“Life itself was only futility, vain words, a squabble of cap and bells. ”     VBA's Positive News US President Obama delays Syria vote, says diplomacy may work President Barack Obama told a war-weary nation Tuesday night that diplomacy suddenly holds 'the potential to remove the threat of chemical weapons' in Syria without the use of force. For now, Obama said he had asked congressional leaders to postpone a vote on legislation he has been seeking to authorize the use of military force against Syria. Events took an unexpected turn this week. First Russia and then Syria reacted positively to a remark from Secretary of State John Kerry indicating that the crisis could be defused if Damascus agreed to put its chemical weapons under international control. Syria plan lets Russia play the peacemaker If it really was just an offhand remark by the US secretary of state that gave Russia the chance to play peacemaker in the Syrian conflict, Moscow is certainly not letting on. Instead it is presenting this week's proposal for Syria to put its chemical arms under international control as an approach worked out with the United States, a position that might help US President Barack Obama endorse it. Either way, after two years of being painted in the West as an obstacle to peace in Syria, Russia finds itself in the unusual position of being a proponent of a plan that could reduce tension in the Middle East.     Hopes of Syria breakthrough gives markets a lift Rising hopes that a US-led military strike on Syria may be avoided gave stocks a big lift Tuesday, as well as pushing oil prices lower for the second day running. Investors were cheered to hear that Syria has accepted Russia's call for Damascus to put its chemical weapons under international control for dismantling. Tuesday's developments come a day after President Barack Obama said the Russian proposal could be 'potentially a significant breakthrough' despite his reservations. Netherlands closes eight prisons due to lack of criminals Declining crime rates in the Netherlands mean that although the country has the capacity for 14,000 prisoners, there are only 12,000 detainees, reported the nrc.nl. In June of this year, the Dutch justice ministry announced that the country would close eight prisons because of a lack of criminals. The decrease is expected to continue, the ministry said.           Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Narendra Modi-for-PM announcement will be 'disaster', LK Advani reportedly said       New Delhi: BJP president Rajnath Singh braved a legion of reporters today to announce that "there is no trouble within the party, we don't have a problem", and said that a decision on whether Narendra Modi will be the opposition's candidate for prime minister will be taken "after talking to everyone." So far, negotiations by Mr Singh have resulted in diminishing returns. The party's senior-most leader, LK Advani told the BJP president yesterday that an announcement of Mr Modi as the BJP's presumptive prime minister will be a "disaster", said sources. The BJP's ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh or RSS, wants Mr Modi's candidature to be announced urgently to cash in on his surging popularity among party workers. Mr Advani wants the party to wait till after elections in states like Delhi in November to decide on its role for Mr Modi. The conundrum for Mr Singh as president is whether to proceed now with a meeting of the BJP's top 12 leaders and put the decision on Mr Modi to vote. Mr Advani, 85, has allegedly said he will vote against the Gujarat Chief Minister; Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushma Swaraj could echo his dissent, said sources, publicly exposing once again the deep fissures that Mr Modi etches within the BJP. Mr Advani has been trafficking his campaign against Mr Modi, once his protege for several months. The veteran first skipped a BJP conclave in Goa in June to protest Mr Modi's selection as campaign-in-charge, then resigned for 24 hours from all party posts before being persuaded to return to the fold by the RSS. Mr Advani claims that by pivoting its campaign on Mr Modi, the BJP will be forced into a PR defense of the chief minister, who is regularly attacked by other parties for being a divisive leader on account of the riots in his state in 2002, in which hundreds of Muslims were killed. Mr Advani says the party should instead focus on attacking the government for its economic failures and rich assortment of financial scams. Astrology   Aries March 21 to April 19 An inconspicuous investment you made will likely pay off in an extraordinary way. You might have decided a while back to dabble in the stock market or you might have participated in another type of investment. If you're in the position to cash out of this investment, now might be an ideal time to do so. You'll be pleased.   Taurus April 20 to May 20 You and your mate likely will have a blissful social evening. Venus - the planet of love - is now in your partnership sector, helping to nourish your relationship with grace and harmony. Late this evening, Venus will be at a perfect angle to Neptune, now in your social house of friends and groups. Expect a congenial gathering with pals, possibly at an art or music event or even a movie premiere. Romance and art will be an inspirational combination.                    Gemini May 21 to June 20 Don't be surprised if you land a dream assignment today that has the potential to elevate your status and esteem in the eyes of your boss. You might have been vying for this project, or your boss might have simply hand-selected you based on your specific qualifications. Whatever the case, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a fairy-tale situation at the office. This might be the beginning of something very special. You've earned it.                             Cancer June 21 to July 22  Now that Venus is in your romance sector, the potential for you to meet someone new and fall head over heels in love is quite possible. Until October 7, you'll have this beautiful influence, but tonight might be extra special. Venus will embrace Neptune, the planet of unconditional and spiritual love. Not only is this an aspect of soul-mate love potential, but it also symbolizes fairy-tale romance. Prepare to be swept off your feet.   Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Now might be an ideal time to look into mortgage or refinancing rates. You're likely to find an enticing deal, so if you're considering a home purchase or refinance, today may be a day to set the wheels in motion. Also, if you're involved in any family financial planning, such as estate planning with a relative, this will be a good time to get things in order. Someone with your family's best interests at heart will help you.                             BUSINESS+VE                                                                              No car loan if annual income less than Rs. 6 lakh, says SBI       New Delhi: Individuals with annual income of less than Rs. 6 lakh will not get a car loan from State Bank of India (SBI) as the bank has tightened eligibility conditions for its four-wheeler loan scheme with a view to minimising possible defaults.   The eligibility limit for loan issuance to salaried individuals for car purchase has been raised from Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum to Rs. 6 lakh per annum, as per a recent circular by the bank.     For SBI account holders, the limit has been raised to Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.   SBI currently offers car loans at an interest rate of 10.45 per cent, as per the bank's website.   Giving the rationale for the increase in the eligibility criteria, a senior bank official said the decision to revise upwards the gross income limit is taken in view of the moderation in economy.   The official futher said that this is a preemptive step to ward off fresh slippages.   The bank's auto loan portfolio grew by 38.71 per cent to Rs. 26,411 crore at the end of first quarter of the current fiscal year as against Rs. 19,040 crore at the end of same quarter of the previous fiscal year.   Market share of the bank rose 2.91 per cent against 2.44 per cent in the same period last year.   Gross non-performing assets of the bank rose to 5.56 per cent as compared to 4.99 per cent at the end of the first quarter of 2012-13.   At the same time, net non-performing assets (NPAs) of the bank rose to 2.83 per cent as against 2.22 per cent at the end of June, 2013.   Snapping a nine-month streak of declines, domestic passenger car sales grew by 15.37 per cent to 1,33,486 units in August this year, compared to 1,15,705 units in the same month last year. Industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), however, played down the feat saying the growth was mainly due to low base effect as a result of the month-long lockout last year at the Manesar plant of the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI). HEALTH+VE                                                              Don't workout on an empty stomach       Gym-goers and athletes tend to push themselves on empty stomachs in the belief they'll burn up more fat. Most believe in the theory that exercising on an empty stomach will make the body use up fat reserves and covert it into energy instead of the glucose or carbohydrates that may be readily available from a meal or a drink before the workout.   But while it seems to make sense, research now shows that exercising on an empty stomach doesn't offer any benefit and may actually work against you.   According to a recent report published this year in a fitness journal in the US, it has been established that the body burns the same amount of fat irrespective of whether you eat before or after a workout. But the problem arises in the fact that dizzy spells notwithstanding, you will lose muscle by exercising in a state of hunger.   The study also found that and without food to help the workout, the intensity of the exercise and the total calorie burn will be reduced. So, that leaves you not only exhausted, but with less muscle and no energy to burn more fat.     The studies found that when people trained with nothing in their stomachs, about 10 percent of the calories they burned came from protein, including muscle.     In an earlier study, researchers had found that eating light before a meal was beneficial. Those who consumed 45 grams of carbohydrates before their workouts ended up eating less through the rest of the day.     Experts now advise a light meal of oats or even a milkshake before a workout will go a long way in extending the benefits of the time spent in a gym. Those pushing the heavy ones in the hope of building muscle are well advised to go the Dara Singh way of egg 'n' milkshake.     Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  You and your mate might have an inspiring conversation that helps strengthen the bond you share. Venus is now in your communication sector, allowing you to express your feelings with ease. Tonight, Venus will be at a perfect angle to Neptune, the planet of spirituality and unconditional love, now in your partnership sector. You and your spouse may choose to explore a deeper level of spirituality together. Or you might prefer to share an evening of romantic dialogue.                         Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You're in an enviable position when it comes to opportunities that allow you to increase your income. Venus, your ruler, is now in the area of your chart that rules cash flow and possessions. Until October 7 you will have an extraordinary ability to develop a special talent and monetize it. Tonight, this trend will get even better. Venus will be at a perfect angle to Neptune, now in your workaday sector. A dreamy freelance assignment will pay better than you imagined.                     Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Love is in the air. Be sure to enjoy a date night with your sweetheart or a new potential suitor. In addition to its being a beautiful time to nurture love, you may also decide to begin a creative project that involves film, photography, music, or the arts. Your muse will be in overdrive, and inspiration will come naturally. Are you a parent? Expect to burst at the seams with unconditional love for a child.                Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 If you have a relative who has been sick or suffering from any emotional distress, you might be able to offer relief. Whether you decide to lighten this person's load physically, emotionally, or spiritually, your influence will be positive. The best part is that you'll genuinely enjoy helping out. Because you don't expect anything in return, your bond with this member of your family will only deepen.                        Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 If you're single, a friend possibly will become a love interest and you will wonder whether or not you should communicate your feelings. The quandary is timeless. If your pal doesn't reciprocate, then you may lose a friend. If, on the other hand, your friend does, then you may share the love of a lifetime. Fortunately, Venus and Neptune will be at a fine angle tonight, opening up the doors to fairy-tale romance. Speak from your heart.                                Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  Your ability to present your career goals to a VIP with charm will be extra special now that Venus is at the top of your chart. You can use this cycle, which is available until October 7, to garner the support of someone with the clout to help you get ahead. In addition to looking great in the eyes of those who matter, you'll also have a decided edge if you decide to ask for a raise or other bonus.                     Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  With Neptune in Pisces, your sensitivity will be even stronger than usual, as will be your compassion. Today, you might feel particularly sentimental about spiritual beliefs. You may find yourself yearning to experience an even stronger connection to your faith. If so, it'll be a great time to seek the guidance of a spiritual advisor or member of the clergy. Also, your intuition will be razor-sharp now, so it might be a good time to take a class on psychic development.    Moral Story     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.”      Santa was standing below a tube light with mouth wide open.........WHY? Because his doctor advised him "Today's dinner should be light".

EDUCATION +VE PG classes in Patna University begin, finally         PATNA: The fresh academic innings of postgraduate courses of Patna University (PU) began, finally, on Wednesday. Classes were supposed to begin on July 1 as per the university's academic calendar. Delay in the commencement of the new academic session is attributed to the deferred publication of part II and III examination results of various undergraduate courses. The dates of sale and submission of application forms for admission to PG courses were extended again and again. Almost all the PU departments have completed the process of admission to the first semester of MA, MSc and MCom courses. However, sanctioned seats in several departments have not been filled up because of the non-availability of candidates. PU science faculty dean U K Sinha said classes of first semester in all postgraduate departments of science faculty had begun. The zoology department held an induction meet for the freshers on Wednesday which was also attended by all the faculty members, said head of the department, Prabha Rani. The department of applied economics and commerce department would, however, start the first semester classes after a week, said department head Chandrama Singh. The newly admitted students would be given their identity cards and they have been asked to maintain the dress code of the department while attending their classes, he said. Singh further pointed out that even as the process of admission of students to the MBA course, run by the department, was completed much earlier and the classes were supposed to commence from July 1 itself, the same could not materialize due to the inordinate delay in the approval of the admission ordinance and regulations of the course under semester mode. Now, the department is planning to start the classes on the basis of old pattern of annual mode, he added. Meanwhile, the PU examination board, at its meeting held under the chairmanship of the vice-chancellor, decided that only those unsuccessful candidates would be promoted to the next semester who appeared at all the components of the continuous internal assessment (CIA), have at least 75% attendance and filled up the examination form. It was also decided at the meeting that even though the pass marks in individual papers would be 40%, the candidates would be required to have at least 45% marks in aggregate to pass the examination. The examination of second semester is scheduled from September 28. SPORTS +VE CLT20: No visas for Pakistan's Faisalabad Wolves          NEW DELHI: India has refused visas to Pakistan's domestic T20 champions Faisalabad Wolves, who had been invited by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to participate in the Champions League T20 tournament starting on September 17. Government sources cited security worries as the main reason for refusing visas to the Wolves, who were to be led by Pakistan's national skipper Misbah-ul-Haq. "Taking into account security requirements as a matter of abundant caution, government is not giving green signal for the participation of the Faisalabad Wolves. This is the approach followed in several other recent cases of Pakistani groups planning to visit India, the most recent being the Pakistani zaireen who were to participate in Amir Khusro related festivities," an official source told TOI. The relations between the neighbours have suffered after the recent violations along the Line of Control (LOC).   Till Wednesday afternoon, BCCI was under the impression that Wolves' tour for the qualifying rounds of CLT20 would be cleared. In fact, BCCI insiders had started making arrangements for the Pakistani team which was scheduled to arrive in two batches - on September 13 and 14. Sources said an internal communication had already been circulated within the organizing committee members of the CLT20 that the Wolves would play their qualifying matches in Mohali with three other teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL team), Otago Volts (New Zealand) and Kandurata Maroons (Sri Lanka).     Grand Masti Grand Masti   Movie Name :  Grand Masti   Release Date :  13 September 2013 Genre :  Bollywood adult comedy Producer : Ashok Thakeria,Indra Kumar Director :  Indra Kumar Music Director : Anand Raj Anand,Sanjeev Darshan Cast : Vivek Oberoi,Ritesh Deshmukh,Aftab Shivdasani,Sonalee Kulkarni,Bruna Abdullah,Karishma Tanna,Kainaat Arora,Maryam Zakaria,Manjari Fadnis   Synopsis: Three married guys Vivek Oberoi as Meet,Aftab Shivdasani as Prem and Riteish Deshmukh as Amar go out on fun experience in their college reunion in Shree Lalchand University of Technology and Science(SLUTS),finally to be trapped in a danger. the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter. " INSPIRING STORY "   The story of Rantideva  A hand is odorned with daanam rather than with kankanaas. Daanam must be done expecting absolutely nothing in return, admiring the greatness of the dana-grahita, for giving the daata an opportunity to help the grahita.   Stories of great Daatas are huge in number in our Indian history, who gave away everything they had. King Rantideva is well known not only in Bhuloka, but also in the urdhva lokas for his daana gunam.   Rantideva never endeavored to earn anything for himself. He would enjoy whatever he got by vidhi and when atithis came he would give them what they needed. He gave away everything he had to the poor and underwent considerable suffering, along with the members of his family.   Finally, he and his family members did not even get food and water, yet Rantideva always was always satisfied — a sthita pragnya. One morning, after fasting for forty-eight days, Rantideva received some water and some paramaannam (paayasam with rice, milk and ghee). Just when about to eat them, a brahmana atithi arrived.   Because Rantideva perceived the presence of the Paramaatma everywhere, and in every living entity, he received the atithi with faith and respect and gave him a share of the paramaannam. The brahmana ate his share and left the place satisfied.   Thereafter, having divided the remaining paramaannam with his family, Rantideva was just about to eat his own share when another atithi, a shudra arrived. Seeing the shudra in relationship with the Purushottama, King Rantideva gave him also a share of the paramaannam.   When the shudra went away, another atithi arrived, surrounded by dogs, and said, “O King, I and my company of dogs are very hungry. Please give us something to eat.” With great respect, King Rantideva offered the balance of the paramaannam to the dogs and the master of the dogs, who had come as atithis.   Thereafter, only the drinking water remained, and there was only enough to satisfy one person, but when the King was just about to drink it, a chandaala appeared and said, “O King, although I am lowborn, kindly give me some drinking water.”   Aggrieved at hearing the pitiable words of the poor fatigued chandaala, Rantideva spoke the following madhura vaakyas. “I do not pray to the Lord for the ashta siddhis, nor for vimukti from samsaara saagaram. I want to stay among all the living entities and suffer all distresses on their behalf, so that they may be freed from suffering.   By offering my water to maintain the life of this poor chandaala, who is struggling to live, I have been freed from all hunger, thirst, fatigue, trembling of the body, moroseness, distress, lamentation and illusion”.   The trimurtis appeared before Rantideva, satisfied by his daatrutvam and bless him. They revealed that they had come in the forms of the brahmana, shudra and chandaala in order to test his karuna, daya and daatrutvam.

When Love and determination work together expect a masterpiece.