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“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US scientist committed to connecting people in cities to forests
Scientist Ariel Lugo believes that if you cannot bring people to the forests, you must bring the forests to them. This is a key focus as he carries out his work to conserve forests as well as improve communities around the world, and one of the reasons the United Nations honoured him with its Forest Hero Award.
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UK: River revival is in good flow
Early results from ten pilot projects to improve Britain's rivers for fish and wildlife are proving highly successful in increasing species counts and fish populations, according to the government's Environment Agency. The Environment Agency has allocated money from a £24.5m Catchment Restoration Fund to small community groups to help them transform rivers to standards required by the European Water Framework Directive 2000. EU member countries need to bring rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries, and coasts up to 'good ecological status' by 2027.
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UN makes 'aggressive' push to reduce child mortality
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched their Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea, which aims to end preventable child deaths from these conditions by 2025. The launch was supported by the publication of a series of articles in the medical journal The Lancet showing that the tools to accomplish this goal already exist, and that the targets should be achievable at a reasonable cost.
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Australia: Car dealers post record breaking sales in 2012
New research shows car dealerships in Australia had a record breaking year of profitability in 2012. Consulting firm Deloitte's Motor Industry report shows dealerships sold more than 1.1 million cars last year, a 10.2 per cent increase from 2011. The group's director of motor industry services, Dorian Lapthorne, says it was the highest number of sales on record.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Shiv Sena warns BJP that naming Modi PM candidate may cost seats
Mumbai: There seems to be more trouble for the National Democratic Alliance as the Shiv Sena has now said that the Bharatiya Janata Party should make it clear as to who will be its Prime Ministerial candidate.
An editorial in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, says an NDA meeting should be called and a decision should be taken.
In reference to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the editorial further says that while naming the PM candidate may get the BJP five to 10 seats extra, some old allies will leave costing the NDA as many as 25 seats. The editorial also tells the BJP not to take them for granted.
The mouthpiece says, "While Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi may be one of the PM candidates, the BJP must note that the NDA will take a final decision."
The Shiv Sena's warning to the BJP comes amidst rising tensions between another NDA constituent Janata Dal United and the BJP. The JD(U) has set a year-end deadline for the BJP to announce its PM candidate.
JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister, in a veiled threat to the BJP, has also set the terms for the PM candidate. Nitish Kumar did not name Modi, but made it very clear he is not acceptable as a PM candidate.
Nitish listed the criteria for a prime minister and said only someone who can take all sections of society together can take the top post.
In an apparent dig at Modi for his frequent reference to the Gujarat model of development Nitish said many people accept it as development even when a developed state grows, and stressed that there is a need to see from where did a particular state start its development march.
Citing the case of Bihar where the NDA alliance led by him is in power for more than seven years, Nitish said, "Why will we go for genetic modification when the crop is in pink of health?
Negative results are bound to happen if one makes an attempt of genetic modification."
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may be extra quick to speak your mind without holding back as Mercury and Uranus prepare to meet in spontaneous Aries. Try to aim your forthrightness at situations or conversations where telling it like it is will bring the best results. You may want to wait until April 23 or later for the more subtle conversations. Your financial life takes a front seat over the next six weeks as Mars enters Taurus. Attending to a budget plan and savings goals will be useful.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
As Mars prepares to move into Taurus, it will begin a six-week period of your needing to focus on you. Whether you want to be more proactive in doing things for yourself, or you need to take a gentle stand with a partner or friend to get more of your needs met, don't wait for things to change on their own. While you may not be one to make a big, dramatic fuss or change, one or two focused adjustments should turn the tide in the right way.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 The ideas are coming as fast as lightning, and you will find yourself impatiently wanting to act on them as Mercury and Uranus shake hands in quick-thinking Aries. A group brainstorming session can be satisfying and successful, but when it comes to carrying out the ideas, you may prefer being free to work independently as you tend to like a more rapid pace than most. If you need a mental reboot or a physical recharge, find a relaxing moment this weekend with Mars entering Taurus.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Your imagination knows no bounds, but you will be even more inclined to daydream about a future plan or hope that you have considered from time to time. If the realities of the here and now feel like they are holding back this future potential, get creative. As Mercury aligns with Uranus, unconventional thinking is the way forward. Think outside of the box, especially when it comes to your career, and you may discover a way to have it all (even if it's not what you thought it'd look like).
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may have renewed enthusiasm for your career and want to take the initiative on your career goals. If you've been in training or education, now may be the time to put your skills to the test in a practical way. You will be ripe with innovative ideas now, especially if you are willing to think on a bigger scale and consider not just the matter in front of you but also the larger pattern.
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Need more affirmative action: Kris Gopalakrishnan
CII president and Infosys vice-chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan is candid enough to acknowledge that the industry has to do more on affirmative action and inclusion. In an interview, he outlines his strategy. Excerpts:
What should we expect during your term as CII chief?
We want to accord highest priority to accelerate growth, which seems to be turning around. The economy is expected to grow 6-6.5% this year before returning to 8-9% over the next three-five years. We want to do our bit to reach the 8-9% level as soon as we can. There are four key pillars for this. One is reforms and governance. There are some policy decisions which reduced investor confidence and caused a delay in infrastructure decision-making. That seems to be now behind us. The focus area will be entrepreneurship and innovation. We need planned intervention to make small enterprises into medium and medium into large. Three, there is a need for transformation and we are looking at jobs to be created in manufacturing. Our solution would be to train key leaders within the company on best practices who can go back and train others. Fourth, affirmative action and inclusive growth will be a big focus - from skilling and vocational training to how we work with more ITIs. Our members are giving 32,000 scholarships to SCs and STs and we have to look at increasing that number. We need to give scholarships at school levels.
The criticism is that the industry has not done much on affirmative action...
We certainly need to do more. But making it mandatory is not the solution. We need to engage and find out, what's required. The industry has been facing challenges, from slowdown and that may have affected its activities. But as I said, the need is to increase scholarships and training programmes. We need to buy more (from units). We are engaging with the Dalit Chamber of Commerce. The scale varies from state to state. For instance, in Tamil Nadu, because of reservation in education, the ratios are much better. In Kerala, the situation is very different because everyone is educated.
How are the elections in key states and the Centre going to impact economic revival?
The government wants to fast-track reforms and you will see some action. We are going to take the opportunity to create our own agenda and present it to political parties and hope that some of it is included in the manifestos. We are trying to invite political leaders from across the spectrum to listen to their priorities besides engaging with states.
What are the issues that you want in the manifestos?
GST is an example. We need to build political consensus on some of the sticky issues such as revenue sharing. Ease of doing business is another area where we would like to get political parties to work towards getting India into the top quartile compared to its current rank of 122 among 135 countries.
What about dealing with corruption, including acting against your members?
That is not for us to do. The government has to investigate and courts have to decide. For us, it will be a twin track approach. We need to talk to the members on having a code of conduct and adopt best practices and discuss some of the global laws on the issue. At the same time, we need to work with the government to streamline procedures, technology, move to electronic systems and have things like DTC (Direct Taxes Code).
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Are fruits a good breakfast substitute?
Most of us rely on fruits for 'healthy breakfast substitutes' without really checking up on how healthy that is.
Do you always end up eating a piece of fruit for breakfast, due to lack of time? Many of us, though being aware of the importance of breakfast, tend to avoid eating a healthy breakfast.
The basic excuse we give to avoid a healthy breakfast is 'lack of time'. But if you feel that by adding fruits for breakfast you will get a healthy breakfast, then you need to read what Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital says...
She says, "Essentially, it (fruits for breakfast) affects your body by not giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through your day."
On the other hand, when you have a complete breakfast you not only get vitamin C, but you also get calcium, fiber, and protein. This helps better prepare your body for the day's activities.
This leads us to staying powerful throughout the day. If a piece of fruit doesn't have enough nutrition, how could it possibly keep you full until your next meal? It's only when you combine fruit with high fiber breakfast foods such as oatmeal, wheat, or even bran, you will stay full longer.
When you add more fiber to your breakfast, you're able to better ward off hunger pains. When you combine these high fiber foods with fruit, you get a breakfast that has more of the nutrition your body needs.
Of course, the most important reason a breakfast of fruit isn't enough is because you aren't consuming sufficient calories or protein. Breakfast is the most significant meal of the day.
By consuming more calories first thing in the morning, you are better able to work off those calories throughout the day. This is a much enhanced option than consuming most of your calories in the evening.
Protein is essential to keeping you full for longer as well. A breakfast that lacks protein will have you feeling hungry by noon, even earlier.
So save fruits as mid-day snacks or add-ons for meals, but avoid using fruits as breakfast substitutes. Find 5-10 minutes to eat a nutritious well-balanced healthy breakfast, and you'll be in better control of your weight and health.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
The Sun and Mars seem to think it may be time for a vacation, as they prepare to move into Taurus. As you are a hard worker who goes above and beyond on almost every task, you could use a vacation more than most. Don't put it off. Whether you want to go big or just find a few days to relax in a quiet location, schedule in a break so you can live to work another day.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
As Mercury and Uranus prepare to join in Aries, you may become involved in an intense discussion with a friend or partner. It'll be important to speak as clearly and directly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, but maintaining an attitude of compromise with each other may be challenging. One or both of you might let something slip that you didn't mean to say or use with unexpected harshness. If the matter is a delicate one and feelings are sensitive, you may want to wait until after April 21.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Your thoughts will turn to relationships as the Sun and Mars join Venus in Taurus. An important relationship may need more of your attention from now until April 22. You will both appreciate the trust growing between the two of you if you are able to focus your time on your partner. If you need to have a conversation with someone that requires delicacy, you may want to postpone it until at least April 21 as the pairing of Mercury and Uranus in fast-talking Aries will have you wanting to speak your mind without having to censor yourself.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
As the Sun and Mars enter Taurus one after the other, the time get to work on your good ideas will arrive, even as the ideas keep rolling in (and they will). Although you may want to hit the ground running - and keep running - working at a steady and determined pace will bring the best results. If you get stuck creatively, try working on something else and come back with fresh eyes on April 22.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 While you like to be busy at whatever work you are engaged in or plans you are carrying out, make fun and relaxation your goal over the next six weeks, as Mars begins traveling through Taurus. Hands-on hobbies can be a good way to focus your productivity while still enjoying yourself. If you want to try something new and aren't feeling very creative, try again after April 21 so it won't feel like doing something fun is just another job.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Mercury and Uranus are preparing to light up the sky together in fast-paced Aries, which should unleash a fury of ideas and mental connections that come so fast you may have to work to keep up. You are known for your inventiveness, and thinking outside of the box is no problem, especially if you open yourself to a perspective you had not considered. Stretch your mind by engaging in conversations with people whose perspective is different from yours, but be careful - disagreements can heat up into arguments more quickly this weekend.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
As the Sun and Mars enter Taurus, your perspective on a certain matter might change. Whether you get new information or you simply have enough time to mull over an idea, you will come to a conclusion or decision about something. Although you may be ready to communicate your perspective or act on your decision, Mercury and Uranus will join in impulsive Aries, so you might consider waiting a day or two before you decide.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.”
In New Delhi, Blue-line buses are notorious for killing people in accidents.
Today a Blue-line bus driver saved
2 lives.
Howz that possible?
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He did not go to job today.
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First year BA, BCom paper checking starts
PUNE: The assessment work for first-year BA and BCom external course papers started in the University of Pune (UoP) from Monday. Similarly, the assessment of first-year regular degree courses, which is to be done at the institution level, has also begun in several affiliated colleges.
"We are relying on a large number of approved teachers from the non-aided colleges for executing the paper assessment work," a senior official from the UoP's exam department told TOI on Tuesday. "Many colleges too have reported a smooth beginning to their assessment work for the first-year regular degree course examinations, which is the responsibility of individual institutions," the official said.
So far, the boycott of exam work by university and college teachers has had little impact on the examination process at the UoP and its affiliated colleges. Close to 45,000 teachers from across the state, including 4,000 from the UoP and its affiliated colleges, mostly from aided arts, science, commerce, law and education colleges have boycotted the exam work in response to the call by the Maharashtra federation of university and college teachers' organization (Mfucto).
The teachers are agitating for release of Sixth Pay Commission arrears and regularization of non-NET/SET qualified teachers appointed between September 19, 1991 and April 3, 2000. The state government has announced that the pay arrears will be released by the end of May, but the chief minister has taken a firm stand on the NET/SET issue. This has resulted in an impasse as the Mfucto has been maintaining that it has not received any official communication from the government either about the arrears issue or the demand for regularization of NET/SET teachers.
While the boycott has adversely impacted the practical examination schedule as almost all state universities had to put off the same, the written papers had to be rescheduled at some of the state universities. However, the UoP decided to go ahead with the written papers as per its schedule in view of students' interest.
The university managed to start the written papers for March/April exam session from March 28 by relying on the non-teaching staff and teachers from non-aided colleges for conducting exam supervision, invigilation and allied works. However, paper assessment seemed a bigger challenge as the process can be done only by approved teachers.
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Boxer Vijender Singh clears dope test
BANGALORE: Boxer Vijender Singh emerged unscathed from a dope test on Tuesday but it would take a while before he returns to the mainstream, the sports ministry said.
The urine and blood samples of the Olympic bronze medallist contained no banned substances, the ministry said in a statement.
"Vijender Singh, along with four others, was subjected to an out-of-competition test for banned substances.
A full menu test was conducted that included testing for psychotropic substances. The ministry is glad to announce that on the basis of these tests none of the boxers were found to have used any banned substances in the recent past," it said.
The full menu tests were conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on April 3 at the ministry's behest.
It automatically meant that heroin was part of the list although as a rule narcotics do not figure in out-of-competition tests.
Tuesday's reprieve, however, does not mean that Vijender would return to the camp at Patiala. Having waited until April 8, when his leave expired, Sports Authority of India decided to penalize Vijender for absenteeism. As he had missed the trials, neither will he be allowed into the camp nor considered for the events in Cyprus and Cuba.
"At best, he may be considered for the next camp. But that is entirely the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation's decision," the sources said.
The results of the dope test also will not stop Punjab Police from continuing their investigation.
Having claimed that the star boxer had consumed heroin with his sparring partner Ram Singh, Punjab Police had sought Vijender's blood and hair samples for forensic tests.
"Even now they can demand these samples to continue with their probe," the sources said. "The ministry tested Vijender after realizing that there hadn't been a single out-of-competition testing on him since July 2012.
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Ek Thi Daayan
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Ek Thi Daayan
Movie Name : Ek Thi Daayan
Release Date : April 18, 2013
Genre : Horror
Producer : Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj.
Director : Kannan Iyer
Music Director : Vishal Bharadwaj
Cast : Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi.
Synopsis:
Ek Thi Daayan movie is a supernatural musical entertaining romantic thriller with an electrifying jolt at the end.
The movie revolves around the character Bobo (Emraan Hashmi), an India's leading magician.
But unknown to even his girlfriend Tamara, Bobo's life is falling apart. His constant hallucinations leave him with no option but to seek psychiatric help.
Going through regression hypnosis, a terrifying story about his childhood surfaces involving a sinister power called Daayan who has not only destroyed his family but also promised to return to haunt Bobo.
He chooses to ignore it and move on with his life. Just when his career and love life is at full throttle, enters the irresistible Lisa Dutt.
Bobo is convinced that she is the daayan. But is she, really? Or is he just losing his mind?
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An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Poor Man’s Wealth
Ramchand and Premchand were neighbours. Ramchand was a poor farmer. Premchand was a landlord.
Ramchand used to be very relaxed and happy. He never bothered to close the doors and windows of his house at night. He had deep sound sleeps. Although he had no money he was peaceful.
Premchand used to be very tense always. He was very keen to close the doors and windows of his house at night.
He could not sleep well. He was always bothered that someone might break open his safes and steal away his money. He envied the peaceful Ramchand.
One day, Premchand call Ramchand and gave him a boxful of cash saying, “Look my dear friend. I am blessed with plenty of wealth. I find you in poverty. So, take this cash and live in prosperity.”
Ramchand was overwhelmingly happy. He was joyful throughout the day. Night came. Ramchand went to bed as usual. But, to-day, he could not sleep.
He went and closed the doors and windows. He still could not sleep. He began to keep on looking at the box of cash. The whole night he was disturbed.
As soon as day broke, Ramchand took the box of cash to Premchand. He gave away the box to Premchand saying, “Dear Friend, I am poor.
But, your money took away peace from me. Please bear with me and take back your money.”
Moral: Money can not get everything. Learn to be satisfied with what you have and you will always be happy.
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“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”
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