Millions of Android users in Venezuela reportedly received earthquake alerts on their smartphones moments before powerful tremors shook the country, renewing global interest in how Google’s earthquake warning technology functions and whether smartphones can help save lives during natural disasters.

The alerts were triggered ahead of the strong shaking caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week. However, experts have clarified that Google did not predict the earthquakes. Instead, the company’s system detected the initial seismic activity and rapidly issued warnings to people located in potentially affected areas.

How Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System works

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System uses the accelerometers built into billions of Android smartphones. These sensors, typically used to detect device movement and screen orientation, can also identify ground vibrations associated with earthquakes.

When multiple Android devices in the same region detect similar vibrations simultaneously, anonymised data is sent to Google’s servers. Algorithms then analyse the information to estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude and expected intensity. If the system determines that significant shaking is likely, alerts are automatically sent to users in affected areas.

The technology works by detecting primary seismic waves, or P-waves, which travel faster and are generally less destructive than secondary waves, known as S-waves. Since internet signals travel much faster than seismic waves, alerts can reach users seconds before the strongest shaking arrives.

Why a few seconds can make a difference

Although the warning window is often brief, experts say even a few seconds can be crucial during an earthquake. Such alerts can allow people to move away from hazardous areas, stop dangerous activities, seek cover or prepare for stronger shaking.

During the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, some residents reported receiving alerts on their phones shortly before the tremors intensified, giving them additional time to react.

How to enable earthquake alerts on Android

Google says Android earthquake alerts are available in many countries, including India. To receive these notifications, users need an Android device running Android 5 or later, active internet connectivity and location services enabled.

To check whether earthquake alerts are enabled:

1. Open Settings on your Android smartphone.
2. Search for “Earthquake alerts”.
3. Ensure the feature is turned on.
4. Keep both location services and mobile data or Wi-Fi enabled.

Google emphasises that the system is designed as a supplemental early warning service and may not detect or alert users about every earthquake. It does not predict earthquakes before they begin but aims to provide precious seconds of advance warning once seismic activity is detected.

Actor and entrepreneur Tamannaah Bhatia has shared insights into her evolving philosophy regarding money and business growth, emphasizing that her primary drive centers on creating real impact rather than simply accumulating material assets. The actor, who made her acting debut at the young age of 15 in the 2005 film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra and later starred in the Telugu film Sree, has expanded her professional horizons significantly over the years.

In 2026, she ventured further into business by introducing her everyday luxury label, Tamannaah Fine Jewellery. While speaking to a media outlet, the entrepreneur discussed how her perspective on business and financial growth has shaped her career choices.

A focus on scale, influence, and giving back

Reflecting on her current journey, Bhatia pointed out that financial accumulation has its limits due to marginal utility. She stated that her true motivation lies in the actual process of generating value, shaping a distinct identity, and building something substantial. For her, focusing purely on a grander vision naturally leads to financial success.

“I feel like if you don’t scale, it is just a disservice to the vision itself,” Bhatia said during the interview, highlighting that scaling up allows her to establish a wider reach and influence, which brings her fulfillment. She further explained that philanthropy and giving back to society should not be treated as a one-time event delayed for the future, but rather as an ongoing effort integrated directly into the process of building a business.

A multi-faceted career path

Bhatia’s career spans nearly 90 films across the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu film industries, including major projects like Baahubali, Oopiri, and Aranmanai 4. Beyond traditional cinema, she has found success with popular musical numbers and has transitioned effectively into streaming platforms, headlining several OTT projects such as Jee Karda, Aakhiri Sach, and Do You Wanna Partner.

According to reports, her net worth stands above Rs 100 crore, supported by her extensive acting commitments, brand endorsements, and business ventures. Her personal assets include a sea-facing apartment in Mumbai featuring unique elements like a specialized aquarium and a spacious balcony jacuzzi.

Veteran chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who has spent decades teaching India how to cook through iconic shows like Khana Khazana, recently shared a little-known story from his career. During an appearance on journalist Vir Sanghvi’s podcast Culinary Culture, Kapoor revealed that he repeatedly turned down the offer to host the popular cooking reality show MasterChef India during its initial seasons. The reason behind his refusal was a unique payment condition: he wanted to be compensated more than Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

The symbolic condition that stalled his entry

According to Kapoor, the show’s producers had been approaching him since its very first season. While most professionals would readily accept such an opportunity, Kapoor did the exact opposite because the makers initially refused to meet his specific condition.

“I told them that if you want me on the show, you have to pay me more than Akshay Kumar,” Kapoor recalled during the podcast.

Clarifying his stance, the culinary expert explained that his demand was never about the money itself. Instead, requesting an extra rupee was a symbolic gesture aimed at securing professional recognition and respect for his expertise in the culinary field. When the show’s producers refused to comply with this demand during the early stages, Kapoor firmly declined the project, stating, “I am not coming. I will not do it.”

A change of stance in season 3

The deadlock eventually broke when the makers approached him again while preparing for the third season of MasterChef India. This time around, the producers felt his presence was absolutely necessary for the show’s success. Kapoor remembered being told that it would be a major setback if the MasterChef format failed to succeed in India. Understanding his value, the producers ultimately accepted his condition for the third season, and Kapoor confirmed that they paid him more than everyone else.

How social media reacted to the revelation

After video clips from the podcast circulated online, internet users largely supported the chef’s historical stance. Many commentators pointed out that his demand was not a reflection of arrogance, but rather a justified move to protect the dignity of his profession.

Social media users noted that a specialized cooking show should naturally position a culinary expert ahead of a mainstream actor in terms of authority and financial compensation. One user commented that an actor earning more than a professional chef on a culinary show is not a positive sign, while another praised Kapoor for knowing his worth and maintaining humility by demanding just Re 1 more rather than an exorbitant amount.