🦠 Ancient virus system might be CRISPR's ancestor

Scientists discovered VIPR, a tiny RNA-guided DNA-targeting system found in viruses, which could be an evolutionary ancestor of CRISPR. This system was found mainly in bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, as reported in Science. VIPR is extremely small and operates using a previously unknown gapped code, unlike standard CRISPR systems. This suggests ancient bacteria might have adopted a viral defense mechanism during viral conflicts. Future genome editing tech could benefit from VIPR's unique, versatile properties. 🧬

🏛️ Trump ban overturned, but media still blocked at White House 🏛️

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift a ban on Politico, MS NOW, and CNN journalists. Despite this ruling, reporters from these three outlets were still denied entry to the White House on Thursday. The court struck down the ban, which Trump announced on September 18, and ordered access restored for two weeks. Unclear if it was defiance or a technical issue, the denial happens during the Trump-Xi meeting. The legal case will focus on First Amendment claims versus national security concerns.

💻 Microsoft drops new Surface tablets with Snapdragon X2 Plus

Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 12” (2nd edition) and Surface Laptop 13” (2nd edition) powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip. These new devices are available in three colors, with the Pro starting at $1,150 and the Laptop from $1,200. The Pro offers 17% faster Office productivity and up to 15.5 hours of video playback. The Laptop features a 13” PixelSense LCD and promises up to 22.5 hours of video playback. New accessories, like the Surface Mouse, will launch on October 13.

🌧️ GMC deploys 3,000 workers for Guntur rains

The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has deployed about 3,000 public health workers and 250 officials to manage heavy rains in the city. This deployment happened on Thursday, despite workers being scheduled for a holiday due to the bad weather. The civic body has mobilized 17 earthmovers, eight robots, and 12 tree-cutting machines for emergency use. Officials are tasked with clearing major drains to ensure smooth water flow and plan to pump out rainwater within 30 minutes. People are warned not to dump plastic waste in drains and advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms.

⚖️ Karnataka HC questions MLA's asset disclosure issue

The Karnataka High Court directed the Election Commission of India and MLA Bandisidde Gowda to show cause. This action stems from a petition questioning a special court's rejection of criminal prosecution. The rejection on July 27 stated only the ECI can file under Section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The petitioner alleged the MLA did not disclose two Mysuru properties in his 2023 election affidavit. The next hearing for this case has been adjourned until October 15. 🧐

😠 KPCC serves notice to SUDA chairman H.S. Sundaresh

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has issued a notice to H.S. Sundaresh regarding his statements against party leaders and the strengthening campaign. This action was taken by former MLC and KPCC vice-president M. Narayanaswamy in Shivamogga on Thursday. The notice demands a response to comments about the All India Congress Committee’s Sangathan Srujan Abhiyan and embarrassing remarks made to party leaders. Sundaresh had alleged corruption linked to School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa during a press conference on Wednesday. He also questioned H.C. Yogesh’s appointment as district president, with a copy sent to him.

⚡ BRS leaders check power plants amid coal crunch

BRS teams, led by G. Jagadish Reddy, inspected thermal power plants across Telangana on Thursday. They visited Yadadri, Kakatiya, Kothagudem, and Bhadradri TPPs to check coal stocks and power generation status. The team noted a missing stock of 40,000 tonnes of coal at Singareni plants. Leaders alleged that poor coal quality and State government dues were causing the energy issues. They met Singareni Chairman to question the drop in production from 70 million tonnes to 58 million tonnes.

🕊️ Psychiatrist Anand Pandurangi Passes Away

Noted psychiatrist and Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee Anand Pandurangi, aged 74, passed away in a private hospital in Dharwad early Thursday. He was known for promoting community-based mental healthcare across North Karnataka. His passing is marked by tributes from figures like MP Jagadish Shettar and former CM Chandrakant Bellad. Pandurangi expanded mental health support beyond hospitals through various counseling programs and camps. His contributions were recognized with several honors, culminating in an honorary doctorate from Karnatak University in 2018.

💉 New Injectable HIV Treatment Shows Promise in Teens

Researchers conducted a trial comparing two methods for HIV treatment among adolescents. The study took place across multiple sites and involved several young participants. The injectable treatment demonstrated comparable efficacy to daily pill regimens during the trial period. This development offers a potentially easier alternative for long-term management of HIV. Further studies are planned to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of the injection.

😠 Kozhikode med students protest acting HoD appointment

The students' union at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, objected to appointing a faculty member accused of mentally harassing PG students. Union members and students marched on campus on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to voice their concerns. Dr. Anitha Kumari and C.A. Smitha were previously transferred after a complaint, but later retained their posts. The union demanded that the accused faculty member not take charge until the investigation is resolved. Authorities promised to discuss the matter with the Directorate of Medical Education. 😠

☔ Heavy rain in Odisha forces 8000+ evacuations

Heavy rain from a deep depression battered parts of Odisha on Thursday, leading the government to evacuate people from vulnerable areas. Officials confirmed that 8,082 people were evacuated across six affected districts, which include Ganjam and Koraput. This action was taken amidst growing fears of floods and landslides across the region. The IMD warned that rainfall intensity would rise as the system is expected to enter near Koraput in the evening. The government has deployed ministers and senior officers to manage the ongoing relief efforts. ☔