|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
|
|
US: Detroit Electric forms EV venture with China's Geely
Detroit Electric, the Michigan-based startup electric-car maker, said Thursday it will partner with China's Geely Automobile to develop electric cars for the Chinese market. Geely owns Sweden's Volvo Cars. Detroit Electric earlier this month unveiled its own model, a $135,000, battery-powered sports car that it says will go into limited production in August in the Detroit area.
|
South Africa's warmth behind 15 per cent increase in tourist arrivals
South Africa's warm, welcoming spirit is helping drive tourism arrivals in South Africa, President Jacob Zuma said on 25 April. Foreign arrivals to the country have increased by 15.1 per cent between 2011 and last year -- well above the global increase in foreign arrivals of four per cent. 'It is because South Africans treat visitors warmly and hospitably that we see such positive results,' said Zuma, addressing media at Baia restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, a popular tourist attraction.
|
US economy accelerates at 2.5 per cent rate in Q1
US economic growth accelerated to an annual rate of 2.5 per cent from January through March, buoyed by the strongest consumer spending in more than two years. The Commerce Department said Friday that the economy rebounded from an anemic 0.4 per cent annual growth rate in the October-December quarter. Consumer spending surged at an annual rate of 3.2 percent -- its biggest jump since the end of 2010. Growth was also helped by businesses, which responded to the greater demand by rebuilding their stockpiles. And home construction rose further.
|
Japan, Russia to boost business ties, restart territorial talks
Japan and Russia expect to clinch up to 20 deals, launch an investment fund, and reopen talks on a territorial row that has kept them from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War Two when Japan's Prime Minister goes to Moscow next week. The summit between Shinzo Abe and President Vladimir Putin, the first between leaders of the two countries in a decade, may open the door to progress in the long-stalled territorial talks given converging strategic interests and a Japanese premier who, for the first time in a decade, appears to have the influence and staying power needed to make commitments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video of the Day:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Round-Up
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCP warns UPA over Finance Bill; will Oppn let Parliament function?
New Delhi: Pressure seems to be growing on the UPA government from within its own constituents. With the first week of the reconvened session of Parliament almost being a washout, the National Congress Party (NCP) has thrown a sharp hint. It says that any failure to pass the Finance Bill in Parliament this session can bring the UPA government down.
The NCP leaders will hold a two-day meet in Mumbai to take stock of the situation. "A political party should always be ready for polls. The Finance Bill will decide the fate of the government," NCP leader Praful Patel said.
This comes at a time when pressure from the Opposition is also growing on the UPA over the coal scam affidavit. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitly has said that the Opposition will be satisfied with nothing less than Law Minister Ashwani Kumar's resignation.
The government, however, remained defiant and said there was no need for the minister to resign. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Ranjit Sinha on Friday informed the Supreme Court that the draft report on the coal block allocation scam was shared with Law Minister Ashwani Kumar before its submission.
The affidavit, which the probe agency filed with the Supreme Court on Friday morning, has given more ammunition to the Opposition, which has been demanding resignations of both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Kumar.
"Truth will prevail. I have done nothing wrong," said Kumar, who met the Prime Minister shortly after the CBI submitted its report. "Political executives did not see the final status report given to the Supreme Court. There is no need for the Law Minister to resign," Parliamentary Affair Minister Kamal Nath said, backing Kumar. Sources have said Congress President Sonia Gandhi is also against Ashwani Kumar's resignation.
The latest controversy on coal scam and a adamant stand by the main Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also raised doubts over the passage of the Finance Bill. Nath even visited BJP veteran leader LK Advani to seek cooperation for the passage of the Bill.
Sinha has said in the affidavit that the draft of the report was shared with Kumar "as desired by him", a charge that the Congress has been rejecting. The director has also said the draft of the report was even shared with a joint secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Coal Ministry officials.
Sinha's two-page affidavit filed on the direction of the apex court contradicts the claim made by CBI counsel on the last date of hearing that the coalgate scam report was not shared with any member of the government. The government had asserted it did not vet the the probe agency's status report.
"I submit that the draft (status report)of the same was shared with Law Minister as desired by him prior to its submission before the Supreme Court.... it was also shared with one joint secretary level officer each of Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Coal as desired by them," the affidavit said.
The Congress core group and UPA allies met to discuss CBI's coal scam affidavit. Sources said decision on Kumar will be taken on April 30 depending on Supreme Court's observation on affidavit.
|
|
|
Astrology
|
|
Aries March 21 to April 19
While cautious Saturn and willful Mars are preparing to oppose each other, you may be at odds with a partner over financial decisions and goals. If not a partner, you might have to deal with hassles with an inflexible financial institution about your accounts with them. Either way, you don't have to passively admit defeat; you can try again with a calm, direct approach or a workaround, but it'll be best to try either method until after May 1
Taurus April 20 to May 20
The Mars-Saturn standoff brewing now may reflect a standoff between you and a significant other, whether an actual verbal disagreement or simply an unspoken sense of coming from opposite sides. If you need to work out a matter with a partner, it may be difficult to stay flexible. However, even if you feel you are right, avoid stubbornly digging in your heels, as this can polarize you and your partner further and create a stalemate situation. If the matter can wait, you may want to try to work it out after Mars moves out of the hot zone, around May 2.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Getting things done, especially at work, may seem slow going, as Mars and Saturn begin their celestial face-off. This can be especially challenging for you, as you are more comfortable moving at a rapid and fluid pace. Avoid trying to barrel your way through obstacles, as it may result in even more delays or bigger problems. You may not be able to wiggle around them easily either, so sticking to the plan and seeing it through with patience is most likely the fastest way to move through obstacles.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You may feel pressured to move in a certain direction by others around you, but something may be holding you back. If your heart isn't in it and you want to hold out, the pressure should ease after May 1. However, even if you decide to move forward, it may feel like trying to move through quicksand. Saturn urges caution and realistic assessment before taking action and will pull on the reins until May 1.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may still feel the effects of the April 25 eclipse with Mars and Saturn building toward a brief face-off. Pressure at work or worldly demands may escalate and could create a stressful situation for you, but obligations at home or in your private life still actively need your attention. If this has you feeling torn about where you should put your energies, give yourself a break by acknowledging you are between a rock and a hard place and doing your best to meet overwhelming demands. The pressure should ease by May 2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fearing Iran entry, US congressmen favour export of natural gas to India
Top American lawmakers have strongly favoured export of US natural gas to India, in the absence of which, they said, the energy starved nation might be forced to join the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
During a Congressional hearing on export of US natural gas, the lawmakers argued that it is in the national security interest of the US to export the excess natural gas to its allies like India and Japan and also to its European allies so as to reduce their dependence on Russian gas.
"Without US natural gas, the Indians might have to participate in the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. We have given the Indians a reasonable alternative. We should use it,"
Congressman Ted Poe said.
Chairing a Congressional hearing on "Natural Gas Exports: Economic and Geopolitical Opportunities", Poe said, "Liberalising our natural gas export policy will provide certainty to allies and economic partners around the world that the United States is an advocate of free trade."
Congressman Brad Sherman said it was in national security interests of the US to provide secure natural gas supplies to its allies and to prevent India from turning to Iran for a natural gas pipeline.
Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao, in an editorial in The Wall Street Journal this month had said that export of US natural gas to India "would provide a steady, reliable supply of clean energy that would help reduce India's crude oil imports from the Middle East and provide reliable energy to India".
Poe said cheap US natural gas exports would reduce the Russian stranglehold on European market and give the US more political clout at the expense of Russia.
"In the Pacific, allies like Japan and Korea pay very high prices for natural gas. They would be immediate importers of cheaper US natural gas if we were allowed to sell it to them," he said.
The US Department of Energy is in the final stages of taking a policy decision on export of natural gas to countries like India and Japan. Under the existing laws, US can export natural gas to only those countries with which it has a free trade agreement.
Testifying before the committee, Dr David Montgomery, senior vice president at NERA Economic Consulting, which had helped lead the study that the Department of Energy commissioned on economic impact of LNG exports, also supported the lawmakers.
Montgomery warned that if the US does not change its existing rule, in that gas countries like Canada would import the natural gas from the US and would export their natural gas to countries like India.
"Limits will be self-defeating. Free trade areas will receive gas. Canada's a free trade area. If we have abundant gas and don't export it ourselves as LNG, it will move to
|
|
|
|
|
|
How yoga keeps you fit and healthy
Everything we do calls for stress and constant running around. In the middle of all this chaos, yoga is a great way to connect with your inner self and stay healthy at the same time.
Through its deep breathing, stretching, mindful exercise, yoga is also an effective method to keep most stress-related diseases at bay. In fact, no matter what your lifestyle, you could learn a thing or two from this ancient exercise form that benefits your mind and body, both. Here's looking at why yoga is meant for people of all shapes and sizes...yes, even you!
Yoga helps combat stress. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga has a positive impact on various kinds of neurological disorders. Their findings suggest that yoga might help patients in fighting with the symptoms of neurological disorders such as acute headache, psychological depression and so on. Published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, this study revealed that women, even beginners, who practice hatha yoga may boost happy hormones by diminishing stress levels.
Yoga helps asthma patients. According to a research study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle, adults who suffered from asthma experienced "increased quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms after 10 weeks of yoga practice".
Yoga helps in battling weight loss in middle age. While on the one hand yoga helps increase strenght and flexibility, it also helps with weight loss when you reach middle age, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle. Researchers studied that people who are overweight in their middle age and who practised yoga daily for over a decade lost considerable amount of weight.
Yoga even helps cancer patients fight fatigue. Cancer survivors who practice yoga are able to sleep better and fight fatigue more efficiently, according to a recent study. Yoga helps reduce stress levels and boosts the immune system. Thus yoga forms like hath yoga are increasingly recommended to all cancer survivors, combined with restorative breathing exercises to help improve their sleep patterns.
Tips for Starting Yoga. We recommend a few things to keep in mind: Go for a style that suits your body type: Yoga classes and asanas may differ for people with different body types. Some may only focus on meditation and deep breathing, whereas others might focus on rigorous and strenuous yoga moves. You and your body type are unique: Understand this: Yoga is not only about flexibility. Don't try and idealise images and postures as presented in glossy health magazines. Those are people who have attained this kind of flexibility after years of practice and fitness routine. Go at your own pace.
Maintain your own pace: There is no need to rush into any kind of asana or yoga pose too soon. Use straps, blocks or other tools to suit your needs and requirements. Ask your yoga instructor for help and make sure you take adequate rest and proper precautions. Listen to your body: Don't force yourself into any of the asana. Try and read your body signals and stop when you think you can't take it anymore.
The right way of incorporating yoga in your daily workout routine. Depending on what your needs are, you can choose a yoga routine that works for you or you could participate in a host of workout activities at a time. The best way to go about overall fitness will be to do weight training for strength, circuits/rope jumping/sprinting/kickboxing for cardio fitness and Yoga for flexibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You may become involved in a conflict of opinion as Mars and Saturn head in from their corners for a brief celestial boxing match. If the matter is significant, it is unlikely that either of you will change your minds; however, the more stubbornly you both argue for your viewpoint, the more polarized you will become. If it is too difficult to come to a consensus, agreeing to disagree may be the best option. The tension will likely subside after May 1.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Calculated restraint will be your best bet as Mars and Saturn begin a brief face-off with each other, urging you to be cautious and strategic right now when it comes to your finances. If a partner wants to spend joint funds, you may find yourself being the one who applies the brakes. You may not need to veto spending entirely; but Saturn urges you to take the time to think things through to likely outcomes before deciding.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A significant other may seem to get more stubborn or insistent about a certain matter. If you feel differently than he or she does, you may start to feel resentful if this person gets too pushy about it. If a conflict arises, it could be vulnerable to escalating as Mars and Saturn being polarizing with each other. If the matter can wait, you may want to discuss it after May 1 when it may be a little easier to diffuse the tension. If not, try to keep a flexible attitude (and ask your partner to do the same) to avoid a stalemate.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Life may be getting steadily busier and demanding more of your time, which may begin to feel overwhelming as Saturn starts to pull on Mars' reins and makes it harder to move forward. Although it's not often your style, it may be wise to heed Saturn's urging of slowness and caution; even determined and doubled efforts may not get things done any faster but may simply cause more stress and roadblocks. A steady pace may be easier to resume after May 1.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Worldly and social obligations may weigh heavily on your mind as Mars and Saturn begin facing off. Although you are very aware of your responsibilities and are able to meet them, you may feel pressured to do too much. If you start to feel stubborn or resentful about the obligations you have to meet, consider whether you hand them off or put them off for a couple of days to take a breather and regroup for another day. If not, do your best as you always do and wade through patiently. The tension should relax by May 2.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 While you are known as the most individualistic sign, you will not be immune to the pressure of the roles and responsibilities others expect you to carry out. As Mars and Saturn begin putting the pressure on each other, you may start to feel pressure on yourself as well. If you are feeling boxed in, it can bring relief to recognize what your choices are or acknowledge that you have a choice in the matter. You may feel like retreating into private space where you can be yourself more often over the next few days, but by May 2, the pressure should ease.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
The pressure may be on to either speak up or specifically to not speak up about a certain matter as Mars and Saturn now begin a brief tug-of-war with each other. Whichever it is, you may feel as if it's all you can think about, and Saturn and Mars will push you to take a stand one way or the other. If you choose to speak up, be prepared for opposition by knowing and backing up your subject matter. Speak plainly and calmly. If you choose not to speak up, know that the maximum effect of this pressure will pass by May 2.
|
|
|
|
Moral Story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMS
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love--that divine fire which was made to light and warm the temple of home--sometimes burns at unholy altars.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.
SANTA went to court
JUDGE:
"Order ! Order !"
SANTA:
"1 Pizza, 2 Dosa, 3 Idli & 1 Cold-drink !"
JUDGE:
"Shut Up !"
SANTA:"No,No..7-Up!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology : Classes to start from May 3
KANPUR: The Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology will open up on May 3. Classes would begin the same day to complete the course.
The students have been asked to submit two affidavit pledging to desist from any act of crime like arson, brick-batting and vandalism in future. These undertakings will be duly signed by the students and their guardians/parents.
The decision was taken during a meeting of acting vice-chancellor with the dean agriculture, MP Yadav, dean student welfare, Sameer Pal and registrar, Rajendra Singh.
The most important decision taken in the meeting was that the students would be allowed to join classes only after submitting the aforementioned undertaking.
Naushad Khan, media in-charge of the university, said that both students and their parents would have to submit similar undertakings. He further said that students can download the undertaking from varsity's official website.
"All hostels will be opened on May 2 and studies will commence from the very next day. It has been decided that the remaining course will be completed through extra classes. Each teacher will take extra classes to complete the course", said the media-incharge.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lacklustre Delhi Daredevils meet out of sorts Pune Warriors
RAIPUR: A lacklustre Delhi Daredevils will be desperate to change the course of their disastrous campaign when they square up against an equally out-of-sorts Pune Warriors in a Pepsi Indian Premier League match on Sunday.
Watch IPL Videos
The match will also mark debut of a new venue -- the 'International Cricket Stadium' -- in the capital city of Chattisgarh and the successful staging of the two matches in this year's league could well open the doors for international assignments in near future.
On paper, there is not much to choose between the two sides as they have been equally woeful losing matches on the trot.
While the Daredevils languish at the bottom of the table with seven defeats in eight games, the Warriors have fared no better this time having lost six games out of their eight encounters and are currently placed eighth.
Both teams are seeking redemption and being pitted against each other gives that perfect opportunity to both the sides to get some confidence back which has been battered by repeated failures.
While Daredevils could never recover from the twin-injury shocker of Kevin Pietersen and Jesse Ryder, Warriors have hardly produced an effort where they have done well in all departments.
Initially, Warriors' batting was a cause of concern. But once that was sorted out, their bowlers started getting hammered.
If David Miller's assault wasn't enough, Chris Gayle's 175 not out must have done a lot of psychological damage to their bowling unit.
In fact, the situation gives Daredevils a good opportunity to eke out a second win in the league as they might face a beleaguered side which is yet to recover from the 'Gayle Storm' that struck them.
But for that to happen, the Virender Sehwags and the David Warners need to fire in unison, which certainly hasn't happened with the team this season.
While it was expected that Mahela Jayawardene, Sehwag and Warner will shoulder extra responsibility in KP's absence, their significant contributions have been few and far in between.
Only five half centuries have been scored by Daredevils batsmen with Jayawardene and Warner scoring a couple and the only match-winning effort was an unbeaten 95 that came off Virender Sehwag's bat.
With the presence of Sir Viv Richards in an advisory role, the Daredevils will certainly receive some sound advice on batting as well as how to make a comeback.
There is no denying that Daredevils' are not very strong when it comes to local batting talent.
Maharashtra's Kedar Jadhav has shown some promise with cameos but he is certainly not good enough to pull off a match singlehandedly.
Unmukt Chand scored two zeros and expectedly didn't get a look in.
The real disappointment has been Manpreet Juneja who has been given seven matches out of the eight. A 50-ball-100 in the National T20 had raised hopes that the Gujarat batsman would be able to replicate that form in the IPL.
But unfortunately, he has been one among the many in the league who have failed to bridge the gap between scoring against domestic bowlers and doing well against quality international attacks.
More often than not, he has been wasting deliveries as a strike-rate of less than 100 and an average of 17 plus would indicate.
For Pune, getting the right combination of four foreigners has been the key. While Aaron Finch has more than made up giving explosive opening starts, his captaincy has suffered mainly due to the poor form of his bowlers.
Barring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, none of the others have been able to maintain consistency.
The biggest disappointment has been Yuvraj Singh who has scored only 104 runs in five games and one would expect that the explosive batsmen enthrals his fans with big hits which would be an ideal feast for the Sunday crowd in Raipur getting the first taste of a high-profile match.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bombay Talkies
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
|
|
" INSPIRING STORY "
Hospital window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it.
In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by th! e window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.
The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. ”
|
|
|
