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“Discussion is an exchange of knowledge, argument is an exchange of ignorance....!.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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UK: The time of our lives: The barriers that divide us came crashing down in just a fortnight thanks to London 2012
London 2012 held up a mirror to our nation and we were rather surprised to discover that we liked what we saw. As the Games united the nation in the way that we have not been united since 1945, these Olympic Games revealed the true nature of our people. Heroes have included Bradley Wiggins, a kid from a single-parent family in Kilburn, Mo Farah, who came to these shores as a refugee from Somalia, and Jessica Ennis, the half-Jamaican daughter of a painter and decorator.
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UK: We have surprised ourselves - and our potential is unlimited
Before the Games, we British had forgotten how highly we valued the collective in our society. The celebration of the NHS in the opening ceremony, the tens of thousands of volunteers coming together, the brilliant coverage by the BBC, the Games itself, all served to tell us that we are connected to one another, and we like it that way. Today, we no longer see ourselves as base metal. We believe now that we can be golden -- and with that sort of belief, our potential as a nation is unlimited.
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Google Street View comes to Thailand
Google, together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, announced that Street View imagery of three major areas in Thailand is now live on Google Maps. This imagery allows users in Thailand and around the world to view and navigate 360-degree street-level imagery of greater Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Thailand is the 35th country where Street View imagery is available.
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Canada: Magna posts big jump in profit, takes control of E-Car
Magna International Inc, headquartered in Aurora, Ontario, Canada and one of the world's biggest auto parts manufacturers, reported a 24 per cent jump in quarterly profit on Thursday and said it was buying the controlling, minority stake in its electric car business. 'We are pleased to regain control of Magna E-Car's assets and business,' said Magna CEO Don Walker. 'We expect hybrid and electric vehicle production to continue to grow globally in the future and we believe that Magna stands to benefit from this trend by supplying components, systems, and engineering services to our customers.'
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Will continue struggle to realise ‘Eelam’ dream: Karunanidhi
Seeking to rebut criticism that he had dropped the demand for a separate ‘Tamil Eelam’, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Sunday said he would seek to realise his life dream with the help of like-minded people in the future, and the conference he presided over here was only akin to administration of first aid to the “wounded and bleeding” Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
“I am asked why there is no reference to ‘Eelam’ at the conference. My explanation is: our first priority is to dressing the wounds suffered by the Tamils. Following this, within my lifetime, I will struggle with you to realise my dream with all of you,” he told the Tamil Eelam Supporters’ Organisation (TESO) conference held at the YMCA Ground, Royapettah here.
In a resolution, the conference said that as a country protecting a number of nationalities, India could not remain silent on the “undemocratic developments” in Sri Lanka. It demanded that India move a resolution in the United Nations for bestowing full rights on the Tamil community in the island to decide their own political future. “Can there be a better resolution than this that will put effective pressure on India?” Mr. Karunanidhi asked.
The resolution said: “India should, therefore, take necessary steps to ensure a total change of environment in Sri Lanka and a life of equality and peace to the Sri Lankan Tamils by redeeming their political, economic and cultural rights.”
The conference, in which no Sri Lankan Tamil political leader participated, asked the Union government to refrain from providing training to the Sri Lankan military in future in any state.
The meet began at the YMCA Ground here as planned after the Madras High Court gave the go-ahead despite a police order denying permission.
With the portrait of the S.J.V. Chelvanayagam, better known as Thanthai Selva, the Sri Lankan federalist, who first demanded a separate ‘Eelam’, adorning the venue where thousands assembled, the TESO conference began with a troupe singing a song Iruttaraiyil ullathada Eelam, angey elumbukoodaai irukkindraane Tamilan (‘Darkness envelopes Eelam, while the Tamilian languishes like a bag of bones’) penned by DMK president M. Karunanidhi.
14 resolutions passed
Representatives from various countries participated in the conference, which passed 14 resolutions, none of which raised the ‘Tamil Eelam’ demand, but leaders such as Thol Thirumavalavan, president of the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK), were vociferous in the demand and wanted Mr. Karunanidhi to achieve the goal in his lifetime.
A resolution accused the ruling AIADMK of being anti-Tamil Eelam in its attitude and condemned the hurdles it placed in the way of the conduct of the conference.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
This might be a very confrontational day. The moon will meet with Mars and Saturn in your house of significant others, creating strong emotions or resentments. Just to add another log to the fire, freedom loving Uranus will be in Aries, creating a potentially volatile face-off with someone close. By the end of the day you'll get a reality check that some things aren't meant to be. Accept what is and count your blessings.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
It will be a family-first type of day, so check in with your loved ones before you jet out the door. You might spend much of the day sharing plans with family members and some of them will be about creating changes that make you more comfortable at home. With ruler Venus in charming Gemini, you might easily persuade anyone into trying anything now. Today will be all about being accountable and available to loved ones.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 With Venus in Gemini, this will be a very good day to show your care and uplift members of your team. If you're up for a board or sports game, round up your pals and expect to win. Competitive Mars will be in collaborative Libra in your house of pleasure, meaning you'll have lots of fun. Wage a tiny bet, if you can. You're so highly favored now, even a scratch-off card might be a winner.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Expect a little upset today. The moon will be in peacemaker Libra, your domestic sector, but it will be at odds to Uranus in your professional arena. Work-related stress might spill into your personal life. Another concern is that the moon will pass over impulsive Mars and demanding Saturn right after it forms a harsh aspect to Pluto in your house of partners. You may have to act like a Zen master to get through this day.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Your ruler, the Sun, will be in harsh aspect to Venus today. You may feel insecure about your looks or uncertain of your friends, but if you focus on the small stuff, you'll miss out on the fun. The Sun and Mercury meeting in Leo will offer major charisma, the kind that everyone wishes they had. Today should be all about you, trusting yourself and making plans to do something fabulous in the near future.
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SAIL unveils Rs.62,000-cr expansion plan
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) proposes to increase the capacity of hot metal from 13.8 million tonnes per annum to 23.4 million tonnes by the end of 2013, according to its Chairman C. S. Verma.
Talking to The Hindu here on Friday, he said SAIL had embarked on a Rs.62,000 crore expansion and modernisation plan and orders worth Rs.57,000 crore were placed in this regard. Against this, an expenditure of Rs.38,000 crore was already incurred. The capital expenditure proposed to be incurred by SAIL during the XII Plan was Rs.45,000 crore as compared to Rs.40,321 crore in the previous Plan.
He said an amount of Rs.12,000 crore had been earmarked for modernisation this year. Salem plant’s expansion had already been completed and some of the major facilities in Rourkela would be ready in the near future. The coke oven battery and the largest blast furnace in the country would be operational in the Rourkela plant by November. The steel rolling mill at Bokaro steel plant, which had a trial run, would begin commercial production before the end of this financial year.
He said SAIL would soon come out with an expression of interest (EoI) for outsourcing operations and maintenance of a few coke oven batteries.
It proposed to set up a 10 million tonne capacity pelletisation plant and half of it would be through a joint venture or BOO (build, own and operate) basis.
He said the scenario for the steel industry in the country was not that gloomy in spite of the global economic slowdown and it was comfortably placed to meet the demand. Pointing out that steel companies were expanding their capacities, he said about 10-15 million tonnes of capacity was expected to be added this year.
Mr. Verma, who is also the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NMDC, said NMDC was planning to acquire overseas mines in Russia, Latin America and Africa. It had recently acquired 50 per cent stake in an Australian iron ore mine, Legacy.
He said NMDC proposed to double its capital expenditure from Rs.1,534 crore in the XI Plan to Rs.30,072 crore in the current Plan period. Such a big “leap in capital expenditure” coupled with expansion in mining capacity, setting up of steel plants and acquisition of mining assets overseas, would put NMDC in a “different orbit”, he added. He said the capacity of NMDC mines was 32 million tonnes per annum and plans were afoot to increase the same to 42 million tonnes in the next three to four years and to 50 million tonnes by 2020.
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Here's why you should snack
While going on an eating binge by snacking on unhealthy foods will only lead to an expanding waistline, having healthy snacks during the day will keep you fit — mentally and physically. Here's how...
- If you find long gaps of time between your meals, it's time to include a few snacks in your diet. Snacking will keep your hunger levels to a minimum and also won't let your body feel like you're depriving it of food.
- Healthy snacks are great for controlling blood sugar levels especially in people who have problems in maintaining them. Snacking improves blood sugar control by providing a ready stream of carbohydrates.
- By supplying your body regularly with snacks throughout the day, you also give your body an energy boost and help you maintain your weight. Since you automatically eat lesser during regular meal times because of smaller snacks during the day, you will help your metabolism, and digest food faster.
- By opting for healthier options like fruits, salads, yogurt, health and whole wheat grains instead of junk food like fries, chips or calorie laden cookies, you stock your body with a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients. Not only are they great sources of energy, but also provide fibre that helps cleanse the body.
- In children, healthy snacking increases and builds their immune systems. While not all kids will be enthusiastic in having juices, fresh fruits, salads, nuts, curd and cheese, make it a habit early on so that they're used to the snacks. French fries, candy bars and cookies are high in fats and sodium and can drain out your child.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
It's perfectly clear that, with ruler Mercury stashed away in your twelfth house of retreat and retrograde to boot, you are too busy to pick up the phone or reply to emails. Send out a simply message that you're working on something big, instead of trying to explain details. Later this week, Mercury will meet with Mars in your money making house and you'll be in a good position to reveal your plans to everyone.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today you may decide to begin a new action plan. You just can't go too far in this economy, unless you're willing to embrace innovation. With Mars in Libra, partnering up with established Saturn, this might be a day when you want to break free from the pack and make your mark. Can't afford to hire employees? Reel in some apprentices to help you. They will be thrilled to be a part of your new start up.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 If you are feeling a little emotional today, blame it on a moody moon meeting with ruler Mars in your house of sensitivity. Once you walk out the door, you may want to avoid sharing your true feelings. You won't want everyone to know how upset you can become over trivial matters. With the Sun in your public sector, it will be best if you show your strength instead of your weakness today.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
True to your sign you're not one to sweat the small stuff or worry much about how things will work out. Today you'll be tempted to go with the flow, instead of resorting to micro-management, and rightly so. Jupiter and Venus, in your partnership sector, will make today all smooth sailing. If you come across a challenge you can't figure out by yourself, it will be easy to find someone that can.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 There might not be a better day to call a meeting with potential backers or to present professional goals and ideas. The Sun will be shinning bright in your house of other people's money, while Saturn and Mars take center stage in your career arena. You'll be impressive today in what ever you do. If you don't have plans, you may find someone planning a surprise for you. Even a promotion might be in the cards.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Today you'll face a major money decision. There are so many things your heart desires, but you can only afford so much. Do you buy a new car, save your money for a rainy day, or spurge on a family vacation? Take advantage of the reliable Sun in your house of partners before you decide. There's a good chance someone close will talk you out of acting on impulse and help you make the perfect decision. .
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
With both the Sun and Mercury cruising through your work house, you'll be like a well-oiled machine. There's a place for everything and everything's in its place. Still, it's good to switch things around every once in awhile to bring in new energy. Today will be the day to bring something beautiful into your home or office space. A kitchen appliance or fresh cut flowers would be perfect, though anything that puts a smile on your face will do.
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Moral Story
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SMS
If you talk or say something
after you think about it
this is not a success.
If you think and talk or say something
this is you success of your life.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
“Good relationships are like trees
They demand attention & care in the beginning
but once they blossoms
they provide U shade in all situations of life ”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
What is success?
In 1988 Tendulkar failed in english in 10th std!!
But in 2010 10th std english
1st lesson is about TENDULKAR!!!
” That’s success.”.
Two children are talking.
A: Meet my new born brother.
B: Oh, he is so handsome! What's his name?
A: I don't know. I can't understand a word he says."
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Keeping students on the right track
Opening up of novel career avenues and the rapidly evolving job market have left today’s youngsters with a multitude of options before them. But proper guidance is required to pick up the right course after school and make informed career choices.
While interactive sessions by experts from various fields and awareness programmes focussing on career opportunities are being conducted at various private and Government schools, a few of the schools have opted for career guidance programmes with structured modules.
Principal of Yuva Bharathi Public School Geetha Jayachandran said the school provided career guidance programmes offered by a private education company. “It is important to make students aware of various courses and careers opportunities available as new options sprouted up every now and then.”
According to Ms. Geetha, the programme familiarises students with career opportunities, requirements for a particular job and how the industry works. Exercises to identify the students’ strengths and weaknesses and methods to improve their skill set are included in the programme. “One may be interested in a particular field, but the nature of the job many not suit him/her. If the job demanded a lot of travelling, it may not be the right choice for people who are not fond of travelling even if they are interested in that field,” she said.
“As many as 4,000 students, including 1,500 students in classes IX-XII in four schools in Erode, Tirupur and Coimbatore are attending Pathways career guidance programme offered by us. The programme introduces students to the world of work while helping them identify their aptitude and skills to choose the right job opportunities,” said director of Thinking Palm Vikram Ramakrishnan.
According to him, sessions with facilitators at schools as well as e-learning sessions are part of the programme. Self-study materials based on the students’ interests are also provided.
The programme first introduced students to various fields and helped them shortlist work sectors of their interest. Then the focus was on the courses they should peruse and the skills they should develop to get there as well as to evaluate their aptitude in that field. After this, the students were provided assistance in focussing on an individual career, setting a goal and then choosing the right institutes, Mr. Vikram said.
Athishay Kiran, a class XII student of Yuva Bharathi Public School, who had been attending the programme from last year, said it kindled in him an interest in nanotechnology and an idea about various career opportunities in that field. Another student Haswath said he was drawn to the field of stock market while Riya Daniel said it helped her understand her own interests and talent.
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Yogeshwar’s village wears festive look
Amid thousands of brick-walled rickety houses, Yogeshwar Dutt’s palatial bungalow in the little known Bainswal Kalan village, 20km away from Sonepat in Haryana, stands proudly like a monument.
In fact, since Saturday night, the neatly done three-storey house, prominently featuring the five Olympic rings, has attained the status of a landmark after Yogeshwar’s 66kg freestyle bronze medal winning feat in the London Games.
The building is symbolic of Yogeshwar’s uniqueness in the village which houses nearly 10,000 people.
Ask anyone in any corner of the village and he will guide you to Yogeshwar’s house through the narrow and swirling lanes. “He became popular after winning the Asian Games bronze medal in 2006. After his Commonwealth Games gold, he has become a household name here,” said Ajay Sharma, in his early 20s.
When you reach Yogeshwar’s house, his younger brother Mukesh and mother Sushila Devi welcome you warmly. Attending to the crew of all the television channels and thousands of well-wishers has not tired them yet.
Members of the household have been experiencing festive atmosphere since the time Yogeshwar bagged the medal in front of thousands of fellow villagers, thanks to a LCD television placed outside the house. Performance by a DJ spiced up the otherwise dull nightlife of the village.
Mukesh, a lecturer in Physical Education, was constantly busy thanking people on his mobile phone or giving interviews to reporters. “It is a proud moment for us – for the whole village, for the whole country. It’s a dream come true,” he said.
Yogeshwar had won his first major international medal (the Asiad bronze in Doha) just three days after his father’s death. Today, in the moment of glory, the family remembered him.
“It would have been different had my father been alive. He would have been over the moon,” said Mukesh, who vowed to develop his three-month-old son into a wrestler.
Sushila reminisced how she and her husband, both teachers, had dissuaded Yogeshwar from taking up wrestling. “But as a child he was very keen about wrestling. And today he has proved himself. His strong will power has taken him through,” said Sushila, after celebrating her son’s victory by participating in ‘sangeet’ and dance sessions in the company of other women from the village.
“He always believed in hard work and his sacrifice has paid off. It is a dream come true for me too,” said Sushila, “Now I will put pressure on Yogeshwar to get married.”
Sushila profusely thanked the Mittal Champions Trust (MCT) for supporting Yogeshwar when he was down with a career-threatening knee injury. “He was depressed at times. But he had the will to get over it. The (MCT) help was very beneficial for him.”
Master Satbir Singh, who taught Yogeshwar the early lessons in wrestling at the village akhara, underlined his ward’s dedication and dilgence. “When, in 1990, he came to me as a seven-year-old kid, I used to tell him, ‘You are too young. Do not train so hard. But he was amazingly focussed. I was hardly surprised when he showed results within a year.”
Sixty-one-year-old Satbir, also a popular Haryanvi folk singer, paid tribute to Yogeshwar. “He is very obedient. Even today he stays in touch with me. He is very kind and caring too. Once, after getting a cash award of Rs 25 lakh from the Haryana government, he donated some part of that money for the tsunami victims. He does some charities on a regular basis.”
Unknowingly, the large-hearted Yogeshwar has done a world of good to the sport in his area. “After his Commonwealth Games gold, one has witnessed a rise in craze for wrestling. Now, I am sure, it will increase further,” noted Jagbir Malik, the district sports officer of Sonepat.
Since Yogeshwar has earned fame for his non-descript village, the villagers of Bainswal Kalan are preparing to travel to Delhi and accord a befitting welcome to the most illustrious son of the soil when he arrives from London.
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Ek Tha Tiger
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Ek Tha Tiger
Movie Name : Ek Tha Tiger
Release Date : August 15, 2012
Genre : Thriller, Romance
Producer : Aditya Chopra
Director : Kabir Khan
Music Director : Pritam
Cast : Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad.
Synopsis:
In the dark world of intelligence and espionage...all information is guarded in the name of national security...But some stories escape the fiercely guarded classified files...stories that become legends.
This is one such story...a story that shook the very foundation of this dark world.
In a government employees' neighbourhood in New Delhi, there lived a rugged, handsome and mysterious bachelor about whom his neighbours knew nothing.
That was because he was India's top spy, an officer with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence agency. This man was known even in official corridors as TIGER (Salman Khan).
Tiger is sent on a relatively easy and safe mission to Dublin, Ireland to observe a scientist of Indian origin who is suspected of sharing his research findings with the Pakistan defence establishment. Tiger attempts to meet the scientist but it is not successful. He tries to befriend the scientist's part time home caretaker, Zoya (Katrina Kaif). As Tiger begins to get closer to Zoya...he begins to discover his human side.
For the first time in his life Tiger falls in love....
What follows is a tumultuous journey that Tiger and Zoya embark upon, battling the dark world of intelligence and espionage that forbids its soldiers from falling in love...
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Learn and Earn
Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company
together just after graduation. Both worked
very hard.
After several years, the boss promoted Jing to
sales executive but Chuan remained a sales
rep.
One day Chuan could not take it anymore,
tender resignation to the boss and complained
the boss did not value hard working staff, but
only promoted those who flattered him.
The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard
for the years, but in order to help Chuan
realize the difference between him and Jing,
the boss asked Chuan to do the following.
Go
and find out anyone selling water melon in the
market? Chuan returned and said yes. The
boss asked how much per kg? Chuan went
back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.
Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same
question? Jing went, returned and said, boss,
only one person selling water melon. $12 per
kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340
melons.
On the table 58 melons, every melon
weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South
two days ago, they are fresh and red, good
quality.
Chuan was very impressed and realized the
difference between himself and Jing. He
decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.
My dear friends, a more successful person is
more observant, think more and understand in
depth. For the same matter, a more successful
person sees several years ahead, while you
see only tomorrow.
The difference between a
year and a day is 365 times, how could you
win?
Think! how far have you seen ahead in your
life? How thoughtful in depth are you?
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“Its better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and despair....!”
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