“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”     VBA's Positive News US President Obama opens UN talks with diplomatic opportunities President Barack Obama opens meetings at the United Nations with diplomatic opportunities on three vexing issues: Iran's disputed nuclear programme, Syria's chemical weapons use, and elusive peace between Israel and the Palestinians. However, recent developments mark a significant shift on the trio of issues that have long proved problematic for Obama at the United Nations. This year, Iran has a new leader who is making friendly overtures toward Obama, raising the prospect of a meeting at the United Nations. US-brokered peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians have resumed. And Russia has joined with the US on a diplomatic deal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons.    Car-Free Day gains momentum in China More than 150 Chinese cities including Beijing observed World Car Free Day on Sunday to fight air pollution. Residents were encouraged to get around by foot, bicycle, or use public transportation, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport. Government officials and locals took part to support the city's efforts in promoting green transportation and bringing about cleaner air. It is the seventh year that the country has observed Car Free Day.   Israel: The OrCam is a device that aids the visually impaired Coming out of Israel is a new wearable device that can help the visually impaired see. OrCam is a camera and mind-reading computer that can see everything you can see and can tell you what you're looking at. Simply point at words, products, or people, and the camera knows what you mean and will tell you what it is. The camera and bone conduction sound device is mounted onto any pair of eyeglasses and lets those with limited or no sight know what they're looking at. UK: Nation's focus should be growth in wellbeing not economic growth, conference will say The former Archbishop of Canterbury will address hundreds of delegates at the Resurgence Festival of Wellbeing in October to talk about shifting the country's focus from economic growth to growth in wellbeing. Other speakers scheduled at the festival include Indian environmental activist Vandana Shiva, who will speak about seed freedom; former Friends of the Earth executive director, Tony Juniper; outgoing head of the European Environment Agency, Jaqueline McGlade, and chief executive of Good Energy, Juliet Davenport.         Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Gen VK Singh admits funds were given to J&K ministers but for social welfare           New Delhi: Former Army chief General VK Singh has admitted that the money from the secret fund was used in Kashmir but only towards social schemes. He also questioned the timing of the Indian Express report saying it was an attempt by the government to divert attention from itself. Singh said that the money that had been given was a part of the 'Sadbhavna' that is carried out by the Army. He said that it was given to only to stabilise the areas affected by terror as well as the areas across the border. NC dares Gen VK Singh to name J&K ministers who were paid money Amused by the allegations that he used the money to topple the Jammu and Kashmir government, he said "If Rs 1 crore can topple the government, then in a country like ours governments will be toppled everyday." Singh did not rule out the possibility of being targeted because he recently shared the dais with the Bharatiya Janta Party's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. He, however, said that he had not made up his mind to join politics.' He also denied the possibility of contesting against UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi from Raebareli during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He termed the report published in 'The Indian Express' that claimed that he was involved in trying to topple the Omar Adullah government as 'baseless and motivated'. General Singh in an interview to CNN-IBN said that he did not believe that the Director General Military operations (DGMO) had written any such report. Singh also said that the Technical Supports Division is not meant for technical equipments as the name suggests and is purely based on human intelligence. He said that the division was created on the directions of Defence Minister AK Antony.The report published in the national daily had claimed that the unit paid an NGO to thwart the appointment of current Army Chief General Bikram Singh. Singh has also filed an RTI application seeking a copy of the Army probe report which reportedly questions the functioning of a unit set up by him. He said, "If the newspaper can have it, I being the person who is being directly affected by he should also have it." He also added that he will be taking legal action against the newspaper.  Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 The Sun's recent entrance in Libra will ignite your desire for a satisfying relationship. You may want to show your special someone how much you care. An elegant compliment could have them melting. If you're single and looking, your pores will exude a natural social grace that will be an excellent radar for your new flame. Magnetic Venus, who rules Libra, is preparing for a romantic link with happy go lucky Jupiter. Before long, a financial partnership may have you singing We're in the Money - especially if it involves real estate.                                               Taurus April 20 to May 20 A working partnership could make you ultra comfortable in your own skin as Venus, the attraction planet (and ruler of Taurus), will receive an invitation from generous Jupiter for a lovely cosmic stroll. If you want a raise, get your pitch down pat. Emphasize your value and your ability to cooperate, and your boss will take notice. You are now the smooth operator when it comes to people skills. With a foundation of trust, a contract for a joint investment could be ripe for a signature.                                     Gemini May 21 to June 20 Whether the Sun in aesthetic Libra turns you into a knight in shining armor or a fair maiden, beauty will be your main virtue, and you'll likely take the artist's way. What do you think is beautiful, Gemini? Make time to bask in the light its charm, because today your job is to be happy. If you're self employed, your dedication to exceptional service could expand your profits. If you're aspiring to a more attractive position at work, magnetic Venus could lead you to an intense project that stirs your passion.                        Cancer June 21 to July 22  Now that the Sun is in gracious Libra, home is where your heart will be. You may want to adjust your living room to better suit your taste. Whether it involves a fresh color scheme or new piece of furniture, you'll want your living space to reflect your personal style. As a Cancer, being comfortable in your home can put you in a wonderful mood and ripen your heart for romance. Speaking of which, could make you especially happy, now that lucky Jupiter is in Cancer, and is inviting romantic Venus for a lovely stroll through the stars.                                                          Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  You will be a sweet talker now that the Sun, your ruler, is in charming Libra. Negotiate for success, and emphasize fairness in verbal and written agreements. Your ideas and opinions will lead to fair compromise because you can be strategic without being manipulative. If you approach your relationships with a light heart, you can win points in the game of love as well. If you're involved in a real estate venture, your graciousness could lead you to a sweet deal.     BUSINESS+VE                                                                              Pepsi, Coca-Cola's Indian knights to lock horns in key markets       It's Sanjeev Chadha, named Pepsi's chief executive for Asia, W Asia & Africa, v/s Coca-Cola's Atul Singh PepsiCo Inc on Monday appointed Sanjeev Chadha as chief executive officer for Asia, West Asia and Africa. As incharge of PepsiCo's operations in 90 of the 200 countries where the company is present, his aim would be scaling up the region's share in PepsiCo's total revenues.   At present the region accounts for only about 10 per cent of the company's total revenues, despite being home to two-thirds of the world's population. Earlier, Chadha was PepsiCo's president for West Asia and Africa. Chadha's elevation as CEO also means the stage is now set for a fierce battle for market share between two India-born professionals — Coca-Cola's deputy president (Pacific group) Atul Singh being the other one.   The two would be locking horns in key markets such as China and South Korea.   They have already slugged it out in the Indian market as the chiefs of Indian operations of their respective companies and pushed double-digit volume growth through their tenures. According to industry figures, Coke has a 16.6 per cent share of the soft drink market in China, while PepsiCo has only 5.1 per cent. In his new role, Chadha would report directly to PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra K Nooyi.   He would oversee operations in Africa, West Asia (a highly profitable market for the company), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Southeast Asia, etc. Coca-Cola's Singh has a much smaller role, overseeing Coke's operations in only 10 countries. Chadha, who has 23 years of experience in the company, has played a key role in steering PepsiCo in India, after the pesticide controversy.   The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad graduate was instrumental in opening Lehar Foods, a value foods division that pushed packaged Indian snacks and looked at pricing points below Rs 5.   He was also vital in framing the modalities for a joint venture with the Tatas to sell health and wellness products, especially in the mass market. Under him, PepsiCo became the largest foods & beverages company in India. “Sanjeev is one of the most respected senior leaders in the PepsiCo family and he has a strong track record of success,” said Nooyi. HEALTH+VE                                                              Fat loss: Eat the right food at the right time       Every food we eat provides the body with a range of nutrients, which helps us stay healthy. And, if eaten in the right proportion according to one's body weight, age and gender it can also aid in weight loss. What defines our body's composition is lean mass-muscle and free fat mass. So, to achieve fat loss, it is important to eat the right food at the right time. To understand what food to eat at the right time, let's first understand the working of our bodies. The body's needs differ at different times of the day. Morning: On waking up, your body has gone through a starvation period of no instant energy provided through food. The liver does carry enough glycogen but these reserves are used up extensively in the 10-12 hours fasting period through the night and thus, carbohydrate (glycogen) reserves are very low. Blood sugar levels are also low. Since carbohydrates are not readily available to support the body's primary need for energy, the body breaks muscle protein to obtain fuel for energy because protein is the second preferred source of energy in the absence of carbohydrates. And hence the muscle is in a breakdown phase (catabolic state) in the morning. Fat, the concentrated source of energy, is also being slowly metabolised. Keeping this in mind, one must eat on waking up. One must eat within an hour of rising to arrest the muscle breakdown, and fuel the glycogen stores of the body. Include a quick and simple fast absorbing carbohydrate and a quick fast absorbing protein source with the right blend of good fats. A blend of simple carbohydrates like a fruit and some oatmeal will release sugars in the bloodstream. Protein sources like egg whites or whey protein are ideal to halt the catabolism of the muscles. Mid morning: Blood sugar levels are recovering from the morning meal. Muscle is rebounding but the aim is to keep the metabolism of the body operational. This is the time when one is running around doing chores. Therefore, one needs to take care to not let the blood sugar levels drop. So, a mix blend of quick and slow absorbing carbohydrates and protein would do the trick here. Milk contains both casein and whey. Casein is a slow absorbed protein, which releases amino acids - the building blocks of proteins very slowly in the body. Whey is a fast absorbing protein, which releases amino acids fast in the body. Milk also contains carbohydrates, which slowly convert the lactose into readily used energy source glucose. Simple carbohydrates like fruits can also be had at this meal.   The body should be well balanced at this time. But this is again the second largest meal of the day. Sustained energy is needed to allow one to sail through the afternoon activities. Very importantly, one needs to keep the muscle out from the possibility of going into the breakdown phase. Also, this meal will help in avoiding sugar cravings, which generally do occur in at mid afternoon as the sugar levels start to tumble.     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  Now that the Sun has just left Virgo, your reason for being may have to adjust as it floats in the air of diplomatic Libra. Like a first class butler, your light will shine brightest in the art of what you do. Your sophistication will deem high respect, which you have rightly earned through your life experience. You'll want to be strategic in how you use your words. Lace them with your sharp intellect for the grandest effect.                               Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 The art of compromise is a rare skill. This is what makes you special, Libra, because you have it naturally. The Sun recently entered Libra and your talents are in the spotlight. Your flair for negotiation could help you develop the perfect strategy to energize your cash flow. If you have plans to start or expand a business, your products or service will prove extra valuable. You may feel as through you hit the jack pot once you realize a bundle of savings for a professional milestone will soon hit your magic number.                                Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 If you need your batteries recharged, meditation will vitalize your creative juices. You may be backing away from a private decision because it could challenge your morality. Deep down you want to do what's right, but the truth is you could be in a tricky situation. Venus is in Scorpio, and is gracefully floating toward good hearted Jupiter, who will receive her with open arms. Relish your desires, and you'll gain confidence that setting your own standards will naturally bring everything into balance.                        Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 It can be refreshing to take part in a grand vision that shows off your talents. You are like the missing piece of the puzzle that can make the beautiful landscape whole and complete, but you must have enough awareness to notice the space, and have the wisdom to know you will make a perfect fit. Your intuition will be an important factor in this process.                                                     Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 It's a beautiful day for schmoozing because your charm will be working double time. If you make an effort to compromise and tune into your moral sensitivity, all the better. Jupiter, the giver of luck, (now in your complimentary sign of Cancer) is preparing for a friendly visit from loving Venus. A collective endeavor or passionate long range vision could come alive when presented to your business partner or sweetheart.                             Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  Now that refined Libra is basking in the Sun, your talent for intellectual discourse will shine, especially in your partnerships. You'll know how to tune into other people's ideas for added inspiration, to target in any direction you wish. Magnetic Venus (which has ruler-ship over Libra), is looking her best for a rendezvous with happy go lucky Jupiter. If you remain driven to succeed in a passionate endeavor, a job opportunity could blossom. Follow your bliss.           Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  The great mysteries of life can often be solved through the eyes of another. You're likely to experience this first hand as the Sun settles in cooperative Libra. You can harness great power by building trust in your closest partnerships, especially in regards to accruing wealth. Jupiter's celebration in Cancer will awaken your creative spirit, and a special opportunity to broadcast your artistry could open powerful doors. If your thinking is cosmopolitan, you may get a great idea for a groundbreaking venture that could be well worth the risk.        Moral Story     SMS   “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS     Love is jealous that any should come before her, or after. She would be all in all. If a man will trust her and live in her, he shall know all things..     LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS        If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.       After an accident, A v.angry driver: I showed u d headlights & told u 2 go by side. Santa: I also started d wipers & said No, no..No no. :D

EDUCATION +VE President Pranab Mukherjee to attend Pondicherry University convocation         PUDUCHERRY: President Pranab Mukherjee will attend the 23rd convocation of Pondicherry University and award degrees to the successful students on September 25. Pondicherry University vice-chancellor Chandra Krishnamurthy told reporters on Monday that this would be the third visit of a President, who is also the visitor of Pondicherry University, to the university. Former presidents Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and R Venkataraman had earlier visited the university. This will be first visit of Mukherjee to Puducherry after assuming charge as the President. The university will confer 10,899 bachelor, 2,946 master, 293 M Phil, 130 PhD, 260 diploma and 72 certificate programmes besides presenting 206 gold medals to the meritorious students through the regular stream. It will confer 3,558 master, 54 bachelor and nine diploma programmes through the distance education mode. As many as 18,093 students will receive degrees in absentia. Lieutent governor Virendra Kataria, who is also the chief rector of the university, chief minister N Rangasamy, Union minister of state for PMO V Narayanasamy and Rajya Sabha MP P Kannan will participate in the convocation. Vice-chancellor Chandra Krishnamurthy will preside over the convocation. Mukherjee, who will reach Puducherry on Wednesday morning, will stay at the Raj Nivas, Kataria's official residence after the convocation ceremony. Later in the evening, he will visit Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education and interact with the students. He will stay at Raj Nivas on Wednesday night and proceed to Chennai on Thursday morning. Puducherry administration has made elaborate arrangements for the President's visit. Police have roped in more than 2,000 policemen, including paramilitary forces, to strengthen the security. SPORTS +VE Sandeep's bronze gives hope to ignored Greco-Roman     NEW DELHI: "Only freestyle wrestlers have a genuine chance of a medal in Budapest," a Greco-Roman coach had said before the start of the 2013 World wrestling championship. So, Sandeep Tulsi Yadav's bronze in Budapest on Sunday has come as a pleasant surprise. The medal, a first in the World championship for India in Greco-Roman, has forced people to take notice. Greco-Roman is backed by a rich history in the Olympics, being the first style to be introduced in 1896 Athens Olympics. In India, where akharas are the heart of the sport and dangals its soul, Greco-Roman, also referred to as the European style, is yet to cement its place in the country. The popularity of the style in the world can be judged by the number of participating countries. The first World Greco-Roman wrestling championship was organized in 1904 in Vienna. A total of 26 wrestlers from five countries had participated. The first freestyle wrestling tournament was organized 47 years later in Helsinki. Gyan Sehrawat, a Greco-Roman chief coach from 1996-2006, feels Yadav's medal will give a boost to this style. "The medal will change the psychology from just participating to winning medals, at least in the Olympics and World championships. Most of the talent in India gets attracted to freestyle. Greco requires upper body strength and flexibility and is more popular worldwide," Sehrawat, who is the chief coach and a sports officer with the Northern Railways, told TOI. "This style is not practised at any club in India. It was as late as 1986 that a separate Greco team was selected. Till then, the freestyle team would participate in both the styles," he added. Gyan himself participated as a freestyle grappler in 1982 Asian Games and as a Greco grappler in his next Asian Games in 1986. The results at international meets narrate a different story. The Greco wrestlers have been more successful at the Asian level. For instance, in 2009 Asian Championship, Greco-Roman wrestlers won two silver medals and a bonze while freestyle managed only 2 bronze. In 2010 Asian Championship, freestyle grapplers bagged two gold medals while Greco wrestlers won two silver and a bronze. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games too, Greco-Roman wrestlers emerged superior with seven medals (four gold, a silver and two bronze) as compared to freestyle wrestlers who won six medals (three gold, two silver and a bronze). But what hinders their performance at the World and Olympic level? Gyan strongly believes it is the lack of financial support and tournaments that has left the style behind. "Even now, 99% of the coaches in India are not familiar with Greco techniques. Even the National Sports Institute in Patiala's curriculum for coaches focuses on freestyle. Indian wrestling is to do with mitti and that's why freestyle is more popular," he said. "There is only one tournament in a year dedicated to Greco," he pointed out. Echoing Sehrawat's views, Indian wrestling's lone entry at the Sydney Olympics, Gurbinder Singh, holds the system responsible for the style's lack of popularity. "We spend so much money on getting foreign coaches for Greco-Roman but they don't train our wrestlers properly and never tell then their weaknesses. All they do is teach a technique and then say 'you know nothing'.     Warning      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. The first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON. " 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?”

“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”