🍉 Rare 1890 'Watermelon' $100 note up for grabs

An extremely rare 1890 $100 Treasury Note, nicknamed the "Watermelon" note, is heading to auction soon. This unique piece comes from the Schwenk Family Collection and is being sold through GreatCollections. Only about 35 of the original 120,000 notes are thought to survive, and the auction is set for Sunday, 4 October 2026. The note was part of a monetary experiment following the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Collectors have a rare chance to own this piece of American currency history. 🍉

💡 World sees India as hope spot, PM Modi says

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the world views India as a bright spot of growth and hope during the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026. He made this statement at the forum in New Delhi, emphasizing India's shift from a punitive to incentive-based reform model. The PM detailed how the country moved from a 'Production Linked Punishment' system to a 'permitted unless prohibited' regulatory philosophy. This transformation aims to build trust between the state, citizens, and businesses instead of relying on suspicion. Satyan Gajwani noted India's stability amidst global crises like wars and the AI revolution. 🌎

🔬 Deep-sea drilling reveals ancient heat signatures

In 2023, the JOIDES Resolution drilled 4,160 feet beneath the Atlantic seafloor at Atlantis Massif. This exploration took place near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, revealing chemical signs of intense past heat. The recovered fluids showed signatures indicating temperatures approached 572°F (300°C) previously. This suggests a hidden geological pathway connects deep subsurface processes to the Lost City ecosystem. Researchers now aim to understand how these deep chemical reactions sustain unique life forms. 🔬

🏛️ TN govt focus: freeze, not fair delimitation

Minister Aadhav Arjuna clarified that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam wants a freeze on the 543 Parliament seats. This clarification addressed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s statement from a Southern Zonal Council meeting on Thursday. The DMK also demands a freeze on current seats, ensuring Tamil Nadu's 7.18% proportion is protected. Arjuna suggested a measure similar to a special law Vajpayee brought to freeze seats for 25 years. The AIADMK asked for clarity, noting a new law might be needed if the freeze isn't extended before December this year. 🧐

💡 AMFI rolls out 5 big moves for mutual funds

AMFI announced five key initiatives under its "Mutual Funds Sahi Hai" umbrella to boost investment participation nationwide. These efforts involve collaborations with NISM and Sa-Dhan to educate distributors and SHG members. The programs will conduct workshops for 10,000 MFDs and 500 awareness programs reaching 25,000 participants over the next year. Furthermore, the Bharat Nivesh Mela will simplify investing in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. These steps aim to make investing accessible and strengthen financial literacy for all Indians. 📈

😵 Mexico park where water flows uphill 🤯

Xenses Park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, features optical illusions that mess with your senses, making water flow uphill. Visitors experience a disconnect between their eyes and their body while walking through 'The Town'. The park is divided into two circuits, 'The Path of Feeling' and 'The Path of Doing'. Most people spend five hours navigating these mind-bending experiences. It operates Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

😔 Weaver found dead in Belagavi

A 30-year-old weaver named Vithal Ningappa Lokari was discovered deceased at his residence in Wadagaon Nekar colony on Wednesday. His wife and three school-going daughters are his surviving family members. Relatives informed the police that he was under stress due to outstanding loan repayments. Consequently, a formal case has been registered with the local authorities. The situation remains under investigation following the discovery.

🧑‍🎓 Polytechnic students push for GO 97 withdrawal

Diploma and Polytechnic students across the State demanded the government immediately withdraw GO 97 on Friday. They submitted a representation to Minister Vivek Venkatswamy regarding potential impacts on their education. The students called for written safeguards for diploma polytechnic education, citing specialized curricula and practical training. They specifically opposed provisions under the Shakti scheme affecting diploma education. Furthermore, they strongly objected to merging diploma education with ITI, as both are distinct pathways. 🧑‍🎓

✈️ Second airport privatization round gets go-ahead

The government secured in-principle approval from PPPAC for the next airport privatization wave. This process involves bundling 11 airports across five groups for a 50-year concession period with private entities. The proposed round covers major airports like Amritsar and Varanasi, with bids based on per-passenger fees for domestic throughput. A mandatory one-year joint management period is planned, keeping 60% of AAI employees for up to three years. Following this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will conduct a market sounding exercise before seeking final approval.

🏦 SBI cash withdrawal rules changing soon

State Bank of India is updating its cash withdrawal guidelines starting October 1st. The change affects all customers across SBI branches nationwide. Previously, there were unlimited free transactions, but now there will be a fee after the first four free withdrawals. This adjustment aims to manage operational costs associated with ATM usage. Customers are advised to check their specific account details before the new rules take effect.

🏛️ SC petition challenges BCI chair's long tenure

A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging Manan Kumar Mishra's ongoing chairmanship of the Bar Council of India (BCI). Supreme Court lawyer Yogamaya MG filed the plea against Mishra's continuous tenure at the BCI. The petition contends that BCI Rule 12(2) limits the chairman's term to two years, making the April 2025 gazette extension to 2030 illegal. The petitioner is demanding Mishra's removal, a new court-supervised election, and a rotational mechanism. Additionally, the plea calls for an independent probe into the BCI Trust 'PEARL-FIRST' and All India Bar Examination finances.