“Brief and powerless is man's life; on him and all his race the slow, sure doom falls pitiless and dark.”     VBA's Positive News Consumers more confident, less worried about jobs: global survey Global consumer confidence rose in the second quarter with more optimistic perceptions about jobs, personal finances and spending intentions in the United States, China, and Japan, a survey shows. Indonesia remained the most bullish consumer market, followed by the Philippines, with India in third place, according to the quarterly survey by global information and insights company Nielsen.     Canada May retail sales leap by 1.9 per cent, biggest jump in three years Higher auto sales helped drive Canadian retail sales 1.9 per cent higher in May from April, the biggest monthly jump for more than three years, Statistics Canada said on Tuesday. The advance -- far greater than the 0.4 per cent growth predicted by market operators -- is the largest since the 2.8 per cent increase recorded in March 2010. Retail sales hit a record C$40.42 billion ($39.24 billion) in May, up from the previous high of C$39.77 billion set in November 2012.      .     India: Sensitive Index closes at 2-1/2 year high; analysts cautious The Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index rose nearly 1 per cent on Tuesday to mark its highest close in 2-1/2 years as consumer goods shares rallied to record highs. The Reserve Bank of India's move to further curb gold imports was also seen as a positive, given that the prospective measures would help narrow the current account deficit. The broader Nifty also rose. Khao Phansa: An Important period for Buddhists in Thailand The Buddhist Lent 2013 has begun, starting from 23 July. Referred to as khao phansa in Thai, the Buddhist Lent, or Buddhist Rains Retreat, lasts three months. It begins from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. During the three-month period, Buddhist monks and novices stay in the temple to study and practice Dhamma.      Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Modi visa controversy: Congress says it's up to US govt to decide     New Delhi: Amid reports that 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) wrote letter to US President Barack Obama in late 2012 against granting a US visa to Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP poll panel chief Narendra Modi, the Congress has washed its hands of the Modi visa controversy saying it does not make a difference to them whether or not Modi is granted a US Visa. Party General Secretary Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said, "We have nothing to do with it. It is up to the US govt to issue visa to Modi." Modi has been denied visa by the US for the last several years over allegations of human rights violations during the 2002 riots in Gujarat. A total of 65 MPs wrote letter to Obama in late 2012 against granting Modi a US visa. While one letter was signed by 25 Rajya Sabha MPs, the other was signed by 40 Lok Sabha members. The letters were written on November 26 and December 5, 2102 respectively and re-faxed to the White House on Sunday. Copies of the letters were provided by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) as BJP President Rajnath Singh, reached Washington to meet US lawmakers, think tanks and US government officials during which he said he will urge the Americans to lift the ban on visa for Modi. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had welcomed the move by the MPs. "This letter is a good step. America refused Modi a visa once before because of the 2002 riots. In the same way Rajnath is bowing to America to get Modi a visa, upright MPs must come forward to oppose this request and put pressure on the US to keep men like this from entering the US," NCP leader Tariq Anwar had said. Mohammed Adeeb, Independent MP from Rajya Sabha, who took the initiative for this campaign, had said they sent these letters to Obama again because of the current campaign and initiative being taken by Rajnath Singh for getting a US visa for Modi. The letters were being made public only now, he had added. The signatories to the letters include Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M) and MP Achuthan of CPI, both Rajya Sabha members. When contacted Yechury had expressed surprise saying he had not signed any such letter. It appeared to be a cut and paste job, he had said. "I would be the last person to write to the US Administration and to do something like this. We don't want anyone to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. These are issues which will have to be settled in India politically," Yechury had said. Achuthan had also denied writing such a letter. However, Adeeb had insisted that Yechury and Achthan had signed the letter and was surprised why they were retracting now. "Given that legal cases against the culprits including many senior officials in Mr. Modi's administration are still pending in the court of law, any revoking of the ban at this juncture would be seen as a dismissal of the issues concerning Mr. Modi's role in the horrific massacres of 2002," the letter to Obama had said. "It would legitimise Mr. Modi's human rights violations and seriously impact the nature of US-India relations by sending a message that the United States values economic interests over and above the universal values of human rights and justice," the letter had said. The signatories include Sabir Ali and Ali Anwar Ansari (Janata Dal-U), Rasheed Masood (Congress), S Ahmed (Trinamool Congress) Asaduddin Owaisi (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen), Thirumavalavan (Viduthalai Chiruttaigal Katchi), KP Ramalingam (DMK) and SS Rasmasubbu (Congress). The MPs had alleged that Modi had not only "obstructed" the course of justice but also "failed" to provide rehabilitation to the survivors of whom 16,000 continue to live in refugee colonies lacking basic amenities. Astrology   Aries March 21 to April 19 You may feel pulled in opposite directions as unexpected career and family obligations compete for your attention. Fortunately, you may be able to delegate work assignments. This may lighten your load on the job and allow you more time with your family. On a personal level, a significant relationship may enter your life at this time. The relationship may be a personal one, such as a new friend or romance, or it may be a professional one, such as a mentor.                                                Taurus April 20 to May 20 There is an emphasis on travel at this time. You and your partner may be packing your bags for a vacation. You may have planned this or it may be a spontaneous getaway. Although you may look forward to enjoying a pool, fine dining, spa treatments or other amenities, the opportunity to spend uninterrupted quality time together may appeal to you most of all. As the two of you escape from the daily grind, romance may blossom brighter than ever.                                      Gemini May 21 to June 20 If you've had your eye on a big-ticket item for your home, such as a plasma TV, stainless steel gas grill, or home theater system, you may suddenly decide to purchase it. While it may put a bit of a strain on your budget, you may feel the enjoyment of it will be well worth it. On another note, if you are dating someone, you may make weekend plans that include introducing your sweetheart to the family.                              Cancer June 21 to July 22  Thoughts of romance may be uppermost in your mind now. If you are in a long-term relationship, you and your partner may suddenly feel inspired to elope. However, once you realize that your family and friends may be very disappointed if they aren't at the ceremony, you may decide that a traditional wedding is the way to go. Since that may take a considerable amount of planning, you might start looking for the perfect venue.                                                            Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Your creativity may be flowing. If you've been nurturing an idea for a motivational article, a children's story, or a fantasy novel, it may blossom at this time. As a result, you may cancel some of your weekend plans because you'd much rather stay home and work on this project. You may be so excited about its potential that you find it difficult to fall asleep, and your mind may be so full of ideas that you decide to keep a pad and pen handy so you can jot them down.                                 BUSINESS+VE                                                                              How Jindal Group landed mega iron ore deal in Afghanistan     When Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai’s government chose the Indian consortium as the preferred bidder for three of the four iron ore blocks in Hajigak mines that are estimated to hold more than 1.8 billion tonnes of iron ore, very few people noticed that the deal would benefit one business group (family of a Congress MP) which is said to be close to the UPA government. The SAIL-led consortium AFISCO (Afghan Iron & Steel Consortium) has a few government entities but all the private players are connected to the OP Jindal family. Between them all the companies associated with the family holds a whopping 44% stake in the consortium which would soon start mining the world’s second largest iron ore mine. According to sources in the government familiar with the deal, the estimated reserves of iron ore is 1.2 billion tonnes. At even conservative estimates iron ore fetches Rs4,000 per tonne. This easily translates into thousands of crores in profits for the consortium and its member companies. A Maharatna PSU like SAIL has strict conditions for investing and operating since it involves public funds. Incidentally, it also has an additional secretary and a joint secretary from the union ministry of steel as members of the board of directors besides other luminaries such as Isher Judge Ahluwalia, the wife of Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Ahluwalia. Despite such measures in place, it is not clear how SAIL chose the four private companies who, believe it or not, are all either headed by Naveen Jindal or his relatives. It is not clear if they went to the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) before selecting these private partners in the consortium since it envisages such a massive outflow of public funds. Interestingly, the largest stake in the consortium after the government entities goes to JSPL, headed by OP Jindal’s son and Congress MP from Kurukshetra, Haryana, Naveen Jindal. He is also a director in some of the other companies which were made a part of the consortium under curious circumstances. This issue has raised many eyebrows since Jindal is also facing heat from the CBI in the coal scam as an accused. JSPL and JSW hold a 16% stake each in the consortium. Incidentally, JSW is headed by Sajjan Jindal, Naveen’s brother. Another company also headed by Sajjan Jindal, JSW Ispat holds 8 % and Monnet Ispat & Energy holds the balance 4% stake. Curiously enough, Sandeep Jajodia, managing director of Monnet Ispat and Energy is son-in-law of the late industrialist OP Jindal and brother-in-law to the two Jindal brothers. This is the first time that Indian public and private sector companies have come together to jointly bid for an iron ore asset abroad. The consortium has majority stake by public sector companies with SAIL, NMDC and RINL holding a combined stake of 56%.   SAIL being the lead partner holds an equity stake of 20% while NMDC and RINL hold 18% each. According to Mr V S Jain, who was the CMD with SAIL until 2008 and Jindal Stainless Ltd after his superannuation told dna that as a maharatna SAIL did not need any permission to engage any other private player. However he refused to comment on the formation of this particular consortium. HEALTH+VE                                                              6 best healthy cooking oils in India     Cooking oil in inevitable while preparing a dish. Whether it is a salad or main course, you need to use oil. But choosing the right cooking oil can save you from heart diseases, cholesterol blockages, obesity and digestion problems. We span the country to give you a list of healthy cooking oils in India. Cooking oil is either obtained from animal or vegetables. But vegetable is hands down a health eating option. There are several vegetable based cooking oils in the Indian market, we tell you the benefits of each cooking oil and how you should really have it. How much oil to use depends on the oil, the method of cooking and utensil used to prepare the dish. Rice bran oil Rice bran oil has two major properties Reduces cholesterol It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and has cholesterol-lowering properties due to the presence of a component called oryzanol. Improves insulin resistance It contains natural vitamin E, (tocopherol and tocotrienol) which is an antioxidant. It also contains squalene, which is good for the skin. Olive oil Olive oil contains antioxidant, reduce arthritis pain, lowers the incidences of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Olive oil is also said to have properties that help in fighting against heart diseases such as heart attack and heart stroke. Sunflower oil Sunflower oil reduce cardiovascular diseases, fight free radicals especially good for cancer patients, healthy option of arthritis patients, and sunflower in an antioxidant. Sunflower oil is prevents colon cancer, repairs the body, boosts the immune system, and promotes the proper functioning of nervous system. Groundnut oil Groundnut oil can boost energy and is contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It contains Omega 3 fatty acids, lowers the risk of heart diseases and fights against cancers, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer's disease, and viral/fungal infections due to antioxidant, resveratrol. Sadly, groundnut oil produces smoke at high temperatures. Mustard oil Mustard oil when consumed in moderation or sparingly improves digestion and builds a good appetite. Mustard oil also fights germs and virus, great to prevent cold, coughs and skin problems. It can ease inflammation. Sesame oil Sesame oil has several medicinal properties. It is effective for diabetics and lowers blood pressure. Sesame oil improves oral hygiene and dental health. It prevents atherosclerosis, cancer and fights depression.       Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  You may receive invitations to social events this weekend that conflict with each other. Choosing between them may not be easy because they may both appeal to you for different reasons. One may be a sporting event or large group activity, while the other may be a more intimate event such as a dinner party. If you have a partner, you may ask him or her to help you decide. If you're single, you may choose the one that you feel offers more opportunity to meet new people.                                   Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 There may be a temporary opportunity to increase your income. You may earn overtime pay at your place of employment or you may have a chance to work part-time elsewhere at night or during the weekend. Either way, you may need to delegate some domestic obligations to your partner, who may welcome the extra cash but not the added responsibility. To smooth things over, you may agree to do certain tasks for your partner when your schedule gets back to normal.                                 Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 You may experience a sudden urge to travel. In fact, it may be so strong that you decide to search online for last-minute travel deals that fit your budget as well as your time frame. There may be a few sweet deals, but you may need to book quickly. However, first you may need to arrange for someone to take over your work while you're away. Fortunately, there's significant planetary support in this sector of your chart so your co-workers may be happy to cooperate.                              Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 The focus is on mortgages, loans, and pensions. If you plan to purchase a home, you may seek a mortgage pre-approval to make you a stronger buyer. If you already own a home, you may have an opportunity to refinance your home at a lower rate. On another note, you may feel it is time to reassess your pension plan to ensure you're on track for a financially healthy retirement. As a result, you may make an appointment with a financial expert to review your current investment practice.                                                  Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 You and a partner may be at odds over a home improvement project. Your partner may feel that a hot tub would be a wonderful addition, but you may feel a new bathroom would be a better investment. After discussion, your partner may agree to remodel the bathroom if you agree to include a Jacuzzi tub in the plans. Since you want each other to be happy, the two of you may quickly agree this would be a perfect compromise.                                 Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  There may be changes connected to your job. For example, one of your co-workers may suddenly resign or go out on disability. Another possibility is that roadwork may temporarily disrupt your normal commute and increase your travel time. Consequently, you may need to leave earlier to make it to work on time. To use this extra time to your advantage, you may read a good book or plug in ear buds and listen to relaxing music.                            Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  Romance may be foremost in your thoughts at this time. If you are single, you may feel an urge to try something new, such as an online dating site or a speed-dating event. However, after some thought you may discover that you prefer to meet someone in a social setting or when participating in an activity you enjoy. Since the weekend is at hand, you may decide to look for some nearby events and plan to attend the one you find most interesting.            Moral Story     SMS   “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   "Distance means so little when someone means so much."   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS    Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.        A husband visited a marriage counsellor and said, "When we were first married, I would come home from the office, my wife would bring my slippers and our cute little dog would run around barking. Now after ten years it's all different, I come home, the dog brings the slippers and my wife runs around barking."   "Why complain?" said the counsellor. "You're still getting the same service!"

EDUCATION +VE Delhi University to welcome class of 2013             NEW DELHI: Wednesday won't be just the first day of yet another academic session in Delhi University. It will usher in the first batch of the four-year undergraduate programme, newly launched by the varsity. While several colleges have already conducted their orientation programmes and will begin the serious business of classroom transactions right away, there are others who will keep the first day informal to make the newcomers comfortable. Lady Shri Ram College will start with a cultural extravaganza and tree plantation even as College of Vocational Studies has surprises waiting for newbies to college life. The college has planned a flash mob and musical performance. Colleges like St Stephen's, Shri Ram College of Commerce, IP and Maharaja Agrasen conducted their orientation on Tuesday, marking the start of the new session in their own traditional way.   At Stephen's, the orientation started with the principal of the college, Valson Thampu, addressing the students invoking the teachings of the Bible.   He went on to describe the tradition of the college, its spiritual foundation, the work culture and campus. From Monday to Friday, students will have assembly at 9am. At SRCC, it was first-day rush as volunteers ran around trying to get everyone seated on time. Students nervously walked into the auditorium, trying to make eye contact with each other and hoping to make new friends. Principal P C Jain delivered the orientation speech. SPORTS +VE Disgusting way to start Indian Badminton League: Jwala Gutta      HYDERABAD: India's top two women's doubles players Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are hurt at the way they were treated at the Indian Badminton League (IBL) auction. The only doubles team to win a bronze in the World Championships, Jwala and Ashwini were rightly named as the icons of the league. However, they were stunned to know that their base price was reduced by half (from $50,000 to $25,000) on the eve of the auction. This decision was taken without taking them into confidence. What rubbed salt into their wounds was that they were bought for a much lesser amount (Jwala for $31,000 and Ashwini for $25,000) than what their earlier base price would have fetched them. Surprisingly, Pradnya Gadre, who is yet to make a mark at the international level, was bought for about $46,000. IBL tried to control the damage by promising that it would compensate the two shuttlers by making their salaries $50,000 each but that has not placated the two. A disappointed Ashwini told TOI that it was not the money but the way they were treated that hurt them the most. "I am not worried about money. But I am terribly disappointed by the way it was handled.   They kept us in the dark about all these developments. We brought honour to the country and we were looking forward to this new tournament.   But I am sorry to say that the league has started on a wrong note. This is not the way to treat players. They are saying that they would give us more money. But sport is not about money. We take pride in excelling in the game and doing well for the country." Jwala also said IBL could have avoided this controversy. "I had promoted IBL more than anyone else. But like always I am the one who is being ill treated.   They could have avoided this. They could have informed us in advance. They did not tell us when they decided to do away with women's doubles in the format and they did not inform us about reducing our base price. "We are definitely hurt. We did not become icons because they gave us that honour. We earned it through our achievements. We won a World championship medal and also Commonwealth Games gold," said Jwala, adding that she was surprised at the explanation given by IBL. "They say we got lesser money because women's doubles was removed. But the fact is several doubles players were bought for much more. They could have handled it better. They could have auctioned us first rather than at the last. It is disgusting... this is not the way to start a new venture." Despite being humiliated the duo said that they would play in the league. "We love the game and we will always strive to do well on court. I never thought of pulling out and I would never do that," Ashwini said.     Issaq Issaq   Movie Name :   Issaq Release Date :   July 26, 2013 Genre :  Drama Producer : Shailesh R Singh, Dhaval Gada Director :   Rajshree Ojha Music Director :  Krsna, Sachin Gupta, Jigar Cast : Prateik Babbar, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Makrand Deshpande, Neena Gupta, Prashant Narayanan, Sudhir Pandey, Prashant Kumar, Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, Yuri Suri, Malini Awasthy, Amyra Dastur, Ravi Kissen.   Synopsis: Issaq is a new upcoming bollywood Romantic Love story Type movie directed by Mr. Manish Tiwary and produce by the Shailesh Singh & Dhaval Gada. This is the new love story movie, After aashiqui 2 people are moving towards Romantic love type movie. This is basically a Love story of two couple, who love to each other and fight for their love, so movie is so intresting and hope people like this movie. One of the latest news about this movie is that this movie launch new faces in bollywood that is Prateik Babbar and Amyra Dastur. The actress in Issaq movie 2013 is looking so good and cute, here latest pics are not available right now as available we provide you. So this is a movie based on Naxel activities, people hold Arms for fighting. Also this movie features a love story also like other incient movies Heer-Ranjha, Juliaer-ceasor and more other love story. So it is intresting to see the end of this movie that they both they or not. The trailer of this movie is officially launched on 31 May 2013.   the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter. " INSPIRING STORY "   Importance of keeping one’s word    We all know that the pandavas left their kingdom for 13 long years for keeping up their word! Well, for Arjuna going away from the bhogas of a king, for the sake of truth, was not new. He did it once well before the aranyavaas. The story goes like this: The kalyaanam of pandavas with Draupadi was an unusual one. However, it was perfectly according to dharma shastras. Infact Draupadi is one of the greatest pativratas and praised even by Lord Krishna for her Dharma vartana. A few reasons to justify the kalyaanam: Kunti Devi, the mother of pandavas, who never knew what a lie was, gave her will. Vyaasa Maharshi, one of the avataar of Lord Vishnu, ordered the kalyaanam to be done. Lord Shiva, pleased with her tapas, gave a boon to Draupadi to marry the pandavas. Pandavas, though were five physically, were all amshas of Indra, the King of the Gods. Hence, pandavas were actually one. Naarada, again an avataar of Lord Vishnu, suggested some rules to be followed by pandavas and Draupadi for living together. This is because, though they were amshas of Gods and Godesses, since they had a human form some addition rules according to dharma shastras needed to be followed. One of the rules was that: Draupadi should spend one year with each of the pandavas and while she was with one of them, no other pandavas should visit the palace where they might be.   In case of any breach of their rule, one-year pilgrimage was prescribed by way of penance leaving the kingdom. The pandavas and Draupadi were living happily until one day: a brahmana came running to Arjuna saying that the thieves had stolen his cows.   Arjuna wanted to rush with him to catch the thieves but he realised that his bow and arrows were kept in Yudhisthira's palace and he was there in the company of Draupadi. He hesitated for a while, then seeing brahmana's plight he rushed in to Yudhisthira 's palace took his bow and arrows and ran to catch the thieves. After he caught the thieves and punished them, after restoring the cows of the brahmana, Arjuna came back to Yudhisthira and told him about his transgression of the rule. Yudhisthira, knowing the reason of the breach of their rule, said their is no need for Arjuna to take the pilgrimage.   Since it is a mistake committed towards him, and that too for a good reason, he will pardon arjuna . However, Arjuna would never break his word. He immediately set out for a one-year pilgrimage. May be this is why Arjuna is such a favourite sakha of Lord Krishna. Morals in the Story: The story shows how important it is to keep up ones word, whether it is of any consequence or not, how much ever difficult it is. Arjuna, knowing that he will be punished for breaching the rule, did not stop doing his duty as a king to protect his people and punish the theif. Thus, one must always perform his duty without any laziness or any kind of fear.

“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. ”