🤖 Google drops Gemini 3.8 Flash TTS voice models

Google has launched two new Gemini 3.8 Flash TTS voice models for high-volume audio production. These systems are for interactive entertainment and automated media dubbing, released to expand Google's audio roster. The models replace 30 legacy voices, offering over 2,000 profiles in 100+ languages as of now. Developers can use these for multi-speaker staging and insert non-verbal acoustic markers into scripts. Access is available via Google AI Studio and the Gemini API for various commercial integrations. 🎤

😟 Mumbai cops visit Noida over Savarkar insult video

Mumbai police officers traveled to Noida regarding a video that contained an insult directed at Savarkar. The incident involves a couple who subsequently fled their residence due to fear. The video in question was circulating around a specific date, though the exact date was not provided. This situation stems from public outrage over the controversial content shared online. Authorities are now monitoring the situation to ensure peace and compliance in the area. 😟

✈️ Flight delayed 12 hours due to bad weather

An Air India Express flight carrying over 70 passengers, including two Ministers, landed at Bhogapuram on Thursday morning after a major delay. The flight departed Vijayawada on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, but was diverted to Nagpur due to heavy rain and bad weather at Bhogapuram. After several hours in Nagpur, the aircraft finally departed and reached Bhogapuram at around 8:30 am on Thursday. The prolonged wait caused worry among passengers and their families, who sought updates from airport authorities. Minister K. Atchannaidu subsequently reviewed the cyclone and flood situation in Tekkali.

😔 Police officer suspended for drunk driving incident

A sub-inspector from Azheekal Coastal police station has been suspended for allegedly causing a road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. This incident occurred near Kannothumchal on the national highway on the night of September 21, 2026. The officer, named Rajith, reportedly hit three people, including a student coming home from work. All three individuals sustained injuries in the crash. A case was officially registered by Kannur Town police based on the complaint from the injured student. 😔

📈 AP hosting five regional investment meets before big summit

Andhra Pradesh is organizing five regional investment conferences leading up to the CII Partnership Summit-2026. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced this on Thursday, aiming to attract investments across various regions. These conferences will happen from October 7 to October 26 in cities like Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Tirupati. The goal is to highlight regional potential in sectors like AI, green hydrogen, and aerospace. The government targets converting 80% of investment proposals by the end of October. 🚀

💡 Defence Secy praises PM Modi's tech savviness

Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh commented on the Prime Minister's sharp technological acumen at the News18 DEFCON 2026 event. He highlighted that PM Modi is quick to spot new innovations across various sectors. The comments were made during the defence exposition held at the venue. Singh emphasized the PM's keen eye for future defence technologies and advancements. This recognition underscores the leadership's focus on modernizing India's defence capabilities moving forward.

🎓 New VC for Sri Venkateswara Vedic University

Ganapathi Bhat has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Vedic University (SVVU). This appointment is in Tirupati, where Mr. Bhat currently works as a professor at National Sanskrit University (NSU). The Governor, S. Abdul Nazeer, made this decision for a term of three years, replacing Rani Sadasiva Murty. Mr. Bhat has a strong background in promoting Indian knowledge traditions and Sanskrit studies. His NSU colleagues have extended their congratulations for his new role.

🗳️ 111 elected MPs/MLAs switched parties since 2022

A total of 111 sitting MPs and MLAs changed their political parties after being elected since 2022. This turnover occurred across Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assemblies, as analyzed by ADR and National Election Watch. Between 2022 and 2026, Nagaland recorded the highest number of switches with 32 representatives moving sides. The NDPP, All India Trinamool Congress, and Indian National Congress accounted for 58% of these party changes. This high rate of defections has reportedly contributed to government falls in some State Assemblies. 🗳️

🔫 US uses Xbox controllers to fire laser weapons

The US military is deploying high-energy lasers in the Strait of Hormuz to target drones and cruise missiles. These advanced systems are being operated by soldiers using reconfigured Xbox game console controllers. The technology, which is 50 years in development, costs the US around $500 million to implement. Unlike traditional weapons, lasers don't need physical interceptors, lowering costs in certain scenarios. Experts note this could drastically change military logistics and defense capabilities. 🛡️

✈️ Kerala CM's charter flight invoice revealed

The invoice for Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan's charter flight has surfaced in the public domain. The flight was allegedly facilitated by Kelachandra Aviation, a firm seeking a state helicopter contract. The total cost for the trip was documented as ₹19,88,595, which includes an aircraft charge of ₹16,85,250 and 18% GST. The aircraft traveled from Jindal Airport near Ballari to Thiruvananthapuram, covering the CM's tour to Malappuram and back. This deployment reportedly took approximately nine hours for the Chief Minister's travel.

♻️ Bengaluru plans citizen wardens for waste management

The Greater Bengaluru Authority is looking into bringing in citizen wardens for solid waste management in Bengaluru. This idea came up during a public consultation meeting hosted by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd. On Thursday, the city generates about 6,500 tonnes of waste daily with only 5,200 auto-tippers operating. The Minister noted that increased waste generation has outpaced the current collection system's capacity. Future plans involve ward-level planning and new tenders to boost collection capacity to over 9,000 tonnes.