🔬 MIT robot builds laser setup super fast 🤖

MIT researchers developed a reconfigurable robotic optics laboratory capable of handling precise alignments automatically. This system operates at MIT in Massachusetts, successfully assembling a tabletop laser cavity in 50 autonomous maneuvers within 30 minutes. The demonstration also proved the robot can self-correct after external disturbances to maintain laser intensity. This technology aims to automate complex optics experiments that previously took days or months manually. Future plans include remote operation and automated component fetching for continuous research.

🏢 $18B data-centre campus gets first permit in Illinois

Illinois issued the first permit for a massive $18 billion data-centre campus spanning up to 472 acres in Grayslake. The T5 Data Centres project is slated to build 6.7 million square feet over 7 to 10 years, starting with an 800,000-sq-ft building. Neighbors claim they learned about the huge scale too late after key approvals were granted on a date unspecified. The developer says it will bring $1.4 billion in property tax revenue, while opponents raise environmental concerns. This phased development signals a major change for the local area. 🏙️

🕊️ 1965 War Hero Flt Lt A.T. Cooke Passes Away

Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a decorated air warrior, has passed away after a lifetime of service. He was a Vir Chakra awardee who died in Delhi on Friday, September 18, 2026. The Indian Air Force paid tribute to his supreme valor, specifically recalling his legendary dogfight over Kalaikunda. This aggressive air combat during the 1965 Indo-Pak War earned him the Vir Chakra. His memory will continue to inspire future generations of Air Warriors. 🫡

🛡️ Medvedev pushes 'military deterrence' against US sanctions

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Russia should respond to new US sanctions with 'military deterrence.' He made these statements on Telegram after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This legislation targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, with tariffs up to 100% on major purchasers. The act was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, following Senate approval in August. These sanctions come as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

🛡️ Medvedev suggests military response to US sanctions

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev advised Russia to respond to new US sanctions with 'military deterrence'. He made these remarks on Telegram after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This law targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, financial entities, and allows for up to 100 percent tariffs. The sanctions come as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. Medvedev, a critic of Western governments, frequently makes such strong public statements. 🛡️

🇮🇳 India says it won't bow to global pressure on sanctions

India has stated it will not operate under pressure from any nation regarding the Russian Sanctions Bill. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed this while speaking to ANI in New Delhi. Singh affirmed that India prioritizes the best interests of its people in all its foreign policy decisions. The government maintains its stance that imposed tariffs are unfair and will ensure national stability. Moving forward, energy sourcing will remain a primary concern, based on commercial viability and economy. 🇮🇳

🔬 New AI method boosts molecular discovery

Researchers introduced the Chemical Dice Integrator to create scalable molecular representations. This method combines six molecular views, including topology and quantum properties, at IIIT-Delhi. It outperformed classical fusion methods across benchmarks as of September 19, 2026. The framework also showed stable generalization under limited data and helped validate compounds like isoeugenol. This establishes a new scalable path for molecular prediction and discovery. 🧪

😂 Bhuvan Bam's Rekha joke gets playful warning from Mukesh Chhabra

Bhuvan Bam made a joke referencing Rekha during an Amitabh Bachchan mimicry act on India’s Got Latent Season 2. This happened during the latest episode featuring him, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Mukesh Chhabra. Prateik Bhardwaj delivered the impersonation, which sparked the light-hearted interaction. Mukesh Chhabra playfully warned Bhuvan about his budding film career following the joke. Bhuvan countered this warning with a cheeky response, making the exchange a highlight of the episode.

🌊 IoT system for smarter ocean monitoring

A new IoT-based wireless communication system was developed for smart ocean monitoring to protect marine ecosystems. Researchers from Chennai and Nagercoil designed this system to track the ocean for climate analysis and disaster prediction. The proposed architecture integrates sensors, wireless communication, edge computing, and cloud platforms, as detailed on September 19, 2026. This design improves network throughput, packet delivery ratio, and energy saving over conventional methods. The platform offers a scalable and reliable setup for future ocean monitoring applications. 🌊

🏏 Bangladesh squad out for Afghanistan Test

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially announced the 15-player squad for the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan. The fixture is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates starting on October 9, 2026. Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue leading the team as captain for this one-off match. The batting lineup includes Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Mominul Haque, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das in the middle order. The team also features bowlers like Taijul Islam and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury.

✈️ Delhi Airport's Third Runway Reopens Soon

Delhi International Airport will reopen its third runway for operations starting September 20, 2026. The private operator, DIAL, announced this after the comprehensive rehabilitation of Runway 11R/29L was successfully completed. This major upgrade project, which began in February 2026, aimed to boost safety and capacity at the busy gateway. The enhancements include resurfacing and a new Rapid Exit Taxiway to optimize aircraft movement. This move supports the airport, which handles over 1,300 flight movements annually. ✈️