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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Green energy in Europe vies now with conventional energy: Allianz
Renewable energy production and infrastructure are gaining investor appeal as they become less dependent on government support in more European markets, the asset management arm of insurer Allianz said on Thursday. Allianz, Europe's biggest insurer, has been investing billions of euros of policy holder funds in renewable energy. Spanish and Italian wind or solar installations were the most advanced in terms of profitability.
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Manitoba, Canada: Ecosystem protection focus of new legislation
In what it called a North American first, the Manitoba government introduced legislation Monday to create ecosystem-protection zones on Crown land to protect endangered plants and wildlife. The proposed Endangered Species Amendment Act would create a new designation for species at risk of becoming threatened, requiring action to prevent further loss. 'Today Manitoba is making international environment news,' Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh said at a news conference shortly before introducing Bill 24 in the legislature on Monday.
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Scotland: Art of beekeeping will keep Scottish National Gallery in the honey
It's bound to create a buzz in the arts world. An ambitious plan to keep bees and produce honey on the roof of the Scottish National Gallery is taking flight. Restaurateur Victor Contini is in talks to place two beehives on the top of the landmark building on The Mound in Edinburgh, and says they could produce around 100 jars of honey per year.
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Over one hundred countries agree to cut mercury pollution
More than 140 countries across the world have signed a treaty agreeing to cut mercury pollution. The Minamata Convention, agreed upon in Geneva after four years of negotiations, addresses the levels of pollution caused by the metal as well as its mining, exportation, importation, and safe storage. The treaty, named after a city in Japan where serious health damage occurred as a result of mercury pollution, will also ban a range of products that contain mercury. Included in the ban are soaps and cosmetics, certain types of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and some batteries.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Modi gets Ramdev's support, says he only dreams of serving people
Haridwar: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi found support in seers as yoga guru Ramdev on Friday backed and rooted for him in Haridwar.
Modi, who inaugurated Ramdev's new school Acharya Kulam, said that India has been built by saints and religious leaders, and not by any politician.
"I want to announce from this stage that not a single religious leader has ever asked for anything from me. Today I am happy that in Haridwar I have received the honour to meet saints," declared Modi.
Supporting Ramdev, Modi stated that Ramdev has one life, one mission.
"These saints have an important role in building our nation. In the past people used to say these saints do nothing. Today when these saint are doing so much, the same people complaint and ask why they are involved in other activities," said the BJP leader.
Saying that there are no ill motives behind Ramdev's actions, Modi added that Ramdev and he are twin brothers.
"We are targeted in the same manner. I am not asking anything but the country is seeking an answer from people in Delhi," said Modi.
The BJP leader, who is the frontrunner for the prime minister candidate within the BJP, said that he has no dream or ambition in life. "Only dream I have is to serve the people," Modi declared to a roaring applause from seers in Haridwar.
Earlier in the day, Ramdev gave a fillip to Modi's prime ministerial ambitions and was all praise for him and lauded him for being a great administrator. Ramdev also reiterated that crores of Indians are pinning their hopes on him.
This comes days after Ramdev had backed Modi as a Prime Ministerial candidate.
Ramdev had described the Gujarat Chief Minister as a symbol of development and good governance and asked people to support him. "Modi is a symbol of development and good governance and people have a lot of expectations from him.
He is a good leader and the people should support such a leader," Ramdev had said.
Ramdev, who earlier had urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to change its priorities and project Modi as its leader in the next Lok Sabha elections, had said he would not take the political plunge but would continue working to bring political change in the country.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Last week's eclipse on April 25 and this week's opposition of Saturn to the Sun seem to have left you in a glum mood. When Mars, your ruler, opposes Saturn on May 1, don't push when conditions and talks seem stuck. Things will resolve later in the week as new solutions surface. If a lack of cash has had you feeling tense, you soon will have a chance to right your ship and set off to sail in calmer seas. In just one week, the solar eclipse may bring options to develop new sources of income.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You've been through a major eclipse last week on April 25, so as you enter this new week, you may still be thinking about the news that surfaced, especially in regard to a relationship. Keep your health strong, as much is being demanded of you these days. The welfare of a family member or the pressing need to solve a living situation may have recently concerned you too, but by August you will find a selection of options to resolve that matter.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 At the start of the week, Saturn will be in hard angle to Saturn, draining your energy, and possibly your spirit, too. When tired, you tend to see the world painted in tones of grey, but when you feel rested and nourished, your spirit and enthusiasm returns. Be good to yourself this week, especially on May 1, when Saturn will oppose Mars 1. See any frustrating situation as temporary. You are so fortunate to have Jupiter, giver of gifts and luck, in Gemini, in rare, once-a-decade visit. Jupiter will move on to Cancer in late June, but while Jupiter is moving in a fast, sure orbit in Gemini, don't give up your dreams.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
The emphasis this week will be on your private ties, in love and in friendship. Last week brought news or change regarding love or a child near the eclipse April 27, and more changes are on the way. A lack of cash flow may be putting a crimp in your style this week, but your long-term outlook for your financial future is bright. A thorny aspect will occur on Wednesday, May 1, when Mars will oppose Saturn. This is a classic fire and ice type of aspect, when Mars will say, Go! and Saturn will say Wait - stop! Saturn will win, so resign yourself to slow down and think through your plans one more time.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 With Mars still brilliantly lighting your career sector, professional offers are likely to come in, but you will have to consider any career change in terms of how your family will be impacted by your choice. Life is a balancing act, and never more than now. If you have no children or parents depending on you, it might be that you will need to realistically consider housing options in a new location (should you need to relocate for your career), for you may find housing availability to be tight or very expensive.
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Tatas to increase R&D spending in coming years
Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group on Friday said its spending on research and development will increase in the coming years with growing focus on innovation, from an estimated $2 billion a year currently.
"I hope with the focus which has been created on innovation and customer centricity, this number (spending) will increase in the years two come," Tata Group Brand Custodian and Spokesperson Mukund Rajan said at an event.
Currently, the group's total R &d spend, which stands at a little over $2 billion, accounts for two per cent of the group's total revenues of over $100 billion.
"It constitutes two per cent of the group's topline. (this year) it is more or less on the lines of the previous year," Rajan said, but did not specify the quantum of expected increase in the R&D spending.
He was speaking to reporters after announcement of the winners of the annual 'Tata Innovista' programme, which is held every year to encourage, recognise and showcase outstanding innovation done by Tata companies across the globe.
Rajan said that the outgo on the R&D activities is expected to go up not only in the Tata Group, but also in the other domestic companies as the issue is a national priority.
The Tata Group official said the contribution from R&D activities, as per the Economic Survey 2013, accounts for only 0.7 per cent in the country's GDP, which is just half compared to China, adding: "India has a long way to go to catch up with the kind of innovation activities that the countries like US and other have."
Despite India having better scientific research institutions, R&D and innovation capabilities are lower than other BRICS countries, according to the Economic Survey.
The Survey also pointed out that innovation is lacking in the country and research undertaken by institutions whether public or private are not turning out to into commercial ventures in a significant way.
Tata companies from across the world have introduced 1,305 innovations in the year 2012-13 that have been successfully implemented and have accrued benefits to the companies, the group said.
During Tata Innovista programme, such innovations feature under the promising innovations category with sub-categories of product innovations, Service innovations, Core Process innovations and support process innovations, it said.
In 2006, Tata group started the process of celebrating innovations of Tata companies through Tata Innovista.
Besides, TQMS, a division of Tata Sons, formed the Tata Group Innovation Forum (TGIF) in 2007 to encourage, inspire and help create a culture promoting innovation within the group.
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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!
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Travel is not to go smoothly in the first few days of the week, so if you can delay making a trip, you might want to do so, for if you go, you are likely to run into unanticipated delays. Wednesday, May 1, might not be best day for negotiation on a contract either (blame Saturn opposed to Mars), but nevertheless would be a special date night with your one-and-only or for a first date, thanks to the collaboration of the Sun and Pluto. Finally on Friday, May 3, work on a creative project, as you are likely to come up with very original expressions.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Money continues to be tight. By Wednesday, May 1, you may feel torn between wanting to buy an expensive item and wondering if paying the hefty price will be worth the stress when the bill comes. You might want to take a close look at all your recurring expenses to see if you are paying for goods or services you no longer need. Also look for bargains - ask a friend to lead you to a place you can find a desired item below retail. Family support can be counted on mid-week, so if you need a favor, an introduction, or a loan, your chances are good to get it.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You find yourself at a key turning point. You will soon need to lay your cards on the table, and announce precisely what direction you'd like to drive your life next. Rare eclipses are now falling in Scorpio and opposite sign of Taurus, and the first eclipse, in Scorpio, already arrived last week, April 25. Next week, a companion eclipse will arrive in Taurus, this time to emphasize your closest relationship. More eclipses that will affect you directly will arrive on November 3 (in Scorpio) and November 17 (Taurus). This means you are in a period of transition, moving from one way of life to another.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Your to-do list has grown lately, and May promises to be a busy month, too. As you begin this week, you may feel a little overwhelmed with all you have to do. If you break things down into small pieces, you will be able to tackle any project with ease. An assignment that may come on May 1 should be quite lucrative. It appears you will also be able to get staff to help you if necessary. Throughout this week, you may be tempted to skip gym visits - don't. This week you will need the stress relief that those sessions can offer. Keep medical and dental annual exams on your schedule, too.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
This week, your ruler, Saturn, will challenge not only the Sun but Mars, too, and that can make you feel like your personal life is not progressing at the pace you've wanted. Mars, Venus, and the Sun are all in your house of true love, but Saturn is standing in the doorway, blocking their expression this week. Rest assured, not even Saturn can stop love from entering your life. Have faith. All frustration you may feel about a lack of time to enjoy love and fun with friends will change dramatically once you get to the new moon, May 9.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 This week, you seem very aware of the push-pull on you from demands of home versus career. Saturn's opposition to Mars on May 1 indicates that you may feel frustrated that both areas of your life will require equal attention, and of the two, the home situation is rapidly becoming more pressing. This week's pressures will fade soon. A friendly solar eclipse in Taurus, May 9, will bring up new solutions to solve living / housing concerns. If you have responsibility to take care of a parent or other elderly relative, the eclipse will help you in that regard, too.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You've been working hard, and sometimes you may feel like life is offering only rare moments of lighthearted fun. You will have time to kick back soon, but this week you will need to attend to routine medical and dental exams while you continue to work on an important writing or speaking project. Travel would not be favored this week, for you would encounter many delays. Your favorite day will be Friday, May 3, when Mercury, the thinking planet, will receive sweet inspiration from the planet of creativity (and your ruler), Neptune.
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Moral Story
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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
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Kerala govt, aided engineering college fees to go up by 25%
KOCHI: The fees of BTech and MTech courses at all government and aided engineering colleges in the state is set to increase by 20 to 25% from the academic year 2013-'14.
The fee revision comes following a proposal by the director of technical education for a hike in fees being charged for various courses conducted in government and aided engineering colleges and fine arts colleges under the department.
As per the government order, the fee for MTech (regular) has been hiked from Rs 12,000 per year to Rs 15,725. The fee for MTech (evening) has been hiked from Rs 12,000 per year to Rs 15,725 from this academic year.
There is also a hike in BTech fees. While the fee for BTech (regular) has been hiked from Rs 5,565 per year to Rs 8,225 this academic year, the fee for BTech (evening) has been hiked from Rs 12,000 per year to Rs 18,000 this academic year.
The hike in fee will be applicable to nine government colleges and three private aided colleges. There are 153 engineering colleges in the state with a total sanctioned intake of 48,988 of which 141 are self-financing colleges. The sanctioned intake of government colleges during 2012 was 3,236 (6.6%) and aided colleges is 1,566 (3.2%).
Though there is a hike of 20 to 25 % in fees, which includes admission fee, tuition fee and special fee, it is much lower than the fees paid by students in private engineering colleges.
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PV Sindhu, Anand Pawar reach semifinals of India Open
NEW DELHI: It was a heart-warming show by the home shuttlers even though only two of the seven players in the fray -- PV Sindhu and Anand Pawar -- managed to reach the semifinals of the India Open Super Series badminton tournament on Friday.
Sindhu was, as always, clinical. But for a small period in the first game, the world No.15 gave an almost flawless display to beat Yui Hashimoto 21-16, 21-16 in her quarterfinal at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here.
The win over the Japanese, who had beaten Saina Nehwal on Thursday, put the Andhra girl in her maiden semifinal in the India Open and second in a Super Series event.
Starting on a confident note, Sindhu raced to a 19-7 lead in no time before her rival made a strong comeback, taking the Indian by surprise. The counterattack was such that it forced Sindhu to make many errors, the only time in the match when she looked in trouble.
Hashimoto threatened to take the game away but she failed to get past the net following a long rally which stopped her run at 19-16. The point earned some relief as Sindhu quickly finished off the game. It was business as usual for the Indian after that as she won the second game easily. She will next play third seed Ratchanok Intanon.
"In the first game, I was not over-confident but felt that I could win since I had taken a big lead. But then she came back. I was not tense as I knew it was about winning just a point," Sindhu said after the match. "You had to be really patient as there were a lot of rallies. She made some mistakes during those rallies."
Anand Pawar, pitted against compatriot Ajay Jayaram, coasted through 21-6, 21-16. His semifinal rival will be Kenichi Tago.
The other home challengers showed a lot of pluck to stretch their more fancied rivals before bowing out. Their performance even drew praise from none other than world No.1 Lee Chong Wei.
Arundhati Pantawane gave a fright to third seed Ratchanok Intanon in the day's first quarterfinal. She took the first game comfortably before the Indonesian used her experience to bounce back and win 14-21, 21-7, 21-16.
RMV Gurusaidutt too fought bravely and took a game from seventh seed Boonsak Ponsana before losing 21-12, 11-21, 21-12. B Sai Praneeth too had his rival, sixth seed Kenichi Tago, in trouble before the Japanese won 21-17, 19-21, 21-11.
The toughest assignment of the day, though, was for qualifier HS Pranoy who was up against Wei. The young Indian enthralled the galleries as he took a 18-12 in the first game against his famed opponent.
However, the Malaysian ace bounced back to win the game and then the match. "This is the best tournament for me having played Taufik Hidayat and Lee Chong Wei back to back. But I could have played much better today.
It's tough to play guys like Wei, especially for the first time."
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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 first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON.
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" 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?”
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“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
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