Researchers discovered a new microscopic land snail species named Dicharax tilariensis in the Tilari region of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The newly discovered species is currently known only from the Tilari region, making it endemic to the area. It inhabits semi-evergreen forests and occupies microhabitats among forest litter, decaying organic matter and moist soil. Its distinctive shell pattern and the structure of the inner side of its shell-closing lid helped researchers identify it as a separate species. It is the second known species of the genus Dicharax endemic to the northern Western Ghats.

India hosted the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise 2026 at Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to strengthen maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries. The exercise includes three days of Tabletop Exercises, followed by a two-day Harbour Phase, with ships from BIMSTEC member countries participating. It aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve operational coordination and enhance interoperability among participating countries.

The Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams won gold medals at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Indian men’s team defeated Sri Lanka 54–20 in the final to secure the gold medal. The Indian women’s team also won gold after defeating Uganda 35–15 in the final. Both Indian teams became champions of the maiden edition of the championship on home soil. India’s double gold-medal victory highlighted its performance in international kabaddi. Ahmedabad, Gujarat, hosted the inaugural edition of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.

Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh, associated with Prasar Bharati, won the prestigious ABU Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026 for his contribution to broadcast technology and innovation. The award was received by Mihir Kumar Jha, Under Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on behalf of the awardee. The award was presented by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), a regional organisation comprising approximately 224 broadcasting and media organisations across 66 countries.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026 to 490 personnel from various States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs). The medal recognises excellence in police operations, outstanding investigation, intelligence services and forensic science. It aims to promote high professional standards, recognise exceptional performance and boost the morale of police and security personnel. The medal was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification dated 1 February 2024.