India to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

ByAjay Gulia 27/11/202527/11/2025

India has officially secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad chosen as the venue. The decision was ratified on 26 November 2025 during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow, marking the centenary edition of the Games.

Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations approved India’s bid, which builds on plans laid for Glasgow 2026. The announcement ceremony featured a cultural performance showcasing Gujarat’s heritage.

Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare described this as a new chapter for the Commonwealth movement, highlighting India’s scale, cultural strength, and enthusiasm for sports. PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, emphasized the responsibility and opportunity to strengthen global sporting collaboration.

The tentative sports list includes 15–17 disciplines, featuring Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Netball, Boxing, and their Para events. India may propose up to two additional sports, with options under consideration including Cricket (T20), Badminton, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting, and others.

The Commonwealth Games began in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and the last edition in 2022 (Birmingham) was topped by Australia, followed by England, Canada, India, and New Zealand.

Q. Where will the 2030 Commonwealth Games be hosted?
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Ahmedabad
D. Chennai

Answer: ✅ C. Ahmedabad

Book ‘Sanskriti Ka Panchva Adhyay’ a compilation of PM Modi’s speeches, launched in New Delhi
A book titled Sanskriti Ka Panchva Adhyay, a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches, was launched in New Delhi on 18 April 2025.

The book was released by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, head of the Juna Akhara, and the event was presided over by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

Key highlights:
- The book reflects PM Modi’s commitment to preserving India’s culture, traditions, and spiritual values.
- Harivansh praised the Prime Minister’s role in safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.
- Swami Avdheshanand Giri noted that since 2014, there has been innovation and a cultural transformation across India.
- He emphasized that cultural topics are now discussed with more depth and pride in the country.
PM Modi Conferred with Trinidad and Tobago’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ — the country’s highest civilian award — on 4 July 2025 by President Christine Carla Kangaloo.

He became the first foreign leader to receive this honour, recognizing his statesmanship, support for the Global South, and efforts to strengthen India–Trinidad and Tobago ties.
India–Bangladesh Relations Face Strain Amid Diplomatic Closures and Political Unrest

India–Bangladesh relations have come under significant strain in late 2025 due to diplomatic, political, and security challenges. In December 2025, Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services in New Delhi, while India closed its visa centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, citing security concerns. These steps mark the sharpest diplomatic downturn in recent years, disrupting people-to-people contact.

Political instability in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has contributed to the tensions. The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi triggered widespread protests, many of which featured anti-India slogans, accusing New Delhi of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Economically, bilateral trade stood at USD 13.46 billion in 2024–25, but the trade imbalance in India’s favour has been a recurring concern for Dhaka. Strategically, uncertainty now surrounds connectivity projects linked to India’s Act East policy, including transport and energy initiatives. India is also worried about border security, illegal migration, and militancy along the 864-km largely unfenced border.
Parsi New Year, Navroz 2025 : Celebrated on March 20

The Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, is observed on March 20, coinciding with the spring equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length. This ancient festival has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).

History and Significance

Navroz, meaning “new day” in Persian, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the beginning of the Persian calendar and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as well as the renewal of nature. The festival is named Jamshedi Navroz in honor of King Jamshed, who is credited with introducing the Parsi calendar.

The Parsi community in India, which migrated from Persia during the Islamic invasion in the 7th century, has preserved this tradition with great fervor. Navroz is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.
India defeats Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Group A match on 23 Feb 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing Pakistan’s 242-run target, India reached 244/4 in 42.3 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten century and Shreyas Iyer contributing 56.

Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya took two. Axar Patel excelled in fielding with two run-outs and a sharp catch. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) were the top scorers.

Kohli also set a new record for most catches in ODIs by an Indian, surpassing Mohammed Azharuddin with 158 catches. India, led by Rohit Sharma, is now close to securing a semi-final spot, while Pakistan faces a must-win situation.
India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 2025
India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24 July 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, alongside UK PM Keir Starmer. The deal aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, creating new opportunities for exports, employment, and investment.

🔹 Key Benefits for India:
- Zero tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK
- Boost to textiles, gems, leather, IT, auto parts, chemicals
- Easier mobility for Indian professionals
- Social security exemption for up to 3 years
- Major gains for MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors
🔹 Key Benefits for the UK:
- Gradual tariff cuts on Scotch whisky (from 150% to 40% in 10 years)
- Reduced duties on cars, cosmetics, aerospace & medical devices
- Access to Indian government tenders worth ₹4 lakh crore
- Equal access to India’s financial services sector
The agreement also covers innovation, intellectual property, services, and labour rights, without compromising on India’s drug, food, or NHS standards. It will take full effect after UK Parliament ratification.