🤖 Google Gemini 3.8 now has live avatars 🤖

Google launched Gemini 3.8 Live with the Live Avatar feature, adding near real-time generated video to its dialogue models. This update is generally available in Gemini Enterprise across US and EU endpoints starting September 24, 2026. The feature enables expressive AI visuals, perfect for customer service and interactive walkthroughs. Avatars support 97 languages, offer custom creation, and include an imperceptible SynthID watermark. Enterprises can now integrate this powerful, multimodal AI into their live operations.

🗳️ AI set to streamline Kerala's election process

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer stated that AI-based tools will simplify and boost the effectiveness of the election process. This statement was made by D. Sajith Babu during a review meeting at the district collectorate on Thursday, September 24, 2026. These tools are currently under development as per the Election Commission of India's guidelines. The meeting also touched upon the basic infrastructure quality in the various polling booths. Moving forward, these technological upgrades aim to enhance electoral procedures significantly. 🗳️

⚡ New Electricity Policy draft heads to ministry review

The Union power ministry has sent the draft National Electricity Policy 2026 for inter-ministerial consultation. This move was announced by Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal at the FICCI Indian Power Sector Conference in New Delhi. The draft policy will replace the existing National Electricity Policy 2005, focusing on grid flexibility. It also proposes opening up the power distribution sector to allow multiple players in one area. Furthermore, it mandates index-linked tariff revisions starting from FY27 to ensure cost reflection.

🤖 AI makes lab gear talk, speeds up research

A new AI platform is allowing robotic arms and lab equipment to work together seamlessly in experiments. This system, developed by Anthropic and Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, connects disparate instruments. The Model Hardware Standard (MHS) framework allowed a team at Carnegie Mellon University to set up an experiment in mere hours. This automation eliminates the lengthy process of writing custom code between different vendor instruments. The goal is to significantly reduce the time it takes to move from initial research ideas to a functioning experiment. 🤖

⚠️ Oracle invokes force majeure on Jupiter project

Oracle has activated force majeure for its large-scale 'Project Jupiter' data center. This major infrastructure project is located in undisclosed locations. The specific details regarding the contract dates and financial impact are not yet released. This action suggests unforeseen circumstances are impacting the project timeline and operations significantly. The company is currently assessing the full scope of the situation and its implications.

💧 Hyderabad mandates geo-tagging for private STPs

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has ordered mandatory registration for all private Sewage Treatment Plant operators and related entities. All private STPs will be surveyed and geo-tagged, with details added to the Board’s database for quality checks. Registrations must be completed by October 1, providing data like treatment capacity and water quality parameters. This push aims to promote better use of treated wastewater for non-potable city needs. Certified suppliers will be monitored via regular inspections conducted by the Board.

🤝 MSS State Conference set for Kozhikode next month

The Muslim Service Society (MSS) State conference is scheduled to take place over two days in Kozhikode starting Saturday, September 26, 2026. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the event at Calicut Trade Centre on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, the Indian Union Muslim League State president, is set to deliver the keynote address. Other attendees include Ministers K.M. Shaji and N. Samsudheen, M.K. Raghavan, and Kozhikode Mayor O. Sadashivan. Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will kick off an afternoon seminar during the conference.

🦟 Dengue under control, says Tamil Nadu Health Secretary

Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Darez Ahmed stated that dengue fever is largely under control across Tamil Nadu. He was in Madurai to check on the preparedness for handling dengue cases. As of September 23, there were 17,939 cases and nine deaths reported statewide. The government is closely monitoring districts like Chennai and Coimbatore due to higher case numbers. Residents are urged to cooperate by preventing waterlogging as preventive measures continue.

♟️ India misses title shot at Chess Olympiad

India failed to close the gap in the 2026 Chess Olympiad during Round 8 against Azerbaijan. Dommaraju Gukesh drew the match, despite needing a win to keep the title defence alive. The match concluded after 56...Rb2+ as the game simplified into a draw. Meanwhile, Savitha Shri maintained a winning streak, securing a crucial win for the women's team. Uzbekistan and Germany currently lead the standings with 14 points each. ♟️

⚖️ Father and daughter face legal action in Delhi

Gyanesh Kumar and his daughter are both facing legal consequences for their alleged crimes. The legal proceedings are taking place in Delhi, where lawyers are actively working on their defense. Specific numbers and dates regarding the charges were not provided in the initial report. The case involves serious allegations that require thorough legal scrutiny by the court. Further updates will depend on the progress of the ongoing legal battle. ⚖️

💰 Giant Ganesh laddu fetches massive bid in Hyderabad

A 5-kg Ganesh laddu at Keerthi Richmond Villas in Bandlaguda Jagir sold for ₹1.01 crore during a recent auction. This event was held two days ahead of the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi this year. This amount is less than the ₹2.32 crore fetched by a 10 kg laddu at the same location in 2025. All proceeds go to the RV Diya Charitable Trust for various social causes. The initiative aims to inspire other communities in Hyderabad to make festive traditions into fundraising drives. 💰