“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please..”     VBA's Positive News Britain leads Europe's improving economy Rocketing British business led the way in Europe's slowly improving economy in July, according to surveys that suggested the euro zone's lengthy recession may be nearing an end. Monday's purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs), surveying thousands of companies worldwide, showed the UK services sector expanded at its fastest pace in more than six years last month, topping even the most optimistic forecasts. President Hollande says France to continue ban on growing Monsanto GM corn French President Francois Hollande said Friday that a ban on growing GM corn sold by US giant Monsanto would remain in place, despite a court ruling reversing the suspension. 'The moratorium will be extended,' he said on a visit to the southwestern department of Dordogne. Hollande said the ban on GM crops was in place 'not because we refuse progress, but in the name of progress'. Green groups say that GM crops are potentially dangerous and should be outlawed as a precaution.   Growth at US service firms jumps on new orders US service firms expanded in July at the fastest pace since February, fuelled by a brisker month of business and a rise in new orders. The increase suggests economic growth could be starting to pick up after a weak first half of the year. Growth in the service industry depends largely on consumers, whose spending drives roughly 70 per cent of economic activity. On Friday, the government said consumers increased their spending in June at the fastest pace in four months. South African women make their mark on world stage Government's progressive laws and policies are attracting the international community to choose South African women to take up strategic positions on the African continent and on the world stage. 'The progressive laws and policies have seen the international community identifying women from South Africa as suitable to take up leadership and decision making positions in Africa as a continent and internationally within the United Nations and other institutions,' said the Minister of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, on Sunday.   Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + IAS officers or political slaves? Top J-K bureaucrat shunted out for serving sandwiches to officials who wanted kebabs!          The suspension of Durga Shakti Nagpal may have been over an illegally mined and traded commodity but there are other civil servants like her with sadder - and far more bizarre stories to tell. Meet Sonali Kumar, a 1979 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who was transferred out of a key position by the Jammu and Kashmir government because of sandwiches and Diet Coke. Sonali , the state's seniormost woman bureaucrat, was posted as Principal Resident Commissioner of the state in New Delhi only this April. On July 31, the state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shunted her to the J&K Special Tribunal, considered a punishment posting. Sonali's crime? Serving sandwiches and Diet Coke to state government officials who wanted kebabs and biryani. "I am hurt by the decision of the Cabinet. I will work wherever the government posts me. It is the government's prerogative. But I should not have been removed this way. Who listens to a woman IAS officer these days?" Sonali told MAIL TODAY. "I was transferred because I didn't serve goshtaba and kebabs for lunch. And this when the state is so in the red that we find it difficult even to pay the salaries of employees," Sonali Kumar, a graduate in English from Delhi's Lady Shri Ram College, said. The official reason being trotted out is that Sonali's transfer was part of a routine exercise, no matter if she took up her post only a couple of of months ago. A dal problem Sources say, however, that some officials complained they were served 'dal-paani' and put up in the 'stuffy' Jammu & Kashmir House during their stay in Delhi on July 9 for a meeting of the Planning Commission. The trigger for the complaint to seems to be the fact that some other officials in town for the same meeting, including the chief secretary, stayed at the Ashok Hotel. Biryani bills "There was a luncheon before our presentation at the Planning Commission meeting. All the state bureaucrats were there, and I got a working lunch served so they don't go to sleep during the meeting. What is wrong with that? The food was from Sugar & Spice in Khan Market," said Sonali. "They wrote 'dal' in their complaint as it has a bad connotation in Kashmir. They worked on the chief minister; and I was transferred out to a tribunal. No one even bothered to check with me," said the officer, who has been transferred 11 times in the last six years. Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 If you're single, romance may be on the horizon. A glorious new moon in your true love sector will be at a gorgeous angle to Uranus - now in Aries. A sudden encounter with someone special who makes your heart skip a beat is likely. In addition, any original, creative endeavor you begin now or in the next ten days is sure to meet with incredible success. You'll be on fire!                        Taurus April 20 to May 20 A joy-filled new moon in your family sector will likely offer a positive surprise when it comes to domestic happenings. Someone in your clan may have news that's cause for celebration, such as the announcement of an engagement, incredible career milestone, or even a baby on the way. You'll be thrilled for your clan and might even decide to throw a party in this person's honor. Either way, family time will surely leave you feeling blessed. Gemini May 21 to June 20 Are you a writer or in the sales or communications industry? If so, you can expect a brilliant opportunity to arrive. Today a new moon in your message sector might bring with it an offer to teach, speak, or write about a topic you're especially passionate about. If you're already slated to give a speech or presentation, then you can be sure you'll shine. You might also be in the market to purchase a new car. You'll make a great deal! Cancer June 21 to July 22  A new income opportunity might be yours for the taking, thanks to a beautiful new moon in your earned income sector today. Since this new moon will be at a fine angle to Uranus in your career sector, you can expect a surprising development that not only adds to your financial prospects but also enhances your status. You might reach a new professional goal that opens up a door you hadn't expected. You'll be thrilled. Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Today's new moon in Leo will offer a personal fresh start. Expect a feeling of vibrancy and enhanced optimism. Your confidence will be renewed as you begin an important personal endeavor, knowing that it will be met with success. You might decide to begin a new spiritual or educational pursuit that's personal to you since this new moon will connect perfectly to Uranus - now in the area of your chart ruling mind expansion. This will be the time to broaden your horizons!     BUSINESS+VE                                                                              NSEL to pay 7,000 retail investors first        Mumbai/NEW DELHI: Nearly 7,000 retail investors are in for some relief with the Forward Markets Commission (FMC), the commodity futures regulator that is trying to resolve the payment crisis at the National Spot Exchange (NSEL), deciding to first clear the dues of those who had put in Rs 10 lakh or less. Under the plan, these investors will get their full amount that is due in one go. This, according to FMC sources, will take care of over half the investors who add up to 13,000 and are affected by a payment crisis after NSEL suspended trading last week. "We have asked the exchange to directly settle the dues and give priority to small investors," said an FMC source, who did not wish to be identified. Investors who are entitled to get amounts higher than Rs 10 lakh will have to wait till the small investors are paid off, sources said. This group of investors, who are mainly high networth investors (HNIs), will probably be paid in a staggered manner as and when NSEL receives payments or realizes funds by liquidating commodities in warehouses, sources said. As per FMC's plans, all the money it receives will first go into an escrow account and from there payments will be done. Earlier in the day, the crisis-hit NSEL formed a committee of four eminent people with varied backgrounds to act as an independent body that would look into the whole settlement process post its troubles that started last month. The management of the exchange will report to this 'oversight committee'. The exchange is also working on putting in place two more committees - one constituting the planters and processors and one constituting the member-brokers - to better coordinate with the exchange for a smooth rollout of the whole plan. On July 31, NSEL had said that it was suspending all trades on one-day contracts on the bourse from the next day and would also merge several days' settlement into one. Since the announcement led to a payment-default like situation, the government and the Forward Markets Commission (FMC), the regulator for all commodity derivatives trades in India, stepped in to resolve the crisis in which around Rs 5,500 crore worth of funds and commodities are involved. The setting up of the three committees is part of the coordinated effort by the parties involved in the situation. The committee comprises Sharad Upasani, a retired IAS officer and a former chairman of the Company Law Board, Justice R J Kochar, a former judge of the Bombay High Court, G N Bajpai, former chairman of Sebi and D Sivanandan, a retired IPS officer who was once the director general of police in Maharashtra. "The exchange has constituted the committee for the purpose of monitoring the payout of dues as would be decided in consultation with FMC. The management of the exchange will report to this committee for implementation of the process," a release from NSEL said. HEALTH+VE                                                              How often should you eat?       In our race to be the biggest loser, most of us go after different diets. The trusted and age-old three-meals-a-day concept works for some, while others swear by the new-age eight-meals-a-day. Most of us have been brought up on the notion that having untimely in-between meal snacks, is one of the major causes of weight gain. Of late, however, a number of trainers, nutritionists and dieticians have come up with the 'six-to-eight-meals-a-day' plan. And many Bollywood actors and actresses claim that following such diets have made them the biggest losers. They believe that in-between snacks help them stay slim and this regular intake also boosts metabolism. However, there are health gurus and trainers who believe that eating too many meals may just work against you and increase your weight. Read on to find out what the experts have to say... Eat six to eight meals a day Eat to burn! This can be one of the easiest and most reliable ways to ensure fat loss. Digestion itself is a calorie-burning activity. For every calorie you ingest, your body uses some to burn what you are eating. The question is, how do you make this wonderful feature of your body work for you?   This is the essential principle behind the practice of frequent eating where eating at shorter intervals (six to eight meals a day or more!) enables your body to use more calories to aid digestion. When you constantly provide fuel to your body, it means you are also tickling your body to work. Keep working, keep burning. This is called the thermogenic effect of food and it is not only an incredibly smart way of losing weight, it also helps you increase your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). I like to call this the Internal Workout — because by continually making it work for digestion, you're giving your body a workout. And while you may not be able to see the furious digestive activity going on in your body at any point in time, trust me, your body is working way harder than if you eat at longer intervals (three-to-four meals a day). - says Pooja Makhija, Consulting Nutritionist and Clinical Dietitian More meals means less stored fat Eating six to eight meals a day rather than three, is better because it boosts metabolism, controls blood sugar levels and helps in weight management. Consuming three meals increases the likelihood that one will start an exercise regime with a low blood sugar level. For instance, if we eat lunch around noon, generally our second meal of the day, we would not have much energy for an optimal, calorie-burning workout in the evening. On the other hand, if we follow a six-meal-a-day plan and have a small meal around noon and another meal around 3 pm, our blood sugar level would be more stable, providing us with more energy for our workout.   Cortisol, a hormone, breaks down body fat. However, if we eat a large, high-calorie meal, cortisol is produced in large quantities, but transports the fat from under the skin to deep within the abdominal cavity. This increases the risk of chronic diseases including abdominal obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Incorporating a six-meal-a-day plan into one's routine decreases the magnitude of cortisol production. Eating within 30 minutes of every exercise session enables our muscles to maximally replenish the glucose we used during the workout. Consuming another meal two hours after the post-workout meal further enhances post-exercise recovery and replenishment.     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  You might feel a stronger need for privacy today and if so, it's not likely to be over any anxiety or sense of tension. Instead, you might feel inspired to work on a creative project and will feel that the time alone will help you be more productive and imaginative. Today will be an ideal time to go with the flow and honor this need. An exceptional work of artistry is likely to be the result.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Today a new moon will fall in your friendship sector. Although it's possible that you'll make a new friend, you may also decide to join a group or organization and attend one of the meetings for the first time. One way or another, your social circle is likely to expand in a beautiful way. In addition, one of your new acquaintances may help you move forward with plans to achieve an aspiration close to your heart.                               Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Are you looking to make a bold new career move? If so, today's new moon will signal a green light to proceed with any change you've been considering. This can include launching a new business endeavor, reaching for a promotion, or moving in an entirely different direction. You'll feel a strong sense of confidence, and it's also likely that you'll garner the support of your colleagues as you push ahead on a new path of accomplishment.         Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 An exciting opportunity to travel overseas will now be possible. You and your sweetheart may decide to take a long-awaited romantic getaway together and if so, you're sure to choose an exotic locale. You might also participate in a new spiritual or educational endeavor with your love or with a child in your life. One thing is certain: you're ready to add more zing to your life, and you want to do so with those you love most.                                      Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 You might receive an investment opportunity, and if so, this will be an ideal time to begin any research or legwork connected to it. There's a strong possibility that a financial prospect will present itself that involves real estate or a family member. One of your relatives might have a lead for you, or he or she might introduce you to a financial advisor who helps you turn your opportunity into a positive return. Consider ways to expand your portfolio. You won't regret it. Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  You and your spouse or partner are likely to share an experience that brings the two of you closer. Today a new moon will fall in the area of your chart that rules committed relationships. If you're dating someone, it's possible that the two of you will decide to become exclusive. Also, a positive conversation with a potential business partner or client will allow you to move in a new and exciting direction together.                        Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  A new work assignment will likely come your way - one that pays exceptionally well. This project will offer you the opportunity to showcase your creative talents and also allow you the freedom to work according to your standards. If you work in an office setting, a new co-worker might be hired, and if you are a business owner you might be the one doing the hiring. Either way, this person will be a welcome addition to the team.          Moral Story     SMS   Santa giving exam while standing at the door. A man asked “Why are you standing at the door?” Santa: “Idiot, I am giving entrance test.”     LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are people who are living a lie. Keep speaking the truth.    LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.       An old man walking along the river bank suddenly spotted a boy drowning in the river. The man started shouting "HELP! HELP! I can't swim", a man passing by the road shouted back "Will you ever grow up! I also can't ride a bicycle but you'll never hear me yelling about it in the street".

EDUCATION +VE JNU scholars plea for a counselling centre on campus         PATNA: Dozens of research scholars of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi have urged the JNU vice-chancellor to set up a full-fledged counselling centre inside the campus to render their social psychological grievances. JNU still does not have one counsellor or therapist. Nor does the campus have sufficient medical facilities. A lone health centre in the campus is not adequately equipped to treat even minor injuries. "A delegation of students would soon meet the VC in this regard," said a research scholar of School of International Studies, JNU. In an open letter to the JNU VC, signatories said : "JNU is known for its open, democratic and gender sensitive campus. In the campus both boys and girls live in the same hostel and share mess and common room for years." Condemning the incident, they said that a section of media has breached all humanitarian norms by revealing the names and other personal details of both the students. "We would work to ensure that such incident will not happen again," said Gayatri of the Centre for Contemporary Political theory, said. "We will also made a plea to the VC to scrap the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations which has depoliticised students here," said Rajan Jha JNU research scholar in the centre for Asian Studies in School of International Studies (SIS). The Lyngdoh Committee was set up in 2006 to lay down guidelines for university elections. ""We have decided to make a small group of senior students for having a counselling session with the newly selected undergraduate students mainly coming from remote places like Bihar, UP and Odhisa", Jha told TOI over phone. Welcoming the decision of the JNU VC S K Sopory to appoint a permanent counsellor for the School of Languages exclusively, Jha said "Right now we have a psychiatrist who comes in three times a week but he is for the whole university". "JNU will be the same as always, this campus is not for frisking students, it will remain an open campus like before and there will definitely be no closed circuit cameras in the classrooms", JNU VC SK Sopory made a statement, a day after Akash, an undergraduate student of the School of Languages, allegedly hacked his classmate Roshani with an axe, all in the name of love. A PhD student of the School of Languages said that experts should be called from a reputed institution in the campus on the regular basis to counsel students to handle situations like stalking and relationships and other tricky issues . "The counselling and health centres would not alone solve these problems unless the conducive atmosphere is maintained in the compus. More informal interaction in the campus is needed," said another research scholar Husna Ara of the Centre for Russian Studies. SPORTS +VE Virender Singh only medallist for India at Sofia Deaflympics         BANGALORE: Virender Singh never gets to hear the national anthem on the podium. But that hasn't stopped the 'Goonga Pehelwan' - as he is known in the wrestling circles - from winning India the only gold medal at the Deaflympics in Sofia ( Bulgaria) on Saturday. For the deaf-mute wrestler from Delhi, who grew up training with Olympics silver medallist Sushil Kumar, this was his third straight medal in the Games. Competing in men's 74kg freestyle event in the 22nd Summer Deaflympics, the 28-year-old Virender, who returned home on Monday night, defeated Oguz Donder of Turkey to defend his title. The bronze medals went to Hiavorh Adamian and Aleksandr Ochirovich Tsoktoev of Russia. Virender's victory is important for the promotion of deaf athletes in the country as the Indian contingent's trip to Sofia was marred by a no-holds-barred fight between two factions of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf. "It is a great victory for Virender," said Sushil Kumar when TOI broke the news about the gold medal. "He is a very good wrestler and is even better in the traditional format (Kushti). Even now he practises with us at the Chhatrasal Stadium," he said. Asked about Virender's chances of qualifying for the 2016 Rio Games, Sushil said: "It will be big challenge but Virender is capable." Goonga Pehelwan, who has earned fame winning dangals (fights), has long emerged as the face of all deaf athletes in the country after repeatedly proving his mettle on the world stage. Virender won India's first and only gold medal at the 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne and followed it up with a silver medal at the World Deaf Wrestling Championships in 2008 in Yerevan, Armenia. At the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei, Virender settled for a bronze and added another bronze at the 2012 World Deaf Wrestling in Sofia. Virender, a clerk with the Haryana Power Corporation, earns more from dangals where he fights for prize money ranging from Rs 5,000 to 100,000. "He fights 20-25 dangals a year," said Vivek Chaudhary, a big fan of Virender. According to Vivek, who is directing a documentary 'Goonga Pehelwan' with two of his friends, Virender polished his skills at the Chhatrasal Stadium, a nursery for some of India's top wrestlers, grappling with the likes of Sushil Kumar. "He always fought able-bodied men and is the only deaf wrestler there. To be sidelined because of a hearing disability is a cruel irony," Vivek said, blaming the sports administrators for not doing enough to help Virender compete in the Olympics.     Chennai Express   Chennai Express Movie Name :   Chennai Express Release Date :   August 9, 2013 Genre :  Comedy Producer :   Gauri Khan Director :   Rohit Shetty Music Director :  Vishal-Shekhar Cast : Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sathyaraj, Manorama   Synopsis: The filming began at Mehboob Studio in Mumbai on 5th October 2012 . The lead actor was dressed in black casuals and the actress in a South Indian attire, wearing Kanjeevaram saree. Filming was done at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station with minimum crew members. These working stills of the lead actor were unofficially released in mid-October 2012. In November 2012, the cast and crew was off to Goa for the first filming schedule. The railway station of Vasco da Gama was used as a double up, portraying Kalyan. A romantic scene on board a train passing next to Dudhsagar Falls was also shot. In December 2012, the team was off to Jakarta for some scenes. By early January 2013, the next schedule was supposed to happen in Ooty but Khan opined that the opted place would be too far from commercial venue, Mumbai. Hence, recreation of the lanes of Ooty along with some of its tourist spots, was constructed as a set on the outskirts of Panchgani in Wai by art director Narendra Ruharikar. It took over 40 days to make the set at an estimated cost of INR1.5 crore (US$260,000). The Wai schedule of filming ran for entire month of March 2013. A 10-day shooting schedule began in Munnar, Kerala from mid of April 2013, scenes were canned at Devikulam Lake, Meesapulimala, Wagavara and Kannimala. The shoot had to be stopped for a few days due to the heavy rainfall and the schedule was slightly extended until end of the same month. A press conference was also held in the town Munnar. In May 2013, certain scenes were canned in North Goa The lead actress wrapped up all her portions of shoot on 25th May 2013. Khan flew to Hyderabad by end of May 2013 for remaining filming.   a lobsters blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue. " INSPIRING STORY "     The Mouse's Tale   A little brown mouse lived happily under a hedge in the countryside.One day his cousin from town came to visit. "I thought I'd try out life in the country,"he said. "You'll love it here!,"he said. The country mouse did everything he could to look after his city cousin.He gave him the best piece of moss to sleep on and fed him his tastiest nuts and vegetables. The town mouse wasn't impressed.He found the food horrible and life boring."Why don't we both go back to the town?"he suggested. So off they went.On the way,the town mouse told his cousin they would dine like kings."We can have some real fun!"Said the town mouse. As night fell,they arrived at a large town house. "This way,"Whispered the town mouse,scrambling under the back door.Up a flight of stairs and down a long hall they found the dining room...and the dining room table. The ountry mouse couldn't believe his eyes. "I've never seen this much food!"he squeaked.They were nibbling away when the door opened and in came a man. The two cousins hide and held their breath.The man came closer,peered in the bowl,took an apple and left. "All clear,"said the town mouse.But his little cousin was too scared to eat any more. In the corner,a large cat was woken up by all the noise. He padded across to the tablend spotted the two mouse. The country mouse squealed as the cat sprang onto the table."Follow me!"cried his cousin and they dived into a mouse hole. The country mouse was very frightened."This isn't my idea of fun,"he sniffed."I'm sorry cousin,but I'm going back to the peaceful countryside." He waved the town mouse goodbye and set off for his comfy little home under a hedge."Come back and visit soon," said the city mouse."You must be joking!"said his cousin back. Moral:A simple,quiet life beats a rich,dangerous one.

“Too many people go through life waiting for things to happen instead of making them happen! ”