Latest news with #Ahmed
RTÉ News
38 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Watch: We sing for peace, says Gaza music teacher
A music teacher in Gaza is hoping to bring some "light in darkness" to children affected by displacement by offering music lessons. Ahmed Abu Amsha lives in a makeshift camp in Al-Jundi Al-Majhool Square. The square which was once the throbbing heart of Gaza City now shelters hundreds of families living in difficult conditions. Ahmed is a guitar instructor and regional coordinator at Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. Originally from Beit Hanoun, Ahmed and his family have been displaced for over 19 months as a result of the war. Ahmed and his family have taken their instruments with them each time they fled. "They're the only thing that keeps us hopeful," said Ahmed. Ahmed is also the founder of Gaza Bird Singing (GBS). The group aims to foster the musical talents of displaced Gazan children. It has performed several shows in various displacement camps.
Observer
4 hours ago
- General
- Observer
How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking
It's easy to miss their modest workshop. But once you ask around Rustaq, you will definitely be pointed to the right direction where upon entering this piece of creative hub, you will be greeted by the rich aroma of wood and the gentle rhythm of hands working meticulously. The space is alive with the scent of fresh timber and the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the roof, illuminating a cluttered but organised chaos of wooden planks, chisels, and carving tools. Old-fashioned hand saws hang neatly on the wall alongside modern machinery, a testament to the blend of tradition and innovation that defines this place. Amidst the sawdust and shavings, two brothers, Ahmed and Majid Al Hattali, are busy bringing their vision to life — a passion rooted in heritage, woven into every beam and carving. How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking Their workshop isn't grand, but it's full of character. Walls are lined with completed pieces, each telling a story. Some are intricate boxes with detailed geometric patterns, others are smooth, polished furniture pieces with a natural glow. There's a tangible energy, a sense that here, craftsmanship isn't just work — it's a cultural act. As they work side by side, their conversation reveals their deep respect for the material, the heritage it reflects, and the future they hope to carve for Oman's artistic artisanship. The story of Ahmed and Majid is intertwined with Oman's long tradition of woodworking, a craft that has been part of the country's history for centuries. The majestic forts, houses, and mosques scattered across the landscapes are silent witnesses to this craftsmanship. The ceilings are decorated with elaborate wooden paneling, doorways are framed with carved motifs, and windows feature intricate latticework, all showcasing the artistry passed down through generations. These architectural works not only serve aesthetic purposes but also reflect the skill and cultural identity of Oman's craft tradition. How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking Historically, Oman's architecture demonstrates influences from various cultures, a testament to its position as a trading hub along ancient maritime routes. The craftsmanship on the grand facades of forts like Nizwa and Bahla incorporates repeating geometric patterns, floral motifs, and symbolic designs, often carved by hand with incredible precision. Such details speak of a society that valued artistry as part of daily life and spiritual expression — a legacy that Ahmed and Majid continue through their woodwork today. The brothers' work is inspired by these traditions but also infused with a modern sensibility. They source locally grown woods such as ghaf, sidr, acacia, almond, and Omani walnut, which grow in the rugged mountains surrounding Rustaq. These trees are harvested sustainably by local suppliers who follow strict guidelines to protect the environment. The wood's natural patterns, grain, and colour inform their designs, ensuring each piece retains a piece of Oman's natural beauty. How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking Working with these materials presents its own challenges. No two blocks of wood are identical — each has its personality, its quirks. Some pieces need delicate chiselling to reveal intricate patterns, while others require sturdy sawing for larger furniture. Their workshop's unique blend of traditional hand tools and modern machinery allows them to balance authenticity with precision. This combination preserves the soul of craftsmanship while ensuring every detail is perfect. Creating a piece isn't quick work. Small decorative items might take a few days, while larger furniture or detailed carvings can span several weeks, sometimes even months. Behind every item lies patience, passion, and a desire to honour ancient techniques while making something that can serve contemporary life. How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking One of their main obstacles is aligning these traditional techniques with the demands of today's market. In a world saturated with mass-produced, cheaply made goods, Ahmed and Majid stand out by offering handcrafted items that carry stories and history. They're continually exploring new designs, building relationships with suppliers, and sharing the stories behind each creation—stories of the trees, the mountains, and the skilled hands that shape them. Social media has become a vital tool in reaching a wider audience, both locally and internationally, especially tourists who seek authentic souvenirs embodying Oman's cultural heritage. The public response has been encouraging. Omanis value their roots and appreciate handcrafted wooden items that echo their history. Tourists, too, increasingly seek meaningful, locally made crafts that stand apart from the usual souvenirs. The brothers find joy in knowing their work nurtures a connection to Oman's heritage and helps keep traditional skills alive. How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking How Two Brothers in Rustaq Are Preserving Oman's Traditional Woodworking Looking ahead, their ambitions are ambitious yet grounded. They plan to expand the workshop, open a gallery where visitors can see their entire process from raw wood to finished product, and even establish training programmes for aspiring artisans. Reaching global markets through digital platforms, participating in international exhibitions, and experimenting by combining wood with other natural materials are all on their horizon. Most importantly, they want to motivate young Omanis to see craftsmanship not just as a trade but as a pathway to preserve their cultural identity. For Ahmed and Majid, wood isn't merely a raw material. It's a repository of memory, culture, and storytelling. Every cut, carving, and polish echoes centuries of tradition, but it's also a dialogue between the old and new. Their work asks us to look closer at the beauty in natural imperfections, to cherish handmade artistry. Ahmed and Majid's dedication proves that at a time when many things are mass-produced or fleeting, true craftsmanship — born from patience, skill, and love — endures.
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Hyderabad to adopt ‘land pooling' and Local Area Development Planning to revolutionise HMDA functioning
Transformational shifts are on the cards in the urban development approach in Telangana, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority setting out to introduce Local Area Development Planning (LADP) coupled with a Comprehensive Land Pooling Policy for better urban planning. Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed in a lengthy interaction on Saturday, said both the policies are aimed at addressing chronic issues such as non-availability of land for organised open spaces, public utilities, social infrastructure and low-cost housing. LADP, which exists in several other States, was not adopted in Telangana due to availability of vast tracts of open land in Hyderabad and surroundings. It involves HMDA in micro-level planning, instead of confining to designing Master Plans. 'As part of Master Plan, the plan area is divided into one to 1.2 square kilometre grid, and roads and other facilities are planned around each of the grids. Planning each grid, consisting of 250 to 300 acres of land, is not taken care of so far, leaving several plots without access roads. LADP envisions intensive planning inside each grid, leading to more organised development,' Mr. Ahmed said. It will also help planners to earmark spaces for public utilities, parks, schools and hospitals, besides providing pedestrian infrastructure. Town planning legislations have provisions for the LADP, but it has so far been neglected in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana too. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has given in-principle approval for the proposal giving the urban development authority a nod for appointing a consultant for the same. Land pooling policy which is in the drafting stage, involves enforcement instead of the existing consent-based approach. It is being modelled after the policy adopted by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) of Andhra Pradesh, and requires certain amendments with regard to resumption of assigned lands in lieu of developed plots. Mr. Ahmed shared that three to four tenders are lined up in the month of June respectively for LADP, mapping of the Telangana Core Urban Region, reorganisation of HMDA based on the other similarly sized UDAs in terms of structures and processes, and restructuring of all processes to fit into the new system. Mr. Ahmed also dwelt upon the reasons for delay in launching of works for various projects including the elevated corridors on National Highway 44 and on the State Highway 1, citing bureaucratic delays in land survey under different Defence wings, permissions from Director General of Civil Aviation, and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, a simulation study to be done by IIT Hyderabad for one of the two under tunnels, and procedure to be followed in property acquisition. 'We are also applying the Relief & Rehabilitation provision of the Land Acquisition Act, in order to preclude future complications and court cases,' Mr. Ahmed said, adding that the works may be grounded in the first week of August. Speaking about the radial road connecting the Outer Ring Road with the Regional Ring Road he said the project ran into legal wrangles, and due to stay orders issued from the High Court, the price bid has not been opened, which has stalled the tendering process. Forest permissions too are still in the pipeline, he informed.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Sacrificial sheep become dearer in Tiruchi ahead of Bakrid
The price of sacrificial livestock, especially sheep, has gone up ahead of Id-ul-Adha (Bakrid) on June 7. Farms that specialise in rearing semmari aadu (sheep) and weekly cattle markets are seeing an increase in footfall from customers in Tiruchi as Bakrid draws closer. The animals are slaughtered in a ritual known as Qurbani and the meat is shared among family members, friends, and the needy. 'We are selling sheep weighing 27 kg to 60 kg to buyers from Tiruchi. Prices range between ₹490 to ₹600 a kg, depending on the weight and type of animal. The trade is much better this year, because customers are willing to spend upwards of ₹13,000 per sheep,' M. Basheer Ahmed, proprietor, Maryam Goat Farm at Thirumalai Samuthiram village, told The Hindu. 'We deal in Mayilambadi, Mecheri, and Ettayapuram Pottu Kutty sheep. For an additional fee, we slaughter the animals on Bakrid day at our farm and prepare it for distribution for the customer,' said Mr. Ahmed. Besides sheep, the goat, cow, or camel can be eligible for Qurbani. 'The practice of seven individuals sharing the sacrifice of a cow or camel has become common in Tiruchi as it is cost-effective. Shares in larger animals are priced upwards of ₹3,000 a person this year, and have many takers in the city,' said N. Jamaluddin, a resident. To keep costs low, some residents purchase a kid at goat farms soon after Bakrid and allow them to be reared there before they can be slaughtered in the following year. 'I invested ₹9,000 in a kid goat in 2024, and will be claiming it for Qurbani this year. The goat will weigh up to 25 kg and will yield enough meat for sharing,' said Shahul Hamid. The price of mutton sold by butchers in Tiruchi is expected to rise above the current ₹900-₹1,000 a kg on the day of the festival.
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India.com
13 hours ago
- India.com
Woman Drug Supplier Arrested In Delhis Mangolpuri; Ganja Seized
New Delhi: A woman drug supplier was arrested from Delhi's Mangolpuri area and 427 grams of ganja was recovered from her possession, police said on Saturday. The accused was identified as 'M'. The arrest comes amid the Delhi Police's ongoing crackdown on narcotics under its 'Zero Tolerance' policy and the broader objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). Acting on a tip-off received by Constable Bajrang of Police Station Mangolpuri that a female was allegedly in possession of ganja, a raid was conducted at the specified location. Constable Bajrang and a female staff member observed a suspicious female carrying a white polythene bag. "On noticing the presence of police personnel, the suspect attempted to hide. However, the alert police team, with the assistance of a female staff namely W/HC Pooja, swiftly apprehended her," said Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Outer District, New Delhi. A polythene bag containing 427 grams of 'ganja' and Rs 1,470 in cash was recovered from the possession of the accused. The accused was booked under Section 20(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 at Police Station Mangolpuri. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other associates involved in the illegal drug trade, the police said. In another case on May 29, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Jameel Ahmad, the alleged mastermind of a major drug trafficking syndicate. Ahmed has been absconding for six years. The case dates back to June 2019, when the then Narcotics Cell (now ANTF) of the Crime Branch seized 500 kg of ganja from a truck at Metcalfe Bus Stand, Kashmere Gate. Three persons -- Aslam Khan and Mausam Khan, both from Nuh district in Haryana, and Jakam Khan from Alwar, Rajasthan -- were arrested in connection with the consignment, who revealed that they had committed the crime at the behest of Ahmed.
