“In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away”     VBA's Positive News At start of visit to China, UN chief highlights partnership for peace, stability Meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing on 19 June, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed a range topics central to the agenda of the United Nations regarding peace and security, human rights and development, as well as the situation in Syria and the Korean peninsula. In talks with President Xi Jinping, Mr Ban commended China for its commitment to multilateralism, its strong support to the United Nations and the country's expanding role and contribution to the organization's work, including its engagement in addressing climate challenges..     US: Solar chargers for mobile phones debut in New York City New York City unveiled the first of 25 free solar charging stations for mobile phones on Tuesday, installed in response to Superstorm Sandy, which wiped out power and forced residents to walk miles to charge their phones. The Street Charge stations are New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's latest answer to flaws in infrastructure and operations exposed by the historic storm. Located throughout the city's five boroughs, the charging stations are part of a public-private partnership with AT&T, according to a news release. Powered by solar panels, they will work day or night, in sun or shade, the statement said      Scottish crime at lowest levels since 1974 Crime has fallen to a 39-year low, with homicide, violence, and possession of an offensive weapon all down sharply in Scotland. Homicides were down by a quarter, attempted murder and serious assault fell 22 per cent, and robbery was down 18 per cent. The recession has not led to the rise in thefts that many people predicted. Police have also been more successful at investigating crimes, with 51 per cent 'cleared up' -- where there is enough evidence to decide whether to bring a prosecution -- compared with 49 per cent in each of the previous three years.. Afghanistan: Taliban offer to free US soldier as part of peace negiotions - AP exclusive The Afghan Taliban are ready to free a US soldier held captive since 2009 in exchange for five of their senior operatives imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay as a conciliatory gesture, a senior spokesman for the group said Thursday. The offer to exchange US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl for the Afghan detainees came as an Afghan government spokesman said President Hamid Karzai is now willing to join planned peace talks with the Taliban -- provided that the Taliban flag and nameplate are removed from the militant group's newly opened political office in Doha, the capital of the Gulf state of Qatar. Karzai also wants a formal letter from the United States supporting the Afghan government. On Thursday, the 'Islamic Emirate' nameplate had been removed from the Taliban office. The flagpole inside the compound was apparently shortened and the Taliban flag -- dark Quranic script on a white background -- was still flying but not visible from the street. The Taliban have long refused to talk to Karzai's representatives but the opening of the office was seen as a first step toward those meetings.       Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Mamata Banerjee says talk show panelists critical of her are involved in pornography        Galsi: Under attack from the Opposition and a section of intellectuals over the recent incident of rape and murder of a college student, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that panelists of some local TV news channels critical of her were involved in pornography."Two or three incidents (of rape) have taken place. But every evening this people have salacious discussion disrespecting our mothers and sisters day after day. Some channels which are bankrupt are insulting the people of Bengal," she alleged, referring to talk-shows on a section of local TV channels."They are not doing the right thing. What children did not know, they are getting to know about.Who are being called (to the panel discussion)? Many of them are involved in pornography. They claim to be social workers but are actually working for money. Talk shows are nothing but money shows," she said.She promised to file chargesheet against the accused in the Barasat incident within one month seeking death penalty. Accusing a section of the media of blowing up rape cases, she said, "One or two TV channels under the influence of CPI(M) are projecting them in such a way as if the people are not able to walk on the streets freely." "One or two cases had indeed taken place and we do not support them, but that does not mean that everything has turned bad in this state," she said addressing a panchayat election meeting in Galsi. She claimed that "CPI(M) knows that they will be defeated in the panchayat election and that is why they are constantly making false accusation against us with the help of some TV channels." Referring to the NCRB figures showing West Bengal having the highest number of crimes against women, Banerjee said, "It has been prepared without informing the state". Unlike in the previous Left Front regime, now FIRs were registered against the crimes against women, she said. "Crimes against women were the regular feature during the Left Front regime. FIRs were not allowed to be filed at that time." "At Keshpur in West Midnapur district there was series of crimes against women but police diary (complaints) were not allowed to be lodged during the Left Front rule," she said. During her speech, Banerjee also turned her ire against the Centre for seeking huge interest on loans taken by the previous Left Front government. "I wish people from Bengal to go to Delhi and gherao the Prime Minister demanding to know from him why should the West Bengal government pay interest for huge loans taken by the previous Left Front government," she said. Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 You will have a strong need to be heard and express your beliefs today, but be prepared to encounter people who disagree with you. Be especially patient in listening to them and make sure you are being objective in understanding what they are saying. A challenge with Mars in your communication sector can signal sharp words and impatience in conversations, but much can be achieved if you talk things through, especially with family members. Take a deep breath before speaking.       Taurus April 20 to May 20 Jupiter's position recently may have given you an opportunity to consider what you value in your life and, over the next few days, you will be able to measure how those values line up with your reality. With Saturn in your relationship sector, a partner or co-worker might pose a challenge to your immediate goals. Be patient in delivering your message to this person. You will receive valuable support if you can get him or her on your side. Gemini May 21 to June 20 If you have put considerable energy recently into starting in a new direction in your life, you could feel some challenges now in your efforts to build stability and structure around those goals. Tension could mount as obstacles appear in your path, but keep in mind that they only signal a need to determine whether adjustments are necessary to the course you have charted. Minor revisions could be beneficial and now will be the time to make them.                           Cancer June 21 to July 22  You could experience a useful burst of energy and optimism once Jupiter moves into Cancer later this week, marking the start of a positive period in your life that will continue through the months ahead. Today, begin by looking at new or existing avenues to express yourself creatively. Saturn's current position can indicate an opportunity to turn a long-time hobby into a business pursuit. Joining forces with a partner could offer you support in any new creative venture..        Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Today could be a good day for reflection and an inward focus, so give yourself some quiet time alone to notice perhaps unexpected feelings that come up. Dreams and memories could be especially vivid. Try not to be overly analytical but notice what types of emotions they evoke. Today will also be a good day to spend time outside in nature. Use the day to recharge your batteries, preparing for what could be a busy month ahead.               BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Coal supply: CCEA okays cost-plus pricing model        New Delhi :  In a major relief to private power producers, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Friday gave its go-ahead for a mechanism that would allow the electricity generators to pass through to distribution utilities the cost of expensive imported coal used by them. “The higher cost of imported coal has to be considered for a pass-through,” said Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Fuel supply pact Explaining the mechanism, Chidambaram said that Coal India will sign fuel supply agreement for 78,000 megawatt (MW) capacities. This would also include cases of tapering linkage (whose captive mine has not started production) that are likely to be commissioned by March 30, 2015. Actual supply, will however, commence when the power purchase agreement (PPA) with distribution utilities (discom) is in place. Taking into account of the overall domestic availability and actual requirement, the FSAs that will sign will offer 65 per cent domestic coal for 2013-14 and 2014-15; 67 per cent for 2015-16 and 75 per cent for 2016-17 to the annual contracted quantity (ACQ). To meet the balance FSA obligation (15 per cent), Coal India may import coal and supply the same to willing power producers on a cost-plus basis. The power producer can also import coal himself. He does not have to go through Coal India, Chidambaram said. Coal distribution policy For implementation of the mechanism, the Coal Ministry will issue suitable orders supplementing the new coal distribution policy. The Power Ministry will issue an appropriate advisory to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and state regulators, including modifications in the bidding guidelines, to enable the appropriate commissions to decide the pass-through the higher cost of imported coal on a case-to-case basis. In addition, there are another 4,660 MW of capacities, which do not have a coal linkage but are likely to be commissioned by March 2015. “Therefore, it has been decided any of these power projects, if they are commissioned by March 31, 2015, subject to availability of coal, a mechanism will be worked out to supply coal to them,” he added. Higher tariff Implementation of pass-through mechanism would lead to increase in electricity tariff. The exact rise in tariff would differ from one power plant to another based on the quantity of imported coal utilised. The Finance Minister said that the choice is paying a little more for electricity or having no electricity at all. “Vey large capacities are stranded because of no coal or gas. It serves no purpose.” HEALTH+VE                                                                A-Z of superfoods for weight loss         Monsoon not only brings along refreshing showers but also various diseases like dysentery, asthma, arthritis, nasal and skin allergies begin to surface. Immunity plays a key role in fending off such diseases. Yoga trainer Vivek Mishra, emphasises on practising Bhujangasana to stay healthy this monsoon. Try this yoga to fight lung infection and to boost your immunity Bhujangasana 1. Lie flat on the stomach on the mat with legs straight, feet together, toes facing outside and forehead on the floor. 2. Place your hands directly under the chest; your thumbs should touch the nipples. Relax the whole body. 3. Inhale, lift your head up, chest up and stretch your head back as far as possible. Make sure you are comfortable doing it. 4. See that the arms remain half bent at the elbows. 5. In this asana, the lungs stay vertical and expand transversely. As a result you will be able to breathe in more oxygen. 6. Hold the position as long as you can without experiencing any difficulty. Now exhale while lowering the body. Do 3-5 times.     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  The Sun moves this week into a harmonious interplay with Neptune, the planet of dreams, and Saturn, the planet of reality. Today could present an opportunity to check the progress of your long-term plans and determine how they line up with your life as it exists today. Consider specific changes you might make to move closer to achieving your dreams. A change in direction might be necessary, but stay positive. Your thinking will be clear and realistic now.  Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Your career sector will be highlighted beautifully right now. This will be a time to take some ideas that you have developed and create opportunities to implement them. Detailed strategies are a key to success now, so plan well. Your thinking will be particularly realistic over the next few days, and you can easily eliminate the ideas that are least likely to produce positive results. You may notice support for your ideas coming from unlikely sources.              Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Creative thought processes flow easily today and this could represent the start of a new creative direction. Find an interest or hobby that you believe supports your true identity. Try a new activity, even if you are not sure it is your true path, because refinements down the road can make it into something that resonates well with who you are. Taking advantage of opportunities to read or talk to people about new subjects can help this process. Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Today may feel unusually quiet when compared to the hectic pace of your life recently. Take advantage of this break from the action to take a look at some long-term goals and the general direction of your life right now. Consider which people and situations in your life support you and which ones present obstacles. With Neptune in your family sector, take caution to communicate clearly when sharing your goals with family members as misunderstandings could occur.            Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Today could be a good day to reach a compromise with a partner, family member or friend, over a tense situation that has been lingering for a while. Take the first step in reaching out and getting to the root of the differences that may be causing you to feel a bit unsettled lately. With a focus in your relationship sector, you will be fortified to mend fences and will end up with a stronger relationship once you clear the air. Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  You could feel a need today to examine some of your closest relationships and look for a balance between what you offer to the relationship and what you receive from it. You may feel as if you have been giving a lot lately and now could be a time to focus momentarily on yourself and your own emotional needs. Take some time for yourself. Yoga or meditation might be particularly effective in allowing you to connect with your needs and interests.     Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  With a current challenge from Mars, family disagreements could easily be blown out of proportion today. If you engage in heated discussions, stick to the core issues and try not to let emotions steer the conversation in a variety of directions. You have high expectations of people, but take caution to be realistic in how you view them and avoid letting your expectations lead to eventual disappointments. Children and creative pursuits can be a source of inspiration.               Moral Story     SMS Work like youdon't need the money, love like you've neverbeen hurt and dance like no one is watching.      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   “Sometimes not talking is effortless, and other times it’s more exhausting than lifting pianos.”  LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS  Leadership is not for the gain of the leaders themselves, but for the benefit of their followers. Great leaders will lead regardless if it benefits them or not. The capacity to lead is simply a tool God has given certain individuals to serve others.     Santa was weeping at a grave, "Why did you die? Why did you die? Your death ruined my life." Banta: For whom do you mourn so deeply? A child? A parent? Wife? or Girlfriend ? Santa: Mywife’s first husband.

EDUCATION +VE President Pranab Mukherjee calls for moral, value-based education       AGARTALA: President PranabMukherjee on Thursday called for intensive moral and value-based education to fight against social crimes like atrocities on women. He said this while addressing the 10th convocation of Tripura University. "It pains me like fellow citizens when I come across incidents of attacks on women and I appeal to academicians to sincerely take part in imparting moral education to youngsters," said Pranab. He added that physical infrastructure of the academic institution has expanded over the years and at present about 2.6 crore students are studying in 659 universities and 33,000 colleges in India. Despite having immense development, none of the Indian universities or NIT got a place in the list of Top 200 world class institutions of learning. "I feel disappointed with the statistics that only 7 students between 18-24 years of age out of 1000 get higher education in India, which is 21 in Germany and 34 in US. I request the academicians to ponder over the issue," he added. He said India had already proved its excellence in education and had been dominating the world in research and values over 1800 years since 600 BC. But the reason behind the sudden fall in academic brilliancy needs to be found out. "India took eight decades to get another Nobel laureate (Amartya Sen) after 1930 when CV Raman won the Nobel. It proves there is no problem with the students' skill and zeal as well as the talent of our teachers. But it is needed to integrate all aspects," said the President. While praising Indian universities, he said Nalanda and Takshasila dominated the world in education well before Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and MIT. He pointed out that 50 brilliant students, who passed out from Calcutta University, established the Indian National Congress in 1885 and it's become an issue after 66 years of Independence to identify why the country failed to achieve any institutional excellence even though many of us have been able to achieve excellence individuality. When Pranab came out of the university hall at 5.30 pm, hundreds of people were waiting to say him 'hi' outside the campus and beyond the bamboo fencing. Suddenly, Pranab walked on the road keeping aside his security to reciprocate to their sentiments. Mukherjee was later accorded a civic reception at Agartala Town Hall by the city administration. SPORTS +VE Sourav Ganguly is my favourite Indian captain: Brian LaraSourav Ganguly is my favourite Indian captain: Brian Lara      MUMBAI: Among all the Indian captains that he has played against, Sourav Ganguly is the "favourite" of West Indian batting legend and former skipper Brian Lara as he feels his leadership against arch-rivals Australia was "astonishing". "Sourav is my favourite. His leadership against Australia in Australia was astonishing. I have great respect for him," Lara said at a Dell event on leadership on Thursday night.He also praised Kapil Dev and "good friend" Sachin Tendulkar for their leadership qualities."In 1983 West Indies were dominating and I thought it would be cake walk for them in the final. So I went out to play only to come and know that India won, which was a surprise and Kapil Dev as a leader had a lot of role to play," he said."Then there is my friend Sachin Tendulkar, what he has done for cricket, it can't be repeated. His contribution to Indian cricket and world cricket is immeasurable," he added.On Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy, Lara said, "I spoke to Dwayne Bravo about Dhoni, how he was as a leader while they played together for CSK. He told me one of his key strengths is that he is a great listener. Bravo told me how he sets goals but always looks for ideas and commitment from his players." Lara took a stroll down memory lane as he recalled his initial days and how he used a coconut branch as his first bat."My first bat was shaped out of a coconut branch by my brother. And from that day, all I wanted to do was to be a West Indian cricketer. I would play cricket by myself in the yard and the team would be (Gordon) Greenidge, (Desmond) Haynes, (Vivian) Richards, Lara. From a very early age, I saw myself as a West Indies cricketer and nothing else," Lara said.Lara also thanked his father for encouraging him and coming along to all his games."I must also praise my father. He was tremendous. My dad was there at every single match I played for school, under-14, under-16 right upto when I got into the West Indies team. Unfortunately my dad passed away the very moment I made it into the West Indies team so he actually never saw me play (international cricket). But he was definitely the major influence in my career," he said.       Ghanchakkar Ghanchakkar  Movie Name :    Ghanchakkar   Release Date :   June 28, 2013 Genre :  Romance, Comedy Producer : Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur Director :   Rajkumar Gupta Music Director :  Amit Trivedi Cast : Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Rajesh Sharma, Namit Das.   Synopsis: Ghanchakkar movie is a quasi-realistic urban comedy-thriller highlighting the absurdity of certain real human situations. Emraan plays the title character in Ghanchakkar - a suave, master safe cracker wants to retire from a career in crime, he decides to team up with two dangerous criminals to commit one last heist. A bank robbery that will ensure that he never has to worry about money again! Everything goes according to plan. Sanju is given the task of hiding the money till things cool down and the booty can be split. Two months later the associates return to collect their share of the loot, but Sanju refuses to even recognize them! What dangerous game is Sanju playing? Ghanchakkar is a crazy, quirky rollercoaster suspense ride that will surprise, shock and entertain the audience at every turn.   Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries. " INSPIRING STORY " Five More Minutes   While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.    “That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.    “He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”   Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”  Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”  The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.   Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?” Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad.   Just five more minutes.”  The man smiled and said, “OK.”  “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded. The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.   I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him.   I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.  She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”

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