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All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
| VBA's Positive News |
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Brazil: New sustainability measures set for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
A new set of sustainability measures to support the greening of the Rio Summer Games were agreed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee, as part of an implementation agreement signed by both organizations on 19 August. 'Sports can and should play a leading role in the promotion of a more sustainable world,' said the Rio 2016 President, Mr Carlos Arthur Nuzman. 'Since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, the Olympic movement's environmental awareness has grown. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into all dimensions of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games and thus create a legacy for all society.'
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Japan helps Twilight Children in Hillbrow, South Africa
The government of Japan, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, has extended assistance of over R736,000 to Twilight Children in Hillbrow, to ensure sustainable learning through the provision of stable, everyday resources. The links between South Africa and Japan have a substantial history with particular reference to the role the Friends of South Africa in Japan played in the anti-apartheid movement to drive change in South Africa. The significance of these strong ties and relations was demonstrated with Nelson Mandela choosing to visit Japan as his first diplomatic visit following his release in 1990.
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South Africa: Limpopo-based NPO develops winning formula for youth empowerment
Keep The Dream196, a not for profit life-skills project located near Tzaneen in Limpopo Province, is becoming known for its positive and lasting impact on orphans and vulnerable children. Since its inception in 2007, the organization has been assisting local children and the youth to overcome the difficult life obstacles they face on a daily basis, through building resilience physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. The goal is to help them realise their full potential and contribute to the building of South Africa.
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Australia: Intensive programme helps refugee students adjust to new lives
One of Australia's oldest public schools is running an intensive education programme for refugee students and we meet some of the participants along with the special teacher in charge.
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World Round-Up
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Rs.40-crore film to showcase Narendra Modi's journey
Narendra Modi's journey from a common man to the Chief Minister of Gujarat has caught the fancy of NRI filmmaker Mitesh Patel, who is making a projected Rs.40 crore movie on him.
He admits the film on the politico couldn't be better-timed, but denied it being an "image-building exercise" for Modi ahead of the general elections due next year.
The idea for a movie on Modi's rise to power set in two years back in Patel's mind. And it was just last week that Patel met Modi in Gandhinagar.
"He said, 'You can make it'," Patel, who will produce the project, said over phone from Ahmedabad. He is here scouting for locations for his film.
"The elections are coming, and I think it's perfect timing for my film," said Patel, adding that the movie will essentially delve on how Modi progressed from being a tea stall worker to a political leader, who is now seen by many as the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate.
"I am very impressed by his progress, so my movie is based on him and his struggle. I wish to give a positive message through the film.
I have met him and explained my idea to him, and he said, 'Okay'," Patel, who is originally from Baroda, said.
Is it an image-building exercise?
"I am not targeting anything like that. The film is just on him, and it is not an effort to present any sort of truth.
May the best person win the elections, but my film is not for any image-building," he clarified.
The yet untitled movie is likely to go on floors in September, and it may be shot in Mumbai and Gujarat.
The film's director and cast are yet to be locked.
However, writer Mihir Bhuta, and Kishore Makwana, a close Modi associate, who has penned a book titled "Samaajik Samrasta" based on Modi's speeches and writings, are helping Patel to put the film together.
"They are helping me with perfect information on Modi sir, and I am also taking help of books. But the film will be a mix of fact and fiction. Mihir Bhuta has written the script," said Patel.
As for the lead actor, the producer has his eyes set on the versatile Paresh Rawal.
Patel, hopes to present the movie as a commercial biopic on the lines of the recently released hit "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", which profiled the struggles of ace athlete Milkha Singh and "Guru", which was inspired by the life of businessman Dhirubhai Ambani.
"I want to give a very good message through the movie, and in a way that even general people (who do not follow politics) understand it.
Not many people want to look at serious documentaries," he said."
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
New information comes to light that will help you solve a professional puzzle. Thanks to a collaboration between Mercury and Pluto, you'll keep digging until you find the facts you need to make fully informed career choices. Once you know more, it will be easier to be honest with colleagues or discuss detailed plans with your boss. On another note, Monday's Venus/Uranus link will continue to bring exciting changes and new experiences in relationships. Trust your heart - even if your romantic choices seem unconventional.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
It's important to explore every detail before finalizing your plans, especially regarding travel, study or teaching, and schedules to do with children. You may be obsessed with details, but fine tuning your options makes life easier and more efficient. On another note, Mars will activate your domestic sector between August 27 and October 15. Be proactive with family or flat mates, and deal with overdue home improvement or maintenance matters. You may also be inspired to add luxury touches to your home.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be intensely curious under a supportive angle between Mercury and Pluto. Rather than glossing over the facts, you want the whole truth - and you won't stop digging until you get it. You'll be especially interested in more information about inheritances, wills, couple finances, and investment, tax or debt situations. Ask pressing questions, even if the subject matter is somewhat sensitive. As previously hidden details come to light, you may question loyalties and reassess who you trust.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Under the current Mercury/Pluto alignment, it's important to be honest in close partnerships. Typically taboo topics can be discussed practically. If you stick to the facts you'll avoid unnecessary drama. On another matter, Mars has started a six-week visit to your money sector. Prepare to take a greater interest in your finances. Take the lead in financial discussions.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Mars in Leo will help you tap into confidence and courage. You'll have a number of opportunities to show leadership in the coming next six weeks. Your first priority will be finances. Today's Mercury/Pluto alignment will help you deal with details regarding work or money contracts. Honest discussions with colleagues help clarify who's really responsible for what. You may gain new information about a health matter. As a result, you'll better understand what positive changes you can make to daily work and wellbeing routines.
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Banks slap charges on phone banking
MUMBAI: After SMS alerts, banks are now charging customers to speak to phone banking executives.
Standard Chartered Bank has informed savings account and credit card customers that from next month they will be allowed only two free calls to their phone banking executive each month.
For any calls made thereafter, they will be charged Rs 50 per call.
HDFC Bank charges Rs 50 per call for those customers who have not maintained the average minimum balance prescribed for their account if they insist on speaking to an executive when the information is available through an interactive voice response (IVR) system.
"We have come out with an enhanced version of IVR system which can address nearly all the queries round the clock.
Even before the enhanced IVR was introduced, average customers required the services of a phone banking executive less than two times," said Rajashree Nambiar, general manager (retail banking products, segments & marketing), India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank. The phone banking charges will not apply to those who call to complain or to report a stolen or lost card and want it blocked.
Recently, a host of banks had announced annual charges for sending SMS alerts. These charges range from Rs 60 to Rs 100. However, those who opt out of SMS alerts will continue to get alerts that are prescribed by RBI. For instance, RBI insists that banks send SMS alerts for withdrawals beyond Rs 5,000.
But many banks have kept this as a negative option, which means that unless customers specifically ask for the free alerts, they will be billed Rs 60 for all alerts.
Some months back, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank introduced a Rs 100 charge for credit card payments made through cash deposits in the bank's branches. Other charges relate to obtaining duplicate statements and asking the bank to attest documents.
Recently, HDFC Bank revised a host of charges with effect from July 2013. The bank has limited branch transactions to 15 for those who do not maintain the prescribed average minimum balance. From the 16th visit onwards, the customer will be charged Rs 75 per transaction. Cash deposits and withdrawals beyond five times a month will be charged Rs 100 per transaction.
The new charges are being announced at a time when bank customers are being empowered to take the service route. Internet banking, for instance, allows the customer to conduct most banking transactions.
Banks are also adding new functionalities to ATMs, which are today the most preferred route for customers to engage with banks. The third self service route is the IVR system which enables customers to get information from an automated system by punching in numbers into their phone.
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Are you getting enough fruits?
Fruits are delicious, juicy, fun to eat and healthy ingredients for great desserts; but are you getting enough fruits in your daily diet?
We use a lot of skin care products that boast of properties and vitamins from fruits, but why do we still select creams over natural fruits? Let's take a look at how many fruits you need to eat every day before you can say that you are getting enough fruits in your daily diet.
Based on a study in 2010 reported by the Dietary Guidelines of America, you need 1.5 - 2 cups of fruits daily, but 'the amount depends on the number of calories per day recommended for your healthy weight.'
(Via) Also, it is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but it depends on your age and gender: Women between the ages of 19-50 should eat 7-8 servings, while men should eat 8-10 servings.
And for those above 50, men and women should consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
All this preaching is in good spirit. Fruits help fight cancer, obesity and heart disease. Fruits provide nutritional vitamins. Certain fruits contain a good amount of natural sugar and fluids, which also keep us hydrated.
Fruits are rich in fiber, and are great for bowel movement and weight loss. It is also advised that you consume fruits whole, instead of skinned or juiced.
Tips on how to make fruits a part of your daily diet:
Since two cups of fruits are the norm, you can break this down into four servings a day; for instance, breakfast, mid day, mid evening and after dinner.
Avoid fruits from cans that mention preservatives like artificial sugar or high levels of salt, or processed fruits in the form of juices. Opt for fresh fruits as their nutritional value is higher. Try different seasonal fruits from time to time.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Today's Mercury/Pluto link may give you an intense, determined edge. Your inherent obsession with details and focus on efficiency intensifies. Others rely on your organizational skills so if you notice small changes that could make a big impact, express your ideas directly. After Monday's unexpected financial developments, you'll be increasingly open to how innovation and technology can help you budget better. Revamp your finances to reflect current realities - it'll create freedom. Change is empowering and you're aware of how new input can create improvements.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You may find it easier to discuss family matters honestly under today's Mercury/Pluto alignment. A practical approach to a domestic matter may bring new order to your home life. You may also be inspired to banish clutter and reorganize your living space. At heart, you're focused on simplicity. On another topic, you'll continue to explore how to be assertive in relationships after Monday's Venus/Uranus link activated your love sector. Consider how you could better balance personal plans with partnership promises.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Today's Mercury/Pluto collaboration may inspire you to have an honest conversation with your BFF. If you've kept a secret from a friend, you may need to confess the truth. Be brave if you have to raise a sensitive subject. On another note, professional plans are likely to become top priority as Mars activates your career sector between August 27 and October 15. You may review career choices or consider a new professional offer. A proactive attitude to your job will support progress.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You'll be motivated to initiate powerful career conversations as Mercury and Pluto align. Career ideas will benefit from discussion, suggesting this week is a special time to brainstorm about a professional project. You'll be especially interested in boosting income, so be proactive about discussing a raise, bonus, or extra responsibilities. The extended cycle of Pluto in your money sector (2008 - 2023) means you're in a cycle of powerful financial changes. It's okay to be a bit obsessive about money.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Under the current Mercury/Pluto link you'll be inspired to clarify your thoughts and ideas about the future, and you may find it easier to take charge of life. You'll also get better at saying yes to what you want, and no to what you've outgrown. Pluto's extended cycle through your sign means 2008 - 2023 will be inspiring and cathartic. On another matter, with Mars in your secondary money sector between August 27 and October 15, you'll be motivated to tackle debt, investment, and inheritance matters.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 With Mars in your relationship sector between August 27 and October 15, you're ready to take charge of a dating or romantic situation. You may be impatient for progress, so don't push too hard, but certainly do make the effort to let someone special know how you feel, and what you want. Love has a way of giving back what you put in, so consider the next six weeks prime time for devoting energy and effort toward relationships.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Dating and relationship experiences will be under scrutiny as you realize you must be deeply honest if you want the intimacy you crave. It might seem scary to speak about your feelings and secret desires, but it is the only way to deepen your connection with someone special. Single or attached, open conversations will make a difference as Mercury and Pluto align. On another matter, Uranus' extended cycle through your money sector, 2010 - 2018, encourages increased financial freedom.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail..”
A Scotsman who was driving home one night, ran into a car driven by an Englishman.
The Scotsman got out of the car to apologize and offered the Englishman a drink from a bottle of whisky.
The Englishman was glad to have a drink.
"Go on," said the Scot, "have another drink."
The Englishman drank gratefully.
"But don't you want one, too?" he asked the Scotsman.
"Perhaps," replied the Scotsman, "after the police have gone."
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ICCSR launches course for generating CSR personnel
MUMBAI: The Indian Centre for CSR (ICCSR) has collaborated with the University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria, to offer India's first Master of Science program in CSR & ethical management.
The program will bridge the gap that exists in the country for trained CSR Managers in the corporate world. The new companies bill makes it mandatory for Indian companies to spend 2 per cent of their profits on CSR related activities, which is likely to create need for trained managers in CSR and sustainability. The Centre is currently accepting applications for its first batch scheduled to start on 30 September 2013.
The programme is suitable for experienced professionals who are looking for a postgraduate qualification in CSR, to enable them to focus on working in this specialist area. The course is designed to examine the social, ethical and environmental issues faced by corporations and a range of other organizations.
It provides students with a theoretically underpinned analytical perspective on CSR enabling them to critically assess CSR issues, initiatives, drivers and responses. Executives associated with the fields like Management, HR, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Public Relations and Marketing Communications, are eligible to pursue the course.
The course adopts an international, multi-sector and multidisciplinary perspective. The course curriculum has been designed to consider the impact, power, influence and responsibilities of corporations in a global society. Adopting the virtual classroom strategy, the course will be taught by the experts from the CSR/Sustainability World, such as Martin Neureiter, Chair of ISO-26000; Toby Webbs, Chairman Ethical Corporation; Michael Hopkins, CEO, MCHi-Geneva; Irene Daskalakis, University of Washington-CSR legal luminary; Yann Queinnec, Director General, Affectio Mutandi.
Rajesh Tiwari, Director General & CEO of ICCSR, said,"The course has commenced at the right time and place, since India does not provide a degree in CSR. With the parliament making it mandatory for the corporate sector to have a CSR programme, the provision of a degree in CSR will provide an edge to the CSR activities, organized by companies. Organizations are increasingly not limiting to financial performance, and will need to imbibe in their core strategic vision the concept of social returns too. Leading corporations are suggesting that they will shift to sustainability numbers and as such this course will become much more relevant than the regular MBA."
"The program is unique as it provides comprehensive curriculum for professionals in CSR and Sustainability. The students will receive a MS degree from Europe's premier University of Applied Sciences, and are employable globally. The degree will prepare managers with business practices that are values-centric, global in orientation and loaded with entrepreneurial spirit," says Martin Neureiter, an international program director from the University of Applied Sciences, Vienna.
Neureiter further adds, "The curriculum directly reflects our existing on-campus program and will be taught by the best of the faculty. Students will be able to complete the degree in one year, full time, weekend or quarterly ten days immersion mode."
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Sindhu beats Schenk as Warriors edge past Pistons
HYDERABAD: Rising shuttler P V Sindhu stole the show with a hard-fought win over World No.3 Germany's Juliane Schenk as Awadhe Warriors sailed into the semifinals of the inaugural Indian Badminton League with a clinical win over Pune Pistons, on Monday.
After Sindhu and K Srikanth won their respective women's and men's singles matches, it was Marcis Kido and Mathias Boe who outplayed Pune Pistons pair of Arun Vishnu and Sanave Thomas in men's doubles to give Warriors an unassailable 3-0 lead in their final league match at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium.
Sindhu and Schenk engaged in an attritional battle before the Hyderabadi-girl pulled off a sensational upset win in two tight games. A capacity, vociferous home crowd egged on the 18-year-old as she prevailed over her opponent 21-20, 21-20.
Schenk edged ahead in the first game with a 7-4 lead but Sindhu narrowed the gap to 7-6. The World Championships bronze-medallist Sindhu overtook Schenk for the first time as she took a two point lead at 9-7, having won five points on the trot after the break.
Schenk clawed her way back to 13-12 as the players went into the second break at 14-12. The seasoned German campaigner did not allow Sindhu to score easily as her powerful forehand shots kept the score even at 16-16. Both fought tooth and nail for every point as the game was evenly poised at 18-18.
Schenk made a service error and gave an opening to Sindhu but she failed to make use of the opportunity as the fate of the two hung in the balance at 20-20. Schenk missed a backhand and the result went in favour of the Indian.
In the second game, Schenk gained an early lead at 3-1 but soon fell behind to 3-5. The German, however, responded strongly with her cross-court smashes to leave Sindhu trailing at 6-11. The gap grew to seven points as Schenk extended her lead to 16-9.
But Sindhu scripted a remarkable recovery to claw her way back into the game. At 19-17, Sindhu rode on her smashes and better placements to restore parity at 19-19.
At 20-20, it could be anybody's game but a smash beyond the reach of Schenk ended the nail-biting contest in favour of Sindhu.
"I have played against Schenk twice but this is the first time I won the game and am feeling really happy. Also I am thrilled and touched to see my college friends and teachers who have come here to support me," said Sindhu after her match.
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Zanjeer
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Zanjeer
Movie Name : Zanjeer
Release Date : September 6, 2013
Genre : Action, Thriller
Producer : Reliance Entertainment, Puneet Prakash Mehra (Hindi) ,Sumeet Prakash Mehra (Hindi), Amit Mehra (Telugu), Flying Turtle Films
Director : Apoorva Lakhia
Music Director : Anand Raj Anand, Meet Bros Anjjan, Chirantan Bhatt
Cast : Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt (Hindi), Srihari (Telugu), Prakash Raj, Mahi Gill, Ankur Bhatia, Atul Kulkarni , Tanikella Bharani (Telugu)
Synopsis:
Zanjeer (English: Shackles; titled Toofan in Telugu) is an upcoming Indian action film directed by Apoorva Lakhia, shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. The film marks the Bollywood debut of popular Tollywood actor Ram Charan in the lead role along with Priyanka Chopra. Prakash Raj joins the cast after success in Hindi films, like Wanted, Singham, and Dabangg 2. It is a remake of the 1973 Hindi film of the same name. The Hindi version of the film is to be dubbed in Chinese as Chialo Kaxlaug. The Telugu version of the film is to be dubbed in Tamil and Malayalam. The release date is scheduled for September 6, 2013
Zanjeer in USA by BlueSky. The first look and official theatrical trailer of Toofan (Telugu version) have been launched by Reliance Entertainment on its YouTube Official Channel on 25 March 2013 to rave public response, featuring Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Raj and Srihari. Ram Charan's Toofan First Look Trailers and Wallpapers have been released on March 25, 2013
The First look and theatrical trailer of Zanjeer (Hindi version) was released on 4 July 2013. The dubbing process started from 26 March 2013, where Sanjay Dutt plays the role essayed by Srihari. Sanjay Dutt finishes Zanjeer filming - with only a few days left at his disposal before he returns to jail.
The Telugu version of the film is titled Toofan and is in Post Production stage. The director planned in for a 25-day schedule in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from November 14 to December 5, 2012. Priyanka Chopra joined the shooting, her first schedule for this film. It was reported that Ram Charan has done some risky stunts for Zanjeer.
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Shuchi and Shubhrata were given utmost importance in our Indian culture, since ever. Right from small things like brushing teeth etc. fixed rules and regulations have been placed, such that utmost cleanliness prevails in the society. The following story portrays the obsession of Indian culture for cleanliness.
Long ago there used to live an obedient shishya of the great Paila maharshi. His name was Udanka. Udanka, due to his obedience, learnt quickly his lessons.
After completing his Vidyaabhyaasam, before leaving the Guru-aashramam, Udanka requested his Guru to take Guru-dakshina.
Paila maharshi replied “you being a shishya of me is itself enough. It is difficult to get good shishyas like you. Please go on”. Upon many times being requested by Udanka, finally Paila maharshi said “do the work that your Guru-patni tells you and then leave”.
He approached Guru-patni, did Yathaa-vidhi namaskaaram, with Vinayam, asked her to give him some work. She asked him to get the kundalas of the country’s Mahaaraani for a Vratam. Udanka immediately set out for it. On the way he sees a radiant brightly glowing God coming on a huge Vrushabham.
He does the required namaskars to him and the God gives him goomayam. He eats the goomayam, takes leave from the God and continues his journey to meet Poushya, the king of the country. Poushya was a very great king, ruled his subjects as his own kids and made dharma walk on its four legs.
Poushya welcomed Udanka and offered him a warm welcome when he arrived at his courtyard. Udanka tells the reason for his arrival and immediately the kings granted him permission to collect the kundalas. He asked udanka to go to the queen’s palace and collect them from her personally.
Udanka went into the palace and searched for the queen everywhere. Failing to find her returns to poushya informing that he could not find the queen. Poushya hesitantly says “O great Brahmana! How can I say that you are not clean? My queen is a Pativrata and hence only people who are clean can see her”.
Udanka recalls why he was not in a clean state and realizes that in the hurry to finish gurupatni’s task, he forgot to wash his hands, feet and mouth and do aachamanam, after eating the gomayam.
He immediately washes and does aachamanam and goes back to see the queen and sees her in her palace.
Story will be continued later in some other contexts. So will Udanka be able to complete his gurupatni’s task? who was the God? Keep reading for answers …. :)
Morals in the Story :-It is very basic and important to always be clean.
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A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
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