“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”  VBA's Positive News Italy moves to ban growing of genetically modified maize type Three Italian ministries have signed a decree banning the cultivation of a type of genetically modified maize, citing environmental concerns, the agriculture ministry said on Friday. The decree, which still needs to be published in the official gazette to become binding, targets Monsanto's MON810 maize, one of two genetically modified organisms (GMO) allowed in Europe and the only one currently grown commercially. The ban was also signed off by the health and environment ministries, with the agriculture ministry citing the crop's 'negative impact on biodiversity'.     US: Youth homicide rate hits lowest mark in 30 years The homicide rate for older children and young adults has hit its lowest point in at least three decades. There are various theories for the drop in youth killings and other crimes since the early 1990s, ranging from the economy to police work or public health campaigns. None completely explain the trend, said David Hemenway, director of the Harvard University's Injury Control Research Center, a member of a National Academy of Sciences' group examining crime trends. Based on overall rates for 2010, homicide last year fell off the nation's top 15 causes of death for the first time in almost half a century.    US: Stocks surge after Federal Reserve Chairman allays taper fear The stock market, which has been marching higher for a week, got extra fuel Thursday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank will keep supporting the economy. The Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 surged to all-time highs. And the yield on the 10-year Treasury note continued to decline as investors bought bonds. Stocks that benefit most from a continuation of low interest rates, such as homebuilders, notched some of the biggest gains. US: Dow, S&P end at new highs on Thursday The Dow Jones industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 index surged to all-time highs Thursday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the central bank would keep supporting the economy. The following is a look at the details.           Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Parties hit out at Narendra Modi for 'clarifying' 2002 Gujarat riots, demand apology           New Delhi: Political parties have hit out at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his controversial comments on the 2002 riots. While the Congress demanded an apology from him, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said it was shameful that Modi was "justifying" the riots. In an interview to Reuters, Modi claimed he was innocent in the Gujarat riots and said "I would feel guilty only if I did something wrong". "While driving if a puppy comes under the wheel, will it be painful or not? Of course it is...I'm a human being. If something bad happens anywhere, it is natural to be sad," he added. The Congress was quick to react to the Bharatiya Janata Party leader's statement and said Modi's words are "totally against the idea of India". "Thousands of people were killed in the communal riots in Gujarat in 2002 and in the backdrop the analogy used by Narendra Modi needed to be strongly condemned. There is no place for such a comparison in civilised India," party General Secretary Ajay Maken said on Friday. "It is reflective of his perverse mindset. It is totally against the idea of India.... We are unable to understand as to what is the intention of raising such things before the elections," Maken, who is the head of the AICC Communications department, said. The CPI(M) also lambasted Modi for "justifying and trivialising" the 2002 riots, saying he was not ready even now to express regrets for it. "It is utterly shameful that he is justifying the genocide and using inappropriate examples and analogies to trivialise the enormity of it," senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said. The Gujarat Chief Minister later defended his "puppy" remark on Twitter saying, "In our culture every form of life is valued & worshipped. My original interview with Reuters http://nm4.in/138jss0...People are best judge." Modi also came under the attack for his "Hindu nationalist" statement. He had in his interview said, "I am nationalist. I'm patriotic. I am a born Hindu. Nothing is wrong in that. So yes, you can say I'm a Hindu nationalist." Hitting out at Modi for making this comment, Congress General Secretary Digivijaya Singh tweeted, "Shouldn't we all be Nationalist Indians rather than Hindu Nationalist or Muslim Nationalist or Sikh Nationalist or Christian Nationalist?" Minority Affairs Minister Rehman Khan also condemned the statement saying, "There is nothing called Hindu or Muslim nationalist, there is only Indian nationalist." "No one can change the character of any person. This is just the beginning of unveiling of his character, more will come out in future. Nitish always said Modi is fascist, Modi always treated minority with contempt," JD(U) leader Sabir Ali said. The BJP, however, has been backing its leader saying Modi's statements are being misinterpreted. "People should read the interview completely and then speak, people are misinterpreting the interview, they are making a controversy on false interpretations," party spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman said.  Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 A beautiful golden triangle of harmony will appear in the sky this week, reaching a peak Wednesday, July 17. Actually, the rest of July, into early August, will be heavenly for you too, as these planets will move very slowly. Mercury will move direct on July 20, so keep up talks, with the aim to seal the deal at or after the full moon July 22. You have outstanding favor in regard to buying, selling, or leasing real estate, or for getting stellar help from family. Reassess financials; a long-range plan you set now should prove profitable. With your ruler Mars coming close to good luck Jupiter (to peak July 22), life will magically, and almost mystically, go your way. This is a five-star week!                                                Taurus April 20 to May 20 This week is a very special one, linking travel, friends, and a partner, in love or business, thanks to a rare and beautiful triangle of three planets acting in rare and total harmony this week. Your ability to communicate effectively will spin things into action, so you may give an important speech, hand in a report, or send a manuscript to publish a book, as several examples. Negotiations toward finding accord will go well, and you may be able to sign next week, after Mercury goes direct July 20. If you have a sibling, give a call this week - you may get a tip or solid piece of advice that may come in handy, too.                                    Gemini May 21 to June 20 You have a dazzling career week ahead. Thanks to a configuration so rare that astrologers have been writing articles about it for months, you are about to find yourself at the right place at the right time. A golden triangle will link three heavy-hitting planets in ideal mathematical harmony: Saturn, in your work project sector; good fortune Jupiter in your earned income sector; and visionary Neptune in your house of career achievement and fame. You will see the buzz about you skyrocket and professional opportunities flow to you. The pay offered would be generous - name your price, dear Gemini. What happens now may make you want to jump for joy.                             Cancer June 21 to July 22  Lucky you, planets in all three water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) will work together to create a triangle of tight mathematical perfection, linking your house of love (Saturn), distant travel (Neptune), and your own deepest desires (Jupiter). Chances are excellent for you to receive an exceptionally lucky break. Creative projects, romantic interests, matters related to pregnancy or children, distant travel, international commerce, work for the media, citizenship matters, and academic pursuits all glitter. That's a huge list, but one or more of these areas will bring news. To unlock the goodness, you must make initiations. Mercury will go direct July 20 - after that, barriers fall, and you will have an open road to capture your desire.                                                        Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  A residential or family situation may have concerned you now that Saturn has settled into Scorpio last October, but this week you may see a wonderful break that may allow you to find a gratifying solution. A golden triangle - as rare as it is beautiful - will be at play this week, reaching perfection now, but will occur through the first ten days of August. A home and family matter will likely bring good fortune, and you may also find staunch support from bankers and investors should you need a mortgage, refinancing plan, home improvement loan, or venture capital. Your twelfth house will be involved, indicating confidential, under-the-radar talks may go on. Keep private meetings private, away from curious ears, for best results.     BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Global investment banks moot measures to boost forex     NEW DELHI: Global investment banks and market participants have suggested several measures including sovereign and quasi-sovereign bonds to boost capital inflow into the country and shore up foreign exchange reserves. At a meeting with finance ministry officials on Friday, they also gave suggestions to make debt markets more liquid to improve capital flow and check the rupee's slide, chief economic advisor Raghuram Rajan told reporters.   "They (have given) us a lot of suggestions including sovereign bond issue. All options are on the table and we will examine as and when the need comes," Rajan said. India's forex reserves can cover less than six months of imports. And the rupee has been depreciating sharply in recent months on concerns that capital inflows may be barely sufficient to cover the country's current account deficit that rose to 4.8% of the gross domestic product last fiscal. Representatives of several banks including Citibank, SBI-SocGen, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Barclays attended Friday's meeting, called by Rajan to brainstorm on overseas funding options to increase forex reserves. "This was not a meeting to take decisions, it was to take inputs.   This dialogue will continue. We now have bunch of ideas to reflect on," Rajan said. There are fears that capital flows may slow further after US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke hinted at withdrawal of quantitative easing. India has already tried a hand at dollar-denominated quasi-sovereign issuances to bolster forex reserves. The country had in the past on several occasions floated sovereign bonds to tide over the balance of payment crisis. The government in 1991 issued India Development Bonds and raised $1.6 billion.   In 1998, it launched the 'Resurgent India' bonds soon after the announcement of nuclear tests and sanctions that followed. The scheme raised $4.2 billion.   In 2001, the government rolled out 'India Millennium Deposits' on the back of rising fuel prices and slowing capital flows. It was able to garner $ 5.5 billion. HEALTH+VE                                                              Will eating corn make me fat?       It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite. This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat? Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat. Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us: Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet. If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know. Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance. Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein. Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc. Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle. Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  This coming week will be no ordinary week, but rather special in every way. Your friends will play a leading role if your life now, so pay attention to opportunities, tips, and advice one friend may bring you. Make an effort to see a variety of friends after work and on weekends, even if you have a heavy workload. You may decide to travel a short distance this week, perhaps as a vacation, another good idea, for you are likely to have a light, lyrical, and possibly highly romantic time while away.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Your ship is about to come in, dear Libra. Three major planets in water signs are about to join hands to create an environment of rare and exceptional harmony - you will see the effects immediately this week. These aspects will help you advance your career in a big way, for good fortune Jupiter in your career house (5 degrees) will signal creative Neptune in your house of assignments (5 degrees), and both will signal stabilizing Saturn in your house of earned income (5 degrees). The money offered should be generous.  Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Consider taking an important trip this week. With four planets in your house of distant and foreign travel, it matters not if you would go for business or pleasure - a trip for any reason for jetting away would work out exceptionally well. A water sign triangle will form now, linking Saturn in Scorpio, Jupiter in Cancer, and Neptune in Pisces, the latter energizing your creativity and your prospects for igniting romance. If you hope for a baby, this rare configuration may bring about the arrival of a sweet little bundle from the stork - a desire you may put into action now.   Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 You have the ability to make a great deal of money this coming week, but to see results you'll need to apply enthusiasm and energy. This will be no ordinary week, but rather one filled with abundant opportunity, due to a rare confluence of harmony stemming from three major planets: good fortune Jupiter, sturdy Saturn, and imaginative Neptune. Talks regarding the buying, selling, or leasing of real estate will go nearly miraculously well, and plans to renovate, clean, organize, or decorate your home will receive similar good fortune.                        Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 If you have any plans to make a romantic alliance or business collaboration official, you could not choose a more heavenly time to do so. You may be talking about getting engaged or wed, or you may be forming a serious business partnership. This week, your talks will lead to accord. An outstanding level of harmony will be displayed in the heavens now, for Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune will join forces to form a golden triangle of water signs, at play now through early August.                           Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  An assignment is likely to come up this week, one that will showcase your expertise and natural talents in a brilliant and exciting way, and that will bring you good money and much industry attention. What more could you ask? Indeed, this coming week will bring you all the opportunity you could ever want but it may not come on a silver platter - to find it you will have to ask or look for it.   Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  A rare and perfect golden triangle of water signs will appear in the heavens this week, one that will link Neptune, your ruler, in Pisces, to Jupiter in Cancer, in your house of creativity, love, and children, and to Saturn in Scorpio, brightening your sector of international trade, academia, legal matters, and the media. One or more of these areas will give you reason to celebrate. You may fall in love, or hear that a long-desired baby is on the way.    Moral Story     SMS   “The Heart feels light when Someone is in it…But feels very heavy when Someone leaves it…”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS     A REAL RELATIONSHIP Has Fights, Trust, Faith, Tears, Pain, Argument, Patience, Secrets, Jealousy n Love...     LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS        IGood leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.       After an accident, A v.angry driver: I showed u d headlights & told u 2 go by side. Santa: I also started d wipers & said No, no..No no. :D

EDUCATION +VE Diploma still plan B for pupils passing from Class X         PANAJI: Students passing out from Class X may have been up by close to 4,000 this year, but the additional students have not fallen into the kitty of diploma courses in the state, though high cut-offs meant cut-throat competition to get into a Class XI stream of preference. Around 2,000 applicants came to the directorate of technical education (DTE) vying for the 1,100 diploma seats where courses from engineering to garment technology and pharmacy are on offer. The number was down by around 200 as against 2012. DTE counselors, who assist students in finding a match between their streams of preference and eligibility, said that students were still far from the realization that diploma courses are a job-oriented alternative to the conventional streams. "Students and parents tend to have a lower opinion of diploma courses and give first preference to Class XI arts, science or commerce courses," a counselor said. "We have not seen a proportionate increase in the number of applicants despite a higher number clearing Class X exam this year. Often, even those who seek admissions to the courses, normally do so with the aim of taking benefit of the provision where diploma holders in engineering and pharmacy can get direct admissions to second year degree courses in the streams," DTE deputy director Pradip Kusnur said. Diploma courses in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electronic engineering and in ship building remain much sought after. But diploma courses in garment technology, hotel management and pharmacy often see their seats go vacant. "There are two seats vacant at Fr Agnel at Verna in hotel management. But at Curchorem many seats in the stream are lying vacant, possibly because the location is in an interior area. There are three to four seats yet to be filled in the garment technology course at Altinho. In the pharmacy course offered at the state institute in Panaji, it is normal to have around 20 vacant seats. Probably because a diploma in pharmacy does not provide much option rather than working in a pharmacy. Even those who seek admissions are aiming for direct admissions to degree courses," Kusnur said. He, however, said that the second round of admissions to the diploma courses are yet to begin and there is still hope for the vacant seats to be filled up. "We have around 100 late applicants, who we haven't yet considered for admissions. We will be doing so in the second round. Many, who have got diploma seats, may leave if they get admissions in Class XI by now in a preferred stream. The late applicants will get a shot at these seats," Kusnur said. SPORTS +VE At times, you need to play boring cricket: MS Dhoni     PORT OF SPAIN: After guiding the team to an exciting tri-nation ODI series triumph, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made it clear that he is ready to play "boring cricket" while chasing low scores if it ensures a victory for his team. "At times in these low scoring matches, you need to play boring cricket. It doesn't matter whether you win in the 48th or 49th over," Dhoni said at the post-match media conference having got his team past the finishing line with two balls to spare. The skipper admitted that since it was the final, he took the risk of playing despite not having fully recovered from his hamstring injury. "Sometimes you don't really wait to be 100 hundred percent fit. The problem with hammy (hamstring) injury is that there is a chance of re-occurrence. Since it was the final and we have two months off after this, I thought about taking the risk," he said. Questioned on how he played despite restricted movements, he answered, "I just tried to avoid the pressure on my right hamstring and trying to deviate that pressure." He was all praise for young Virat Kohli's leadership skills. "Virat did a tremendous job with a young side. Now he will be leading the team to Zimbabwe where it will be a good exposure for the new set of bowlers who are not as experienced as the current crop. If they do well, our bench strength will only increase," the skipper pointed out. The witty side of the skipper came to the fore when asked about him scolding Ishant Sharma for misjudging a single and risking getting run-out in the process. "The problem with tall fast bowlers is that there is a lot of distance between the brain and the receptors," Dhoni answered in a tongue-in-cheek manner. On a serious note he added, "I was avoiding singles in the 49th over because if I had to play the last couple of deliveries and I happened to miss it, it would have increased pressure on Ishant. He is not very good at rotating strike and also with him I could have at the best run a single." The skipper was all praise for the tail-enders, who despite not scoring too many runs consumed a lot of deliveries. "Credit to Bhuvi as he played at least 6-10 deliveries from Malinga which meant that the next two batsmen didn't have to face too many deliveries from Malinga. It was an interesting match where frankly speaking we were not in a good position. I wanted the tail-enders to stay as long as possible which would have given me a chance." Rohit Sharma has evolved in the role of an opener and the skipper is extremely happy with the talented Mumbaikar's performance. "Rohit has been brilliant and looked very confident from the start. It's always good to see him score runs. It helps the middle-order when he scores but some of the shot selections weren't great." About Jadeja not getting to complete his quota of 10 overs, Dhoni explained, "Since two left-handers (Sangakkara and Thirimanne) were playing I thought that it is better to continue with two off-spinners Ashwin and Raina. Also I gave Virat a few overs since the ball was semi-new. For me it was fine to have done away with two overs of Jadeja," he concluded.     Ramaiya Vastavaiya Ramaiya Vastavaiya  Movie Name :   Ramaiya Vastavaiya  Release Date :   July 19, 2013 Genre :  Romance film  Producer :  Kumar Taurani Director :   Prabhu Deva Music Director :  Sachin-Jigar Cast :  Girish Kumar,Shruti Haasan Synopsis: Ramaiya Vastavaiya is an upcoming Bollywood romance film directed by Prabhu Deva. The film introduces producer Kumar Taurani's son Girish Kumar, opposite Shruti Haasan. It will be a remake of Prabhu Deva's directorial debut Telugu blockbuster Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana which in turn was inspired by the 1980s romantic cult movie Maine Pyaar Kiya. Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana was also unofficially remade in Nepali as The Flash Back(Pharkera Herda) in 2010 starring Nikhil Upreti , Aaryan Sigdel , Yuna Upreti , Neer Shah through Gopi Krishna Movies.   It was also remade into Tamil with the title Something Something...   Unakkum Enakkum and also in Bengali which was called I Love You which saw the introduction of Dev. The Theatrical trailer Of Ramaiya Vastavaiya was uploaded on 25 April 2013 and is expected to release on 19 July 2013.   The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick. " INSPIRING STORY "   Helpless love      Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.    The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.   Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare.   Love looked around with hope. Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”  “No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver   There is no place for you.” A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”    Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”  Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.” When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone. Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.”   Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place. On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge.   Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?” Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”   “And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered. Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”   “The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love.   Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”

“Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.”