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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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United Nations Secretary-General welcomes 'serious international discussions' on Syria's chemical weapons
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly welcomed the emergence of 'serious international discussions' that could lead to an agreement in the UN Security Council to secure and destroy Syria's chemical weapons. Mr Ban's statement follows a flurry of diplomatic activity noted by the media in the past 72 hours, following a reported Russian proposal for Damascus to surrender its chemical weapons and place them under international control. In the meantime, evidence collected by a UN team probing possible chemical weapons use in Syria on 21 August is being examined by laboratories in Europe.
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China sets new targets to cut air pollution
China unveiled comprehensive new measures to tackle air pollution on Thursday, with plans to close old polluting steel mills, cement factories, and aluminium smelters, as well as slash coal consumption and boost nuclear power and natural gas use. It said a 2015 target to close outdated capacity in industrial sectors would be accelerated to 2014, and it would also halt construction of all unapproved projects in industries facing overcapacity.
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Hong Kong to clear its air with battery powered bus
Hong Kong has begun its fight against pollution by going green, with the city-state launching its first battery powered public bus on Monday. Tackling pollution is one of the key priorities of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, with an official report adding that the 'greatest daily health risk' to residents was the bad air. The single decker bus was manufactured by Chinese carmaker BYD. It runs on lithium iron phosphate batteries which take three hours to charge and gives the vehicle a range of about 180 kilometres.
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Singing for peace: UN ambassadors launch CD to bridge cultural, generational divides
We wanted to speak about peace in a way other than our speeches, which some people say are a little boring,' Simona-Mirela Miculescu said ahead of the launch of the Ambassadors Sing for Peace album, a compilation of songs promoting world peace, hope, and togetherness performed by five United Nations Ambassadors and youth choirs. 'This is a beautiful synergy between diplomacy and music, and we're very happy that we created this synergy' said Ms Miculescu, who is the Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Narendra Modi all set to be declared BJP's prime ministerial candidate amid stiff opposition
On Thursday, Advani was the only one in the party standing against Modi's elevation, with other senior leaders of the party such as Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushma Swaraj choosing to fall in line with the majority decision.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to announce Narendra Modi's name as the party's prime ministerial candidate at a board meeting on Friday evening even as senior leader LK Advani threatened to quit if Rajnath Singh goes through with his decision.
Singh said a decision on the party’s prime ministerial candidate will be taken after discussions and consultations.
“We will decide after the talks are held,” he told media in New Delhi, when asked as to when the BJP would come out with the name of its prime ministerial candidate.
The BJP chief is making sincere efforts to bring all senior leaders on board for officially naming Modi as the party’s prime ministerial candidate.
However, Modi's anoinment faces stiff opposition from senior party leader LK Advani and his supporters. According to television reports, the anti-Modi camp denies being intimated about the boar meeting on Friday.
On Thursday, Advani was the only one in the party standing against Modi's elevation, with other senior leaders of the party such as Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushma Swaraj choosing to fall in line with the majority decision.
While most of Advani's supporters seem to have deserted the leader, his former aide Sudheendra Kulkarni took to Twitter to question the party's decision.
The anti-Modi camp wants him to give up his post as Gujarat chief minister if named as the PM candidate. The anti-Modi camp also wants someone else to replace Modi as the BJP's election campaign head.
According to certain media reports, Advani has reportedly told Rajnath Singh that fronting Modi as the party's candidate for Prime Minister will be a ‘disaster’ and will ‘destroy the BJP’s prospects’ in the general elections next year.However, a last ditch attempt to resolve the issue with Advani is like to be made on Friday as BJP leaders are expected to meet the party patriarch later in the day.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the BJP’s ideological mentor, is of the view that any delay in announcing Modi’s candidature will not do any good to the party’s prospects in the general elections.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena on Friday said that it will support Modi or "any other candidate" named by the BJP as the prime ministerial candidate.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
It's a new day, Aries! Your spirits will be lifted to the stars, and romance is likely to go along for the ride. Magnetic Uranus, now in Aries, will be humming Frank Sinatra's classic song, My Way, in perfect harmony with Mars, your ruler. You're likely to be the star of the game who effortlessly makes all the right moves. Healthy competition will set you on a winning streak, and you'll do it your way.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
A playful game of hide and seek can be your inspiration as you celebrate the weekend. Do you remember how fun it was searching for the best hiding spot, waiting in giggly excitement, to see if your parents could find you? You're likely to re-experience that same childlike excitement as creative, fun-loving memories take place in your home. With a light heart and lively imagination, you'll cook up something new and exciting!
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Today's messenger of love is likely to be you, Gemini. Your presentation will send sparks flying to everyone anxiously awaiting the news. It looks like you may have a special audience and something even more special to say. It could be at a gala, awards ceremony, or humanitarian event. Encouraging words embrace a toast from your heart and will rouse a wild celebration. You may want to have a rare bottle of champagne ready, for the best effects.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You are special, Cancer, and today you're likely to be sweetly reminded. Like white linen curtains, you can let yourself flow freely in the summer breeze while you absorb the Sun's warmth. You may stop passersby in their tracks because they can't help but admire your natural finesse. This is likely a result of a boom of confidence (a gift from Mars) that will open the curtains for a stage that can put your talents on grand display.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 With electrifying Uranus flying high with Mars in Leo, if you take a gamble with a courageous personal undertaking, it's likely the gates could fly open to an exciting new path of possibilities. An unlikely synchronistic event could sweep you off your feet and quickly move you in a new direction. Amelia Earhart (a Leo) had to have amazing guts to fly, and so do you. Tonight you'll be in the pilot's seat. The skies will be very friendly, and your heart might even skip a beat.
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Auto makers bet on big data for business insights
Chennai: India’s biggest automobile companies, including Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd and two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp Ltd, have been sifting through large pools of data that they collect during customer interactions to accelerate decision-making, improve efficiency and sell more vehicles.
Auto makers are analysing massive amounts of unstructured information, or Big Data, to spot trends and gain business insights.The nation’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki has been using analytics since 2008, mostly deployed at its 1,300 sales and 3,000 service centres that serve as many as nine million customers, and uses the insights provided by the software to target the right customers.
“It is an important part of strategy now. Analytics is especially useful during the slowdown and it helps generate better efficiency. We had a target of generating 10% of sales from leveraging the database, and we have already achieved 7%,” said Mayank Pareek, chief operating officer of Maruti Suzuki.Usually, 40% of Maruti’s customers are first-time buyers, 30% are repeat customers while another 30% are looking to buy a second car.
While there is no historical data on first-time buyers, the database on the remaining 60%, helps develop good insights about when they are due for changing a car, whether their children are college-goers, which is an opportunity to acquire another customer, said Pareek.
For instance, when Maruti launched its Eeco van in 2010, it was able to identify customers with large families for the product using direct mailers.“Usually direct mailer conversion into sales is less than 1% but with Eeco we saw a 9% conversion into sales,” said Pareek
The company has also been able to pick up trends in servicing from the data it collects.
“We identified that working ladies found it difficult to drop their car for service, so we introduced a pick up and drop service for them, and soon extended it to all its customers,” says Pareek.
Hero MotoCorp too runs a dealer management system called “Hero Connect” that links all of its 4,000 dealers and 1,000 service and spare parts outlets, collecting data from 12 million customers.The data captured at the time of a sale is integrated with service operations and all warranty terms and conditions are built into this dealer management software and eligibility of a vehicle is instantly authenticated through an online check.
The company has also adopted social media analytics, a tool that measures the pulse of customers. This helps refine strategies and give inputs for various business initiatives including product development, said the spokesperson.Tata Motors has recently started analysing procurement and spending data, said the company spokesperson.Investments on centralized dealer-level data procurement would be about $2.5 million to $7 million, depending on the size of organization and data generated, according to industry estimates.Maruti Suzuki, for instance, spends Rs.8-10 crore a year on analytics.
Internationally, companies such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., AB Volvo, have begun experimenting with predictive analysis of data, where they use sensors from cars and shop floors to collect data, while in India, car makers still rely largely on historical data.
In the US, Ford collects and aggregates data from the 4 million vehicles that use in-car sensing and remote app management software to create a virtuous cycle of information.
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Every woman needs one of these six friends
Bonding with your gal pals is the best way to deal with life's ups and downs, here are six types that every women relies on for advice and emotion support
We need different friends to fulfill different needs. Some make good counsellors, others are good listeners and some are miss fix-its.
Each one plays an important role in our lives, and we cannot do without them. Here are six types of friends every woman needs in her life.
The new friend:
As much as we love our old friends, it's always nice to meet new people and add them to your friends list. New friends add a spark to your life, and help you re-evaluate your world, adding a new perspective to your life.They inspire and excite you, motivating you to get out of the routine and try something new.
The counsellor:Can't afford a shrink?
She is your best bet. She will listen to all your problems and offer you sound advice without being critical or judgmental of your situation.You can rant about the problems you are having at work, in your relationship or with any situation that requires your attention.
The strong as a rock friend:
She has been there with you like a solid rock in the ups and downs of your life. She knows you better than anybody and has seen and handled your various mood swings. You have had your share of fights, arguments and misunderstandings and have worked your way through it. You love each other and are inseparable.
The fun friend:
This one knows how to have a great time and she is the one who does not mind adding that crazy energy to your life. She always knows where the happening parties are and does not believe in getting home till the sun rises.
The honest one:
She will not say things to please you, and will not shy away from telling you the truth no matter what.
The mother hen:
She is the one you go to when in need for some TLC. She is gentle and comforting and will fix you a quick meal when your feeling down in the dumps. She will not lecture you, but will comfort you like a mother.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
If you've been holding a grudge, today's planetary magic could melt it away. Your appetite for excitement could lead you to the perfect cocktail for a memorable night. It will be a lovely time to deepen that special connection with your sweetheart because you'll be naturally in tune with one another's energy. If unattached, you'll have a wireless connection to your inner self that's fast and powerful, and you may attract a secret admirer who is fascinated by your vibe.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
A glamorous creative gathering may be the perfect spice to flavor your social life. You'll be a colorful social butterfly, and if you're attached, your partner will love showing you off. They may even make you the centerpiece by giving you a surprise celebration. Your magnetism will be dynamite and ready for action, so pose for the cameras because they'll be snapping away! If single, your smile could win the heart of a special new someone.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 With your co-ruler, Mars, in dramatic Leo at the top of your chart, it will be your time to shine, Scorpio. Your colorful allure might easily put you in the spot light. You may unexpectedly become the go-to person for something only you could do so well. Even if you don't know all the tricks of this trade, if you can slip into the role of the expert with confidence, you'll be well on your way to an inspiring new gig.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Today holds a ton of wonderful possibilities for you, Sagittarius. A beach party could be a lovely romantic getaway where you can show off your glamorous side. If art inspires you, a gallery opening with a special multi-media twist could be the perfect event to satisfy your creative appetite. Feeling sporty? An athletic outing with your children could turn out to be a spectacular blast. Your child could be the star who wins the game at the last second!
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Tonight will likely be a night you will remember, Capricorn. If attached, you can confidently renew your relationship to a deeper treasure of love and celebration. The energy is likely to be fresh, inspiring, and free … like teenage love, with that exciting edge of what the future holds. You may be introducing your special someone to the family, and it's likely they'll receive your union with open arms. If unattached, your family will be the perfect good luck charm for your heart.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 There could be lots of action happening in a special relationship, and the excitement may wear on you. Today's waltz between Mars and Uranus, your ruler, will help you flow with these new changes. A rendezvous to an unfamiliar hot spot can breathe new life and vitality in your relationship. If unattached, lively conversation could lead to fascinating topics. You may be surprised by what you end up sharing, and it will feel refreshing to have a great laugh.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Somehow, in an unexpected turn of events, your heightened enthusiasm could lead you to the right place at the right time. While out and about, you may meet an enterprising maverick, and you're likely to have the perfect skill set he or she needs to fatten up profits. Great benefits could come to you as a result! Drink your protein shake and power up to make the best impression because Mars, the muscle planet, will be pulling for you.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.”
Husband to wife: Will you re marry. If i die.
Wife: I will live with my sister.
Wife to husband: Will you re marry. If i die.
Husband: I will live with your sister.
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Top global universities rule out setting up India campuses for now
NEWMUMBAI: Barely days after the government opened doors for foreign universities to set up campuses here, half-a-dozen top universities said they have no interest in the invitation from India.
ET spoke to top officials from Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge University and Duke University and all of them ruled out the possibility of opening campuses here. They are, however, keen to continue engaging with students, academia and industry through research, faculty exchange and executive education programmes.
"In light of the tremendous demand for educated talent in India, this policy move is a step in the right direction. That said, the Stanford Graduate School of Business does not have plans to build bricks-and-mortar facilities in India," says Garth Saloner, Philip H Knight Professor and Dean, Stanford Graduate School of Business. "That's not where we see the best use of our investment." Adds Claude Canizares, vice president, MIT: "...this policy does not change how we work...we prefer the partnership model, we do not establish branch campuses that would operate independently."
On Tuesday, the government allowed top foreign universities to set up campuses in India and award degrees, giving Indian students the opportunity to study in global institutions without leaving home. The proposed UGC (Establishment & Operation of Campuses of Foreign Educational Institutions) Rules require foreign education providers to set up the India campuses as not-for-profit companies. The move has been welcomed by Indian institutes, academicians and industry leaders.
But, for the time being at least, the Ivy League institutes seem to have no plans to build campuses in India. "It is hard to get the top tier institutes to come out," says Pramath Sinha, former dean of the Indian School of Business. "Their prime focus is on driving premium in their own campus and not diluting it."
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IPL spot-fixing: S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan and Amit Singh found guilty, report says
NEW DELHI: S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan have been found guilty of spot-fixing during the Indian Premier League by an internal probe conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a report said on Friday.
The probe by the BCCI's anti-corruption chief Ravi Sawani, also found two other players guilty of not reporting approaches made by bookmakers, The Indian Express said.
Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were found guilty on multiple accounts, including conceding a "pre-determined number of runs per over in exchange for bribes", the paper quoted the leaked report as saying.
The fourth player, Amit Singh, who played in the IPL till last year, was seen as the conduit between the cricketers and bookies, and described by Sawani as "the bad fish that spoils the entire pond".
Siddharth Trivedi and 21-year-old Harmeet Singh were absolved of spot-fixing, but were found guilty of the lesser charge of not informing officials about approaches made by bookmakers, the newspaper said.
Sawani, whose report will be placed before the BCCI's disciplinary committee, has recommended the players be banned for a period ranging from five years to life, the paper said.
"The disciplinary committee may consider my report and impose such sanctions as considered appropriate to send out a strong signal indicating the zero tolerance policy of the BCCI to any corruption in the sport that is so dear to millions of Indians and fans abroad," the paper quoted Sawani as saying in the report.
"Obviously, the anti-corruption education given to the players had no impact on the conduct. Therefore, the players deserve no leniency whatsoever."
A BCCI spokesman declined to comment on the leaked newspaper story, saying Sawani's findings would be discussed by the disciplinary committee and may be placed before the board's annual general meeting on September 29.
The four players found guilty of spot-fixing are among 39 persons who have also been charged separately by Delhi Police in the corruption scandal that rocked this year's IPL.All four players belong to the Rajasthan Royals franchise, but Sreesanth, 30, is the only one to have played for India. He was part of the teams that won the World Twenty20 in 2007 and the World Cup in 2011.
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Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
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Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
Movie Name : Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
Release Date : 20 September 2013
Genre : Action,Comedy
Producer : Ramesh Taurani,Ronnie Screwvala,Siddharth Roy Kapur
Director : Rajkumar Santoshi
Music Director : Pritam
Cast : Shahid Kapoor,Ileana D'Cruz,Padmini Kolhapure
Synopsis:
Phata Poster Nikla Hero movie is a full fledged masala entertainer with elements of romance and action. The film follows the story of Vishwas Rao, an aspiring actor mistaken as a super cop.
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11% of people are left handed.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Ship of Friendship
A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.
The two survivors who have been a good friends, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.
However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s parcel of land remained barren.
After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife.
The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.
Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island.
The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island.
He considered the other man unworthy to receive God’s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.
As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”
“My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them,” the first man answered. “His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything.”
“You are mistaken!” the voice rebuked him. “He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.” Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”
“He prayed that all your prayers be answered “
Moral: For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us (Congregational Prayer). Value your friends, don’t leave your loved ones behind.
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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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