|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
|
|
Mexican President signs education reform
President Enrique Pena Nieto signed Mexico's most sweeping education reform in seven decades into law Monday, seeking to change a system in which teaching positions could be sold or inherited, and no official census of schools, teachers, and students was ever carried out. The reform seeks to create a system of uniform standards for teacher hiring and promotion based on merit, and will allow for the first census of Mexico's education system.
|
US: Consumer confidence rebounds in February
Americans' confidence in the economy rebounded in February, reversing three straight months of declines as shoppers began adjusting to a payroll tax hike last month. The New York-based Conference Board says Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index stands at 69.6, up from a revised 58.4 in January. It was the highest reading since November's 71.5.
|
US new-home sales jump to highest in 4½ years
US new-home sales jumped in January from the previous month to the highest level since July 2008, a sign that the housing recovery is accelerating. Steady job creation and near-record-low mortgage rates are spurring more Americans to buy houses. At the same time, the number of previously occupied homes for sale is at a 13-year low. That shortage creates more demand for new homes. Builders began construction on the most homes in four years last year. The increase in home building has helped boost construction hiring. The industry has gained 98,000 jobs since September, the best stretch since the spring of 2006.
|
South Africa: Unemployment drops in Gauteng
Despite the adverse global economic conditions, unemployment in Gauteng, South Africa has decreased from 28.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2011 to 23.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012 financial year. The province has, through its Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) alone, created over 22,000 direct permanent jobs, 44,000 direct temporary jobs, and 15,000 work opportunities during the 2012/13 financial year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video of the Day:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Round-Up
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pawan Bansal's 'realistic' Railway Budget gets mixed reactions from Opposition
New Delhi: The Railway Budget was presented on Tuesday, the first by a Congress minister in 17 years. But it lacked the inimitable style of presentation of its predecessors Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mamata Banerjee.
But in his workman-like style Pawan Kumar Bansal did present a budget which he calls realistic and others term pedestrian. The Railway Minister said, "I have tried to rationalise the costs."
Bansal, who had brought in effect an across the board hike in fares only last month, decided to not call this a fare hike. Despite deregulation of diesel prices, Railways will absorb a burden of Rs 850 crore for now.
The immediate effect will be on freight charges which will go up by five per cent from April 1. The focus of Railway Budget 2013, as expected was on passenger amenities including hygiene and safety.
A special safety plan is also expected to be prepared for ten years. The fear is that they will just stay in plans.
The challenge is that the growth plan of Railways is still not clear. The first Congress minister to present the Railway Budget in 17 years has romantic notions of the strength of the railways.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may have called this a reformist and a realistic budget but the jury is still out on that.
Bansal has diagnosed the ailment but what is missing is the road map to modernise the Railways and making it safe and sustainable.
|
|
|
Astrology
|
|
Aries March 21 to April 19
In your quest to reinvent yourself, you may find the greatest aid comes from an outsider. A casual encounter with an objective observer could shed quite a bit of perspective for you during your travels. The same may be true of a trusted elder within your family circle. One of the most important pieces that may be worth retaining is the value of objectivity. Rather than dashing off you may actually pause and listen before acting in haste. Since you may be the cusp of a brand new start, advice could come in quite handy right about now.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You may be a bit torn about which way to go, especially with regard to some close business associates. You may be facing a challenging or at least important decision, and some advice may come from your significant other. By the same token, you may find that you would be a much more effective team player if you were able to find that delicate balance between too much or too little involvement in all forms of group activities. It may be important to try some restraint if possible since acting impulsively might find you reversing a decision.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be in full on mode at work as you receive the aid of a bevy of supportive planets all working on your behalf in that sector of your life. Even through the support may be present, you may also be faced with making important choices regarding your career path. This would be an excellent opportunity to weigh your options and play out the possibilities before you act with any certainty.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
This should be an excellent time for traveling or getting into a new realm of education. Your adventure sector should see quite a bit of activity as five major planets will gather there in quite a display of power. You may be on a fact-finding journey that allows you to consider new creative options, so you may find it beneficial to explore a little deeper than you might ordinarily. The most important piece of this alignment might be the associations and connections you make while on your adventure.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Arrangements with large organizations are likely as you have great activity in that section of your life. Insurance companies, universities, and religious institutions will all be quite prominent under this phase. You may be in negotiations with others regarding family members or even domestic alterations around your main living space. Home improvement may be a viable option if you are looking for funding through a new mortgage or other lending ideas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
India's TCS to pay $30 mn to settle US suit: reports
MUMBAI — India's biggest software outsourcer TCS has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a lawsuit filed by two former employees in the US relating to unpaid wages, media reports said Wednesday.
The suit, filed in 2006 by former TCS staffers Gopi Vedachalam and Kangana Beri, alleged that the company did not pay them the salaries they were promised before arriving in the US, the Economic Times reported.
The workers also claimed TCS violated the rights of its non-US citizen workers in the United States.
TCS declined to comment on the amount they would pay to the claimants, but said that it had agreed to settle the lawsuit "to eliminate any on-going distraction to its (the company's) associates and management".
"TCS believes that it always acted appropriately notwithstanding the allegations in this case. The company has admitted no wrongdoing and none has been found by the court," the company said in a statement emailed to AFP.
The details of the court order and settlement of the suit were not immediately available.
TCS, part of the sprawling salt-to-steel Tata Group, earns a majority of its revenues from the United States and Europe.
Lawyers in the case said there are 12,800 past and present Tata employees who are potential beneficiaries of the precedent set by the settlement.
In 2011, rival Infosys also faced investigations and lawsuits in the US over allegations it violated work visa laws to send staff for short-term projects.
Indian IT firms fly thousands of employees each year to the US and elsewhere to work at their clients' locations as on-site technicians and engineers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will eating corn make me fat?
It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.
This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?
Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.
Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:
Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.
If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.
Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.
Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.
Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.
Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You might see quite an interesting conversation unfolding with your significant other as you pass ideas back and forth regarding your career or workplace. It may be that you have been offered a new position that changes your schedule or locality, so of course it may impact your relationship. Plans for the future may shift as you adjust to new opportunities.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
The work sector of your life has a bevy of supportive planets. This can indicate quite a bit of activity in and around your daily work plans. You may be part of some sort of work event or a highly visible group effort. This type of alignment bodes well for public service, so if you find yourself in that role, then you may be quite effective during this period. This should also be a good opportunity to be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may find yourself in a very visible creative role. You may be increasingly in demand for your quick and penetrating ability to get to the point of matters. Your sharp investigative skills may come in quite handy as you appear to be the ideal candidate for the task, especially when dealing with large and complex organizations. Your particular knack for negotiations and contracts may prove to be the perfect fit.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You may experience quite a bit of activity in and around your domestic scene. You may be putting some finishing touches on a family matter such as coping with an elderly relative or other long-term plan. You'll likely get some necessary and welcome support from your significant partner just when you need it the most, so be certain to keep your options and opinions open. With so much activity in your domestic sector, it will be the only place you will want to be.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Your words will carry an extra special punch, so be certain you chose them wisely. Your communication sector has an amazing array of five major planets, and you can be fairly sure that what you say will be powerful and full of meaning. One of the more effective and lasting methods for being heard is through your peers. When you gather together you may find that all ears are trained on you. Let this wonderful alignment serve you and raise your stature.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Fiscal responsibilities may occupy much of your time and energy throughout the day. Maybe you will try to find the right angle for investment purposes or simply look for the best method to trim expenses. Either way, your singular focus may be that of researching revenue streams. This may be an ideal time to push the envelope a little and see what you can do creatively to have your output be equal to your input.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
If you feel as if you have the world by a tether, then you should act accordingly. With five major planets all stacked up in Pisces, you may actually have the attention of all those who pass by your way. This could be a marvelous time to be out and about teaching or speaking or anything that has a public presence to it - you will be aglow with warmth, humor, action, and full of ideas.
|
|
|
|
Moral Story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMS
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love is jealous that any should come before her, or after. She would be all in all. If a man will trust her and live in her, he shall know all things..
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
After an accident,
A v.angry driver: I showed u d headlights
& told u 2 go by side.
Santa: I also started d wipers
& said No, no..No no. :D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guidebooks become saviours of university examinees
KANPUR: Examination time is probably the only period of the year when the university students turn pages of books. With just few days left for the examinations to start, guide books are registering brisk sale. The students have no time to go through textbooks. They prefer guide books to study the entire syllabus. It is a common belief among the students that guides and easy notes are the keys for success in the examinations.
Thus, attending lectures and purchasing textbooks hold no importance for the students as the guides are serving three-in-one purpose of time-saving, cheap availability and a good result. "The guidebooks saved me last year. I don't think these will let me down this year either," said Akansha, a student of Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.
Sachin, a student of DAV College, said that guidebooks are of immense help, especially to students who don't study throughout the year. The entire syllabus is covered in a very simple language.
Varun, a former student of VSSD College do not agree. Majority of students who take the help of guides and easy notes are not very bright. "Those who want to excel will, of course, study hard throughout the year. But, most students will take up jobs which are not even remotely linked to their course of study. For them, it's a waste of energy to work so hard," he added.
But even bright students agreed that for passing the compulsory and subsidiary subjects like environment or language, relying on guidebooks is not a bad idea. That is because the honours papers need a lot of effort and even lecturers do not take subsidiary classes very seriously. "In fact, I know several students who just mug up guidebooks and score reasonably well. This exposes the inherent fault of our education system," said Namita.
The humanities students generally prefer guidebooks and sample question papers. The science and commerce students show an inclination towards sample papers. "Science is an application-based subject. Guidebooks can't help science students much as these can't encompass the practical side of the subject," said Manish, a science student . "Sample papers give proper indication of the pattern of questions. The more I practice on sample papers, the more confident I feel," he added.
However, the dependence on guidebooks and sample papers is reflected by the marked increase in the pre-examination sale. Sanjay, a bookseller, said: "From December onwards, there's a considerable rise in the demand for guidebooks and sample papers. Guidebooks have a cover price of Rs 60-150 but these are made available at a much cheaper rate."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Skipper Dhoni happy with team combination as hosts go 1-0 up in series
CHENNAI: "Zara AC badhaa do (Turn up the AC)," MS Dhoni said right after walking in for the press conference following India's win in the first Test. He had felt the heat not just in this Test match but over the last few months, as things appeared to go from bad to worse in Indian cricket.
Scorecard | In Pics
But on Tuesday at the Chepauk, as Sachin Tendulkar and Cheteshwar Pujara crossed over for a single to reach the required target to notch up the eight-wicket win in the first Test, Dhoni was a relieved man.
"I don't watch TV or read the sports pages of newspapers, so the pressure doesn't affect me too much. But yes, this was a crucial win," Dhoni said, clearly indicating how important the victory was for him.
That India would win was a foregone conclusion by stumps on Day 4 and after Jadeja knocked over Nathan Lyon half-an-hour into the fifth morning, all they needed was 50 runs.
The openers Virender Sehwag (19) and M Vijay (6) failed once again, but Tendulkar hit a couple of sixes off the first two balls he faced from Lyon and India walked away to a comfortable victory.
This win was built on three factors: A tailor-made pitch, some steady spin bowling and a superb performance by the Indian middle-order, led by Dhoni.
Many feel that his 224 was one of the best played on a difficult track, but the skipper said that he didn't believe in ratings. "I had a 70-odd in Lord's in 2007 that helped us save the Test.
I rate that innings highly as well. But yes, I have enjoyed scoring the runs here." Since the last Test against England at Nagpur, Dhoni has been batting at No. 6 and it's working well for him.
And he indicated that this will go on "as long as Jadeja is playing". He said: "Jadeja needs some time to find his feet as a batsman. Till then I will bat at No. 6."
Dhoni's treatment of Harbhajan Singh in the first innings had come in for some criticism, with VVS Laxman saying the skipper lacked faith in the experienced bowler.
MSD chose to extremely candid in his assessment: "Harbhajan was a bit tentative in the first innings. I think he bowled much better in the second innings."
On Ashwin, who ended with match-figures of 12-198, Dhoni said, "When two spinners of the same category play, one can be intimidated by thinking that the other is coming to push him out.
It's important to shut such ideas out and concentrate on the job at hand, and Ashwin did that very well." India are off to Hyderabad now for the second Test that starts on Saturday.
It is the same venue where India beat New Zealand a few months back, with the spinners taking 18 wickets. Pragyan Ojha played a significant part in that Test and the obvious query was whether the left-arm spinner would make a comeback into the playing XI.
"There are a lot of left-handers in the Aussie lineup and it's more difficult for them to face the off-spinners who take the ball away from them. If I play four spinners, I face too many questions on why one was being underbowled," Dhoni said.
His smile indicated that a change in combination for the second Test in Hyderabad Test is unlikely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I, Me Aur Main
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON.
|
|
|
|
" INSPIRING STORY "
Helpless love
Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time.
Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island. The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare.
Love looked around with hope. Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?” “No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver
There is no place for you.” A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift.
Please take me with you.” Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.” Sorrow passed by after some time.
Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.”
Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place. On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge.
Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?” Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of.
Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love.
Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
|
|
|