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“Brief and powerless is man's life; on him and all his race the slow, sure doom falls pitiless and dark.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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India: Rajasthan to offer houses to urban poor
The Rajasthan cabinet has given approval to the implementation of a housing scheme for urban poor and the establishment of universities in the state. Under the plan, selected below-the-poverty-line families in urban areas will be provided a subsidy to construct houses. Land has also been earmarked to establish universities in the state. Rajasthan is the largest state in India.
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Irish growth outlook improves on stronger exports
Ireland's economy will grow slightly faster than previously thought this year thanks to stronger exports, keeping Dublin on track to meet deficit targets agreed under its EU/IMF bailout, a Reuters poll shows. The poll, released on 8 August, forecast the economy expanded 0.5 per cent in the second quarter on a quarterly basis, bouncing back from a 1.1 per cent contraction in the first quarter although it remains fragile. Ireland's manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace in 15 months in July .
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Mars Science Laboratory - NASA's latest images
The first high-resolution colour mosaic images from NASA's Curiosity rover show the geological environment around the rover's landing site in Gale Crater on Mars. The images show a landscape that closely resembles portions of the southwestern United States in its morphology, adding to the impression gained from the lower-resolution thumbnail mosaic released early in the week.
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South Africa eyes stronger relations with Jamaica
President Jacob Zuma says he would like to see increased volumes of trade and investment between South Africa and Jamaica. 'We are committed to encourage and facilitate South African companies doing business in Jamaica, resulting in the steady growth in trade and investment between our two countries,' said Zuma, who is on a working visit to Jamaica, aimed at solidifying relations. As a first step towards this goal, the two countries envisaged cooperation amongst universities on joint research projects, and student and academic exchange programmes.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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When Manmohan’s space interest took off at SHAR
The deep interest of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in rocketry emerged again on Sunday during the successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21). He posed sharp questions to the former ISRO Chairman, U. R. Rao and the former Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, B.N. Suresh, at the Mission Control Centre at Sriharikota (SHAR) and was delighted that the rocket put French SPOT-6 and Japanese Proiteres satellites in precise orbit.
Dr. Singh arrived at the Mission Control Centre 40 minutes before the lift-off and sat flanked by Professor Rao and Dr. Suresh. Union Minister V. Narayanasamy replaced either of them at times.
The Prime Minister posed a volley of questions at Professor Rao and Dr. Suresh. He was keen on knowing about the events that took place during the 51-hour countdown and the 14-minute automatic launch sequence that preceded the lift-off, the ignition of the rocket’s four stages and their separation, and what happened to the spent stages. Then he suddenly turned round and asked Dr. Suresh: “Why we are going southward for the remote-sensing orbit?”
He keenly watched the curve on the big plot board that showed the nominal (intended) altitude, velocity and flight path of the rocket. An illuminated dot that popped up at intervals on this predetermined path attracted his attention and he wanted to know what it signified.
The former ISRO officials were quick to inform him that as long as the dot “embraced” the path, it meant that the rocket was on course. If the dot moved off the path, it would mean that the rocket had veered off.
“The Prime Minister wanted to know what was happening on the plot board, the green and the red lights that came on there, and the safe-arming [of the rocket] during the pre-launch activities,” Professor Rao said.
Professor Rao explained to him the significance of the remote-sensing satellites travelling from pole to pole and why the communication satellites were put into the equatorial orbit.
Keywords: ISRO, PLSV-C21 launch, Manmohan Singh, PROITERES, SPOT 6, French satellite, Japanese satellite, space mission, SPOT-6, ISRO 100th mission
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Your love life will sizzle and your sweetheart may give you a surprise that literally sweeps you off your feet! At the same time however, you might end up in a fiery debate over shared resources. Try not to allow a clash over money or debt get in the way of what will otherwise be a spectacular day for romance. You might not always agree about how the bills get paid, but your feelings for each other will certainly be in sync.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You might feel a burst of creative energy and will want to spend at least part of the day in solitude at home cultivating it. Unfortunately, you might experience some tension with your partner, who might not be willing to offer you any privacy. He or she might also be in an argumentative mood and if so, will manage to ignite your temper as well. Try to keep things in perspective and if you can, focus on your innovative project.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Today will be a brilliant time for social networking and communications endeavors with friends. If you have any speech or presentation planned, aim for early in the day when the energy will be in your favor. Later on, you might lose this edge in communications and will somehow become embroiled in conflict with a co-worker or colleague. Do your best to avoid a hasty exchange of words you might later regret.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You'll have an extraordinary edge if you showcase one of your innovative talents to a VIP early today. Not only will he or she be thoroughly impressed, you might also open up exciting potential to earn money by utilizing this gift. You may also possible feel some tension with a child or sweetheart later in the day. You might feel as if this person is more of a financial strain than usual since a big ticket expense on his or her end might affect your wallet.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You might feel more wanderlust than usual today, but luckily you'll also find an avenue to express this need for adventure. You might spend time dreaming up your next exotic vacation, or surf the Web for your local university for an adult education class on a topic you've always wanted to learn more about. Although you'll feel excited about the possibilities, a relative might express a lack of support for your latest venture. Don't let it bring you down.
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Infosys acquires Swiss firm Lodestone for Rs.1,925 crore
Infosys, on Monday, announced the acquisition of Zurich-based Lodestone Holding AG, a leading management consultancy firm, for 330 million Swiss francs ($345 million or Rs.1,925 crore), which is expected to strengthen the company’s consulting capabilities.
The Swiss company will bring in more than 200 clients from across several industry segments, including manufacturing, automotive and life sciences, to Infosys’ existing pool of over 700 clients. With this, the combined consulting practise based on the SAP programme, is expected to bring in revenues of more than $1 billion.
For the acquisition process that is expected to be completed by October this year, Infosys will pay two-thirds of the amount immediately while the rest is to be paid after three years. Lodestone, which reported revenue of 200 million Swiss francs in 2011, derives 50 per cent of its revenues from Switzerland, and 23 per cent from Germany.
Announcing the acquisition at Infosys headquarters here, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director S. D. Shibulal said that the move “strengthens the company’s capabilities in Europe, and is in line with the Infosys 3.0 strategy.” Terming the acquisition as “strategic,” he said: “Only 10 per cent of our revenues now come from Europe, and we expect the share of revenue from Continental Europe to increase.”
The acquisition, he pointed out, would expand Infosys’ consulting and systems-integration business. At present, these businesses contribute 31 per cent of Infosys’ revenues. “We have been highlighting that the future is in combining consultancy services and IT assets to the clients, and this is the only way to create high quality growth. The acquisition is also aimed at balancing our portfolio.” Asked about the relatively “small size” of acquisition, he said: “we are comfortable making acquisitions that are up to 10 per cent of our revenues.” “Acquisition is not the only way,” he said.
Infosys Chief Financial Officer V. Balakrishnan termed the acquisition as “a small step for Infosys, and a great leap for the Indian IT industry.” “For every dollar earned through consulting, we expect to earn two to three dollars in overall business,” he said. Mr. Balakrishnan said Infosys was investing in Europe at a time when the continent was going through turmoil, which demonstrated the company’s commitment to the area’s long-term potential. “We are investing in the worst of times, but this is going to be a game changer. This is the first step to achieve Infosys 3.0 goal, and we are taking a series of steps to ensure high quality services,” he added.
Mr. Balakrishnan said that the company’s guidance for the current quarter remained unchanged because the acquisition process was to be completed only by October. Lodestone Chairman and CEO Ronald Hafner, via a tele-conference from Germany, said: “This is a strategic and cultural fit, and we have found partners (Infosys), who will fulfil our needs.” Among the clients, who would come to Infosys, included BMW, he added.
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Grapes good for men's heart health
Consuming grapes may help protect heart health in people with metabolic syndrome, a new study has revealed.
Researchers observed a reduction in key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic syndrome: reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and reduced inflammation. Natural components found in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.
The randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, led by principal investigator Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez and Jacqueline Barona, a PhD student in Dr. Fernandez' lab at the Department of Nutritional Sciences of the University of Connecticut, recruited men between 30 and 70 years of age with metabolic syndrome.
The study is believed to be the first to look at the impact of grapes on metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together - increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist or low HDL (the good cholesterol) and increased blood triglycerides - significantly increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is a major public health concern, and is on the rise in the U.S.
In this study, participants were randomly assigned to consume grapes, in the form of a freeze-dried whole grape powder, or a placebo powder, for four weeks.
Then, following a 3-week "washout" period where neither grapes nor placebo were consumed, individuals were allocated to the alternate treatment.
This powerful study design allowed investigators to compare the response of each individual to consumption of both the placebo and grapes.
The study results showed that for each of the study's subjects, grape consumption resulted in significant decreases in blood pressure, improved blood flow (greater vasodilation), and decreases in a compound associated with inflammation.
"These results suggest that consuming grapes can improve important risk factors associated with heart disease, in a population that is already at higher risk," Fernandez said.
"This further supports the accumulating evidence that grapes can positively influence heart health, and extends it to men with metabolic syndrome," Fernandez added.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
The urge to spend more time alone will be strong. If possible, schedule a few hours where you can rest and rejuvenate without distraction. Today will also be a great time to do research on an investment opportunity since you'll likely come up with an exceptionally helpful tidbit. In addition, avoid any conversation with a sibling or cousin you feel may lead to an argument. You might lack patience to speak to this person and if so, put off the conversation until tomorrow.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Make the most of any opportunity to develop social contacts this week. A friend may introduce you to someone who might become a new client, business partner, or other important alliance for you. At the same time, today might not be the best day to move forward in any type of financial collaboration with a pal or a group you belong to. There might be a disagreement about how to allocate funds.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 If you're working on a team project with colleagues, it's likely that you'll come up with an innovative approach to further the success of your joint endeavor. In fact, whatever you develop now is certain to impress the boss. The key to making sure this turns into a win will be to refrain from over promoting yourself. Emphasize that this is a collaboration - you'll impress a VIP much more than if you were to take most of the credit.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You'll have a chance for a big day of fun and adventure with a child or sweetheart. You'll enjoy a sport or other recreational activity together and will delight in friendly competition. If you're involved in any international business, you might want to keep discussions under wraps today or at least try to fly below the radar to ensure you don't reveal any major strategy prematurely. Do your best to handle any impatience you may feel connected to the situation.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You might have an incredible stroke of luck if you're hoping to purchase a home or refinance the mortgage on your existing property. Shop around for the best rates since you're likely to score big on the most competitive one! Later in the day you might feel tension with a friend, especially if you know this person is making a rash decision about his or her finances. You'll try to help but your pal might not appreciate your input. Tread lightly.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Today will be a good time to sign a contract or make a sudden new alliance in business or your personal life. You might also have an unexpected but positive conversation with your partner about an offbeat topic you both find fascinating. When it comes to authority figures connected to your career, or even a business partner, you might feel that pressure is mounting. A minor quarrel can turn into a major headache if you're not careful.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Today might be a fabulous day to pick up a second job or extra freelance assignment, if you're looking. You'll find an innovative way to add to your income, even if it's a temporary stint. In addition, you might experience a disagreement with a co-worker that will prove distracting. You may feel as if you're in sync when it comes to personal beliefs, and this clash might make it difficult for you to work together. Do your best.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life is all memory except for the one present moment that goes by so quick you can hardly catch it going.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"Distance means so little when someone means so much."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”
A husband visited a marriage counsellor and said, "When we were first married,
I would come home from the office, my wife would bring my
slippers and our cute little dog would run around barking. Now after ten years
it's all different, I come home, the dog brings the slippers and my
wife runs around barking."
"Why complain?" said the counsellor. "You're still getting the same service!"
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Govt to increase coverage of students under INSPIRE awards
NEW DELHI: Enthused by response to its scholarship programme, government on Monday said it plans to increase the number of students covered under the initiative that seeks to encourage them to study science.
"We are planning to increase the number of students covered by the INSPIRE Award scheme from two per school to five," science and technology minister Vayalar Ravi told reporters here.
Ravi, however, said there would be no increase in the budgetary allocation for the initiative.
Currently, under the scheme, two students are eligible from each school during the Five Year Plan period for an INSPIRE Award of Rs 5,000 each for preparing a science project/model.
These awardees who are students from classes VI to X, then participate in a three tier-competition: District, State and National Level.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for the Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme was launched in December 2008 and 6.5 lakh awards have been sanctioned till date.
Meanwhile, the department of science and technology on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for organising the second national-level Exhibition and Project Competitions (NLEPC) under the INSPIRE Award Scheme.
The MoU was signed by DST secretary T Ramasami and ITPO chairperson and managing director Rita Menon in the presence of Ravi.
The NLEPC is being organised by DST at ITPO at Pragati Maidan here from October 21 to 23.
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Murray makes history with first Grand Slam title
Andy Murray rewrote 76 years of British tennis history as he won the first Grand Slam title Monday, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2.
Murray took a huge weight off his shoulders as he became the first British man since Fred Perry to lift the trophy at a major.
The victory came 79 years to the day that Perry won his first Grand Slam in 1933 in the US. Perry won the last major for Britain at the US Championships in 1936.
Murray also broke an eight—match loss streak by his compatriots in Grand Slam finals.
The New York final, delayed a day by rain for a fifth consecutive year due to the lack of a showcase stadium moveable roof, moves Murray up to third in the world behind Roger Federer and Djokovic.
“I don’t know how I did it,” said an exhausted Murray after winning the second—longest men’s final in Open history. The time of four hours, 54 minutes was only a minute less than the all—time longest, when Murray’s coach Ivan Lendl lost to Mats Wilander in the 1988 final.
“It was incredibly tricky conditions. After the third and fourth sets, it was tough mentally.
“Novak is so strong, he fights to the end in every match. I’ve had some long tough matches in the past with Novak, I just managed to get through it.” Murray also thanked new coach Lendl, who came on board in January.
“He was one of the greatest ever to play. He made eight consecutive finals here. It was great to have his support in the tough moments.” Djokovic was defending the title he won in 2011 over Rafael Nadal, with the Serb having won four Grand Slam titles since the start of 2011.
“It wasn’t meant to be,” said Djokovic. I want to congratulate Andy and his team. He absolutely deserves this.
“I tried my best,” said the world number two, behind Federer, who came back from two sets to love down to force a fifth set.
Murray stared with a double break in the final set but lost one of them for 3—1. The Scot, sensing the finishing line, reached 4—2 with a love game sealed with an ace and got an insurance break of his opponent for 5—2.
Olympic champion Murray served out the biggest win of his life a game later, lifting the honours on his second match point on a Djokovic forehand long.
Murray won with 31 winners and eight breaks of serve from 17 chances.
Djokovic got treatment for a groin injury on court prior to the last game as both players were severely tested in windy conditions.
Murray was playing his second New York final in four years after losing the first of his career in 2008 to Federer. He established himself as a bona fide member of the ATP elite, winning six of his last seven matches against top 10 opponents.
The Scot’s victory ended his summer of success after playing the Wimbledon final against Federer and then beating the Swiss three weeks later in the London Olympic gold medal match.
He is the first man to win the top Games medal and the US Open in the same season.
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Barfi!
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Barfi!
Movie Name : Barfi!
Release Date : 14 September 2012
Genre : romantic,Comedy
Producer : Ronnie Screwvala,Siddharth Roy Kapoor
Director : Anurag Basu
Music Director : Pritam
Cast : Ranbir Kapoor,Priyanka Chopra,Ileana D'Cruz,Rupa Ganguly
Synopsis:
His parents named him Murphy, but everyone calls him Barfi! Always ready with a prank up his sleeve, he's quite the charmer, especially with the ladies! In Darjeeling, Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) is the talk of the town. Even though he can neither speak nor listen! His bitter-sweet relationship with two beautiful young ladies, Shruti (Ileana D'cruz) and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra) sets in motion a chain of events that will turn his life upside down! A heart-warming tale of selfless love and about finding happiness in the smallest things in life; that tells you no matter how tough your life may be, "Don't Worry. Be Barfi!"
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Importance of keeping one’s word
We all know that the pandavas left their kingdom for 13 long years for keeping up their word! Well, for Arjuna going away from the bhogas of a king, for the sake of truth, was not new. He did it once well before the aranyavaas. The story goes like this:
The kalyaanam of pandavas with Draupadi was an unusual one. However, it was perfectly according to dharma shastras. Infact Draupadi is one of the greatest pativratas and praised even by Lord Krishna for her Dharma vartana. A few reasons to justify the kalyaanam:
Kunti Devi, the mother of pandavas, who never knew what a lie was, gave her will.
Vyaasa Maharshi, one of the avataar of Lord Vishnu, ordered the kalyaanam to be done.
Lord Shiva, pleased with her tapas, gave a boon to Draupadi to marry the pandavas.
Pandavas, though were five physically, were all amshas of Indra, the King of the Gods. Hence, pandavas were actually one.
Naarada, again an avataar of Lord Vishnu, suggested some rules to be followed by pandavas and Draupadi for living together. This is because, though they were amshas of Gods and Godesses, since they had a human form some addition rules according to dharma shastras needed to be followed. One of the rules was that: Draupadi should spend one year with each of the pandavas and while she was with one of them, no other pandavas should visit the palace where they might be. In case of any breach of their rule, one-year pilgrimage was prescribed by way of penance leaving the kingdom.The pandavas and Draupadi were living happily until one day: a brahmana came running to Arjuna saying that the thieves had stolen his cows. Arjuna wanted to rush with him to catch the thieves but he realised that his bow and arrows were kept in Yudhisthira's palace and he was there in the company of Draupadi. He hesitated for a while, then seeing brahmana's plight he rushed in to Yudhisthira 's palace took his bow and arrows and ran to catch the thieves. After he caught the thieves and punished them, after restoring the cows of the brahmana, Arjuna came back to Yudhisthira and told him about his transgression of the rule.
Yudhisthira, knowing the reason of the breach of their rule, said their is no need for Arjuna to take the pilgrimage. Since it is a mistake committed towards him, and that too for a good reason, he will pardon arjuna . However, Arjuna would never break his word. He immediately set out for a one-year pilgrimage. May be this is why Arjuna is such a favourite sakha of Lord Krishna.
Morals in the Story:
The story shows how important it is to keep up ones word, whether it is of any consequence or not, how much ever difficult it is.
Arjuna, knowing that he will be punished for breaching the rule, did not stop doing his duty as a king to protect his people and punish the theif. Thus, one must always perform his duty without any laziness or any kind of fear.
Rewards for such people do show up as immediate difficulties, but in the end – it is truth is what always wins (Satyameva jayate). Arjuna's win was in the way of gaining eternal friendship with the Lord.
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“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. ”
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