🎨 Google Messages adds custom themes and backgrounds

Google Messages is rolling out an upgraded personalization experience with custom backgrounds and themes. This feature is now available to everyone after being tested on the Beta channel. Users can customize message bubble colors and chat wallpapers using gallery photos or preset categories. The theme customizations are private to the user's device, so recipients won't see them. This allows users to style their chats to match their personal vibe.

🔊 Sony drops massive 2,150W tower speaker

Sony has unveiled the ULT Tower Max, a gigantic speaker designed for massive parties. This new unit, which is over a meter tall, features three subwoofers and 2,150 watts of amplifier power. It weighs 56.3 kilograms and measures 106 x 53.4 x 47.2 centimeters, making it heavy but transportable with wheels. The speaker provides 360-degree sound and is splash-proof, with a retail price of $1,499 starting September 17th. Users can stream music via Bluetooth 5.3 or use RCA/XLR inputs.

🌧️ Leaking flats keep kids out of school; probe ordered

Rainwater and toilet water leakage at P&T Apartments in Mundamveli are impacting the school attendance of local children. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered a probe into the issue following a petition by activist Thampy Subramanyam. The complex houses around 65 schoolchildren, and the leakage began during the first showers in February 2024. Residents have been waiting for rehabilitation for nearly 50 days, facing unhygienic living conditions. The GCDA, responsible for construction, is currently reviewing rectification measures estimated at ₹6.50 crore. 😔

🔭 Swift Telescope gets one last shot at science

NASA restarted two science instruments on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory for a final round of gamma-ray observations. This action occurred after an earlier attempt to restore the telescope to a stable operational orbit failed. The spacecraft is scheduled to plunge into Earth’s atmosphere as early as next month. These final observations are part of the mission before the end of the spacecraft's operational life. The agency is ensuring maximum scientific data is collected during this last chance.

🤖 Runway drops Solaris: AI builds apps as you use them

Runway introduced Solaris, the first Interface World Model, aiming to replace traditional code-to-design translation. This system operates by generating an interface frame-by-frame based on user interactions like clicks and drags. The model uses Runway’s Gen-4.5 video model and learns from user actions to render the next visual state. Evaluations showed users preferred Solaris over coded interfaces for better natural behavior in scenes. Runway anticipates this leads to a new operating layer, potentially changing how we interact with software.

🕷️ Idaho finds a unique 'Vandal' spider species

A University of Idaho research team discovered a previously unknown, nickel-sized spider species in north-central Idaho. The find occurred in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, naming the creature Hexura vandal. This discovery was documented in a paper published on August 31st, stemming from research that began on September 8, 2024. Researchers believe this species is unique to a small, isolated pocket of moist, coniferous habitat in the Gem State. The team is now monitoring this endemic species as a potential candidate for Idaho's first state spider. 🕷️

🚛 Truck Drivers Protest Over Assam-Mizoram Issue

Truck drivers have stopped traffic in protest against ongoing disputes. The protest is taking place across Assam and Mizoram states. Around 50 drivers have joined the demonstration, starting on November 15th. They are alleging continuous harassment from certain groups regarding the border issues. Authorities are expected to negotiate a resolution soon to clear the blockade.

🚦 Delhi Traffic Advisory for BRICS Motorcade Rehearsal

Delhi Traffic Police released a public advisory regarding the upcoming BRICS Summit 2026. This alert specifically concerns the motorcade rehearsal scheduled for September 2nd in New Delhi. The rehearsal will take place from 10 am to 3 pm, affecting over 35 roads across 22 diversion points. Key central and south Delhi corridors will experience restrictions during this period. Commuters are advised to use public transport as traffic will be diverted through alternate routes.

🔥 Kangpokpi violence flares up, houses torched 🔥

At least 30 houses were set on fire and a villager was shot following fresh violence in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The attack occurred early Tuesday morning in Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou, and Makui Pipuram villages. Security forces were deployed after the incident, which followed another shooting incident on Monday. These back-to-back attacks have seriously heightened tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities. Authorities are now investigating the arson and firing incidents to prevent more violence.

🔬 Yeast's Cbr1 gene controls nutrient usage

Researchers discovered that the carbohydrate utilization regulator Cbr1 helps coordinate nutrient-specific gene activation in a basidiomycete yeast. This happened in the basidiomycete yeast Rhodotorula (Rhodosporidium) toruloides. The study detailed that Cbr1 inhibits glucose-mediated repression of disaccharide and proline utilization, and it was required for several other carbon sources. This suggests the yeast might encounter these various carbon sources together during complex microbial interactions in nature. This mechanism provides a new way fungi build their nutrient sensing transcriptional networks.

📊 Former Finance Secy corrects GDP figure

SC Garg, a former Finance and EA Secretary from 2017 to 2019, made a statement on NDTV regarding the Gross Domestic Product. He clarified that the actual GDP growth is 2.6%, contradicting a reported figure of 7.8%. This correction addresses recent economic data discussions circulating in the public sphere. Garg's input is significant given his background in government finance roles. Further analysis will depend on official revisions to the economic reports. 📊