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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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UK Peace Index highlights rate of fall in violent crime
Rates of murder and violent crime have fallen more rapidly in the UK in the past decade than many other countries in Western Europe, researchers say. The UK Peace Index, from the Institute for Economics and Peace, found UK homicides per 100,000 people had fallen from 1.99 in 2003, to one in 2012.
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Britain avoids recession with faster than expected growth
Britain skirted a 'triple dip' recession by growing faster than expected in the first three months of the year. The Office for National Statistics said on Thursday that Britain's gross domestic product rose 0.3 per cent in the first quarter, above forecasts for a 0.1 per cent rise. Chancellor George Osborne said the GDP data was encouraging and showed his strategy was working. He promised to stay the course on fixing Britain's budget problems.
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African Union brings Sudan, rebels together for peace talks
The African Union on Wednesday brought together for the first time for peace talks Sudan and insurgents fighting government troops in two states bordering South Sudan, in a conflict that has affected almost a million people. On Wednesday, an AU panel led by mediator Thabo Mbeki, a former South African president, met with Sudanese delegation chief Ibrahim Ghandour and the SPLM-North's leader, Yassir Arman, in Addis Ababa at the start of peace talks, diplomats attending the negotiations said.
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US: Jobless claims fall, labour market recovery advances
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week by a surprisingly large 16,000, a sign there is still gas in the tank for the labour market's recovery despite signs of slower growth. 'The trend suggests a very slow improvement in the labour market,' said Gary Thayer, a macro strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Narendra Modi never said 'go and kill people', says SIT
Ahmedabad: The lawyer of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has given a clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2002 post-Godhra riots case after investigating complaint filed by Zakia Jafri, on Thursday said that "Modi has never said that go and kill people".
Opposing the protest petition filed by Jafri against SIT's closure report, its lawyer RS Jamuar said, "(social activist) Teesta Setalvad and others have falsified the complaint targeting Chief Minister who had never said that go and kill people."
During the second day of arguments, SIT lawyer targeted Setalvad, who has taken up the cause of riot victims, and who is helping Zakia, whose husband, Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, was killed in the riots.
Dubbing Setalvad as the sole "writer" of "fictitious" complaint against Modi and others, advocate Jamuar said: "The so-called incident of CM giving instructions to high-level police officers not to take action against the rioters is a sole creation of Teesta Setalvad. There is no evidence."
Zakia's petition demands filing of chargesheet against Modi and 58 others who she had named in her complaint filed before the Supreme Court. She has also sought further investigations by an independent agency other than SIT.
"On Teesta's instruction a citizens' tribunal was formed under the leadership of Justice (retired) VR Krishna Iyyer...after collecting evidence (it) published a report in which it was claimed that Modi has, in a meeting at his residence on February 27, 2002, gave so-called instructions," said Jamuar.
"When SIT member AK Malhotra examined the members of tribunal, they said the then state minister Haren Pandya told them. But they never had any evidence, no recording of testimony, nothing and still they came up with such conclusion," Jamuar said.
"As per the tribunal's report...in that meeting apart from CM three ministers were also present, whereas Zakai's own witness, (suspended IPS officer) Sanjiv Bhatt, later claimed that except Modi no politician was present," the SIT lawyer argued.
"How can they implicate Narendra Modi? Did CM say go on a rampage, go on a carnage, kill people? Tribunal's report is one of the ugliest inquiry report I have ever seen."
Advocate Jamuar also contended that Zakia's complaint alleges larger conspiracy hatched by Modi, "but Modi came to Gujarat in 2001 and this all happened within almost three months after he became Chief Minister. How can he hatch a larger conspiracy within that short time?".
"Complaint takes objections to CM's statement terming Godhra incidence as a conspiracy hatched by ISI during his visit to Godhra on February 27, 2002. But what's wrong in it?" he asked. "Whenever there is such an incident, politicians of our country tend to blame it as ISI conspiracy.
There is nothing wrong in it. Every time, every politician does that," Jamuar argued. The SIT lawyer also said that Zakia had herself admitted during her deposition before the court in the Gulburg Society massacre trial that she and other witnesses were telling whatever Teesta Setalvad and (former IPS officer) RB Sreekumar asked them to.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
This should be an excellent time to get your ducks in a row. Your ruling planet, Mars, and the Sun are facing some stiff opposition from Saturn in your outside money sector. You may be working on a refinancing deal or some other investment opportunity that has strings attached. If you can do the legwork and get all your facts, you may be able to face the challenge of the new arrangement. Many of the best outcomes and contracts occur through a little bit of extra effort.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You may be in negotiations with a partner or close friend. Are you trying to reach a compromise? Or do you simply see things differently? You may feel as if you are in the right, but your views may be challenged. If you are intractable and stubborn about your position, you may face resistance. When faced with a compromise you may decide to try a completely new tack and open up to a new possibility. It might help to imagine how the situation might feel if your positions were reversed. Your ruling planet, Venus may guide you to see the light.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Have you been paying attention to your body lately? This might be the ideal time to listen to what your body and spirit have been telling you and what you are feeling; then follow up with positive action. You may decide to change your diet or just alter your daily routine by incorporating a new exercise or food regimen. A shift of habit or even establishing new habits can be an incredibly constructive way to take care of yourself, simply because you change the energy.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
The recent lunar eclipse may have opened your eyes. You may want to look at your creative output through a new set of lenses. So much of what happens to you may come from simply changing your perspective and trying to look at your friends and co-workers in a new light. You may also decide to push just a little bit harder and see what you can come up with together with just a little more effort. The challenges may be real, but the rewards will be worth it.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 The seesaw of life/work balance may test your patience. If you can be mindful of the challenges inherent in that delicate tradeoff, you may be able to strike a happy medium. Yes, you will be required to do your part at work, but you also will be a necessary member of an important unit - your family and home. Even though you may have to work over the weekend or pay more attention to work for a bit, try to save time to soften the impact with a nice dinner to reward everyone.
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IDBI Bank Q4 net dips 28% to Rs 554 crore
Mumbai: Public sector lender IDBI Bank today reported 28.15 percent drop in net profit to Rs 554.45 crore for the January-March quarter on account of over two-fold rise in provisions.
The net profit of the bank stood at Rs 771 crore in the corresponding period of the 2011-12 fiscal. For the entire 2012-13, the bank’s net profit dropped by 7.36 percent to Rs 1,882 crore, as against Rs 2,032 crore reported in FY12, the bank release said.
During the fourth quarter, the total income of the bank rose by 9.87 per cent to Rs 7,544 crore, as against Rs 6,866 crore reported in the corresponding period of FY12.
Provisions during Q4 more than doubled to Rs 1,040 crore from Rs 433 crore reported in the same period of 2011-12. “Due to higher requirement of provision coverage as per regulation, provisions have increased.
However, we feel that things will be better on NPA and restructuring fronts in the current fiscal as they have bottomed out,” Executive Director of IDBI Bank, R K Bansal told PTI.
As per the bank, the net slippages in the fourth quarter stood at Rs 400 crore. While net interest income (NII) grew 18.92 percent to Rs 1,440 crore during January-March period, non-interest income increased by 45.7 percent to Rs 1,147 crore during this period.
Net interest margin of the bank stood at 2.19 per cent in the fourth quarter as compared to 2.07 per cent reported a year ago.
The growth in deposits and credit reported by the bank was way below industry average.
Deposits grew a paltry 7.90 per cent to Rs 2.27 lakh crore by the end of March quarter while the advances rose by 8.71 per cent to Rs 1.96 lakh crore during this period.
However, the bank argued that it consciously settled for a below-par growth. “The growth in credit was subdued as we didn’t want to grow our loan book fast as that would have increased our priority sector lending (PSL) targets. So, it was intentional to keep it subdued.
Going ahead, our priority is to meet the PSL target with growth in loan book,” Bansal said.
Its asset quality also deteriorated, with the gross non-performing asset ratio (gross NPA) going up to 3.22 percent from 2.49 percent year earlier.
However, net NPA improved marginally to 1.58 per cent from 1.61 per cent reported earlier. The capital adequacy ratio of the public sector lender stood at 13.13 per cent by the end of March quarter.
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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
A looming deadline may be staring at you as term papers, reports, or presentations stack up. A little research may go a long way, but only if you can be dedicated and effective in your work. The challenge may come from learning as much as you can so that you can present it to an audience in a new manner. You may be a great interpreter getting ready for a class. You may do well to see events in the proper framework, which ultimately may serve you and your reputation.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
This might be an appropriate time to review your long-term financial commitments. Have you invested wisely? Do you have the future in mind? These and other questions may be worth discussing or at least reviewing before you proceed farther. The challenge may come from the amount of background work required to get to the facts. If this seems like an unwieldy process, think of the payoff and what might be necessary for the growth of your portfolio. This could be time well spent.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 The recent lunar eclipse in Scorpio may have brought many things to your attention, especially from those closest to you. You may be better off trying to enter into any dialogue without any preconceived notions. Reactions and responses are necessary parts of any dialogue, but if you can frame them in a gentle, open manner, you may find that you get a much better reaction. Even if your interactions are a challenge, they might be building blocks to a stronger union.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You may be close to a finish line, particularly with regard to your well-being. Maybe you have been trying to lose weight or have been working toward a fitness goal. The end may be in sight, but you may have just a bit more work ahead, so take heed of any subtle reminders and re-focus your efforts to ensure that you reach your target. A careful review of any follow-up conversations or appointments may also be worth investigating, especially if they require input from a professional.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 A major creative project may be about to come to a conclusion. Your work with others may have been innovative yet amusing. The hard work you may have put into the finished product may require more involvement before you can officially call it complete. Sometimes the final changes can make or break the outcome, so it may be worth your while to finish things properly. You'll be glad you took the time.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 You may be asked to put in a little more work over the weekend. This may disrupt some of your plans, but do not worry. If you can find a way to postpone domestic plans until later, you should be able to find that delicate balance between work and home. The challenge may come from the work end, as your workload may seem inordinately unbalanced. Your best attempts to work through your assignments should be rewarded at the end of the day. This extra time may have been distracting but you will be ahead in the end.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Travels and teaching may be large topics on your daily agenda. You may feel particularly effective while speaking in public. The audience will be in the palm of your hand, and you likely will leave quite an impression - and that could not be better. However, the work you put in might be quite demanding. In order to deliver a successful product, you may have to work extra hard so that your plans and materials come off without a hitch. Double-check all facts, and you'll be a hit.
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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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BHU: Institute of Medical Sciences to host gastro meet
VARANASI: Department of gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is organising 24th annual conference of Indian Society of Gastroenterology (UP chapter) and the mid-term national conference of Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India at KN Updupa Auditorium, BHU on April 27 and April 28.
Dr VK Dixit of the department of gastroenterology, IMS, BHU informed that around 250 scholars and experts from across the country will be participating in the conference.
Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, Dr Shiv Kumar will be the chief guest.
Several leading gastroenterologist from the state will be present during the two-day conference. Topics in the field of gastrointestinal diseases and various liver diseases will be discussed. tnn
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You have to think you are the man, says Vivian Richards
NEW DELHI: The nomenclature of 'master blaster' has been used for only two cricketers in the history of the game — Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar.
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Among the two, the latter might have most of the cricketing records to his name but to many, Tendulkar will always be the 'Bruce Wayne' to Richards' 'Dark Knight' if both walked out together on the field.
Even at the age of 61, a good 22 years after putting his feet up, Richards has an aura around him, that trademark swagger very much in place. The West Indian, who is now an advisor to Delhi Daredevils, came forth on many aspects of his life and cricket in a freewheeling chat with the TOI on Thursday.
"How do you define aggression?" was a good way to start the conversation, one thought. The answer was simple. "It's just standing at the crease with guys swearing at you, telling you all sorts of things about your parenthood.
If you got good substance, your presence at the crease will be enough. You have got to think you are the man, having your chest and chin up and never taking a backward step. One has to try and exhibit what batsmanship is all about. When you score a 100, it's going to hurt a bowler more than anything else."
That doesn't mean Richards would put down someone like Virat Kohli whose aggro has an overtly vocal tinge to it.
"There are times you have to be confrontational. There are some bullies in cricket and nobody should be allowed to bully anyone. For me, if you confront me, I'll finish the confrontation myself," the former West Indies skipper said.
Noted writer John Birmingham once summed up Richards by saying, "The word genius implies a depth of rational thought and consideration, which was never part of Richards' game.
He was more an intuitive artist blessed with an exceptional gift for violent performance." It's inevitable to draw comparisons when one sees the brute power of another man from the Carribbean Isles — Chris Gayle.
Is there a method to Gayle's madness?
"Gayle realises that being destructive as he is, there is a need to dash all the time. Sometimes he takes time to play his way in and makes up for it later. I am sure Gayle plays the bluff a few times.
While he's there in the middle the fielders are sweating all the time, wondering when he is going to just go. I believe it's like stopping at a traffic light - when it gets to green you have the chance to put the foot on the pedal," he said about the Jamaican.
However, the original 'master blaster' believes that the job of today's batsmen has been made easier with a lack of genuine speedsters around. "Regardless of how good a batsman you are, it's going to be seriously tough to face a genuine quick.
South Africa is a wonderful exponent of that and I doubt batsmen will be able to take liberty against a pace attack like that. They have the best bowling attack at the moment," he said.
VivSpeak
On DD missing Kevin Pietersen
KP brings an air of confidence. He played a huge part in Daredevils' success last year. Small things can disrupt a team but I feel talent wins games while teamwork and intelligence win championships.
On the importance of 'bluffing'
I have always been a big fan of Sehwag over the years and regardless of how big a player you are, you are going to go through times when things don't work to a plan. People expect him to smack everything, so why not take little singles and work the strike around. That is bluffing for me. If you are in the middle, you can always put the foot on the accelerator.
On Sehwag
Sehwag is a magnificent player and he may have lost form for some time. I would always have Sehwag in my team. They (players like Sehwag) may not get going all the time but when they do they can make up for all the losses.
If he batted in T20s...
In this format the best batsmen should play most number of overs. I would have liked to open the batting, but would not take the first ball for sure. I like to take a look from the other end,
His batting philosophy...
Batsmanship is about hitting the gaps. If you can't hit the gaps, clear the boundary!
On Sachin Tendulkar
I am a fan of Sachin. At times people don't appreciate what they have in their midst. He is still not out of place in the modern game. He's still a class act. I'll never dare go say to him you should go tomorrow. He's a modern day hero in a big way. If he wants to go to 50 I'll allow him to go to 50.
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Bombay Talkies
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Movie Name : Bombay Talkies
Release Date : May 3, 2013
Genre : Anthology
Producer : Viacom 18 Motion Pictures & Ashi Dua
Director : Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Saqib Saleem, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor.
Synopsis:
Bombay Talkies is a 2013 Indian anthology film consisting of four short films, directed by Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee. The film will release on May 3, 2013, to mark the centenary year of Indian cinema.
Dream Desire Thought Joy Pain Want Love Sorrow - Four story tellers come together to celebrate the emotion of cinema.The film's story revolves around the lives and problems of common people of our society while all the actors who played their roles looks much perfect and real.
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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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