|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there..”
| VBA's Positive News |
|
|
Indian foreign minister visits Pakistan amid thaw
India's foreign minister, S M Krishna, landed in Pakistan for talks Friday, the latest sign of a thaw in relations between two countries that have fought three major wars against each other. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, are expected to announce a new visa regime that will make travel easier in both directions. 'A new and liberalized visa agreement has been finalized,' Krishna said in an interview published Friday in Pakistan's The Express Tribune. 'It seeks to introduce or considerably improve visa facilities for tourists, businessmen, elderly, and those wishing to visit their relations and friends.'
|
UK: Fastest production rise since 1987 signals recession end
British industrial output grew at its fastest pace in 25 years in July, making up all the ground lost due to an extra public holiday in June and raising the chances that the economy is crawling out of recession. The economy is likely to show some growth in the third quarter thanks to the rebound in production and sales of tickets for the London Olympics and Paralympics, which may add 0.2 percentage points to growth in the third quarter. Manufacturing output jumped 3.2 per cent in the month of July after a drop of 2.9 per cent in June, when an extra holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne hit output, the Office for National Statistics said. This was the strongest rise since July 2002 and above even the most optimistic economists' forecast.
|
India: Cigarette giant ITC makes a healthy choice
India's biggest cigarette maker is going on a health kick. As India follows the rest of the world in adopting anti-smoking regulations, the company's core tobacco business is getting squeezed and it is venturing into dairy products, drinks, and perhaps even healthy breakfast foods to try to expand its money-losing consumer products business. 'Indians are turning health-conscious in their food choices, so health and nutrition will be a very strong focus area for us in the coming years,' Chitranjan Dar, chief executive of ITC Foods, told Reuters in a phone interview.
|
US: Stocks soar after ECB unveils bond buying effort
The last time the stock market was this high, the Great Recession was turning a month old, and stocks were headed for a headlong descent. But on Thursday, the market moved swiftly in the other direction. The Standard & Poor's 500 index soared to its highest level since January 2008 in a rally that seemed destined to mark a milestone: American stocks have come almost all the way back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video of the Day:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Round-Up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manmohan: FDI has nothing to do with U.S.
Unfazed by the uproar over FDI in retail and other tough decisions, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday indicated that the government may continue with the reforms process and expressed willingness to discuss issues with allies.
“We will do what is good for the country... reforms are not one-off process,” he said.
The Prime Minister was responding to questions on demands for rollback of decisions on FDI in multi-brand retail, diesel price hike and cap on subsidised LPG cylinders by the opposition.
When asked to respond to reservations expressed by allies that the recent decisions could hurt their electoral prospects, Dr. Singh said the issue could be discussed. “We are far away from elections.”
Dr. Singh was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of new Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
During the week, the UPA coordination committee had discussed the issue of FDI in multi-brand retail and other decisions.
When his attention was drawn to allegations by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s that FDI was aimed at pleasing the U.S., he responded saying, “What has the U.S. got to do with this. We are not a country to be dictated by others.”
Asked about attacks on him by Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, who recently walked out of the UPA, he said, “I am not bitter about anything.”
On the Supreme Court’s opinion on the issue of auction of natural resources, the Prime Minister said, “We honour the judgement.”
|
|
|
Astrology
|
|
Aries March 21 to April 19
You are a naturally impulsive go-getter type, but that impulsivity has been amplified by the full harvest moon still in Aries. Others may not take so kindly to this impulsivity, and you may not take so kindly to your sensitivities being rattled. Be mindful of your behaviors, as your career may be most influenced by your actions today.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Taurus relies greatly upon the senses, and your sixth sense will be ultra-heightened under this full moon energy. If an uncomfortable insight surprises you, allow it to settle before taking any further actions that may shift your daily routines or make you sensitive to feeling rundown. Venus, your ruling planet, will move into fellow earth sign Virgo on Wednesday, supporting any creative endeavor you wish to pursue. There may be a romance on the horizon.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may get news from or about a friend that will surprise you and may deeply change how you choose to interact with this friend in the future. Remember to give attention to yourself, as you're a beautiful being full of worth and value. Mercury, your ruling planet, has been dutiful and serious lately, and you may find your thinking and communications have been similar.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Your sensitivities will still run high from the full moon, where sudden information may have come to light in your career that you just weren't expecting. You have a hard shell and can handle the rising and falling tides better than most. Home is where the heart is, especially for you, so remember to nurture home, family, and especially yourself. By next week, things will feel more settled for you, and you may see a new way to bring your imagination into reality through creativity.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 The news from the full moon of September 29 may still be influencing change in how you handle your daily business, especially with co-workers. The light of the Sun, your ruling planet, will shine on your communication style, so writing will be important for you now. The full moon may reveal a publishing opportunity that changes the entire way you approach your days.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TVS Motor hits market with the Phoenix 125
Looking to make a come-back in the executive segment and regain its market share in the two-wheeler industry, TVS Motor Company launched its second 125-cc motorcycle here on Friday.
Dubbed the ‘Phoenix’, the company is hoping to make up for lost time, as its last attempt at the segment (the ‘Flame’) didn’t take off too well, with TVS losing out to Honda, Hero Motor Corporation and Bajaj Auto.
“This is an important step in increasing our presence in the executive segment, which accounts for 40 per cent of the market. We have been completely absent in the Rs. 50,000 – Rs.60,000 range.
With this launch, we hope to remedy that and make an impact,” said Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, adding that the executive segment was estimated at 1.6 lakh units.
“I think it speaks for itself that our market share is coming from just 60 per cent of the market, the entry and high-level segments, and the Phoenix will help us get past the sag in our market share,” he added.
The 125-cc segment at this point is seeing tough competition, especially from the Hero’s ‘Passion’, Honda’s ‘Shine’ and Bajaj’s ‘Discover’.
The TVS Phoenix is priced at Rs. 53,000 ex-showroom, with its engine being used as one of the two major platforms for all vehicles in the future. The company claims that the Phoenix has a mileage of 67kmpl, under standard testing conditions.
According to Mr. Srinivasan, the company would have a product launch every quarter, with the re-booted ‘Victor’ coming out next August.
“We might have had a few missteps, but we are now looking at four more product launches by the end of 2013. The new Victor will go into production in June and be rolled out nine months from now. This will also include at least two new scooters in the next one year,” he said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
An apple peel a day keeps fat away
Ursolic acid - a waxy substance found in apple peel - increases muscle and brown fat in mice that are on a high-fat diet.
These mice burn more calories and have reduced obesity levels, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease than the mice that do not receive the supplement. Researhers believe that this might be helpful in reducing obesity.
Until quite recently, researchers believed that only infants had brown fat, which then disappeared during childhood. However, improved imaging techniques have shown that adults do retain a very small amount of the substance mostly in the neck and between the shoulder blades. Some studies have linked increased levels of brown fat with lower levels of obesity and healthier levels of blood sugar and blood lipid, leading to the suggestion that brown fat may be helpful in preventing obesity and diabetes.
Obesity and its associated problems such as diabetes and fatty liver disease are increasingly common global health concerns. A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects.
The findings suggest that the substance known as ursolic acid reduces obesity and its associated health problems by increasing the amount of muscle and brown fat, two tissues recognised for their calorie-burning properties.
"From previous work, we knew that ursolic acid increases muscle mass and strength in healthy mice, which is important because it might suggest a potential therapy for muscle wasting,"
Adams says. "In this study, we tested ursolic acid in mice on a high-fat diet - a mouse model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Once again, ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle. Interestingly, it also reduced obesity, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease.
"Since muscle is very good at burning calories, the increased muscle in ursolic acid-treated mice may be sufficient to explain how ursolic acid reduces obesity. However, we were surprised to find that ursolic acid also increased brown fat, a fantastic calorie burner. This increase in brown fat may also help protect against obesity."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Whatever the secret suddenly revealed by the full moon, it likely altered the ongoing analysis you've been considering. If this has been disappointing, give yourself a few days to mentally rest and recharge before Mercury, your ruling planet, moves into the deep waters of Scorpio on Friday. You'll have an opportunity to dive deep in your thoughts, so keep a journal and pen near, as getting your thoughts on paper will help you open yourself to less worry and more internal power.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You will still be under the influence of the September 29 full moon that brought unexpected news concerning a romantic or business partner. Deep transformative changes are now in motion and may have you turning the house inside out. Don't forget to give time and energy to your desired career to balance out the intensities elsewhere. Talking and sharing with your friends may bring some needed pleasure. Daydreaming of your hopes and dreams for your future may be a beneficial escape for you today.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 It is an experience with which you are all too familiar, and this past weekend's full moon brought to light some unexpected information around co-workers or health that may have you looking for the deeper meaning. You may find going into a study of philosophical subject matter brings balance to this situation, where you can distribute your focus more evenly. By Friday, you will be able to start to shift into better self-discipline with your physical body and communication style.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
This full harvest moon may have had you in a tizzy over unexpected news that came to full light from a child or a romantic partner that may really change the future of the relationship. You may have a creative project that has taken a turn, putting pressure on you to bring in income or find an investor. Look deeply into your core to consider where you may merge with another's resources to bring balance to this experience.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You are an achiever and in your recent achievements, something unexpected may be brought into the full light. This may put you in a position of powerful transformation and with the way you express yourself. Remember, as strong as you like to be, a close friend or romantic or business partner may be of great support for you as you make personal and permanent changes in your expression of power. Use your quality communication skills to bring harmony where needed.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 This has been one powerful full moon (September 29) and may bring you surprising news from a neighbor or a relative that could alter your perceptions. There may be sobering news, as something hidden suddenly may be revealed. If you have been working on a writing or publishing project that doesn't get the consideration you had hoped, try to nurture it with rewrites and then resubmit in a few weeks. Travel plans may best be postponed.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
This full moon of September 29 brought to light your finances and debts, allowing you to see where changes and improvements may be made. You may find spending time being creative, playing with your children, or engaging in a leisure activity will be just what you need for a brief escape. Expressing and displaying romantic gestures in the evening may be a good way to balance out anything that felt overwhelming earlier in the day.
|
|
|
|
Moral Story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMS
“Success is sweet: the sweeter if long delayed and attained through manifold struggles and defeats. ”
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
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who
will have sought and found how to serve.”
Patient: Doctor, I have a pain in my eye whenever I drink tea.
Doctor: Take the spoon out of the mug before you drink.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Millia Islamia allows credit transfer in post-graduate courses
NEW DELHI: Jamia Millia Islamia has introduced credit transfer system for its post-graduate courses under which students get to opt for diverse subjects in an flexible academic programme.
The university said in a statement here that the credit transfer system will be implemented across all departments, centres and faculties for post-graduate courses.
"Credit transfer system entails that the students can opt for courses at the post graduate level cutting across disciplines and faculties, which will bring greater diversity and flexibility in academic programmes of the university," the university said.
Thus, Jamia Millia becomes one of the few institutions in the country to have introduced the credit transfer system at post-graduate level.
"For instance, a student doing M.A. in any department of the faculty of humanities and languages can now choose courses in other departments of the faculty of humanities and languages, faculty of social sciences as well as centres for Jawaharlal Nehru studies, Dalit and minorities, peace and conflict resolution, culture, media and governance, and study of comparative religion and civilization," the university said.
"The idea is to promote inter-disciplinary study by giving students a wider choice of subjects. This will enable them not only to acquire holistic knowledge, a better understanding of the social universe around them but also help them evolve as better citizens," it said.
Under the credit transfer system now in force, of the 16 papers that a student has to do during the entire two-year duration of the post-graduate programme, two could be chosen from outside the department.
A student can do only one such course per semester and two during the entire duration of the M.A. programme.
The university proposes to increase the number of such courses from two to four in the future. This would mean that a student can do four out of 16 courses from outside the department where he or she is registered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don't criticise five-bowler theory on basis of one failure: Dhoni
COLOMBO: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni defended his five-bowler theory and the dropping of Virender Sehwag from the playing eleven in their World Twenty20 Super Eights match against Australia, saying that he had adopted the "horses for courses" policy for the game.
Dhoni's five-bowler strategy backfired against Australia as India suffered a nine-wicket defeat but he backed his decision, saying that one failure did not warrant criticism of the combination.
Dhoni instead blamed the untimely spell of rain before Australia's chase as the reason for his side's humiliating loss on Friday. He said his spinners failed to make an impact as they could not grip the ball because of the rain.
"One can't criticise five-bowler strategy just because we have done badly in one match. We had done well against England but today rain became a factor. Once there was rain, the Australians had an option and they used light roller. Once the ball gets wet, it is very difficult for spinners to grip the ball," Dhoni said at the post-match press conference.
The five-bowler theory led to Virender Sehwag being left out of the playing eleven, and asked why the axe had to fall on the swashbuckling opener, Dhoni said it was difficult for him to justify as it was a choice between two players.
"Actually, you have to choose horses for courses and we wanted someone who is good in this format. It's very difficult to justify why it was Sehwag (to be dropped)," he said.
He, however, conceded that a total of 140 was not a big one and batting was not upto the mark.
"At the end of 10 overs, we were 70 for two and suddenly we became 70-odd for five. Then it was question of playing 20 overs as well as putting a defendable target. We were ideally looking at a bigger score," he said.
India will now need to win their Super Eights match against Pakistan tomorrow to stay afloat in the tournament and Dhoni promised to go all out against their arch-rivals as "it could not have got worse".
"We will go out their and express ourselves without thinking too much about the result. Obviously, we can't do worse than what we did against Australia, so we should go out there and play freely. Since we have to win two matches, we have no room for complacency," he said.
Asked about the playing combination against Pakistan, Dhoni said, "We have to look at conditions and opposition before deciding on the XI. Obviously we have to take rain into account from now on. Ab toh lagta hain ki umbrella leke khelna padega (Now it seems that we have to play with an umbrella)."
Dhoni also defended the decision of not giving the new ball to pacer Irfan Pathan who has normally provided him with breakthroughs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
English Vinglish
|
|
|
|
English Vinglish
Movie Name : English Vinglish
Release Date : October 5, 2012
Genre : Drama
Producer : Sunil A Lulla, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, R. Balki
Director : Gauri Shinde
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cast : Sridevi, Mehdi Nebbou, Priya Anand, Adil Hussain, Amitabh Bachchan (Guest Appearance)
Synopsis:
English Vinglish is an upcoming Indian drama film directed by debutant director Gauri Shinde and produced by R. Balki. The film marks the comeback of Sridevi after a 14 year sabbatical. The film also features French actor Mehdi Nebbou, Adil Hussain, and Priya Anand.
Amitabh Bachchan makes a guest appearance in the Hindi version of the film, while Ajith Kumar comes in for the same role in the Tamil version. This film also marks the comeback of Sridevi to Tamil Cinema after 26 years.
Sridevi plays the central role of a Pune based Maharashtrian housewife, who enrolls for an English speaking course in order to please her husband and family. Gauri wanted her characters to be rooted and so they decided that the family will be Marathi. That’s why the film was shot in Pune. Sridevi character is inspired from Gauri's mother.
English Vinglish will be dubbed into Telugu and will release simultaneously along with the Hindi and Tamil versions. English Vinglish is all set to hit the screens on 5th October 2012.
Before it's official worldwide release, English Vinglish had a Gala Premiere at the prestigious 2012 Toronto International Film Festival on 14 September where the film and Sridevi's performance received a standing ovation and global acclaim.
|
| |
|
|
|
the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
|
|
|
|
" INSPIRING STORY "
Life
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.
You never know who these people may be – a roommate, a neighbor, a professor, a friend, a lover, or even a complete stranger – but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.
Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.
Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are sometimes the most important ones.
If someone loves you, give love back to them in whatever way you can, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.
If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and listen to what they have to say.
Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.
You can make anything you wish of your life. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.
And if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.
Learn a lesson in life each day that you live!
Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone. ”
|
|
|
