This is the stamp that started it all !! Found the stamp while fooling around in our family store premises. The stamp's odd shape is what attracted the 7 years old curious me back in 1992 as before that all the stamps that I had seen were rectangular. The mint stamp had to endure various philatelic blasphemies but still with me in one piece 34 years later.
I have often wondered what the weather in my hometown was like before rapid urbanization, widespread deforestation, and global warming reshaped our environment. That curiosity was recently rewarded when I acquired a 135-year-old postcard for my collection, sent from my native town of Silchar, bearing meteorological observations from the autumn of 1891. It is a remarkable glimpse into the climate of a bygone era, preserved on a simple piece of postal history.
Took this pic at RBI Building, Calcutta
Hoarding and collecting may appear similar to the untrained eye — both involve the accumulation of objects driven by interest, attachment, or pursuit. Yet within collector circles, the defining distinction is organisation.
A collector curates with intent. Every piece has context, classification, provenance, condition awareness, and a place within a broader narrative or objective. The accumulation is structured, documented, and guided by discernment.
A hoard, by contrast, is accumulation without order.
I tried a Tissot curved leather strap but the pin doesn't align with the hole.
New buys, also bought a B4 to complete my Republic ₹2 set
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering introducing polymer banknotes, a move aimed at reducing soaring currency printing costs and improving the lifespan of notes in circulation. According to reports, the central bank may soon launch a pilot project, with ₹10 and ₹20 notes likely to be tested first as they wear out quickly due to frequent use.
Unlike traditional cotton-based paper currency, polymer notes are made from a thin, flexible plastic material that is more resistant to dirt, moisture and tearing. These notes also offer enhanced security features such as transparent windows, holograms and specialised inks, making counterfeiting more difficult.
The RBI’s renewed interest comes amid rising printing expenses and the growing number of damaged notes being withdrawn every year. Currency printing costs reportedly increased from ₹5,101.4 crore in FY24 to ₹6,372.8 crore in FY25, strengthening the case for a switch to longer-lasting polymer banknotes.
I'll publish initials and reverse study next if there is any interest.