11th BIMSTEC JWG-CTTC gathers in New Delhi to boost regional counter-terrorism cooperation
New Delhi hosted the 11th BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG-CTTC) from 28 to 29 September 2026. Delegations from seven BIMSTEC members — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — discussed strengthening regional cooperation against terrorism, human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terror financing and radicalisation. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs, India. Participants reviewed existing frameworks and explored practical steps for information sharing and joint investigations. The discussions will feed into BIMSTEC’s broader security agenda and future mechanisms.
Event: BIMSTEC JWG-CTTC meeting in New Delhi, 28–29 Sep 2026
Participants from seven BIMSTEC member states
Key focus: terrorism, human trafficking, narcotics, money laundering
IWC-70 meeting underway in Hobart to discuss whale conservation
Delegates from 89 member governments gathered in Hobart, Tasmania for the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), spanning late September into early October 2026. The conference focuses on whale conservation, population assessments, and measures to address cetacean threats such as ship strikes and habitat loss. The gathering also marks the 80th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, under which the IWC operates. Participants review scientific data, conservation programmes, and proposals for enhanced international cooperation on whale protection. The discussions reflect ongoing debates about whaling allowances and maritime governance in shared oceans.
Event: IWC-70 in Hobart, 27 Sept – 2 Oct 2026
Delegates from 89 member governments
Focus: whale conservation, population data, threats to cetaceans
80th anniversary of the ICRW as a context
Debates on whaling allowances and maritime governance
Kerala develops machine-learning dengue early warning system (DEWS)
Researchers in Kerala have developed a Dengue Early Warning System (DEWS) using machine learning to forecast district-level dengue trends. The model integrates around six years of dengue surveillance data (March 2020–February 2026) with weather variables such as rainfall, temperature and humidity. It generates weekly forecasts for each district and classifies dengue risk as low, moderate, high, or very high. Officials say DEWS can help public-health authorities allocate resources in advance, bolster mosquito-control efforts, and strengthen disease-surveillance before outbreaks intensify. The project reflects collaboration between government researchers and public health agencies and may guide other states in similar efforts.
Project: DEWS using machine learning for dengue forecasting
Data used: March 2020–February 2026 plus weather variables
Output: weekly district-level risk categories (low to very high)
Purpose: guide resource allocation and vector control
Potential impact: earlier interventions; model could be replicated
Shubman Gill clocks fastest ODI double century as India beat West Indies in Guwahati
On 30 September 2026, Shubman Gill produced a historic innings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, as India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second ODI. Gill remained not out on 223 from 133 balls, becoming the fastest player to reach an ODI double hundred, achieved in 117 deliveries. He surpassed Ishan Kishan’s 126-ball record set in 2022. Gill’s assault supported India’s chase of a daunting 406, with Rohit Sharma also contributing a century. India chased the target in 43.3 overs, leaving the Windies with little room for error. The win strengthened India’s position in the ongoing series.
Gill scored 223* off 133 balls, fastest ODI double century
Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, 30 September 2026
ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise AIME-2026 begins in the Philippines
The second edition of the ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines on 28 September 2026. The exercise featured Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish alongside maritime forces from ASEAN member states. The harbour phase included professional exchanges, cultural and sporting activities, and operational coordination, followed by at-sea exercises. The theme, Anchored in Trust, United at Sea, aimed to strengthen interoperability, professional exchanges, and mutual understanding among partner navies. The exercise supports maritime security cooperation and reinforces a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, with emphasis on search and rescue and seamanship skills.
Event: AIME-2026 begins 28 Sep 2026 at Subic Bay
Participants include INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
Harbour phase: exchanges, cultural activities, coordination