<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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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


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

China's GDP growth rate has slowed down. The national debt is nearing the IMF red line & now property giant Evergrande has filed for bankruptcy. Has Beijing's growth story hit a roadblock?

Has China's growth story hit a roadblock?

The W.H.O. Traditional Medicine Global Summit was held in India. What are the contributions of traditional medicine? How widely are traditional treatments used?

Gravitas Plus: Unlocking the power of Traditional Medicine

In order to increase confidence-building measures and reduce friction and the trust gap between the two forces until the two big face-offs at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh can be addressed, India and China are now set to hold talks at the Major General level.

India, China likely to hold major general-level talks

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested in India for throwing acid on a dog. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: 35-yr-old woman arrested for throwing acid on a dog

India's Border Road Organization is all set to break its own record and has begun the construction of the highest motorable pass in the world.

India's move to counter China: BRO begins work to build world's highest motorable road

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 digital economy ministers meeting held today at India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru.

India: ‘Beyond imagination’: PM Modi lauds Digital India programme at G20 meet

<p>Indian industrialist Gautam Singhania, a known car enthusiast and billionaire, has expressed his dissatisfaction with his recent purchase of $ 0.42 million Maserati's latest supercar, the MC20. Instead of hitting the road in style, Singhania has kept the high-end vehicle parked in the garage of his upscale residence in South Mumbai. The MC20, boasting a top speed of over 325 kilometres per hour, was brought to India by Maserati in late-2021, allowing Indian enthusiasts to experience its remarkable performance firsthand.</p>

<h2><strong>A lemon in the garage</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at an event, he openly referred to the MC20 as the "worst" car he has ever driven, stressing that its performance has been far from satisfactory. He further advised potential drivers against taking the car on the road, describing it as a hazardous proposition. "I paid for a Maserati but I got a lemon instead," Singhania candidly expressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also blamed the company for attributing the football-like bouncing driving experience to the road conditions in India.</p>

<p>In a bid to address his concerns, Singhania took to the microblogging platform X, where he urged Maserati to appoint an independent test driver to evaluate the safety and performance of the MC20.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-new-prime-minister-says-no-harm-will-come-to-captive-president-mohamed-bazoum-626880">Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum</a></p>

<p>However, he reportedly said that his efforts to initiate a dialogue have hit a roadblock, with Maserati's parent company, Stellantis, allegedly showing reluctance to acknowledge the vehicle's shortcomings.</p>

<p>Singhania has gone a step further by expressing his genuine apprehension that the Maserati MC20 poses a significant risk to drivers, prompting him to implore Indian authorities and consumer courts to investigate the matter.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaros-legal-troubles-deepen-as-quote-authorises-probe-into-his-finances-626878">Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances</a></p>

<p>"I genuinely believe the Maserati MC20 is a dangerous car and somebody might kill himself in it," Singhania said on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Maserati responds</strong></h2>

<p>In response to Singhania's public dissatisfaction, Maserati posted a message on X,&nbsp;"Hi there, It's regretful to hear that you have had a negative experience. Our customers are our top priority here at Maserati. We would like to address any concerns you may have. Please send us a private message with more detail, so we can best assist you. Thank you. GC".</p>

<h2><strong>Launch of GS design</strong></h2>

<p>Singhania remains an active figure in the automotive industry. He recently inaugurated GS Design, a new subsidiary of the Super Car Club Garage, a personal venture driven by his passion for cars. Singhania reportedly shared his enthusiasm for GS Design's future, revealing that within just 10 days of its soft launch, the initiative has already garnered 20 orders.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"From 25-odd people, I had in Super Car Club Garage, I have over 250 now and given the number of orders I already have, it will go up," he said adding, "As against the 24-36 months that a European or American car design company takes to retrofit a vintage car, I can deliver the product within three months now. The objective is to do so in two months or even less. The Super Club Car Garage (SCCG) is an exclusive one-stop destination for supercars, super bikes and vintage cars, and its new initiative GS Design seeks to elevate the drive experience through customisation."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian industrialist Gautam Singhania, a known car enthusiast and billionaire, has expressed his dissatisfaction with his recent purchase of $ 0.42 million Maserati's latest supercar, the MC20.

Indian industrialist Gautam Singhania, a known car enthusiast and billionaire, has expressed his dissatisfaction with his recent purchase of $ 0.42 million Maserati's latest supercar, the MC20. Instead of hitting the road in style, Singhania has kept the high-end vehicle parked in the garage of his upscale residence in South Mumbai. The MC20, boasting a top speed of over 325 kilometres per hour, was brought to India by Maserati in late-2021, allowing Indian enthusiasts to experience its remarkable performance firsthand. A lemon in the garage Speaking at an event, he openly referred to the MC20 as the "worst" car he has ever driven, stressing that its performance has been far from satisfactory. He further advised potential drivers against taking the car on the road, describing it as a hazardous proposition. "I paid for a Maserati but I got a lemon instead," Singhania candidly expressed. He also blamed the company for attributing the football-like bouncing driving experience to the road conditions in India. In a bid to address his concerns, Singhania took to the microblogging platform X, where he urged Maserati to appoint an independent test driver to evaluate the safety and performance of the MC20. Also Read | Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum However, he reportedly said that his efforts to initiate a dialogue have hit a roadblock, with Maserati's parent company, Stellantis, allegedly showing reluctance to acknowledge the vehicle's shortcomings. Singhania has gone a step further by expressing his genuine apprehension that the Maserati MC20 poses a significant risk to drivers, prompting him to implore Indian authorities and consumer courts to investigate the matter. Also Read | Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances "I genuinely believe the Maserati MC20 is a dangerous car and somebody might kill himself in it," Singhania said on X. Maserati responds In response to Singhania's public dissatisfaction, Maserati posted a message on X, "Hi there, It's regretful to hear that you have had a negative experience. Our customers are our top priority here at Maserati. We would like to address any concerns you may have. Please send us a private message with more detail, so we can best assist you. Thank you. GC". Launch of GS design Singhania remains an active figure in the automotive industry. He recently inaugurated GS Design, a new subsidiary of the Super Car Club Garage, a personal venture driven by his passion for cars. Singhania reportedly shared his enthusiasm for GS Design's future, revealing that within just 10 days of its soft launch, the initiative has already garnered 20 orders. Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock? × "From 25-odd people, I had in Super Car Club Garage, I have over 250 now and given the number of orders I already have, it will go up," he said adding, "As against the 24-36 months that a European or American car design company takes to retrofit a vintage car, I can deliver the product within three months now. The objective is to do so in two months or even less. The Super Club Car Garage (SCCG) is an exclusive one-stop destination for supercars, super bikes and vintage cars, and its new initiative GS Design seeks to elevate the drive experience through customisation." (With inputs from agencies) 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. ×

'Got lemon': Indian billionaire's $ 0.42 million Maserati purchase takes a sour turn

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation&nbsp;with the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Friday (August 18) and the dialogue centred around both bilateral issues&nbsp;and expansion of the BRICS grouping, a press release said. Regional matters were also discussed where the Indian PM emphasised the deep historical and cultural ties that bind India and Iran, fostering strong people-to-people connections.</p>

<p>During their conversation, Prime Minister Modi and President Raisi reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation. Of particular focus was the realisation of the complete potential of the Chabahar Port, envisaging it as a crucial connectivity hub between the two nations.</p>

<h2><strong>Multilateral cooperation and upcoming BRICS summit</strong></h2>

<p>Discussions also extended to collaborative efforts on the multilateral front, including the expansion of BRICS&nbsp;(Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) forum.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-new-prime-minister-says-no-harm-will-come-to-captive-president-mohamed-bazoum-626880">Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum</a></p>

<p>Both leaders looked forward to their interaction on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled to take place in South Africa next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mr Modi and Mr Raisi also discussed cooperation at multilateral forums including the expansion of BRICS and looked forward to their meeting on the margins of the forthcoming BRICS summit in South Africa," the press release read.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's aspirations to join BRICS&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As the BRICS Summit looms, Iran's aspiration to join the bloc has gained attention. The Iranian President has been invited to the forthcoming summit, marking a significant development in this regard.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaros-legal-troubles-deepen-as-quote-authorises-probe-into-his-finances-626878">Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances</a></p>

<p>The matter of expanding BRICS to include new member countries, including Iran, has been under consideration. Reports suggest that around 40 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Comoros, and the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in joining BRICS.</p>

<h2><strong>India's approach to BRICS expansion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi earlier said, “As mandated by the leaders last year, Brics members are internally discussing the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for the Brics expansion process on the basis of full consultation and consensus."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>India and Iran share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship that is rooted in history, culture, and strategic interests. The ties between these two nations have traversed various domains, ranging from trade and energy to cultural exchanges and regional cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Friday (August 18) and the dialogue centred around both bilateral issues and expansion of the BRICS grouping, a press release said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Friday (August 18) and the dialogue centred around both bilateral issues and expansion of the BRICS grouping, a press release said. Regional matters were also discussed where the Indian PM emphasised the deep historical and cultural ties that bind India and Iran, fostering strong people-to-people connections. During their conversation, Prime Minister Modi and President Raisi reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation. Of particular focus was the realisation of the complete potential of the Chabahar Port, envisaging it as a crucial connectivity hub between the two nations. Multilateral cooperation and upcoming BRICS summit Discussions also extended to collaborative efforts on the multilateral front, including the expansion of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) forum. Also Read | Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum Both leaders looked forward to their interaction on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled to take place in South Africa next week. "Mr Modi and Mr Raisi also discussed cooperation at multilateral forums including the expansion of BRICS and looked forward to their meeting on the margins of the forthcoming BRICS summit in South Africa," the press release read. Iran's aspirations to join BRICS As the BRICS Summit looms, Iran's aspiration to join the bloc has gained attention. The Iranian President has been invited to the forthcoming summit, marking a significant development in this regard. Also Read | Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances The matter of expanding BRICS to include new member countries, including Iran, has been under consideration. Reports suggest that around 40 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Comoros, and the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in joining BRICS. India's approach to BRICS expansion External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi earlier said, “As mandated by the leaders last year, Brics members are internally discussing the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for the Brics expansion process on the basis of full consultation and consensus." Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock? × India and Iran share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship that is rooted in history, culture, and strategic interests. The ties between these two nations have traversed various domains, ranging from trade and energy to cultural exchanges and regional cooperation. 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. ×

BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi

The Modi govt wants to revamp India’s judicial system by replacing criminal laws such as the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act which were made during the British era. For this, three new bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11, the last day of the monsoon session. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Parliament that the purpose of these three new bills is not to punish but to give justice. Currently, these bills have been sent to the Standing Committee for review. But why was this overhaul needed and what kind of changes have been made to it? Senior Supreme Court advocate Sidharth Luthra explains the changes that these three bills propose to the existing laws.

Are three bills replacing India’s criminal laws a step in the right direction?

Bata India and Adidas, two giants in the world of footwear and apparel, are reportedly engaged in advanced talks for a strategic partnership. According to exclusive media reports, bata India and Adidas are working out the final details of a potential partnership.

Potential partnership: Bata India & Adidas

India's third lunar mission is inching closer to the Moon's little-explored south pole where it aims to set down a lander and rover on 23 August.

Chandrayaan-3 shares new video as it readies for touchdown

The Modi govt wants to revamp India’s judicial system by replacing criminal laws such as the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act which were made during the British era. On August 11, the final day of the monsoon session, three new bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha to address this. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Parliament that the purpose of these three new bills is not to punish but to give justice. Currently, these bills have been sent to the Standing Committee for review. But why was this overhaul needed and what kind of changes have been made to it? Senior Supreme Court advocate Sidharth Luthra explains further.

'Alternative sentencing will take the load off the prison system'

Indian officials are contemplating reallocating as much as 1 trillion rupees ($12 billion) from ministry budgets to curb food and fuel prices without compromising the government deficit objective. That is based on a Bloomberg report quoting sources.

India contemplating reallocating $12 billion to curb food and fuel prices: Report

Chandrayaan 3 is on the final leg of its journey to the moon. Dr Ajay Lele, Senior Fellow, MP-IDSA tells Vikram Chandra that achieving a soft landing on the Moon's south pole is fairly challenging, but India is in a much better position compared to its last mission.

Chandrayaan-3: India’s tryst with the moon

India’s ground-breaking One Sun One World One Grid initiative can position India as a leader in renewable energy transition and has the potential to reshape global energy dynamics. Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance discusses India's solar energy mission which could prove to be a game-changer in providing clean energy to the world.

India’s one sun One World One Grid initiative

The Indian Air Force has inducted four new Heron Mk2 UAVs into its arsenal giving a major boost to India’s surveillance capabilities along its Northern Border. It can operate for 36 hours at a stretch and conduct 24x7 surveillance operations. It can gather intelligence from afar without even crossing the border. What is India preparing for? Watch the Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

India gets Heron Mk2 Drones - can target Pak and China in a single sortie

South Asia's local currencies have had a roller coaster ride for the last couple of years. This story gives a report about the Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee, Sri Lankan rupee and Bangladeshi taka.

South Asia's currency rollercoaster: Pakistan's rupee in freefall

Indian Navy welcomed its mega stealth ship 'INS Vindhyagiri'. INS Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship built for the Navy under 'Project 17 Alpha'.

INS Vindhyagiri: All you need to know about Indian Navy's new stealth frigate

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