“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed. ”     VBA's Positive News UN predicts boom in trade of 'green' products The UN's environment agency says the global market for low-carbon and environment-friendly goods and services is projected to almost triple to $2.2 trillion by 2020. The UN Environment Programme says trade in organic food and beverages is likely to reach $105 billion by 2015, up from $62.9 billion in 2011. UNEP's 300-page report released Wednesday urges developing countries with abundant renewable resources to reduce poverty by taking advantage of 'green trade'.      Australia swings back to modest trade surplus Australia has recorded its first trade surplus since 2011, partly due to a fall in imports. The Bureau of Statistics figures show the nation exported $307 million more in goods and services than it imported in March, seasonally adjusted. The surplus was due to the combination of a modest 1 per cent gain in exports to $25.75 billion, while imports declined by 1 per cent to $25.44 billion.     US: Gun crime plunges Gun-related homicides and other crimes involving guns have fallen sharply over the last two decades in the United States, but most Americans believe firearms crime is higher now than 20 years ago, according to an analysis and a separate poll released on Tuesday. The drop in gun crime mirrors a general fall in US violent crime. The Justice Department study found that for fatal and nonfatal firearm crimes, most of the decline occurred from 1993 to 2002. Reported gun-related homicides in the United States in 2011 were down 39 per cent from the 1993 peak, the Justice Department reported. The Justice Department findings were based on data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, and the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. US: Dow ends above 15,000 for first time, S&P closes at record  The Dow closed above 15,000 for the first time on Tuesday and the S&P 500 ended at another record high, extending the market's rally as more investors rushed to join the party and German industrial data beat expectations. It was the fourth straight record close for the S&P 500. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 hit intraday record highs as well.       Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Coal scam: Congress awaits PM's decision on Ashwani Kumar         New Delhi: While the victory in Karnataka has come as a big boost for the Congress, the party-led UPA government has no reason to celebrate in Delhi. Pressure is building up on the government to oust Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, who allegedly ordered changes in CBI's status report on coal scam. Sources say while the Congress is yet to make up its mind on Ashwani's fate, the party is waiting for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decision. A decision on Ashwani is likely to be taken in the next 48 hours, said the sources. The Supreme Court, while examining the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with coal scam, on Wednesday came down heavily on the government and the investigating agency for the probe mess and gave the Centre time till July 3 to file an affidavit before it on steps to make the agency autonomous. The apex court took a very strong stand and called the CBI a "caged parrot speaking in its master's voice". Indicting the government for alleged interference in the CBI probe, the three-judge bench headed by Justice RM Lodha, said it will step in if the CBI was not made an autonomous body. However, it admitted that giving unbridled powers to the agency was not a possibility. "The CBI has become a caged parrot speaking in its master's voice. It's a sordid saga that there are many masters and giving unbridled power to the CBI is not possible. The CBI has become the police force and is in the administrative control of the Central government. CBI investigations have to be independent," the SC said in its observations. The SC added that if a law was in the offing which would protect the CBI's impartial investigations, then it will not pass any orders but if there was no such move, then "we will step in". The apex court also slammed officials of the PMO and Coal Ministry during the hearing. "How on earth could the Joint Secretaries of the PMO and the Coal Ministry attend the meeting, see the report and suggest changes to it," the SC asked. "It pains us to see the credibility of the CBI getting affected. The CBI is doing a collaborative probe. The job of the CBI is to interrogate and not interact with government," the court added and also said that the "heart of the CBI report was changed on the suggestions of government officials". Attorney General GE Vahanvati, Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and the two officials of the PMO and the Coal Ministry had been accused by the CBI in its affidavit of suggesting changes to its report on coalgate. Vahanvati, however, sought to deflect charges against him, saying that he never sought a copy of the report and that he acted as per the instructions of the Law Minister. "My meeting with CBI officials took place only on suggestions of the Law Minister," he told the SC. Expressing concern over the Centre's interference in the CBI probe in coal scam and other cases, the SC directed the CBI not to share progress of probe or any report or material with anybody other than its 33-member team and Director. Meanwhile, following the SC's observations in the case, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its demand for Ashwani's resignation. "ASG (Additional Solicitor General) blamed Attorney General. Now Attorney General blames Law Minister. The fact is all three of them have misconducted themselves," said Lok Sabha Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj. "ASG has resigned. Attorney General and Law Minister should also resign forthwith," she added. Astrology     Aries March 21 to April 19 Thoughts of money and the dreams it can make come true may be occupying your mind at this time. With the recent eclipse on May 9 stimulating your financial sector, a big-ticket item, expensive getaway, or new car may be on your wish list. You may spend many happy hours researching the best deals, but you may feel torn about making such a big purchase and may seek advice from a sibling before signing on the dotted line.                                         Taurus April 20 to May 20 You may feel inspired to pamper yourself with a relaxing massage, bouquet of flowers, or dinner at a fine restaurant. You may also decide to treat yourself to a gift. If a new phone, tablet, or sound system catches your eye, you may have difficulty staying within your budget. On a personal note, you may share your hopes and dreams with a romantic partner or close friend. If so, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how much he or she supports your vision.                                    Gemini May 21 to June 20 Social opportunities may be plentiful as Venus and Jupiter light up Gemini. You may attend an art exhibit, listen to music at a jazz club, or visit a literary bar. Afterward, you may feel motivated to express your creative side. You may try your hand at watercolors, consider singing lessons, or come up with a fresh idea for a novel or screenplay. As a result, you may join a writing group to improve your skills and meet new friends who share your interest.                            Cancer June 21 to July 22  Your hopes and wishes will be in the spotlight. As the recent eclipse on May 9 continues to activate this sector of your life, you may hear of a volunteer opportunity or you may attend a fund-raiser or other charitable event with a friend. This may be helpful to your goals. It may offer an excellent networking opportunity or provide you with experience that will bolster your resume. On a personal note, you may be more introspective and may feel drawn to spiritual study.                                                           Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Large groups, benevolent organizations, and civic associations may be fortunate for you. With the recent eclipse on May 9 activating the VIP sector of your chart, an invitation to volunteer at a fund-raiser or other charitable event may bring you into contact with a prominent person. You may have an opportunity to impress this individual with your leadership ability, social skills and enthusiasm. As a result, you may receive a significant recommendation that will help you advance in your career.                               BUSINESS+VE                                                                              UCO Bank labels Reid & Taylor India as defaulter     KOLKATA: Reid & Taylor, the textile brand promoted by matinee idol Amitabh Bachchan and run by Nitin Kasliwal, is being pursued by the state-run Uco BankBSE -0.35 % for recovering more than Rs 100 crore of loan after the company defaulted. The lender has warned anyone dealing with the company, or Kasliwal to be aware of its intentions. Uco Bank has classified the account as non performing and has slapped a loan recall notice without getting any response from the company. "In spite of repeated reminders, requests and persuasions, the borrower has not liquidated the liabilities of the bank," the lender said in the public notice. "We are now awaiting to see how the borrower responds to the public notice," Uco general manager for recovery Anil Kumar told ET. "Thereafter we will take all possible legal steps to recover the dues." Uco was one of the many lenders to Reid & Taylor (India) Ltd but it was not part of any consortium. At present, its outstanding liability stands at Rs 110 crore. Reid & Taylor's promoter S Kumars Nationwide Ltd (SKNL), led by Nitin Kasliwal, was reportedly planning to sell a controlling stake in the company and deleverage the balance sheet, after several failed attempts to list the Reid & Taylor India business through a Rs 1,000 crore initial public offer.   The promoters were facing a cash crunch after fifteen years of launching it in India. Had the deal got through successfully, the money would have been used to pay off the company's debt.   As per SKNL's annual report for 2011-12, the consolidated debt stood at Rs 4,372 crore out of which Reid and Taylor India alone contributed one-fourth of it at Rs 1,103 crore. The borrower took the loan against hypothecation of movable assets and mortgage of the immovable assets of it. The company chairman and managing director Kasliwal stood as a guarantor. "This information is published in the interest of the banks, financial institutions and the public at large to exercise caution while dealing with the above named director, guarantor and the company in any manner whatsoever particularly the assets which are hypothecated and mortgaged to the bank," the bank said in the notice. HEALTH+VE                                                              Passive Thai yoga, your way to a healthy life        It's great to have a workout routine, and even better if you religiously stick to it, but a routine, however innovative, can run you out of steam in no time. By introducing some variations to your existing regime or taking up a completely different physical activity every fortnight you could make life interesting, and your workouts more worthwhile. We keep believing that by exercising hard we can tone our muscles, attain flexibility and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but lose hope when we can't get over the weight loss plateau, and wonder why our body has stopped responding to exercise. For those into yoga, this might come as a natural progression as a few sessions of passive Thai yoga bodywork can set you on the right track to regaining your form and fitness. A 2500-year-old tradition of massage that originated in India during the time of the Buddha and later moved to Thailand with the spread of Buddhism, passive Thai yoga involves yoga-like stretches in addition to a whole range of massages and acupressure to enhance the fluidity of the body while ridding it of stress. What is passive Thai yoga Under the guidance of an expert therapist you are made to stretch and perform various yoga postures on a futon. But the most important aspect of passive Thai yoga is the blend of massage and acupressure to lighten the body, induce oxygen supply and release blockages. And like any Thai massage, this one too is performed over comfortable clothing and makes no use of creams and oils. Elaborating further, Mumbai-based yoga and massage therapist, Samanta Duggal says, "The therapist uses his hands, knees, legs and feet to move you into a series of stretches that aim at both relaxing and energising the body." Benefits A single session of Thai yoga can ease muscle tension, reduce stress levels, increase agility of the joints, not to mention, pump energy into the body. Says Samanta, "Thai massage can be used as preventive medication, and is also an alternative therapy for problems such as sciatica, spondylitis, arthritis, migraines, indigestion, and even menstrual dysfunction. Also called Thai yoga massage, it works on unblocking the meridians or energy channels in our body. In yoga, this is achieved through various asanas, whereas in Thai yoga massage, we do it with acupressure, joint manipulation and mild stretches." Samanta, a practising yoga and massage therapist for a decade now, conducts workshops in Mumbai on passive Thai yoga in which she teaches both novices and enthusiasts the art of massage combined with some yogic asanas. Typically, a two hour session has you partner up with the therapist where you are taught to receive and give out a few valuable Thai massage techniques for relaxation and easing frazzled nerves in the areas of the body like neck, shoulders, back and feet. Before commencing the massage therapy, you are made to warm up with a few rounds of Suryanamaskar to get energy flowing into your body. Says she, "My classes are open to people at all levels of fitness, whether beginner or expert. The idea is to create somatic awareness of us holding tension in various pockets of our bodies and letting them go."          Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  You may decide to travel to a destination that has interested you for some time. You may like the area so much that you will spend several happy hours exploring job opportunities and perfecting your resume. On another note, you may consider enrolling in a degree or certificate program that may help advance your career. A teacher or mentor may enter your life at this time, or you may take on that role for someone else.                 Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Five-star hotels and first-class tickets may capture your imagination as luxury-loving Venus and Jupiter influence your sector of long-distance travel. Travel at this time, or making plans to do so, may bring rewards. You may get a free upgrade on a rental car or hotel room, thanks to the recent solar eclipse on May 9 in your sector of prizes, bonuses, and windfalls. If a birthday or graduation gift is on your shopping list, you may purchase a gift certificate for a high-end store or upscale restaurant.                   Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 You may experience a strong romantic attraction to someone at this time, and with the recent May 9 eclipse stimulating your partnership sector, the feeling may be mutual. Turning to finances, the presence of Venus and Jupiter in one of your money sectors may bring good news connected to a mortgage, loan, scholarship, or insurance claim. If you have been waiting for a refund, bonus or commission check, you may receive it at this time.                             Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 With the recent eclipse on May 9 illuminating your work sector, you may contemplate a job change. Friends may be an excellent resource for job leads, and you may devote much of your leisure time to updating your resume and registering with online job sites. With beneficial Venus and Jupiter supporting your professional relationships, you may have an opportunity to work with a recruiter or career counselor. In the meantime, you may decide to clean out your closets and donate items you no longer need to your favorite charity.                            Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Your love life will be in the spotlight. With the recent eclipse on May 9 igniting this sector of your life, a new romance, or the rekindling of an existing one, may be on the horizon. Parties, sporting events, and hobbies may help fan the flames. On a different note, you may find it difficult to resist sweets during this time. This may inspire you to begin a new fitness routine, and you may schedule a session with a personal trainer to help keep you motivated.                               Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  Making changes in your home may be a top priority at this time. You may want to convert an existing room into a nursery, home office, or game room, or you may want to move to a new neighborhood. If so, you may schedule a meeting with a realtor or visit open houses. On another note, with Jupiter and Venus lighting up your sector of fun and romance, attending parties, sports events or other social gatherings may benefit your love life.                 Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  Your attention may be on contracts and negotiations. You may solicit estimates for installing a home theater system, interior lighting fixtures, storage solutions, or other home improvement project. Meanwhile, siblings or other family members may invite you to come with them on a road trip. You may weigh the pros and cons of traveling by train or bus before deciding a car may be more comfortable. When you plan the itinerary, you may opt for a longer but more scenic route.    Moral Story     SMS   “The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed in these two: common-sense and perseverance..”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   Good relationships are like trees They demand attention & care in the beginning but once they blossoms they provide U shade in all situations of life .   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”          A: Did you hear that a baby was fed on elephant's   milk and gained twenty pounds in a week.   B: That's impossible. Whose baby?   A: An elephant's.

EDUCATION +VE Delhi University's Academic Council okays 54 courses           NEW DELHI: Delhi University's Academic Council approved all 54 courses covering 42 subjects, 11 foundation courses and one applied (language) course on its agenda by Wednesday night. This was the second round of discussions on the new courses for the four-year undergraduate degree programme. This leaves history, education and sociology which were not mentioned in the agenda and may be tabled later at another meeting. Amendments to the university ordinances-including ones that propose to decentralize SC/ST/OBC admissions, change the names of degrees from Associate Baccalaureate, Baccalaureate and Baccalaureate with Honours/BTech to Diploma, Bachelor and Bachelor with Honours and set down the mechanism for Discipline II courses-were still being discussed at the time of filing this report. The AC meeting continued late into the night. Amendments to the university ordinances, including the one that proposes to change the names of degrees from associate baccalaureate, baccalaureate and baccalaureate with honours/BTech to diploma, bachelor and bachelor with honours, were still being discussed at the time of filing this report. AC members belonging to Academics for Action and Development, which recently split in two factions, condemned DTF members for criticizing the introduction of a full-length paper on B R Ambedkar in the political science syllabus.   But Democratic Teachers' Front said that these are "false"and "politically motivated" statements. "It cannot be more ridiculous. It amounts to using Dr Ambedkar's name to please the vice chancellor and help him get approval for FYUP," SRCC teacher Sanjaya Kumar Bohidar said. AAD chairman J Khuntia also said the issue has been unnecessarily politicized. "Academic arguments should not be linked to identity politics," Khuntia said. SPORTS +VE Zulu gave finishing touches to 'Hayden fan' Miller        David Miller has made a name for himself in this IPL with three blazing innings, which also includes a knock of 101 off 38 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this week. In a chat with The Indian Express, Miller talks about his early days in cricket, the experience of playing for Kings XI Punjab and how he developed into a hard-hitting batsman. Excerpts: How did you start playing cricket? * My father Andrew works as an auctioneer for race horses and property and he first gave me a golf club. As a four-year-old I played golf for fun but then at the school, I opted for cricket. My father is a friend of Graham Ford, the current coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Ford trained me. Then I joined the Maritizburg College, alma mater of Ford and Jonty Rhodes and it was a learning experience. You did not play a single game for Kings XI Punjab in your first season in 2011. How tough was it for you to sit on the bench? * It was very frustrating to sit on the bench. My parents came to India along with me for those two years and they were a bit disappointed too. But then we had some good players in the team and only four foreign players could play. But that gave me an opportunity to train with international players like David Hussey, Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh. Jason Gillespie was our bowling coach in 2011 and he suggested my name to Yorkshire last year. I got opportunities to play with Yorkshire and spend time with players like Joe Root. This season has seen you hitting the ball powerfully and playing some fast-paced innings. How do you plan your innings and what makes you so successful? * I used to score quickly but used to get out early. Last year, I spent some time with my Dolphins coach Lance Klusener in the South African domestic league. He stressed on the need to think quickly before each ball. He was among South Africa's best finishers and he gave me opportunities in some tight situations to improve my game plan. Ford has spent a lot of time with me and his inputs have helped me during the last 15 years. He has helped me improve my technique. I met Rhodes in Mumbai earlier this month and he was very supportive and shared his knowledge about IPL. I hope to carry this form for South Africa in Champions Trophy. Who was your role model and how has been the experience of playing with the likes of Adam Gilchrist? * When I was young, I was a big Mathew Hayden fan. Despite the time difference, I would watch Australia's matches late at night and admire his batting. Even though South Africa and Australia have a great rivalry, I have learnt a lot from the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Hussey and these players have a very good work ethic. You come from Pietermaritzburg, a city associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Have you read about Gandhi and what are your experiences as a player in India? * Yes, I have heard about Gandhi back home. Even though I have not been to the memorial (in Pietermaritzburg). During my three-year stint with Kings XI Punjab, I have traveled to Agra and have also seen the Gateway of India. I hope to see more of Gandhi's country in the coming days. I love Indian food and my team-mates in Kings XI Punjab make sure that I get Indian food.     I Love New Year I Love New Year  Movie Name :   I Love New Year Release Date :   May 24, 2013 Genre :  Rom Com Producer : Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar Director :   Radhika Rao, Vinay Sapru Music Director :  Pritam Cast : Sunny Deol, Kangana Ranaut, Navin Choudhary, Tannishta Chatterjee, Prem Chopra, Reema Lagoo, Maya Alagh, Manoj Joshi, Jiten Mukhi, Virag Mishra, Arbaaz Khan   Synopsis:      I Love New Year is an upcoming romantic comedy film starring Sunny Deol and Kangana Ranaut in the lead. It's a story on what happens between two people in a span of two days over the New Year's Eve. The movie follows two strangers, a beautiful musician (Kangana Ranaut) and a serious Wall Street banker (Sunny Deol), that have a chance encounter on New Year's Eve that the banker can't seem to remember and the events that come about as a result of the two meeting. In 2011 directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru announced their intent to begin work on I Love New Year. The film originally had the working title of Happy New Year, but had to change the title due to Shahrukh Khan who also was using the title for a film he was working on during the same time period. Actors Sunny Deol and Kangana Ranaut are starring in the film, with Ranaut stating that she trained over a month in order to gain the correct expressions and body language of a musician.         the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter. " INSPIRING STORY "   Face difficulties positively    This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.   After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.     Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.       Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him.   It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!     This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself.   No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!     It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well!   What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.     THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: Those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed  ”