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“Brief and powerless is man's life; on him and all his race the slow, sure doom falls pitiless and dark.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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North Korea and South Korea hold first official talks in years
North and South Korea held their first official talks for years on Sunday, confronting decades of mutual distrust in a search for some positive end to months of soaring military tensions. The working-level discussions, which began at around 10:00am (11:00am AEST) in the border truce village of Panmunjom, were aimed at building a framework for ministerial-level talks tentatively scheduled for Wednesday in Seoul. The agenda will focus on restoring suspended commercial links, including the Kaesong joint industrial complex that the North effectively shut down in April as tensions between the historic rivals peaked.
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Myanmar leader talks peace with Shan ethnic rebels
The Myanmar government's effort to make peace with ethnic minorities has taken another step forward as representatives of the country's biggest minority group, the Shan, met with the country's reformist President in the capital. Shan State Army (South) leader Yawd Serk said after the talks Monday that President Thein Sein had agreed with his proposal to form a committee to work toward peace.
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Japan's Nikkei outperforms as growth revised up
An upward revision to Japanese growth helped the country's Nikkei stock index surge Monday while markets elsewhere settled down following last week's better-than-expected US jobs data. The Nikkei soared 4.9 per cent to 13,514.20 after the first-quarter growth rate of the world's number 3 economy was revised up from an annualized rate of 3.5 per cent to 4.1 per cent. Elsewhere, last Friday's US payrolls figures, which showed 175,000 jobs added in May, remained the focus and contributed to a largely steady tone in trading in Europe and the US.
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Canadian May housing starts suggest boost for economy
Canadian housing starts jumped much more than expected in May from April, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp said on Monday, in the latest sign that the broader economy is gaining momentum in the second quarter. The housing starts data was the most recent report to suggest Canadian economic growth is picking up after struggling in the second half of 2012. A separate report on Friday showed the economy added 95,000 jobs in May, the second-biggest gain in 37 years.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Maharashtra: With an eye on LS polls, NCP likely to reshuffle its ministers today
Mumbai: The reshuffle of NCP ministers in the Maharashtra government is expected to take place on Tuesday.
The reshuffle comes after NCP President Sharad Pawar asked 20 ministers to hand in their resignations.
Pawar is trying to change the face of the party ahead of the 2014 elections.
Party sources said resignations of the ministers, which are being received by Union Agriculture Minister and NCP president Sharad Pawar, are likely to be forwarded to the Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in the evening, who will then forward them to the Governor.
Among the five top ministers to be dropped is Transport Minister Gulabrao Devkar. He was arrested in 2012 in the Jalgaon housing scam and later released on bail.
Also being dropped is State Urban Development Minister Bhaskar Jadhav.
He caused much embarassment to the NCP by hosting a lavish wedding in the midst of the drought and was ticked off by Sharad Pawar.
Some of the new ministers are also expected to take oath on Tuesday itself.
State unit president Madhukar Pichad is reportedly set to be one of the new faces of the party.
The party has indicated that new faces will be inducted.
Senior NCP leader and Union Minister Praful Patel told reporters on Saturday that the state unit president Madhukar Pichad would be inducted as minister and another person would replace him in his organisational post.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
A snap decision to change things up at home is likely. You might feel the urge to move furniture around in a room or completely redecorate. If you're in the midst of any home renovation project you might make an extravagant purchase that you later regret. Why pay more than you anticipate for an item, only to decide later on that it wasn't actually worth it? If you don't act in haste, you can easily avoid this type of scenario.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Do you have a secret crush? If so, it's likely that today you or someone close will spill the beans about your feelings. You might decide to boldly declare your interest to this person yourself, and if you do, the result may surprise you. On the one hand, your love interest will be stunned and might not know how to respond. On the other hand, you'll never know unless you make a move. Today at least you'll have the gumption to try.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You might want to be wary about investing in a friend's dreams today. While you'll want to lend emotional support to your pal when it comes to having faith in his or her abilities, this doesn't mean that you can or should put your money where your mouth is. In fact, if you go this route, it might turn into a heavier investment than you thought..
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Are you thinking about making a bold move in your professional life? Venus will be in Cancer, offering you an extra dose of grace and charm. Today, however, Venus will be at a tense angle to Uranus - now at the top of your chart. Unexpected advances might help boost your career success, but if so, there might be a catch down the road.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 An unexpected opportunity to travel might come up. If this happens, you'll be delighted and frazzled all at once. You might have to rearrange your schedule in order to make this work, but it looks like you'll give it your best effort. Although frantic traveling is not ideal, this could be a prospect that you won't want to miss out on. Alternatively, if you're involved in any legal dispute,
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RIL, IOC in race for state’s Haldia stake
MUMBAI/KOLKATA: Two of India's largest refiners — Reliance Industries (RIL) and its PSU peer Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) — have submitted an expression of interest (EoI) to buy out the West Bengal government's 31% stake in the beleaguered Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). The bidding deadline for the stake expires Monday evening.
Besides the two major refiners, state-owned oil major ONGC, gas major GAIL India and private firms like Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Resources through its subsidiary Cairn India and Naveen Jindal's Jindal Steel & Power Ltd are also in the fray, said sources in the know. Purunendu Chatterjee-led The Chatterjee Group (TCG) — a joint promoter of HPL — will have a right of first refusal to match the highest bidder.
RIL executive director Nikhil Meswani, a cousin of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani, is personally taking interest in the project and is learnt to have initiated discussions with the state government and TCG chairman Chatterjee. An RIL spokesperson, however, declined to comment on the issue.
The EoI for HPL evoked an unexpectedly good response from half-a-dozen PSUs and private firms despite a prolonged legal battle between the two promoters — the West Bengal government and TCG.
"We have got a very good response for our stake in HPL. All the major PSU players in the field and RIL have filed EoIs for HPL. It shows the confidence of investors in Bengal," state commerce and industries minister Partha Chatterjee told TOI on Monday.
ONGC chairman Sudhir Vasudeva didn't answer calls while GAIL chairman B C Tripathi was busy in board meeting on Monday. However, ONGC, GAIL and IOC sources confirmed their interest in HPL. JSPL MD & CEO Ravi Uppal and deputy MD Sushil Maroo didn't return calls made by TOI. A Cairn India spokesperson also declined to comment.
The state government initially floated an EoI for 67.5 crore equity shares, which constitute 39.99% of paid-up equity of the company. Consultancy major Deloitte came out with an invitation for EoI on May 10. However, two TCG firms argued that out of 67.5 crore shares, 15.5 crore shares are disputed and their transfer may have legal ramifications. The Calcutta high court then advised the state government to go ahead with the remaining stake, which is around 31%.
HPL co-promoter TCG holds 69 crore equity shares, which is 41% of the paid-up equity of the company. Sources point out that it would be a tough fight between the PSU major and RIL to acquire the government stake in HPL.
Indian Oil, which has 8.89% equity stake in HPL, is a strategic investor and wants to be co-promoter of the firm as it operates a refinery in Haldia. RIL can turn around HPL with cost optimization, said sources.
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Asthma: Facts, causes, treatment and prevention
The prevalence of asthma worldwide is around 200 million with a mortality of around 0.2 million per year according to a consensus statement developed under the World Health Organisation - Government of India Collaborative Programme (2004-2005)."Though the prevalence is more in the developed countries, the developing countries have a higher total burden of the disease due to differences in population. In India, the estimated burden of asthma is believed to be more than 15 million", points chief scientist Dr. Sharad Kasarle, DSK Nutrition Research Center Pvt. Ltd.
Facts about Asthma
The most common chronic disease among children, it currently affects 235 million people.
Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals.
Failure to recognise and avoid triggers that lead to a tightened airway can be life threatening and may result in an asthma attack, respiratory distress and even death.
Through appropriate treatment the number of asthma related deaths can be reduced.
The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens such as house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture; pollution and pet dander; outdoor allergens such as pollens and moulds; tobacco smoke and chemical irritants in the workplace.
Asthma triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise.
Alternative treatments for Asthma
Asthma sufferers may lessen their need for chemical treatments prescription medications (steroids) and inhalers through lifestyle and dietary changes and nutritional supplements.
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, indoor and outdoor pollution, and common allergens such as dust.
Avoid food additives and processed foods. The diet should emphasise whole, organic foods as much as possible. Avoid artificial food additives, flavourings, and sweeteners; fried foods; and pork.
Avoid nitrates/nitrites and sulphites. Many asthma patients are sensitive to these substances and should avoid foods containing such additives. This may include deli meats and cheeses, hot dogs, bacon, wine and beer.
Include a balance of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching or yoga in your workout routine. Try to avoid exercising in cold, dry air, and always warm up with at least 10 minutes of lower-intensity exercise.
Supplement with Omega-3s. Fish oil and flaxseed oil, both excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, may help decrease inflammation.
Get plenty of antioxidants through diet or supplements. They decrease free radical activity, which tends to stimulate inflammation.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
A pal might have romantic feelings for you that you've been unaware of - until today. Venus, the planet of love, will be in your friendship sector and will rub elbows with Uranus, the planet of sudden developments. Once the shock wears off, you might realize that you actually reciprocate the attraction and you're willing to explore the potential you have together. This could be magical, or it could be chaotic. Most likely, it'll be a little of both.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
If you're involved in a business alliance that's unsteady, today might be a day when you're really thrown for a loop. Your partner might give you an ultimatum or make a sudden announcement that's completely unexpected. If this person is in charge of a financial decision related to your mutual professional goals, it's possible that he or she will make a decision without consulting you first. This might be a problem.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You might go into the office today thinking everything will be business as usual only to be quite surprised. You may hear an announcement about a new certification requirement or special training program. Most likely it'll involve technology, but whatever the area, it'll be an unexpected obligation that you might not take to kindly. As a result, the office might be filled with a greater amount of rebellious reaction than usual. Do your best to stay removed from this.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Your love life may receive quite a jolt today. Venus, the planet of love, will be at a tense angle to Uranus, the planet of sudden events. Since Uranus is now in your romance sector, it's possible that you'll meet someone in the most unexpected way, and this person may literally sweep you off your feet. In fact, you'll fill with adrenaline as sparks fly. The question is: Will it last? Time will tell.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 The only constant when it comes to your family life these days is change. You can thank Uranus, the planet of sudden revolution, for this phenomenon. Uranus will continue to move through your home and family sector for several more years, offering you a chance to reinvent your approach to emotional security and create your own unique traditions with your clan. Today Venus will rub elbows with Uranus, and it's possible that your spouse will reveal his or her eccentric side.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 If you feel a strong romantic attachment to one of your colleagues, today you may decide to throw caution to the wind and tell him or her how you feel. While this may be delicate terrain, it's likely that you'll feel as if keeping this to yourself any longer is not a viable option. Remember to carefully consider whether or not you're prepared for the answer you'll get. Whatever you expect, it's likely to go the other way.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
This will not be an ideal day to take any chances with your money. Avoid speculation. In fact, no matter how enticing a gamble may appear, realize that the risk is likely to not be worth the potential reward. At the same time, you'll likely feel quite enticed by a potential opportunity that comes your way. Alternatively, you may be so enthralled with your sweetheart that you give him or her an exceptionally extravagant gift.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
“I mean, if the relationship can't survive the long term, why on earth would it be worth my time and energy for the short term?”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.
The patient says, "Doctor, I have a pain in my eye whenever I drink tea."
The doctor says, "Take the spoon out of the mug before you drink."
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JEE (Advanced) examinees can view answer-sheets
KANPUR: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have made arrangement for the students to see the JEE Advanced-2013 answer-sheets and marks obtained this year. The examinees would be able to request for review of specific questions and marks. But to avail this facility, the student will have to pay Rs 500 for each question which he/she wants to get reviewed.
The JEE office of IIT-Kanpur on Monday stated that the answer key for paper-1 and paper-2 of JEE-Advanced will be displayed at the websites of zonal IITs on June 11. An examinee can view his/her answer-sheet and marks obtained between 14th and 17th June at the same website. The JEE office also stated that there will be a provision for the students to request for review of specific questions and its marks. They will have to pay a fee of Rs 500 for each question to be reviewed.
Meanwhile, the results of JEE (Advanced)-2013 will be announced on June 23. Successful candidates need to log in and give their choices for courses offered by the 16 IITs and ISM, Dhanbad, from June 24 to June 30. The JEE office of IIT-Kanpur informed that the students desirous of joining the BArch programme (available at IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur) will have to qualify an Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) separately. This test will be held at IIT-Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee from 9.00 AM to 12.00 noon on June 28. To appear in this test, the students would have to register online for AAT between June 24 and 25 at the JEE(Advanced) portal.
The first list of seat allocation will be announced online on July 4. JEE (Advanced)-2013, for admissions to undergraduate programmes at all IITs and ISM, Dhanbad, was held on Sunday, June 2. This year, 1.26 lakh students had registered for JEE-Advanced against the strength of 1.5 lakh students who had actually passed the JEE-mains and qualified for JEE-Advanced. Though the students will come to know about the JEE-Advanced results on June 23 but they will be able to see their result on JEE Advanced portal between June 14 and 17. This will give them a clear idea whether they will clear the JEE Advanced or not. Also the students will have the facility to request for review for wrong marking, if any. This step would relieve student from the anxiety of the result of JEE Advanced on June 23 instead they will come to know where they went wrong and penalised. Like previous years, this year also students faced tough minus marking.
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South Africa keep CT semis hopes alive with big win over Pakistan
Birmingham: South Africa's weakened bowling attack revived the team's Champions Trophy hopes on Monday, running through Pakistan for 167 to clinch a 67-run win at Edgbaston on Monday.
The Pakistanis' second straight loss in Group B leaves them on the brink of elimination, with their flimsy batting lineup collapsing despite South Africa being without injured strike bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel and protecting a meager 234 for 9 on a good pitch.
In front of raucous support from the large Pakistani community in Birmingham, Misbah-ul-Haq (55) was the only batsman to provide any resistance as Ryan McLaren grabbed 4 for 19 and Chris Morris took 2 for 25 on his ODI debut. Pakistan must now beat fierce rival India on Saturday to have any chance of making the semi-finals.
Opener Hashim Amla led the scoring with a measured 81 for South Africa. The Proteas' chances suddenly look much rosier than they did a few days ago - particularly with Steyn back in the nets and potentially returning from a side strain in time for Friday's make-or-break match against the West Indies.
AB de Villiers and Amla are the top two batsmen in the world's ODI rankings and they underlined their importance to the side again. Amla made the most of being dropped by the recalled Umar Amin when on 7 to deliver a composed innings sprinkled with nine fours. He departed with his 12th ODI century in sight, messing up a reverse sweep off Saeed Ajmal to send the ball looping to short third man. But at 145 for 3 after 32 overs, the Proteas still looked in good shape.
They soon imploded, though, with four of their six wickets being lost to run-outs. Two came from Muhammad Hafeez, who removed De Villiers for a run-a-ball 31 just as the captain was starting to blossom, and then JP Duminy 13 balls later.
Misbah capped a brilliant fielding display by diving to his left at extra cover to snaffle David Miller (19) in the final ball of the next-to-last over. With Wahab Riaz conceding just three runs in the last over, the target looked very reachable on a lifeless track under brightening skies.
Pakistan's reply began painfully slowly, however, needing 19.1 overs to get to 50 with Imran Farhat (2), Hafeez (7) and Shoaib Malik (8) all going cheaply - the first two to the accurate Morris. The crowd - so boisterous before the match and during South Africa's innings - quickly fell relatively silent but was woken up by Misbah, who continued where he left off in scoring 96 against West Indies.
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Fukrey
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Fukrey
Movie Name : Fukrey
Release Date : June 14, 2013
Genre : Comedy
Producer : Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani
Director : Mrighdeep Singh Lamba
Music Director : Ram Sampath.
Cast : Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadda, Priya Anand, Vishakha Singh.
Synopsis:
College. Three of the most important years of your life. Three years of studies (at times) and sheer indulgence. Indulgence in all the little pleasures that a carefree life has to offer. But it isnt always about ragging, fuchcha parties, college fests, raves and churning out ways to whack some extra pocket money from your parents. Its sometimes hard, ugly and complicated. More so, when you really need to get admission in the coolest college in town and you know you dont deserve it. And to top that, you get yourself involved in the most bizarre situations that could crack you into pieces before you could crack it.
FUKREY is one such crazy story of four restless and hapless souls, running after their individual desires, brought together by one dream, which turns their not so simple life upside down. From breaking school walls, to cross dressing dancers at the Ram Lila; from a Jugaad Baaz college watchman to leaking examination papers; from a female pimp, who runs her drug cartel through Nigerian henchmen to visionary dreams.
Can the four Fukrey, the four nobodies, twist their fate and dreams into reality or will they forever be lost in the obscurity that they come from?
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the Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Ship of Friendship
A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.
The two survivors who have been a good friends, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s parcel of land remained barren.
After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.
Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island.
He considered the other man unworthy to receive God’s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.
As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”“My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them,” the first man answered. “His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything.”
“You are mistaken!” the voice rebuked him. “He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.”
“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”
“He prayed that all your prayers be answered “
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“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. ”
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