“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure. ”     VBA's Positive News German village offers blueprint for rural green energy A 60-minute drive south of Berlin and home to about 125 people, Feldheim is Germany's first and only energy self-sufficient village and attracts both international energy experts and politicians. The Feldheim project is just one small part of sweeping changes in energy across Germany aimed at moving away from coal and nuclear power.      Housing, manufacturing give US economy lift Gains in housing and manufacturing propelled the US economy over the winter, according to reports released Tuesday, and analysts say they point to the resilience of consumers and businesses as government spending cuts kick in. The overall picture of an improving economy drove stocks higher on Tuesday.     BRICS nations plan new bank to bypass World Bank, IMF The leaders of the BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa -- are set to approve the establishment of a new development bank during an annual summit that began on 26 March in the eastern South African city of Durban, officials from all five nations say. They will also discuss pooling foreign-currency reserves to ward off balance of payments or currency crises. 'We need to change the way business is conducted in the international financial institutions,' South African International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said in a 15 March speech in Johannesburg. 'They need to be reformed.' Philippines wins first investment grade rating from Fitch Fitch Ratings raised the Philippines' credit rating to investment grade on Wednesday, a first for the Southeast Asian nation, in a move expected to boost investment and lift the country's long-term growth potential. In 2012, the Philippines' economy grew 6.6 percent, the fastest growth in Asia after China, prompting many analysts to raise their growth outlooks for the country and earning it the title 'rising tiger of Asia'.     Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political Manmohan meets Chinese President       Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit here, in the first structured high-level contact between the two countries since the change of leadership in China. Ahead of the bilateral meet, the two leaders had met informally during the BRICS Summit when Mr. Xi told the Prime Minister that he was aware of his (Dr. Singh’s) good relationship with Mr. Xi’s immediate predecessor Hu Jintao and former Prime Minister Wen Jaibao and would like to continue the relationship. Mr. Xi last week had warm words about the relationship with India and said he was looking forward to the meeting with Dr. Singh. Ahead of the meting between Prime Minister Singh and President Xi, India sent clear signals of reciprocating China’s new leadership’s desire to improve ties without it being held hostage by problems like the boundary issue. Official sources said India will not allow the bilateral ties to be held hostage by differences on the boundary issue, echoing the views of new President Xi last week. “We think we can be positive. We talk to each other about mutual concerns. We have managed to show that despite differences, China is India’s single largest bilateral trade partner and are sure we have the ability to work together,” they had said. They point out to the fact that the two countries last year decided to have a military dialogue. The two sides have also decided not to hurt each other’s interests in the region. Mr. Xi had last week propounded five proposals for improving bilateral ties with India. These included keeping aside differences on various issues while improving mutual ties and accommodation of each other’s concerns while dealing with “core interests“. He had also suggested that peace and tranquility should be maintained on the boundary pending settlement of the issue. Asked about the Chinese leadership using new phrases like “core interests”, the sources said India’s core interests in the relationship were open and transparent. “Let them have a conversation. We don’t have to pre—judge. We will analyse before we come out with a balance sheet of mutual concerns,” they said. On Mr. Xi’s statement that the boundary question would not be easy to resolve, the sources said India had always held that solution will take time. “We never said it is going to be solved easily,” the officials said. India always felt that the two countries should get on with improvement in rest of the areas like trade and build on positive areas. “Don’t make relations hostage to one issue (boundary),” they said. The officials said the signals for India from the new Chinese leadership have been positive, including the various contacts New Delhi had with Beijing since when the leadership change process began in China. The meeting Between Dr. Singh and Mr. Xi is expected to provide an impetus to bilateral relationship besides being a platform to take stock of things and go forward in the relationship. Astrology   Aries March 21 to April 19 Aries will receive cosmic energy from the Sun and three planets today, including your sign ruler Mars that is ready to assist you in achieving your personal goals. Uranus, the planet of science, technology, and unpredictable circumstances hints that the outcome of your achievements in these areas might be surprisingly successful. Sociable Venus in Aries assures that those closest to you will lend support to all of your projects. The Sun in Aries will bring youthful energy and creativity to your side and add great momentum to your project launches.                                                Taurus April 20 to May 20 Most of the cosmic activity in your horoscope today will take place behind the scenes or outside of your personal awareness. You are not deliberately being kept out of the information loop, but certain situations have not developed enough to inform you. You will, however, become aware of financial challenges that may include changes in employer benefits and cash flow. You may encounter confusing circumstances in these areas that are temporarily difficult to sort out.                                        Gemini May 21 to June 20 There is potential for you to encounter unreasonable or unjust situations while at work or in another public setting where you volunteer or perform today. This might affect you directly or your job might involve troubleshooting with concerned and confused individuals and organizations. The stars hint there are multiple causes for the uncertainty of the situation and that it will take some time to resolve through a group effort. Others in your organization will also be hard at work on these challenges.                              Cancer June 21 to July 22  Your ability to act as a mediator and transmitter of reasonable options during challenging times can be your best cosmic asset today. Your understanding of the public mind and how to strengthen connections will prove a valuable resource for co-workers now. Your family and friends will also benefit from your experience in dealing with change in positives ways. Throughout the day, your significant other and business partners will work alongside you or keep in close contact.                                                   Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Your governing luminary, the Sun, meets with Uranus, the planet representing science, technology and unpredictable circumstances today. If working or traveling far from home, you may experience travel delays. Arrangements with individuals and groups in legal, political, educational, or religious setting could be delayed, rescheduled, or have unexpected outcomes, as will appointments with foreigners, publishers, and others connected with cutting-edge cultural activities or events. Keep a pencil and eraser handy to make changes in your appointment book.                                    BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Indian IT eyes $100 million deals as US economy revives: CLSA     MUMBAI: The optimism about the economic recovery of the US has rubbed on to global firms with 58% of them agreeing to raise their tech budgets by 1% to 10%, and reflecting this trend, Indian software companies are also in a hurry to win big deals, says a survey by global equity brokerage house CLSA. The benchmark index for technology shares, BSE IT Index has rallied nearly 20% in the first three months of 2013 on hopes of higher corporate spending by the US and Europe, which promises new business opportunities for Indian software companies. "We are witnessing a turnaround in technology spending by global companies. Many global clients of Indian software companies are releasing funds from their budget, and overall, there's a big change in sentiment," says Abhishek Shindadkar, research analyst at ICICI Securities. "The tier-I software companies are likely to benefit most from the increased global technology spending, the repeat business from existing clients is also likely to remain stable. Around this time, many big contracts from global companies come up for renewal, and one can expect Indian software companies to bag new orders," he added. CLSA has revealed that deals worth over $100 billion are expected to come up for renewal this year, which may throw up an opportunity for Indian IT companies. Over the past year, they have been fairly successful in their effort, with a win rate of 40-45%, when it comes to chasing contracts which are up for grabs against incumbents such as HP and IBM, as global corporate houses have increasingly begun to feel at home with the Indian outsourcing theme. In the technology sector, infrastructure services segment is seen as a $200 billion opportunity, but Indian firms have just 5% of market share. What's encouraging though is that the current deal pipeline in infrastructure services is 50-70% higher than last year, with improved visibility in earnings, says CLSA. "The positive thing about technology sector is that the budgets have been finalised by most clients... companies such as TCS, Infosys have greater visibility about volume growth, but margins may come under pressure," says Sonam Udasi, head of research at IDBI Capital. "The deprecation of the rupee against the dollar is likely to boost revenues further for Indian software exporters," he added. CLSA has also said that the US healthcare reforms are likely to generate around $30 billion opportunity for global IT companies. The health insurance market in each US state, starting October 2013, will have a public health insurance exchange, where people can choose affordable coverage plans from the health insurance schemes listed in the exchange. Germany may also offer a chance to Indian software companies, as sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and utilities warm up to the idea of technology outsourcing. "TCS, Infosys and HCL Tech have changed the sentiment of technology sector... these companies have bagged significant domestic orders and have diversified their client profile across geographies to mitigate against the risk of overdependence on the US and Europe, which is a good sign," says AK Prabhakar, senior vice president at Anand Rathi Financial Services.  HEALTH+VE                                                              How yoga keeps you fit and healthy       Everything we do calls for stress and constant running around. In the middle of all this chaos, yoga is a great way to connect with your inner self and stay healthy at the same time. Through its deep breathing, stretching, mindful exercise, yoga is also an effective method to keep most stress-related diseases at bay. In fact, no matter what your lifestyle, you could learn a thing or two from this ancient exercise form that benefits your mind and body, both. Here's looking at why yoga is meant for people of all shapes and sizes...yes, even you! Yoga helps combat stress. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga has a positive impact on various kinds of neurological disorders. Their findings suggest that yoga might help patients in fighting with the symptoms of neurological disorders such as acute headache, psychological depression and so on. Published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, this study revealed that women, even beginners, who practice hatha yoga may boost happy hormones by diminishing stress levels. Yoga helps asthma patients. According to a research study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle, adults who suffered from asthma experienced "increased quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms after 10 weeks of yoga practice". Yoga helps in battling weight loss in middle age. While on the one hand yoga helps increase strenght and flexibility, it also helps with weight loss when you reach middle age, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle. Researchers studied that people who are overweight in their middle age and who practised yoga daily for over a decade lost considerable amount of weight. Yoga even helps cancer patients fight fatigue. Cancer survivors who practice yoga are able to sleep better and fight fatigue more efficiently, according to a recent study. Yoga helps reduce stress levels and boosts the immune system. Thus yoga forms like hath yoga are increasingly recommended to all cancer survivors, combined with restorative breathing exercises to help improve their sleep patterns. Tips for Starting Yoga. We recommend a few things to keep in mind: Go for a style that suits your body type: Yoga classes and asanas may differ for people with different body types. Some may only focus on meditation and deep breathing, whereas others might focus on rigorous and strenuous yoga moves. You and your body type are unique: Understand this: Yoga is not only about flexibility. Don't try and idealise images and postures as presented in glossy health magazines. Those are people who have attained this kind of flexibility after years of practice and fitness routine. Go at your own pace. Maintain your own pace: There is no need to rush into any kind of asana or yoga pose too soon. Use straps, blocks or other tools to suit your needs and requirements. Ask your yoga instructor for help and make sure you take adequate rest and proper precautions. Listen to your body: Don't force yourself into any of the asana. Try and read your body signals and stop when you think you can't take it anymore. The right way of incorporating yoga in your daily workout routine. Depending on what your needs are, you can choose a yoga routine that works for you or you could participate in a host of workout activities at a time. The best way to go about overall fitness will be to do weight training for strength, circuits/rope jumping/sprinting/kickboxing for cardio fitness and Yoga for flexibility.          Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  Today you might face challenges from friends and co-workers but have excellent relationships with your significant other. You will search for ways to correct a confusing financial matter for yourself or on behalf of your employer. Those around you with a similar task are likely to share your goal but put forth solutions that are quite different from your own. Fortunately, a sympathetic and creative partner will await you toward the end of your day and may have arranged an unforgettable event that will lift your spirits.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Your contacts with business partners today may put you in touch with influential individuals and organizations in your field of expertise. Back at home, your significant other may provide a similar contact. However, professional contacts you have today might result in unexpected outcomes, especially those assigned by your employer. You will also be aware that financial responsibilities have become lighter recently but that you continue to make significant decisions around joint investments.                                Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Today you'll benefit from excellent assistants, contractors, and others that provide services directly for you through your employer or at home. The more brilliant among them may exhibit eccentric mannerisms or appearance. You will have good luck with tech support personnel and others that provide state-of-the-art electrical or electronic devices that make your work more efficient. If you need an eye exam or other health tests for you or your pets, have them now.                        Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Discussions with your professional and personal contacts today likely will revolve around money management. One or more sources of their cash flow may have become diminished or ended, and you may be called upon to make up the difference. The stars suggest this situation may improve quickly, so short-term arrangements on your part will be preferable to any long-term ones. Other changes in your individual financial situation could become evident later this year.                                            Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 The moon meets your Saturn sign ruler in friendly cosmic territory toward the beginning of the day. This is a signature for cooperation and deepening friendship between you and your significant other, as well as your business associates. Throughout the day you'll have their support for your chosen work as well as your volunteer or performance efforts, because you share similar goals. You will also easily make necessary adjustments in your environment that will help you become more efficient in your daily work.                                   Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  Today will be one of preparation to do your most important work in a public setting. This may be related to enhancing the general health and welfare of the public or that of a particular population. Advertise your project and gain the cooperation of all other organizations that will make it successful. You can engage talented individuals to assist you with creative advertising now and other groups for funding. Look for a busy day of phone calls and text messages.                Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  There may be unexpected events involving the money and resources of your employer and your business partners. One phase of your arrangements with them may end while others remain strong and continue as usual. You may object to the confusing manner in which this will be communicated to you, but reactions taken in haste today may generate a surprise outcome. You likely will have enhanced communications with individuals and groups at a distance rather than local contacts.                            Moral Story     SMS     “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”          LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS       Love--that divine fire which was made to light and warm the temple of home--sometimes burns at unholy altars.     LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS        The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.         SANTA went to court JUDGE: "Order ! Order !" SANTA: "1 Pizza, 2 Dosa, 3 Idli & 1 Cold-drink !" JUDGE: "Shut Up !" SANTA:"No,No..7-Up!

EDUCATION +VE Kendriya Vidyalayas hike fees by 60%           CHENNAI: KendriyaVidyalayas across the country have hiked their fee by more than 60%. Many parents said it was a substantial increase, but that they didn't mind paying for the facilities offered. The last fee hike was in 2009. In a recent notification, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) said the computer fund and Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi would be doubled from the next academic year, taking the monthly fee for a Class 10 student from Rs 490 to Rs 800. There is no change in tuition fee. The revised fee for the 11 lakh KV students across the country will come into effect from April 1. A recent KVS notification said the proposal to enhance the fee was placed before the meeting of the board of governors on December 28, 2012 and also brought to the notice of the minister for human resource development and KVS chairman Pallam Raju, who approved it. The fee collected is used to maintain school campus and to provide student amenities, said KVS (Chennai) officials. KVs are provided good information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, but such equipment has a life span of 3-5 years. After that it either becomes obsolete or useless, said N R Murali, deputy commissioner, KVS (Chennai). "To be on a par with other schools we must keep updating our equipment. KVs have the best students for such a large chain of schools and we want to provide good facilities for them," he said. He said they had received no complaints about the fee increase so far and that at the local level there were certain provisions to allow concessions for those finding it difficult to pay the fee. "Parents of most KV students are government employees who can get the amount reimbursed," he said. Children from BPL families and children with disabilities are exempted from paying both tuition fee and VVN contribution. Girls in Classes 6 to 12, who are the only child in the family, are exempt from paying tuition fee, computer fund and VVN contribution. In case of financial difficulties, a student can get exemption from paying VVN contribution for one academic session. Some parents said the new fee would burn a hole in their pockets. "When you think of it as an increase of Rs 310 a month it looks like a small amount, but it does pinch when you pay the term fees. It is an increase of a few thousand rupees and we have to account for it in the household budget," said a parent, who is a librarian in a private school. Another parent, with two children, said, "It is a substantial increase, but it is still much lesser than what other CBSE schools in the area charge for providing the same or lesser facilities." SPORTS +VE Runaway leaders Manchester United chasing points record           LONDON: With a 20th league title virtually in the bag and no more European distractions, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is challenging his side to push for a Premier League points record. United visit Sunderland on Saturday when victory would open up an 18-point lead, at least until second-placed Manchester City host Newcastle United later. With nine games remaining, United have 74 points and need 22 more to break the record of 95 set by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side in 2004-05. Their own record is 92. "If we get to 96 points I'd be absolutely delighted," Ferguson, whose side face Chelsea in an FA Cup quarterfinal replay on Monday said this week while waiting for his players to return from international duty. "That would be a fantastic season. If we get to that position, we have probably won the league." Opponents Sunderland will be without top scorer Steven Fletcher after he suffered ankle ligament damage playing for Scotland, and captain Lee Cattermole, who has had knee surgery, for the rest of the season. The ease at which United are moving towards the title has surprised many, not least Ferguson who expected a much tougher fight from champions City, Chelsea and Arsenal this season. "I never thought we would be 15 points clear," he said. "I expected it to be a really tough fight." WHITE FLAG City have not officially waved the white flag but the manner of a 2-0 defeat at Everton in their last match before the World Cup qualifiers took centre stage, sucked any remaining optimism from the sky blue half of Manchester. They face a Newcastle side who, like Sunderland are still looking anxiously over their shoulder at the relegation zone. A week after that they travel to Old Trafford for what most would have assumed would be a huge fixture in the title race but which now looks like being an anti-climax. At least the battle for Champions League qualification appears to be going the distance. After beating Arsenal a few weeks ago, Tottenham Hotspur looked hot favourites to finish third and leave Chelsea and Arsenal scrapping for fourth but consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Fulham have stopped them in their tracks. Chelsea are now a point ahead of Spurs with a game in hand while Arsenal are breathing down the necks of their north London rivals who are still haunted by last season's poor finish which cost them a place in the Champions League. Tottenham visit mid-table Swansea City on Saturday, hoping that Welshman Gareth Bale, who scored at the Liberty Stadium for his country in midweek, can re-ignite their challenge. Arsenal, who are four points behind with a game in hand, host joint-bottom Reading, for whom Nigel Adkins takes charge for the first time since being appointed manager. Chelsea travel to Adkins' old club Southampton looking for a third consecutive league victory. Sixth-placed Everton, whose own top-four hopes were revived by their victory over City, are at home to Stoke City. Wigan Athletic can boost their chances of remaining in the top flight when they take on Norwich City on Saturday. Victory would lift them out of the bottom three above Aston Villa who are at home to Liverpool on Sunday.     Himmatwala   Movie Name :   Himmatwala    Release Date :   29 March, 2013 Genre :  Action , Drama  Producer : UTV Motion Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani. Director :   Sajid Khan Music Director : Sajid-Wajid Cast : Ajay Devgan & Tamannaah.   Synopsis: Himmatwala is a upcoming Bollywood action romance comedy drama movie 2013 and this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala is directed Sajid Khan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur and UTV Motion Pictures and also written by Sajid Khan.In this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala the lead roles are playing by the stars and they are as Ajay Devgan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Paresh Rawal, Mahesh Manjrekar, Adhyayan Suman, Zarina Wahab, Leena Jumani.Basically this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala is a official remake of the blockbuster of the same name Himmatwala which came in the year of 1983 and which itself was a remake of a Telugu film Ooriki Monagadu which came in the year of 1981 and also in this action romance movie Ajay Devgan will be seen as an action hero... In this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala two more Bollywood superstar will be seen as special appearance and they are Jeetendra and Akshay Kumar.This action romance comedy drama movie Himmatwala is going to be release on 2013 and the date is decided is on 29 March 2013. This action romance comedy drama movie Himmatwala story is as that it is a remake of Sridevi and Jeetendra’s movie of the same name and that is Himmatwala which came in the year of 1983 and also which was mega hit…I think this action romance movie is going to rock theater and is going to be big hit and i am sure that people will love this movie so much but then also lets see what response will this movie get in theaters on first opening so, if you want to know more about this action movie then must watch this movie in theaters that is near by you on 2013 and the date is on 29 March 2013.           The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick. " INSPIRING STORY "       Hospital window        Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.   His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.     They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.   Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.     The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.   Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.   One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it.   In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by th! e window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.   She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.   The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.   Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.   The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

“Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. ”