“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 UK: Heart disease cases have halved since 1980s Cases of heart disease have fallen by almost 50 per cent across the EU since the early 1980s, according to research from The European Society of Cardiology. The findings revealed a steady reduction in heart disease-related deaths across all age groups, but also highlighted differences in mortality rates between countries. The UK was among the countries that saw the largest decreases in mortality over the past three decades, along with Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Malta. Germany sets another record: 5.1 terawatt-hours of solar in July Germany set a new record in July by providing 5.1 terawatt-hours of electricity from solar. That beat its record production of 5.0 terawatt-hours of electricity from wind in January of this year. These records are impressive even for a country that owns nearly a third of the world's installed solar capacity. They are even more impressive considering that Germany's solar resource is not as good as New England's, and that it is still pioneering offshore wind in the North Sea.  Several new species found around remote Western Australia coast Scientists believe they have discovered several new species of creatures around Western Australia's remote Kimberley coast. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)-led team spent 11 days mapping the King George River region near the state's northern tip. Scientists say this knowledge is crucial, with large parts of the area set to become a marine park and the region being home to vast natural gas reserves. US: How genetically engineered foods will be eradicated There's every reason to be optimistic when it comes to getting Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) out of our food supply. First of all, realize that we don't have to affect policy change in order to take GMOs out; we can do it based on personal empowerment and individual decision making. To find out which brands and products have been Non-GMO Project Verified, see NonGMOShoppingGuide.com, or use the iPhone application ShopNoGMO -- both are free. Another alternative with which you cannot go wrong is to buy organic whole foods, ditching processed fare altogether.  Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political Narendra Modi No. 1 target of IM, says Bhatkal       Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is the top target of Indian Mujahideen (IM), Yasin Bhatkal told his interrogators in Bihar. "The funds flow from our international sympathisers will increase many times if we manage to reach him. Narendra Modi is one to 10 in the list of targets. The rest of the targets figure much below him," Bhatkal admitted to top NIA and Intelligence officers, who interrogated him in Bihar.  According to Bhatkal's confession, LK Advani is a distant second in the list of IM targets. "We received plenty of funds after the 26/11 strike against India," he said before NIA took him to Delhi. Bhatkal has also told his interrogators that another Samastipur (Bihar) born terrorist Tahsim alias Tasheen Akhtar alias Monu , who was trained in Pakistan, has been sent to India  to go after important targets. Bhatkal feigned ignorance about Monu's whereabouts and did not share details about him with his interrogators. The interrogators were surprised at the revelation because Monu, an accused in 2010 Chhinnaswami stadium blast, was known just as an old accomplice and a dangerous protege of Bhatkal. Bhatkal, however, has admitted that Monu is now heading a separate IM module. As a follow up, the NIA team on Monday reached Monu's village, Maniarpur, in Samatipur district and interrogated his relatives including the terrorist's father Waseem Akhter. Besides Monu's old photographs from family album and his notebooks, the NIA also took blood samples of the parents. The NIA is hoping to develop a DNA profile from the blood samples for positive matching if and when Monu, who operates with many aliases, is arrested. The top intelligence agencies are extremely worried about the revelations and have conveyed their concern to Gujarat police establishments. Bhatkal also confided that international supporters of Indian Mujahideen are unhappy with their "strike rate" because of which a new terror team has been trained to strike at "big targets" in the run up to the Lok Sabha election. The IM knows that big political leaders are most vulnerable during their public meetings. Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 If you complete today's tasks with care and precision, you'll get the same great feeling as you would from an amazing workout. Your optimism will set the perfect tone for new beginnings, due to the oncoming new moon in diligent Virgo. You'll want to start your day with a smile, and lend a helping hand, for best results. Mighty Pluto (your co-ruler) will encourage this new moon to keep your ambitions vitalized, and he'll give you the green light to go for the plunge. Taurus April 20 to May 20 Every day we can find one special thing to celebrate that inspires us to keep going. Parents often experience this through their children. Today you can find great pleasure in celebrating everything childlike … spontaneity, innocence, curiosity, and wonder. A spontaneous getaway to a playground or park could be a blast for you. You can pretend it's recess and play to your hearts desire, no matter how old you are! You'll be amazed by how big your world can become when you're carefree.   Gemini May 21 to June 20 You may be nearing the last pages of an emotional chapter that's likely to involve your family, home, or another personal concern. If you're uneasy about it, you can be relieved because at the end of the day, you'll be the one writing the end. Tomorrow's new moon will be in purifying Virgo. Today you can recharge your batteries and contemplate what your next chapters will be like. Pluto, the planet of everlasting change (always for the better), will be friendly with this new moon, and can be your power source for inspiration.                    Cancer June 21 to July 22  If making more money has been on your mind lately, Cancer, the new moon's entrance in Virgo could send you bright ideas for drumming up business. Although you may not see it yet, it's likely your fan base is already out there, eager to see what you're made of. You can get them cheering for you if you carefully package your unique skills, and strike up worthwhile, intelligent conversations - no matter the occasion. A quick and crafty elevator speech could take you much higher than the next floor!       Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  What special talent must you share today, Leo? With the new moon approaching Virgo, it would be smart to pick just one. Whatever it is, you can pour it on with finesse and make like it's nothing. You may have to set the lights for your own show because you'll want your unique gift to shine in just the right way. With a dutiful mission, you can set a perfect premise. If you dedicate your talent to serve a real, practical need, you'll surely be rewarded.   BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Goldman cuts GDP forecast to 4%, sees rupee at 72       Goldman Sachs has cut India's GDP growth rate forecast to 4% from 6% earlier for the current financial year, reflecting more difficult external funding conditions as markets increasingly anticipate US tapering and eventual exit from unconventional monetary policies. "We are cutting our growth forecasts for India and most of southeast Asia.   The largest downward revisions are in India, followed by Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia," the global investment banking giant said in a report. "This reflects the principle that countries with larger macro imbalances (particularly external deficits) have faced greater financing pressures and consequently more growth headwinds," it added. Goldman's report comes after JPMorgan, HSBC Global Research, Nomura and ICRABSE 0.29 % cut their growth forecast on India to below 5% for the current financial year (FY14). In the report, Goldman says that the Indian currency faces near-term pressure, and revises its three- six- and 12-month forecasts on the rupee to 70, 72, and 70, respectively, against the US dollar. The report cites challenging external funding environment and the slowdown in GDP growth for the same. On the positive, the report says: "Over 12 months, we expect some stabilisation with the removal of election uncertainty in March-April likely to help sentiment, and adjustment in the current account in progress.   We think that there could be some risks of near-term overshooting of our targets if economic and financing conditions worsen, and especially if there are pressures on the banking and corporate sectors due to weakness in growth." Also, the report pegs inflation on the higher side in the near term. "We increase our WPI inflation forecast to 7% from 5.2% in FY14 due to a sharp fall in the currency, recent rise in food prices and higher crude prices," the report says. "Our estimates suggest that in the short term, a 10% INR depreciation leads to an increase in WPI inflation of about 60 bps. Much weaker domestic demand, especially industrial activity, prevents a much more rapid increase in WPI inflation." Talking of long term, the report says that in FY15 a moderation in inflation to 5.8% can be expected due to the very weak level of domestic demand, and activity remaining well below potential. The report further says that monetary policy is expected to remain tight.   "We think that the RBI will likely keep monetary policy tight in the near term due to concerns about INR depreciation. Therefore, we see short-end rates at 10.25% through December 2013." 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  With merciless Pluto gazing over the sunniest area of your chart (your fifth house), you may be tired from squinting to find your light. In truth, Pluto wants to awaken that race car driving spirit that can take you places you've never been. He'll befriend the approaching new moon in Virgo, so you'll be protected. In fact, he'll encourage you to get your car in tip top shape for the ride of your life. If you use your skills wisely, you could be cruising to your own walk of fame.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Your alter ego may need attention as the new moon approaches purifying Virgo. How are you doing in there? Is anybody home? You may find there's a lot of cleaning up to do - it may emotional. Everybody has feelings, Libra, including you. If you're holding up a little shaky, you can strengthen your foundation with a good dose of far-reaching introspection. Virgo's purity will heal your hurts while Pluto's wisdom will thicken your skin.       Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Your future may be a big deal these days, and stakes may increase as the new moon approaches Virgo. Pluto, who rules Scorpio, will be supporting this fresh Virgo energy. If you're highly selective about your new endeavors, it's likely you'll receive valuable dividends. You can rack your focus from close up to wide angle to get a more realistic view of your possibilities. Friends in the know, who you look up to, will likely guide you in exciting new directions.                        Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 You'll have lady luck on your side as the new moon gingerly approaches the gates of your professional destiny. Being meticulous will get you noticed, as well as your modesty and grace. If you feel a little uncomfortable being so well kept, good! You'll be more committed if you can savor the challenge of it all. Keep going with putting yourself out there, and your direction will become as clear as a crystal. It may even lead you to a treasure of gold. Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Sermons can be just as powerful when we write them for ourselves. You can take Dr. King's (a Capricorn) famous I Have a Dream speech as an example. What is your dream, Capricorn? What must you say to the world? It's likely you'll receive a surge of virtuous inspiration from the approaching new moon in Virgo. What's critical is that masterful Pluto, now in Capricorn, will be guiding this new moon. Pluto will likely push you to go through with your special mission. He'll also give you permission to dream big.              Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  With Pluto orchestrating the most secretive area of your chart, your biggest breakthroughs (especially in your career) may seem as if they've been coming out of nowhere. The approaching new moon in Virgo will likely give you an invitation to bond with Pluto and look him straight in the eye. Do not be alarmed if you sense his omniscient presence, compelling you to dive inward and release the fire of your passion. If it sounds intense, you can be relieved, because like Beethoven, intensity is just Pluto's style. Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  As the Sun and moon prepare to embrace in Virgo (your complementary sign), your relationships may take on a special glow. You're likely to experience the joy of being a genuine people-person who truly cares about the welfare of others. You may find opportunities to expand your horizons through initiating partnerships that can show off your creative expertise. Wise Pluto will be pushing for this. If you need to break boundaries with technology or social media, you're likely to find the perfect person to help you create a buzz.       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 Tug-of-war over University Law College seats           BHUBANESWAR: A tug of war has started between two groups of students over the number of LLB seats in University Law College, Vani Vihar, after it lowered the admission strength to 80 from 160 from current academic year. One section of students, owing allegiance to the ruling BJD, demonstrated in front of Utkal University vice-chancellor P K Sahoo's office demanding restoration of the total number of seats to 160. Another group, supporters of the Congress, gheraoed registrar Banani Mohanty's office protesting any move to further increase the seats to 160 on the pretext that the admissions are already over. "The university reducing the strength of a course, which is in high demand depriving many poor students from learning. The university can't do so unilaterally as the infrastructure and faculty continue to remain available for 160 students. We have requested the VC to restore the original strength," said Sangram Patra, a first year law student and general secretary of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal. This group of students had earlier staged a protest in August after which, the Syndicate, the apex decision making of the varsity, on August 27 authorized the VC to take a final call on the restoration provided the teaching council, a body of teachers, recommends accordingly. The council supported the increase in the strength to 160. Around 800 students had applied for admission in the course. After the syndicate's decision and the teaching council's recommendation became public, students supporting the Congress staged a protest outside the registrar's office opposing the move to revert to last year's strength of 160. "The university can't take such a decision to hike the number of seats again when the admission process is already over. It is being done to favour a group of students owing allegiance to the ruling party. We will protest any such move," said Ajay Pani, former president of students' union of the law college and a Congress supporter. Documents reveal that originally the teaching council on March 6 recommended the university to reduce the capacity of five-year integrated law course from 60 to 30 and not of LLB. It also decided to debar hostel accommodation to integrated law students. The recommendations were made on the pretext that mainly students of integrated law were involved in most incidents of campus violence, proceedings of the council meeting said. Referring to an incident of students' clash on March 4, the council noted that the hostel authorities were reluctant to accommodate law students because of their active part in students' unrest. However, while implementing the decision, the university reduced the strength of three-year LLB course to 80 and made all the seats as LLB (honours) course. Despite attempts, the VC could not be reached for comment. The registrar, Banani Mohanty, when contacted, declined to speak on the issue. "I can't make a comment as the matter doesn't relate to the registrar's office," she said. SPORTS +VE Dumped Roger Federer battles crisis of confidence     LONEW YORK: A badly out-of-sorts Roger Federer spoke of a crisis of confidence after he "self-destructed" in a stunning fourth-round defeat to unfancied Spaniard Tommy Robredo at the US Open on Monday. The 17-time Grand Slam champion was eliminated 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4 in less than two-and-a-half hours to end hopes of a blockbuster showdown with great rival Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. The Swiss's erratic display included a most unFederer-like 43 unforced errors and left 14 of 16 break points going begging at Louis Armstrong Stadium. "Confidence takes care of all the things you don't usually think about," Federer told reporters, his stinging defeat reminiscent of his shock second round exit at Wimbledon two months before. "Maybe my consistency is just not quite there yet. Maybe on a daily basis, set-by-set or point-by-point basis, maybe that's something that has been difficult for me. "Maybe that was one of the reasons why I lost today, playing up and down. "I kind of self-destructed, which is very disappointing." Another bout of foul weather took Federer away from his favoured centre court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, relegating the former world number one to the secondary show-court, where he had not appeared since 2006. Although filled to capacity, Federer gave the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd precious few reasons to roar as he struggled against an opponent he had beaten in all 10 of their previous meetings. "I kind of feel like I beat myself, without taking any credit away from Tommy," Federer said. "Clearly he was making sure he was making many balls. It was up to me to make the difference and I couldn't. "It was a frustrating performance today." Federer appeared impatient on most of his break point chances, miscuing a stream of groundstrokes to let Robredo off the hook. It was his earliest exit from the year's last Grand Slam since a fourth round loss in 2003. "I think I explained it enough," Federer said. "It just ended up being a bad combination of many things today. I've definitely got to go back to work and come back stronger. "Get rid of this loss as quick as I can, forget about it, because that's not how I want to play from here on. I want to play better.       Zanjeer 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.   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."