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“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Tobacco taxes, smoking bans set to save millions of lives: study
Anti-smoking measures including higher taxes on tobacco products, bans on adverts, and controls on lighting up in public places could prevent tens of millions of premature deaths across the world, researchers said on Monday. Similar steps taken by Turkey, Romania, and 39 other countries between 2007 and 2010 were already saving lives, the independent study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
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Japan business turns positive after almost two years
Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers turned positive for the first time in nearly two years, a signal that companies are reacting positively to the weaker yen and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies to revive the stagnant economy. The improved confidence comes amid a weakening yen, which boosts overseas income for Japan's key exporters, and a series of aggressive economic policies -- monetary easing and boosting public workers spending -- implemented by Abe since he took office in late December.
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UK manufacturing posts fastest growth in over two years in June - PMI
British manufacturing recorded its strongest growth in more than two years in June and new orders rose even faster, in a fresh sign of momentum in the economy just as the Bank of England gets a new governor. The Markit/CIPS Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is now at its highest level since May 2011, and the average level in the March-June period represented the strongest growth in manufacturing since the second quarter of 2011, when Britain's economy was expanding.
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Croatia celebrates its EU membership
Fireworks lit the sky and festive crowds gathered on the streets to mark Croatia's entry Monday into the European Union, a major milestone some 20 years after the country won independence in a bloody civil war that shook the continent. Croatia became the 28th EU member, the bloc's first addition since Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007. Though enthusiasm for the country's achievement has been dampened by the EU's financial turmoil, it is a historic turning point for the small Balkan nation of 4.2 million, which endured years of carnage after declaring independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
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World Round-Up
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NGO moves SC seeking change in West Bengal panchayat polls dates
Kolkata: An NGO has moved the Supreme Court seeking a change in West Bengal panchayat poll dates arguing that elections will take place within the month of Ramzan.
A hearing is expected in the apex court on Wednesday.
The panchayat polls are scheduled to be held between July 11 and 25. Meanwhile, members of the Muslim community on Monday took a procession in the city demanding that panchayat election dates be rescheduled so that they do not coincide with the fasting month of Ramzan.
Prominent leader of the community and state president of All India United Democratic Front Siddiquallah Chowdhury told reporters that hundreds of Muslims marched to the State Election Commission office and submitted a memorandum to the officials in the absence of State Election Commissioner Mira Pandey, who has gone to Delhi.
The procession, he said, started from Mullick Bazar in the central part of the city.
"We are not against the five-phase polling, but we are against voting during Ramzan month.
Polls are usually associated with violence and at a time when Muslims will be observing fast such kind of environment would pose problems.
We are deeply worried," he said.
Chowdhury, who is also the state general secretary of the Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind, said several organisations under the banner of All India United Democratic Front also marched from the Mullick bazar crossing on the issue.
He said that his organisation would also be writing a letter to the Governor and the Chief Minister in this regard.
He claimed that when they had met Pande one and a half months ago, she had assured them of looking into their demand. Chowdhury, however, said Muslims are not giving a vote boycott call.
He accused the state government of not properly taking up the issue in the Supreme Court. Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was aware of the problems the community would face and that was why the government was approaching the Supreme Court.
The apex court on June 28 had rescheduled the poll dates and directed the SEC to conduct the exercise in five phases starting from July 11.
A bench of justices AK Patnaik and Ranjan Gogoi had directed that the election be held on July 11, 15, 19, 22 and 25.
The poll was earlier scheduled to be held in three phases from July 2.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Demands at home may compel you to push your needs aside today, which may feel frustrating and have you a bit on edge, even if it's your decision. With Jupiter now traveling through your home sector for the remainder of the year, you will have many opportunities to expand on and create what a sense of home means to you, either by investing in building a nurturing space or connecting with those you call family, or both. Be as patient as you can with today's speed bumps, and focus on bigger gain overall.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
If there is something you've been feeling internally conflicted about, it may help to talk it out in conversation today, but you may find it difficult to be satisfied with any advice others give. Even those who have your best interests at heart may just not have the right perspective you want. Don't let your impatience get the best of you, or you may unintentionally snap at someone who's just trying to help. Try talking to yourself - at least you'll understand where you're coming from even if no one else does.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may want to stand out from the crowd today, but feelings of insecurity may be making you second-guess yourself. To make the bold statement you want to make, you'll need to go out on a limb and trust your instincts, but you may be reluctant to take the risk in case it backfires. Which is worse: giving it your all and being misunderstood or not being true to yourself? Don't try to impress others, or you'll put the power in their hands; just do your best and impress yourself.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
A bold statement may be called for today. Tension in a certain relationship or situation has been mounting and will seek release and exposure. Be willing to draw a line today, not only with someone else but with yourself too and what you are no longer willing to put up with. Playing it safe by keeping your thoughts to yourself will just bury your feelings and cause you to smolder and stew under the surface, which is not sustainable.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Liberating your thinking about a certain matter is the key to seeing your way out of a situation that has felt stuck for a while. Is there a point of view or an underlying golden rule that you have followed but have long since outgrown? You may be ready for a change, especially when it comes to work. Is there a new discipline or different training you've been considering, even if it's vastly different from the work you're currently doing? It might be time to go for it.
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Decision on FDI cap in third week of July: P Chidambaram
NEW DELHI: Seeking to spur foreign investments, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said the Union Cabinet will decide on raising FDI caps in different sectors in the third week of this month.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is holding consultations with different ministries on the suggestion of the Finance Ministry which, has proposed sweeping changes in FDI regime in sectors like defence, telecom and multi-brand retail.
"The DIPP is calling each ministry and asking for its views in writing.
They have told me that they will bring a paper to Cabinet.
Hopefully in the second week, it will be sent to the Cabinet and then we should be able to take a decision in the third week," Chidambaram told PTI.
He also said he has met Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and reviewed some papers that would be put before the Cabinet.
"...we have drawn up some timelines.
These (the papers) will come to the Cabinet in the second and third week of July," he added.
Seeking to promote India as an investment destination, the Finance Ministry on June 18 favoured higher sectoral caps in almost all sectors including defence, multi-brand retail and telecom.
Virtually doing away with the 26 per cent ceiling, a committee headed by Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram recommended that FDI limit be raised to 49 per cent in almost all sectors through automatic route.
The Committee suggested that FDI in defence be raised to 49 per cent under the government approval route, from 26 per cent at present.
Besides, it has proposed to increase FDI cap to 74 per cent in the multi-brand retail trading under the government approval route.
It also proposed raising the cap to 49 per cent under automatic route in sectors like single-brand retail, existing pharma companies, power and commodity exchanges, PSU banks, tea plantation, print media, PSU petroleum refinery, asset reconstruction companies, stock exchanges, insurance, depositories and clearing corporations and satellite services.
As regards courier services, the Mayaram panel said FDI up to 100 per cent be allowed under automatic route. In the civil aviation sector, the committee suggested 100 per cent FDI in non-scheduled air transport services under the automatic route as against 49 per cent.
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10 Superb ways to impress your mum-in-law
You can do a lot to stop your mom-in-law from turning into monster-in-law. Here are some simple steps that can help you develop a great rapport with her.
Do your homework: Ask your husband for the issues that she may be touchy about. You may not know about family feuds and other such issues, so don't give your opinion before you know all the details.
Also, get to know what she likes. If she loves saas-bahu serials then try and talk to her about it. It may be the ice-breaker that may lead to a great relationship with her.
Bring gifts: Won't you love it if a guests comes to your house with a gift in his/her hand. Similarly, you mother-in-law will appreciate your love for her a great deal more if you take some gifts for her every now and then.
Dress well: If you are out to impress, don't go dressed in clothes that are not ironed and hair that's not brushed properly. And skimpy clothes are a strict no-no. Similarly, it would do you good to not reveal the tattoo on your spine during your first meeting.
Don't compete with her: Accept the fact that a mother is bound to be possessive about her son. So, don't try and tell her how to cook for him.
Even if your husband prefers your cooking to hers, don't point it out to her. Give her compliments about her culinary skills and even take recipes from her. A little flattery doesn't hurt, does it?
Be polite: If you can't be overtly nice, then at least be polite. Don't overrule what she has to say. Also, don't get into an argument or debate with her during your first meeting.
Call her often: To make sure that you communicate well with your mom-in-law call her at frequent intervals. Don't wait for her to call you. She will appreciate the fact that you keep in touch over the phone even when you can't be around.
Seek advice: Regardless of whether or not you plan to take it, take their advice. Your spouse's parents will be glad to feel that they still have some influence on their child's life.
Present a united front: Even if you have certain issues with your mom-in-law, don't wash the dirty linen in public. When you are attending a family event make sure that you don't pass snide remarks or discuss you differences in public.
Treat your spouse well in front of them: Parents are obviously very possessive about their kids, and the best way to earn their respect is to treat their child well.
Relax: The most important thing is to not get too nervous, your mother-in-law is bound to be as nervous about meeting you. Secondly, learn to forgive and forget. This simple rule will make your life a lot easier.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Even if you are in a welcoming and friendly environment, you may feel like you just don't fit in today. Worldly and social expectations may feel heavy. Whether you just can't find the right groove or you're just feeling awkward, you may be inclined to retreat. Fulfill the obligations that you must to satisfy your responsible side, but you may simply feel more at ease doing things on your own today.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Someone in a position of authority (or trying to sound that way) may get on your nerves today if you're trying to work independently or from partnership or teamwork stance. You are skilled at using tact in your delivery but consider whether it's just a temporary nuisance or you need to say something about it. Even if someone's trying to throw his or her weight around, remember that your real power lies inside you and don't take the bait.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 The original grand plan or overall idea may not work out as you attempt to explain it or flesh it out. You may have to re-envision your original idea or just scrap it all together and go back to the drawing board. Try to stay flexible today, or you may try to drive a point home that simply unravels the harder you try. Speak to the heart of the matter and let the details take care of themselves.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You may feel like you're caught between a rock and a hard place financially, and today the pressure could get to you. You may want to blow funds or do something irresponsible just to blow off steam. Find a way to satisfy that need without blowing your entire budget or burning bridges. Small, spontaneous pleasures could release the tension enough today.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You may reach your limit with a certain person or relationship situation when it comes to responding to needs and demands on your time. Avoid an internal blow-up, which can lead to resentment, by getting time alone and/or in an atmosphere where you feel like you can comfortably be yourself without worrying who you have to impress. Let someone take care of you, if you can, and if you can't, at least make yourself a priority today.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 It may seem like everyone is on everyone else's last nerve, especially in your working environment. You may not feel like being very accommodating or patient today, especially if co-workers or patrons seem like they are going out of their way to complain about something or seem extra sensitive. Try to watch what you say, both directly and under your breath, to avoid a confrontation, as situations can quickly get out of hand today.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
The day may be one where you just want to throw everything up in the air and do your own thing. Let yourself play but at the same time, be careful about being impulsive for its own sake, especially with money. If you have serious obligations today, you may have a hard time staying on task. Take bits of freedom wherever you can, and if possible, put your energy and focus onto something creative - you'll have that in spades.
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Moral Story
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SMS
"Speed Is Calculated As Miles Per Hour
But
Life Is Calculated As Smiles Per Hour
So Increase Your Smile Get Extra Milage In Life.. ! "
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Be sure it's your real self you're showing. Because it is your real self that needs to be loved.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.
A student is talking to his teacher.
Student: 'Would you punish me for something I didn`t do?'
Teacher: 'Of course not.'
Student: 'Good, because I haven't done my homework.'
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Agriculture University courses for farmers without age, qualification bar
NAGPUR: The country's first and only private open agriculture university, which began functioning here in January this year, has opened its doors for farmers offering them courses without any age bar and qualification restriction.
"Our syllabus and curriculm are entirely different than other universities and are innovative. We are conducting classes on out-demonstration farms near here in Katol and the response is good," chancellor of Arvind Agricultural (Open and Virtual) University, Dr Mukund Gaikwad said.
The Arvind Agriculture Open and Virtual University will use high-technology involving experts of various agro-produce in the world for sharing their experiences and teaching farmers directly here in virtual classrooms, he said.
The widely travelled chancellor said it will tie up with leading agriculture universities for knowledge transfer and field visits.
He said that marketing, one of the basic bottlenecks in agriculture, is being addressed by the university.
"This summer we have started with exporting 700 tonnes of mango from Western Maharashtra. Now, plans are afoot to help Vidarbha farmers by exporting vegetables from this region. As a pilot project we have been growing vegetables at our demonstration field at Wadvihira in Katol (Nagpur rural). We plan to export 500 tonnes of vegetables," he said.
"Farmers of Vidarbha need to take up innovative measures like diversifying to vegetables and pulses besides cash crops like cotton and soyabean to increase their income. Only if they do this, the economic distress that has led to the suicide crisis can be resolved," Gaikwad said.
Arvind University aims at a paradigm shift in farm education by offering tailor-made courses and thats why we have chalked out 50 courses that would range from a daylong workshop to four-year Ratna without any bar for age or qualification, he added.
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India look to shake off opening disappointment, take on Sri Lanka
KINGSTON: Their unbeaten run brought to a halt, India would look to get over the disappointment of a narrow loss when they take on familiar sub-continental foes Sri Lanka in their second match of the tri-nation ODI series here tomorrow.
The one-wicket loss to the West Indies yesterday ended India's nine-match winning streak during which they lifted the Champions trophy in London last month. India had won four Tests against Australia and five matches in the recent Champions Trophy on the trot.
Tested by the conditions, the famed Indian batting struggled and even though the team's bowlers did a commendable job, the hosts managed to snatch a win by the thinnest of margins.
The Indians also had to contend with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni not taking the field during the West Indian innings due to the cramps he suffered while batting.
It is not clear whether Dhoni was merely dehydrated or was laid low by a hamstring injury. In case of a hamstring injury, Dhoni may not get enough time to recover and take the field tomorrow.
On a pitch which did not exactly help stroke-making, Rohit Sharma shone with a patient half century.
Promoted to the role of opener during the Champions Trophy, Sharma seems at ease in the position and would be expected to come good against the Lankans too.
But the troika of Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik found the going tough in the tournament-opener and will have to adapt quickly to make an impact.
Suresh Raina, however, applied himself well for a 44 that was crucial to take India past 200.
The bowlers did their job commendably and could have pulled it off for India had they been given more runs to defend.
The pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma got the breakthroughs whenever they were given the ball and were ably supported by off-spinner R Ashwin, who also grabbed a couple of wickets.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were quite literally mauled in their opening match. They just about managed to post a little over 200 and were then left to contend with a raging Chris Gayle, who unleashed his fury in the most devastating manner.
The shock of that defeat would be difficult to get over for the island nation and it would be interesting to see how they cope with the prospect of having to contain a strong Indian line-up.
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LOOTERA
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LOOTERA
Movie Name : LOOTERA
Release Date : 5 July 2013
Genre : Romance drama film
Producer :Ekta Kapoor,Shobha Kapoor,Anurag Kashyap,Vikas Bahl
Director : Vikramaditya Motwane
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cast : Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha
Synopsis:
The year is 1953. A visiting archaeologist called Varun Shrivastav comes to the village of Manikpur in West Bengal to excavate the temple grounds of the local Zamindar. With knowledge and experience beyond his young demeanour, Varun greatly impresses the Zamindar and his family. Especially Pakhi, the Zamindar’s feisty and only daughter, who finds herself irrevocably drawn towards him.
But Varun isn’t all he seems on the surface. And as the simmering attraction between him and Pakhi leads to a tender and deep love, he is forced to choose between her and his past.
Making his choice, Varun disappears. Pakhi struggles to move on with her life, determined to forget him and their relationship. Until one day, when he returns under the most extraordinary circumstances.
Inspired from O. Henry’s “The Last Leaf”, Lootera is the uplifting story of two lovers. Of heartbreak, betrayal… and ultimate redemption.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Hospital window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by th! e window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
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“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise grows it under his feet.”
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