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“People learn differently. Success comes from wanting to win. We just all tend to educate ourselves differently..”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Myanmar reaches deal with rebels to ease tensions
Myanmar's government reached an agreement with ethnic Kachin rebels Monday to work to end a conflict that has cast a shadow over the country's progress in moving away from almost half a century of repressive military rule. Copies of the statement released by both sides after seven hours of talks in southern China said the Kachin Independence Organization and the government's Central Peace Committee agreed to de-escalate military tensions, open lines of communication, and invite observers to attend their next meeting to be held before end of February.
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UK, Afghan, Pakistan leaders hold talks in Britain
The leaders of Britain, Afghanistan, and Pakistan on Monday pushed for the Taliban to come to the table for peace talks to end Afghanistan's protracted conflict and gave themselves a six-month deadline to get a deal. As part of the effort, the three leaders agreed to open an office in Qatar's capital for negotiations, believing that the Taliban are softening their hardline stance against discussions.
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Windfarms break energy record in Spain
Over the last three months wind farms produced more electricity than any other power source in Spain for the first time ever, an industry group has said. The country delivered over six terawatt hours of electricity from wind farms during January, according to data from grid operator Red Electrica de Espana, the Spanish Wind Energy Association said in a statement.
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UK-based 'freecycle for corporates' launched
A new website has launched enabling businesses and charities to exchange unwanted items, such as building materials and office furniture, for free. Globechain describes itself as a 'freecycle for corporates', and like Freecycle -- a popular site for exchanging unwanted goods -- it's free for businesses to register, obtain goods and advertise items. Based in the UK, the company hopes to create a global network of members in order to cut costs for small- to medium-sized businesses and charities.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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No proposal of Verma Committee was rejected, says Chidambaram
A day after President Pranab Mukherjee signed the stringent sexual offences ordinance, the Centre on Monday said it had not rejected any of the recommendations made by the Justice Verma Committee.
The proposals that have not been incorporated now — such as the issue of marital rape, the amendment of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the lowering of the age-limit of a juvenile — would be debated when a comprehensive bill is taken up in Parliament.
The government rejected the charge that the anti-rape ordinance was an “eyewash” and pointed out that the ordinance was a result of “broad convergence between the provisions taken from the pending Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill and the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee.”
“Since there is a universal demand that the laws must be amended immediately, the government came to the conclusion that there was a strong case to promulgate an ordinance,” Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, who heads the Group of Ministers on Media, told journalists here.
The government hoped that the stringent provisions in the ordinance woulddeter potential criminals till a new law is enacted by Parliament, he said, and added that the ordinance would help speedy and effective trial of those accused in the brutal gang rape and death of the paramedical student in Delhi in December last year.
Mr. Chidambaram said some recommendations were not incorporated because of the divergence of opinion on the issues, which required more consultations and deliberations.
These are “difficult” but not “contentious” issues like that of marital rape, the offence of ‘breach of command responsibility’, amendment of the AFSPA that have “far-reaching implications and have to be carefully considered after consulting the stakeholders concerned.”
Mr. Chidambaram said the government would consult political parties and other stakeholders before deciding on these issues. “These consultations, discussions and debate will afford ample opportunity to make changes in the ordinance…
The bill that will replace the ordinance and reflect the broadest possible consensus on the imperative and urgent need to have an effective law to protect women and to punish crimes against women,” he added.
The Finance Minister also pointed out that substantive amendments had been made to the Indian Penal Code. While the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee on punishment were accepted, death was prescribed as the maximum punishment in case of rape followed by injury which causes death or leaves the victim in a persistent vegetative state.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
A rather large conversation or at least one with great impact may be a part of your day as you discuss either a new beginning or an ending. Of course, as with all new endeavors there must be a dialog that brings all the elements and expectations to the forefront. However, you may expect some rather unusual requests or suggestions in this dialog. The key piece to keep in mind will be to strive for clarity and stick to that more than anything else that may crop up.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Discussions that involve your finances or investments may be a high priority today. You may see some opportunities for expansion and innovation that could include some of your business pals. However, it will be fairly important that you remain focused in your eagerness to engage in these sorts of transactions. If you sense any uncertainties or feel a lack of clarity, it may be worth your while to seek out the advice of an outsider before you act.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may feel alive and optimistic about career ideas and connections. Conversations may be abundant at work and the focus will likely be on expansion and innovation. These are areas that may speak to you in particular simply because you love the excitement that comes from newness. Your eager and curious mind may be able to develop immediate linkages between your ideas and people. You will do well to record some of your ideas for a future date, since you may not want to spend all your creative capital at once.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Your sense of adventure may be heightened through either education or travel. Both of these outlets are fabulous for enrichment and expansion of your intuition. You may find in your travels that you are graced with very fortuitous connections, which can bring about new opportunities. Be open and aware of new people or events that pique your curiosity. You may be amazed at a whole new vista of flavors and color, sights and sounds.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Involvement with larger organizations may really serve you well as you strive to broaden your influence there. Collaborations with others may require that you establish some ground rules and parameters before you begin your conversation. Nonetheless these are important steps for you to take in order to flesh out your ideas and suggestions. If you can use this as a chance to get your thoughts out in the open, you may be pleased by how well you are received. Try to find a way to tap into that inner voice and listen to what it says.
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SEBI revises rules for amalgamation of companies
Listed firms should place before its audit committee a valuation report obtained from an independent chartered accountant
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Monday revised rules for merger and amalgamation of companies, which requires stricter valuation of entities.
In the recent past, SEBI said it “received applications seeking exemption from certain entities containing inadequate disclosures, convoluted schemes of arrangement, exaggerated valuations, etc.”
SEBI is of the view that granting listing permission or exemption from the requirements based on such applications would not be in the interest of minority shareholders.
At the same time, if listing permission or such an exemption is delayed or denied, it would add to the uncertainty and would deprive shareholders of an exit opportunity.
SEBI asked listed companies to place before its audit committee the valuation report obtained from an independent chartered accountant.
The audit committee would furnish a report recommending the draft scheme, taking into consideration of the valuation report.
SEBI has also said that one of the stock exchanges, having nationwide trading terminals, would be the designated stock exchange for the purpose of coordination.
The entities were asked to include the observation letter of the stock exchanges in the notice sent to the shareholders seeking approval of the scheme and bring the same to the notice of the High Court at the time of seeking approval of the scheme.
The stock exchanges were asked to forward the draft scheme to the capital market regulator within 3 working days.
The stock exchanges were also asked to process the draft scheme (including seeking clarifications from company and/or opinion from an independent chartered accountant) and forward their “objection/no-objection” letter on the draft scheme to SEBI.
SEBI also asked exchanges to disclose the draft scheme and all the documents on its website. It shall also disclose the observation letter of the stock exchanges on its website within 24 hours of receiving the documents.
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Quick and healthy breakfast ideas
Variety is the spice of life as the old saying goes. Healthy breakfasts should be a consistent part of your life, but that does not mean that they should lack variety. These breakfast recipes are unique and easy to prepare, and all of them are super healthy and filling. So here are three quick and healthy breakfast ideas.
Breakfast parfait
A little low fat dairy and some vitamin-rich fruit and you've just started your day right, nutritionally speaking.
Ingredients
3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese, or low-fat plain yogurt
1 cup pineapple chunks, papaya chunks or cling peaches
2 teaspoons toasted wheat germ
Method
Place cottage cheese (or yogurt) in a small bowl. Top with fruit and sprinkle with wheat germ.
Cranberry muesli
There may be as many versions of muesli as there are breakfast cereals, but this one's modeled after the original Swiss wake-you-up—a combination of overnight-soaked grains, nuts, dried fruit and yogurt. Make it the night before and you'll have breakfast ready when you are.
Ingredients
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened or fruit-juice-sweetened cranberry juice
6 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats, (not quick-cooking or steel-cut)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1 tablespoon unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon wheat germ
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Method
Combine yogurt, juice, oats, cranberries, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, honey, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Herb and onion fritata
This Italian-style omelet is delicious with just about any herb combination; try parsley, dill, chervil or marjoram.
Ingredients
1 cup diced onion
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water, divided
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons farmer's cheese, or reduced-fat ricotta
Method
Bring onion and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until the onion is slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the water has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle in oil and stir until coated. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Pour in eggs, beaten, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring constantly with a heatproof rubber spatula, until the egg is starting to set, about 20 seconds. Continue cooking, lifting the edges so the uncooked egg will flow underneath, until mostly set, about 30 seconds more. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle herbs, salt and pepper over the frittata. Spoon cheese on top. Lift up an edge of the frittata and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon water under it. Cover and cook until the egg is completely set and the cheese is hot, about 2 minutes. Slide the frittata out of the pan using the spatula and serve.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Jupiter in your career sector may bring about an advantageous connection to some very close friends or even your significant partner. Maybe you'll have a chance to collaborate together or you'll have a conversation that stimulates a terrific work-oriented idea. This may be a powerful time for your imagination and any sort of background investigative work. Your explorations may create some rather profound alliances.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
How does a vacation sound? You have wonderful activity in your adventure sector and nothing says adventure like a distant destination. You may not be able to actually hop on a plane, but you may decide to look into options for the coming weeks. This whole idea would bring you a new breath of fresh air that may revitalize your whole spirit inside and out. Spas, relaxation groups, yoga, or any class that stimulates your mind and body would be worthwhile for you now.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A little detective work might feel right just about now, especially if you are involved with large organizations or legal matters. This could be a wonderful opportunity for you to use your imagination in a most creative manner as you may be able to probe beneath the surface of topics and dig through documents and other sorts of data with great ease and interest. This may actually be quite a thrill as your curiosity will come alive by what you uncover.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Matters that bring together your significant partner and your family may be on your to-do list today. Of course these are two very important parts of your life, so you may want to pay attention to what they are bringing to your world. Since much of the activity takes place in your domestic sector, you may find that you are discussing expansion or possible moves within that arena.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 The current alignment may find you optimistic about a future prospect. Although the details may be cloudy, you still may see some potential between the lines, so to speak. Words may figure heavily in how you arrive at your thoughts, so pay careful attention to what may be said and how you say it. This may also prove to be a valuable time to do some background investigation about your plans. This will be an important time to gain as much clarity as possible since it may serve you well later.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Use this outstanding day to pursue anything to do with finances. You have three supportive planets in your income sector, so the universe may be tapping you on the shoulder to pay attention to your accounts. Try to think broadly about how this might be a part of your day and see if you can find where you need to put your focus. You may be working toward a loan of some sort or another financial investigation that involves one of your pet creative projects.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may be in many conversations with family members about the home front. You'll be quite assertive and curious about how events and plans are to unfold. While it may be useful to state your views you may want to peddle softly in and around that topic. Try to gain as much background information as possible before you cast your vote or urge your view. You might be very persuasive, but you may also want to hear what others have to say before you see the clear answer.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Nice definition of ‘TODAY.
.
T – This is an
O – Opportunity to
D – Do
A – A work, better than
Y -Yesterday..”
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.”
Question: "How to kill an ant?"
Asked in an exam for 10 marks!
Student:
Mix chilli powder with sugar,
&
Keep it outside the ant's hole
After eating,
ant will search for some water near a water tank.
Push ant in to it!
Now ant will go to dry itself near fire,
When it reaches fire, put a bomb into d fire!
Then admit wounded ant in icu!
And then
remove oxygen mask from it's mouth and kill the ant :-|
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Hindi University invites admission applications
BHOPAL: Applications have been invited for admission in eight morning and evening courses at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi University for the academic session 2012-13.
Classes of all courses will be held from 6 to 9 am and 6 to 9 pm. February 15, 2013 is the last date for submitting the applications.
The university has offered 6 month courses in organic farming technology management certificate, translation certificate, vedic mathematics certificate, karya sanskriti samvardhan certificate, biodiversity and environment management certificate and yoga trainers training certificate.
Educational qualification for these courses will be 10 + 2. Duration of organic farming training programme will be 15 days, yoga treatment training programme is one month and yoga teachers training certificate is 3 months.
Students of any university and college can take admission in these courses. Besides, farmers of any age-group, self-employed persons, government and private employees, retirees, housewives and others can apply for admission.
Courses syllabus and prospectus will be available from February 7 at the office of Hindi University in the premises of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, Kolar, Bhopal. Students can also log on to abvhvbpl@gmail.com for further details.
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Hashim Amla takes over as number-one ranked Test batsman
DUBAI: South African Hashim Amla on Monday became the first batsman since Ricky Ponting to head both Test and ODI rankings at the same time in the latest ICC charts.
Amla leads a number of South Africa players who continue to make impressive gains in the latest ICC Test Player Rankings.
South Africa players now head the ICC Test Player Rankings tables for batting, bowling and all-rounders after the side's 211-run win over Pakistan in the first Test at Johannesburg on Monday, which gave it a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Fast bowler Dale Steyn has broken the 900-rating points barrier for the second time in his career to retain his number one position in the ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers, and Jacques Kallis still heads the ICC Player Rankings for Test all-rounders.
Steyn now has 908 ratings points, the best by a Test bowler since Muttiah Muralitharan reached the same rating in July 2008 against India. Steyn last broke the 900-ratings points barrier in November 2011 after the Cape Town Test against Australia. He now sits alongside ICC Cricket Hall of Famer Alan Davidson of Australia in 13th position on the Reliance ICC Best-Ever Test Championship Rating.
Amla has taken over the number-one position in the ICC Player Rankings for Test batsman for the first time in his career, after entering the Johannesburg Test trailing Australia captain Michael Clarke by just one ratings point.
He has moved to top spot after knocks of 37 and 74 not out, and now sits on 895 ratings points, which is his career-best rating.
Amla, who was short-listed for the ICC Cricketer of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012, now heads both the Test and ODI batting tables. He is the first man since former Australia captain Ponting in December 2007 to do so.
Amla, reacting to his number-one Test ranking, said, "I am surprised and happy with my position as the No.1 ranked Test batsman. However, I'm also mindful that rankings change quite regularly.
"It's been a great year for our squad, and to be honest I still don't think that I am the best batsman in our team. What has been most pleasing though for us has been the all-round contribution from everyone in the squad that has been the main reason for our success over the last few years.
"Needless to say, it is always easier to be at the top of your game and successful when you are part of a winning team. Dale and Jacques have been tireless workhorses for the Proteas and continue to consistently put in quality performances for our team, it is no wonder that they are at the top of the bowling and all-rounder rankings."
South Africa vice-captain AB de Villiers has achieved a career-best fourth position in the batting rankings after knocks of 31 and 103 not out, and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has broken into the top 10 for the first time in his career in 10th position (up by three). Player of the match in the Johannesburg Test, Steyn, has broken the 900-rating points barrier for the second time in his career in the bowling rankings, thanks to spells of six for eight and five for 52.
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Special Chabbis
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Special Chabbis
Movie Name : Special Chabbis
Release Date : February 8, 2013
Genre : Action , Drama
Producer : Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Director : Neeraj Pandey
Music Director : M. M. Kreem, Himesh Reshammiya
Cast : Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Bajpai, Anupam Kher, Divya Dutta.
Synopsis:
Special Chabbis is an upcoming Bollywood heist drama film directed by Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday fame. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kajal Agarwal in the lead roles with Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Bajpai and Anupam Kher in supporting roles. The film takes its concept from the real-life daring heist dated 19-March-1987 where an unknown man posing as CBI officer Mon Singh recruited 26 men posing as income tax officers executing a daylight income tax raid on the Opera House branch of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri in Mumbai, and disappeared with jewellery worth lakhs. The movie is set in the early 1980's. The film is scheduled to release on February 8, 2013.
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Two frogs in the milk
I have a friend named Monty Roberts who owns a horse ranch in San Ysidro. He has let me use his house to put on fund-raising events to raise money for youth at risk programs.
The last time I was there he introduced me by saying, “I want to tell you why I let Jack use my horse. It all goes back to a story about a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer who would go from stable to stable, race track to race track, farm to farm and ranch to ranch, training horses. As a result, the boy’s high school career was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be and do when he grew up.
“That night he wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a diagram of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings, the stables and the track. Then he drew a detailed floor plan for a 4,000-square-foot house that would sit on a 200-acre dream ranch.
“He put a great deal of his heart into the project and the next day he handed it in to his teacher. Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note that read, `See me after class.’
“The boy with the dream went to see the teacher after class and asked, `Why did I receive an F?’
“The teacher said, `This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you. You have no money. You come from an itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the land. You have to pay for the original breeding stock and later you’ll have to pay large stud fees. There’s no way you could ever do it.’ Then the teacher added, `If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade.’
“The boy went home and thought about it long and hard. He asked his father what he should do. His father said, `Look, son, you have to make up your own mind on this. However, I think it is a very important decision for you.’ “Finally, after sitting with it for a week, the boy turned in the same paper, making no changes at all.
He stated, “You can keep the F and I’ll keep my dream.”
Monty then turned to the assembled group and said, “I tell you this story because you are sitting in my 4,000-square-foot house in the middle of my 200-acre horse ranch. I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace.”
He added, “The best part of the story is that two summers ago that same schoolteacher brought 30 kids to camp out on my ranch for a week.” When the teacher was leaving, he said, “Look, Monty, I can tell you this now.
When I was your teacher, I was something of a dream stealer. During those years I stole a lot of kids’ dreams. Fortunately you had enough gumption not to give up on yours.”
“Don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Follow your heart, no matter what.”
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“Success goes to those, whose dreams are always alive. Nothing happens with only wings, it also further requires courage to fly. ”
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