India's Chandrayaan-3 on three spacecraft is inching closer to the surface of the Moon. It is nearly three days away from attempting a soft landing near the Lunar South Pole.

Chandrayaan-3 maps currently mapping lunar south pole for landing

The high-voltage Malabar exercises featuring the navies of all four quad countries - United States, India, Australia and Japan conclude conclude today. The quad drills previously held in the India Ocean were held in Australia for the first time.

China's irrational territorial ambitions: Xi Jinping deploys swarm of satellites at Quad drills

India: Chandrayaan-3 maps landing spots on moon, ISRO begins landing countdown

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah have all returned to the India squad for the 2023 Asia Cup. Will this be India's final squad for the 2023 World Cup?

India announce squad for 2023 Asia Cup | WION Sports Extra

As India joins the US, Australia, and Japan for the Malabar Exercise in Australia, new data from commercial space obtained by the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), has revealed that China has been spying on the naval drills with hundreds of satellites. The satellites have also allegedly collected intelligence on military training activities involving the United States and other regional partners.

Quad drills: Xi Jinping deploys swarm of satellites

Chandrayaan-3 is just two days away from the lunar landing. There are a few things that could go wrong with the Chandrayaan-3's lander at the very last moment. Here are a few of them:

5 things that can go wrong at the last moment before Chandrayaan-3’s landing

India has made it clear to the United States (US) in clear terms that it does not support the controversial visa policy for Bangladeshi citizens.

India opposes controversial US visa policy

<p>The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent&nbsp;duty on onion exports until December 31. This move was confirmed by a government notification reported by news agency PTI.</p>

<p>The government notification clearly states, "Government imposes 40 per cent&nbsp;duty on onion exports till December 31," thereby emphasising the temporary nature of this export duty.</p>

<p>As per reports, India stood at number one amoung the world's top onion-producing countries in 2020-2021. India produced 26.6 million tonnes, China 24.2 million tonnes and Egypt 3.3 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the production of onion in India in 2020-2021 was 26.6 million tonnes in 2021-22, it was 31.7 million tonnes and in 2022-2023, it stands at 31.0 million tonnes.&nbsp;India's top onion-producing states are Maharashtra (43 percent), MP (16 percent) and Gujarat (9 percent).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Context: Rising onion prices</strong></h2>

<p>This increase in export duty is a response to concerns that onion prices are likely to surge in September. To address this issue, the government had recently announced the immediate release of onions from its buffer stock in specific regions. The aim was to stabilise prices until the arrival of the new crop in October.</p>

<h2><strong>Distribution channels and stockpiling</strong></h2>

<p>The government has been actively exploring various distribution channels for onions, including e-auctions, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with state authorities. These partnerships aim to offer discounts on onions through retail outlets managed by consumer cooperatives and corporations.</p>

<p>Currently, the government holds a significant stockpile of 300,000 metric tonnes of onions within the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to manage any unforeseen price spikes during periods of low supply.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-addresses-g20-digital-economy-ministers-meet-announces-new-ai-powered-language-translation-platform-626940">PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform</a></p>

<h2><strong>Price trends</strong></h2>

<p>Government data indicates that the cost of onions has experienced a slight increase. As of August 10, the all-India retail price for this essential kitchen staple stood at Rs 27.90 ($0.34) per kilogram. This represents an increase of just over Rs 2 per kilogram compared to the same period last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Buffer stock and procurement</strong></h2>

<p>To manage onion prices effectively, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) had earlier procured 150,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes of onion&nbsp;each from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the government has initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to irradiate onions, extending their shelf life.</p>

<h2><strong>Buffer expansion for price stability</strong></h2>

<p>The annual buffer for onions has been significantly increased, rising from 100,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes in 2020-21 to 300,000 metric&nbsp;tonnes in 2023-24. This expansion is attributed to the procurement of Rabi (winter crops) season onions, which are released in high consumption areas during lean seasons.</p>

<p>A statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs highlighted the vital role played by the onion buffer in ensuring consumer access to onions at affordable prices while maintaining price stability.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: What’s happening in India’s aviation sector?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Seasonal supply and demand</strong></h2>

<p>India typically receives nearly 65 per cent of its onion supply from the Rabi season, harvested from April to June. These onions meet consumer demand until the Kharif crop (harvested at the end of monsoon season) is harvested in October-November.</p>

<p>In sum, the government's imposition of an export duty on onions reflects its commitment to stabilise domestic prices, enhance distribution mechanisms, and manage the impact of seasonal variations on onion availability and affordability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent duty on onion exports until December 31.

The Union government of India has taken measures to curb rising onion prices in the domestic market by imposing a 40 per cent duty on onion exports until December 31. This move was confirmed by a government notification reported by news agency PTI. The government notification clearly states, "Government imposes 40 per cent duty on onion exports till December 31," thereby emphasising the temporary nature of this export duty. As per reports, India stood at number one amoung the world's top onion-producing countries in 2020-2021. India produced 26.6 million tonnes, China 24.2 million tonnes and Egypt 3.3 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the production of onion in India in 2020-2021 was 26.6 million tonnes in 2021-22, it was 31.7 million tonnes and in 2022-2023, it stands at 31.0 million tonnes. India's top onion-producing states are Maharashtra (43 percent), MP (16 percent) and Gujarat (9 percent). Context: Rising onion prices This increase in export duty is a response to concerns that onion prices are likely to surge in September. To address this issue, the government had recently announced the immediate release of onions from its buffer stock in specific regions. The aim was to stabilise prices until the arrival of the new crop in October. Distribution channels and stockpiling The government has been actively exploring various distribution channels for onions, including e-auctions, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with state authorities. These partnerships aim to offer discounts on onions through retail outlets managed by consumer cooperatives and corporations. Currently, the government holds a significant stockpile of 300,000 metric tonnes of onions within the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to manage any unforeseen price spikes during periods of low supply. Also read | PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform Price trends Government data indicates that the cost of onions has experienced a slight increase. As of August 10, the all-India retail price for this essential kitchen staple stood at Rs 27.90 ($0.34) per kilogram. This represents an increase of just over Rs 2 per kilogram compared to the same period last year. Buffer stock and procurement To manage onion prices effectively, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) had earlier procured 150,000 metric tonnes of onion each from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, the government has initiated a pilot project in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to irradiate onions, extending their shelf life. Buffer expansion for price stability The annual buffer for onions has been significantly increased, rising from 100,000 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 300,000 metric tonnes in 2023-24. This expansion is attributed to the procurement of Rabi (winter crops) season onions, which are released in high consumption areas during lean seasons. A statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs highlighted the vital role played by the onion buffer in ensuring consumer access to onions at affordable prices while maintaining price stability. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: What’s happening in India’s aviation sector? Seasonal supply and demand India typically receives nearly 65 per cent of its onion supply from the Rabi season, harvested from April to June. These onions meet consumer demand until the Kharif crop (harvested at the end of monsoon season) is harvested in October-November. In sum, the government's imposition of an export duty on onions reflects its commitment to stabilise domestic prices, enhance distribution mechanisms, and manage the impact of seasonal variations on onion availability and affordability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian govt imposes 40% export duty on onions to curb soaring local prices

In a bid to curb food inflation, the Indian government has imposed a 40% Duty on onion exports. The government's move is aimed at curbing the price of onions.

Onion price hike: India imposes 40% duty on onion exports

The world is battling extreme climate conditions, and the flood fury in India's Himachal Pradesh has forced authorities to declare it a natural calamity.

India's Himachal Pradesh lashed with floods

India's moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, and Russia's Luna-25 are both set to attempt a soft landing on the lunar south pole in the coming days. The two missions would not interfere with each other as they have different landing areas planned, according to the Russian Space Agency, ROSCOMS.

Chandrayaan-3: Second and final de-boosting of Vikram Lander successful

In an effort to boost the self-confidence of budding female cricketers, the Indian Army established a women's cricket league here on Saturday with 12 teams from all across the valley. According to Colonel Manoj Dobriyal, who is in charge of it, the women's league is run by the Army's Sadhbavana Project and has gotten favorable reviews.

India: Big response for Indian army's women's cricket league in Jammu and Kashmir

In a historic milestone, the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir celebrated a grand Independence Day first time in over three decades.

Historic Jammu & Kashmir Independence Day celebrations

<p>Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday unveiled a new Lotus flower variety named "Namoh 108",&nbsp;which has 108 petals and holds a particular religious significance. This unique variety was developed by the scientists of National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI),&nbsp;a constituent institution of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).</p>

<p>The "NBRI Namoh 108" lotus variety is known to blossom from March through December. It is also the first instance where a flower's entire genome has been sequenced to understand its distinctive attributes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an event in Lucknow, the minister praised the NBRI for naming the lotus variant as "Namoh 108". Singh characterised this botanical creation as a "grand gift to the relentless zeal and innate beauty" of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>It is particularly because the current year coincides with the tenth year of Modi's service as the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-chief-hails-modis-home-state-gujarat-as-futures-mecca-of-traditional-medicine-627109">WHO chief hails Modi's home state Gujarat as future's 'Mecca of traditional medicine'</a></p>

<p>The minister also inaugurated the Lotus Mission, emphasising its execution as a dedicated endeavor similar to other crucial initiatives such as the National Honey and Bee Mission, National Bamboo Mission, National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and Gokul Mission.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-nine-indian-soldiers-dead-many-injured-after-army-vehicle-plunges-into-gorge-627075">Ladakh: Nine Indian soldiers dead after Army vehicle plunges into gorge</a></p>

<h2><strong>108 petal lotus and its religious significance</strong></h2>

<p>The "Namoh 108"&nbsp;lotus, notable for its unique feature of having 108 petals, was initially discovered several years back in Manipur. The specimen had been part of the CSIR-NBRI's assortment of flora and fauna, which serves as a foundation for their research efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it was only about four years ago that a scientist noticed the lotus's distinct petal count, a number of great significance in Hinduism.&nbsp;“Considering the religious importance of the ‘lotus flower’ and ‘the digit 108’, this combination gives an important identity to this variety,” Singh reportedly said Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India’s Chandrayaan-3 in faceoff with Russia’s Luna-25 for unchartered lunar south pole</strong></p>

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<p>Though upon initial examination, the flower resembled other ordinary lotus types in India, but a newfound discovery was made.&nbsp;After conducting&nbsp;a comprehensive study of the lotus's traits, it eventually led to the sequencing of its genome.</p>

<p>Significantly, 'Namoh 108' is the sole lotus variety in India to have undergone genome sequencing, Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI told The Hindu. The only other sequenced lotus variety in the world hails from China and exhibits substantial dissimilarity.</p>

<p>With the revelation of its 108-petal property, CSIR-NBRI embarked on the task of cloning the 'Namoh 108' and refining its germplasm to make it suitable for cultivation beyond Manipur's confines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will be registering as the official lotus variety out of India. After all, this is our national flower,” Shasany reportedly said and added, “We have plans on facilitating an entire industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem around this.”</p>

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Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday unveiled a new Lotus flower variety named "Namoh 108", which has 108 petals and holds a particular religious significance.

Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday unveiled a new Lotus flower variety named "Namoh 108", which has 108 petals and holds a particular religious significance. This unique variety was developed by the scientists of National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), a constituent institution of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The "NBRI Namoh 108" lotus variety is known to blossom from March through December. It is also the first instance where a flower's entire genome has been sequenced to understand its distinctive attributes. During an event in Lucknow, the minister praised the NBRI for naming the lotus variant as "Namoh 108". Singh characterised this botanical creation as a "grand gift to the relentless zeal and innate beauty" of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is particularly because the current year coincides with the tenth year of Modi's service as the Prime Minister. Also Read | WHO chief hails Modi's home state Gujarat as future's 'Mecca of traditional medicine' The minister also inaugurated the Lotus Mission, emphasising its execution as a dedicated endeavor similar to other crucial initiatives such as the National Honey and Bee Mission, National Bamboo Mission, National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and Gokul Mission. Also Read | Ladakh: Nine Indian soldiers dead after Army vehicle plunges into gorge 108 petal lotus and its religious significance The "Namoh 108" lotus, notable for its unique feature of having 108 petals, was initially discovered several years back in Manipur. The specimen had been part of the CSIR-NBRI's assortment of flora and fauna, which serves as a foundation for their research efforts. However, it was only about four years ago that a scientist noticed the lotus's distinct petal count, a number of great significance in Hinduism. “Considering the religious importance of the ‘lotus flower’ and ‘the digit 108’, this combination gives an important identity to this variety,” Singh reportedly said Saturday. Watch | India’s Chandrayaan-3 in faceoff with Russia’s Luna-25 for unchartered lunar south pole × Though upon initial examination, the flower resembled other ordinary lotus types in India, but a newfound discovery was made. After conducting a comprehensive study of the lotus's traits, it eventually led to the sequencing of its genome. Significantly, 'Namoh 108' is the sole lotus variety in India to have undergone genome sequencing, Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI told The Hindu. The only other sequenced lotus variety in the world hails from China and exhibits substantial dissimilarity. With the revelation of its 108-petal property, CSIR-NBRI embarked on the task of cloning the 'Namoh 108' and refining its germplasm to make it suitable for cultivation beyond Manipur's confines. “We will be registering as the official lotus variety out of India. After all, this is our national flower,” Shasany reportedly said and added, “We have plans on facilitating an entire industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem around this.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indian science minister unveils 'Namoh 108', a new lotus variety with religious significance

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<p><strong>UFC 292 Live Streaming:</strong>&nbsp;The Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold its eighth edition in Boston. Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley will lock horns in the main event fight of UFC 292, staking the Bantamweight championship. Zhang Welli and Amanda Lemos will square off in the UFC Strawweight Championship in the co-main event. The UFC 292 fight card is also jam-packed with rated contests, The Ultimate Fighter's season finale, Team McGregor vs Team Chandler, and Chris Weidman's comeback.</p>

<p>The main card will commence at 07:30 AM IST on August 20.</p>

<h2><strong>UFC 292: Where to watch LIVE in India?</strong></h2>

<p>In India, the Sony LIV app and website will live broadcast the Sterling vs O'Malley, UFC 292 PPV. Viewers can access the live telecast on Sony Sports Network Channels, SONY TEN and SONY TEN 2</p>

<p>In the USA, ESPN and ESPN+ will broadcast the matches in the main card on Saturday, August 19. The event's telecast on the main card will start at 10 PM ET.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.wionews,com/sports/asia-cup-2023-10-days-to-go-check-date-time-venue-format-india-vs-pakistan-match-all-you-need-to-know-627122" target="_blank">Asia Cup 2023: 10 days to go, Check the date, time, venue, format, India vs Pakistan match &amp; all you need to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>UPF 292: List of Events</strong></h2>

<p><strong><em>Main Card</em></strong></p>

<p>Main Event: Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley, Bantamweights</p>

<p>Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili vs Amanda Lemos, Women's Strawweight</p>

<p>Ian Machado Garry vs Neil Magny, Welterweights</p>

<p>Mario Bautista vs Da'Mon Blackshear, Bantamweights</p>

<p>Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz, Bantamweights</p>

<p><strong><em>Preliminary Card</em></strong></p>

<p>Brad Tavares vs Chris Weidman, Middleweights</p>

<p>Gregory Rodrigues vs Denis Tiuliulin, Middleweights</p>

<p>Austin Hubbard vs Kurt Holobaugh, Lightweights</p>

<p>Brad Katona vs Cody Gibson, Bantamweight</p>

<p><strong><em>Early Prelims</em></strong></p>

<p>Andre Petroski vs Gerald Meerschaert, Middleweights</p>

<p>Natalia Silva vs Andrea Lee, Women's Flyweights</p>

<p>Karine Silva vs Maryna Moroz, Women's Flyweights</p>

<h2><strong>About Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Aljamain Sterling is a professional MMA fighter of Jamaican descent. He is the first UFC champion to win&nbsp;by disqualification. He was the former Bantamweight Champion of Cage Fury Fighting Championship. Sterling has the most victories, the most consecutive wins, and the most championship defences in UFC Bantamweight history. He is ranked #6 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of April 2023.</p>

<p>Sean Daniel O'Malley is a professional MMA fighter from the United States. He is currently ranked second in the UFC bantamweight rankings as of March 2023.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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UFC 292 Live Streaming: The Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold its eighth edition in Boston. Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley will lock horns in the main event fight of UFC 292, staking the Bantamweight championship.

UFC 292 Live Streaming: The Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold its eighth edition in Boston. Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley will lock horns in the main event fight of UFC 292, staking the Bantamweight championship. Zhang Welli and Amanda Lemos will square off in the UFC Strawweight Championship in the co-main event. The UFC 292 fight card is also jam-packed with rated contests, The Ultimate Fighter's season finale, Team McGregor vs Team Chandler, and Chris Weidman's comeback. The main card will commence at 07:30 AM IST on August 20. UFC 292: Where to watch LIVE in India? In India, the Sony LIV app and website will live broadcast the Sterling vs O'Malley, UFC 292 PPV. Viewers can access the live telecast on Sony Sports Network Channels, SONY TEN and SONY TEN 2 In the USA, ESPN and ESPN+ will broadcast the matches in the main card on Saturday, August 19. The event's telecast on the main card will start at 10 PM ET. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2023: 10 days to go, Check the date, time, venue, format, India vs Pakistan match & all you need to know UPF 292: List of Events Main Card Main Event: Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley, Bantamweights Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili vs Amanda Lemos, Women's Strawweight Ian Machado Garry vs Neil Magny, Welterweights Mario Bautista vs Da'Mon Blackshear, Bantamweights Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz, Bantamweights Preliminary Card Brad Tavares vs Chris Weidman, Middleweights Gregory Rodrigues vs Denis Tiuliulin, Middleweights Austin Hubbard vs Kurt Holobaugh, Lightweights Brad Katona vs Cody Gibson, Bantamweight Early Prelims Andre Petroski vs Gerald Meerschaert, Middleweights Natalia Silva vs Andrea Lee, Women's Flyweights Karine Silva vs Maryna Moroz, Women's Flyweights About Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley Aljamain Sterling is a professional MMA fighter of Jamaican descent. He is the first UFC champion to win by disqualification. He was the former Bantamweight Champion of Cage Fury Fighting Championship. Sterling has the most victories, the most consecutive wins, and the most championship defences in UFC Bantamweight history. He is ranked #6 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of April 2023. Sean Daniel O'Malley is a professional MMA fighter from the United States. He is currently ranked second in the UFC bantamweight rankings as of March 2023. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UFC 292 Live Streaming: How to watch to Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley Live in India & other countries

The Navy announced in a statement that INS Vagir, its fifth submarine of the Kalvari class, has been deployed since June of this year and will arrive in Fremantle, Australia, on Sunday. The submarine, which has its base in Mumbai, was commissioned into the Navy in January of this year.

Indian submarine 'Vagir' en route Australia

Some of the topics covered in the Major General-level talks between India and China held on Friday at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Chushul included mutually guaranteeing that no new posts are built in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and identifying specific limits of patrolling.

India-China Border talks aimed at setting LAC ground rules in Eastern Ladakh

World Health Organizations Director General Dr Tedros has praised India for advancing its health coverage and schemes. And during the inauguration ceremony of the G20 Health Ministers meeting in the Indian state of Gujarat The WHO chief praised India's health coverage.

WHO chief lauds India's health coverage during G20 meet

<p>"I am originally from Purulia in the Indian state of West Bengal," said&nbsp;photographer Vicky Roy as he reminisced about his humble beginnings. He started talking about his life story by sharing a big decision he made at the tender age of 11 – to run away from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The conditions in my family were not good," he recalled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Driven by the belief that cities held the promise of fame and fortune, he stole money from his uncle's pocket and boarded a train to Delhi, uncertain of what lay ahead.</p>

<h2><strong>A glimmer of hope</strong></h2>

<p>Stranded at the Delhi railway station, tears streaming down his face, Vicky was approached by some ragpickers, children his own age.&nbsp;"We can be good friends," they offered. Vicky joined them in rag-picking, and later worked at a dhaba (a roadside restaurant).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amidst this struggle, someone at the restaurant encouraged him to prioritise education over labour&nbsp;and took Vicky to the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi's Paharganj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Apna Ghar," the shelter home under the trust, welcomed him into an environment where school and diverse activities transformed his outlook.</p>

<p>"There were around 50 children there, including myself. Some of those kids used to do theatre, some would attend dance classes, and some would learn Karate. While I was doing theatre,&nbsp;I realised there is not much I could do in that field."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He adapted to this new life, but it was photography that sparked his passion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite doubts about his academic background, he pursued his interest, learning the art of photography as an assistant to a Delhi photographer Anay Mann.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I started assisting him. He used to give me Rs 3000 per month as salary. After working there for two months, I took a loan of Rs 28,500 from Salaam Baalak to purchase a camera - a Nikon S80. I used to pay back Rs 500 every month to clear my loan."</p>

<h2><strong>Navigating life's challenges</strong></h2>

<p>With a meager income, Vicky faced financial hardships but remained undeterred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sometimes, I used to work as a waiter at weddings," he shared with WION, describing his determination to survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Life in a rented apartment, living with his friends, in Delhi's Mehrauli area was marked by frugality. They bought inexpensive clothes from Chor Bazar. He travelled while hiding his face on the last seat of Blueline buses, to avoid paying for a ticket.</p>

<h2><strong>Success through lens</strong></h2>

<p>In 2007, Vicky's first solo exhibition, "Street Dream," took him on a journey beyond imagination.&nbsp;Supported by the British High Commission, this exhibition propelled him onto international platforms, from London to South Africa and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recognition only grew as the photographer documented the World Trade Center's reconstruction in New York.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"New York gave me confidence as I saw a lot of Japanese and Europeans there had poor English but they work there with confidence. So, there I got the idea that if your work is good, language does not matter."</p>

<p>He was also called to London to have lunch with Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace in the UK. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Vicky with Prince Edward " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2571393e-6aa3-4510-b244-1a56a09bbfd4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-19%20at%208.46.15%20PM.jpeg" /></p>

<p>He was awarded the MIT Media Fellowship in 2014. Because of his Ink Talk fellowship, he was taken for talks to Harvard University, Facebook headquarter, Google headquarters, Pentagon, and World Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Vicky in US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c5898e2-04f0-4785-b9da-5f0896d45cd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-19%20at%208.46.15%20PM%20%281%29.jpeg" /></p>

<p>He was also listed as Forbes Asia's 30 under 30 in 2016. "My first monograph ‘Home Street Home’, published by the Nazar Foundation (New Delhi, India) was released at the second edition of the Delhi Photo Festival (Sept-Oct, 2013)," Roy shares with glee.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Essence of giving back</strong></h2>

<p>He engaged in projects for societal benefit through his photography.&nbsp;His German friend built a skate park in Madhya Pradesh and he donated his artwork during its construction and frequently visited for shoots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, learning about water scarcity in Bundelkhand during summers, he and his friend, then raised Rs 8 lakh by selling the photos of that very skate park.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Water tap" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b22bbe0-ca66-4926-bf33-5fb1b630a0a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-19%20at%208.47.02%20PM%20%281%29.jpeg" /></p>

<p>He also assisted a family near Jama Masjid. "One of my friends called and asked if he could help to get the family a rented house. So the family said that they were originally from Rajasthan's Dholpur area and asked to help them in opening a grocery shop so that we could go back. My friend contributed Rs 50,000 and I spent Rs 15,000 to arrange that."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Grocery store" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1625dff-172f-4baf-962d-33207b26b193" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-19%20at%208.46.15%20PM%20%282%29.jpeg" /></p>

<h2><strong>Empowering diverse voices</strong></h2>

<p>With his heart firmly set on inclusivity, Vicky embarked on a new endeavor called "Everyone is Good at Something", a platform which celebrated disable people. Traveling across India, he is capturing the journeys of differently-abled individuals, showcasing their stories through his lens.&nbsp;From runaway child to celebrated photographer, his journey mirrors the beauty of capturing life's moments through the lens of unwavering passion.</p>

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"I am originally from Purulia in the Indian state of West Bengal," said photographer Vicky Roy as he reminisced about his humble beginnings. He started talking about his life story by sharing a big decision he made at the tender age of 11 – to run away from home.

"I am originally from Purulia in the Indian state of West Bengal," said photographer Vicky Roy as he reminisced about his humble beginnings. He started talking about his life story by sharing a big decision he made at the tender age of 11 – to run away from home. "The conditions in my family were not good," he recalled. Driven by the belief that cities held the promise of fame and fortune, he stole money from his uncle's pocket and boarded a train to Delhi, uncertain of what lay ahead. A glimmer of hope Stranded at the Delhi railway station, tears streaming down his face, Vicky was approached by some ragpickers, children his own age. "We can be good friends," they offered. Vicky joined them in rag-picking, and later worked at a dhaba (a roadside restaurant). Amidst this struggle, someone at the restaurant encouraged him to prioritise education over labour and took Vicky to the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi's Paharganj. "Apna Ghar," the shelter home under the trust, welcomed him into an environment where school and diverse activities transformed his outlook. "There were around 50 children there, including myself. Some of those kids used to do theatre, some would attend dance classes, and some would learn Karate. While I was doing theatre, I realised there is not much I could do in that field." He adapted to this new life, but it was photography that sparked his passion. Despite doubts about his academic background, he pursued his interest, learning the art of photography as an assistant to a Delhi photographer Anay Mann. "I started assisting him. He used to give me Rs 3000 per month as salary. After working there for two months, I took a loan of Rs 28,500 from Salaam Baalak to purchase a camera - a Nikon S80. I used to pay back Rs 500 every month to clear my loan." Navigating life's challenges With a meager income, Vicky faced financial hardships but remained undeterred. "Sometimes, I used to work as a waiter at weddings," he shared with WION, describing his determination to survive. Life in a rented apartment, living with his friends, in Delhi's Mehrauli area was marked by frugality. They bought inexpensive clothes from Chor Bazar. He travelled while hiding his face on the last seat of Blueline buses, to avoid paying for a ticket. Success through lens In 2007, Vicky's first solo exhibition, "Street Dream," took him on a journey beyond imagination. Supported by the British High Commission, this exhibition propelled him onto international platforms, from London to South Africa and Vietnam. The recognition only grew as the photographer documented the World Trade Center's reconstruction in New York. "New York gave me confidence as I saw a lot of Japanese and Europeans there had poor English but they work there with confidence. So, there I got the idea that if your work is good, language does not matter." He was also called to London to have lunch with Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace in the UK. He was awarded the MIT Media Fellowship in 2014. Because of his Ink Talk fellowship, he was taken for talks to Harvard University, Facebook headquarter, Google headquarters, Pentagon, and World Bank. He was also listed as Forbes Asia's 30 under 30 in 2016. "My first monograph ‘Home Street Home’, published by the Nazar Foundation (New Delhi, India) was released at the second edition of the Delhi Photo Festival (Sept-Oct, 2013)," Roy shares with glee. Essence of giving back He engaged in projects for societal benefit through his photography. His German friend built a skate park in Madhya Pradesh and he donated his artwork during its construction and frequently visited for shoots. In 2016, learning about water scarcity in Bundelkhand during summers, he and his friend, then raised Rs 8 lakh by selling the photos of that very skate park. He also assisted a family near Jama Masjid. "One of my friends called and asked if he could help to get the family a rented house. So the family said that they were originally from Rajasthan's Dholpur area and asked to help them in opening a grocery shop so that we could go back. My friend contributed Rs 50,000 and I spent Rs 15,000 to arrange that." Empowering diverse voices With his heart firmly set on inclusivity, Vicky embarked on a new endeavor called "Everyone is Good at Something", a platform which celebrated disable people. Traveling across India, he is capturing the journeys of differently-abled individuals, showcasing their stories through his lens. From runaway child to celebrated photographer, his journey mirrors the beauty of capturing life's moments through the lens of unwavering passion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

From a tearful runaway child in Delhi to capturing dreams: The journey of photographer Vicky Roy

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