One of the traditional hubs of Indian football alongside Kolkata and Kerala, Goa's chances of hosting marquee matches in the FIFA U-17 World Cup appear to have taken a hit owing to low attendance in the AFC U-16 event in 2016.

“We have always said that for marquee matches, such as quarterfinals, semifinals or final, the criteria would be readiness and willingness. In terms of readiness, Goa had the advantage of hosting the AFC U-16 Championship, so infrastructure is well covered.

“For the willingness, we have to take into account how important it is for a state, its people and all the stakeholders involved with football to host these matches. We had a test on the AFC U-16 and we have analysed the attendance data, which was certainly not too encouraging,” tournament director Javier Ceppi said.

The mega event is to be held across the country in six centres from October 6 to 28.

An eight-member FIFA team, led by head of events Jaime Yarza, is set out to inspect the host cities.

Newly appointed state chief minister Manohar Parrikar welcomed the FIFA delegation on Thursday and pledged full support for the upcoming tournament.

Commenting on the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Parrikar said, “Goa is known for its love for football and we will ensure that no stone is left unturned in preparations for the tournament. It will be a wonderful opportunity for all Goans to witness a spectacle such as the World Cup.”

Earlier in the day, the FIFA delegation along with the Local Organising Committee visited the stadium and the training sites to take a comprehensive look at the facilities. The LOC and FIFA experts expressed their satisfaction with the work which has been put in at the venue.

Describing the preparations of the venue, Yarza said, “I am pretty excited to see the way the stadium has shaped over the last year since I last came here, it played host to the World Cup Qualifiers and from the reports, I gauge that the authorities here did a great job at it.

“Also, the meeting with the chief minister was pretty fruitful. He assured us of continued support and that all requirements would be met leading up to the tournament.”

Speaking about the readiness of the venue, Ceppi said, “On the infrastructure front, things are almost ready but we now need to go into the finer details of all the operation plans such as security, transport, health, promotions etc. We will keep working with the authorities of the state government just as we have done for the past two and a half years to make sure that all the responsibilities for the state are complied with.”

The delegation will continue its inspection visit to the remaining venues — Kochi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati and Kolkata.

One of the traditional hubs of Indian football alongside Kolkata and Kerala, Goa's chances of hosting marquee matches in the FIFA U-17 World Cup appear to have taken a hit owing to low attendance in the AFC U-16 event in 2016.

“We have always said that for marquee matches, such as quarterfinals, semifinals or final, the criteria would be readiness and willingness. In terms of readiness, Goa had the advantage of hosting the AFC U-16 Championship, so infrastructure is well covered.

“For the willingness, we have to take into account how important it is for a state, its people and all the stakeholders involved with football to host these matches. We had a test on the AFC U-16 and we have analysed the attendance data, which was certainly not too encouraging,” tournament director Javier Ceppi said.

The mega event is to be held across the country in six centres from October 6 to 28.

An eight-member FIFA team, led by head of events Jaime Yarza, is set out to inspect the host cities.

Newly appointed state chief minister Manohar Parrikar welcomed the FIFA delegation on Thursday and pledged full support for the upcoming tournament.

Commenting on the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Parrikar said, “Goa is known for its love for football and we will ensure that no stone is left unturned in preparations for the tournament. It will be a wonderful opportunity for all Goans to witness a spectacle such as the World Cup.”

Earlier in the day, the FIFA delegation along with the Local Organising Committee visited the stadium and the training sites to take a comprehensive look at the facilities. The LOC and FIFA experts expressed their satisfaction with the work which has been put in at the venue.

Describing the preparations of the venue, Yarza said, “I am pretty excited to see the way the stadium has shaped over the last year since I last came here, it played host to the World Cup Qualifiers and from the reports, I gauge that the authorities here did a great job at it.

“Also, the meeting with the chief minister was pretty fruitful. He assured us of continued support and that all requirements would be met leading up to the tournament.”

Speaking about the readiness of the venue, Ceppi said, “On the infrastructure front, things are almost ready but we now need to go into the finer details of all the operation plans such as security, transport, health, promotions etc. We will keep working with the authorities of the state government just as we have done for the past two and a half years to make sure that all the responsibilities for the state are complied with.”

The delegation will continue its inspection visit to the remaining venues — Kochi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati and Kolkata.

Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan arrived here on Thursday on a three-day official visit.

This is the first high-profile visit from China to Nepal after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal took office last August.

China and Nepal are next month conduction joint military drills the dates of which will be announced during Chang's stay, officials said.

Leading a 19-member delegation, Chang arrived in Nepal on the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Defence Minister Bal Krishna Khand after concluding his Sri Lanka visit.

Khand, other senior officials of Nepal's Defence Ministry and Nepal Army personnel welcomed the Chinese Minister upon his arrival. 

General Chang is also scheduled to meet President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Nepal Army Chief General Rajendra Chhetri on Friday.

He is also slated to visit the earthquake-damaged heritage sites and monuments at the Basantapur Durbar area in Kathmandu.

Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan arrived here on Thursday on a three-day official visit.

This is the first high-profile visit from China to Nepal after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal took office last August.

China and Nepal are next month conduction joint military drills the dates of which will be announced during Chang's stay, officials said.

Leading a 19-member delegation, Chang arrived in Nepal on the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Defence Minister Bal Krishna Khand after concluding his Sri Lanka visit.

Khand, other senior officials of Nepal's Defence Ministry and Nepal Army personnel welcomed the Chinese Minister upon his arrival. 

General Chang is also scheduled to meet President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Nepal Army Chief General Rajendra Chhetri on Friday.

He is also slated to visit the earthquake-damaged heritage sites and monuments at the Basantapur Durbar area in Kathmandu.

A Hyderabad court on Thursday granted bail to prime accused Swami Aseemanand, the former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case.

The blast, which occurred when an improvised explosive device (IED) was found inside Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid in May 18, killed atleast nine persons.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in May 2011 chargesheeted Assemanand who confessed his alleged involvement in the blast. However, soon after, he took a U-turn by retracting his statement.

Earlier, the role of terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was suspected.

Aseemanand's bail order came a week after he was acquitted of all charges in the 2007 Ajmer dargah blast case. He is likely to be released on Thursday.

A Hyderabad court on Thursday granted bail to prime accused Swami Aseemanand, the former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case.

The blast, which occurred when an improvised explosive device (IED) was found inside Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid in May 18, killed atleast nine persons.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in May 2011 chargesheeted Assemanand who confessed his alleged involvement in the blast. However, soon after, he took a U-turn by retracting his statement.

Earlier, the role of terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was suspected.

Aseemanand's bail order came a week after he was acquitted of all charges in the 2007 Ajmer dargah blast case. He is likely to be released on Thursday.

Italy striker Ciro Immobile is expecting a tough battle against underdogs Albania in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier to be held in Palermo on Friday.

Four-time World Cup winners and current world No.15 Italy host world No.54 Albania in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. Spain and Italy lead Group G of the European qualifiers with 10 points each after four rounds.

"We're studying them, they're a team who played in the European Championship with good qualities and they're well trained," Immobile said, as posted on Italy's football federation FIGC's website on Wednesday.

"It won't be a walk in the park, they'll fight tooth and nail. We know that playing at 90 per cent isn't enough to win."

The Lazio star also backed captain Gianluigi Buffon's view that the national side has vastly improved with the inclusion of several young and talented players under the guidance of new head coach Gian Piero Ventura, who has been tasked to oversee a generation transition.

"Belief grew from September and we're a more united team now. There have been improvements even if we've not spent much time together. If Buffon says that we're a very strong team then who am I to contradict him?" he said.

Immobile will also be up against a club-mate in Thomas Strakosha. "I've spoken with him and he said that they'll give us a tough time but we'll give our all to beat them," added Immobile.

Palermo is also a special place for the 27-year-old to play at. "I'm emotional about it because I've already played there twice with Italy and the atmosphere makes you feel at home," he added. 

"From when the anthem plays the stadium gives you energy. When I play at the Stadio Barbera my family always look to go."

The Lazio forward also agreed with head coach Gian Piero Ventura about moving the start of the season to aid Italy's preparation for the match with Spain on September 2. 

"I agree with the coach, it's an important year and everybody must understand that," he went on.

"To prepare best for that match the start of the season needs to be moved, I don't see what the problem is."

This game comes just four days before the Azzurri will take on the Netherlands in a friendly scheduled for March 28 in Amsterdam.

Italy striker Ciro Immobile is expecting a tough battle against underdogs Albania in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier to be held in Palermo on Friday.

Four-time World Cup winners and current world No.15 Italy host world No.54 Albania in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. Spain and Italy lead Group G of the European qualifiers with 10 points each after four rounds.

"We're studying them, they're a team who played in the European Championship with good qualities and they're well trained," Immobile said, as posted on Italy's football federation FIGC's website on Wednesday.

"It won't be a walk in the park, they'll fight tooth and nail. We know that playing at 90 per cent isn't enough to win."

The Lazio star also backed captain Gianluigi Buffon's view that the national side has vastly improved with the inclusion of several young and talented players under the guidance of new head coach Gian Piero Ventura, who has been tasked to oversee a generation transition.

"Belief grew from September and we're a more united team now. There have been improvements even if we've not spent much time together. If Buffon says that we're a very strong team then who am I to contradict him?" he said.

Immobile will also be up against a club-mate in Thomas Strakosha. "I've spoken with him and he said that they'll give us a tough time but we'll give our all to beat them," added Immobile.

Palermo is also a special place for the 27-year-old to play at. "I'm emotional about it because I've already played there twice with Italy and the atmosphere makes you feel at home," he added. 

"From when the anthem plays the stadium gives you energy. When I play at the Stadio Barbera my family always look to go."

The Lazio forward also agreed with head coach Gian Piero Ventura about moving the start of the season to aid Italy's preparation for the match with Spain on September 2. 

"I agree with the coach, it's an important year and everybody must understand that," he went on.

"To prepare best for that match the start of the season needs to be moved, I don't see what the problem is."

This game comes just four days before the Azzurri will take on the Netherlands in a friendly scheduled for March 28 in Amsterdam.

Honda Cars India Ltd has announced that it will increase the prices – w.e.f. the first week of April 2017 – of its lineup by up to Rs.10,000. The Japanese automaker stated in an official release that “increase in freight charges and input costs” are the primary reasons for the hike.

The automaker’s entire lineup will be affected, including the 2017 Honda City, which was launched in February at Rs.8.50 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). However, its debutant sub-4m crossover, the Honda WRV, which was launched at Rs.7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) earlier this month will not be affected by this hike, confirms Honda.

Speaking of Honda’s latest entrant, the WRV, with a price band of Rs.7.75-9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), it goes up against a plethora of rivals among sub-4m SUVs and cross hatches. The WRV can be had in just two variants – the base 'S' and the range-topping 'VX'. Mechanically, it shares its powertrain with its donor car, the Honda Jazz; the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel. However, it doesn’t offer the CVT automatic option, unlike the Jazz’ petrol version. And, its certified fuel efficiency is marginally lower than the hatch; the petrol WR-V returns 17.5kmpl (1.2kmpl less), while the diesel returns 25.5kmpl (1.8kmpl less).

Source: CarDekho

Honda Cars India Ltd has announced that it will increase the prices – w.e.f. the first week of April 2017 – of its lineup by up to Rs.10,000. The Japanese automaker stated in an official release that “increase in freight charges and input costs” are the primary reasons for the hike.

The automaker’s entire lineup will be affected, including the 2017 Honda City, which was launched in February at Rs.8.50 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). However, its debutant sub-4m crossover, the Honda WRV, which was launched at Rs.7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) earlier this month will not be affected by this hike, confirms Honda.

Speaking of Honda’s latest entrant, the WRV, with a price band of Rs.7.75-9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), it goes up against a plethora of rivals among sub-4m SUVs and cross hatches. The WRV can be had in just two variants – the base 'S' and the range-topping 'VX'. Mechanically, it shares its powertrain with its donor car, the Honda Jazz; the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel. However, it doesn’t offer the CVT automatic option, unlike the Jazz’ petrol version. And, its certified fuel efficiency is marginally lower than the hatch; the petrol WR-V returns 17.5kmpl (1.2kmpl less), while the diesel returns 25.5kmpl (1.8kmpl less).

Source: CarDekho

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is currently busy working on new projects such as Drive, Reloaded, According to Mathew and Judwaa 2, is creating awareness environment conservation.

“I really feel we need to educate people and spread awareness on Marine conservation," said the 2006 Miss Universe from Sri Lanka.

Known for her fascination with sea, Jacqueline will now lend her support to spread awareness about environmental issues, especially to save marine life.

The actress further talked about rising pollution level and said, "Around the world, marine ecosystems are being threatened, degraded, damaged or destroyed by human activities, one of which is pollution.

“Taking a stroll along any beach or a ride on a ferry, one will get an idea of just how much litter is floating around in the form of the sand strewn with plastic bottles, fish boxes, light bulbs, flip-flops, scraps of fishing net or timber,” the Kick actress added.

Jacqueline made her personal beliefs in preserving the environment, by observing different sea beaches around the world.

"The scene is the same the world over, for the seas are full of garbage. I've witnessed this many times on the ferry to Alibaug or to Madh Island and it's an extremely disheartening sight. I really feel we need to educate people and spread awareness on Marine conservation," she said.

The actress, who is making her debut in English drama named According to Mathew, wants to work effectively, and has also shared her plan, how to start working for safer environment.

"We can start with the smallest of steps to contribute towards Marine Conservation, like restricting or reducing our use of plastic products as plastic end up as ocean debris contributing to habitat destruction and entangling and killing tens of thousands of marine animals each year,” she said.

Jacqueline also talked about innovative actions and basic measures for protection of environment, “We can also help by not littering beaches and waterways, disposing of waste in an environmentally safe way and reusing and recycling whenever possible," the actress was quoted by a source close to her.

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is currently busy working on new projects such as Drive, Reloaded, According to Mathew and Judwaa 2, is creating awareness environment conservation.

“I really feel we need to educate people and spread awareness on Marine conservation," said the 2006 Miss Universe from Sri Lanka.

Known for her fascination with sea, Jacqueline will now lend her support to spread awareness about environmental issues, especially to save marine life.

The actress further talked about rising pollution level and said, "Around the world, marine ecosystems are being threatened, degraded, damaged or destroyed by human activities, one of which is pollution.

“Taking a stroll along any beach or a ride on a ferry, one will get an idea of just how much litter is floating around in the form of the sand strewn with plastic bottles, fish boxes, light bulbs, flip-flops, scraps of fishing net or timber,” the Kick actress added.

Jacqueline made her personal beliefs in preserving the environment, by observing different sea beaches around the world.

"The scene is the same the world over, for the seas are full of garbage. I've witnessed this many times on the ferry to Alibaug or to Madh Island and it's an extremely disheartening sight. I really feel we need to educate people and spread awareness on Marine conservation," she said.

The actress, who is making her debut in English drama named According to Mathew, wants to work effectively, and has also shared her plan, how to start working for safer environment.

"We can start with the smallest of steps to contribute towards Marine Conservation, like restricting or reducing our use of plastic products as plastic end up as ocean debris contributing to habitat destruction and entangling and killing tens of thousands of marine animals each year,” she said.

Jacqueline also talked about innovative actions and basic measures for protection of environment, “We can also help by not littering beaches and waterways, disposing of waste in an environmentally safe way and reusing and recycling whenever possible," the actress was quoted by a source close to her.

There is a popular joke among librarians which says that for every weird librarian there are at least five ‘unconventional’ patrons. Then, of course, for every ‘unconventional’ patron wouldn't there be at least five weird libraries? So, would you enjoy reading a book in a tank or in a Rubic’s cube? From libraries on donkeys or on a boat, we bring you the five weirdest libraries in the world.

The Weapon’s of Mass destruction:

Believe it or not there is a Library in Argentina called The Weapon’s of Mass destruction. The library is actually a 1979 Ford Falcon turned into a tank-like vehicle. The brain behind the library is Raul Lemesoff, who drives to rural areas, slums as well as schools to deliver free books. And no, there is no catch here. Raul offers his books to anyone who wants them.

The Biblioburros:

Ever imagined that a donkey could get you a book? Well, that is what happens in the case of The Biblioburros. In Columbia, a teacher, Luis Soriano is quite famous among the book loving circles for taking his donkeys or Biblioburros around the countryside on weekends.

Epos Book Boat:

This one takes the book reading experience to the boats. The Epos boat is located in the Norwegian fjords. Between September and April, the boat moves to all the 250 small islands in the fjords. The vessel claims to have over 6000 books and that’s not all. The boat also has a captain, cook, librarians and even two entertainers. Of course, during summers, this boat library gets back to business and turns into a cruise ferry.

Stuttgart City Library:

This one is more tech lovers or to be precise, Apple Inc lovers. So, while it looks like an apple store inside, its façade gives it the look of a Rubic’s cube. Fascinating much? The library opened in 2011 to much praise and awe among book as well as architect lovers. However, many bookworms also seemed to think that library more of a starry attraction than a point for serious book lovers.

There is a popular joke among librarians which says that for every weird librarian there are at least five ‘unconventional’ patrons. Then, of course, for every ‘unconventional’ patron wouldn't there be at least five weird libraries? So, would you enjoy reading a book in a tank or in a Rubic’s cube? From libraries on donkeys or on a boat, we bring you the five weirdest libraries in the world.

The Weapon’s of Mass destruction:

Believe it or not there is a Library in Argentina called The Weapon’s of Mass destruction. The library is actually a 1979 Ford Falcon turned into a tank-like vehicle. The brain behind the library is Raul Lemesoff, who drives to rural areas, slums as well as schools to deliver free books. And no, there is no catch here. Raul offers his books to anyone who wants them.

The Biblioburros:

Ever imagined that a donkey could get you a book? Well, that is what happens in the case of The Biblioburros. In Columbia, a teacher, Luis Soriano is quite famous among the book loving circles for taking his donkeys or Biblioburros around the countryside on weekends.

Epos Book Boat:

This one takes the book reading experience to the boats. The Epos boat is located in the Norwegian fjords. Between September and April, the boat moves to all the 250 small islands in the fjords. The vessel claims to have over 6000 books and that’s not all. The boat also has a captain, cook, librarians and even two entertainers. Of course, during summers, this boat library gets back to business and turns into a cruise ferry.

Stuttgart City Library:

This one is more tech lovers or to be precise, Apple Inc lovers. So, while it looks like an apple store inside, its façade gives it the look of a Rubic’s cube. Fascinating much? The library opened in 2011 to much praise and awe among book as well as architect lovers. However, many bookworms also seemed to think that library more of a starry attraction than a point for serious book lovers.

There is a popular joke among librarians which says that for every weird librarian there are at least five ‘unconventional’ patrons. Then, of course, for every ‘unconventional’ patron wouldn't there be at least five weird libraries? So, would you enjoy reading a book in a tank or in a Rubic’s cube? From libraries on donkeys or on a boat, we bring you the five weirdest libraries in the world.

The Weapon’s of Mass destruction:

Believe it or not there is a Library in Argentina called The Weapon’s of Mass destruction. The library is actually a 1979 Ford Falcon turned into a tank-like vehicle. The brain behind the library is Raul Lemesoff, who drives to rural areas, slums as well as schools to deliver free books. And no, there is no catch here. Raul offers his books to anyone who wants them.

The Biblioburros:

Ever imagined that a donkey could get you a book? Well, that is what happens in the case of The Biblioburros. In Columbia, a teacher, Luis Soriano is quite famous among the book loving circles for taking his donkeys or Biblioburros around the countryside on weekends.

Epos Book Boat:

This one takes the book reading experience to the boats. The Epos boat is located in the Norwegian fjords. Between September and April, the boat moves to all the 250 small islands in the fjords. The vessel claims to have over 6000 books and that’s not all. The boat also has a captain, cook, librarians and even two entertainers. Of course, during summers, this boat library gets back to business and turns into a cruise ferry.

Stuttgart City Library:

This one is more tech lovers or to be precise, Apple Inc lovers. So, while it looks like an apple store inside, its façade gives it the look of a Rubic’s cube. Fascinating much? The library opened in 2011 to much praise and awe among book as well as architect lovers. However, many bookworms also seemed to think that library more of a starry attraction than a point for serious book lovers.

There is a popular joke among librarians which says that for every weird librarian there are at least five ‘unconventional’ patrons. Then, of course, for every ‘unconventional’ patron wouldn't there be at least five weird libraries? So, would you enjoy reading a book in a tank or in a Rubic’s cube? From libraries on donkeys or on a boat, we bring you the five weirdest libraries in the world.

The Weapon’s of Mass destruction:

Believe it or not there is a Library in Argentina called The Weapon’s of Mass destruction. The library is actually a 1979 Ford Falcon turned into a tank-like vehicle. The brain behind the library is Raul Lemesoff, who drives to rural areas, slums as well as schools to deliver free books. And no, there is no catch here. Raul offers his books to anyone who wants them.

The Biblioburros:

Ever imagined that a donkey could get you a book? Well, that is what happens in the case of The Biblioburros. In Columbia, a teacher, Luis Soriano is quite famous among the book loving circles for taking his donkeys or Biblioburros around the countryside on weekends.

Epos Book Boat:

This one takes the book reading experience to the boats. The Epos boat is located in the Norwegian fjords. Between September and April, the boat moves to all the 250 small islands in the fjords. The vessel claims to have over 6000 books and that’s not all. The boat also has a captain, cook, librarians and even two entertainers. Of course, during summers, this boat library gets back to business and turns into a cruise ferry.

Stuttgart City Library:

This one is more tech lovers or to be precise, Apple Inc lovers. So, while it looks like an apple store inside, its façade gives it the look of a Rubic’s cube. Fascinating much? The library opened in 2011 to much praise and awe among book as well as architect lovers. However, many bookworms also seemed to think that library more of a starry attraction than a point for serious book lovers.

Swiss sports star Stan Wawrinka is hopeful that the warhorse tennis icon Roger Federer has regained his lost form tremendously in the recent past and may soon come atop the ATP rankings.

“For sure he has a shot for number one, he has just won the first Masters final. For sure he has a big shot,” Wawrinka said as quoted by AFP.

However, the 31-year-old, who lost to Federer in the final of the Indian Wells on Sunday, somewhere got swayed with emotions when he hailed the legend.

“I would like to congratulate Roger. He's laughing, he's an a*****e. I've lost some tough ones against you, but when you played the final in Australia, I was your biggest fan. So congratulations on your comeback and congratulations on today,” Wawrinka said in the trophy presentation ceremony.

Listening to this, Federer started laughing uncontrollably and was amused to see what his good friend Stan Wawrinka had to say to him after the defeat.

The 35-year-old came up in flying colours when he recently recovered from knee injury to win the year’s first Grand Slam – Australian Open. 

The Australian Open triumph, his 18th Grand Slam, was followed by the Indian Wells title, his fifth title to equal Novak Djokovic’s record of highest Indian Wells title.

“He's playing really well, what is different maybe is he is playing closer from the baseline, preferring, using less his slice, he is using more top spin, putting more pressure all the time, returning better that's the difference I seem,” Wawrinka said on Tuesday at the Miami Open, referring to Federer’s improved game post injury.