“Discussion is an exchange of knowledge, argument is an exchange of ignorance....!.”    VBA's Positive News Britain heading for rebound from recession Most economists agree that the 2012 Olympics will help thrust Britain out of recession, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday. The UK economy should grow again this quarter by a hefty 0.7 per cent, the same amount it likely contracted by in the second quarter, according to the poll of more than 60 economists. Stephen Lewis, chief economist of Monument Securities, argues the Games were probably a secondary factor behind any rebound for Britain's economy. He thinks it probably will have to do with no lost working days during the quarter.      Scottish unemployment drops again Unemployment in Scotland has fallen for the fifth time in a row. The number of jobless fell by 5,000 to 214,000 between April and June, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, said: 'The Scottish labour market is proving resilient and it is good news more people are finding work and fewer Scots are claiming benefit.     .     Australian court approves tobacco pack logo ban Australia called on the world to match its tough new anti-tobacco marketing laws that will ban logos on cigarette packs, after its highest court on Wednesday dismissed a challenge from global manufacturers. The decision means that from 1 December, cigarettes and tobacco products must be sold in plain olive green packets with graphic health warnings. The laws are in line with World Health Organization recommendations and are being watched closely by countries including Britain, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, and India, which are considering similar measures to help fight smoking. US: Johnson & Johnson to remove harmful chemicals from adult products by 2015 - New York Times reports Johnson & Johnson announced plans to eliminate several harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from its line of consumer products meant for adults by the end of 2015, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. The latest move comes after the company said in November it was phasing out formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from its baby products. The diversified healthcare company is extending the programme to include well-known drugstore brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Clean & Clear, the paper said.       Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + UPA colluding with pvt firms to loot natural wealth: CPM          Coimbatore: The CAG report on the loss to the tune of Rs 1.86 lakh crore to government by nominating coal blocks is a clear case that UPA government was colluding with private firms to loot natural resources in the country, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said on Friday. By nominating the coal blocks, instead of bidding, the government has favoured big corporates like Tatas, Birlas and Jindals, who were making money at the Government's expense, which was a clear loot of natural resources belonging to the people, Karat alleged at a public meeting on Friday night. There should be a thorough investigation into the entire episode and the guilty should be punished and put behind bars in Tihar Jail, he said. Karat also came down heavily on the privatisation of Delhi Airport, by which a passenger was made to pay Rs 250 in additional charges, resulting in the firm making a huge amount of Rs 3,600 crore. However, the government was not interested in protecting the interests of farmers and reduced the subsidy on fertilisers, by which the prices have shot up in recent months, hitting hard the poor and marginal farmers, he said. The party has decided to hold nationwide protests seeking passage of Food Security Bill and also regularisation of contract and casual labour system.  Astrology 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.                   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.                  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.                              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.                               BUSINESS+VE                                                                              PM advisory panel pitches for bold reforms      The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), on Friday, projected a higher than hitherto anticipated growth rate of 6.7 per cent for the current fiscal year and pitched for implementation of a slew of bold reforms aimed at containing the twin deficits on the fiscal and the current account front and return to the path of fiscal consolidation by trimming the oil and fertilizer subsidy bills, opening up of FDI in multi-brand retail and unveiling of predictable tax policies. In its ‘Economic Outlook 2012-13’ submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier during the day, the PMEAC headed by C. Rangarajan asserted that it would be definite signs of improvement in the fiscal situation that could dissuade global agencies from cutting India's sovereign rating. Briefing the media on the issue while releasing the document, Dr. Rangarajan said: “If we show definite signs of improvement in both these areas [fiscal deficit and current account deficit], the rating agencies will have to take that into account…We must chalk out a new path of fiscal consolidation so that we can reduce the fiscal deficit. The CAD is also at a high level, so we need to address that also. What is really needed is to show that we are moving towards the path of fiscal consolidation and containing CAD.” The alert by the PMEAC is for real as global rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Fitch had held out a warning on a ratings downgrade to speculative grade — or junk status — citing policy inaction and fiscal imbalance, among other things. Achieving these call for an upward revision in diesel and LPG prices in phases along with rationalisation of fertiliser subsidies. Farm sector growth In view of the deficient monsoon, the Council has projected a pull-down in farm sector growth to a mere 0.5 per cent which, in turn, is certain to put further pressure on inflation. In the event, the inflation level during the fiscal year has been pegged at 6.5-7 per cent. Given the current scenario, the “economy is expected to grow a shade better at 6.7 per cent in 2012-13,” the PMEAC Chairman said, which appears to be in line with what the Prime Minister announced on August 15 about the GDP growth rate being a “little better” than the 6.5 per cent in 20011-12. In any case, PMEAC's growth projection for the current fiscal is higher than that estimated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other entities. While the apex bank lowered its GDP forecast to 6.5 per cent from 7.3 per cent estimated earlier, Moody's and Crisil pegged it much lower at 5.5 per cent. Negative global environment Dr. Rangarajan maintained that to accelerate growth and deal with the impact of the negative global environment, the government will have to provide a boost in investment in infrastructure, allow foreign airlines to pick up stake in domestic carriers and allow at least 49 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail so as to contain the fiscal and current account deficit. “For channelising transfer of capital and technology, FDI in multi-brand retail up to 49 per cent may be allowed to attract investment in this sector...,” Dr. Rangarajan said. Besides, there is a need to bring about predictability in taxation regime, Dr. Rangarajan said while pointing out that efforts have to be made to address investor concerns. HEALTH+VE                                                              Top 10 quirky food facts   Do you know what makes up Worcestershire sauce? Do you know what's different about Tibetan tea? Did you know that a banana tree is not a tree? We have given you foods that are beneficial to your health; we now present 10 quirky facts about food that you did not know. From Hippo soup to coconut water, let the countdown begin. Peanuts: We love peanuts as much as monkeys do. Add some salt and masala, and you have chakna or an accompaniment with alcohol. But did you know that peanuts were used to help make bombs? When peanut oil is processed, you get glycerol that is made into nitroglycerin a constitute in dynamite. But times have changed and before you head to the kitchen to make your own explosives, you should know that peanut oil is rarely used in dynamite anymore. Worcestershire sauce: A great ingredient for Chinese or Mandarin food, there's something fishy about this sauce. Did you know what's in this sauce? Here's a clue - vegetarians might not like this. Worcestershire sauce is made of anchovies, a particular kind of fish that is available in England. The sauce is prepared by taking these fish, and soaking them in vinegar till all the bones dissolve. Bon Appetite! Butter tea: This is for all the tea lovers here and we hope you will still love tea after reading this. For the adventurous, Tibetian tea is a must try. You need an empty road to dry Chinese tea that is boiled for half a day and churned with a bamboo with salt, soda and rancid butter. Tibetians even love to add flour and tsu to it, a mixture of hardened cheese, butter and sugar. Bananarama: Indians are more open to experimenting with herbs, but did you know that we have been eating this herb for a very long time? The banana tree is actually a herb; if you have checked out the 'tree', it does not have a wooden trunk, the plant dies and like a phoenix is reborn. Banana is the fruit of this herb. Apples, Onions, Potatoes: What do they have in common? Nothing you may say, but close your nose and then taste them, they will all taste alike. Crazy, right? Try it - block your nose and taste them one at a time. The textures are the same, hence you will not know what you have eaten till you breathe again. Soupy waters: Clear chicken soup is the most popular soup known to mankind, but was it the first soup known to mankind? Well, no, the leathery mammal, the hippopotamus was the main ingredient used in the first soup. Coconut water: Caution - follow this only in an emergency. Apparently, it is believed that coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma. The sterile water contains appropriate levels of pH, as it surround the embryo and provides nutrition. Purple carrots: What is the colour of carrots? Orange or purple? Against popular belief, carrots were traditionally purple. This is what happened - the Dutch took strains of purple, white and yellow carrots, and developed them into plump and sweet orange carrots. Hairy scary: This is not very appetising, but your food can legally contain a certain amount of rodent hair, molds and parasites. Not the thing you want to know, but we just had to share. Radioactive curries: Westerns may find it hard to handle, but if you love spicy food and have it withing limits, it will help you lose weight. Additionally, spices also have other healthy properties; for example, haldi or turmeric is an antiseptic and a natural liver detoxifier.       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.                                     Moral Story     SMS   A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.       LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?        LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.           A guy says to his friend, "Guess how many coins I have in my pocket."   The friends says, "If I guess right, will you give me one of them?"   The first guys says, "If you guess right, I'll give you both of them!"

EDUCATION +VE Project Management Institute gives teachers and students a platform to showcase research           MUMBAI: PMI India Research and Academic Conference 2013 is the second conference of its kind in India. It brings together an audience of scholars from India and abroad, senior practitioners, instructors and students of project management and allied disciplines.   The conference is designed to provide an opportunity for researchers to present and discuss new project management research findings and teaching methods.   Project Management teachers and students can submit papers related to the theory and practice of Project Management in the areas of Information Technology and Software Systems in terms of Construction & Infrastructure, Social and Public systems, Development projects, Organizational projects and other areas that use Project Management principles.   All proffered papers will be evaluated through a double-blind peer review process. For all selected papers, the author will get a chance to present their research at PMI India Research and Academic Conference 2013.      PMI India has launched the Hindi version of the 4th edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).   The Hindi edition will benefit students, professionals and governments across states enabling them to adopt PM standards in projects where language was a barrier earlier. PMI India is engaged in the endeavor of encouraging professionals in various industries to start practicing Project Management as a profession, use A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and several other industry related best practices, achieve relevant credentials and thereby promote the profession of Project Management. PMI India Champion Program is constituted to achieve this objective. To know more details about this program or apply for Champion Program, SPORTS +VE Laxman to announce his retirement plans     It is official. India’s stylish batsman, Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, who scripted many fabulous moments on the field with his willow including that epic 281 not out against Steve Waugh-led Australians in the historic 2001 Test series, has decided to formally announce his retirement from international cricket on Saturday evening at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. The 37-year-old Laxman, who threw enough hints about his retirement plans, is expected to give a detailed response to various questions at the media conference he has scheduled this evening. It will be also known then whether he would be playing in the two-Test series against New Zealand starting on August 23 in Hyderabad or not. The big question remains – will the elegant Hyderabadi just respect the sentiments of his well-wishers that he should play the Tests and then quit the game rather than ahead of the series against New Zealanders itself or not? By all means, it will be the end of an illustrious career spanning 16 years when Mr. Laxman left an indelible impression on not just Indian cricket but the world cricket itself with his classy displays under pressure. “I always take pride when my contribution helps the team win rather than enjoy any personal milestones,” was Laxman’s constant reminder throughout his career. In a way, Laxman’s magnificent career was also symbolic of the fact that if one has the talent and combines that with the desired levels of commitment and hard work, he can go a long way despite coming from a normal middle-class family. Far away 'Down Under', the Aussies should be heaving a sigh of relief at this decision of Laxman. For the genteel Hyderabadi was at his best against them and his wonderful record of six centuries and 12 fifties from 29 Tests is proof of that when he was blazing away to 167 in the Sydney Test (2000) against an attack which included Glen McGrath, Brett Lee, Damien Fleming and Shane Warne, Azhar, who was watching that on TV at Gymkhana Grounds remarked: "This is the way one has to play against them. And I am not surprised with Laxman's batting. Look at his class and authority, great innings." For someone who never had a Godfather except a caring maternal uncle Baba Mohan, who used to visit media offices to give updates on the young gifted cricketer’s performances, Laxman redefined, literally the levels of excellence on a cricket field. Widely perceived as the one who changed the face of Indian cricket itself with that historic knock of 281 against Australians in Kolkata when he pulled the team out of the woods after being forced to follow-on and eventually guide to a memorable victory, Laxman has always been a symbol of dignity – both on and off the field. The fact that he was never involved in any controversies in his long career was perhaps a gentle reminder of Laxman’s nature itself. And, it has been a very tough decision for him to be prepared for the retirement plans too as it was obvious that he felt “deeply hurt” by the comments that he is blocking the youngsters’ chances. Already the Hyderabad cricket Association is planning to install statues of M. Azharuddin and Laxman at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium very soon as a gesture of appreciation of their "outstanding contribution' to cricket. Well, it will be sad that the game itself misses the glitter of this wonderful gem of a batsman, coming from the 'City of Pearls'.     Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Movie Name :   Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi  Release Date :   August 24, 2012 Genre :  Romance, Comedy Producer : Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sunil A Lulla Director :   Bela Sehgal Music Director :  Jeet Ganguly Cast : Boman Irani, Farah Khan.   Synopsis:      Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is an unconventional romantic comedy about a 40-something Parsi couple, played by Boman Irani and Farah Khan. So I expected the music to be fun and light-hearted. And I was definitely not disappointed. Piano, guitar and harmonica lead you into the song Ishq mein tere bina as Shreya Ghosal and KK hum Ram pararara tarara. The expert duo’s smooth rendition of the breezy number makes it the quintessential romantic song. The melody itself is quite average, but hummable. The highlight is the chorus portions sung by KK and Shreya together. Kafir andhere is a typical sad song. But poetic lyrics like Teri yaadon ke rafta rafta, gali gali kona kona phirta hoon lapata make it sound better. KK adds depth with his low range rendition and then ups the ante by slipping into high-pitched singing with great ease. Kukuduku is the most adorable song on this soundtrack. Mohit Chauhan is an apt choice to sing this one and sounds perfect as Boman’s playback voice. Words like gadhera and daffar, add a lot of zest to the track. The use of English words (balloon, percent and others) also make it a fun listen. Amitabh, who is known for quirky lyrics, should be commended for keeping it light this time around.         The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick. " INSPIRING STORY "   Choice in the Face of Adversity   I was the keynote speaker for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania last week. I am always honored and pleased when after hearing me speak, people are compelled to tell me their personal story. It tells me that something about what I said reached their soul or touched their spirit. That is my goal. One man approached me later that evening and shared a picture of his son with me. The young man was holding a huge fish he had caught during the father and son fishing trip they planned every year. He heard me speak about my sons and felt connected, one Dad to another. I went to my room and returned with a copy of my book for him signed with this message: "I am honored that you shared that personal story and photo with me. You caused me to think of my sons and that gives me great joy. You also give me hope for the world. I know we can make a difference one child at a time." His wife attended my breakout session the next day and told me how touched he was. "He hates to read. But he'll read this one." Two perfect strangers lifted each other up by recognizing our sameness. But earlier that day a gentleman from my area of the state told me this story. He spoke of war. He had fought in Germany and spoke about the difficult times. But it wasn't until he heard me speak about turning your adversities around and taking control of situations that are obviously out of your control that he remembered this very personal story. "They say we had defeated this group of German soldiers. Actually they just gave up. I stood off to the side as a handful of our men gathered the Germans in formation. One by one each German soldier was stripped of his personal belongings. Some stood tall and without a struggle had watches, rings, and wallets removed. A few cried and begged to keep their wedding rings and photos, but to no avail. This was war.", he told me in a humble, soft tone. "Suddenly, a German standing close to me turned his head and as if looking around for someone he knew, grabbed my hand and placed his watch in it. I was stunned for a moment. Out of all the American soldiers nearby he chose me.", he continued. Pausing, now looking down at the floor and re-living that moment in his mind, he said, "He took control. Knowing that someone was about to take everything from him, that German soldier chose not to have it stolen but to give it as a gift to someone he selected. Me." We are all aware of the atrocities of that war. But let us never forget the battle fought inside each of the participants. What troubles and pains are you experiencing now that you can reclaim control of, inspite of the obvious negative outcome. I challenge you to do what Robert H. Schuller tells us. "Turn your scars into stars."

“Its better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and despair....!”