Latest news with #Rolls-Royce
India.com
9 hours ago
- General
- India.com
This Indian king was once the richest, had net worth of Rs 57901000000; was a modern reformer, name is..., not Hyderabad Nizam
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (File) There have been scores of uber-wealthy kings and queens in India's recent past who became famous across the globe because of their massive fortune, lavish lifestyles, opulent palaces filled to the brim with gold, diamonds and other rare jewels, and their fleet of Rolls-Royce cars. However, one name is often forgotten when looking at erstwhile Indian royalty, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, an Indian ruler who was once the among the richest individuals on the planet, but is overlooked perhaps because unlike his peers, he used his wealth for social reforms instead of living an opulent lifestyle. Who was Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV? Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the son of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X and Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana, was born on June 4, 1884, in the grand Mysore Palace, and ascended the royal throne at the tender age of 11 after the sudden demise of his father. His mother acted as the Queen Regent till Krishnaraja turned 18 in 1902. Growing up, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV had an interesting education which had a mix of Western and Indian influences, covering English, Kannada, Sanskrit, and fine arts. His multicultural and reformist outlook shone through at an early age, with Lord Curzon, the then Governor-General of India predicting that Mysore would likely witness a golden age, with great strides in development under the young king's leadership, a prophecy which would later come true. How Wadiyar IV developed Mysore and worked for social upliftment? After taking the reins of the Mysore empire, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV began transforming transforming society and the upliftment of downtrodden classes. The young king banned age-old practices like untouchability and child marriage for girls under the age of 8. He also introduced scholarships for widows and allocated Rs 60 lakh annually, a huge sum at the time, from his personal coffers, to support disabled children. In 1915, Wadiyar IV established the Mysore Social Progress Association for the upliftment of underprivileged classes, and in 1918, invited Sir Lesley Miller to assess the conditions of backward classes, leading to a 25% reservation in government jobs for non-Brahmins, a policy which is was way ahead of its time. Beyond social reforms, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV also worked for developing Mysore as a technological powerhouse, and soon the princely state became the first in Asia to generate hydroelectric power. The reformer king's efforts bore fruit when Bangalore (now Bengaluru) became the first full electrified city in Asia, earning him the moniker 'Krishnaraja Bhoopa, Mane Mane Deepa (the king who lit up every home). What reforms did Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV introduce to promote education? Additionally, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was a forward-thinking ruler who realized the value of good education and introduced several reforms, like making primary education compulsory to promote knowledge and learning. Under his rule, the education budget of Mysore had increased from Rs 6.9 lakh to Rs 46.8 lakh, with over 515,000 students enrolled in 8,000 schools in the princely state. Wadiyar also founded institutions that thrive to this day, including Mysore Sanskrit College, and also gifted 10 acres of land to Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman for his research institute. He also donated 400 acres near Malleshwaram to industrialist Jamsetji Tata for establishing what is now known as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV net worth Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was once among the richest men in the world, boasting a net worth of $400 million, which is equivalent to around $7 billion (about Rs 57901 crore), when adjusted for inflation, according to reports. Notably, in 1937, TIME magazine had crowned the Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad as the wealthiest on the planet with an estimated net worth of $236 billion (Rs 19 lakh crore)
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dubai delivery driver pushes school bus stuck in the middle of the road. Video of selfless act goes viral
A heartwarming video from Dubai is going viral on Instagram, showing a delivery driver helping a school bus that got stuck in the middle of the road in the neighbourhood of Al Furjan. Kind act of Dubai delivery driver wins hearts online.(Screengrab Instagram/@loaysalimeh) The viral video, originally posted on Instagram by @loaysalimeh and later shared by several pages, captures the moment a school bus gets stuck and a delivery driver steps out to push it from behind, trying to get it moving again. 'A delivery driver helps the school bus in Al Furjan.' the caption of the post reads. The video is from Al Furjan, a residential area in Dubai. The driver's uniform suggests he works for a delivery company. Many people praised the delivery driver for his kindness and quick thinking. Instagram users called him a "real-life hero" for helping in a situation where most others may have just driven past. Also Read: Dubai CEO's post on chartering $20 million jet stirs praise and backlash: 'I fly private to…' Check out the viral video here: The video quickly caught the internet's attention and gained over 72,000 views along with several comments. 'Just one of those heartwarming moments.' the caption of the post reads. Here's how people reacted to this video: Instagram users praised the delivery driver for his kind and selfless act. Comments under the video called him a 'real hero'. Some said it was a simple but powerful reminder that kindness still exists in everyday life. One of the users, @sheharyarkaleem, commented, 'He should be rewarded from government of every step he pushed.' Also Read: Indian businessman buys custom pink Rolls-Royce for one-year-old daughter: 'Such a Dubai Dad move' A second user, @francesscannell, commented, 'Bless them for their kind gesture.' Another user, @travelfamily_dubai, commented, 'Hero's of 🇦🇪'. The delivery driver's quick action not only helped the school bus but also reminded everyone that a little help can go a long way.
Web Release
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Web Release
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Adds Sport Mode
Rolls-Royce may have just created its first true sports car. During the prestigious Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills on June 15, the luxury marque offered an exclusive opportunity to test drive the Black Badge Spectre—a bold evolution of its all-electric model that includes two surprising features: Sport Mode and Launch Control. Sleek, Bold and Surprisingly Youthful While the original Spectre debuted in 2022, the Black Badge version brings a daring edge. Its commanding presence remains with a long silhouette, wide stance, and a fastback rear. But with this edition, Rolls-Royce appears to target a younger, sportier demographic—those who prefer to be behind the wheel rather than chauffeured. Our test vehicle came dressed in a striking Salamanca Blue exterior, paired with a Mandarin Orange interior. While vibrant colors are typical for sports cars, they're rarely seen in the Rolls-Royce world—unless, of course, it's a Black Badge model. Custom features included contrast stitching, navy blue 'RR' headrest monograms, a thick blue steering wheel, and polished steel accents. The most luxurious touch? A $33,000 illuminated package featuring the brand's Shooting Star Headliner and the first-ever Starlight Doors, elevating the night driving experience to something celestial. Infinity Mode Unlocks Full Power The Black Badge Spectre introduces Infinity Mode, which acts like a traditional sport mode. By activating it through a button on the steering wheel, the driver unlocks the car's full 659 horsepower, an increase of 82 horsepower over the base Spectre. While the driving feel doesn't shift drastically, the throttle becomes sharper and the instrument cluster takes on a more aggressive visual tone. Spirited Mode Launches a New Experience Even more surprising is the addition of Launch Control, known here as Spirited Mode. To activate it, the driver presses the brake and floors the accelerator. The car shudders in anticipation, providing a thrilling moment before launch. Upon releasing the brake, all 792 lb-ft of torque explodes onto the pavement, sending the 3-ton coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Executing this move not once, but twice during our drive, we were amazed. Not only at the performance—but at what it signifies: a Rolls-Royce that performs like a sleeper sports car, while still delivering uncompromising luxury. For the Few Who Can Afford It The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is a bespoke creation, available only by special order. Our test model carried a staggering price tag of $566,100 USD. But for clients seeking elegance, individuality, and now—unexpected performance—it represents a new frontier for the marque.
Extra.ie
19 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Court of Appeal shouldn't have been told about McGregor's 100 'no comment' replies
A jury should never have heard that MMA fighter Conor McGregor answered 'no comment' more than 100 times when questioned by gardaí over his alleged rape of Nikita Hand, the Court of Appeal has been told. In his appeal against a High Court verdict won by Ms Hand last November, McGregor's legal team argued their client had been exercising his right to silence. Barrister Remy Farrell said High Court judge Alexander Owens had recognised this right and McGregor's right to avoid self-incrimination. He said the 'no comments' were wrongly brought into the civil trial last November by Ms Hand's legal team and Judge Owens. Nikita Hand arriving at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Pic: Collins Courts Mr Farrell said his side had flagged its concerns about the 'no comments' being 'manifestly prejudicial' during the High Court hearing, but Ms Hand's side simply decided to 'take a punt' and 'let it all hang out'. He said the result was that, although they had been directed not to do so, the jury were left with evidence that could allow them to draw an inference about why McGregor was refusing to answer the Garda questions. McGregor is attempting to overturn the verdict of the jury, which found he had assaulted Ms Hand, 36, and ordered he pay her close to €250,000 in damages. A judge then ruled he must pay her legal costs, estimated to be around €1.3million. Conor McGregor. Pic: Leah Farrell/ He wants a new hearing of the High Court case. Ms Hand was at the packed Court of Appeal yesterday to hear legal arguments, accompanied by her partner Gary Foy, her mother Deborah, a cousin and friends. Also present was gender-based violence activist Natasha O'Brien. McGregor was not in court, although his black Rolls-Royce, with tinted windows, was seen driving past the Four Courts yesterday. A group of people, including TD Ruth Coppinger, gathered outside the court holding a banner reading, 'We stand with Nikita Hand'. Mr Farrell said the questioning of McGregor by gardaí at Dundrum station took place in January 2019, following Ms Hand's allegation that she'd been raped in the penthouse of the Beacon Hotel the previous month. Ruth Coppinger and Natasha O'Brien. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire He said McGregor had told the High Court he had given gardaí a pre-prepared statement, drawn up with the help of his solicitors. During his direct evidence, McGregor told the trial that being accused of rape was 'the most scary thing I had ever gone through'. He said he 'wanted to get everything correct', and so immediately contacted a solicitor to get the best advice, and jotted down notes. He said he wanted to 'show everything that happened'. Mr Farrell said this was used as a 'hook' by Ms Hand's barrister, John Gordon, to press McGregor about what he had – and had not – told gardaí. Conor McGregor's Rolls Royce in Dublin. Pic: Tom Honan He said McGregor's comments were wrongly paraphrased by Mr Gordon to suggest he had wanted to fully cooperate with gardaí, when in fact he wanted to show everything to his solicitors. He said Mr Gordon obtained a ruling from Judge Owens, allowing him to challenge McGregor about the truth of his comments, with regard to his subsequent policy of saying 'no comment' to Garda questioning. After outlining the 100-plus times McGregor said 'no comment', Mr Gordon never asked McGregor about whether he had told the jury he intended to cooperate with gardaí, Mr Farrell complained. He said the judge later 'scrambled' to explain to the jury why they had heard the evidence. Conor McGregor. Pic: Collins Courts Mr Farrell said McGregor explained to the court that he answered 'no comment' in accordance with his legal advice, as he was 'petrified'. Mr Farrell said McGregor was also challenging the use of the word 'assault' as opposed to 'sexual assault' on the issue paper given to the jury. He said this could have left a potential for 'confusion' in the minds of some jurors as to what they were being asked to describe. Judge Isobel Kennedy noted that the High Court judge had been clear that it was 'assault by rape'. Responding, Ms Hand's barrister, Ray Boland, said it was 'an insult to the intelligence of the jury to say they did not know what the case was about'. He said the judge's charge and the evidence made it clear McGregor was accused of sexual assault or assault by rape, 'and the jury understood that'. He said the issue paper had been discussed by all sides and McGregor's legal team had agreed to its contents. He added that there was 'no ambiguity whatsoever' and no confusion. Mr Boland said that as well as the sexual assault, there was also a significant physical assault on Ms Hand, including strangulation on three occasions. He said that if the 'no comment' evidence was such a serious issue, his lawyers should have applied to have the jury discharged at the time – but they did not. He said McGregor had told the court he wanted 'every shred' of evidence to be heard by the gardaí, and Ms Hand's legal team were entitled to challenge him about that claim. Further grounds of appeal raised by McGregor, including issues concerning expert witnesses and further points concerning the judge's charge to the jury, will be decided by the court on the basis of written submissions. The Court of Appeal will today hear a challenge by McGregor's friend, James Lawrence, 35, of Rafter's Road, Drimnagh, against an order that Ms Hand does not have to pay his legal fees. The jury dismissed a claim by Ms Hand that she had also been raped by Mr Lawrence on the same day and at the same hotel. Ms Hand told the High Court the first she knew of Mr Lawrence having sex with her was when he told gardaí, following her allegation of rape against McGregor. The High Court has heard that Mr Lawrence's lawyers were paid for by McGregor.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Bentley unveils redesigned logo
Bentley on Tuesday unveiled a revised version of its "Winged B" emblem. Only the fifth such redesign since Bentley's founding, the new logo will make its first appearance on a concept car the automaker plans to unveil on July 8. That car will also preview a new design language for Bentley's future vehicles. The final design was chosen through an internal competition. The winner, submitted by Young Nam, part of Bentley's interior design team, features sharper, more-angled wings and a cleaner look. The letter "B" is still prominently centered between the wings, but was restyled in order to be able to stand alone without them, according to a Bentley press release, and with details like a bevelled glass edge and chamfered metal surround inspired by watchmaking. The original "Winged B" was designed in 1919 by F. Gordon Crosby, an artist known for motorsports illustrations, and a friend of company founder W.O. Bentley. Crosby chose wings to represent motion, and gave each wing a different number of feathers to guard against forgeries. When Bentley was purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1931, the emblem underwent its first significant change. Apparently not concerned about fraud, the powers that be at Rolls specified symmetrical wings, with 10 straightened feathers on each side. This become the longest-lasting version, only being replaced in 1996 with a more ornate version that was also more in line with Crosby's original design. Bentley was purchased by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, and launched the Continental GT, its first model wholly developed under VW Group ownership, in 2002. This new era brought another new emblem design, further nodding to the original version with a different number of feathers (10 for one, 11 for the other) on each wing. It's a fitting time for another redesign, as Bentley is about to undergo its biggest changes since the start of the VW Group era. The upcoming concept car will point toward a new design direction for the brand, and Bentley is slowly shifting toward electric vehicles. Every current model now offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain, setting the stage for Bentley's first EV (an SUV smaller than the Bentayga) due in 2026, and an all-electric lineup by 2035. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
