🤖 New AI model covers 65 Indian languages 🇮🇳

IISc's SPIRE Lab, with ARTPARK and Google's help, released SraVaani, a speech AI model covering 65 Indian languages and dialects. This model supports 20 scheduled and 45 regional languages, potentially reaching 25 crore people not served by current systems. The coverage spans many regions, including 19 from the Northeast and 16 from eastern India. SraVaani is freely available on Hugging Face under an MIT license for developers to use. This aims to build inclusive, sovereign AI capabilities across India's linguistic diversity.

👀 Nagaland Minister's KYC Fail Highlights Tech Glitches

Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along shared a video showing a KYC eye scan repeatedly failing on a Naga man. This happened in a setting where biometric verification is often required across the region. The video was shared on August 13, 2026, showing the difficulty of iris scanning. This highlights the non-inclusive design in biometric technologies for diverse communities. The minister uses humour to point out this real problem in tech accessibility. 🧐

⚖️ Karnataka HC: Trap money back without long trial wait

The Karnataka High Court ruled that complainants in bribery cases can get their trap money back without waiting for the trial to finish. This applies to complainants who provided funds for trap operations against officials demanding bribes. The court stated that the prosecuting agency must return the equivalent amount from the State exchequer after the trap proceedings conclude. Delaying the return would be seen as penalizing the public spirit of the complainant. This decision aims to boost public trust in anti-corruption efforts. ⚖️

🛰️ NASA wants tiny sun-powered floats to map space's edge

NASA is exploring a new method to study the 'ignorosphere,' the tricky area between 30-100 kilometers in the atmosphere. Researchers, utilizing a technology from Rarefied Technologies, plan to deploy microscopic sensors that float using the photophoretic effect. These sensors will be launched by balloons to reach about 30 km, then autonomously rise to their stable altitude of 90-100 km. Instead of transmitting data, they will reflect LIDAR light, allowing orbiting satellites to track their ionospheric conditions. While nighttime drops are a hurdle, this could revolutionize upper atmosphere weather monitoring. 🛰️

🏏 Rohit Sharma might coach MI post-retirement, but Kohli needs a break

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin suggested Rohit Sharma could take on a coaching role with Mumbai Indians after retiring. Ashwin noted that Virat Kohli might need a break before taking on any coaching responsibilities. He advised MI to immediately absorb Rohit, a tactical genius who won five titles. This is predicted as franchise cricket increasingly favors specialized roles like mentors. Ashwin believes players should not be let go post-retirement if opportunities exist.

🧠 Autism care needs lifelong, holistic support

Early intervention and therapies significantly improve outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Experts highlighted that a comprehensive life-course approach is necessary for autistic individuals. About 90% of these children have at least one or two co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions. This evolving needs require continuous, coordinated, and person-centred support into adulthood. The two-day national conclave addressed gaps in care continuity among various stakeholders.

🏛️ Leader asks CM to pause Raidurg land auction

T. Harish Rao, Deputy Floor Leader of BRS, urged CM A. Revanth Reddy to halt the proposed auction of 10.63 acres in Raidurg. This land, located in Raidurg Panmaktha village, was declared a heritage site via GO 4 on January 2, 2003. The Supreme Court had already instructed the State government on May 7, 2025, to resolve the issue without third-party interests. Rao stressed that the government must protect the heritage site despite its estimated ₹2,000 crore value. He requested a halt to all sales until legal ownership is determined. 🏛️

🏏 Litchfield's takeover fuels Sunrisers' turnaround

Phoebe Litchfield's batting has significantly boosted Sunrisers Leeds' performance in the Hundred tournament. She joined the team at No. 3 after an early batting struggle during the group stage in Leeds. Litchfield has maintained an amazing strike rate of 228.26 across her four innings at the top of the order. Her strong play has helped the side move from a slump to a winning streak of four games. Now, she has the chance to play in two Lord's finals within six weeks. 🤩

✈️ Leonardo ups Eurofighter Typhoon pitch to Philippines

Leonardo has ramped up its pitch to sell the Eurofighter Typhoon to the Philippines, offering new customization options for Manila. The company, led by Enrico Fossatti, presented this during the Philippines' search for a new multi-role aircraft amid South China Sea tensions. They previously offered up to 32 Tranche 5 fighters back in September 2025. This acquisition is key for the Philippines' modernization program to build air deterrence against China's claims. The consortium promises full transparency and tailored delivery plans should a contract be signed. ✈️

🇮🇳 Puttaparthi hosts rally for national pride

A 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally was organized in Puttaparthi to boost patriotism and national unity. Sri Sathya Sai district Collector A. Shyam Prasad and SP Satish Kumar led the event on Thursday. The rally, which started at Satyamma temple, saw participation from officials, students, and children on August 13, 2026. The Collector encouraged people to hoist the national flag at home and maintain its dignity. Participants concluded the event by taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' pledge for national integrity.

😠 CPI(M) slams Kerala CM over MDMA case claims

The CPI(M) accused Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan of making false claims regarding his meeting with an MDMA accused. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan presented photos showing the meeting happened before the alleged police action. Govindan further challenged Satheesan's denial of the accused being his social media coordinator, referencing a five-year posting. He also criticized the CM for perceived attempts to implement RSS agenda regarding Vande Mataram singing. The controversy surfaced following the Navakerala Sadas event on August 13, 2026.