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“Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Middle East: Gulf states plan $155 billion solar energy projects
Solar energy is set to emerge as one of the Gulf region's main sources of energy by 2017 with approximately 155 billion worth of solar power installation projects in the pipeline to generate more than 84GW of power. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will be leading the region in promoting renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprints.
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US economy adds 195 thousand jobs; unemployment 7.6 per cent
US employers added a robust 195,000 jobs in June and many more in April and May than previously thought. The job growth suggests a stronger economy and makes it more likely the Federal Reserve will slow its bond purchases before year's end. The unemployment rate remained 7.6 per cent. That was because more people started looking for work in June -- a healthy sign. People without a job aren't counted as unemployed unless they're looking for one.
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Australian foreign minister to visit Myanmar officials
Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr has announced he will be travelling to Myanmar next week to meet with the country's officials. Myanmar's ongoing move toward democratic reform, Australia-Myanmar economic ties, international development assistance in education, and human rights including the situation in Rakhine State will be on the agenda.
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UK study: Having breathing difficulties? Try singing
In a third-floor room of a London hospital roughly a dozen people gathered recently to perform vocal exercises and sing songs, including folk music from Ghana and Polynesia. Doctors at London's Royal Brompton Hospital started the programme after reasoning that the kind of breathing used by singers might also help lung patients.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Advani’s big mistake: Becoming a faction leader, not a mentor
A day after the BJP's parliamentary board meeting in Delhi, L K Advani flew down to Nagpur to meet the Sangh's top leaders: Narendra Modi and Co on Thursday, and Mohan Bhagwat on Friday.
How does this square with Advani's own criticism of the extent of the RSS' involvement in the affairs of the BJP?
That the RSS is micromanaging the BJP has been the central theme of the commentariat since the party's inception.
It assumed the proportions of gospel truth after 2005 when Advani himself endorsed the charge at the Chennai national executive of the BJP.
At the Chennai conclave, Advani had said it was necessary for the BJP to erase the impression that it could not take any political or organisational decision without the RSS' consent.
He also passionately argued about the need to ensure that the party's positions were articulated in an idiom the people understood.
These assertions would have been legitimate had Advani walked the talk and resisted periodic interferences from the Sangh in the affairs of the party.
Advani's actions, then and now, do not match his words on the RSS' interventionist behaviour.Here is a non-exhaustive sampling.
After the 2009 electoral debacle and Rajnath Singh's resignation, the RSS had suggested to the BJP that it could pick its new president from a list of three leaders: Modi, Manohar Parikkar and Nitin Gadkari. Modi was not interested in an "RSS job" as the post's authority flows from the ideological bunkers in Nagpur.
Parikkar, a junior in the pecking order, was not acceptable to many at the Centre.
It was Advani who worked out a consensus on Gadkari's anointment as party chief.
The equation between the two changed when Gadkari started asserting himself.
In the initial days of the Purti controversy surrounding Gadkari, Advani was in the forefront, demanding the dislodging of Gadkari.
However, he rolled back his campaign when RSS bosses suggested that Gadkari may be allowed to continue as there was no unanimity among senior leaders on his successor.
Advani again moved into the anti-Gadkari group when the RSS preferred Rajnath over his favourite Sushma Swaraj.
This rebellion, too, was short-lived as he agreed to Rajnath's elevation after Bhagwat's deputy Bhayyaji Joshi told him his views would be taken on board by the new party president.
Advani pulled out the micromanagement charge from his rhetorical closet to oppose Modi's appointment as member of the BJP's parliamentary board. Again, when the RSS sent out signals that the appointment had its backing, Advani chose to remain silent.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Your home will get quite a bit of your attention now, thanks to the new moon, July 8. Changes and decisions you make now concerning your space will affect you for at least a year, possibly many years to come. You may not have planned to move, but unexpected news may come up now, and if so, you'll need to be able to roll quickly. The new moon will help you find the right solution if you need one, and with Jupiter, now in your home sector, you have luck in finding what you want, and will have a wonderful edge over others who may be vying for the same space.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You've been keeping your nose to the grindstone, working in a focused way, but you could use a little fun. If you can travel this week, your experience will be joyous, with none of the obstacles that you were likely to experience on a jaunt last week. Travel will bring not only fun but profit too, so if you need to travel for your work, say, to see a client, attend a conference, or do research, do so this week. You may be presented with a contract that you will be eager to sign, but with Mercury retrograde, there will be problematic clauses to fix, so take your time discussing them with your lawyer, and plan to sign after July 20.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Get ready to increase your weekly salary, for the new moon on Monday, July 8, will make this week your most important of the year to ask for a raise. If you hope to change positions, the salary at your new company will be far better than the one you have received, and more money will open new vistas for you. If self-employed, you can bring in lucrative new business. Nothing will be a slam-dunk, however, so you will have to be persuasive, no matter what your situation. Mercury, your ruler, will still be retrograde, and in hard angle to Uranus, making this month volatile. Still, you can prevail if you stay focused. .
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You've waited a long time to see the tide turn in your favor, but that's about to happen for you now. Jupiter arrived in Cancer last month on June 25, to stay until July 2014, a big cosmic advantage. This week, the new moon in Cancer will help you even more by favoring you above all others. You can use the energy swirling around you in any way you please. Romance should be excellent, and with Jupiter in Cancer still orbiting close to Mars, your career has reached a dazzling stage. Your finances are looking up, too, although a portion of your pay seems to be already appropriated and obligated.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 The trend last week, of a yearning in you to spend more time alone, will continue and intensify with the new moon this week, July 8. You need to set aside time to think and to plan your next move. You've come through quite a social phase in June, so you may be glad to stop to recharge your batteries for a few weeks. Also, on Monday, Saturn will move direct after having been retrograde since February 18. In stronger position now, Saturn can help you settle a housing matter, or allow you to get an upgrade to your home space in the coming months, without the usual obstacles to come in the way.
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Govt set to review gold curbs
NEW DELHI: The recent measures to tighten gold imports have ended up creating a severe supply crunch for traders , prompting ministries to review the norms.
Industry sources told TOI that gems and jewellery exporters are feeling the pinch as some banks have virtually stopped imports, while others supply with a lag.
Besides, the import curbs have prompted banks through which shipments have to be routed to raise service charges, adding to the burden.
Last week, amid a volley of protests at a meeting with trade bodies, commerce & industry minister Anand Sharma promised there would be no shortage of gold and instructed his officials to ensure that public sector MMTC fills the void created by banks that have substantially cut down imports.
On Friday, the finance ministry brass got into action with revenue secretary Sumit Bose and economic affairs secretary Arvind Mayaram holding consultations on the issue.
"Since you are only doing 20% or 30% of the business and the fixed costs remain the same, it is spread over a smaller group.
We have sought some relief from the government as exports are becoming uncompetitive," said Pankaj Parekh, vice-chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
Although there was a spurt in gold imports in April and May after a fall in prices in the international markets, it is estimated to have declined in June, although official data is yet to be released.
Initial estimates suggest that imports may be down to around $2.5 billion in June, compared to $8.4 billion in May and $7.5 billion in April.
The fall in shipments is in line with the government's estimates and may prompt a rethink, especially when the current account deficit appears more manageable at 3.6% of GDP in the March quarter, compared to a record 6.7% in the previous threemonth period.
In an attempt to keep the current account deficit under check, the government and the Reserve Bank of India had taken several measures to curb the import of the yellow metal.
Compared to the peak price of $1,600 an ounce, gold is hovering around the $1,200-1 ,250 level .
In India, prices have decreased from a peak of over Rs 32,000 per 10 gram to Rs 26,830 here on Friday.In Mumbai, the yellow metal closed at Rs 26,190 per 10 gram.
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Pregnant and want to work out?
Pregnant women who keep fit have easier and shorter labour and get back into shape faster
Pregnant reality TV star Kim Kardashian was recently rushed to the hospital over fears that she was having a miscarriage. But doctors only told her that she had to slow down on her rigorous exercise regime, which she was following in a bid not to gain pregnancy weight. While we don't advise you to go berserk and hit the gym or join an aerobics class when you're pregnant, what you can do, however, is indulge in light to moderate paced exercises, which keep you healthy. Experts say that women who keep fit when they're pregnant have easier and shorter labours and get back into shape faster after delivery.
Benefits of exercising during pregnancy include improved circulation, lesser weight gain and abdominal discomfort. However, it is highly recommended that you ask your gynecologist what precautions to keep in mind before embarking on an exercise regime.
If you suffer from excessive morning sickness, sweating, dizziness, nausea and mood swings even after four months of your pregnancy have passed by, it is better you check with your doctor and refrain from exercise.
Exercises to do
Walking: One of the safest exercises throughout one's pregnancy, this cardiovascular exercise will keep you fit without straining your ankles, knees and back.
Swimming: Contrary to what many people think, swimming is a safe exercise for pregnant women. It works out both your arms and legs muscles and doesn't tire you out as much.
Light aerobics: Low-impact aerobic exercises will tone your body and even strengthen your heart.
Dancing: Whether you enjoy dancing or not, experts say that simple dancing to your favourite music, not only improves your mood but also is a great workout when you're expecting. Steer clear of complicated steps though, which include jumping or twirling.
Yoga: Celeb moms like Lara Dutta Bhupathi and Shilpa Shetty have sworn by the benefits of yoga not only to lose post pregnancy weight but also credit it with keeping them fit while they were pregnant.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You've been spending a lot of time on your career, but this week brings a needed turning point to allow for more time with friends, romance, and fun. This comes thanks to the new moon, July 8, to light your house of people/events/clubs and social networking. This week behooves you to go out and show your face to the world, for making new friends and contacts will help you professionally and personally over the coming weeks. Mercury, your ruler, will turn direct, next week, July 20, so in the meantime, enjoy the extra time you will get as your schedule opens up due to Mercury's delays.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
As a Libra, you enjoy feeling productive, and you also love the praise that follows after you've turned out A-list work. Any boss would be fortunate to have you on her team. Now, having racked up so much impressive work, you are about to be offered an unusually fine career opportunity, one that will allow you to make quite a name for yourself. Watch the conversations you have at and just after, the new moon, July 8. Any opening you discuss now would bring you a very responsible position.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A distant city, most likely based abroad, or someone who lives there, may become the center of your attention this week. You may be getting ready to take a vacation or to go off on a business trip, but either way, this is one trip you'll enjoy and grow from too. If you can't get away, the new moon of July 8 may bring visitors from overseas to you that you will be happy to host. A broadcasting or publishing project may come up, or you may deal with an important legal matter - either way, this area glows for you, so you'll like what develops.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
This has all the makings of a lucrative week for you. The new moon of July 8 will fall in your house of other people's money, and allow you the opportunity to see a large check. This money won't come from salary but rather could represent a commission, bonus, legal or insurance settlement. You may, alternatively be awarded generous university financial aid, a line of credit, or back child support.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 This week, if you've wanted to merge energies with a business associate in an important partnership, or, in the romantic sense, to get engaged or married, this would be the week to move forward. Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, entered your collaboration/marriage/established partnership house at the end of June for a year's stay, and should bring a successful, even celebratory, result. Avoid finalizing things now, however, as Mercury will be retrograde until July 20. You can plan, ask questions, and prepare for the future - seal things later.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 If you are self-employed, business will become brisk this week, with many knocking on your door for your services, thanks to a very friendly new moon, July 8. If others employ you, an important new work project will likely come in this week and perk you up. Take it seriously, for it will be work that can help you build your reputation - VIPs will take note.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Now that Jupiter has entered your love sector, and a new moon comes by on July 8 in the same house, you are about to have your best chance for finding true love in the months ahead, but particularly this week. If you say you already have found the one for you, then you may now start to talk of marriage and/or having a baby, a wonderful time to do so.
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Moral Story
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SMS
If a drop of water falls in lake there is no identity…
But if it falls on a leaf of lotus it shine like a pearl…
so choose the best place where you would shine...
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
“If the relationship of
father to son could
really be reduced to biology,
the whole earth would blaze
with the glory of fathers and sons.”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Leadership is just another word for training..
As per research
A man speaks 25,000 words daily
&
A woman speaks 30,000
Problem starts when husband comes home
from office after consuming his 25,000 words
&
wife starts her 30,000..
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SC to decide medium of instruction in primary schools
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday referred to a five-judge constitution bench the question whether a state government could impose the mother tongue or a regional language as the only medium of instruction in primary schools.
Referring the matter to the constitution bench, a bench of Justice P.Sathasivam and Justice Ranjan Gogoi said: "The crux of all the grounds raised in the petition is that whether the mother-tongue or the regional language can be imposed by the state as the medium of instruction at the primary education stage."
Justice Sathasivam said, "... the issue involved in this case concerns about the fundamental rights of not only the present generation but also the generations yet to be born."
The court's order came on the Karnataka government's petition challenging the state high court's July 2, 2008, order that exempted private unaided, religious and linguistic minority institutions from the mother-tongue or Kannada as medium of instruction.
The Karnataka government April 29, 1994, had ordered that all the recognized schools in the state would have mother-tongue or Kannada as medium of instruction in the primary schools from the academic year 1994-95 and all those schools who did not fall in line would be closed.
Aggrieved schools contended that the government order was violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 21, 29(2) and 30(1) of the Constitution.
Referring the issue to a constitution bench, the court has framed five questions to be considered by it. The first was: "What does mother-tongue mean? If it referred to as the language in which the child is comfortable with, then who will decide the same?"
The second question: "Whether a student or a parent or a citizen has a right to choose a medium of instruction at primary stage?"
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Andy Murray holds nerve to reach Wimbledon final
LONDON: Andy Murray set up a titanic Wimbledon final showdown with Novak Djokovic as the world number two beat Polish 24th seed Jerzy Janowicz 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in a bad-tempered last four clash on Friday.
Murray remains on course to end Britain's 77-year wait for a male winner of the Wimbledon singles' crown, but the Scot had to do it the hard way once again.
Just 48 hours after battling back from two sets down to defeat Fernando Verdasco, Murray survived an early pummelling from Janowicz and then a controversial decision to shut the Centre Court roof due to bad light when he had just taken a two sets to one lead.
Murray was furious with Janowicz, who had been pleading for the roof to be shut, and referee Andrew Jarrett, claiming there was still time to finish the match in daylight.
But he returned to finish the job, sealing his second successive appearance in the All England Club final thanks to 20 aces and 18 winners in two hours and 52 minutes of nerve-wracking action.
"There was still 45 minutes of light left," Murray said of the roof controversy.
"This is an outdoor event and I believe you should play as much as possible outdoors.
"I had 20 minutes, took a shower and got back to work. He was on his phone to someone. That's the way he is, he plays loose on the court as well.
"I'm delighted. He's very talented and unpredictable, he's got a huge serve and he didn't give me much rhythm.
"But after I got back from 1-4 down in the third set I felt the momentum was with me."
The 26-year-old, who missed the recent French Open due to injury, has now reached the final in each of his last four Grand Slam appearances.
However, that will mean little to Murray unless he avenges last year's tearful final defeat against Roger Federer and emulates Fred Perry's 1936 Wimbledon triumph.
Murray's seventh Grand Slam final on Sunday will be his fourth meeting with world number one Djokovic with a major title on the line.
Djokovic defeated Murray in the 2011 and 2013 Australian Open finals, while the Scot won a five-set thriller to seal his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year.
Murray was appearing in his fifth consecutive Wimbledon semifinal and had won his previous 16 matches on grass, while Janowicz was making his Grand Slam last four debut.
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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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African Grey Parrots have vocabularies of over 200 words
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Loss of Friends
Once upon a time, Amarasakti ruled the
city-state of Mahilaropyam in the south of
India. He had three witless sons who became
a matter of endless worry for him.
Realizing
that his sons had no interest in learning, the
king summoned his ministers and said:
“You know I am not happy with my sons.
According to men of learning an unborn son
and a stillborn son are better than a son who
is a dimwit.
What good is a barren cow? A son
who is stupid will bring dishonour to his
father. How can I make them fit to be my
successors? I turn to you for advice.”
One of the ministers suggested the name of
Vishnu Sharman, a great scholar enjoying the
respect of hundreds of his disciples.
“He is the
most competent person to tutor your children.
Entrust them to his care and very soon you
will see the change.”
The king summoned Vishnu Sharman and
pleaded with him “Oh, venerable scholar, take
pity on me and please train my sons into great
scholars and I will make you the lord of
hundred villages.”
Vishnu Sharman said “Oh, king, listen to my
pledge. Hundred villages do not tempt me to
vend learning.
Count six months from today. If
I do not make your children great scholars,
you can ask me to change my name.”
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“Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it. .”
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