Google wanted to buy WhatsApp for even more than $19 billion

Internet search titan Google reportedly went all out to thwart Facebook's acquisition of mobile messaging app WhatsApp. According to a report by TheInformation, Google CEO Larry Page went to meet WhatsApp chief Jan Koum last week in a desperate bid to prevent the deal from materializing.

The report cites three sources claiming that Page reached out to Koum upon hearing of Zuckerberg's offer of giving him a seat on the board of directors of Facebook as part of the acquisition deal. One of the sources says that Page told Koum, "Stay independent as you've always planned. You're a big threat to Facebook. And joining Facebook would have a major impact on how things play out for years to come."

It goes on to say that Google was ready to outbid Facebook's $19 billion offer, but Koum reportedly felt that Facebook would give it more independence and the two share the view of bringing people closer.

One of the sources says that Google itself was not too happy about paying such a huge sum for the messaging app but was willing nevertheless in order to keep
it out of Facebook's hands.

This is not the first time Google has approached WhatsApp. Before WhatsApp agreed for Facebook's $19 billion deal, speculation was rife that Google also tried its luck at acquiring the popular messaging service.

A report by Fortune cites two separate sources to claim that Google offered to purchase WhatsApp for $10 billion, though it's unclear exactly when the search giant attempted to arrange a deal. The report stated that the bid came without a promise of a Google board seat, unlike Facebook's agreement.

Another report by The Information cites three unnamed sources as saying that Google was even willing to top Facebook's $19 billion offer. Google CEO Larry Page also assured WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum that Google will allow the messaging startup to operate independently and compete with Facebook. However, WhatsApp founders rebuffed the offer as they reportedly felt the company was able to identify more with Facebook's philosophy.

It also mentions that Google had made an offer to WhatsApp wherein it would get the right to be notified in case WhatsApp entered acquisition talks, in exchange for a sum amounting to millions of dollars. WhatsApp did not accept the offer made a few months ago.

Following the deal with Facebook, Koum would take a place at Facebook's board and has assured that "nothing" would change for users immediately as Facebook plans to run WhatsApp independently, much like Instagram.

Get rid of wrinkles and ageing with these food

When it comes to beauty, Indian consumers are more conscious than ever

Ageing, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines... these are the last things that a person would like to see on his or her skin.

No wonder, both men and women are willing to shell out a lumpsum to look good and are going all natural in the process. According to experts, the secret lies in the plate and that's precisely why what you eat matters the most.

Food experts recommend people to opt for natural products to maintain a youthful look in a healthy way. And when it comes to these natural products, there are umpteen varieties to choose from.

We give you a list of products that one could choose from to delay the ageing process and to maintain that youthful look.

Leafy greens: Like eggs, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce, are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown eating foods rich in these antioxidants can significantly reduce risk of AMD (age-related macular degeneration), as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Spinach has a very high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score. It is a measurement of a food's ability to destroy the free radicals that cause damage in your body. The higher the ORAC score, the better a food is for you.

Blueberries: These tiny berries are powerhouses of nutrition. They are loaded with antioxidants, which stops premature ageing and help prevent cancer. Wild blueberries also boost your health. A study suggests that anthocyanins in blueberries appear to combat oxidative stress, which is one of the main causes of ageing.

Yellow and orange root vegetables: Put plenty of beta-carotene on your plate. These super-antioxidants are good for your skin and eyes. Good choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.

Broccoli: Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is found in broccoli, along with other foods including cranberries, onions, and apples. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as well, fighting the number two cause of aging. Broccoli sprouts have 30 times more isothiocyanates (yet another antioxidant) than regular broccoli.

Raw, organic eggs: A single egg contains, nine essential amino acids. It's rich in proteins and has naturally occurring Vitamin D. Consuming your eggs raw is the best thing to do as cooking destroys some of the highly perishable nutrients.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera's anti-ageing properties have been known for ages. Scientific evidence suggests that Aloe Vera juice can heal skin and reverse skin ageing. Skin ages because of UV light damage and loss of collagen in the skin. Collagen helps in keeping the skin firm and elastic. Ageing breaks down the collagen matrix in your skin which leads to wrinkles. Drinking aloe vera juice is known to reduce the wrinkle depth and improve skin elasticity due to increased collagen production.

Garlic: Allium is an antioxidant that packs a punch. Garlic, onions, and scallions are loaded with this free-radical fighter that is good for your skin and your immune system

10 essentials to have before a baby’s birth

Advice for expecting moms on the must-haves to stack up on before the newborn arrives

You've read books on what to expect when you're pregnant from cover to cover, and have decorated the baby room with flourish. But have you made a list of the most essential items you'll need when the baby comes home? Read through this list of the absolute must-haves.

1. Crib
Find a crib with a mattress and crib sheets that are fitted. Look for one that is comfortable and secure enough to hold a bonny baby.

2. Bouncy seat
A bouncy seat is required since you won't be able to put your baby in her crib every time you go over to the kitchen to cook, or the bathroom to the do laundry. Find a simple and regular sized model for the newborn. Bouncy seats are mobile so you can even bring one into the bathroom while taking a shower.

3. Formula
Irrespective of whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, keep a few cans of milk-based formula handy in the kitchen cabinet for emergencies - like delays getting home from an errand. Before you stock up, though, make sure the brand suits your newborn.

4. Feeding bottles
You don't need many if you are nursing the infant yourself. Otherwise, you will need about 10 bottles a day. This number sounds bloated since you could consider washing and reusing the bottles. However, having a few extras will save you the time taken to wash them frequently. Pick full-size bottles since the baby will grow out of tiny ones pretty soon.

5. Diapers
Decide whether you want to use disposable diapers or cloth. With cloth, have a set of 24 in the beginning. As for disposable diapers, get a pack of newborn size and two packs of size one.

6. New car seat
This one's for car owners, of course. Put the baby car seat at the top of your priority list since hospital staff is usually not allowed to let you drive out without one.

7. Digital thermometer
Since babies can't mouth their unease, it is important to be able to take your newborn's temperature. If you infant's fever gets serious, it could spell trouble. Get a basic digital thermometer that you can use rectally.

8. Breast pump
Using a breast pump to fill bottles takes the pressure off you so your husband - or parents - can feed the child when you are busy. If you are nursing the child, have one ready when you get home from the hospital.

9. Diaper rash cream
Diaper rash is a common problem with most newborns. If you don't have enough time to go to the supermarket, use petroleum jelly.

10. Maxi-pads
This one's for new mothers. Pick up two packages of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads for the post-delivery period. The locia discharge slows down in two or three weeks, so get a box of panty liners too.