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“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Marking International Day of Peace, UN highlights power of education to build tolerant societies
On 18 September, the United Nations marked the International Day of Peace with a call to invest in education that encourages children to embrace global citizenship based on values of tolerance and diversity. 'Every girl and every boy deserves to receive a quality education and learn the values that will help them to grow up to be global citizens in tolerant communities that respect diversity,' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said before ringing the Peace Bell in New York, ahead of the official observance of the Day, which falls on Saturday 21 September.
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Chemical weapons and eradication efforts worldwide
According to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), 57,740 metric tons, or 81.1 per cent, of the world's declared stockpile of chemical agents have been verifiably destroyed by the end of July. Albania, India, and 'a third country' -- believed to be South Korea -- have completed destruction of their declared stockpiles. An OPCW report released earlier this year said the United States had destroyed about 90 per cent of its stockpile, Russia had destroyed 70 per cent of its stockpile, and Libya 51 per cent. The following is an overview of global arsenals of chemical weapons and progress in the risky and time-consuming process of neutralizing them.
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US: Dow, S&P 500 end at record highs as Fed leaves stimulus intact
US stocks rallied to record highs on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve, in a surprise to markets, decided against scaling back a stimulus programme that has helped fuel Wall Street's rally of more than 20 per cent this year. Stocks were lower before the announcement, but after the Fed announced it would continue buying bonds at an $85 billion monthly pace for now, the Dow and S&P 500 indexes quickly climbed to all-time highs.
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Chemical weapons organization to discuss Syria
Members of the world's chemical weapons watchdog will meet Sunday to discuss how to fast-track securing and destroying Syria's poison gas and nerve agent arsenal. Spokesman Michael Luhan said Thursday that the executive council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will discuss the deal brokered by the United States and Russia to put Syria's chemical weapons under international supervision and destroy them in coming months. Under the US-Russia agreement, inspectors are to be on the ground in Syria by November.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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First time voters want Narendra Modi as PM, suggests India Today-CVoter Youth Survey
Almost half of around 15 crore Indian youth, who would be eligible to enjoy their voting rights for the first time in general elections next year, want to see Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the next prime minister, a survey conducted jointly by the India Today Group and CVoter suggests.
Watch: The Modi-Advani Mahabharat
The India Today Group-CVoter Youth Survey 2013, based on responses from over 5,000 youth in the age group of 18 to 22 years, concluded Modi as the most popular figure for the country's highest political post. The samples were collected from 28 states between August 30 and September 5.
Also read: Modi rise and India's challenge
Like most of the other surveys, Modi again finished at the top in the opinion poll with over 47 per cent voters preferring him as the next prime minister. The NDA's prime ministerial candidate was followed by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who secured nearly 34 per cent votes.
Mamata best choice among non-Cong, non-BJP leaders
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also the most popular choice among the young voters as 34 per cent respondents said they would vote for the BJP-led coalition. It was followed by 26 per cent youth who preferred the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as their choice. Interestingly, 26 per cent first time voters were undecided which group to vote for and their decision might prove crucial in the run up to Lok Sabha polls.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emerged as the most popular prime ministerial candidate among non-Congress and Non-BJP faces, the survey found. The Trinamool Congress chief secured 11 per cent votes, followed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, who got 9 per cent votes.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati was liked by 8 per cent respondents, followed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (7 per cent) and Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav (6 per cent).
Rahul Gandhi versus Priyanka Vadra
The surveyors asked the respondents which of the Gandhi siblings -- Rahul and Priyanka -- was their favourite choice for PM's job. Rahul was the clear choice with 48 per cent voting for him and only 9 per cent backing Priyanka. Over 20 per cent people replied, "None of them".
Inflation, corruption key issues for young voters
As many as 90 per cent youth interviewed said they intended to exercise their voting rights, while 6.4 per cent people's response was negative.
Inflation (25.5 per cent) and corruption (21.1 per cent) would be the key issues for the first-time voters, the survey found. The other key issues for them were jobs (15.4 per cent) women's safety (14.3 per cent) and education (8.9 per cent).
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
If the past few days have been extraordinarily busy, tonight you may feel the need to spend a relaxing evening at home or out with close friends. A noticeable shift in energy levels will occur late in the day as the moon moves into Taurus. Slow down the pace of your life this evening. You will feel a desire to focus on the people that you value the most and to spend time nurturing those relationships.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You may have noticed mounting tension over the past few days and perhaps you have been feeling pressure from a partner over issues of control. If this is the case, with the moon entering Taurus today, the tension will begin to ease and you will feel more confident about understanding your needs in the relationship and expressing those needs to your partner. Move forward with confidence and know that, with honest communication, solutions can come in the days ahead.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 If you have been thinking about starting a new diet or exercise regimen, planetary activity today suggests that if you begin now, you are likely to be off to a good start. With Venus and Saturn in your health sector, you will have the focus and determination you need. The moon in Aries early in the day today will support new beginnings, and its progression into Taurus later in the day will encourage perseverance. Start with small steps.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
With the moon entering Taurus today, you may sense a shift in your life from a hectic pace to a need to relax and take things a bit more slowly. While you may still enjoy spending time with friends this evening, a quiet dinner with a few close friends may be preferable to a loud and frenetic gathering. Aesthetic sensibilities are also heightened now so consider making plans to attend a concert or visit an art museum this weekend.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may be questioning long-held beliefs lately and could benefit from engaging in conversations today with parents or elders. Much can be learned from their wisdom and maturity and you may gain insights regarding obstacles or struggles you have been feeling. A new understand may develop on how to incorporate new strategies into your life. Family responsibilities may be changing now and patience may be required to allow everyone involved to adjust to new circumstances.
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Videocon mobile services appoints new brand ambassador
Videocon mobile services, part of US $ 4 billion worth Videocon Group has roped in the internationally acclaimed Punjab actor and singer Gippy Grewal as its brand ambassador.
This is for the first time any Punjab actor and singer has been endorsed by the group. In past, the group has been associated with many celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Shruti Haasan etc.
The telecom player plans to leverage the association with Gippy Grewal through various mediums.
The newly appointed brand ambassador will soon be visible in newspapers advertisements, in television commercials, digital media, on billboards, on retail front displays and in on ground activities.
The company has earmarked 4-5% of the total turnover to be spent on marketing and communication activities.
Currently, the service provider has operations in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana with a subscriber base of 4.1 million as on July 31, 2013.
Meanwhile the company also unveiled its new logo, 'Videocon Telecom'. “Change is always good and refreshing and brings in vibrancy in the environment.
The new brand logo 'Videocon Telecom' which brings with it a reinforced identity and a new vibrant approach.
We are also elated that the much-loved Punjabi actor and singer, Gippy Grewal is now our Brand Ambassador. Gippy is known for his versatility and has a huge fan following not only from youth, but also from people from all walks of life.
With the new logo that reflects the core values of the brand and the new face that reflects the aspirations of the youth, it intends to connect with forward-looking, modern youth segment and extend its market presence,” said Arvind Bali, Director & CEO, Videocon Telecommunications Ltd.
He further added, “ The choice of joining hands with Gippy Grewal was no brainer and he was our first and last choice.. He is a self-made youth icon with possibly one of the largest fan following and one of the best voices.
We seek to use his charisma extensively in our forthcoming marketing initiatives, wherein he will be seen prominently across Newspapers advertisements, television commercials, digital medium, billboards, retail front displays, and on-ground activities of the brand."
On being asked the subscribers data, he mentioned, “ As of July 31, 2013, we have a subscriber base of over 4.1 Million in these 4 circles, and we are pleased to share that we are among the top 3 operators in the circles we operate, when it comes to month on month subscriber net additions.”
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Top 7 breakfast mistakes to avoid
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but what people do not know about this meal is that if they skip this meal, it could have an adverse effect on their weight.
Akansha Jhalani, Registered Dietitian and health blogger at Beyond The Weighing Scale, helps you decode the myths associated with breakfast, so that you enjoy the most important meal of the day in a healthy way.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 1: Juicing your fruit
When you start your blender to juice oranges, remember that this process causes the fruit to lose most of its vitamins, minerals and fibre. Instead, replace your juice with a glass of water and a whole fruit. It will save you some extra calories.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 2: Eating a baby size breakfast
Eating whatever you want cannot help you escape from those extra calories. It is a common myth that eating whatever you wish after a long gap of fasting will not make you gain weight. Oily parathas, waffles, leftover dinner can lead to extra calorie consumption.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 3: Beware of breakfast treats
The tempting doughnuts and muffins can cause as much as an entire meal's caloric consumption. When placed in front of you, take a deep breath and realise that you have set healthy lifestyle changes and politely decline.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 4: Monitor your caffeine intake
One cup of coffee or tea could help boost your mood and metabolism, but avoid drinking multiple cups of coffee. This can cause sleep deprivation and coffee add-ons can reflect on your body in a bad way.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 5: Unhealthy breakfast
Eat a fist full of nuts, a bowl of cereal and a whole fruit instead of chocolate pancakes, muffins and mayo sandwiches. High calorie and high fat items can cause a sugar spike and recurring spikes could cause health issues.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 6: Thinking breakfast is not important
Even if you feel full from the previous day's dinner or are in a rush, make sure you eat a quick breakfast. Skipping breakfast slows down our metabolism and makes us feel lethargic. A slice of whole-wheat toast, a fruit or a fist full of sprouts can do the trick.
Top breakfast mistake to avoid # 7: Avoid breakfast buffets
Buffets and large breakfast spreads could make you eat more than you need. Do not stuff yourself silly by opting for sugar coated cereals, doughnuts and fruit cocktails. Instead, choose egg preparations, leaner meats, oats, wheat flakes and milk.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Money matters may be of concern lately but conversations early in the day today can lead to resolutions, giving you an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and carefree evening. You might feel inspired to try something a little different tonight. Perhaps an ethnic restaurant or foreign film would spark your interest this evening. The moon in Taurus favors indulgences so watch out for tendencies to overspend or overindulge generally tonight and you will thank yourself tomorrow.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today will be a good time for some inward focus and you could renew efforts to express yourself more authentically. People will respond favorably to you when your thoughts and actions are in harmony with your truest self. Perhaps a partner or friend has needed your support lately and, if you feel that your own needs have been unmet as a result, then now will be the time to look for ways to bring more balance to your life.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may be undergoing a serious assessment of what needs to change in your life and letting go of people or situations that no longer serve a purpose in moving your life in a desirable direction. Long-range plans may soon take hold as you establish some clarity around the steps necessary to set things in motion. Certain relationships can either support or detract from your plans, so carefully evaluate the roles of key figures in your life.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Sudden changes may be required today to accommodate friends or relatives who make a surprise visit today and you may need to juggle your schedule to take care of impromptu plans. Try to remain open to any surprises as they may bring positive possibilities. As the moon moves into Taurus this evening, things should slow down. You may appreciate opportunities for socializing and can enjoy a relaxing evening with those people who are most important in your life.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 The moon's passage into Taurus today slows things down for the evening and allows time to enjoy interpersonal relationships. One-on-one conversations may be particularly enlightening tonight. Your friendliness and charm will be heightened so look to expand social connections. If you are open to meeting someone new, this could happen under the current planetary influences. Sparks may not fly initially but if you meet someone now, it might develop a meaningful relationship over time.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Parents or relatives may need your help today and this may be a welcome relief from some work-related projects that have been ongoing and especially frustrating lately. The moon in your sector of home signals news or disruptions in your home environment today. Serious career decisions can weigh heavy on you now, so slow down the pace of your life and enjoy a relaxing evening tonight. A focus on family will prove mutually beneficial.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may feel the need to look closely at some of your long-held beliefs today to determine how well they support your lifestyle. Things run smoothly when beliefs are tied closely to thoughts and actions. A Venus-Saturn connection in your sector of religion and philosophy allows you to formulate serious opinions about the beliefs that support your life on a daily basis. Give yourself time to fully internalize and explore new ideas and experiences which now may prove to be especially interesting.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
A teenage girl had been talking on the phone for about half an hour, and then she hung up.
"Wow!," said her father, "That was short. You usually talk for two hours. What happened?"
"Wrong number," replied the girl.
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Born in Maharashtra, but can’t apply for 85% of MBBS seats
MUMBAI: Students seeking admission to MBBS courses in Maharashtra through the state quota have to clear the SSC and HSC examinations, or their equivalent (i.e, ICSE/ISC, CBSE and IB) from an educational institute in the state, the Bombay high court has said, upholding a rule, reports Shibu Thomas.
Dismissing a petition by a student from Aurangabad who had challenged the rule as discriminatory, the court said, "The state has not made any wholesale provision giving preference to domicile only, and has found it necessary to impose the twin requirement (of passing SSC and HSC from institutions in Maharashtra)."
Court cites exceptions to Maharashtra's MBBS rule
The Bombay high court has held that the HSC/ SSC requirement for students applying to MBBS courses could not be said to be arbitrary or perverse. "The petitioner has failed to point out any hostile discrimination ," said a division bench of Justices B P Dharmadhikari and Ravindra Ghuge. "We are unable to hold that by omitting to provide any reservation for students like the present petitioner, the state has committed any error."
The court said that while the rules provide that normally a student applying for admission through the state quota should have done SSC and HSC from Maharashtra , exceptions are carved out in the norms. One of the exceptions is for children of state and government employees and domiciled students who passed SSC elsewhere , but appeared for HSC in Maharashtra.
The petition challenging the rules was filed by Arvind Rao (17; name changed) through his mother , who is a medical practitioner and a professor at a dentistry college in Latur.
Arvind, who passed his HSC examinations earlier this year, found that his application for admission to an MBBS course through the state quota was rejected as he had done his SSC and HSC from Andhra Pradesh. The rule is that 85% of seats in a government medical college come under the state quota, while 15% under the all-India quota. According to Arvind, students with marks less than him had been given admission. "The norm of requiring a student to pass SSC and HSC from an institution in Maharashtra is prejudicial to students and results in denial of admission to meritorious candidates who may otherwise have domicile in the state," argued Arvind's lawyers.
The state's lawyers defended the rule, saying the government had powers to add proper conditions and terms for regulating admissions through the 85% quota.
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UEFA members say 'impossible' to have summer 2022 World Cup
European football federations have agreed it would be "impossible" to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in summer as planned and a task force will be set up to find an alternative.
"Obviously there are certain reservations regarding the World Cup in Qatar but everyone agrees that it would be impossible to play in the severe heat of Qatar in the summer," FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce told Sky television.
"It is very important that we get this right," he added, speaking in a phone interview after a meeting of the 54 European football federations in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
"They all agree that to play the World Cup, to take thousands of fans to the biggest sporting event in the middle of summer would be impossible."
FIFA is expected to agree in principle to the switch at its next executive committee meeting in October.
"It is very important that we get this right," added Boyce.
"I think what will happen is that they will probably agree for everyone, including the people in Qatar of course, to sit round a table and come up with a solution.
"What has happened has happened. It is in Qatar and at the end of the day what has to happen here is that the best interests of football are sorted out and I am confident that will happen. It is purely a one-off."
Last week, the association representing European clubs said they would not be opposed to a re-scheduling of the tournament but added they wanted to be consulted about the new timing.
Qatar has said, despite the searing temperatures, it can stage the World Cup in the summer by building air-conditioned stadiums using newly environmentally-friendly technology. Stadiums would be cooled to around 28 Celsius.
However, there are still worries about how fans will deal with the heat away from the stadiums.
In recent interviews, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that his organisation had never specially stated that the World Cup had to be held in summer when it awarded the hosting of the tournament in 2010.
His comments came after suggestions that the other countries bidding for the tournament could take legal action, or call for a re-vote, if the timing of the tournament was changed.
On Tuesday, Australia's soccer chief Frank Lowy warned FIFA not to rush a decision on switching the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the northern hemisphere winter and said other bidders should be compensated if the move goes ahead.Japan, South Korea and the United States, which itself suffers from scorching summer weather in many parts of the country, lost out in the race to host the event.
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Warning
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Warning
Movie Name : Warning
Release Date : 27 September 2013
Genre : Thriller 3D film
Producer : Anubhav Sinha,Jitendra Jain
Director : Gurmmeet Singh
Music Director : Meet Bros Anjjan, Ankit,Sharib Sabri,Toshi Sabri
Cast : Santosh Barmola,Suzana Rodrigues,Manjari Fadnis,Varun Sharma,Jitin Gulati,Sumit Suri,Madhurima Tuli
Synopsis:
It was a reunion of seven friends. It was a joy ride on a luxury yacht through the middle of a beautiful ocean. It was time to remember the good old times. It was time to catch up on the lost five years. It was time to come face to face with unrequited love. It was Sara's first birthday. It was time for champagne. It was time for a swim. It was time for a disaster to strike.
Seven friends, Neck deep in water, oblivious of their geographical coordinates, unknown miles away from land with no way to get back on to the yacht while little Sara cries incessantly on board. Old conflicts resound and new ones emerge while a new predator comes to kill. This one eats flesh.
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a lobsters blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Hard work can do wonders
In Indian culture vairaagyam was always given ultimate importance. But careful, there is a very thin line that separates vairaagyam and laziness. In vairaagyam all karma is done but without expecting anything in return, without being involved in the materialistic aspects of karma. Bhagiratha, with his unparalleled effort to bring Ganga to earth, showed us how much effort a man can put in and as a result what wonders can be done.
On knowing that his ancestors (60000 Sagara Kumaras) will reach swarga only if the pure waters of Ganga flow through their ashes, from his mother, Bhagiratha immediately leaves to Himalayas to do tapas for Lord Brahma:
After purifying himself in a pushkarini, it starts tapas with extra-ordinary concentration.
Starts with padmaasana and in winter stood in the freezing waters of the lake with water up to chest!
In Summer stands in the middle of burning pancha-agnis (four agnis + sun) and steadily stared at the sun with eyes wide open (all the while concentrating on Brahma deva)!!
During the first few days, he had food only once a day. Later it was once in a few days. Then it became once in a month. After that, he just used to drink a little water and continue his ‘Tapas’. Finally the air was his only food!!!
1000 years passed….!!!!
Brahma, the creator of the worlds, on the requests of Gods to save them from the tremendous tapaagni of Bhagiratha, appears before him and blesses him with children and Ganga. However, Brahma deva suggests that none except Parama Shiva can take the force when Ganga falls onto earth, and if not with that force earth will be washed away…
Men are of three kinds:
There are cowards, who do not begin their work at all, afraid that some trouble may arise midway.
Those who begin but later give up the task, afraid of the difficulties that arise.
Brave people who belong to a third group. They continue to work in spite of even an army of difficulties, and finally achieve the goal.
Bhagiratha belonged to this third category of brave men. He again began a severe ‘Tapas’ to please Lord Ishwara. With folded hands, and standing on one leg, he meditated on Lord iswara with the deepest concentration. So a whole year passed. Pleased with Bhagiratha’s devotion Lord ishwara takes the immense force of Ganga and controls her in his jataajutam. He completely stops her from flowing to teach her a lesson (she was a mischievous girl, proud of her strength!), but for Bhagiratha it was another difficulty…
But he again with tapas pleases Lord Shiva to release Ganga down to earth. Ganga followed Bhagiratha shyly and slowly, like his daughter (Bhaagirathi). But she grew a little mischievous, though Shiva taught her a lesson once, when near Jahnu maharshi’s ashram. She wandered all over the Ashrama like a small girl and the entire place was filled with water.
Disturbed from tapas by it, Jahnu maharshi in a single gulp swallows her entirely. And suddenly difficulties again for Bhagiratha. But it is not the first time for him, so immediately pleases Jahnu maharshi (Jaahnavi comes out of Jahnu maharshi’s ear) and finally sends his ancestors to higher worlds…
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“Its important to put a lot of years into your life, but equally important to put a lot of life into your years.”
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