"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."      VBA's Positive News Tasmania's old growth forests win protection after three-decade battle Almost 200,000 hectares of Tasmania's old growth forest have been world heritage listed, bringing hope that a three-decade fight between environmentalists, politicians, and loggers is over. The World Heritage Committee has extended the heritage listed boundary of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area by more than 170,000 hectares after accepting a proposal from the Australian government which will give the areas the highest level of environmental protection in the world. Canadian household net worth climbs to record $7.2-trillion Canadian wealth is hitting new heights. Household debt grew at a slower pace than assets for a third consecutive quarter, a sign that the Canadian household debt burden is easing, according data from Statistics Canada. At the same time, Statistics Canada said, household net worth climbed to reach a record $7.2-trillion in the first quarter.      Research reveals that plants use complicated calculations to regulate their energy reserves During the night, plants calculate how much food they need to save themselves from starvation almost precisely until dawn. Plants feed in the day using a process called photosynthesis. This harnesses energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into sugars and starch. But once the sun sets, they must depend on a store of starch to make it to the morning.  Governments should support farmers to revive their seed diversity and healthy soil ecology, not GM crops Traditional African farming systems have developed an incredible diversity of seed varieties, which are able to deal with the multiple challenges of farming. Seed breeding is a complex art, and scientists who really listen and engage will realize that African farmers have a vast amount of ecological knowledge. Having many different types of seed -- bred for their flavours and better nutrition, and which have evolved with local pests and diseases and are adapted to different soils and weather patterns -- is a far better strategy of resilience than developing a single crop that is bound to fail in the face of climate change.           Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Mamata claims real 'paribartan' has taken place in West Bengal       Mograhat: Contesting Opposition parties' claim that no real 'paribartan' (change) had taken place in West Bengal after the new government took over, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed things became better in the last two years. Buttressing her contention with examples, she said after the TMC came to power, the state has emerged number one in the "100 days work programme" and peace has returned to Jangalmahal and Darjeeling hills. "We have created an employment bank, devised schemes for women as well as set up mass housing projects for the poor. Some are saying that no paribartan has taken place in Bengal in the last two years. What is paribartan according to them? Are not these change," she wondered at a panchayat poll meeting in Mograhat on Monday. Coming down heavily on CPI(M), Banerjee said that the party was trying to disturb the peaceful situation in the state. CPI(M), with the help of BJP, Congress and Maoists had come together to disturb the state, she said, adding "they would be thwarted by all means". She also described as 'lies' CPI-M's allegation that several incidents had taken place during filing of nominations for the panchayat polls. "These are all lies. During this time, a record number of 1.69 lakh nominations across various political parties have filed their nominations," she said. According to Banerjee, her government had not even spared her party sympathisers when they were found guilty. "In the Garden Reach case, we have arrested Md Iqbal, another one in the Tangra incident. Did the CPI(M) act when their cadres were involved in crimes," she asked. Referring to the Saradha deposit scam, she said the government had acted swiftly in booking the culprits. Banerjee claimed she was confident of emerging victorious in the polls. "People's power will lead us to victory. I am determined to turn around Bengal's fortunes to make it the number one state," she said. "If required, we can run Delhi, as we know how to run a government. Bengal will show the path to Delhi," she said. Astrology   Aries March 21 to April 19 Your home and family are in the spotlight. As Jupiter, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus light up your domestic sector, you may consider moving or making changes in your home. Since Mercury goes retrograde today in this area of your chart, it may be better to work on needed repairs, restore antique furniture, or refinish a floor. Once Mercury goes direct on July 20, you may be in a better position to begin new projects. On a personal note, you and a sibling may decide to sort through old family photographs.                     Taurus April 20 to May 20 A friend or colleague may alert you to a job opportunity, and the position may sound ideal for you. While this may in fact be the case, it may also be a good idea to verify the job description to confirm that your information is accurate. Changing topics, if a road trip is on your agenda, you may want to ensure that your car's maintenance is up to date as well as double check the directions. With Mercury retrograde in your communications and local travel sector from now until July 20, the time you spend reviewing details may help you avoid mishaps and misunderstandings on the job as well as on the road.                                    Gemini May 21 to June 20 The focus now will be on money. With so much planetary support in your financial sector, you may want to boost your income by asking for a raise, requesting more overtime, or applying for a higher paying position. However, since Mercury goes retrograde today in your money sector, it may be best to postpone such actions because promises made to you now may not come to pass. On another note, until Mercury turns direct on July 20, you may want to pay close attention to your banking statements, credit card bills, and cell phone minutes because the potential for overdrafts, billing errors, and overages may be higher at this time.       Cancer June 21 to July 22  Furthering your interests and promoting your ideas may be on the top of your to-do list. With four heavenly bodies, including expansive Jupiter, occupying Cancer, your enthusiasm and ambition may be on the rise. Since Mercury goes retrograde in Cancer today, you may feel prompted to reassess your overall image. As a result, you may research new hairstyles, clothing trends, or cosmetic procedures. You may feel that a dramatic change in your appearance may help you advance your goals. However, since actions taken during Mercury retrograde often yield disappointing results, it may be best to postpone such decisions until after Mercury goes direct on July 20.                Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  People, places, and situations connected to the past may figure prominently now as a bevy of planets will illuminate this area of your chart. Mercury going retrograde in this sector may coincide with news about a childhood friend, or you may decide to visit your alma mater or contact a former love. Another possibility is that you may learn a secret about a friend or gain access to confidential information about a boss. Although you may be tempted to tell others, it may be best to stay quiet for now.                              BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Merger talks between Tata Teleservices and MTS in advanced stage; NTT DoCoMo looking to exit     Merger talks between Tata Teleservices and Russia's Sistema have advanced substantially, with negotiations centered on a deal that transfers NTTDoCoMo's stake as well as part of the Tata Group's holding to Sistema, giving it a substantial shareholding, said two people familiar with negotiations. The two companies have appointed bankers - Rothschild for Sistema, which operates under the MTS brand, and Standard Chartered Bank for the Tata Group - said one of the two people. However, the transaction will be held up till a new merger and acquisition policy is announced for the telecom sector. A senior official in the department of telecommunications, asking not to be named, said the policy is likely to be announced in three months. Current M&A norms are not conducive for the deal as they may require MTS to either surrender or pay the market price to retain the airwaves held by Tata Tele. In an emailed response, MTS said, "The immediate focus of the company is to efficiently run its 9 circle operations and turn OIBDA (operating earnings before depreciation and amortisation) positive by end of 2014." A questionnaire sent to the Tata Group went unanswered. The two people quoted earlier said the Tata Group plans to reduce exposure to the telecom sector to a minority stake. As a result of the deal that is in the works, MTS would take a majority stake in the company. Valuations had not yet been decided, the people said. Merger talks between Tata Teleservices and MTS in advanced stage; NTT DoCoMo looking to exit Japan's NTT DoCoMo had bought 26% stake in Tata TeleservicesBSE -1.21 % in November 2008 for around 13,000 crore, valuing the company at over 50,000 crore, or over $8 billion, according to current exchange rates. The company, however, is saddled with a debt of nearly 22,000 crore and apart from ballooning interest charges, it may even find it challenging to repay the principal amount when the time comes. People involved say the Tata Group has withdrawn funding for the telecom venture, resulting in operations being shut in three service areas and partial closure in another five. The company has entered into intra-circle roaming agreements with Aircel to cover the gaps in its network. Further, Tata Teleservices is making losses and has little by way of reserves and surplus. The company, which operates under the DoCoMo brand, has also let go of more than 10 million customers since last year. Its customer base stood at 66.9 million as of February 2013, compared with 80.2 million at the end of June 2012. The Tata Group also surrendered CDMA spectrum beyond 2.5 Mhz in all circles barring Mumbai and Delhi to avoid paying a one-time charge of more than Rs 1152.7 crore. MTS, which had been scouting the market and had serious talks with Aircel, may have found a better strategic fit in Tata Teleservices. HEALTH+VE                                                              Superfoods to foil cancer     Eating right can help prevent the disease. Here are some foods you can include in your diet Countless researches and studies with conflicting information often make it an ordeal to figure out what is a health risk and what isn't.   These days, everything from mobile phones, to microwaves, to even the wrong kind of fabric, contains some form of cancer causing risk.   Studies have now helped experts to narrow food groups into cancer combating category. Here is a list of foods classified as per their ability to help curb tissue cancer. Wholegrain Wholegrain cereals are rich in fibre, which may help reduce your risk of breast cancer.   One Swedish study found that women who ate more than 25 gm of fibre per day were nearly 40 per cent less likely to develop the disease.   Eat more: Opt for healthy wholegrain carbohydrates such as granary bread, cereals such as Weetabix or porridge, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. Fruit and vegetables A diet full of antioxidant-rich brightly-coloured fruit and vegetables could help combat free radicals — rogue cells that can trigger cancer.   A study in China this year found that women, who ate the most fruit and vegetables in their diet, lowered their risk of breast cancer.   Eat more: Forget five, for maximum cancer protection some nutritionists are now advising us to eat nine or 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. One serving is equivalent to a glass of fresh juice, medium orange or 12 grapes. Vitamin d-rich dairy products Research has shown that vitamin D can halt cell division and growth, offering protection against the cell changes that lead to cancer.   The richest sources are dairy products, eggs and oily fish. In the past, dairy had been linked to breast and prostate cancer, but a recent review of studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found low-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk, cottage cheese and yoghurt, may protect against the disease.   Eat more: Have a glass of skimmed milk a day and eat eggs several times a week. vitamin D is also made by sunlight on your skin, so get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily. Good fats   High levels of estrogen can encourage breast cells to multiply, increasing the risk of cancer developing.   Experts think that lots of what they call 'oestrogenunfriendly' fats in your diet could cut your risk. These include omega-3 fats found in oily fish and omega-9 fats found in olive oil.   Eat more: Have one to two portions of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna (not tinned) per week, and cook with olive oil. Beans and pulses Beans and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas are packed with cancer protective fibre, as well as polyphenols and lignans which have been found to limit a tumour's growth.   A study in Harvard tracked the diets of 90,000 nurses over eight years. Those who ate beans two to four times a week had a 25 per cent lower risk of tissue cancer than those who rarely ate them.   Eat more: Add a can of kidney beans or lentils to chillies, spaghetti bolognaise, dals, soups and stews two to three times a week, and snack on lentil based dips and sauces.          Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  Your hopes and goals may be uppermost in your mind at this time. While one of your aspirations may be about earning more money, there may be others that are of a more personal nature, such as learning a new language or developing your intuition. In the days ahead, you may feel inclined to reevaluate your objectives, and as you do, you may change your mind more than a few times. If you feel confused, this may be due to Mercury turning retrograde today in this sector of your chart. For this reason, you may not want to take any decisive action connected to your goals until after Mercury goes direct on July 20.                        Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 A new career path may open up for you soon, thanks to a beautiful alignment between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. With Mercury going retrograde today in your career sector, it is possible that an opportunity may come to you through a past relationship. For example, a former co-worker or a headhunter you worked with years ago may reach out to you. This may be an excellent time to go on informational interviews. However, it may not be the best time to accept a new job because agreements made at this time may turn out differently or be subject to revision. Therefore, if possible, it may be best to delay accepting an employment offer until after Mercury turns direct on July 20.                                   Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 An upcoming trip to an international destination may occupy your thoughts at this time. This may be for vacation or it may be for business. If you plan to travel between now and July 20, or if you plan to book a trip during that time, you may experience delays, interruptions, or other mix-ups. This is because Mercury turns retrograde today in your sector of long-distance travel. However, you may avoid such mishaps by reconfirming reservations, getting to the airport early, guaranteeing your room for late arrival, and attaching tags with your contact information on your checked luggage. It may also be a good idea to pack a change of clothing in your carryon for added peace of mind.                                Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Taxes, credit cards, mortgages, and retirement plans may occupy your attention now. As Mercury goes retrograde today in this sector of your chart, you may discover an error on your credit report, receive notice of a potential tax audit, or decide to file a grievance to lower your property taxes. Fortunately, a happy alignment between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune may help you resolve such matters quickly. On another note, if you plan to file an insurance claim or submit retirement papers soon, it may be best to wait until Mercury goes direct on July 20. If this isn't practical, you may want to use a traceable delivery method to ensure it arrives at its destination.                                               Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 You and your romantic partner may be making plans for the future. Although you may be very enthusiastic about building a life together, you may feel it's best to keep this news a secret for now. This may be a good idea because Mercury will turn retrograde today in the partnership area of your chart. As a result, the plans you make between now and July 20 may be subject to revision once Mercury goes direct. Since this is an excellent time for research, the two of you may want to explore the possibilities and resolve any differences before making a big announcement.                                  Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  You may be on the brink of achieving a work-related financial goal. It may be that a raise or an expense account is coming your way, and you may be so excited that you invite a friend to join you for drinks or dinner to celebrate your success. Later on, you may discover that your increase doesn't take effect as quickly as you thought. This misunderstanding, as well as the delay, may be due to the fact that today Mercury will turn retrograde in your employment sector. Consequently, from now until July 20, you may want to take extra care on the job to avoid clerical errors, accounting mistakes, or other important oversights.                              Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  As Mercury goes retrograde today in your sector of creativity, you may rediscover a former hobby or creative pursuit such as writing or music. Another possibility is that it may be connected to the domestic arts such as cooking, sewing, or interior decorating. In fact, you may feel so passionate about this interest that you may consider turning it into a business. However, there is a chance that you may change your mind about this after Mercury goes direct on July 20. Since Mercury retrograde supports research, it may be best to investigate how much time and money it may take to get such a venture off the ground before you make any commitments.               Moral Story     SMS   “Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   "True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”        Santa asks Priest: Why did god make women so beautiful? Priest: So that you will love them. Santa thinks for a short time... Santa: But why did God make them so dumb? Priest: So that they will love you.

EDUCATION +VE IIT-Kharagpur to start medical course             KOLKATA: The Centre has sanctioned a 400-bed superspeciality hospital on the IIT-Kharagpur campus which will have a medical college attached to it so that the premier institute can start a medical course. Once this happens, IIT-Kgp will be the only one in the chain to impart medical education alongside technology. A 45-acre plot has been earmarked for what promises to be a modern green building with minimal energy consumption at the south-east-end of the premises. Construction is slated to begin before Durga Puja. The Centre and IIT-Kgp have chosen public sector enterprise HSCC for the project. HSCC provides professional consultancy services in the health care sector to both state-run and private hospitals. "It is in the process of finalising the architect who will prepare the building plan, according to specifications of our own civil constructions cell," said S K Som, director of the institute. The institute runs a master's degree course in medical technology, which has already received much acclaim across the country. This encouraged it about five years ago to start a proper undergraduate medical course recognised by the MCI. But the plan met with both technical and legal hurdles as never before in the country had a tech school tried try to start medical education. Moreover, while the IITs are run by the ministry of human resources development, medical education is overseen by the Medical Council of India, which is under the health ministry. However, after much persuasion and deliberation, both ministries have now agreed on the project. "We will have both medical and educational tie-ups with AIIMS," said Som. There will be several international collaborations, too, and the institute has already held talks for possible tie-ups with the John Hopkins University - the leading university in the US for bio-medical research, medicine and genetics. Of the Rs 230 crore required for the project, Rs 150 crore will be given by the Centre and the institute has to arrange the rest. The Centre has already sent in an initial amount of Rs 75 crore. SPORTS +VE 'Captain Cool' Dhoni in a league of his own       LONDON: Men with the Je Ne Sais Quoi: Of whom things can never be adequately described or expressed. For a man who made critics cringe at his technique, one who famously claimed to have built his biceps on a litre of milk a day and most astonishingly was a goalkeeper-turned-wicketkeeper that provoked many experts to write him off, he now sits on a pedestal where no international cricket captain has ever been. It cannot be luck alone or the Number 7 factor that Mahendra Singh Dhoni has so distinctively worn on his sleeve. He is not a born genius either. To explain the phenomenon is not the easiest task in the world. The extent of Dhoni's achievements has now gone beyond what even a top cricketer today can aspire for. He's won the World Twenty20, taken India to the top of the world Test and ODI rankings, has pocketed the World Cup - a second one for India - and is now bringing home the Champions Trophy. It makes him, in terms of success, modern-day cricket's greatest captain. 'Captain Cool' is the cliched phrase we've used for Dhoni. The Lucky One, say some. Those digging deeper see the art of captaincy coming naturally to him. But as he keeps winning more with each passing year, we all scramble for words to describe his success. Sunday, when he lifted the trophy and handed it over to his jubilant teammates, there was a brief moment when he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Until then, most haven't seen Dhoni pumping fists in the air, bellowing in the thrill or prancing to Freddie Mercury. But this time he didn't mind when Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the bunch belted 'We are the Champions'. If he isn't one right now, who is? In his own words, winning the 2013 Champions Trophy has had a similar effect on him as did the 2007 World Twenty20. Both, says Dhoni, were achieved by a team of young boys-turning-men while the 2011 victory came riding on a slew of performances from cricketers with greater experience. For him though, one was never sweeter than the other. But the Champions Trophy may be an exception. It's because of where he was coming from — the spate of controversies involving his IPL franchise and his own conflict-of-interest row, the pressure on his team to stay away from the preying eyes of the media. Like a true leader, Dhoni marshaled his bunch and gave them his trust and support. This is something his teammates have glowingly spoken about. India batted first in the final and scored a low 129 in 20 overs. Dhoni thought it was a little harsh on his team that England's target wasn't revised because of the rain interruptions during his team's innings. But before India walked out to field, he admitted that he blurted out a quick pep-talk. "This is a Twenty20 and that's how we're going to play it," he told them. His team, like inspired army-men obeying their general, heard it well. England were cruising in chase and the wire had only turned hotter. The crowd was falling silent. Wickets had stopped coming. Shoulders had begun to slouch. All you could see Dhoni doing was shift the widish third-man to deep mid-wicket, remove the gully and bring in a fielder at point. Remove the cover, add an extra-cover. He was in his own zone. And the match turned. Like he's done over the years, in tune with his own instincts, not reacting to a soul but his own, he won another battle.     Ghanchakkar Movie Name :   Ghanchakkar  Release Date :   June 28, 2013 Genre :  Romance, Comedy Producer : Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur Director :   Rajkumar Gupta Music Director :  Amit Trivedi Cast : Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Rajesh Sharma, Namit Das. Synopsis: Ghanchakkar movie is a quasi-realistic urban comedy-thriller highlighting the absurdity of certain real human situations. Emraan plays the title character in Ghanchakkar - a suave, master safe cracker wants to retire from a career in crime, he decides to team up with two dangerous criminals to commit one last heist. A bank robbery that will ensure that he never has to worry about money again! Everything goes according to plan. Sanju is given the task of hiding the money till things cool down and the booty can be split. Two months later the associates return to collect their share of the loot, but Sanju refuses to even recognize them! What dangerous game is Sanju playing? Ghanchakkar is a crazy, quirky rollercoaster suspense ride that will surprise, shock and entertain the audience at every turn.   The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds " INSPIRING STORY "   Five More Minutes          While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.       “That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.      “He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”   Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”  Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”    The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.   Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?” Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”  The man smiled and said, “OK.”  “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.   The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.   I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him.   I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.  She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”  Moral: Life is all about making priorities, and family is one and only priority on top of all other, so spend all time you can with loved ones.

“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.”