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“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Historic journey of solar-powered plane an inspiration for sustainability - UN chief
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded the journey of the first solar-powered plane to cross the United States from coast to coast and declared that the historic flight could serve as an inspiration to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development. The Swiss-made aircraft is reportedly powered by some 11,000 solar cells, and can reach an altitude of some 30,000 feet, while flying at a top speed of about 70 kilometres per hour.
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Germany sets 23.9 GW solar power generation record
Despite the long and dark winter, solar panels keep lining Germany's residential rooftops. According to SMA Solar Technology, the country has just set another world record in solar energy production. Its solar power output climbed from already impressive record of 22.4 GW in June to a whopping 23.9 GW during peak times yesterday. The data is based on the output of thousands of SMA solar power system spread across the country.
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South Africa has progressed since the first vote
In 1994 millions of South Africans voted for the first time, their vote ensured that Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of the country. That same year millions of taxpayers also contributed their fair share to the coffers of our new government. Since 1994, government has continually strived to deliver services to ensure a better life for all. The tax paid by individuals has contributed to make this vision a reality for more people with each passing year.
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China: Beijing's great leap forward
Beijing now is not just competent in software and gadgets. It has its own brands that are bound to lead in their own directions. It's not inconceivable that one day Beijing will sit on top of the innovation pyramid alongside Silicon Valley, each producing global companies and creating new industries. 'I've seen startup clusters all over the world,' says Steve Blank, an entrepreneur and business school professor who recently returned from a visit to China. 'But Beijing blew me way. They've built an ecosystem on a scale that puts Boston or Seattle to shame. Beijing compressed 30 years of startup learning into five years.'
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Supreme Court tells convicted MPs again: Crime Doesn't Pay
Indian politics has been yearning for such a game-changing move for quite some time.
Most elderly people in India recall a time of relative cleanliness in politics before the late 1960s the era that saw the ascension of Indira Gandhi and her accomplices.
What was allowed in then became a circus by the time her younger son took matters in his own hands and went about disregarding the basic tenets of the Constitution whereby the Emergency was promulgated to curb the democratic protests that blossomed in reaction to the moves and countermoves of Sanjay Gandhi.
Much water has flowed down the Ganga since then. The centrist opposition to the Congress split into multiple streams following the implementation of the Mandal Commission report (stage 1).
By now, the non-Hindutva opposition had ceased to be a one party entity and became caste outfits like the numerous permutations and combinations involving J (the Janata J) and S (Samaj), you get the drift.
Most leaders and activists of these parties have had criminal cases against them. Some may have been foisted given that the Grand Old Party knew how to milk the law in its attempt to muzzle the opposition but most others were those who started in politics because they were the neighbourhood toughs.
Toughs usually end up on the wrong side of the law, check with any Hollywood or Bollywood film.
The only difference will be that the neighbourhood tough is usually the protagonist in the West while some skinny do-gooder will be thrashing the Hindi film tough, played by someone like the muscled Sharat Saxena.
The tainted MP-MLA is not a creature native to the North, the South has its members too.
No one has asked political parties to be made accountable for foisting these tainted on them yet, sorry the Aam Aadmi Party has. But no one heeds a party whose leaders asks one not to pay the power bill.
The sadder fact, if the Logger be allowed to say it, is that the parties have not been able to keep their ranks intact against these elements that seek power only to gain their pound of flesh and keep cutting away at the people protected by the cover that power provides.
Special: Indian politicians are saints
The Logger is yet to celebrate this Supreme Court order since disqualification will happen only on conviction. Many a times the cup has missed the lip in criminal cases with prosecution witnesses changing their minds, again a loophole the tainted know works well with the minimal effort.
But it is to be said that this is the 21st century answer to ensure that the people who get to change the Constitution, if they wish to, at least have a clean past.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
As your ruler, Mars, prepares to join Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune in ongoing harmony, this will be the time to show your gratitude for the things you love in your life, especially your home and those you would call family. Although there may be problems (aren't there always), focus on what's worth loving, protecting, and investing in, and don't take it for granted or hide from it today. A fun home project or family activity can be the perfect way to celebrate this weekend.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
There will be a lot of love, gratitude, and family spirit around you now if you let yourself participate in it. As Mars prepares to join Jupiter and travel through heart-centered Cancer, take the time to reach out and get to know others in your neighborhood or small community. Look for opportunities for casual conversations or community events that don't have to feel awkward or like work. You'll be surprised by how much joy and comfort will result.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Your best resources right now are your motivation, your confidence, and your willingness to take a risk. Mars is preparing to join Jupiter in your financial and resource sector; be willing to bet big on what you can do, not in order to make a foolhardy risk but to take a leap to secure something that's worth the risk. Commit to an investment of time or money (or both), and be willing to work hard and tenaciously. Keep a clear eye on the spirit of what you want to attain, and success will be almost inevitable.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
As Mars prepares to enter your sign, Cancer, it will join Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune, all aligned in a harmonious grand trine. This will be a time for breaking out of your shell and boldly asking life, others, and yourself for what you want. You don't need to be demanding or bossy; with Jupiter on your side, you can get almost anything you ask for, so choose wisely! Don't allow shyness or fear of being hurt to keep you from receiving what you long for now.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Your usual generosity will know no bounds. Expand your focus to others and the world around you as Mars prepares to join Jupiter in Cancer. Doing for others in a spirit of love and caring can be inspiring and deeply rewarding, especially if you give of your heart, not just your time or money. Then, enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation in a private spot that allows you to feel like you can be offstage for a while without having to impress anyone.
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Finance Ministry wants cap on gas price; RIL to sell gas at $4.2
The finance ministry has sent a note to the petroleum ministry seeking "appropriate action" on suggestions in the media for fixing an upper limit on increasing the price of natural gas when the new policy comes into effect next year.
The finance ministry has also asked the petroleum ministry to examine the suggestion that Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) should meet its commitment of first fulfilling the short-fall in gas supply from the KG Basin field at the old price of $4.2 million British thermal units (mmBtu) before it is allowed to benefit from the new price of $8.4 mmBtu.
A senior petroleum ministry official confirmed that the finance ministry on July 4 sent an office memorandum to the ministry seeking "appropriate action" on these two points raised in editorial articles from two newspapers which were attached along with the note.
FROM THE MAGAZINE: Gas price hike formula: Win some, lose some
These articles had suggested that a cap should be placed on the extent to which natural gas prices can be raised following the June 27 decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to double the rate to $8.4 per mBtu from April 1, 2014.
The decision also provides for quarterly revision of the price based on formula using imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and international hub rates to price domestic gas.
The CCEA had approved pricing of all domestically produced natural gas from April 1, 2014, at an average of the price of imported LNG and the weighted average of gas prices in North America, Europe and Japan.
Another point raised in the in the newspaper articles was that RIL should be made to sell the quantity it has failed to deliver as per its own target during past three years at the current price of $4.2.
There were concerns that leaving the formula open-ended may result in prices rising to $10-12.
The new rate will change every quarter and there were concerns that leaving the formula open-ended may result in prices rising to $10-$12 in the near future.
This has given rise to concerns as LNG involves the costly process of compressing the gas, which leads to increase in price.
There are fears that the subsidy bill would spin out of control as natural gas is used for producing fertilisers and power, both of which are sold at regulated prices.
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Top 5 foods for beautiful skin
Want truly fabulous skin - glowing, vibrant, and younger-looking skin? Make sure you are adding right foods to your plate.
Whatever you eat not only reflect on your body but also on your beautiful skin. The healthier foods you consume the better and beautiful skin you will be blessed with. Dr. Neena Chopra - Biochemist and a certified Naturopathy and Yogic Science expert and a co-founder of Just Herbs, shares a list of 20 best foods to achieve that flawless beauty.
Food for beautiful skin # 1: Chocolate
Your favourite bar of chocolate can bless you with a beautiful and wonderful skin. Wondering how? The cocoa presents in chocolate helps in hydrating your skin and makes it more firm and supple. Choose dark chocolates as it contains high level of flavonoids - an antioxidant. Just add a couple of cubes to boost your beauty in a sweet way. You can also apply melted chocolate on your skin to get a glowing skin.
Food for beautiful skin # 2: Strawberries
These delicious fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is a key component for firm skin as it helps in collagen production. Besides strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, which help in boosting your memory. Thus strawberries help in blessing you with beauty along with brain.
Food for beautiful skin # 3: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene - a carotenoid, which helps to protect your skin from sunburn. In order, to avoid sun damage to your beautiful skin, load up on red tomatoes for less skin reddening.
Food for beautiful skin # 4: Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid - fatty acids, which helps to keep cell membranes fluid and make skin supple and firm. It also has some fatty acids which helps in fighting inflammation. The presence of vitamin E and polyphenols helps to protect the skin from radical damage.
Food for beautiful skin # 5: Green tea
This is must have beverage, if you want to have a healthy skin. This drink has many beneficial properties for your skin. Their anti-inflammatory property helps to prevent skin cancer and plays a protective layer to the cell membrane. It also helps to reduce the risk of damage form ultraviolet rays.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Consider acting on that personal aspiration you've had for a while - you know, the thing you've longed to do if only … (fill in the blank). There are people who are ready and enthusiastic about helping and supporting you - a few who you already know and a few who you are about to meet if you look for them in the direction of your goal. Break it down to a step at a time in practical terms and let it take care of adding itself up.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You have the chance to be recognized for doing what you love if you are willing to really go for it as Mars prepares to join Jupiter in traveling through your work sector. Don't play it safe or small at work. Let your feelings infuse what you are doing, and take it all the way with confidence and enthusiasm. If you are not exactly in your dream job and don't feel inspired, start moving closer to it with a big step forward in faith and determination.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 With Saturn in Scorpio, your determination has been tested and is getting razor sharp. Put that discipline to use as Saturn supports Jupiter and Mars, soon to be aligning in your education sector, which may ignite a passion for study or research in a particular matter close to your heart. You may be especially enthusiastic about studying something connected with your family history or nationality, whether it's the culture you come from or just digging up juicy secrets of your ancestors!
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Although you can be quite independent, you may find it challenging but exhilarating to put your trust in another whom you can truly depend on by intertwining your lives together in a meaningful way. With Mars soon to join Jupiter in Cancer, you can grow and benefit by learning lessons of shared dependence, especially if you are so inclined to share your financial resources with someone and he or she with you. Trusting that someone has your back can be surprisingly freeing.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You do a lot for the people in your life that you love. Because you are such a hard worker, you may sometimes tend to look at your relationships as a responsibility as well as a blessing. As Mars prepares to join Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune in a heavenly alignment drawing your focus to the relationships in your life, bask in the ones that are truly joyous and supportive. Show your authentic and spontaneous appreciation in an emotional, not responsible, way. Let yourself receive from the ones you love, and you'll be overwhelmed with bounty.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 As Mars prepares to join Jupiter traveling through your work sector, not only can you get a lot done, but you can also take advantage of opportunities to sink your teeth into projects you could really care about. Take risks by pushing the agenda and taking on projects that are close to your heart, and the powers that be will notice. Look for and create opportunities to advance, not out of strategy but out of enthusiasm.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Mars and Jupiter are preparing to meet up in Cancer, giving you a big hit of creativity and imagination, but also of simple love and gratitude. Spend time in the activities and with the people that give you a feeling of simple acceptance and shelter to be yourself. Home will be truly where the heart will be now, and if it's not at your current dwelling, travel to it. Spend time with the people that help you remember your innocence and playfulness.
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Moral Story
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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
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.”
In New Delhi, Blue-line buses are notorious for
killing people in accidents.
Today a Blue-line bus driver saved
2 lives.
Howz that possible?
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He did not go to job today.
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More than 70% RTE seats go vacant in Nagpur division
NAGPUR: Though the state government has been promoting 25% seats quota under Right To Education Act (RTE), the latest admission figures are discouraging. In the six districts of Nagpur division, about 71% seats under RTE are still vacant and the state government has reminded school managements they cannot give it to general category students. JSSaharia, additional chief secretary in charge of school education said, "The RTE clearly says 25% seats are to be filled only from specified category of students."
Under the RTE's 25% quota, there are a total 16,439 seats available in Nagpur division and till June 26 (school reopening day) only 4,712 of them had been filled. In Nagpur district, 55% of RTE seats remain vacant as only 2,605 students got admission against the available 5,788 seats. The worst performing district was Chandrapur as 95% of its seats remain vacant. The district had only 249 admissions the 4,743 seats available, and education officials in Nagpur have now asked the local officers there to provide reasons for this abysmal performance.
Even backward Gadchiroli's RTE statistics are healthier compared to Chandrapur with 87% seats remaining vacant. Only 215 students got admissions compared to 1,655 seats available in Naxalism affected district. At Bhandara district, the situation is only slightly better as 73% seats remain vacant with only 143 students getting admission out of 529 seats available. In Gondia, 65% seats remain vacant with 755 students admitted against 2,142 seats. Wardha equals Nagpur at the top of the table with 55% RTE seats vacant. Here, 725 students were admitted against 1,582 RTE seats.
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Vidic absent as United fly out for Asia tour
LONDON: Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic was a surprise absentee as the Premier League champions prepared to fly out for their pre-season tour of east Asia and Australia on Wednesday.
Vidic was missing from the 19-man United squad that were due to set off on Wednesday, with no immediate explanation offered for the Serbia star's omission.
There was no hint of any problem on Friday when Vidic attended the official unveiling of David Moyes as United's new manager.
His absence may be connected to the treatment he needs for a chronic knee injury that has ruled him out for virtually 12 months and a fresh problem would be a major concern for Moyes ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford after succeeding Alex Ferguson.
As anticipated, Dutch striker Robin van Persie and Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea will both miss Saturday's opener against a Singha All Star XI in Bangkok after being given additional time off following their international commitments, although they are due to join up with Moyes' men in Sydney.
Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa will also be a late arrival, linking up with his team-mates in Japan on July 21 after a rest following his country's Confederations Cup campaign.
Javier Hernandez, rested after international duty, Chris Smalling (foot), Ashley Young (ankle) and Nani (broken nose) were also missing from the tour party.
Earlier, Moyes confirmed that new signing Wilfried Zaha will join Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour of east Asia and Australia.
Zaha only began pre-season training on Monday after taking time off to recover from England's European Under-21 Championship campaign and Moyes wanted to talk to the former Crystal Palace man before deciding whether to take him along on the trip.
"He will travel with us on the tour," Moyes told talkSPORT.
"He has only been with us for two days but I will take him away, see how he goes and have a look.
"This club has a great record of putting young players in the team. Hopefully Wilfried can be one of them."
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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 : Kannan Iyer
Music Director : Vishal Bharadwaj
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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An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Poor Man’s Wealth
Ramchand and Premchand were neighbours. Ramchand was a poor farmer. Premchand was a landlord.
Ramchand used to be very relaxed and happy. He never bothered to close the doors and windows of his house at night. He had deep sound sleeps. Although he had no money he was peaceful.
Premchand used to be very tense always. He was very keen to close the doors and windows of his house at night.
He could not sleep well. He was always bothered that someone might break open his safes and steal away his money. He envied the peaceful Ramchand.
One day, Premchand call Ramchand and gave him a boxful of cash saying, “Look my dear friend. I am blessed with plenty of wealth. I find you in poverty. So, take this cash and live in prosperity.”
Ramchand was overwhelmingly happy. He was joyful throughout the day. Night came. Ramchand went to bed as usual. But, to-day, he could not sleep.
He went and closed the doors and windows. He still could not sleep. He began to keep on looking at the box of cash. The whole night he was disturbed.
As soon as day broke, Ramchand took the box of cash to Premchand. He gave away the box to Premchand saying, “Dear Friend, I am poor.
But, your money took away peace from me. Please bear with me and take back your money.”
Moral: Money can not get everything. Learn to be satisfied with what you have and you will always be happy.
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“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”
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