“Life itself was only futility, vain words, a squabble of cap and bells. ”     VBA's Positive News Icelandic Electric Vehicle Association wants to import 350 EVs in 2013 On 18 December, Gisli Gislason's and his associates founded the Icelandic EV Association. It's the latest move to make Iceland one of the most EV-ready countries in the world. 'Since the EV revolution is just starting in Iceland, we have a unique opportunity to do things by the book -- which we are writing,' Gislason said. Gislason said he expects to import about 300 EVs next year.     Artisans are thriving again in post-quake Haiti  Three years after a devastating earthquake in Haiti, one small niche has taken off: arts and crafts. The artisan industry is enjoying a boost from advocacy groups that are helping organize workers and improve quality. Big retailers Macy's and Anthropologie and three high-end designers are among those working with at least five artisan groups to export Haitian arts and crafts.       .     US: Government rolls out $1.9 billion Indian land buyback programme US government officials said Tuesday they are launching a $1.9 billion Native American land buyback programme now that a nearly 17-year lawsuit over more than a century's worth of mismanaged trust royalties is settled. Besides cash buyouts and land buybacks, an education scholarship of up to $60 million for young Indians also will be established under the settlement. Interior Solicitor Hilary Tompkins said a portion of each land transaction will go to the scholarship fund. US President Obama named TIME magazine's Person of the Year US President Barack Obama was named TIME magazine's Person of the Year for 2012, citing his historic re-election last month as symbolic of the nation's changing demographics amid the backdrop of high unemployment and other challenges.     Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Mulayam man snatches quota papers amid high drama in LS         Yashvir Singh flings paper to party colleague even as Sonia rushes to get it back High drama unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday when a Samajwadi Party member snatched a copy of the quota in promotion Bill from Minister of State V. Narayanasamy when he rose to move it. Amid jostling and pushing, Congress president Sonia Gandhi tried to get the copy back from Yashvir Singh, but he flung it to his party members and then it was torn to pieces. Yashvir Singh, representing Nagina in Uttar Pradesh, shocked the House, snatching the Bill from Mr. Narayanasamy. Then he flung it towards his party colleague Neeraj Kumar, even as Ms. Gandhi, seated in the first row, rushed towards Mr. Singh. This caused a huge commotion. As Congress members K. Bapiraju and Vilas Muttemwar walked towards Ms. Gandhi, a scuffle-like situation prevailed, with the SP members already in the well protesting against the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill. Congress members surrounded Ms. Gandhi. A stunned Speaker Meira Kumar adjourned the House for the day. Tempers ran high even after the adjournment, with members of the two parties blaming each other for the situation. The SP has been isolated in its opposition to the Bill, which seeks to create a quota for the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in promotion in government jobs. Terming the incident “very deplorable and extremely unfortunate,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told reporters later: “We will urge the Speaker to condemn it and take action against the member.” “The Bill will be taken up tomorrow [on Thursday]…” Such an act “frustrates parliamentary democracy.” Mr. Nath said that since Ms. Gandhi was closest to the spot where the incident occurred, she asked the SP member to return the Bill. “In a democracy, if you are against something, you vote against it. But you can’t do this. I condemn it. If they show such an attitude, there is no need for democracy or Parliament or the media.” The Lok Sabha was repeatedly adjourned before the Bill was taken up, as the SP members stormed into the well. As the House reassembled at noon after an adjournment and soon after question hour began, they trooped into the well, raising slogans. Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 The Sun will begin its annual return to your professional sector today - an auspicious day that marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. What you conceive now likely will grow with the Sun, and will gain momentum in the spring. There will be a powerful magic in the air, capable of drawing in dreams for your new year.                                                   Taurus April 20 to May 20 You may want a little more in your life today. With expansive Jupiter beckoning you to explore your options, this would be an excellent time to review discount offers instead of shopping on impulse. The Sun will enter your worldly sector today, putting you in touch with people who live far away. You may hear that a friend will visit you, or you might decide to visit a friend. If so, this will be a perfect time to plan for a future getaway.                                         Gemini May 21 to June 20 You might gain a fresh new perspective from others today. You likely will be in the mood for a lively debate or conversation, so you might want to check in with a friend who has a different point of view. You might offer important or timely insight to a friend, such as sharing a bargain or resource, or helping someone reframe his or her thinking. Today likely will be filled with many opportunities to learn.                                  Cancer June 21 to July 22  The Sun will enter Capricorn, your relationship sign, today, setting you up for a wonderful weekend. You will finally have a chance to leave work behind and devote time to your partnerships. If you have plans to host a party or attend one, you will find it easy to relax in the company of others. Your interest and warmth will rub off on others now, so you may be popular. Celebrate with your loved ones.                                                                Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  You will feel fresh and ready to make improvements today. With your ruler, the Sun, entering your wellness sector, your main focus may be how to enhance your day. This will be a perfect time to become more organized at home or at work. You might even find a co-worker to help you. Because the winter solstice takes place today, you may want to set intentions for new outcomes. Changing your diet, fitness program, or finding a health professional might work wonders for you now.                                  BUSINESS+VE                                                                              ‘FDI in multi-brand retail to play out like a lab experiment’           ‘The recently introduced economic reforms are moves in the right direction’ The Indian economy should be back to achieving 9 per cent growth in three years’ time, Chief economist of the World Bank and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Union Finance Ministry Kaushik Basu has predicted. “Fortunately, there is a lot of activity that we are seeing in India. Growth-wise, the next two years will be difficult for India only because there is a little bit of a momentum of slowdown and more importantly the European crisis is affecting the whole world,” Dr. Basu said here on Wednesday at the inauguration of the India Finance Conference 2012. Speaking about the introduction of foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, Dr. Basu said the biggest beneficiary of the initiative would be farmers while consumers would also benefit. When asked if the autonomy given to States to decide whether or not FDI in multi-brand retail would be implemented in the respective States would give rise to disparities, he said that it was possible but the situation would be “almost a laboratory experiment.” “I understand that different States take different views on it (FDI) and some are hesitant…In a few years we will see whether the States allowing FDI are doing well or badly. If we see that they are doing well then presumably states that were hesitant earlier will open up. If we see that they are doing badly then that would be a lesson for everyone,” he told journalists on the sidelines of the event. Higher inflation On being asked if the country should settle for a higher inflation rate, Dr. Basu said if the economy continued to grow at a higher rate of growth, inflation could be kept at 5 or 6 per cent. “You can never take a policy decision that we are going to agree to live with higher inflation….But if the growth is real growth meaning that there is actually more food, more clothing, more everything being produced, you are getting a cushion against that,” he said.    HEALTH+VE                                                              Are you getting enough fruits?         Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?   We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.     Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'     (Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.   And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.     All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.   Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.     Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:   Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.     Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time. Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  You might enjoy checking in with your siblings or other family members now, and you may discover ways to help them. You may do a favor or simply make suggestions about how to improve or consolidate plans. Because you're able to blend both the practical and creative, you will be in an excellent position to advise others. With the Sun, entering your leisure sector today, you might enjoy taking in a movie or spending a night on the town.                                      Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Since you're in an expansive mood, it will be easy for you to think of the bigger picture today. Although with Jupiter at odds to your ruler Venus, some of what you envision may be beyond your current abilities. Still, there will be every reason to believe that wonderful new opportunities are ahead for you. Today you will be tempted to be extravagant. Everyone once in a while, it feels wonderful to lavish yourself, and today will be your day to do so.                                  Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Today might be a big day for you. With Pluto touching base with Saturn in Scorpio, you may gain professional advancement or hear of new opportunities. Saturn will provide structure for your goals and Pluto will provide the power to make them real. Although your life may not change today, at least you will move into a new phase where others notice how effective and resourceful you are, especially in regard to envisioning long-range plans.                                 Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 You likely will feel generous today. You'll be in such a great mood that you will want to join your friends or loved ones for a festive lunch or dinner and be tempted to pick up the tab. Every once in a while you may want to show good will toward others and this will be a wonderful time to extend your care. With the Sun entering your financial sector today, you may hear news of a bonus coming your way.                                                 Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 The Sun will enter Capricorn today, marking the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This will be a magical time to dream of what you wish to create in the coming months. Relax and enjoy the company of others. Because you are experiencing a radiant level of self-confidence, you will find plenty of ways to share your good fortune. This will be a favorable time to express kindness and generosity, work for a charity, or donate to a worthy cause.                                Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18    You will find plenty of opportunities to socialize today. You may have to pick and choose from a few. Anything you decide to open yourself up to should bring a sense of excitement to your life. It might be best to attend a gathering with people much different from you. This will be a marvelous time to expand your social circle or make new connections. If you're single, you may finally decide to join a dating service.                              Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  Rarely will you find such a perfect day to network or mingle with others. You will find your personal charisma so strong that you will easily attract new people your way. As the Sun enters your social arena, it will touch base with your ruler Neptune, creating perfect conditions to make beneficial connections. This might include business associates, new friends, an agent or headhunter, or even a new romantic interest.               Moral Story     SMS   “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   "True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail..”            A Scotsman who was driving home one night, ran into a car driven by an Englishman. The Scotsman got out of the car to apologize and offered the Englishman a drink from a bottle of whisky. The Englishman was glad to have a drink. "Go on," said the Scot, "have another drink." The Englishman drank gratefully. "But don't you want one, too?" he asked the Scotsman. "Perhaps," replied the Scotsman, "after the police have gone."

EDUCATION +VE Calcutta HC allows Bengal government to hold primary teachers test             KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court today gave the West Bengal government go-ahead to hold recruitment tests for over 34,000 primary teaching jobs, for which a record 55 lakh candidates have applied. Vacating the stay granted by a single-judge bench, a division bench comprising Justices Pranab Chattopadhyay and T K Das directed that the tests can be held as per schedule. The tests are scheduled to begin from December 23. The bench also said that though the recruitment process can be held as per schedule, jobs of those recruited would depend on the final outcome of the hearing of the main petition before the court of Justice Debasish Kar Gupta. The hearing of the main petition is set to begin three weeks after the end of winter vacation. The state counsel had moved an appeal against the single bench's order. It had submitted that there are 34,559 vacancies in primary schools and only around 11,000 trained candidates available for them. After offering jobs to successful aspirants from among the trained candidates, jobs would be offered to the successful candidates from untrained category for the posts left, the counsel submitted. All candidates, both trained and untrained, would have to appear for the recruitment test. Justice Debasish Kar Gupta had on December 13 stayed the recruitment process for primary teachers following petitions by several candidates. SPORTS +VE If made captain, Virat will struggle with seniors: Kapil Dev           NEW DELHI: Former skipper Kapil Dev came to the defence of underfire Indian captain MS Dhoni, saying that there was no one in the current Test team who could replace him at the helm, mostly because most of the claimants are out of form. Kapil also dismissed the talk of pitch-forking Virat Kohli into the job. "Virat is undoubtedly a very good cricketer and doing exceedingly well for the country. But he is too young to become the Test captain simply because it won't be easy for him to manage the seniors," Kapil told TOI on Wednesday. "Indian team doesn't have the option to replace Dhoni.   The entire batting unit has failed to deliver in the last one year or so and there is no point singling out the captain. If Virat is made the captain, it won't be good for the team and for the cricketers. What will he be telling the senior cricketers? Who will support him?" the allrounder asked. He added that it would make sense if Virat was made captain sans the seniors. Oherwise, it may affect his batting adversely if he was made captain at such an early age, Kapil felt.   When reminded that South Africa appointed Graeme Smith as their Test captain at a very early age too, Kapil said: "That South African team didn't have superstars like the current Indian team has and there is no point comparing." Kapil also referred to his playing days when he was made the captain at a young age. "I didn't know how to manage the seniors when I became leader at the age of 23. There were players like Sunny Gavaskar, S Venkatraghavan, Mohinder Amarnath and Syed Kirmani and all were seniors.     I made my debut under Venkataraghavan and after sometime I was his captain. I didn't know what to tell the seniors then. By the time I started learning the tricks of the trade, I was removed from captaincy," he reminisced. "Thereafter, I played under several captains. From Sunil Gavaskar to Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Krish Srikkanth and Mohd Azharuddin. And from those experiences, I can assure you that it is not easy to captain a side with seniors," he said.   "There is always the right time for everything. If you ask me, Virat is certainly the man for the future but not right now," Kapil concluded.     Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola   Movie Name :   Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola   Release Date :   January 11, 2013 Genre :  Comedy, Drama Producer : Vishal Bhardwaj Director :   Vishal Bhardwaj Music Director :  Vishal Bhardwaj Cast : Imran Khan as Matru, Anushka Sharma as Bijlee, Pankaj Kapoor as Mandola, Shabana Azmi as Chaudhari Devi, Arya Babbar as Badal.   Synopsis: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is an upcoming Bollywood comedy drama film written and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film stars Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma and Pankaj Kapur in the lead roles, while Arya Babbar and Shabana Azmi will appear in the supporting roles. Filming began on 14 February 2012. The film is all set to release on 11 January, 2013. Set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana, Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola is a comedy-drama about Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapur), a wealthy industrialist who loves his drink, his daughter Bijlee (Anushka Sharma) and the unusual bond they both share with Harry’s man friday, Matru (Imran Khan). Much to her father's delight, Bijlee is all set to marry Baadal (Arya Babbar), the son of a powerful politician Chaudhari Devi (Shabana Azmi). This alliance which is far from just being a simple union of two young people becomes the seed for a story that brings twists and turns in the lives of Matru, Bijlee and Mandola.      the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter. " INSPIRING STORY "   Cleanliness is next to Godliness     Shuchi and Shubhrata were given utmost importance in our Indian culture, since ever. Right from small things like brushing teeth etc. fixed rules and regulations have been placed, such that utmost cleanliness prevails in the society. The following story portrays the obsession of Indian culture for cleanliness. Long ago there used to live an obedient shishya of the great Paila maharshi. His name was Udanka. Udanka, due to his obedience, learnt quickly his lessons. After completing his Vidyaabhyaasam, before leaving the Guru-aashramam, Udanka requested his Guru to take Guru-dakshina. Paila maharshi replied “you being a shishya of me is itself enough. It is difficult to get good shishyas like you. Please go on”. Upon many times being requested by Udanka, finally Paila maharshi said “do the work that your Guru-patni tells you and then leave”. He approached Guru-patni, did Yathaa-vidhi namaskaaram, with Vinayam, asked her to give him some work. She asked him to get the kundalas of the country’s Mahaaraani for a Vratam. Udanka immediately set out for it. On the way he sees a radiant brightly glowing God coming on a huge Vrushabham. He does the required namaskars to him and the God gives him goomayam. He eats the goomayam, takes leave from the God and continues his journey to meet Poushya, the king of the country. Poushya was a very great king, ruled his subjects as his own kids and made dharma walk on its four legs. Poushya welcomed Udanka and offered him a warm welcome when he arrived at his courtyard. Udanka tells the reason for his arrival and immediately the kings granted him permission to collect the kundalas. He asked udanka to go to the queen’s palace and collect them from her personally. Udanka went into the palace and searched for the queen everywhere. Failing to find her returns to poushya informing that he could not find the queen. Poushya hesitantly says “O great Brahmana! How can I say that you are not clean? My queen is a Pativrata and hence only people who are clean can see her”. Udanka recalls why he was not in a clean state and realizes that in the hurry to finish gurupatni’s task, he forgot to wash his hands, feet and mouth and do aachamanam, after eating the gomayam. He immediately washes and does aachamanam and goes back to see the queen and sees her in her palace. Story will be continued later in some other contexts. So will Udanka be able to complete his gurupatni’s task? who was the God? Keep reading for answers …. :) Morals in the Story: It is very basic and important to always be clean. The mahima of pativratas is immense. It seems even the trimurtis do not have power to go against the will of a pativrata.

“Never tell your problems to anyone...20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them.”