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"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
| VBA's Positive News |
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UK: Trio of surveys point to strengthening economy
Optimism about Britain's recovery outlook grew on Tuesday as a trio of surveys flagged rising house prices, improved business confidence, and steady growth in retail sales. A survey from Deloitte showed Britain's top firms are more willing to expand than at any point over the past two years, while the British Retail Consortium reported healthy growth in sales last month.
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Cuba economy czar says most profound transformations to begin
Communist-led Cuba's experiment with limited capitalism is entering a crucial and transformative phase this year with the decentralization of bloated state-run businesses, the island's economic czar said Tuesday. Marino Murillo said the goal is to improve efficiency of those businesses and let the successful ones keep more of their profits. After five decades of a state-dominated economy, hundreds of thousands of people have legally gone into business for themselves, private farmers are cultivating land with the government's blessing, and dozens of independent nonagricultural cooperatives were launched recently under a pilot programme.
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Canadian model for sustainability headed to South Africa
The Network for Business Sustainability (NBS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria and the Graduate School of Business (GSB) at the University of Cape Town for the first regional affiliate of NBS in South Africa. NBS: SA will establish a Leadership Council comprised of local business leaders across various sectors who will meet annually to identify their sustainability challenges as an input to research.
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UK house prices gallop higher in June - RICS
British house prices are rising at their fastest pace in more than three years, helped by initiatives to reduce borrowing costs, a survey indicated on Tuesday. 'After what has seemed like a very long wait we are finally starting to see what looks like the beginning of a recovery in the housing market, said Peter Bolton King, RICS global residential director. Reflecting the more positive mood, a net balance of 45 percent of surveyors expect home sales to rise over the coming three months, up from 36 per cent in May and the highest reading since the survey began more than a decade ago.
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World Round-Up
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PM backs opening up FDI to boost rupee
NEW DELHI: In a bid to send a strong message to global investors, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has backed the finance ministry and industry department's plan to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) ceiling in telecom to 100%, besides allowing overseas flows into several sectors without prior government approval.
The list of sectors where companies will be allowed to invest through the so-called automatic route includes oil and gas refining, courier and commodity and power exchanges, sources familiar with the discussions said.
The plan to go ahead with a higher cap for telecom is seen as crucial with PMO having to deal with security concerns in the sector raised by the home ministry along with defence and space. The move on telecom can set the tone for more liberal limit in defence production. Although defence minister A K Antony has opposed higher foreign investment in defence, citing vulnerabilities, he has left the door open for allowing over 26% FDI backing in case-to-case clearances by the cabinet committee on security (CCS).
Officers argued that the industry department's plan also follows the case-to-case model as the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, an inter-ministerial panel, will take a call with proposals beyond Rs 1,200 crore going to the Cabinet.
In addition, sources said the PM is keen on pushing the pension and insurance bills, where the government wants to allow 49% foreign investment in the two financial sectors that can tap into long-term savings and help fund infrastructure.
The decision on FDI liberalization was taken during a meeting between Singh and finance minister P Chidambaram and signals the government's keenness to initiate steps to stem the slide of the rupee, which for the first time crossed the 61 mark against the dollar on Monday. The rupee is the worst performing Asian currency, having depreciated over 11% since the start of the financial year in April.
The plan to open up to greater foreign participation is aimed at regaining investor confidence and boost inflows as a weaker rupee has now begun to affect household budgets and carries the risk impacting government finances and hitting India's sovereign rating. A committee headed by economic affairs secretary Arvind Mayaram had suggested liberalization in over a dozen sectors for which the industry department is preparing a Cabinet note after consultations with other ministries. While all ministries have sent their comments, information and broadcasting ministry is yet to share its views on higher FDI in print and broadcast.
An uptick in the economy is vital to fund ambitious welfare programmes like food security and to create a feel good ahead of the 2014 elections where voter discontent on job losses and a faltering economy may prove politically costly. Chidambaram spent the better part of Sunday and Monday discussing ways to check the rupee depreciation with the PM, RBI governor D Subbarao and Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may feel general restlessness today. This could manifest in a desire to change your daily routine simply to make things more interesting. Small changes could lead to greater energy and enthusiasm to put toward new projects. With Neptune's position now, your current routine could be preventing you from discovering what you truly want and need, so spending time exploring new ideas and activities today could be invigorating and could ultimately lead to a new direction.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
If something has troubled you lately, now will be an opportune time to go to the people involved and speak your mind. Mars will join three other planets in your communication sector, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to directly and clearly express your feelings. People in general will be receptive to your message, but there could be opposition to your ideas. Mars can signal conflict so be prepared to defend your views.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
With Mars entering your financial sector, you could get that long-awaited raise. Today, you will have energy to apply toward working for added monetary gains and will feel that the contributions you make to various projects are valuable. In fact, you will feel more valued in general and therefore make a greater effort to apply yourself to your work. A connection with a friend could also be the source of a new revenue stream.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You may have recently decided that changes are necessary in your life and, with a burst of new energy from Mars, now could be the time to make them. If you meet with resistance, Mars will give you the strength to stand up to anyone who opposes your plans. Be confident that you are on the right path. Changes are necessary for your personal growth, and you will have an opportunity to make refinements later.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
You may feel more introspective than usual today, and it might be worthwhile to find time to enjoy quiet moments and let deeper feelings surface. A yoga class or a few minutes of meditation can help quiet your mind from the pressures of daily life, which might be a bit overwhelming lately. The Sun is approaching Leo and simple reflection and grounding now will prepare you to be back in the spotlight in the coming weeks.
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Arundhati Bhattacharya to be named SBI's managing director
NEW DELHI: The government is set to appoint SBI Caps chief Arundhati Bhattacharya as the State Bank of India's first woman managing director, a decision that is expected to pave the way for her to take over as the chairman of the country's largest bank.
Bhattacharya will succeed Diwakar Gupta, who retires at the end of the month. She will be one of the four MDs that SBI has but will be the only one eligible for the chairman when the posts fall vacant later this year. Government rules require at least two years of service left before retirement for a candidate to be considered for the SBI corner office.
While the finance ministry was pushing for an extension for Pratip C Chaudhuri , the PMO is learnt to be against the move, paving the way for the first woman head of the bank.
The glass ceiling was broken more than a decade ago when Ranjana Kumar was appointed chairman and managing director of Indian Bank and is widely credited with its turnaround.
Even now there are at least three women public sector bank chiefs although SBI is yet to match its smaller peers. In the private sector , Chanda Kochhar is ICICI Bank MD & CEO and her former colleague Shikha Sharma heads Axis Bank.
While there are several women at the entry level in the banking sector, there are few who until now made it to the top, a fact that Bhattacharya had acknowledged during a conversation with TOI when she was SBI's deputy managing director in-charge of human resources. In fact, in recent years, she had said that policies have been reworked to make it more convenient for women employees to do their stints in smaller towns and rural areas.
Sources told TOI that last week, finance minister P Chidambaram cleared Bhattacharya's appointment as MD, while RBI and the Central Vigilance Commission have also given the green signal. The proposal now needs to be endorsed by the appointments committee of cabinet headed by PM Manmohan Singh,
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How to use ginger for better health
It is a well known fact that a majority of Indians prefer home remedies to OTC drugs. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough.
But there are other reasons why ginger is a remedial herb. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop.com shares some top tips and methods to use ginger for various ailments. Read on to discover how you can use ginger for better health.
Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee explains the importance of ginger, "Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant." She adds, "Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others."
Ginger as an appetizer?
Our specialist also makes a unique point about the benefits ginger, "When used before meals, ginger improves appetite by igniting jatharagni (digestive fire) due to its hot potency. It also enhances digestion due to its pungent taste and alleviates ama (toxins of indigestion) from the body."
Besides cold, ginger is useful for...
"Fresh juice of ginger is used to cure symptoms of cough and cold. It helps stop watery discharge from nose and help cure headache and fever associated with common cold if taken in tea or as decoction with basil and honey," Dr. Jaishree continues to list hidden benefits of ginger.
How is ginger beneficial for travellers?
"Ginger regulates digestive enzymes and improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to body tissues. When kept in mouth before travelling it helps combat motion sickness."
Did you know, ginger is good for joint pain?
The doctor let's you in on a secret, "Dried ginger or sounth has analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which is used therapeutically to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in arthritis. Other than these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily."
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
If you have been extra busy at work lately, today could be a day to focus on your social life. Live exchanges or virtual connections will likely increase today. Reach out to friends or groups of like-minded individuals, and you could find new opportunities to engage with them over a hobby or activity. Now could be the time to join a new group if there is an activity you would like to share with others.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
If you have made decisions recently about positive changes you can make to support your career, you could feel frustration today if you try to implement your ideas. Unexpected distractions could interfere with your productivity, so it might be best to develop an action plan but wait to launch. Put effort into tying up loose ends today so that you are better positioned to begin your initiatives in the next few days, when Mars enters your career sector.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Your life might have seemed to move at an unusually fast pace lately, and today will be a good day to take a step back and assess your progress. You could meet obstacles if you try to move projects forward today, so it might be a better day to consider what progress you have made, and then form a plan to continue. Set the plan in motion in the next few days, and you will likely see positive results from your efforts.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
A parent or relative could need your attention today, or you may need to talk with a family member to clear up a misunderstanding. Money owed to you or loans you have taken out could be a topic of conversation. Shared financial arrangements and business partnerships may improve under the current positive influences of Jupiter, but know that Jupiter tends toward exaggerated optimism, which could cause you to overlook important details of any new contract.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
A hectic pace to your life recently could emphasize the need today for attention given to family or loved ones. There could be tense moments today, but you will have the energy to focus on finding solutions to any expectations that have been unmet lately. Recognize that time used to nourish your closest relationships is well spent and will allow you to tackle intense situations you might encounter in your public life.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
You might need to step back today and consider the state of your general health and well-being, looking at what you can do to improve your diet or adopting activities that will benefit your overall health. Jupiter's position today indicates that any changes you make likely will be long-term. Mars, the planet of action and energy, moving into your health sector, signals an opportunity for a new exercise regimen to take hold.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
A challenge between the Moon and Neptune today could mean a general lack of clarity in relationships. If you feel a bit unsettled, make an effort to engage in a frank conversation with a partner, and let him or her know how you feel. During this time, you could question the value of your close relationships, but much of this uncertainty reflects a need to make adjustments to relationships so that your emotional needs are better met.
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Moral Story
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SMS
All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love will not serve those who do not live for her, and in her, and to whom she is not the breath of life.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.”
Once sardarji entered a cybercafe to check his mails.It was crowded so he had to wait.As he waited he saw a man checking his mails.He stood behind him and watched.The man typed his password and was waiting when sardarji cried out "Yes yes I know your password.I can read your mails now.
"Surprised the man asked "Oh yeah, tell me what is it". Sardarji replied " Five stars."
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IIT seats go vacant as 769 refuse to join
MUMBAI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), where gaining admission is said to be more difficult than entering some Ivy League colleges in the US, have had to go through the ignominy of a second round of allotments to fill up all the seats.
A total of 769 students, who got an opportunity to study in the premier institutes, did the unthinkable this year: They refused to study in an IIT. It's a rare situation where even general category seats in various IITs across the country have remained vacant after the first round of admission.
Previously, only seats meant for reserved categories used to go vacant, but this time there is hope for general category students too as seats are up for grabs. The reasons for not joining the prestigious institutions varied from "not having confidence in the new IITs" to "getting allotments in not-so-popular streams".
The second round, which starts on Wednesday, offers hope to aspirants to get into top engineering schools of India. "Hundreds of seats are available for students of all categories," said JEE (advanced) chairman H C Gupta.
Students who took admission were offered internal betterment before the second allotment. So, if a student with a ranking of 1,100 did not take the seat allotted, another with a lower ranking got that place (if he opted for that subject in the preference form).
"While there are seats available in every IIT, most vacant seats are at ISM-Dhanbad. IT-BHU (now an IIT), which used to have many unfilled seats, does not have as many vacancies this year. It has improved," Gupta said.
After the first round closed in 2009, 505 seats were unfilled; in 2011, 300-odd seats were vacant and came up in the second round. But until a few years ago, IITs did not conduct a second round of admissions and unfilled seats used to be transferred to the preparatory programme, a bridge course to bring quota students to the mark.
In 2008, TOI had campaigned that IITs conduct multiple rounds of admission to fill up colleges' capacity, following which IITs did so and vacancies fell since 2009 (see table).
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Ind vs SL: Bhuvneshwar Kumar guides India to tri-series final
NEW DELHI: Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar wreaked havoc with a brilliant opening spell as he powered India into the final of the Celkon Mobile Cup Tri Series tournament with a commanding 81-run victory over Sri Lanka via Duckworth Lewis method in another rain-affected match.
The 22-year-old Kumar had career-best figures of 4 for 8 runs in six overs as Sri Lanka were bundled out for a paltry 96 in 24.4 overs in pursuit of 178 in stipulated 26 overs as Virat Kohli, in his maiden stint as captain, guided the 'Men In Blue' into the title round. India will again meet Sri Lanka in the final at the same venue on Thursday.
India thus topped the table with 10 points including bonus points from the last two encounters having lost the first two matches and also eliminated hosts West Indies in the process.
Put into bat, Rohit Sharma contributed 48 as India reached 119 for three in 29 overs when rain halted proceedings. Courtesy Duckworth-Lewis method, Sri Lanka's target swelled upto 178 in 26 overs.
For India, the magic figure was 167 under which they had to restrict the islanders in order to make it to the summit clash.
Kumar's knack of picking up early wickets reaped dividends for India as he rocked the opposition removing Upul Tharanga (6) and Kumar Sangakkara (0) off successive deliveries. Tharanga got one that shaped away after pitching as he edged one to Suresh Raina stationed at wide second slip.
Sangakkara got a raw deal as the delivery from Kumar seemed to be going well above stumps as he was adjudged leg before.
If that wasn't enough, Mahela Jayawardene (11) was also dismissed cheaply to make it 27 for three. Jayawardene slashed hard at a rising delivery only to be holed at third man where Murali Vijay was stationed.
Kumar soon got his fourth wicket when Lahiru Thirimanne (4) offered a simple catch to Virat Kohli at cover as Lanka looked down and out at 31 for four.
The manner which the young UP lad swung the ball under overcast conditions was a treat to watch. He bowled those beautiful outswingers which Dinesh Chandimal (26, 54 balls) played and missed repeatedly with an occasional one coming into the right-hander.
Once Kumar had done the initial damage, Ravindra Jadeja (2/16 in 5 overs) provided perfect exhibition of classical left-arm spin bowling as he removed Angelo Mathews (10) and Chandimal in quick succession.
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Movie Name : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Release Date : 12 June 2013
Genre : biographical, sports film
Producer : Viacom 18,Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Director : Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Music Director : Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cast : Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and Meesha Shafi. Milkha Singh
Synopsis:
‘Milkha Singh’- for some the name evokes a faint memory from the pages of history. All that is most remembered is that Milkha Singh, hailed as the Flying Sikh, was a famous athlete who infamously lost the penultimate race of his life. “The one who lost the 400 meters finals at the Rome Olympics” is an involuntary response when the name Milkha Singh is mentioned.The film attempts to understand a catastrophic loss that was deemed a sure victory and explores through the darkness of disgrace; Milkha’s redemption, the redemption and catharsis that come when he confronts his past.
Milkha ironically finds himself in a place wherein he had lost his all – Pakistan - a place where he witnessed the bloody massacre of his entire family. The demons hidden in some dark corner of his consciousness come alive.This iridescent tale winds through the plagues of a bloody civil war, a lost childhood, homelessness and petty crime to victories hard won and easily lost. It draws an intricate image of human trials, setbacks and fate leveraged against the sheer power of will. He evocatively illustrates that true victory lies in racing with one’s troubles and not in running away from them. Milkha flies, falls and rises, bruising his soul but not his will to survive.Milkha Singh the world champion in 400 meters lost the most important race of his life - the 1960 Rome Olympics - but won in LIFE.
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A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to
death.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Lazy Farmer
The rain gods had been smiling the whole night. The roads were muddy and the potholes were filled to the brim. It was the day for the market and Raju the farmer was riding his cart along the country road. He had to reach the market early so that he can sell his hay.
It was very difficult for the horses to drag the load through the deep mud. On his journey suddenly the wheels of the horse cart sank into the mire.
The more the horses pulled, the deeper the wheel sank. Raju climbed down from his seat and stood beside his cart. He searched all around but could not find anyone around to help him. Cursing his bad luck, he looked dejected and defeated.
He didn’t make the slightest effort to get down on the wheel and lift it up by himself. Instead he started cursing his luck for what happened. Looking up at the sky, he started shouting at God, “I am so unlucky! Why has this happened to me? Oh God, come down to help me.”
After a long wait, God finally appeared before Raju. He asked Raju, “Do you think you can move the chariot by simply looking at it and whining about it? Nobody will help you unless you make some effort to help yourself.
Did you try to get the wheel out of the pothole by yourself? Get up and put your shoulder to wheel and you will soon find the way out.”
Raju was ashamed of himself. He bent down and put his shoulder to the wheel and urged on the horses. In no time the wheel was out of the mire.
Raju learnt his lesson. He thanked God and carried on his journey happily.
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“The pleasures of the senses pass quickly; those of the heart become sorrows,but those of the mind are ever with us, even to the end of our journey.”
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