual Model United Nations Conference

The Executive Team of MUN club at the guest speaker on the opening ceremony. The International School of London (ISL) Qatar recently ambassador spoke about the Ecuadorian project to hosted its 5th Annual Model United Nations preserve the part of the Amazon in Ecuador, which Conference ‘Human Cooperation for Global has the highest biodiversity in the world. Sustainability’. Around 200 judges, advocates, chairs, and delegates High school students from 10 diff erent international from various schools, including International School schools around Doha engaged in debate in order of London Qatar, Al Jazeera Academy, Aspire to come up with solutions to many problems. Academy, Awsaj Academy, Birla Public School, Doha With the theme reflecting the growing importance College, Middle East International School, Qatar of human co-operation in order to make our Finland International School, and Staff ord Sri Lanka planet sustainable, delegates discussed various School Doha attended the conference. Debate issues, ranging from the Lake Chad Basin Crisis to took place in the various committees, including Preventing the Pollution of the Seas with Micro- International Court of Justice, Security Council, plastics, as well as a plethora of other pressing the First Committee General Assembly, Human problems we face in the world today. Rights Council, Economic and Social Council, and Ivonne A Baki, Ambassador of Ecuador, was the Environmental Commission.

UFC Doha organises workshop ‘Steps to University’

University Foundation College (UFC) Doha, in collaboration with the towards university admission, College Search: There are various factors Academic Bridge Programme, recently organised a workshop ‘Steps that shape students’ university choice, such as location, weather, food, to University’ at Qatar National Library. The aim of the workshop was community, culture, chances of employment, campus size, activities, to create awareness of the steps, parents and students should take in religion, fees, accommodation, facilities and courses, and Language of planning for university. Admissions: highlighting the importance of understanding the language The session was delivered by Jacqueline L Nottingham, College of admission and two common admission systems, UCAS and Common Counsellor at the Academic Bridge Programme, and Dr Hanan Hindi, Application. Head of Operations at University Foundation College. “Demystifying the pathway to higher education is best done using a The workshop highlighted the university preparation in 5 simple steps, holistic model. (ABP) Working hand in hand with UFC only makes sense including Academic Preparations: Recommended coursework and as we have the same ultimate goal - providing a foundation and pathway course selection necessary to establish a strong student profile, as well as to the next step in a student’s journey,” said Jacqueline L Nottingham. ways for students to challenge themselves academically in preparation “As educators, we are obligated to pave the way for students and parents for university, What Do I Want to Be?: Encouraging students to explore to make informed decisions about their education. Providing interactive their interests inside and outside the classroom and encourages them workshops to the community in collaboration with key education to become involved in volunteer opportunities, research and clubs providers can have a strong impact on students’ success,” added Dr that enhance their skills, Testing: Standardised tests are a required step Hanan Hindi.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently organised outdoor activity ‘Fun Times – Getting Together’ for the students of Preparatory Grade. Children dressed in white T-shirts and blue jeans wore diff erent coloured crepe paper ribbons on their hands as accessories to form a rainbow. The event featured various activities, including dance. The event was attended by Asna Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS. She interacted with the kids and wished them all a blissful and enjoyable year ahead. Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Toastmasters District 116 gets ‘Smedley Distinguished District’ recognition

Toastmasters District 116-Qatar recently achieved the recognition of ‘Smedley Distinguished District’. Toastmasters International (TI) administers district recognition programme to encourage districts to focus on the mission and to reach distinguished status as a benchmark for excellence. Sundaresan Rajeswar, Director of the District, said, “It has been more than twenty- two years since the Toastmasters programme started in Qatar. When Qatar was declared as an independent district last year, the members were optimistic of beneficial transition. The strong bedrock of experience, integrated with stringent adherence to core values, provided the impetus. We were conscious that focus on members would make the Toastmasters programme as one of the best learning experiences for an individual. That worked well. The year 2018-19 emerged as a crucial year of drafting blueprints for growth that will position District for stepping into the future much ahead. ” District Toastmasters Annual Conference ‘Connect to Communicate’ is scheduled to be held in Grand Hyatt Hotel from May 2-4, 2019. MES teams qualify for Asian Athletic Championship and Diamond League

The relay teams of MES Indian School in 4x100 metres In a qualifying tournament, MES qualified for the finals recently qualified to participate in the Asian Athletic in all three formats, including 4x100 metres, Boys, Girls Championship and Diamond League be held at Khalifah and Mixed Relay of the tournament. Muhammed Irfan, International Stadium from April 21 till April 24 and May 3, Principal Off iciating, congratulated the winners for their respectively. eff ort.

Sundaresan Rajeswar, Director of the District.

DPS-MIS organises orientation session

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently organised an orientation session for the parents of the students of Preparatory Grade. Asna Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS, attended the session. Speaking on the occasion, Beena Mohan, Academic Co-ordinator, highlighted the role of parents in shaping their children in this crucial year. She presented a few guidelines and briefed the co-scholastic activities at DPS-MIS. Vimmi Sharma, Activity Co-ordinator at DPS-MIS, asked the parents to spend quality time with children and teach them moral values to unfold their potential and support them to reach their highest calibre.

CIHT presents latest progress for FIFA World Cup 2022

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) recently invited Qatar Group of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) to present the latest progress being made towards Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022. A key part of the tour, which took place in an interactive exhibition space in the SC’s Headquarters at Al Bidda Tower, covered the construction progress and planned utilisation of transport infrastructure including Doha Metro, tram networks, public buses, expressways, and Hamad International Airport. It was highlighted that much of the transport infrastructure that will be used during the FIFA World Cup was already planned prior to Qatar winning the right to host the tournament in 2010, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that was launched in 2008. The tour also included progress updates from each of the eight proposed FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums. As well as the already completed 40,000-seater Khalifa International Stadium, the group presented scale models and key facts about Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Rayyan Stadium, Education City Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City, and Lusail Stadium. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY Majlis announces winners of 23rd Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Award

minent Pakistani and Prime Minister’s Literary Award in Indian Urdu scholars, Dr 1998, National Presidential Iqbal Tehsin Firaqi and Feroz Award (1997-1999), Shaikh Ahmed Sultan Ejaz (well known Zaki Yamani medallion in 2008 for as Fay Seen Ejaz) have outstanding services in promoting Erecently been declared the winners the cause of Iqbaliyat in the world, of 23rd Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab prestigious Government’s Pride of Award, established by the Qatar- Performance Award in recognition based Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab of his literary achievements in in 1996. August, 2010. Firaqi and Ejaz will receive the Ejaz, the Award winner from honour at a function to be held at India, was born on 2nd May, 1948 in end-October in Doha. The Award Delhi. He got his primary education includes a cash prize of Rs1,50,000 from Fatehpuri Muslim High School and a gold medal for each winner. in Delhi. He passed Matriculation The award is given annually to two from Presidency Muslim High literary personalities, one from School, Calcutta in 1964 and Pakistan and the other from India completed Pre-University Course for their contribution to Urdu in 1996 and BA IN 1969, both from language and literature, in the St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta. He form of creative fi ction – writing, left his LLB course of Calcutta research and/or criticism. University incomplete in its fi nal Mohammad Atiq, Chairman of Feroz Sultan Ejaz, Indian winner. Dr Tehsin Firaqi, Pakistani winner. year in 1972. Majlis, said, “Dr Firaqi and Ejaz Ejaz is an active literary journalist are highly acclaimed Urdu writers, and English languages and who Majlis-e-Taraqqi-i-Adab, Lahore o-Farhang has been published and is engaged in his printing and research analysts and critics who have studied deeply the literature since 2013. He has written 31 by Ghalib Institute, New Delhi. publishing business. Besides being a command great respect in literary of these languages. He has also fair books and a number of articles Diwan-e-Ghalib, Nuskha Khwaja poet, critic and translator, he writes circles in Pakistan, India and knowledge of Arabic and Spanish. on criticism, research and poetry. – Asl haqaiq are his other creative short stories and travelogues. He around the world’’. Teaching, criticism, research, Justjoo is the fi rst collection of works. On Iqbal, his collections of is the editor of monthly Insha – an The two were chosen by poetry and translation depict the his critical articles. Maasir-e- Iqbal’s articles, under the name of Urdu magazine which he has been independent juries in India and various aspects of his personality. Urdu Adab and Ifadaat are also Jihat Iqbal and Iqbal-Chand naye publishing for the last 34 years, Pakistan. The Indian jury was Dr Firaqi started his teaching his critical essays’ collections. mubahis are available. He has edited (since 1986) without a break, which headed by Professor Dr Gopi Chand career in 1976 as Urdu lecturer Recently, his book on N M Rashid, some articles written during Iqbal’s is a record. He has published 25 Narang, reputed Urdu critic and in Govt MAO College, Lahore. under the name of Hassan Kooza life-time on his personality and art Special Editions of Insha on Tagore, intellectual, along with Professor In 1984, he moved to University Gar has been published. In research, , under the name of Naqd-e Iqbal, Mohinder Singh Bedi sahar, Nisar Shafey Kidwai and Professor Tariq Oriental College, Lahore as an Urdu his thesis for PhDAbdul Majid Hayat-e-Iqbal. Dr Firaqi’s fi rst Ahmed Farooqi, Qamar Rais, Chhattari as members. The Indian lecturer. In 1988, he was promoted Daryabadi is a big achievement, collection of poems and Ghazals Ahmed Saeed Malihabadi, etc. and jury meeting was held in Aligarh as Assistant Professor, in 1995 as which has been highly applauded under the name of Naqsh e Awwal every Special Edition contains 400- by skype tele-conferencing. Associate Professor, in 2001, as in literary circles. He also edited was printed many years ago. His 500 pages. The Pakistani jury was headed Chairman of Urdu Department Yousuf Khan Kambal posh’s oldest second book on poetry was printed Ejaz has written 26 books by Professor Dr Khurshid Rizvi, and in 2002 as Professor and Travellogue. A few years ago, he in 2012. He is still very active in till now, which include creative well-known poet, researcher and Chairman, Urdu Department. In released one thoughtful book under writing and his seven books/ fi ctions, collections of his poems critic, along with Professor Fateh 2005, he joined Tehran University, the name of Fikaryat, in which he articles are going to be published /ghazals, criticism, travellogue, Mohammad Malik, Professor Dr Iran as Visiting Professor of Urdu translated important articles of shortly. translated works and also a rare Mazher Mahmood Shairani and and Pakistan Studies Chair, Faculty famous personalities into Urdu. Dr Firaqi has been a frequent translated book of Tagore’s Professor Dr Zahid Munir Amer. of Foreign languages. In 2008, he For writing this book, he met traveller and has visited many Rabinder Sangeet. Pluto ki maut The Pakistan jury meeting was held returned to University Oriental people, including Edward Saeed, countries including UK, France, is his fi ction collection, which in Avari Hotel, Lahore. College as Professor of Urdu Meelan Gandera, Ann Mary Shaml, Iran, India, Holland, Germany, has been highly applauded in the Manzoor Akhter, pen name Department and later became Hussain Nasr,Artiga E. Gaast, Turkey, Mauritius, Afghanistan, whole of India. He has travelled 14 Tehsin Firaqi, was born on 17th Chairman, Urdu Department as Alfred Giyom, Guy Eaton, Syed Belgium, Japan and Qatar and many countries. Ejaz has been awarded September, 1950, in Patoki, District well. In 2011, he was associated with Ali Ashraf and Syed Mohammad cities in Pakistan to participate a number of prizes and honours, Qasoor, Pakistan. He is highly LUMS as Adjunct Faculty member Hussain. Ghalib and Iqbal are also in International and National which include Sahitya Academy educated; MA in Urdu in fi rst for teaching courses in Iqbal Studies a part of Dr Firaqi’s critical work. seminars, conferences and Translation Award, Mir Award, class, MEd in fi rst class and PhD (2011- 2016 ). In 2010, he also In spite of his being an Urdu critic, symposiums. He is also a member Abdul Razzaq Malihabadi Award, in Urdu from Punjab University, became Professor, on contract, for he has written much on Ghalib’s of many national learned bodies in Imdad Imam Asar Award, Nazir Lahore. He is one of the very few Urdu Encyclopaedia of Islam at Persian poetry. On this subject, Pakistan. Akber Abadi Award and Ministry literary fi gures in Pakistan who Punjab University till 2012. his collection of diff erent articles, Dr Firaqi has won many Awards , of Culture, Government of India’s have command over Urdu, Persian Presently, he is Director of under the name of Ghalib-Fikr- including Naqoosh Award in 1993, Award for Journalism for 2018. DPS-MIS felicitates 100% attendance achievers

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently organised a felicitation ceremony for 100% attendance achievers of students of Grade III-V. Rocky Fernandes, Director of DPS-MIS, was the chief guest at the event. He commended the award-winning students on their achievement and inspired them to take more leadership roles and contribute to the success saga of their institute. Asna Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS, also commended the attendance award champions and appreciated the parents for instilling the values of discipline, sincerity and self-restraint into their wards. Around 240 students were awarded with badges and certificates of appreciation. Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Heavenly Spa by Westin introduces new off erings

Heavenly Spa by Westin has recently announced the launch of a new range of services and and cosy ambiance. Services range from regular manicure and pedicure to nail art. Guests can off erings, said a press release. Guests will be able to explore more revitalising health and beauty enjoy having personalised treatments in a private, comfortable and nicely decorated setting. treatments, active and fun sports activities, while experiencing a genuine wellness retreat. Also, various classes have been introduced within WestinWORKOUT, including Zumba, Heavenly FloatFit, a new and trendy outdoor and indoor water activity has been implemented for the Stretch, Moonlight Yoga and Aqua Gym. Sessions are thoughtfully designed and planned to create first time in Qatar. It is a high intensity and low-impact workout put in practice in swimming more interaction to uplift the body and mind. pools on floating boards and can be incorporated with fitness classes trained by the certified Sibille Buchholzer-Juen, Director of Spa and Recreation, said, “As Heavenly Spa, we are thrilled to instructors of Heavenly Spa. Also, it focuses on the core to work out and intensify muscle toning bring these new concepts that really match with the current trends in the market. It is a great due to balancing oneself against water resistance. It is practiced at The Westin Pool and can achievement for us to integrate such off erings to keep up the pace of new trends and respond to accommodate up to 10 persons per session. our guests’ demand. We strongly believe that our members will be able to find everything they In addition, Oxygen Facial by Intraceuticals which is considered as the latest and one of the most look for in terms of health and beauty and experience wellness with each aspect at its best in an eff ective treatments throughout the world, has been introduced. It is a gentle, non-invasive and exceptional ambiance.” relaxing skincare that enhances the complexion. Guests looking for a deep cleansing and result- She added, “Our team have been trained and certified and are ready to provide the most active oriented facial will be able to experience this new addition at Heavenly Spa. and engaging classes and restorative treatments, making sure that guests are happy and revived Suite Nails, a one-of-a-kind salon for manicure and pedicure, off ers luxurious nail care in a private after the service they receive.”

Shangri-La Group announces appointment of new global sales agent

Shangri-La Group recently “We see long-term potential announced the appointment in Qatar, and we are of a new global sales agent committed to our growth in Qatar, stated a press in the region. Qatar is a key release. The new venture is source market for many of expected to support Shangri- our hotels worldwide. Having La’s expansion plans and to a global sales off ice here drive business from this key will allow us to build on the market. It will complement existing strong demand and the Hong Kong-based to increase the outbound company’s existing sales traff ic even further,” said John off ices in Australia, Brazil, Northen, Shangri-La Group’s China, Germany, India, Japan, executive vice president, Korea, Russia, Singapore Middle East, India and Indian United Kingdom and United Ocean. States. The sales off ice will further The Group has chosen to enhance Shangri-La Group’s partner with Regency Travel visibility in Qatar and raise and Tours. Founded in 1987, awareness of the Group’s Regency Travel and Tours portfolio across the world. is the leading IATA travel In 2018, room revenue agency in Qatar staff ed from Qatar to Shangri-La with 368 highly-trained hotels and resorts globally multilingual professionals and increased by 6% compared 20 branches across Qatar. to 2017.

Compass International School Doha to open new campus

Nord Anglia Education is all International Primary Curriculum, set to expand in Doha with English National Curriculum, Compass International School IGCSEs and A levels as well as Themaid Campus and is other vocational programmes currently accepting admissions (BTEC) in Grade XII-XIII. for the 2019/2020 Academic Nord Anglia Education, with Year. over 60 schools worldwide, The new purpose-built campus off ers collaborations and links will off er students a learning with institutions, including environment featuring science The Juilliard School and laboratories and theatre to Massachusetts Institute of the 25-metre swimming pool Technology (MIT). Through and specialist areas for design, the collaboration with Unicef, technology and music. The students are encouraged to campus will accept students research, develop and debate from Early Years through solutions to challenges facing to Grade XIII, off ering the society. 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY YOUR CHANCE TO BE IN THE Here’s your chance to let the world know of your skills and create a buzz. The published images will appear on both our Instagram page (@communitygt) as well as this coveted space. Community invites photographers to let their pictures speak the proverbial thousand words! E-mail your contributions with your full name, contact details and complete description of the images to [email protected] The painted lady

At my little house in this scorching desert, the garden we have; the small oasis we created, was always a welcoming site for birds of all kinds, to rest their wings from the harsh heat of the summer. The greenery acts as a beautiful way to point direction too. I just have to tell to anyone coming over; “Look for the house with the most greenery.” The birds were the usual sight ever since the garden reached its fruition. The fi rst week of March, on a beautiful morning as I was awestruck by the silhouette of the trees under the sun, I noticed my brother looking at a fl icker in the shadow of two fl uttering creatures. I looked up and saw two butterfl ies, dancing around each other like a couple in a ballroom, before fi nally parting ways to rest. This kind of butterfl ies are called ‘the painted lady’ (Vanessa Cardui). It is a rare sight in Qatar to see butterfl ies this close, within the city limits. After seeing them, it felt like an assurance. An assurance that the eff orts of Qatar and its residents to go green, is reaching its fruition. – Anan Joy Antony(@1s_vision) Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Muscle power likely to help you live longer: Study

ant to increase your participants was 59 years, ﬁ ve per cent longevity? If yes, then were over 80 and 68 per cent men. speed up your weight- The highest value achieved after two- lifting routine as a new three attempts with increasing loads was study suggests muscle considered the maximal muscle power Wpower might be key to long life. and expressed relative to body weight. The study, presented at the Values were divided into quartiles for EuroPrevent 2019 in Lisbon, indicates survival analysis and analysed separately that power depends on the ability to by sex. generate force and velocity and to co- During a median 6.5-year follow-up, ordinate movement. 247 men (10 per cent) and 75 women (6 “Rising from a chair in old age and per cent) died, according to the study. kicking a ball depend more on muscle Muscle power start decreasing after 40 power than muscle strength, yet most years of age. weight-bearing exercise focuses on the “We now show that power is strongly latter,” said study author Claudio Gil related to all-cause mortality. But the Araújo, Professor at Exercise Medicine good news is you only need to be above Clinic – CLINIMEX in Rio de Janeiro, the median for your sex to have the Brazil. best survival, with no further beneﬁ t “Our study shows that people with in becoming even more powerful,” said more muscle power tend to live longer,” Araújo. Araújo said. The researchers suggest multiple For the study, the team enrolled 3,878 exercises for the upper and lower body, non-athletes, aged 41-85 years, who weight with the load to achieve the underwent a maximal muscle power test maximal power (not so easy to lift and using the upright row exercise between not so heavy that you can barely lift it) 2001 and 2016. The average age of may increase muscle power. – IANS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Juggling work and home may seem diff icult today, Aries. Work If you have to deal with some disappointment today, try not to You may be worried about your financial situation today, Gemini. responsibilities may weigh on your mind to the point where they let it get you down, Taurus. You may receive a letter or phone call You might feel a tug at your purse strings. If you’ve experienced a interfere with the harmony of your home life. This can cause some that brings less than favourable news. Perhaps someone you were delay in receiving some funds you were expecting, this may add to inner conflict. It might be wise to prioritise work tasks on paper and hoping to see won’t be able to make it, or a friend has to turn down your concern. You might want to tackle this directly by examining schedule duties and deadlines. Then you can spend time with your an invitation to a party you’re having. Try not to let this spoil your your situation. Check up on expected funds and make any necessary family without worrying that work will be forgotten. mood. These things happen. Keep yourself busy. arrangements to alleviate this stress. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

An unexpected event might cause you to be temporarily separated You might have a sore throat and mild cold symptoms today, Leo. Spend some quality time with your partner today, Virgo. Perhaps he from your partner today, Cancer. Confusion about the incident and It may aff ect your ability to work. Chances are that you’re an active or she is a little jealous of your friends or feeling left out. Perhaps your mate’s role in it might plague you. You might doubt his or her person. Having to slow down to tend to your health may frustrate you’ve received invitations lately that are just for you. It might be a motives. If so, it may be best to talk and clear up any suspicions. you. Consider going to the doctor’s off ice now rather than ignore good idea to turn one down in favour of being with your friend. A Letting such thoughts sit for even a short time can create challenges your health. This could make all the diff erence in how long you stay little quality time can help get things back on track. for a relationship. Deal with the situation now. under the weather and are kept from things you want to do. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You may want to take a day off from your obligations, Libra, perhaps You may reminisce today, Scorpio. Perhaps you’re thinking about Money matters might be a bit tangled today, Sagittarius. There to take care of unfinished creative projects. Chances are this may friends and family who live far away. You could feel a bit nostalgic, may be an unexpected delay in receiving funds due you. Your bank not be possible. Concerns about work issues might keep your mind not to mention blue, thinking about times long past. Consider statement may have you confused. Getting to the bottom of things occupied and distract you from the task at hand. This and possible making some phone calls to counteract these feelings. If you can’t may prove a bit frustrating but not necessarily impossible. If you find family disagreements may have you upset. Try to remain centred connect with a particular person, spend a little time looking through that you’re uncertain about your financial situation, consider talking and focused despite it all. It’s the only way to get anything done. a photo album to bring him or her closer to you. with those involved to get a better understanding. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You may need reassurance today, Capricorn. Trouble with friends You may feel a little under the weather today, Aquarius. You may You might feel lonely and insecure due to lack of contact with a may have you feeling unloved, insecure, and emotionally blocked. even develop sniff les or a sore throat. If so, consider going to the close friend, Pisces. You might wonder if the person has forgotten You may see the situation as more serious than others do. Perhaps a doctor. This can be an especially unwelcome development, as it you or simply doesn’t care anymore. Take the time to try to connect misunderstanding has caused the dilemma. Take the time to reach keeps you from certain activities. If you act quickly, your ailment with this person. You may discover that no neglect was intended and out to those you’re concerned about and get some reassurance. If may not worsen. Take the time you need to feel healthy again before that the relationship is solid. It’s better for you to tackle this directly you owe an apology, give it freely and move on. returning to your routine. rather than speculate. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

ALGEBRA GRAPH DIAMETER TOTAL QUOTIENT COUNT AREA HEIGHT EQUATION VOLUME RADIUS CUBIC ANGLE LENGTH FIGURE WIDTH ROOT DECIMAL CIRCUMFERENCE MAXIMUM FRACTION DENOMINATOR SIZE MEASURE COMPUTE

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. Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Inexpensive fish for a skinflint 1 Made better copper colour? (10) (5) 7 Saint taking one drink (7) 2 Essayist comes back from jail 8 Examine part of Tuscany (4) early (4) 10 Fairly big orderly (4) 3 Pros in sort of jail (6) 11 Girl in part of France (8) 4 Trek less confusing for flighty 13 Criticised for being hunters (8) absorbed, so we hear (6) 5 Dashing to get a drink before 15 A predicament shows the band (7) promise (6) 6 City making smart Edam? (9) 17 One who can’t remember 9 Perhaps she lasted, being me, as I can recollect (8) immortal (9) 18 One half-dollar is an object 12 Having a banquet? Order of veneration (4) neat figs! (8) 21 Siamese draw, we hear (4) 14 Big cat in cooking vessel on 22 Old Rose changes her name the right (7) (7) 16 Frank provides a sort of 23 Officers bending rigid sabre camera (6) (10) 19 Runs quickly produced in local game (5) 20 European flower used by panel beaters (4) Answers Yesterday’s Solutions Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY REVIEWS Enjoyably expanding a martial arts universe

Non-martial arts fans might Instead he puts his energy into By Kenneth Turan not know Yuen’s name, but they running a small neighbourhood surely know his work. Considered grocery store (really) and raising Hong Kong’s first action his cute-as-a-button son on a n the world of Hong Kong choreographer, he was the man bare-bones diet of breadsticks martial arts films, Ip Man is in charge of the mayhem in the and congee. the gift who keeps on giving. Matrix films as well as the Oscar- Pure chance involves Cheung Man, who died in 1972, winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden with two women, best friends, was a master of a school Dragon. who just happen to be in Iof fighting called Wing Chun. Given Yuen’s resume, it’s no desperate need of the kind of He became a celebrated figure surprise that the action in Master help only he can provide. after one of his pupils, Bruce Lee, Z is tip-top, a complete tonic to Waitress Nana (Chrissie Chau) transformed into a still-revered experience if you’re in the mood has a weakness for opium, which international sensation. for high-kicking, fists-flying, all-around bad guy Kit (Kevin Ip Man, the first film to build mirrors-cracking and windows- Cheng) doesn’t hesitate to a fictional story around this real smashing cinematic moments. exploit. Nana’s best friend and person, came out in 2008, and Several sequences stand out nightclub singer Julia (Liu Yan) since then there have been at from the rest, including a fight tries to rescue her but Kit and least six more films concerning in a thick forest of flashy neon his gang are about to do their the character, with directors as signs high above Bar Street, a worst when Cheung appears on distinguished as Wong Kar-wai happening location during the the scene. (2013’s The Grandmaster) finding film’s 1960s Hong Kong setting. The resulting melee leads to riffing on his story hard to resist. Even more memorable is a mass arrests and also the gradual With die-hard fans presumably moment with no blows exchanged unfolding of what turns out to counting the days until Ip Man at all, just star Max Zhang and be one of Master Zs” key themes: 4 comes out later this year, we the legendary Yeoh battling over in ways both large and small all now have the zesty, action-filled control of a glass in a restaurant Westerners can be counted on to Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, a spinoff table. It’s the martial arts be rude, corrupt or both. of Ip Man 3 that stands quite equivalent of close-up magic and Cheung’s decision to help the nicely on its own for those with it is dazzling. women in jeopardy connects him no previous knowledge of a world Reprising his role from Ip Man to Julia’s brother Fu (Naason), a as detailed and involving as the 3, Zhang (also known as Zhang successful bar owner who gives Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jin) plays Cheung Tin Chi. Once a Cheung a job, but it also puts Though its plot is pretty much rising Wing Chun adept, Cheung him in nasty Kit’s crosshairs. standard issue, kind of a martial had the temerity to challenge Ip Also a major player in a film arts version of a B western, Master Man to a one-on-one standoff. It where everyone seems to be Z is raised several notches by did not end well. related to everyone else is Kwan its sparkling cast – including Though he still does the (Yeoh), Kit’s older sister and the life steakhouse owner Davidson entertainment, contains superstars like Michelle Yeoh occasional job for hire (where he head of a triad criminal gang (Dave Bautista, a long way from sentimental moments and broad and Tony Jaa in guest-starring runs into Jaa as a fellow adept), who would like her organisation Guardians of the Galaxy) – will comedy as well as all that action. appearances – as well as the Cheung is so chastened by his to go straight. The town’s have none of it. If you don’t already have the Ip guiding hand of director Yuen loss he decides to put the martial business establishment, however Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, Man habit, it’s a fine place to Woo-ping. arts world behind him. – epitomised by larger-than- like any old-school popular start. – Los Angeles Times/TNS A frisky film’s lessons on parenthood, Antarctic survival

Love That Steve. He’s the defi nition of Adelie couple we see here. In the spirit By Michael Phillips pluck, penguin division. of previous Disneynature film voiceover This latest example of Disneynature’s artistes John C Reilly and Tina Fey, Earth Day-themed appreciations is Helms contributes a winning inner- he latest frisky Disneynature actually quite good for its type. Directors monologue voice for Steve, while also fi lm, Penguins, creates a Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson capture delivering the alternately threatening character introduced as a some achingly beautiful sunsets, and and comforting narration. Are some 5-year-old Adelie penguin the Adelie penguins never look so noble as of the movie’s suspense tactics a little screenwriter, David Fowler, when they’re silhouetted in the frame, cheap? Of course they are. They always hasT named Steve. Meet Steve, narrator against a blast of colour suff using the icy are in these movies. Yet all appears to Ed Helms says. He’s about to mate for horizon. be safely within the realm of legitimate life, become a bumbling, comic-relief Using Dragon 6k digital cameras, penguin science and best practices. Antarctica father and do his best to take the directors tricked up what they Watching Penguins I couldn’t help the audience’s mind off the perpetual call a “penguin cam,” able to track but speculate on how a Disneynature danger his family faces from predatory alongside Steve on the move, slip- movie might someday handle a project birds, hungry leopard seals, killer Orcas, sliding away toward the nest or to the called Humans, to go with Bears, African ferocious, subzero “katabatic” winds fishing expedition 50 miles away. (The Cats and Monkey Kingdom. What if you and composer Harry Gregson-Williams’ underwater shots, as those who’ve treated a year-in-the-life narrative insistent whistling theme on the seen an Adelie penguin dive and swim about, for example, me, as played by soundtrack. in captivity already know, reveal a some random other humans – Idris Elba, Like many of us here on planet Earth, creature as graceful as Esther Williams.) for example, along with my nephew in Steve feeds his two chicks by regurgitating The penguin cam shots depict Steve Albuquerque and our tax preparation into their mouths, fi lmed discreetly by from a stomach-height perspective, in guy? the Penguins team. Adelie male penguins gratifyingly long takes. We get a sense For now let’s table that discussion and attract a mate by various means, among of how these birds move, and how many stick with the other species. For the record: them the quality of their nest made of hundreds of thousands of them jostle Penguins contains no direct references to stones. The missus in Fowler’s scenario, and scramble for a nest-building space. climate change or any other human factors named Adeline, puts up with Steve’s Filmed across three years, Penguins in Steve’s health and well-being. By now, chronic tardiness (I found the early, wait- presumably used a wide variety of Steve I hope, the majority of school kids seeing for-me-guys footage almost unendurable) and Adeline lookalikes to form composite this movie can fi ll in that part on their because Penguins may as well be titled portraits of the ordinary middle-class own. – Chicago Tribune/TNS Thursday, April 18, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY I always attempt to do relevant work: Madhuri Sharing her experience, the 51-year- old actress said: “I think we were cool in our time, they are happening in the present time, but hey, I am catching up. We had more face-to-face interaction with our co-stars and these fellows are more on social media. The good thing is, I am fi nding that world (virtual world) quite fascinating... Updating what we are shooting, posting quirky INJURED: Kit Harington says he sustained an injury while pictures on social media... I enjoy these filming the final season of Game of Thrones. too!” “When I did Tezaab, this is not how When Harington landed in we used to promote fi lms. But these trouble on the GoT sets days, we do an extensive media rounds to reach out to our fans regarding our Actor Kit Harington says he sustained an injury while fi lms. These are the changes that have filming the final season of Game of Thrones. happened and I am easy with it now. I In Game Revealed, a behind-the-scenes video released take it as part of our profession.” by HBO, the actor, 32, described the moment he faced Does she believe that senior actresses troubled while filming a key dragon scene, reports are getting much better characters to dailymail.co.uk. play currently than earlier? During the scene, Harington, who plays Jon Snow, was “I strongly believe that people like left fearing the worst as the mechanical dragon he was us have to break the stereotype because sat on made a violent turn and swung the star around. with popularity and experience, if He said: “Buck work is not easy. I think what sums up we are carving a path that shows how the buck for me was there was a bit where Jon almost ICON: Madhuri Dixit Nene follows her heart while choosing a role. women of our age can fl ourish with falls off. The dragon swings around really violently, like substantial characters in fi lms that go this, and I got trapped, and I didn’t have time to say it was an experimental work, a fi lm beyond the cliched, our next generation ‘Stop!’ And I was being swung around. By Arundhuti Banerjee about a father-daughter’s relationship will continue it. We have to open up “In my head, I thought, ‘This is how it ends, on this that had never been explored...where doors for the next generation... Again, buck, swinging me literally’. Sorry. Probably too much n a career of more than three the father is using her daughter as it is (I am speaking) not like an activist, information.” decades, Madhuri Dixit Nene has a golden goose, so much so that he but like an artiste,” Madhuri said. The eighth season sees Daenerys Targaryen, played by managed to rule many hearts. The doesn’t want his daughter to get Citing an example of one of her Emilia Clarke, teach Jon Snow how to train her dragons. actress says she is trying to do married and fall in love. It was quite recent fi lms Total Dhamaal, she It features a mechanical dragon swinging the actors work that is relevant to the times. unlike the mainstream narratives where mentioned: “Who gets such an through the air. IWhether it was her work in Tezaab, the father of any daughter was only introduction of a middle-aged wife in a However, filming the key scene on the swinging Ram Lakhan, Saajan, Beta, Hum Aapke concerned about the marriage of their fi lm the way I got? I played a glamorous dragon was no easy feat as Harington added: “I think Hain Koun..! and Devdas or fi lms like daughters,” she explained. woman who is all about fashion, vogue the actual dragon ride is the one bit where you’ve got to Dedh Ishqiya, Gulaab Gang and Total Madhuri features in the multi- and then she is also climbing trees and convey your love for each other and you’re in a green box Dhamaal – Madhuri has followed her starrer Kalank, alongside Sanjay Dutt, doing all the slapstick madness. You on a buck.” – IANS own path. Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi see, age can’t be a bar... you just have to Talking about her changing image Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur. The fi lm, fi t the part.” with time, Madhuri said: “I think I directed by Abhishek Verman, released Where does she get the confidence always got opportunities to do some yesterday. from? cool stuff even in the 1990s when I was On essaying Begum Bahaar in “Because I am a confident person... young. When my son watches my dance the movie, Madhuri said: “She is an It is inborn,” Madhuri said, breaking on Que sera sera with Prabhudheva, introvert and emotionally scarred into a laugh, and added: “Seriously, he says ‘You are my cool mom’. I because of the past tragedy of her life... I believe in what I do. My decision understand where it comes from... It She is silent, yet conveys a lot through of choosing a role comes from is the relatability, it is the relevance of her eyes. She is what she is because of conviction, and my priority is not to those works... I am always trying to do the bitter experience of her life.” prove anything to the world in the work that holds relevance”. Kalank brings together some of the first place. It is to follow my heart,” “When I did a fi lm like Tezaab (1988), stars of diff erent generations. asserted the icon. – IANS

Reeves recalls being blacklisted by Fox

Actor Keanu Reeves has revealed that he was once blacklisted by Fox Studios for turning down a movie role. In an interview to GQ, the actor recalled being put CANDID: Farah Khan says Mrs. Serial Killer will definitely in ‘movie jail’ when he turned down Speed 2 after the cater to the strong content craving audience. first instalment in 1994 became a box office hit, reports dailymail.co.uk Farah confi dent of Mrs. Serial Killer Reeves explained that he turned down the follow-up to play in a stage production of Hamlet in Canada. Filmmaker Farah Khan, who is gearing up to produce “I didn’t work with (Fox) again until The Day the Earth a new film titled Mrs. Serial Killer, to be directed by her Stood Still,” the 54-year-old star remembered of being husband Shirish Kunder for Netflix, says it is apt for the hired by the studio in 2008. “content craving audience”. Fox ended up producing their sequel Speed 2: Cruise Farah said in a statement: “Though it’s too soon to Control in 1997 with Jason Patric starring opposite Sandra delve into details, Mrs. Serial Killer will definitely cater Bullock. ACTION HERO: Keanu Reeves was snubbed after he turned to our strong content craving audience not just in India Reeves explained that he hasn’t done a studio movie down Speed 2. but overseas. since 47 Ronin in 2013, which didn’t do so well at the box “The story is the heart of the series and we are office. When it comes to the John Wick franchise, Reeves hero in his fifties and admits he had no idea what his career confident it will travel across the world.” says he will keep making more films as long as the demand would look like at 54 back when he was starting out. In 2016, Kunder made an 18-minute short film Kriti, is there. “I haven’t really thought about my career future, or which featured Manoj Bajpayee, Radhika Apte and Neha “As far as my legs can take me,” he said, adding: “As far what was going to happen, until really recently,” Reeves Sharma. – IANS as the audience wants to go.” explained, adding “’really recently”, before clarifying The Matrix star said he never expected to be an action “probably my mid-40s”. – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMUNITY Umm Salama Primary School for Girls wins Qatar e-Nature contest As many as 339 participants representing 113 schools in Qatar, with 60 government schools and 53 private schools, take part in the contest

By Mudassir Raja

he young students of four schools taking part in the fi nal round of e-Nature Contest were cheered and applauded by their families and friends as they clicked for a right answer.T The fi nal of the sixth edition of Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest 2019 and the prize distribution ceremony was held at Al Bustan Ballroom of Wyndham West Bay Hotel. The families, school managements, friends, and organisers were present in the hall to witness the fi nal of the competition and the prize distribution ceremony. Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Sasol, an energy company, and Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) collaborated in organising the contest and honouring the winners with medals and cash prizes. Held under the patronage of HE Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed al-Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, the contest – largest schools contest edition to date – saw as many as 339 participants representing 113 GROUP: The four teams that participated in the final round pose with their awards. Photos by Jayan Orma schools in Qatar. There were 60 government schools and 53 private schools from across environmental awareness in our younger Qatar. generations.” “This social initiative is not only a model The 2019 schools contest was launched Rigard Du Plessis, General Manager at Sasol last November. During the contest, the Qatar in Qatar said, “We congratulate the winning of an eff ective partnership between the e-Nature organising team visited many schools teams of this year’s contest and applaud all to promote awareness of Qatar’s rich natural participating teams for their eff orts. I am Ministry of Education and Higher Education, environment and encourage schools for confi dent that these contests will continue to participation. In the fi nal round, the qualifi ed evolve and elevate our younger generations and Sasol and FEC, but also a testament to the teams competed to answer questions that their commitment to the environment to new tested their knowledge on Qatar’s nature and heights. We thank everyone who contributed very fruitful results of fusing education, wildlife, all based on the information provided both to the success of this year’s contest and through the Qatar e-Nature mobile application. to building this social initiative over the past technology, and a passion for our Umm Salama Primary School for Girls, six years. We especially thank the Ministry of emerged as the winner of the contest. The team Education and Higher Education and the FEC environment” was awarded gold medals and vouchers with for their eff orts and co-operation. the value of QR9, 000. The second place was “The Qatar e-Nature mobile application, — Fatima al-Obaidli, Head of Programs and obtained by Lebanese school, winning silver a corporate social responsibility initiative medals and vouchers for QR6,000. English launched by Sasol in co-operation with FEC in Activities at the Ministry of Education Modern School – Al Wakrah Campus came 2013, is the fi rst smartphone application and in third place, winning bronze medals and website that aims to educate the community and Higher Education vouchers for QR 4,500 while Al Shifaa Bint about Qatar’s unique environment and nature. Abdul Rahman Al Ansaria School for Girls came The app is available both in English and Arabic.” in fourth, winning vouchers for QR 3,000. Faizel Moosa, Ambassador of South Africa Fatima al-Obaidli, Head of Programs and to Qatar, said: “Let me say that Sasol being a Activities at the Ministry of Education and South African company is following the legacy Higher Education said: “We are very pleased of Nelson Mandela when it comes to children. to witness yet another success with this year’s He was very fond of children. We have a big Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest. This social organisation in our country called Nelson initiative is not only a model of an eff ective Mandela Children Fund. partnership between the Ministry of Education “Here, they are integrating technology with and Higher Education, Sasol and FEC, but also nature because our children are not exposed to a testament to the very fruitful results of fusing nature these days. This is a wonderful initiative. education, technology, and a passion for our It exposes the kids to what Qatar off ers in terms environment.” of its natural habitat. I saw the children doing Farhood al-Hajiri, Director FEC, added: very well. I saw that the children very bussing “The Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest and excited. The children have shown keen serves an important message to all members interest in the app as they do in technology of society – that caring for and learning nowadays.” about Qatar’s rich environment is a shared Aima al-Rashed, a Grade-VI student of Umm responsibility. We thank Sasol and the Ministry Salama Primary School for Girls, said: “I am very of Education and Higher Education for their happy. I must thank my mother and teachers for eff orts and co-operation in making the Qatar their support. We are three students who won the e-Nature Schools Contest a successful vehicle fi rst prize for our school. We got good knowledge FINAL ROUND: Teams compete in the final round of the sixth edition of Qatar e-Nature Schools in conveying that message and instilling and information about natural things in Qatar.” Contest 2019.