“Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders.”     VBA's Positive News Two Koreas agree to take steps to reopen joint industrial zone North and South Korea agreed early on Sunday to take steps to reopen a jointly run industrial park, including facilities inspections, after the two rivals staged a marathon meeting lasting more than 16 hours to arrange details. The talks at a truce village of Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed in the 1950-53 Korean conflict, were held to find a way to restart operations at the Kaesong Industrial Zone, a rare source of hard currency for the impoverished North. US: Sacramento's farm-to-fork food bank changes lives The Sacramento Food Bank once was one of those standard food distribution centres where bags of processed foods were bagged and handed to people who stood in line for hours to get it. One day five years ago, then-new CEO Blake Young had an epiphany, 'I kept seeing people coming through the line and they were getting fatter and fatter. I realized we were killing them.' So Young and his staff forged partnerships with local farmers, most of them organic, and upped the amount of fresh produce to more than half of clients' food allotment. Then knowing that most of them live in food deserts without transportation to grocery stores and the region's many farmers' markets, they moved distribution sites to about two dozen neighbourhood schools and churches they visit once a month.  India: Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University organic farm gets certification for organic production standard The model organic farm of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University (HPAU) has been certified by Biocert India Pvt Ltd as per India's National Programme for Organic Production Standards. The university's farm has the distinction of being the first government research institute in the state to be certified as a modal centre for organic research. Solar plane lands In New York, completing US journey The Solar Impulse, an airplane entirely powered by the sun, touched down in New York City late on Saturday, completing the final leg of an epic journey across the United States that began over two months ago. The experimental aircraft had left Dulles International Airport outside Washington for its last leg more than 18 hours earlier, on a route that took it north over Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.    Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political WB panchayat polls: Parties field former Maoists in Jungalmahal       Kolkata: Political parties across the spectrum, from the Trinamool Congress to the Left Front and the Congress are fielding candidates in the West Bengal panchayat elections with alleged Maoist links. Hamlet Mandi, who faces murder and attempt to murder charges after being arrested in December 2011 for his alleged Maoist links, has already served an 8-month prison sentence before he was released on bail. Now a Trinamool Congress panchayat samiti candidate at the Binpur II block of West Midna pore, Mandi feels this is the best way to exorcise his past. "The path I chose earlier was wrong. This is the legal way of bringing about development. No one will stop me now," Mandi said. Other parties too have taken a cue from the Trinamool Congress and fielded former alleged Maoists in the five-phased panchayat polls. 48-year-old Nikhil Mahato, a Congress gram panchayat candidate in Belpahari, has spend nearly two years in jail after being arrested twice for his alleged Maoist links. There are 35 cases against him. "This is a Congress stronghold and people in this area wanted me to fight the elections. So I have decided to fight for their needs," Mahato said. Some 70 kilometers away in the Jambooni police station area, CPM gram panchayat candidate Lakkhindar Shit tries hard to convince voters about his new role. Arrested and jailed for gunning down a local gram panchayat pradhan and his associate, who were killed in a Maoist operation three years ago, he alleges that he was framed. "I do not care what the Opposition speaks about me. They have conspired and slapped false cases. They may slap new cases in future. But I will be with my people," Shit said. Among serious security threat perceptions, the Maoist-affected Jungalmahal area will vote in the first of the five-phase elections on Thursday. Recent instances of Maoist violence in the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have kept security forces in Jungalmahal on high alert. Almost all the 10,000-odd booths spread across Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore are either highly sensitive or sensitive. Yet it seems that the state government isn't ready to deploy forces as per Calcutta High Court orders. "The deployment of police forces cannot be ascertained at present. It will depend on the number of forces which we receive from the police directorate," West Midnapore ADM Arindam Dutta said. Candidates like these who have allegedly defected from ultra-left camps admit they are vulnerable to Maoist backlash during and after the polls.That could shatter the apparent peace in this region and restart the reign of terror which kept Jungalmahal on tenterhooks not so long ago. Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 A conversation with a relative may prove especially stimulating now. You may discuss an important family matter or impending decision that needs to be made among family members. You might sign documents today having to do with real estate, family financial planning or another domestic matter. Ideas flourish when shared with those closest to you now so be sure to use a family member as a sounding board if need be. Taurus April 20 to May 20 You'll have an exceptional day to sign contracts for just about any endeavor. The Sun and Mercury will connect in your message sector, offering a fantastic boost in your negotiating skills. If you're in the market for a new car, now is the perfect time to make a purchase or sign a lease agreement. Also, if you have any siblings, you may hear important family-related news from one of them. Expect it to be positive.   Gemini May 21 to June 20 You might have nothing but money on your mind today. In fact, there's a good chance that you'll make a significant decision about your finances or possessions. For instance, you might decide to give your budget an overhaul after taking an honest look at expenses versus income. You might also speak to someone about getting a piece of jewelry or a family heirloom appraised. Expect to make a choice that helps you feel more secure about your financial status.                     Cancer June 21 to July 22  Anticipate a perfect day to convey your ideas or a personal agenda. The Sun and Mercury will connect in Cancer, allowing you to shine in all aspects of communication. Consider scheduling a vital meeting, phone call, or other conversation. You might also decide to work on a writing project or teach a class or workshop. If you're in the market to purchase any big-ticket item, particularly for your home, you'll have extraordinary negotiating skills now. Use them well.       Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Privacy may be important to you today, not because you have anything to hide, but because you'll likely feel that you need time alone to ponder an idea or weigh the pros and cons behind a major decision. If you're experiencing any type of anxiety, today will be an ideal time to talk to a trusted counselor or friend and ask for advice. You'll be glad you did.   BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Volatile Indian rupee makes forex travel card market edgy       MUMBAI: When the Indian rupee weakens, the forex travel card market gets nervous . Sellers of forex cards are keenly tracking currency fluctuation as the rupee's slide will affect their business. What's adding to their concerns is that Indians are reconsidering their overseas holiday plans with travel expenses shooting up because of the depreciating rupee. Most forex card sellers said the business will be impacted if the volatility in the currency market continues. For the past three months, the rupee has been weakening and touching new lows at regular intervals. On Friday, the Indian currency touched 60.59 against the dollar, within touching distance of its record low of 60.76. A forex card is a prepaid card on which foreign currency is loaded and can be only used while travelling overseas . Overseas travel and accommodation costs have risen by 20-25 % in the last three months since the rupee started to slide, according to industry body Assocham. The forex travel card market , estimated to be worth $1.9 billion in India, has grown at an annual clip of 15-18 % in the last couple of years, primarily driven by the retail segment comprising leisure, medical and student travellers. "The retail business would see a dip of 20% in the coming months if the rupee continues to fall," a top player said. Already, forex card sellers, largely banks, are seeing the impact of the rupee on the amount of currency loaded on the card. In India, corporate travellers account for 78% of the prepaid forex market while retail contributes about 22%. Companies slashing travel costs in the wake of declining earnings is also expected to impact the fortunes of forex card players. For Indians travelling abroad, while credit-debit cards are the most preferred modes of payment, forex cards are also gaining popularity . "One of the main advantages of a prepaid forex card is that it insulates you from currency fluctuation when you are abroad," said Rajiv Rai, COO-retail , Deutsche Bank. "This is because you have locked the exchange rate at the time of loading the forex amount, helping you in saving money and avoiding paying extra if the rupee depreciates further ," Rai explained. This is, however, not the case with credit and debit cards as the user have to bear the currency conversion charge, which is in the range of 3-5 % of the transaction value. However, if one travels with a forex card when the rupee is in an appreciating phase, the card holder stands to lose. In 2012, nearly 15 million Indians travelled abroad on business and leisure and Assocham expects a 20% fall in outbound tourists this year as household budgets get squeezed because of inflation , flat-to-low increase in salaries, and the weakening rupee, among other things. The rise in outbound Indian tourists who are jet-setting to different parts of the world has given a fillip to multiplecurrency forex cards. HEALTH+VE                                                              5 Temptations to avoid for good health       Temptation has always been luring on humankind right from the time God made humans. It started with Eve eating the forbidden fruit and it never stopped. Temptation usually has some sort of consequence, which differs in magnitude. Today, Dr. K.M. Sunesara - General Physician, Mumbai, shares 20 temptations, which you should definitely avoid to lead a healthy and fit life. Temptation to avoid for good health # 1: Hooking to smoke If you want to celebrate your birthday or your success then celebrate it without lighting even a single cigar. Smoking or being in a smoky area, can be very disastrous to your health. Dr. Sunesara says - smoking even a single cigarette a day, can cause blood clots, which may prevent swift flow of the blood and hence develop plaque in your arteries and blood vessels. Temptation to avoid for good health # 2: Being a Casanova Sex with one person is fun and healthy, but sex with many can surely fascinate you but will land you in the hospital and attach you with several syringes. Have sex, but with a person whom you trust, and make sure, you use protection to stay away from STDs. Temptation to avoid for good health # 3: Sleeping without cleaning your teeth It is one of the most common things all of us do, after a tiring day at work. Most of just dine, sit and hop on our bed to snooze. Folks avoid this habit, sleeping without brushing your teeth can build a party time for bacteria's when you sleep, which can lead to gum infection and tooth decay. Temptation to avoid for good health # 4: Touching your skin constantly We all love to look great and thus constantly keep on touching our face after regular intervals. If you notice acne on your face, stop pricking it again and again. Touching your face constantly will just ruin the skin condition and will worsen the condition. Besides it will lead to scars and inflammation. Hence, stop picking at your face to avoid worsening skin issues. Temptation to avoid for good health # 5: Binge drinking Binge drinking, causes many deaths and hospitalisation all over the world says - Dr. Vihang. Binge drinking causes long term health problems like liver trouble and immediate problems like weight gain, dizziness and fatigue. To save yourself from such damage, the key is limitation.     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  Your social life will be hectic today but in a good way. The Sun and Mercury will connect in your friendship sector, offering you abundant opportunity to communicate in a group setting. You might participate in a meeting for an organization, or you might give a presentation or lecture in front of a crowd. Whatever this is, you'll express your thoughts with sensitivity and clarity.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Whatever idea you have brewing in your mind connected to your career goals, today will be the day to express it to someone in your industry who can help you get ahead. The Sun and Mercury will be at the top of your chart, offering amazing prospects when it comes to conversations and negotiations with higher-ups. Promote yourself now and move forward in any writing assignment with confidence. Your mind will be sharp.       Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 If you're enrolled in an advanced degree program or adult education course, today you'll do extremely well on any test you may have to take. In addition, a conversation with a mentor will prove to be nurturing and stimulating all at once. You may decide to take a new path in your education or with anything that involves internationalism, publishing or advertising. Don't be surprised if you communicate in a more philosophical way as well. Thoughts will be profound.                        Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 Enlist the advice of a financial advisor or accountant today if there's a major decision that involves shared resources or a potential investment. You likely have family financial planning on your mind now. This can relate to insurance and health benefits or an inheritance, alimony or a real estate matter. The common thread, however, will be that you very much seek the financial long-term security of your clan now. Make it happen. Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 If there's an important conversation you need to have with your spouse or partner, or a vital decision you need to make together, today will be ideal to do so. The Sun and Mercury will connect in your relationship sector, offering a significant and positive dose of communication energy. You'll also feel like your mate is truly listening to you, and you will be more likely to do the same in return.               Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork on your desk, or a major writing assignment, today you may finally begin to make headway. The Sun and Mercury will connect in your workaday sector, which will help stimulate your capacity to engage in any type of communications-related activity. You'll approach your work in a more decisive way and soon, your office and mind will feel clutter-free. Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  You may feel a spark of creativity that you'll find impossible to ignore. Now will be an ideal time to flesh out an idea or plan that has to do with something that will stimulate your imaginative side. In addition, you may have a conversation with child or sweetheart that makes you feel especially emotionally connected. In fact, it's likely to be the kind of day where you think and talk about what gives you the most joy in life.       Moral Story     SMS   "Heart Touching SMS: Boys sometimes Misunderstand the Friendship as Love.! But, Girls always Misunderstand the Love as Friendship..."   LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS   “Every couple has ups and downs, every couple argues, and that’s the thing—you’re a couple, and couples can’t function without trust.”   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS      "The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it."         Wife: I wish I was a newspaper so I would be in ur hands allday. Husband: I too wish that u were a newspapers so I could have a new one everyday.'

EDUCATION +VE Electronics, IT worst hit in engineering           AHMEDABAD: At least 15 different institutes have surrendered their seats in Electronics and Communication (EC) which was once the most sought after branch of engineering. However, it is not just this branch which is failing to attract students but several others, including Information Technology (IT), are also faring badly. Of the 56,000 students allotted seats in the first round of engineering admissions, only 42,687 have confirmed their admission. Around 13,000 students have not confirmed their acceptance of the seat allotted to them. These seats will now be open for the second round of admissions. Officials say that though seats were vacant in several engineering disciplines, EC and IT departments are seeing a major drop in the number of students. Mechanical and civil engineering are the two branches most in demand these days. Of the 50 lakh choices given in the first round, over 18% were for mechanical engineering. Pharmacy is also experiencing a decline in the number of students opting for it. There are 121 engineering colleges and 81 pharmacy colleges. Officials said that in many of the pharmacy colleges, there are not even 20 students in the class.Many pharmacy colleges and engineering colleges have applied to the Gujarat Technology University for closure but a decision in this regard has not yet been taken. Janak Khandwala, secretary of State Students' Federation of India (SFI), Gujarat said that the state's policy of not allowing students from other states to take admission here is affecting the student numbers. It is not that all branches are closing down. Several most sought after branches have seen tremendous response. "The SFI has always extended full cooperation to the government but it has not reciprocated," he said. The seats are vacant as students only opt for the most popular branches. Lack of job opportunities is another factor stopping students from enrolling in pharmacy courses. Ishan Patel, who has completed his B.Tech in computer engineering, is waiting for a job placement. He said that several institutes claim that they have 100% placement but often the package offered is often not lucrative enough even for a skilled labourer. SPORTS +VE Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic are new age warriors now     LONDON: Thanks for the memories Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but it's the Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray show now. Murray's Wimbledon triumph on Sunday, when he beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the final, was Britain's first by a male player since Fred Perry in 1936. But it also re-emphasised the new dominance at the Grand Slam level of the world's two top players, both aged 26 and born just five days apart. Djokovic and Murray have now contested three of the last four Grand Slam finals. Meanwhile, Federer, the deposed champion of Wimbledon who was knocked out in the second round this time around, will find himself at number five in the world on Monday, his lowest ranking for over a decade. Until he won his seventh Wimbledon 12 months ago, the 31-year-old had not won a major since the 2010 Australian Open, a 10-tournament gap at the majors. Nadal, like Federer a former world number one, was shocked in the first round at Wimbledon for his earliest ever exit at a major in 10 years as a professional. The 27-year-old Spaniard, who was off tour for seven months before his barnstorming return saw him capture a record eighth French Open, has not won a major away from Paris since the 2010 US Open. In all 33 of the last 34 Grand Slams have been won by Djokovic, Murray, Federer and Nadal, but seven of the last 11 have been taken by the world number one Serb and the world number two British player. This year alone, Djokovic has won his fourth Australian Open, lost a tight five-setter to Nadal in the French Open semifinals before his runner-up spot to Murray at Wimbledon. Murray was runner-up to Djokovic in Melbourne and skipped Paris because of a back injury. But Federer, the holder of a record 17 majors, was a beaten semifinalist in Australia and a quarterfinalist at the French Open. Nadal missed the Australian Open through injury and is under pressure never to play Wimbledon again to protect his increasingly troublesome knees. Mats Wilander, the Swedish star who won seven Grand Slam titles in the 1980s, believes Murray and Djokovic are now the undisputed superpowers of the sport. "I think Andy Murray can win six, seven, eight, nine, 10 majors. The only man that can stop him is Novak Djokovic," said the Swede. "These two are going to decide who gets ahead in the history books. I hope they both decide this is a rivalry that's just going to grow and become great on all the different surfaces, in all four majors."Federer has seen his decision to slim down his schedule in 2013 backfire.       Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Movie Name :   Bhaag Milkha Bhaag  Release Date :   12 June 2013 Genre :  biographical, sports film Producer :Viacom 18,Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Director :   Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Music Director : Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy Cast : Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and Meesha Shafi. Milkha Singh   Synopsis:   ‘Milkha Singh’- for some the name evokes a faint memory from the pages of history.  All that is most remembered is that Milkha Singh, hailed as the Flying Sikh, was a famous athlete who infamously lost the penultimate race of his life.   “The one who lost the 400 meters finals at the Rome Olympics” is an involuntary response when the name Milkha Singh is mentioned. The film attempts to understand a catastrophic loss that was deemed a sure victory and explores through the darkness of disgrace; Milkha’s redemption, the redemption and catharsis that come when he confronts his past. Milkha ironically finds himself in a place wherein he had lost his all – Pakistan - a place where he witnessed the bloody massacre of his entire family. The demons hidden in some dark corner of his consciousness come alive. This iridescent tale winds through the plagues of a bloody civil war, a lost childhood, homelessness and petty crime to victories hard won and easily lost.   It draws an intricate image of human trials, setbacks and fate leveraged against the sheer power of will.  He evocatively illustrates that true victory lies in racing with one’s troubles and not in running away from them. Milkha flies, falls and rises, bruising his soul but not his will to survive. Milkha Singh the world champion in 400 meters lost the most important race of his life - the 1960 Rome Olympics - but won in LIFE.   The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick. " INSPIRING STORY "   Helpless love Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island. The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty. Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope. Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?” “No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.” A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.” Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.” Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.” When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone. Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place. On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?” Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.” “And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered. Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.” “The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”

“The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year."