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“Don’t try to understand everything because sometimes it is not meant to be understood, but to be accepted.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Africa investment boom sees beyond conflict-driven headlines
Turmoil in Tunisia? Conflict in Mali? Fraught elections in Kenya? Investment in Africa is thriving regardless. African investment funds have grown nearly five times in value in the past six years and are attracting new forms of capital, from local pension money to sovereign wealth funds.
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Italian beach crowned best in world by tourists, Wales in top 10
A remote beach in Sicily, Italy, was named on Thursday as the best beach in the world by a survey of travellers, while a UK beach managed to sneak into the top 10. Rabbit Beach, on the island of Lampedusa off the south coast of Sicily, was top in the first annual awards for the world's best beach based on millions of reviews and ratings on the TripAdvisor website. Rhossili Bay in Swansea, Wales, which beat beaches in Hawaii, the Caribbean, and more exotic locations to make the top 10 list.
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Japan: Nikkei soars to 4-1/2-yr high
The Nikkei average soared 2.4 per cent to a 53-month high on Monday with exporters leading gains on a weaker yen, after sources said Japan was likely to nominate Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda as its next central bank governor. The Nikkei climbed 276.58 points to 11,662.52, its highest level since late September 2008.
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Mid-2013 expansion for Internet names targeted
Hundreds of Internet address suffixes to rival '.com' should be available for people and businesses to use by the end of the year, the head of an Internet oversight agency said Monday. The initial ones, expected in mid-2013, will likely be in Chinese and other languages besides English, said Fadi Chehade, CEO of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Back in Nagpur, Gadkari lashes out at Congress, I-T officials
The former BJP president, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday lashed out at the Congress, the media and Income Tax officials “for defaming an honest karyakarta [party worker].”
“The Congress party and the UPA government planned a conspiracy to defame me by making false propaganda against me. But now I will expose the corruption of all Congress leaders. Until now, as president of the BJP, I had some limitations, but now I am a free man. And I dare the Congress to say and do all that you want against me.”
Mr. Gadkari was given a grand welcome by BJP workers at the Nagpur airport on his arrival after resigning from presidentship of the saffron party.
Addressing hundreds of supporters near the airport, Mr. Gadkari said: “Until now the Congress party has misused the CBI. They [Congress leaders] used it [the CBI] as a tool. Now they are using the Income Tax department. Night and day, IT officials are working overtime on these cases [related to the Purti group]. I know which officers are involved in this and what they are doing and how they are implicating me. Some officers who sympathise with the BJP and me have told me what kind of conspiracy is being planned. They [IT officers inquiring about the Purti group] should remember that the Congress party is like a sinking boat and it will go soon. When our party comes to power, there will be no Chidambaram or Sonia Gandhi to save you [IT people].”
Questioning the timing of IT raids on the companies in Mumbai, he said: “Deliberately a day before I was going to submit the form for the [party] election, some offices of companies in Mumbai were searched. It was not a raid but a simple search and not a single document was confiscated. But the media was invited. Inquiry was done, but deliberately I was given a summons, they came to my house and asked me to sign on it. I was asked why I mortgaged my house in Mumbai and helped Purti financially. I told them that this was true and that I helped Purti when it was in trouble. I have publicly given an affidavit about my property of Rs.13 crore but one Congress leader alleged that I own property worth Rs.1,000 crore. I challenge him if he can show Rs. 987 crore; I will donate it to him.”
“There was an attempt to defame me and the party [the BJP] by making false allegations and when all this started the day before yesterday [Tuesday], I considered it better to resign,” said Mr. Gadkari.
“Fake news”
“I would like to convey this to the media that ours is a democratic country and if we [politicians] commit mistakes, you have full right to run it as the breaking news. But the Indian Constitution has not given you the right to destroy the careers of honest workers and politicians. Some people from the media, by running fake news, played an important role in this [political conspiracy] ... kyomki unki dukan hai [they have their business]. But I have kept ready a record of all this.”
He said the Congress and the UPA government were practising vindictive politics. “They blackmail Mulayam Singh and Mayawati by showing a CBI file. They have sent [Om Prakash] Chautala to jail by implicating him. When our government was in power, we did not resort to this kind of politics against Congress leaders. But the truth will come out in open very soon,” said Mr. Gadkari.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Albert Einstein said that solitude stimulates the creative mind, and you may be inclined to agree with him as Venus and Neptune pair up in Pisces. While you may not be inclined to meditate peacefully for very long, as you like to keep yourself active, you may find that your inner life is at least as stimulating as your outer one. Your intuition and inventiveness will be high. Give yourself the room to experiment, and you may reach that creative state that will be the envy of all artists.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
No matter what level of social activity you are accustomed to, you may find the opportunities piling up, with Venus adding to the celestial pile-up of five planets in Pisces. Your heart and spirit may be willing to engage with others even more as your ruler, Venus, connects with Neptune, although that may not mean you say yes to every invitation. Connect with an open heart; by week's end, you'll be ready for solitude in order to recharge with no regrets.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 The combination of the full moon on February 25 and Mercury's movement backward may foster a rich inner spark of creativity. Pour it into a project that inspires you, and others will be more likely to notice your talent, on or off the job. Goodwill from an acquaintance, friend or partner may lead to a career development opportunity for you. Humbly ask someone to put in a beneficial word for you if you have the chance.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
The combination of the full moon on February 25 and Mercury's movement backward may foster a rich inner spark of creativity. Pour it into a project that inspires you, and others will be more likely to notice your talent, on or off the job. Goodwill from an acquaintance, friend or partner may lead to a career development opportunity for you. Humbly ask someone to put in a beneficial word for you if you have the chance.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Spend time with a friend or partner today, as an alliance between Venus and Neptune builds. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic date or a quiet, personal talk with someone you trust, you may deepen a meaningful relationship that will be rewarding for both of you. Whatever you are doing together, keep it cozy with the two of you, and Neptune will cast her spell of enchantment, putting both of you in your own world together.
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BSNL staff to help with directory inquiry
NASHIK: After its outsourced 'centralised directory inquiry system' failed to deliver, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has decided to turn to its employees, albeit temporarily, to provide directory inquiry services to its subscribers.
However, local officials are finding it difficult to provide the necessary staff, which has already been mobilised for other services.
"After the vendor for centralised enquiry system - based in Pune for Maharashtra - failed to provide service as per the norms, the company for the time being has decided to provide the service through the local offices - just the way it was earlier.
The orders for the same have already been issued and the district-level offices are making the necessary arrangements," Praveen Malhotra, senior general manager, information technology, for Maharashtra circle, who also holds additional charge as Nashik BSNL general manager, said.
The enquiry service available through BSNL landline was centralised nearly two years ago, but things did not work out for the vendor who finally closed down the services and failed to respond to the notices sent by the company, the senior official said. "We are realigning our staff for the enquiry numbers. The system will be in place until the central office reopens tender for the process," the official said.
The official further said since the contract between the company and the vendor was based only on revenue sharing principle, the company had nothing to lose. "Though the company did not face any revenue loss, it has however lost heavily on the standard of services," Malhotra said, adding that it took some time for the company to start the services given the legal hassles.
"We would have started the system long back but since we had to adhere to the legal frame-work it took us some time," the official added.
Additional general manager, Nashik, Nitin Mahajan said that both the numbers 197 and 1500 were opened for the public to avail data and the staff would be stationed at the ND Patel Road office of the BSNL.
"Some of the staff has been assigned, others are on their way and in the next couple of days full fledged operations will begin," Mahajan said.
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Ways to beat holiday weight gain
Just when you've finally managed to get your weight under control, boom comes the holiday season. We can't blame you for a li'l indulgence. We will tell you ways to get rid of the excess weight. All you have to have is focus and discipline. Happy Working Out!
The few weeks filled with holiday feasting and no work-out regime become a dire threat to your increasing waistline. Wellness expert Namita Jain says, "Most people find it very difficult to get back into their strict exercise and diet right after the holidays. But it is crucial to motivate yourself to exercise to get back into shape."
The hardest part about exercise is getting started. So, make your fitness programme fail-proof with this simple DIY guide.
Go easy
It is important to start with a routine which is easier. Since getting back to strenuous working out is difficult, starting on a simpler one will boost your confidence. Start going to the gym four to five times a week and concentrate more on cardio than weights.
Innovate
Try and bring fun elements to your work-out regime. Include rope jumps or hula hoop in between your work-out to make it interesting. If you find it boring to do the same exercises every day, change your routine. Take a walk, cycle or go for a swim.
Stress buster
Stress plays a huge role in gaining weight during the holidays. Excess stress hormones in the body encourage the storage of fat. Find something that you enjoy doing. Practice yoga or meditation. If you find it difficult to gym for an hour or 45 minutes at a stretch, make your resolution more attainable by devoting just about half an hour daily.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is a must. Sleep deprivation leads to several hormonal problems, one of them being weight gain. When you are tired, unhappy or dissatisfied, you tend to eat more and exercise less. Experts say that when you are not well rested, you don't want to move and that essentially leads to fewer calories burnt.
Eat healthy
Foods that are loaded with carbohydrates are a major source of problem. Not only does it play havoc on your blood sugar level, but also produces insulin which triggers weight gain in your body. Jain says, "Include fibre in your diet. Fibre fills you up and helps you lose weight. Good choices are veggies, fruits, whole grain cereals, unpolished rice and whole grain bread."
Stay hydrated
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Also consume high water content fruits like watermelon, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes and cucumber which help in the reduction of weight.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Romance will be in the air for you and a special someone as Venus cozies up to Neptune. As a realistic Virgo, you know that love and relationships do not just happen by luck but by hard work. Neptune will encourage you to let go and trust the magic today that can happen between two people. Even if it does not seem perfect, the imperfection will be in all the right ways. Set aside time to spend with a significant other and bask in the romantic glow.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Focus most of your attention today on tasks that are of an inspiring, creative, or social nature. These kinds of things will flow more easily as Venus and Neptune conspire to draw your attention away from the mundane and into the magical. You may get caught up in casual social conversations around the office or out and about that bring a lot of enjoyment and inspiration. Keep your schedule loose today if you can.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 If you tend to be socially inclined, you may have a lot of fun with a friend today if you both allow for spontaneity to see where the day carries you. Activities that draw you out creatively and inspire you likely will be rewarding today, such as visiting an art museum, seeing a play, or even getting lost in a movie that takes you into another world. Time spent with children today may be equally liberating and enchanting.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
While you tend to be the adventurous type, spending time at home with family will be just the thing today, as Venus and Neptune align. Whether you play board games or watch movies, you likely will enjoy yourself as long as you feel comfortable and accepted in the company. If you are inclined to spend time alone, engaging in a hobby at home may be especially inspiring and refreshing for you today.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 The Venus-Neptune connection happening now may encourage you to connect with someone who can spark you with great conversation that makes you think. If you enjoy writing, getting your thoughts down may stimulate a creative flow that engages you deeply. Reading may also be particularly enjoyable today, whether it's fiction that takes you into another world or non-fiction that stimulates new ideas. Get the ideas flowing any way you choose, and you likely will be inspired.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Even if you're not one who tends to acquire much in the way of material possessions, you may find yourself gravitating toward purchases that aren't necessarily practical as Venus and Neptune align February 27 and 28. If you overspend, you may regret it next week when Jupiter and Venus square off, but if you have the funds, a splurge on something that inspires or enchants you may be well worth the investment.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
As Venus and Neptune cozy up together in Pisces, they may inspire you to invest in your appearance by doing something special for yourself to enhance your look. The body is a vessel for the spirit, and it may make a real difference in how you feel if your outsides reflect your insides. No need to do anything radical; simple things like a new piece of clothing, a haircut, or a spa treatment may make you feel like the million bucks you're worth.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
When one loves somebody everything is clear -- where to go, what to do -- it all takes care of itself and one doesn't have to ask anybody about anything.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Be known for pleasing others, espcecially if you govern them...Ruling other has one advantage: you can do more good than anyone else.
Hitler says,
"There is no word like IMPOSSIBLE in my dictionary"
Sardar says:Ab bolne se kiya fayidah?
"Jub kharidi thi tab hi check karna tha na":D
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First open Agricultural University to be set up in Nagpur
NAGPUR: Arvind Krushi Mukta Vidyapeeth, the first-ever open agricultural university, dedicated to practical education in the field of agriculture, will come up soon in Nagpur.
Farmer suicides, poor yields, low remunerations, crop damage due to untimely or inadequate rains, were some issues disturbing me for the last few years, said former Maharashtra agriculture minister Ranjeet Deshmukh, who will be at the helm of this proposed varsity, named after his father. "Together some experts in the field and we came up with this concept of an open agricultural university that would take the lead in educating and training farmers," he said.
"We will start with study centres and training programmes first in Vidarbha and the state and gradually spread over to all over the country," said Mukund Gaekwad, who has been appointed as the Chancellor of the new university. He is a visiting professor of agriculture in international universities and former head of horticulture department at Mahatma Phule Agriculture University, Rahuri.
Several experts like farm consultant and scientist Subhash Nalange, weather specialist B N Shinde, value addition expert Jyoti Surse, PDKV's former Vice-Chancellor C D Mayee, Ramesh Fiske are in the managing committee of the university. "We have applied for registration to the Distance education Society, New Delhi, and expect to get it in two weeks," said Ashok Dhage, the new Vice-Chancellor.
Explaining how it will be different from traditional agricultural universities where students at the end of three to five years of education get little practical knowledge to improve agricultural practices, Deshmukh said, "We plan to entirely revolutionise farm education by giving it a practical base."
"Unnecessary technical jargon and subjects that are imparted in agricultural universities which hardly help in training a student for field work will be junked. Our courses will be structured on local needs. For instance, in Vidarbha where cotton, soyabean and paddy are main crops the varsity will design specific courses for these crops," Deshmukh, also twice former president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), told PTI.
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French Open is Novak Djokovic's priority
DUBAI: Promises and pointers, delivered in telling fashion, stood out as milestones as the big guns of the men's game took aim in the new season. The owner of a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the stylish Swiss Roger Federer backed himself for an 18th crown, while pinning No. 20 in the realm of possibility.
World No. 1 Serb Novak Djokovic, a man of few words and many laughs, negligible weaknesses and formidable weapons, said the French Open was his big goal for the year.
"I would be lying if I told you Roland Garros didn't matter or that it wasn't my top priority for the year. It is the only Grand Slam title I haven't won yet," Djokovic, top seed in the Dubai Duty Free ATP World Tour event, said.
"I want to keep things simple and straight forward, focus on every day and every tournament."
The reed-thin 25-year-old, proficient in four languages -- Serbian, Italian, German and English -- a rare combination of articulate and athletic, warned that he was in a better place mentally and physically than he was 12 months ago.
Djokovic said: "I'm more relieved than I was at the start of 2012. Following up on the 2011 season was a huge challenge for me mentally and physically.
For the first time in my career I found myself in a position where I was No. 1 in the world with so much to defend -- three Grand Slam titles, and because of which finishing No. 1 in 2012 was more satisfying for me than finishing No. 1 in 2011."
The Monte Carlo-based Serb, who said anyone who won the first Grand Slam of the season was always in a strong position at this time of the year, refused to pick Andy Murray, the world No. 3, as his chief rival.
Djokovic said, "I can't pick Andy over Roger and Rafa (Nadal) because I think all three of them are my biggest rivals. Roger and Rafa have been so dominant in our sport for so long. Andy and I have had interesting matches, but we still have to build on that."
Djokovic said he was impressed with whatever he had watched of Nadal's matches on television in Sao Paolo where Nadal won his first title earlier this month since returning from an eight-month injury break. "He's playing really good. I didn't expect it to be any different. It's great for tennis that he's back."
The 31-year-old Federer, who enjoyed a stirring 2012 season, winning Wimbledon in stunning fashion, flashed a charming smile when asked about Nadal.
While refusing to comment on the 26-year-old's form because he had barely watched him on his return, he said he was delighted that the champion Spaniard was back on the tour.
The Swiss will take a seven-week break from the tour following the Indian Wells tournament in March for a combination of reasons -- rest, time with his family and to train for five weeks, preparing for the clay court season. Federer, however, stressed that his lighter schedule wasn't an indication of him winding down.
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I, Me Aur Main
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Movie Name : I, Me Aur Main
Release Date : 1 March 2013
Genre : Romance Drama
Producer : Goldie Behl & Shrishti Behl Arya
Director : Kapil Sharma
Music Director : Falak Shabir, Sachin-Jigar, Gourav Dasgupta, Raghav Sachar
Cast : John Abraham, Prachi Desai, Chitrangada Singh
Synopsis:
I Me Aur Main is an upcoming Hindi film starring John Abraham who plays the role of Ishaan- a charismatic, good-looking music producer from Mumbai.
He lives a sheltered existence, is the centre of his life, the apple of his mother's (Zarina Wahab) eye, always protected by his elder sister Shivani (Mini Mathur) and stays at his girlfriend Anushka's (Chitrangda Singh's) house.
He takes them all for granted! One day his life falls apart like a house of cards. At this point, his new neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai) comes into his life and from her he learns the importance of relationships.
He starts taking initiatives towards mending and maintaining his past relationships. Ishaan begins to truly fall in love with Gauri. There comes a point when he has to make a choice between his love that made him a better person or being a better person by taking responsibility of the actions he has done in the past.
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The least used letter in the alphabet is Q.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Give time to our family
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.”
She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.” That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.
When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print.
Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said.
“Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life.
We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.
“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack.
It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance.
I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.”
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”
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“You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
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