💸 UPI fee changes start Oct 15; some payments remain free

New UPI charges take effect from October 15, implementing a 0.4% MDR on payments over Rs 2,000. However, railway tickets, fuel, insurance, and utilities will have a flat Rs 5 fee instead of the percentage rate. Sending money to friends or family, plus Autopay for OTT, will stay free for users. Merchants will bear the MDR cost, though some may absorb it themselves. These changes aim to keep essential services digitally efficient and low-cost. 💰

📸 Old IIT photo of students takes off

A vintage photograph from 1954, depicting IIT students tackling an engineering drawing exam, has recently gone viral across social media platforms. The image features a group of students seated in an examination hall setting. The photo itself dates back to 1954, capturing a moment from the institute's history. This throwback image has sparked nostalgia and interest among current and former students alike. It is currently circulating widely online as a piece of historical memorabilia. 📸

📉 Fed meeting puts Warsh in a tough spot 😬

Bitcoin dropped nearly 3 percent to $75,800 ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate decision. The Fed meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 2:00 PM ET, with Warsh holding a press conference shortly after. Markets have already priced in a quarter-point rate hike and expect further tightening this year. A less hawkish message could weaken the dollar, potentially benefiting bitcoin and gold. This scenario could see long-term Treasury yields rise due to inflation concerns.

🤝 India's Jaishankar visiting Bhutan for talks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is making an official trip to Bhutan from September 16 to September 17. He will hold bilateral discussions with his Bhutanese counterpart, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel. During this visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to receive a royal audience with the King of Bhutan. This engagement aligns with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan. The aim is to further strengthen the existing close ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations. 🤝

⚽ Journalist claims Yamal is strategizing for Ballon d'Or

French journalist Walid Acherchour suggests Lamine Yamal is strategically influencing the Ballon d’Or conversation. This focus is reportedly aiming to create a direct contest between Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Yamal has had an explosive start, netting seven goals and two assists across his first six games. Acherchour believes this two-player race helps push other contenders like Harry Kane into the background. Barcelona is also publicly supporting the teenager, bolstering his candidacy for the award. ⚽

🧐 Vance: H-1B visas shouldn't replace low-wage American workers

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the H-1B visa system should not exist to replace American workers with low-wage foreigners. He discussed this on the All-In Podcast while speaking about the Trump administration's efforts to reform the program. The administration introduced a $100,000 fee and is examining ways to stop companies from laying off Americans while using H-1B workers. Vance questioned companies claiming worker shortages after recent large-scale layoffs. Fundamentally, he believes the program must exist to enrich the American economy. 🧐

✨ £1 Billion Glow-Up: London's New Luxe Hotel

Cambridge House, Auberge Collection, is undergoing a massive £1 billion renovation project in Mayfair. The historic 18th-century mansion, located on Piccadilly overlooking Green Park, is being transformed by the Reuben Brothers. The project, which includes designer interiors and a new chophouse, is part of the Piccadilly Estate regeneration. The hotel, which features a wellness club and a signature bar, is slated to open in early 2027. Room rates for the new luxury spot will begin at £1,250. 🍸

🚨 AISA files FIR over death threats to its president

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has requested an FIR from the UP DGP regarding death threats against its national president, Neha Bora. This happened because several threatening messages and voice notes were received on an official AISA contact number while she was touring the state. These threats, received on September 15, 2026, included statements like, "her death is certain." AISA claims these messages aimed to intimidate the young leader involved in student mobilization. The organization now seeks an FIR, tracing of the sender, and security measures for Ms. Bora.

⚖️ HC rules bulldozing homes in Assam was illegal

The Gauhati High Court declared the bulldozing of 73 Bengali Muslim families' homes in Goalpara as unlawful. The administration carried out the demolitions on September 7, two days after serving a notice on September 5. The court noted that land reclassification rules allow for home construction on agricultural land without permission. It found the state's actions appeared illegal and violated natural justice principles. The court demanded an explanation from the administration regarding any claimed imminent danger. ⚖️

🔋 Oppo K14 Lite drops with massive 7000mAh battery

Oppo has launched the new budget smartphone, K14 Lite, in the Indian market. This device features a 6.75-inch display and is available in Feather Purple and Stone Brown. It comes with 4GB RAM and a huge 7,000mAh battery, priced at INR 16,999. The phone runs on Android 16 and includes IP64 dust and splash protection. Customers can grab it now via Oppo's e-store and Flipkart, potentially getting a INR 1,000 discount.

🥶 Teen survives 2 days in freezing Alaska Sea 🥶

A 15-year-old boy survived for nearly two days clinging to an overturned fishing boat in Alaska's Bering Sea. The teen, Derek Parker Aghnaanga, was found alive near St. Lawrence Island on Monday. He endured brutal waters around 50 degrees Fahrenheit after his older brother and cousin went missing. The US Coast Guard spotted the boat, and he was rescued by a nearby fishing vessel, The Northwest Explorer. Despite the relief, the community is mourning the loss of the other two men.