RobinAge: New Design | Delivered Fortnightly

WINNER OF s (USA) hoice Award

3 Parents’ C per Awards est Newspa B ss re P p to 3 KidsS

followrobinage

RobinAgeNewspaper

robinage.com/brightsparks

20 PAGES +

4 Page Activity Sheet 8 Page Jr RobinAge

TO SUBSCRIBE visit robinage.com call 09326577387 form on Page 11 of RobinAge

newsmaker Rohit Sharma 4

science& technology A Giant Planet Spotted 5

schoolnews

Learning About Cybersecurity 10

MUMBAI | SAMPLE ISSUE | VOL 13, NO 1 | STAND PRICE ₹50.00

On September 23, 2019, as part of International Coastal Clean-up Day celebrations, students from different schools and colleges of Mumbai participated in a beach clean-up drive across the beaches of Versova and Juhu The organisers, Rhea Chhabria from India4Oceans and Dr Anjali Chhabria, a psychiatrist, focused on influencing young minds to segregate dry and organic wet waste and recyclable and plastic waste RHEA SHETTY tells you more about the need to protect our oceans.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

travel&explore Mexico 14 & 15

E-PAPER robinage.com/mobile

2

coverstory

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

W

hile Mumbai’s Juhu Beach was brimming with 500 students ready to get their hands dirty cleaning up the garbage we throw into the sea, Versova Beach witnessed an enthusiastic crowd of over 3,000 volunteers, 2,000 of whom were students from schools and colleges. Several schools like CP Goenka International School, Borivili; Dhirubhai Ambani International School, BKC; Veer Bhagat Singh School, Malad; and Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai, joined hands to clean up the beaches of Mumbai.

Their movement mushroomed into the world’s largest beach clean-up drive that has left the 2.5km-long beach almost spotless.

Eminent faces from the film industry like Bhumi Pednekar and choreographer Terence Lewis along with 70 members of his dance troupe offered their assistance to pick up litter and shared their concerns regarding plastic being a threat to marine life.

Two international research teams from Pathways and INTCATCH were also present to study the main sources of plastic pollution and witness the massive movement to clear out trash at Versova Beach, which was originally initiated by Mumbai-based lawyer and UN Earth Champion Afroz Shah.

33-year-old Mumbai-based lawyer Afroz Shah and his 84-year-old friend Harbanash Mathur are famous for having started the movement to clean Versova Beach. Many years ago, when they reached the edge of Versova Beach, they were disturbed to see shin-deep piles of rotting litter across the beach. The garbage included plastic bags, cement bags, glass bottles, pieces of clothing and shoes. The duo rolled up their

robinage.com

sleeves and began picking up the trash. Their movement mushroomed into the world’s largest beach cleanup drive that has left the 2.5km-long beach almost spotless. The movement has been supported by government authorities, various NGOs and even the United Nations. In March 2018, after a gap of 20 years, Olive Ridley turtles were sighted at the beach!

Inspired by success stories such as that of Versova Beach, several non-profit organisations, individuals and tech-based start-ups in India and around the world are coming up with ways to manage waste and recycle plastic by initiating awareness programmes and developing new recycling technologies.

Why Do We Need to Clean Up Our Oceans? l Once into the sea or ocean, garbage can travel throughout the world’s rivers and seas, accumulating on beaches across the world. l Of all the trash, plastic trash is the most harmful to the environment, wildlife and humans. l Plastic debris harms physical habitats as accumulated plastic reduces light entering the ocean, thus affecting oxygen levels, which directly affects marine animals. l It has been estimated that plastic marine debris has affected 267 species globally, including 86% of sea turtles, 44% of seabirds and

43% of marine mammals. The most common threats to wildlife include physical hazards from swallowing plastic and entanglement. l Problems associated with swallowing plastic include the development of wounds, reduction in feeding capacity due to build-up of plastic in the body or blockages in the digestive system, decreased mobility and toxicity from chemicals that have leached out of the plastic. l Plastic waste also directly interferes with navigation, affects commercial and recreational fishing and reduces tourism.

Organisations That Are Working to Clean Up Our Oceans OCEANA is the largest international organisation working to protect and conserve the world’s oceans. Since its inception, Oceana has secured over 31,07,985 sq/kms of the sea to protect marine animals like sea turtles, sharks and dolphins that are often traded for their flesh, skin and body parts.

OCEAN Sole is a Kenyan ocean conservation organisation that turns discarded flip-flops found in the ocean into art. Since the foundation started in 2005, it has collected 10,00,000kgs of flip-flops from the ocean and waterways in Kenya. In 2018 alone, it collected 52,000 flip-flops from beaches across South Africa. The organisation has successfully provided employment to over 900 Kenyans and 10% of its profits go towards marine conservation programmes.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO FOUNDATION In 1998, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Over the last two decades, it has funded several projects to protect wildlife, promote ocean conservation and resolve climate change. The actor has produced and worked in many wildlife documentaries like ‘Water

Planet’, ‘Before the Flood’ and ‘Global Warming’ to address audiences about environmental concerns. The foundation has awarded over $80 million in grants to more than 200 projects working in 50 countries. The foundation has also invested in sustainable technologies and businesses.

4OCEAN is an organisation that cleans oceans and coastlines while also working to stop the inflow of plastic by changing consumption habits.

The movement started on a plasticcovered beach in Bali, Indonesia. The group hired out boats and people and spread the initiative across various beaches in order to clean them up. In order to pay workers and fund clean-ups, 4Ocean created the 4Ocean bracelet and pledged to pull a pound of trash from the ocean for each bracelet purchased. This also helped to get people interested and become part of the movement.

quicknews

Participate in contests and win prizes on robinage.com

3

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

everyone’stalking Sports Facilities Open to All NEW DELHI To promote the newly launched Fit India Movement, the sports ministry of India has come up with a new policy that will allow complimentary use of government-owned sporting facilities from November 1, 2019.

Big stadiums like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Stadium will now be open for state and national sports competitions.

Non-members of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) will be permitted to make use of stadiums and sports grounds for training and practice purposes.

To ensure participation, stadiums will be used for a specific sport. New coaching programmes and competitions will also be held for children. According to the Indian sports minister Kiren Rijiju, this initiative will not only make citizens fitter, but will also help the government identify new sports talents.

Public Bicycles for Commuting MAHARASHTRA The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has drafted a policy to introduce a public bike- sharing system (PBS) for commuters in Mumbai. This will allow citizens to rent electric motor bicycles for short distances across the city and promote pollution-free travel. Once the plan has been approved, BMC will collaborate with private transport entities to provide bikes to commuters and request the relevant authorities to create the required infrastructure.

NBA’S DEBUT IN INDIA l l

l l l

On October 3, 2019, Mumbai welcomed the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers, two teams from America’s National Basketball Association (NBA).

On October 4 and 5, 2019, a pre-season basketball match was held between the two teams. The match was organised at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli, Mumbai.

This was the first-ever NBA match to be played in India.

It was also the first time that teams from a North American sports league played in India.

On day one, 3,000 students from more than 70 schools attended the match; while on day two, the stadium was open to basketball fans.

newsbulletin l

Old Silver Coins Discovered BIHAR Farmers recently discovered a couple of 19th-century silver coins while ploughing a field in Kishanganj, in Bihar.

According to District Collector Yash Meena Pal, the land where the coins were discovered belonged to two royal landlords, who could have buried the coins for safety. He also mentioned that the district administration is now investigating the situation and will soon inform the government about the same.

sportsstars

Tiger Cubs Spotted UTTAR PRADESH On November 16, 2019, a tigress named Belanda was spotted with five cubs at the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in Uttar Pradesh.

To ensure their safety, patrolling has also been strengthened and routes passing through the sanctuary have been blocked for the next six months. According to an official of the forest department, the exact location of the tigress and her cubs has not yet been disclosed to reduce the risk of poaching and to avoid animalhuman conflict.

Starting October 2, 2019, South Delhi Municipal Corporation has banned the use of single-use plastic in 20 markets of South Delhi. l On September 20, 2019, students from schools and colleges in Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai skipped their classes to participate in the Global Climate Strike. The global strike continued till September 27. The hashtags #FridaysForFuture and #ClimateStrike are being used to generate interest and awareness on the subject on social media. l Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, recently announced that all MBBS graduates from the state will have to work in rural areas for two years after their graduation. l The Indian Army recently cleared 130 tonnes of garbage from the Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas. Of this, 48.14 tonnes of garbage was non-biodegradable.

The Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen are being held in China from October 27 to November 3. The tournament is contested by eight singles players and eight doubles teams. Let’s have a look at the top contenders.

SLOANE STEPHENS

DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 20, 1993 Sloane Stephens is a 26-year-old professional American tennis player.

She made her grand slam debut in the 2013 Australian Open and won the US Open in 2017. She currently holds a world ranking of number 12 and has won six WTA singles titles in total.

MUMBAI

4

newsmakers

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

ALLYSON FELIX

MANJU RANI

Allyson Felix, an American track and field Olympic sprinter, recently set a new world record by winning her 12th World Championship gold medal.

She now has the greatest number of gold medals in the track and field World Championships. She won her 12th gold medal in the 4x400mt mixed-gender relay team race at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. In 2012, Felix won a gold medal in the 200mt race at the Olympics. She also won a gold medal in 400mt race at the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

Indian boxer Manju Rani bagged a silver medal in her debut at the Women’s World Boxing Championship that was held in Ulan-Ude, Russia. Rani became the first Indian to come back with a silver medal; prior to this MC Mary Kom, Jamuna Boro and Lovlina Borgohain have won bronze medals. In February 2019, Rani won a silver medal at the Strandja Memorial Tournament held at Sofia, Bulgaria. It is one of Europe’s oldest boxing competitions.

ROHIT SHARMA

On October 2, 2019, cricketer Rohit Sharma broke several records as an opener in a Test match against South Africa, which was played in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

He hit two centuries and 13 sixes.

He now holds the record for the greatest number of sixes in a match in all formats of the game—Test, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 internationals.

VIJU KHOTE

On September 30, 2019, Viju Khote, a veteran Hindi and Marathi actor, passed away at the age of 77 due to multiple organ failure. Khote has worked in more than 300 films.

Some of his famous films include ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ and ‘Andaz Apna Apna’. Khote was also famous for his role in ‘Sholay’ where he played the role of dacoit Gabbar Singh’s sidekick Kaalia.

LIONEL MESSI

HAZZAA AL-MANSOORI

Hazzaa al-Mansoori made history by becoming the first Arab to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

Hazzaa, who has worked as a military pilot, blasted off into space in a Soyuz rocket along with American astronaut Jessica Meir and Russian astronaut Oleg Skripochka from the Baikonur Space Center, Russia.

robinage.com

Argentinian football player Lionel Messi was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He won this award for the sixth time, beating five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk. Messi was also the top-scorer of 2018 with 12 goals in the Champion’s League before his team, Barcelona, lost to Liverpool in the semi-finals. Messi was ranked as the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2019 by Forbes Magazine.

He helped his team win a bronze medal at the 2019 Copa America and also won the European Golden Shoe for scoring 36 goals.

spacescience

Find reference articles for your school projects on robinage.com

5

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

A Music-sensing Smart Shirt

A Giant Planet Spotted

Astronomers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain, recently spotted an enormous planet 31 light-years away. The planet named GJ 3512 b was spotted by astronomers using a technique called radial velocity method.

The newly-found planet, which is as big as Jupiter, orbits its star once in 204 days.

The star is only 12% the size of our sun. Researchers claim that such giant planets are

rare to find and are formed due to an unusual planet formation process instead of core accretion, which is gradual increase or growth by addition of new layers or parts.

This proves that the process of planet formation is more diverse than earlier thought.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 4.6 billion years ago, our solar system was a cloud of dust and gas.

Read More About Lunar Rovers: www.bit.ly/MoreOnLunarRovers

energy from the sun and two cameras that will allow it to take robot selfies. According to SpaceBit, the spider-like legs of the 1.5kg rover will allow it to enter unexplored parts of lava tubes on the moon’s surface.

Read More About Smart Shirts: www.bit.ly/ KnowMoreAboutSmartShirts

an audio converter, eight microphones and software that can be installed on Macs or PCs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Haptic sensors are used to recreate the sense of touch by generating a combination of force, vibration and motion.

World’s Safest Bicycle Helmet

Read More About Our Solar System: www.bit.ly/ MoreOnSolarSystem

The UK to Launch its First Lunar Rover The United Kingdom is planning to launch its first lunar rover on the surface of the moon by 2021. This will be the tiniest version of a moon rover and will be equipped with spider-like legs instead of wheels. UK will become the fourth country after USA, Russia and China to set a rover on the moon. Designed by SpaceBit, a UK-based startup company, the rover has been built to collect measurements and exploration data from the surface of the moon.

Powered by batteries, the rover consists of two solar panels that will generate

A London-based fashion tech company, Cute Circuit recently introduced Sound Shirts— smart shirts designed for deaf consumers so that they can feel music through their skin.

The smart shirts have haptic sensors incorporated within the fabric that sense music.

Each shirt consists of 30 microactuators, which converts sounds and beats into tactile language.

The shirts are specifically created out of smart and stretchable material to provide a comfortable experience.

Each Sound Shirt is priced at $3,712 and is available in museums and during orchestra performances. It also comes with additional gadgets like the Q antenna that allows sound broadcast,

DID YOU KNOW?

Lunar Roving Vehicles (LRV) are often known as moon buggies. They were responsible for transporting .

Read More About the Importance of Wearing Helmets: www.bit.ly/ImportanceOfWearingHelmets

Hovding, a Swedish brand, recently introduced its thirdgeneration bicycle helmet, Hovding 3, which has been named as the world’s safest helmet. The new helmet has a collar device that uses airbag technology, which gets activated as soon as it detects any abnormal movements by a cyclist that could lead to an accident. The airbag helmet inflates in 0.1 seconds around the neck and the head to create a protective balloon.

The collar is composed of sensors that read the cyclist’s movement pattern 200 times a second.

According to studies by Stanford University, USA, the

helmet is eight times safer than other traditional bicycle helmets. The company has also upgraded the helmet with a 12-hour battery life and an iOS-compatible app, which can be connected via Bluetooth. The app will notify the rider of battery status and bicycle data analysis and has an inbuilt feature that contacts people in emergency situations. The helmet is easy to use, customisable and comes in one size that can be adjusted for a comfortable fit.

DID YOU KNOW?

In spite of the fact that 70 to 80% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries.

MUMBAI

6

greenworld Chairs Out of Recycled Plastic

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

Nendo, a Japanese design studio, recently developed a series of stackable chairs for a Danish furniture brand called Republic of Fritz Hansen.

Called the NO2 Recycle chair, it is made out of recycled household plastics. The chair has been designed to look like folded sheets of paper and the entire chair can be reprocessed when no longer in use.

The shell of the chair is made out of recycled polypropylene and the seats are created by melting disposable bottles and food wrappings into plastic pellets.

The legs of the chair are built out of powder-coated steel, the sledge base is made out of 50% recycled chromed steel and the base is made of 95% polished aluminium.

The seat of the chair is

specifically designed to support the back and posture.

The chairs are minimalist in design and come in various colours—dark orange, dark blue, light blue, grey, black and off-white. The chairs are also available in various formats such as four-legged, sledge and swivel bases.

DID YOU KNOW?

Recycling plastic uses 88% less energy than manufacturing plastic from raw materials.

Read More About Fungus: www.bit.ly/DiscoverFungus

Killer Fungus Discovered in Australia Scientists in North Queensland, Australia, recently discovered a member of the poison fire coral species, a highly poisonous fungus that is usually found in the mountainous regions of Japan and Korea. According to researchers from James Cook University (JCU), Australia, the red coloured fungus contains eight toxic compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. Physical contact with the fungus causes dermatitis (redness or swelling of skin). Residents of North Queensland have been warned to avoid any physical contact or consumption of the fungus especially

robinage.com

because it can be mistaken for Ganoderma fungus, which is used in traditional medicines.

According to Dr Matt Barrett from JCU, exposure to the fungus can lead to symptoms like vomiting, fever, numbness, stomach-ache and shrinking of the brain. It might also lead to multiple organ failure or death if not treated in time. Poison fire coral has also been found in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

DID YOU KNOW?

The fungus species honey mushroom is around 2,400 years old. It is known as the largest living organism on the planet.

Read Facts on Recycling Plastic: www.bit.ly/FactsOnRecyclingPlastic

Oldest Dinosaur Fossil Found Scientists from Thailand have unearthed fossils of a new genus of dinosaur species, which is now being called Siamraptor suwati.

Researchers of the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Thailand, and Fukui Prefectural University, Japan, claim that the fossils of the carnivorous species are 115 million years old. The shape of the jaw and teeth prove that the species was an apex predator. The newly found predator species was 26ft long and weighed 3,500kgs.

Studies of the fossils also show that this species had air sacks that helped it breathe faster. The species belonged to the Carcharodontosaurus family, which was a group of meateating dinosaurs.

The word ‘Carcharadontosaurus’ means ‘shark-toothed-lizard’ and they were known for their flesh-tearing abilities. The earliest members of the

Carcharodontosaurus family are known to have lived in Africa and Europe and researchers are therefore surprised to find an early member of the group in Southeast Asia.

DID YOU KNOW?

Spinosaurus was the biggest meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous Era, around 112 million years ago. It lived in swamps like crocodiles.

Read More About Different Types of Dinosaurs: www.bit.ly/TypesOfDinosaurs

moneymatters

To get your weekly copy of RobinAge, subscribe on robinage.com

7

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

editorial: for parents & kids

If you have had a chance to observe restaurant bills after a meal or perhaps the bill you get at a salon after a haircut, you would have seen two different percentages, CGST and SGST, added to your bill. Ever wondered what those are? In this article, Lakshmi Mitter tells you more about those terms and how they impact us in our daily lives.

INDIA’S NEW

INDIRECT TAX REGIME BEFORE GST

An important source of revenue for both central and state governments is indirect tax—the tax that is imposed on goods and services produced and consumed in the country. There were a variety of indirect taxes imposed by both the state and the central governments at different stages in the supply chain. A supply chain refers to the entire process of manufacturing and distributing a particular commodity, right from buying raw materials to selling the finished product.

For example, let us assume that the supply chain of tyres has four stages.

IN STAGE 1, of the supply chain for tyres, the rubber supplier would include the sales tax and tax on value addition in the price quote to the tyre manufacturer.

What paved the way to GST?

In several instances such as the one described, consumers ended up paying multiple taxes for the same goods. This phenomenon is known as tax cascading, which was detrimental in the following ways: l Since, there was more than one tax involved, the final price of the product went up, thus increasing the burden on the final consumer. This often resulted in decrease in demand, thus forcing production cuts and a slowdown in economic activity. l Prices of essentials were severely impacted, posing a problem especially for the poor. l The fact that tax rates differed from state to state made the problem more complex. Tax evasion became rampant. l Additionally, there was a different tax for services. l Every tax put together formed a very complex and inefficient tax system.

IN STAGE 2, the tyre manufacturer would include the taxes of stage 1 as well as the taxes of stage 2, which is the sales tax and value-added tax, in How does GST solve the above the price quote. problems?

By itself, the goods and services tax, IN STAGE 3 of the supply cycle, the or what is known as GST, is not simple, tyre dealer would have to add taxes of but it solves the above problems by stages 1, 2 and 3 in his price quote. removing multiple taxes in the system.

Taxes such as excise duty, value added IN STAGE 4, the retailer will follow the tax (VAT) and octroi (tax on goods same process when they sell tyres to a moving interstate), which often led to customer. As pointed out in the above tax cascading, have been removed. example, taxes were imposed at each step of the supply chain. All these taxes got added up and were included in the final price that a consumer paid.

Instead, now there are only two taxes levied on goods and services—CGST (central GST) and SGST (state GST). In other words, one GST amount goes to the central government and the other goes to the state government.

These taxes are also imposed at each step of the supply chain, but the previous problem of tax cascading has been taken care of using a different approach. Now let’s go back to the supply chain of tyres.

AFTER GST IN STAGE 1, a rubber manufacturer’s price quote to the tyre manufacturer will include a GST payment on the value he has added. Let us call that amount as GST(1).

IN STAGE 2, the tyre manufacturer will include only GST on the value that he has added to rubber. The tyre manufacturer need not include GST(1) in this price quote, although stage 1 supplier’s price included it. This is because the new regime enables the

DID YOU KNOW? l France was the first country to introduce GST in the year 1954.

l More than 150 countries in the world follow GST.

l Electricity, petroleum and real estate are not taxed under GST in India currently.

DIFFERENTIAL TAX SLABS FOR DIFFERENT COMMODITIES:

Obviously, it would be unfair to pay the same tax for an ordinary cycle and an expensive diamond ring. Therefore, there arises the necessity of having differential tax slabs. Depending upon whether a product or service is a basic necessity, an essential good or a luxury, the government has opted for five slabs for both goods and services—0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% (this could be phased out in time).

Commodities that come under the 0% slab are classified as basic necessities such as vegetables, milk, fish, bread, eggs, children’s colouring books and more. On the other hand, equipment like dishwashers, yachts and cars attract a 28% GST. tyre manufacturer to set up a claim for a refund from the government for that amount. The same procedure is adopted in all the stages of the supply chain. In other words, the CGST and SGST applicable at each stage of the supply chain are paid only once and not transferred to the subsequent stages.

The final consumer thus pays only the tax amount borne by the last supplier in the supply chain. Hence the burden on the final consumer is reduced significantly.

This is expected to help generate more demand and boost economic activity within the country.

Additionally, these taxes are uniform across the country, thus reducing the possibility of tax evasion.

Services are also covered under GST, thus reducing the complexity posed by the previous system.

Lakshmi Mitter was a Senior Financial Analyst at Ernst & Young and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science. She found her calling in writing for children and has written several short stories and books for children.

MUMBAI

8

personalgrowth

DRAUPADI The daughter of King Drupad and the wife of the Pandavs, Draupadi was a spirited lady who valued her self-respect over everything else. Let’s take a look at the legends associated with her and the lessons we can learn from them.

D

raupadi’s father, King Drupad had arranged for a svayamvar for her. A brahman boy won her hand and took her home to his mother. Not knowing what the son had brought home, his mother asked him to share what he had brought with his brothers.

That’s how Draupadi came to be the wife of five brothers. At that time, the Pandavs sustained themselves by living on the offerings given to them.

Despite being a king’s daughter, Draupadi did not feel insulted in following the family’s footsteps. It was only later that she realised that she had married the brave Pandav princes.

Draupadi was able to achieve the seemingly impossible task of maintaining harmony with her five husbands. When Sri Krishna visited the Pandavs, his wife Satyabhama took Draupadi aside and asked if she used secret mantras to keep the Pandavs under her control. Draupadi replied that there was no secret mantra and it was only through total devotion and patience that she was able to do this.

After the eldest Pandav Yudhishthir lost everything in a game of dice, he staked Draupadi too and lost her to the eldest Kaurav, Duryodhan.

Duryodhan then asked a servant to

call her to the sabha, but she refused to go. Duryodhan’s younger brother Dushasan then forcibly dragged her into the sabha and tried to disrobe her. Draupadi prayed to Krishna for help and miraculously, her garments became never-ending. An exhausted and bewildered Dushasan had to give up. Krishna came to her rescue only because long ago, Draupadi had helped him; she had torn a piece of her sari and tied it on his bleeding finger.

Krishna had thus become indebted to her.

saying that the Pandavs would achieve prosperity through their own deeds.

When the Pandavs were freed

by Draupadi, even Karna praised Draupadi saying, “Among all women in humankind renowned for their beauty, we have not seen nor heard of the accomplishment of such a deed. The sons of Pandu were immersed and drowning in an ocean without a boat.

Panchali (another name for Draupadi) became their boat and brought them safely ashore.”

After losing everything in the game of dice, when the Pandavs left for the forest, all their second wives went back to their paternal homes; only Draupadi accompanied the Pandavs and stayed with them through their Draupadi asked her elders like 13 years of exile.

Draupadi never forgot Dushasan’s insult. Even the brahmans employed

by Dhritarashtra, Dushasan’s father, were so enraged at Draupadi’s oppression that they refused to perform the agnihotra–the ceremonial evening offerings to fire–that evening.

Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, Drona and Vidur whether whatever happened was in accordance with dharma. Her entreaties moved Dhritarashtra so much that he granted her a boon. She asked for Yudhishthir to be freed. When Dhritarashtra gave her another boon, she freed the other four Pandavs— Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev.

Dhritarashtra wanted to grant her a third boon, but she proudly refused,

While the Pandavs were living in exile, Draupadi was abducted by King Jayadrath of Sauvira. Jayadrath was passing through the forest when he came across Draupadi alone at home. The Pandavs had all gone out hunting. Draupadi warned Jayadrath about the wrath of the Pandavs but he did not listen. The Pandavs pursued Jayadrath and rescued Draupadi.

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

l CARING l RESILIENT l SELF-RESPECTING l FORGIVING l ADAPTABLE Because Jayadrath was the husband of Duryodhan’s sister Duhshala, the Pandavs left him alive but shaved his head and left five tufts on it.

When the Pandavs had to live in hiding for one year, Draupadi donned a long, dark and extremely dirty garment.

She approached Sudeshna, the queen of King Virata, and asked to be employed as a maid. When Sudeshna expressed doubts at her ability to work as a maid, Draupadi assured her that she had been a maid to Krishna’s wife Satyabhama. Draupadi, the solitary beauty in the Kuru lineage, sailed through tough times with her head held high.

Draupadi had the virtue of forgiveness. At the end of the Kurukshetra war, Guru Dronacharya’s son Ashvatthama broke the rules of war and attacked the Pandav camp at night. He killed Draupadi’s brother Dhrishtadyumn and her five children.

Ashvatthama was later caught by the Pandavs and cursed by Krishna to eternal suffering. However, Draupadi forgave him and let him go.

Gaurav Yadav is a BTech from IIT Delhi.

He writes stories based on the Mahabharat and conducts story-telling workshops for students and teachers in schools.

RobinAge is printed and published by Rajkumarsingh K Arora on behalf of M/s DEEP PRAKASH and printed at Printografik Packaging India Pvt Ltd, Plot No 42GEN, TTC Industrial Estate Area, MIDC, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400709 and published at M/s DEEP PRAKASH, 205/218 A, Sussex Industrial Estate, D K Cross Marg, Byculla (E), Mumbai 400027.

Editor: Cherry Divecha Shethia.

robinage.com

knowyourself

Read about science, history, careers and more on robinage.com

9

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

A U O Y E R A R E M

M U R O? E H S ER P U S

by Ashna Modi Shah

How do you care for people like the traffic police or the watchman of your building in the summer?

A Give them water when you remember to do it

B Offer them water to drink to stay hydrated C Give them energy drinks, especially in the

afternoons to prevent dehydration

What precautions do you take before stepping out when the sun is directly overhead?

A Just the usual things you do

B Carry a bottle of water along C Wear sunscreen, carry a bottle of water and use a

sun umbrella if it’s too hot

What kind of clothes do you wear in the summer?

A Dark coloured clothes (black, red or dark blue)

B Light coloured clothes (white or pastel shades) C Light coloured clothes and a cap

Do you leave your pet in the car all alone in the summer when you go shopping?

A Yes, you do

B You look for other options, but if none exist, you leave your pet in the car C Surely not—your pet could die of a heatstroke! If

you had no other alternatives, you wouldn’t go to the store When do you take your pet for a walk in the summer?

A Anytime you are free

B As early as possible C Either early morning or late evening, as the tar on

the roads can burn its paws How would you save water in the summer?

A You don’t

B You try not to misuse it C You switch to bucket baths rather than showers; in

a restaurant you take only as much water as you are going to drink; and after school, if your water bottle is still full, you water the plants at home or in school How do you take care of birds during the summer?

A Don’t think much about them

B Ask the watchman to keep a bowl of water in a fixed place C Make a bird feeder and place it on the windowsill

What kind of diet do you indulge in during the hot summer months?

A Hot, spicy, roadside sandwiches that are

loaded with cheese and butter B Regular home-cooked food C A lot of fruits like watermelon and grapes

and light meals during the day How many litres of water should you drink during the summer season?

A 1 litre

B 2 to 3 litres C More than 3 litres

Do you play or exercise in the summer?

A No way, it’s too hot to step out!

B Sometimes C Yes of course, but you drink a lot of water

and keep yourself hydrated

WHAT YOUR SCORE SAYS: Maximum As: You are a Summer Villain. Save yourself and the world! It’s time to read some facts about this season.

Maximum Bs: You seem to be a friend of the Summer Superhero. You are on the right track but need to get some more facts right.

Maximum Cs: You are a Summer Superhero.

The world needs you! Keep it up! Now try and convert as many people as you can into Summer Superheroes!

Ashna Modi Shah is a clinical psychologist and arts-based therapist who works with both children and adults. She is a school counsellor at DY Patil International School, Worli, Mumbai and runs an organisation called ASA (visa) that conducts workshops on various mental health issues.

MUMBAI

10

schoolnews schoolheroes RIDHIMA PANDEY

At the United Nations Climate Action Summit, 11-year-old Ridhima Pandey from Uttarakhand filed a complaint against the Indian government for its lack of action on the issue of climate change. Ridhima, who is inspired by her father, aims to save the environment and improve the future generation’s chances of living a better life.

PRANAV NUTALAPATI

Pranav Nutalapati, a class 12 student from Legacy School, Bengaluru, won a silver medal in the web technologies category at the WorldSkills Competition, which took place in Russia in August 2019. Pranav is now planning to pursue his under-graduate studies in artificial intelligence (AI) from USA.

competitions& scholarships

INDIA POST LETTER WRITING COMPETITION

The India Post Letter Writing Competition is an initiative of the Department of Posts to promote the art of letter writing in India. The competition is open to children and adults. The letter has to be handwritten on a plain piece of paper and submitted along with some proof of age.

Theme of the Letter: Dear Bapu, You Are Immortal Language: Any Indian language Word Limit: 500 to 1,000 words Prizes: Cash prizes of ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the age group and region Last Date of Submission: November 30, 2019 For further details, log on to: www.bit.ly/LetterWritingCompetition

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

The Smiling School Project

O

n September 16, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched the Smiling School Project to address the rising issue of stress and depression among school students. Over the next five years, this project will focus on providing emotional stability to 1.3 lakh children from class 6 to 8 in 1,200 civic schools.

One teacher from every civic school in the city will be taken through three days of professional training where they will be taught to recognise symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses.

According to their individual requirements,

College for Austistic Children

Kavita Krishnamurthy, a parent of an autistic child, and parents of other autistic children have started CanBridge Academy, a college for autistic young adults in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Their goal is to help children with autism lead a productive life. The college provides a three-step graduate programme in different fields like arts, fitness, cooking and weaving.

In the first step of the programme, students are introduced to a range of activities. In the second step, they are allowed to choose an activity of their interest. In the third step, they are taught professional skills required to make a living through their chosen activity.

Student fees range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 a month depending on the activity students choose.

UP GRO

AWARDS 2019-20 To enter the RobinAge Bright Sparks Awards 2019-20 and get featured on RobinAge’s Wall of Fame, submit your entry on www.robinage.com/write-to-us.htm

robinage.com

B

MY FAMILY

sent by Disha Shah, Class 5, Gopi Birla Memorial School, Mumbai

This is my family loving and caring For whom I’ll always stand courageous and daring Let’s start with my dad who has a lot of headaches From loads of e-mails and tension giving cakes Next is my mom who is a total superwoman She is really brave and fights every demon Last is my sister who helps in all my projects She taught me to make flowers out of cute little nets This is my family loving and caring And I’ll stand by them forever, I’m swearing.

the children will be referred to special counsellors, who will counsel them and also encourage their parents to provide them with a nurturing atmosphere at home. This initiative will not only help students gain emotional stability, but also promote open communication in schools.

Schools Introduce Swachh Clubs

The commissioner and director of school education in Telangana has ordered district education officers to convert all state government schools to Swachh Patashalas.

These schools will encourage students to form Swachh Clubs, which will focus on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.

Members of the club will work with students to maintain the school’s infrastructure and cleanliness. The schools will be graded by the school education department and these grades will be used to make improvements in each school’s cleanliness strategies.

UP GRO

C

NATURE

sent by Rozy Khan, Class 8, Delhi Public School Jamnagar, Gujarat

teachers’speak

Submit your stories, articles, poems and art on robinage.com

11

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

GRANDPARENTS

– A WONDERFUL BLESSING Abha Kalyanpur, Don Bosco, Panjim Grandparents are the roots of the family tree who nourish their fruits (children) with tender care, worthy wisdom and unconditional love. Our grandparents teach us values. They guide the whole family with valuable experiences, which can lead us to take the right path. As suggested by research, kids who share a special bond with their grandparents are very strong emotionally and mentally. Also, they are very decisive in all aspects of life. As society is evolving and running to keep pace with the fast-paced world, parents don’t have enough quality time for their children; grandparents thus play a very important role in the healthy development of children. They understand the language of love.

The fragrance of grandparents’ generosity plays an influential role in creating a positive impact on their attitude. As we all know, Grandparents’ Day is being celebrated this month. So, it’s time

to recognise their efforts in building our lives.

We can’t give them anything in return for what they have done to help our life, but yes, we can surely make them feel special by taking some initiative that can bring a smile on their face.

SUBSCRIBE TO ROBINAGE + ACTIVITY SHEET & JR ROBINAGE

1 YEAR : 26 ISSUES : `1550

(INCLUDING DELIVERY BY COURIER/REGISTERED POST)

The Amazon Forest Radhika Sharma, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Chennai

The 5.5 million sq km Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest ecosystem in the world.

Many peasants and indigenous people live here. The Amazon Rainforest is a source of great biodiversity and goods, which are really important for human beings. It contains the richest primeval forest in the world.

The Amazon Rainforest is the most powerful and bio-actively diverse natural area. The cure of cancer and AIDS could be found in the Amazon Rainforest. 25% of the medicines used in the United States have chemicals that come from the wildlife here. Billions of rural people use plants and animals as natural medicine. It also plays a major role in the region’s climate. Yet in the past years, deforestation and fires have surged. Several scientists are now raising an alarm that the Amazon is moving closer towards a dieback scenario.

SUBSCRIPTION FORM RENEWAL

YES

NO

Name .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Ideal for children aged 6 to 15 years Each issue includes a 4-page Activity

Sheet and 8-page Jr RobinAge

Helps improve reading and English

speaking; useful for project work

The ‘Voice of Children’ - 25% content

by children

Now fortnightly with a brand new

design and delivery by courier!

SUBSCRIBE TO JR ROBINAGE ONLY 1 YEAR : 26 ISSUES : `950

(INCLUDING DELIVERY BY COURIER/REGISTERED POST)

Delivery Address ............................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

City . .................................................................................................. Pin . .............................................................................

State ................................................................................................. Date of Birth ..........................................................

School .....................................................................................................................................................................................

Class ................................................................................................. Mobile .......................................................................

E-mail ......................................................................................................................................................................................

PAYMENT DETAILS

If you prefer to pay online, visit www.robinage.com/subscribe Bank ................................................................................................. Branch ......................................................................

Cheque/DD No* . ........................................................................ Date ...........................................................................

Amount ..........................................................................................

Ideal for children aged 4 to 7 years 8 pages of activity-based learning Includes GK, English, maths, science

and values

Delivered fortnightly by courier!

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SUBSCRIBE ONLINE or visit robinage.com/subscribe

* Cheque/DD should be drawn in favour of Deep Prakash (payable at par in Mumbai) Send this form to: RobinAge, 12, Shah & Nahar Industrial Estate, Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400018. E-mail: circulation@robinage.com

022-66626818/19

09326577387

Terms & Conditions: Copies are dispatched every Thursday from Mumbai. Please allow a lead time of 21 days from payment for the first delivery. RobinAge shall not be responsible for postal or courier delays, transit loss or mutilation of copies. No cancellation of subscriptions will be entertained after commencement of subscription.

Delivery Time: 2 to 12 days.

Signature and Date Vol 13, No 1

MUMBAI

12

myshelf robinrecommends Crocs & Giraffes + The Hunt 2-in-1 Board Game

Crocs & Giraffes is similar to Snakes & Ladders, in which giraffes replace the ladder and move up the board and crocodiles replace the snake and move down. The Hunt is similar to ludo, in which four predators compete with each other to reach the centre of the jungle, where their prey is located.

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

Virat: The Making Of A Champion Written By: Neeraj Jha and Vidhanshu Kumar ‘Virat: The Making of a Champion’ is about an ordinary Delhi boy who grew into one of India’s finest cricket captains. The book is full of inspiring stories from his life, which show us that persistence, determination and dedication are three important keys to achieving success. It includes anecdotes from Kohli’s teammates and coaches. Read the book and be inspired to chase your goal.

Published By: Hachette India | www.hachetteindia.com Recommended Age: 7+ years | Price: ₹250

Stories for South Asian Super Girls Written By: Raj Kaur KhairaIllustrated By: Various Artists

Green Eggs and Ham

‘Green Eggs and Ham’ is a series based on a Dr Seuss book of the same name. In the series, Sam sets off to rescue an endangered species called Chickeraffe in order to return it to its natural habitat. On his way, he accidentally meets Guy and both of them are joined by EB and Snerz on their adventure. The four of them want the Chickeraffe for different reasons. Watch the series to find out what happens to the endangered species and enjoy the adventure.

This book spans across many centuries and features 50 famous women from across the world. It talks about women who have broken stereotypes to fulfil their dreams. Some of the women profiled are Razia Sultan, Noor Jahan, Lilly Singh, Indra Nooyi, Rupi Kaur, Jameela Jamil and Anjali Sud. The book is beautifully illustrated by a number of acclaimed artists.

Published By: Kashi House | www.kashihouse.com Recommended Age: 12+ years | Price: ₹599

Best Reads of the Month This set features a bunch of extraordinary friends—a young football-loving monk, a professor who studies earthworms, a new

Available On: Netflix

Skill Builder Science Series The Skill Builder Science Series has been created to help children develop numerical, logical, thinking and language skills. It covers a number of activities, experiments, puzzles and easy-to-read information that helps children understand their school curriculum better.

Published By: Puffin Books www.penguin.co.in Recommended Age: 4+ years Price: ₹250

robinage.com

Recommended Age: 7+ years Price: ₹765 for 4 books

friend who belongs to a different species, two best pals who love to look for monsters and the imaginary buddies of a feisty young girl.

askus

Find DIY, crafts, recipes, food art and more on robinage.com Do you have questions that you can’t find the answers to?

E-mail them to reporter@robinage.com and we will help you out.

What happens to plants in complete darkness?

Photosynthesising plants (plants that make their own food) cannot survive in complete darkness. In the day, the process of photosynthesis helps plants convert nutrients from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air into energy and oxygen.

At night, plants respire or use part of the energy obtained during photosynthesis and give out carbon dioxide. Most plants cannot survive without photosynthesis and thus cannot grow in complete darkness.

and stores information, replaces chemicals and solves problems while we sleep.

Thus, when you don’t get enough sleep, you feel tired and cranky and you may not be able to think clearly.

Brain functions like memory, decision-making, reasoning and problem-solving worsen without at least seven hours of sleep. Moreover, lack of sleep also impacts the ability to learn new things.

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

What is the avian influenza virus?

The avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is a flu that spreads through sick birds. This virus is contagious and is likely to spread from one sick person to another through coughing, sneezing or touch.

Its symptoms begin within two to eight days and can be misinterpreted as common flu. A cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and breathing issues may be signs of the avian virus.

Very few antiviral drugs are capable of arresting this fatal ailment.

How is facial recognition used at airports?

What happens to the body if it doesn’t get enough sleep?

After a busy day, the body gets tired and needs a break.

Sleep allows our bodies to get this rest. The body uses this downtime for growth and repair and to improve the immune system.

More importantly, the brain needs sleep. Though no one is exactly sure what work the brain does when we are sleeping, some scientists are of the opinion that the brain sorts through

13

A lot of airports in the world use facial recognition for security. This is nothing but a process that takes your photograph and then matches it to a photo of you that airport security already has. This could be sourced from your passport or other travel documents. Once the

photographs match, you are cleared to board a flight. This process hopes to replace the manual checking of passports.

Facial recognition became the method of choice–as opposed to fingerprints or any other form of scanning–because governments already had people’s photos.

What happens to a ship when it passes from a river to the sea?

Seawater has impurities and salt, which make it denser than river water. As a result, the ship will float higher on seawater to balance the weight of the ship, than it would on river water.

MUMBAI

14

travelexplore

MEXICO

Mexico has a divine blend of Native Indian and Spanish culture. Often referred to as the Land of Enchantment due to its alluring natural beauty, Mexico is a mecca for people who are captivated by ancient folklore, colourful culture, art, music, food and traditional festivals.

HOUSING

Mexican architecture is deeply influenced by Spanish architecture, Mediterranean architecture and the architecture of the Moors or North African Muslims who ruled Spain from 711 to 1492. Mexican homes are colourful and built to suit a tropical climate.

SPANISH VILLAS The long shared history between Mexico and Spain has left a mark on Mexican architecture. The interior walls of Spanish villas have intricate patterns painted with vibrant colours. Contrasting colours are used to highlight the architectural features of the houses. These houses have waxed terracotta floors that are enhanced with bright tapestries.

Abode Houses

Haciendas

Spanish Villas

robinage.com

HACIENDAS Haciendas are large stonewalled buildings that are used by members of privileged classes. These are Mexican ranch-style houses that have high ceilings and large windows to keep interiors cool.

Living areas are often made up of glazed, hand-painted tiles or stone and contain Moorish touches such as arches and mosaic tiles.

ABODE HOUSES Abode houses are traditional Mexican houses that are white-washed and constructed using Native American techniques. These are comparatively smaller as they were used by people

Mission-Style Homes

belonging to lower income groups. The houses are built with clay, soil, water and straw.

The main features of these houses are over-hanging tile roofs and timbered front porches.

MISSION-STYLE HOMES Mission-style homes are inspired by 18th-century Spanish church architecture.

Such houses are also found in a few American states such as Florida, Arizona, California and New Mexico. These homes have bright colours such as red, blue and yellow, red-tiled roofs and stucco walls.

To get your weekly copy of RobinAge, subscribe on robinage.com

15

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

AGRICULTURE

Mexico’s warm climate and fertile soil provide suitable conditions to grow different crops around the year.

Vegetables, corn, wheat, fruits, poultry, eggs and milk make up 80% of Mexico’s farm output. Corn, wheat, rice, sorghum and beans are popular grains as are apples, oranges, grapes, tangerines, tomatoes, nectarines and avocadoes. Mexico exports a variety of crops, grains, legumes and fruits to countries like USA, Canada and Japan. In recent years, the export of coffee has led to a phenomenal growth of the Mexican economy. Sugarcane

is grown for commercial and domestic use. Avocadoes and tomatoes are the two main products exported to the US.Since the beginning of the 21st century, the dairy industry has contributed significantly to Mexico’s economy. Due to Mexico’s water scarcity and warm temperature, the World Bank is encouraging farmers here to adopt sustainable farming techniques like silvopastoralism, a process that involves growing crops alongside trees.

Sorghum

FOOD

MOLE This dish is made during special occasions. This thick rich sauce originates from the Oaxaca and Puebla regions in Mexico. There are more than 30 varieties of this sauce, which often contains chocolate and meats and is served with rice.

GUACAMOLE Guacamole is one of the best-known Mexican dishes.

It is made from mashed avocadoes, tomatoes, onions, chillies, lemon and salt. It is often used as a side dish and eaten with tortilla chips.

Guacamole

The Day of the Dead

Flan

FLAN The classic caramel-coated flan custard dates back to the Roman Empire. This dessert is made by mixing eggs, condensed milk, orange peel and sugar syrup.

Mole Chilaquiles

Corn

FESTIVALS

Mexican food is full of strong flavours and different spices and seasonings.

CHILAQUILES Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that belongs to the Aztecs, an ancient civilisation of Mexico. The word ‘chilaquiles’ is derived from the ancient Nahuatl language and means ‘chillies and greens’.

Chilaquiles are shallow-fried spicy corn tortillas, which are garnished with red salsa sauce and topped with chicken or eggs and cheese.

Tangerines

TACOS Tacos date back to the 19th century and are said to have originated from silver mines in Mexico. The first tacos made were called tacos de minero, which means ‘miner’s tacos’.

Tacos are stuffed with kidney beans, onions, minced meat, cheese, a pinch of cumin and jalapenos.

Tacos

CAPIROTADA Capirotada is a spicy Mexican bread pudding that was first made in the 17th century, during Spanish colonial rule.

It is baked with a mixture of apples, cinnamon and dried fruits and served with thick cream or topped with ice cream.

Capirotada

THE DAY OF THE DEAD Dia de Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a two-day festival where people celebrate life and pay respect to people who have passed away. On this day, people dress up in bright colours and wear spooky make-up when they visit the graves of their loved ones.

THE CARNIVAL OF MEXICO This carnival is held 40 days before Easter. 225 different communities come together to be part of parades, floats, concerts, dances, fireworks and rides. People dress up in colourful outfits to be part of the celebrations, which are a combination of Christian and Pre-Hispanic traditions. The biggest carnivals in Mexico take place in the port cities of Veracruz and Mazatlán.

Cinco De Mayo

CINCO DE MAYO Cinco de Mayo, which means ‘fifth of May’, is an annual celebration dedicated to the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire. It is mainly a food and art festival that involves crafting, artwork, music, food and swinging piñatas.

The Carnival of Mexico

MUMBAI

16

readaloud

THE CRAB COLLECTOR

T

he area was starting to smell a little weird. The three crabeating mongooses had looked everywhere but they just couldn’t figure it out! “Ju,” the little crab-eating mongoose called out to his friend Judith. “Do you think it’s us?

All these years of eating so many crabs has started to make us smell like crabs too!” “What? Jo, you do think of the most impossible things in that little head of yours!” Judith, the twin-striped crab mongoose, told her best friend Joseph. “You guys do know that it is genetic, right? We are inclined to eat the food that we do because our body and mind are designed that way,” said Juie, the multi-striped mongoose, adding,

by Radhika Patil

guzzled way too much water, her asthmatic lungs had collapsed on her, but Juie and Joseph had acted quickly and dragged her to a big rock where they had pulled and pushed her till they had managed to place her stomach down on the rock, with her head and neck clear so she could throw out all the water she had guzzled. After that, they had both started to pump her back, pushing the water out of her lungs.

Judith’s lungs had given up just a few seconds before she had been rescued and the duo had actually put life back into her. After that, she had been really weak and for the next week she kept coughing up water and phlegm. After she recovered, Juie and Joseph almost never let her out of their sight.

“Besides, this smell is far worse than what centuries of crab-eating could possibly cause.”

“This smell is really gross! I think it’s coming from here,” Judith said “I agree, the rancid stench has really started to bother me now. I can’t pointing to one of the mossy rocks even sleep here anymore!” Judith that looked like it was rotting away. said to both her friends, who were Joseph and Juie looked at each now like family. other wondering what they should One morning long ago, Judith had washed ashore to where Juie and do. “I think we should just move Joseph were hunting for crabs. Having out of this place. I know this place a little further away; it has just enough sun and shade, plus a lot of food,” said Joseph.

“Maybe that’s the best thing to do,” the other two said in agreement and left towards the new location.

“Ju, did you know, the other day my friend Amber found a rare blue crab?” “Oh really?” Judith said adding, “I didn’t think the blue crab was found on this side of the world. What did she do with it?

Did she eat it?” asked Joseph curiously, his mouth watering at the thought of a juicy blue sea crab. “I’m sure she did. She does have a big appetite!” said Juie smiling at the thought. “Well, here we are,” Joseph

robinage.com

said, pointing to a darkish rock formation with lots of crevices and some spots of water. “This looks just perfect,” said Juie and Judith in unison, blowing air kisses and high-fiving into the air!

A few days went by and the trio lived happily, finding the meatiest crabs on most days and on others, just lazing and enjoying the sun on the semisandy land. “Jo, I need to talk to you,” said Juie one day. “Oh, that really doesn’t sound good. Why me, Juie?” “Because I think this place has also started to smell,” she said quietly. “Smell! What?” Joseph said in astonishment, “It can’t be happening all over again. How many times are we going to look for a new place?” “I know, Jo. That’s why I thought it best to talk about this when Judith is not around,” said Juie. “But what’s Ju got to do with the smell?” asked Joseph, totally confused. Juie was making no sense at all. He had started to walk around and smell the area and then it hit him with a bang!” “OMG, Oh my god! You’re right, Juie, this is worse than the last place. How did I miss it?” he asked, disappointed at himself. “That really isn’t the problem, Jo. The real problem is what’s causing the smell and what we can do about it,” said Juie. “You’re right, Juie. Do you know what’s causing it? Or am I missing something here?” Joseph asked gently. “You really don’t get it do you, Jo! I think I know, but I wouldn’t like to blame anyone or point fingers before I have some evidence.

But I have an idea and if you play along, by this time tomorrow, we will have some answers,” Juie said to Joseph as she unravelled her plans.

The day stretched on and both Juie and Joseph were waiting for dusk to descend. Soon, the trio found their cosy spot and started to settle in. “Good night, guys,” said Judith, adding, “You guys have been awfully quiet all day, what’s brewing? Is there

Participate in contests and win prizes on robinage.com

17

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1 something I need to know?” Flustered for a second and not knowing how to react, Joseph fumbled but Juie took over immediately, “Nothing is brewing, Ju. It’s just been one of those days where there wasn’t much happening; you know how it is!” “Alrightie guys, good night. I’m pooped, see you tomorrow then!” Judith said as she curled up and dosed off in a few seconds.

Juie looked up at Joseph, who signalled to let her know that he was awake and would keep the night watch. Juie then found her spot and snoozed off.

Minutes ran into hours; Joseph hadn’t realised how difficult it was to sit up and watch! The urge to just snuggle and snooze took over from time to time. But he had promised Juie that he would take the first watch and he intended to keep his promise. After what seemed like years, he heard a sound.

“I knew Judith was going through They shook Judith up, waking her out of some sort of something. I just knew it,” Juie said. deep sleep. “Help,” Judith shouted before she fainted. was like it had been many years ago. Juie and “Well, what do we do now?” asked ItJoseph dragged Judith out of the water. They Judith was walking on the shore Joseph, concerned about his friend. carefully placed her back at the same spot where she and hunting for crabs like a mad had slept the night before. She looked exhausted. mongoose! But what the fish— “Well, I’ll keep watch tonight and see what happens. They thought it was better to let her sleep, so they her eyes were closed! Judith ran Maybe it’s just a once-in-a-while kind of thing and made space for themselves a few steps away and into the water, picked out crabs, not something that she does every day.” “I hope made their bed too. right, Juie, I really hope so,” Joseph said, but at broke them and pushed them you’re the back of his mind, he knew that wasn’t true.

The next morning, Judith was into crevices that were completely standing towering over both of hidden from the naked eye! them, “What have the two of you been up to? You look pooped, but Joseph wanted to wake Judith up but it was just too bizarre! He couldn’t believe his eyes! Was this the surprise, surprise! I’ve got you both same Judith who was so afraid of water because of breakfast! I just don’t seem to be the drowning incident that had almost killed her? afraid of the water anymore. It’s Judith’s fishing expedition went on till dawn and like a new me!” when the first rays of light started to break across the dark sky, she went back to the same spot that she had been sleeping in before it had all started and fell off to sleep like nothing had happened. Joseph was just flabbergasted! He didn’t know what to do; he found a place to snuggle up close to Judith and watched her sleep like a baby.

“Jo,” he heard a voice somewhere in the distance.

He opened his eyes to see two brown eyes staring right at him with the glowing sun shining in the background. He yelped in fear and jumped up, startled by the sight. “Jo, it’s me, Ju. You’ve been asleep for more than 12 hours. Are you okay?” Joseph smiled at Judith and hugged her tight. “Am I glad to see you, my friend,” said Joseph as he looked around for Juie. He had to tell her. “Everything is alright, my friend. Did you hunt me some breakfast?” Joseph asked Judith. “What? No, of course not. You know how afraid I am of the water, Jo. But Juie got you some food and she’s gone to get some more stuff so we can all eat together,” Judith replied. “Alright then, let me go help her,” said Joseph, eager to get all the learnings of last night off his chest. He went to where Juie was fishing and told her everything he had seen.

Joseph and Juie smiled and hugged their dear friend, happy to see her well again. They hoped that also meant she wouldn’t go sleep-fishing anymore but only time would tell. “Guys, get up! Why are you looking at me like that? We need to get us some more food, guys,” Judith said as she dragged her sleepy friends into the water.

The friends did things together for the rest of the day like they always did and that night, Juie decided to stay up to keep a watch on Judith. She hoped that Judith would sleep peacefully, but unfortunately that wasn’t to be. Judith was up and about at 3am just like Joseph had mentioned. This continued for the next few days and both Juie and Joseph were really concerned, not just for the sleep-hunting but also for the availability of food! If Judith continued to hunt all night long, soon there would be no crabs left!

“We have to do something, Juie,” Joseph said, worried about the situation. “Maybe one night we should both stay up and when she starts fishing, we should wake her up. It might just cure her forever.”

“Maybe, or it could also make it worse!” said Juie, but she had no ideas of her own and went with his suggestion.

That night, both friends stayed up and waited for Judith to begin fishing at 3am. Like clockwork, Judith was up and fishing in the water. This time, both friends went into the water with her. She was unaware of what she was doing; her eyes had a starry look in them. “Ju,” they said softly first. But Judith couldn’t hear them. They tried calling out to her, but Judith was in a trance. Joseph and Juie looked at each other and nodded; they had to wake her up.

MUMBAI

18

easydiy

This recipe has been created by Rakshita Dwivedi.

Her blog, recipedabba.com focuses on helping kids adapt to and explore healthy food. l Warning: Ask a parent or adult to help with this recipe.

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

OPEN SANDWICH

by Rakshita Dwivedi

Ingredients >> >> 4 toasted bread slices >> 100 grams cottage cheese/ paneer >> 3 to 4 pieces of cashew nut

(soaked in water) >> 1 teaspoon chopped garlic >> 1 teaspoon oregano seasoning >> ½ teaspoon black pepper powder

>> >> >> >> >> >>

Salt to taste 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional) 3 tablespoons water ½ cup chopped tomatoes ½ cup chopped bell peppers ½ cup boiled sweet corn

ns ie d e gr n I

5 6

capsicum and corn. Top it up with the creamy mixture and mix well.

Cut the toasted slices using a cookie cutter.

Spread the vegetable mix on the toasted bread. Garnish with oregano and serve!

5

1

2

3

4

ROBINAGE CONTRIBUTORS: Dr P S Pasricha-Rtd Director General of Police; Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor; Arzan Khambatta-Artist; Dipika Gurnaney-Artist; Sunjoy Monga- Environmentalist; H’vovi Bhagwagar-Psychologist; Mickey Mehta-Fitness Consultant; Dignity Foundation and Childline India Foundation THE ROBINAGE TEAM: PUBLISHER | Rajkumarsingh Arora; EDITORIAL | Cherry Divecha-Shethia, Gunjan Bhojwani, Rhea Shetty; ARTISTS | Vishwanath Padwal, Rupali Gamare, Pallavi Mhadave; PHOTOGRAPHS | Cherry Divecha-Shethia, Agency: istockphoto; MARKETING | Riddhima Krishnamurthy, Alkaa Nayak, Pratiksha Gavande; SCHOOL COORDINATION | Deepali Arora, Jayshree Kurup, Shamika Takke; ACCOUNTS | Deepali Parikh

robinage.com

Method >> 1 Ask a parent to grind the paneer,

cashew nuts, garlic, salt, oregano and black pepper in a grinder.

2 Add water and olive oil to the

ground ingredients. Mix well.

3 Grind again to get a creamy

texture.

4 In a bowl, add the tomato,

6

WRITE TO ROBINAGE: Upload drawings, articles and poems on robinage.com/write-to-us.htm or send them to 12, Shah and Nahar Industrial Estate, Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400018.

Call: 022-66626819 | E-mail: circulation@robinage.com | Website: www.robinage.com TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT IN ROBINAGE call Riddhima Krishnamurthy on 022-66626819 or e-mail marketing@robinage.com

PRINTING IN THE SERVICE OF EDUCATION BY

19

Find reference articles for your school projects on robinage.com

funstuff

Sample Issue Vol 13, No 1

DOLPHINS Dolphins are marine mammals that are known for their intelligence and playful nature. There are 40 known species of dolphin. They live in shallow waters in tropical and temperate oceans. They usually hunt as a group, known as a pod, and feed on fishes like herrings, mackerels and squids.

Unlike other fishes, dolphins lack gills and come up to the surface of the ocean to breathe air through blowholes on the top of their head.

Facts About Dolphin l Dolphins are as smart as apes. l They are social animals. They live, play and hunt together in groups.

Unscramble the Words

l Large pods of dolphins can have 1,000 members or more. l Young dolphins are called calves. They stay with their mothers

1

P

O

L

D

H

I

N

2

L

A

M

M

I

I

M

A

S

right up to the age of eight years.

l Dolphins have excellent eyesight, both in and out of water,

and a well-developed sense of touch. However, they have no sense of smell. l They use echolocation, which helps them hear or track fishes that are at a distance. l Dolphins can swim at a speed of 30kms/hr. l Dolphins have their own language and often communicate via squeaks, whistles and clicks.

T

3

4

C

G

A

E

N

N

O

T

E

E

L

5

L

W

I

M

N

S

S

Maze Help the dolphin reach its friend.

Circle The Correct Option 1

2

How deep can dolphins dive? a. 500mts b. 100mts c. 1,000mts

3

What do the spots on a dolphin’s body indicate? a. Illness b. Age c. Gender

How long can a dolphin live? a. 10 years b. 5 years c. 25 years

4

How do dolphins sleep? a. By closing one eye and using the other eye to keep a watch on predators b. With both eyes open c. They don’t sleep

5

When did dolphins first appear on Earth? a. 4,000 years ago b. 10 million years ago c. 50 million years ago

MUMBAI

RNI No MAHENG/2008/24792 Dt.3/4/2014. License to post without prepayment. WPP License No MR/Tech/WPP-212/East/2019. Postal Registration No MCE/144/2018-20 to be posted at Patrika Channel Sorting Office Mumbai, Mumbai 400 001 on every Thursday. Published on every Thursday (16/04/2020).

20

triviatime file-o-facts

wordsmart

l A baby blue whale can

grow by 90kgs a day. l Tornadoes were called ‘twirlblasts’ or ‘twirlwinds’ in the 18th century. l Cats once delivered the mail in Belgium. l Scientists have created a device that creates energy from snowfall. l The first fountain pen was invented by a New York insurance agent, Lewis Edson Waterman in 1883. l Fingernails grow faster when the body is cold. l Beavers excreta is sometimes used to enhance vanilla flavourings.

Sometimes we use the same old boring words to express our feelings because we don’t know what else to say! This column introduces you to interesting alternatives to simple words you use every day.

Instead of STRANGE use UNUSUAL: different from others of the same type in a way that is surprising, interesting or attractive Example: Mary’s new neighbour was quite unusual.

riddletime 1

2 3

4 5

Railroad crossing without any cars. Can you spell that without any R’s?

What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years?

What has hands but cannot clap?

Mr Blue lives in the blue house, Mr Pink lives in the pink house and Mr Brown lives in the brown house. Who lives in the White House?

ABNORMAL: different from what is usual or average, especially in a way that is bad Example: Global warming has resulted in abnormal weather conditions.

YOU CAN ALSO USE THE IDIOM Method in one’s madness: when one has a good reason for what one is doing, although one seems to be behaving strangely Example: Nobody knows what to expect when he’s around, however he insists that there is a method to his madness.

laughoutloud l How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?

5thingsabout

You rocket!

l What’s yellow and looks like a pineapple?

A lemon with a haircut l How do you pay for parking in space?

THE DEAD SEA

With a parking meteor

l The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest water

l What room is impossible to enter?

bodies in the world. It is situated in Western Asia. l It is called ‘dead’ as no animals and plants can live in it. l One can easily float on the Dead Sea as it has a high concentration of salt. l The temperature of the Dead Sea can reach up to 70°C in winter and 100°C in summer. l The Dead Sea contains 32% salt and high mineral content due to which doctors believe that it can heal people suffering from respiratory issues, arthritis and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.

A mushroom

l Why isn’t there a clock in the library?

Because it tocks too much!

l How do you fix a broken tomato?

Tomato paste!

l Why did the banana go to the doctor?

Because it wasn’t peeling well.

l Why was the tomato blushing?

Because it saw the salad dressing. l What school subject is the fruitiest?

History – because it is full of dates!

BIRDS

1. Which is the largest breed of penguin?

2. Which bird species can fly backwards?

robinage.com

3. Which bird species can fly backwards?

4. Name ade jo the urney m ng the by birds duri n. winter seaso

5. Which bird can carry 1kg of stones at a time?

ANSWERS riddletime: 1. T-H-A-T 2. Short 3. The letter ‘M’ 4. A clock 5. The President of the United States of America quiz-a-thon: 1. Emperor penguin, 2. Hummingbird, 3. Ostrich, 4. Pelican, 5. Migration

quiz-a-thon