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.

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.

Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday defended his Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's
participation in a TV comedy show saying he should be allowed to earn his living 'honestly'.

Speaking to a TV channel, the CM said quashed reports of any controversy over the issue of Navjot Singh Sidhu’s participation in The Kapil Sharma Show after taking over as minister in his Cabinet.

Captain Amarinder said in a TV interview that he personally felt Sidhu should be allowed to make his living by continuing to earn through TV shows, if that was his main source of income.

“How does one live without adequate income?” asked Captain Amarinder Singh, adding, “Do they (those opposing his TV shows) want to make ministers corrupt (by stopping them from earning their livelihood)?”

The CM said he did not know the legal position in the matter, and would wait for the state Advocate General’s report, but he did not personally think there was any conflict of interest, as stated by the Attorney General of India in a TV interview.

Captain Amarinder Singh had earlier said he had no objection to Sidhu continuing to appear on television but would change his Culture portfolio if that was in conflict with his TV shows.

Sidhu has been in news over his  involvement in a comedy show despite being a Cabinet minister. The cricketer-turned-politician maintains he earns his living by working in the comedy show and would spare time for it without compromising his responsibilities as a Cabinet minister.

“I have no liquor, sand mining or transport business like former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. I earn a living through TV shows and I will be in Chandigarh from Monday to Thursday and in Amritsar from Friday to Sunday. What I do at night should not be anyone’s concern. I will take first flight back to Punjab after TV shoots in Mumbai,” he said on Wednesday.

Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday defended his Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's
participation in a TV comedy show saying he should be allowed to earn his living 'honestly'.

Speaking to a TV channel, the CM said quashed reports of any controversy over the issue of Navjot Singh Sidhu’s participation in The Kapil Sharma Show after taking over as minister in his Cabinet.

Captain Amarinder said in a TV interview that he personally felt Sidhu should be allowed to make his living by continuing to earn through TV shows, if that was his main source of income.

“How does one live without adequate income?” asked Captain Amarinder Singh, adding, “Do they (those opposing his TV shows) want to make ministers corrupt (by stopping them from earning their livelihood)?”

The CM said he did not know the legal position in the matter, and would wait for the state Advocate General’s report, but he did not personally think there was any conflict of interest, as stated by the Attorney General of India in a TV interview.

Captain Amarinder Singh had earlier said he had no objection to Sidhu continuing to appear on television but would change his Culture portfolio if that was in conflict with his TV shows.

Sidhu has been in news over his  involvement in a comedy show despite being a Cabinet minister. The cricketer-turned-politician maintains he earns his living by working in the comedy show and would spare time for it without compromising his responsibilities as a Cabinet minister.

“I have no liquor, sand mining or transport business like former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. I earn a living through TV shows and I will be in Chandigarh from Monday to Thursday and in Amritsar from Friday to Sunday. What I do at night should not be anyone’s concern. I will take first flight back to Punjab after TV shoots in Mumbai,” he said on Wednesday.

Dismissing a petition opposing the election of media baron Subhash Chandra to the Rajya Sabha from Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday upheld the election.

Chandra was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent candidate, backed by Haryana's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following a controversy over voting in June last year. In the same biennial poll, Union minister Birender Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha on a BJP ticket.

The high court bench of Justice P.B. Bajanthri dismissed the plea of Supreme Court lawyer R.K. Anand, who had challenged the election, alleging forgery and fabrication during voting.

Anand, who was backed by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Congress, had sought quashing of the election. He claimed in his petition that the decision of the assembly returning officer declaring some votes "null and void" was wrong.

The returning officer had declared 14 votes of Congress legislators as invalid as a different pen, other than the officially authorised pen, was used in voting.

Chandra was declared elected in the election, amid a blame game by the Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). While Chandra finally secured 24 votes, Anand got only 15 votes.

Union minister Birender Singh was declared elected by securing 40 votes in the 90-member assembly.

Leader of opposition and INLD leader Abhay Chautala had blamed the Congress legislators of getting their votes rejected during the election.

But Congress legislator Karan Singh Dalal blamed the INLD for Anand's defeat.

The INLD and Congress have 19 and 17 legislators, respectively, in the Haryana Assembly. Had they all voted for Anand, he would have won easily.