Month: November 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah expressed happiness with India getting the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, saying that the moment underscores “the nation’s commitment to strengthening its sporting ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure, and creating long-term pathways for athletic excellence”.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the awarding of 2030 CWG hosting rights to Ahmedabad, India, by Commonwealth Sport, with the competition marking 100 years of the Commonwealth Movement.

Taking to X, Jay wrote, “Proud moment for India as Ahmedabad is confirmed as the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030. This landmark moment underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its sporting ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure, and creating long-term pathways for athletic excellence. A proud step forward for India on the global stage.

Proud moment for India as Ahmedabad is confirmed as the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030. This landmark moment underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its sporting ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure, and creating long-term pathways for athletic…

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) November 26, 2025

The decision confirms that the world’s most populous nation will stage the landmark edition of the Games, after delegates of the 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories ratified India’s bid at today’s Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.

India presented a compelling vision for the 2030 Games, centred in the Gujarat city of Amdavad (Ahmedabad), which will build on foundations laid by Glasgow 2026, enabling India to celebrate the centenary in style.

After Ahmedabad was announced as hosts of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, 20 Garba dancers and 30 Indian dhol drummers burst into the General Assembly Hall, surprising delegates with a rich cultural performance that provided a taste of the heritage and pride that Athletes and fans can expect from a Games hosted in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Garba is a dance that originated in Gujarat, and the performance featured members of Glasgow’s Indian community, and those from other parts of the Commonwealth, in a show of both diversity and unity across the movement to start the journey from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to the Centenary edition.

The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. Australia topped the medal table at the most recent Games, staged in Birmingham, England, in 2022, with the rest of the top five made up of England, Canada, India and New Zealand.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said, “This is the start of a new golden era for Commonwealth Sport. After a ‘Games reset’, we head to Glasgow 2026 in fantastic shape to welcome the 74 teams of the Commonwealth before setting our sights on Amdavad 2030 for a special Centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games.”

“India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I’m delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond. We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health,” he added.

Dr PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said, “We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport. The 2030 Games will not only celebrate a hundred years of the Commonwealth Movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together Athletes, communities, and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.”

-The Sports Programme

In addition to confirming the hosts for 2030, Commonwealth Sport also confirmed that 15 -17 sports will feature at Amdavad 2030.

The Amdavad 2030 team will work closely with Commonwealth Sport and the International Federation community to shape a dynamic and exciting sport programme with strong local resonance and global appeal.

This will follow Commonwealth Sport’s recently concluded Sport Programme Review, which outlines the sports which will feature at the Commonwealth Games: Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics, Netball and Boxing.

The process to finalise the remainder of the programme will start next month, and the full Centenary Games line-up will be announced next year.

The sports under consideration are: Archery, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Beach Volleyball, T20 Cricket, Cycling, Diving, Hockey, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Squash, Triathlon, Para Triathlon and Wrestling.

The host can also propose up to two new or traditional sports. (ANI)

The United States has ordered an immediate and indefinite halt to all immigration processing for Afghan nationals, with officials citing the need for a comprehensive review of existing security and vetting procedures. The move pauses visa applications, asylum claims and all other immigration pathways for Afghans until the assessment is completed.

The announcement came after two National Guard personnel were injured in a shooting near the White House on Thursday, allegedly carried out by an Afghan national.

In a statement, authorities said the protection of the homeland and the safety of the American public remains the government’s “singular focus and mission.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday identified an Afghan man who fled the Taliban as the suspect in the attack on the two National Guard soldiers, calling the incident “an act of terror.”

In a short video address, Trump linked the shooting to three key political issues: his domestic deployment of military forces, the wider immigration debate, and the legacy of America’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

The broad daylight attack, which left the two Guard members critically wounded just two blocks from the White House, was described by Trump as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” adding, “It was a crime against our entire nation.”

He confirmed that the suspect taken into custody “was a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan.”

Trump said the man arrived in the US in 2021 “on those infamous flights,” referring to the evacuation of Afghans who fled the Taliban takeover after the US withdrawal.

The shooting, which occurred near a busy metro station at peak weekday hours, has renewed scrutiny of Trump’s deployment of military forces in several Democrat led cities, including Washington, Los Angeles and Memphis, a strategy that has attracted lawsuits and criticism from local leaders.

Trump’s remarks also pointed to a hardening of his immigration position. “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan” under President Joe Biden, he said.

Trump added, “We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country. If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them.” (ANI)

US President Donald Trump denounced the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, describing it as a “horrific assault” and “an act of terror,” as federal agencies continued to investigate the attack that took place a day before Thanksgiving.

The shooting occurred at close range in central Washington, prompting a swift reaction from the administration. Addressing reporters, Trump criticised former president Joe Biden’s earlier immigration policies, claiming the suspect had entered the United States from Afghanistan in 2021 and referring to the country as a “hellhole.”

Authorities identified the accused as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in 2021. Officials believe he acted alone. Citing information from Homeland Security, Trump again noted that the suspect was Afghan.

“Earlier today on the eve of the thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington DC were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush styled attack just steps away from the White House,” he said.

“This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation, it was a crime against humanity. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginian National Guards and their families,” he added.

Trump said the country was feeling both sorrow and determination after the attack, stating that “we’re also filled with rightous anger and ferocious resolve.”

He pledged the strongest possible response, saying that as President, “the animal who perpetrated this atrocity, pays the steepest possible price.” He said Homeland Security was confident the suspect in custody was a foreign national who had entered from Afghanistan, calling it “a hellhole on earth.”

Trump alleged that the suspect was brought into the United States by the Biden administration in 2021 “on those infamous flights,” and claimed the individual’s status was later extended under legislation signed by Biden. He said the shooting underscored what he viewed as a major national security concern. “This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. The last administration let in 20 million unknown foreigners from all over the world,” he said.

Outlining further actions, Trump said, “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.” He added, “We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country. If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them.”

In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump expressed support for the National Guard and said he had ordered an additional 500 Guard personnel to Washington after the shooting. He referred to the gunman as an “animal” and said he would “pay a very steep price.”

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” he wrote. He added, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

The shooting happened on Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House, in what officials have described as a deliberate act. FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said both soldiers remained in critical condition in hospital. (ANI)

As India celebrated the adoption day of its Constitution on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prided on the unveiling of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s bust at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

The PM said that it was a “fitting tribute” to Dr Ambedkar and his role in making the Indian Constitution.

“It is a matter of immense pride that today, on Constitution Day, a bust of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This is a fitting tribute to Dr Ambedkar and his role in the making of our Constitution. His thoughts and ideals give strength and hope to innumerable people,” PM Modi posted on X.

The PM marked Constitution Day on Wednesday with a letter to citizens, calling for increased focus on constitutional duties and wider participation in democratic processes.

Constitution Day is observed annually on 26 November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949.

In his letter, Modi noted that the Union government declared 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015 to highlight the role of the Constitution in India’s institutional framework. He referred to moments from 2014 and 2019 when he bowed at the steps of Parliament and placed the Constitution on his forehead, stating that these gestures reflected his regard for the document.

In his message, the Prime Minister recalled the work of the Constituent Assembly, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the Drafting Committee led by Dr BR Ambedkar. He also mentioned the contributions of women members of the Assembly.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu recalled the history of the drafting of the Constitution. She remembered Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, and praised his efforts in drafting India’s supreme legal document.

The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect a few months later, on January 26, 1950. The document was extensively debated and agreed upon by the Constituent Assembly. The document established India as a “Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic” with the aim of securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens.

It is the longest written Constitution in the world, demarcating the separation of powers, structure of administration, courts and legislative departments for the country. The Constitution calls for adhering to constitutional supremacy. (ANI)

Ahead of the release of their upcoming film ‘Tere Ishk Mein’, actor Dhanush and actress Kriti Sanon performed the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, drawing a massive gathering of fans who turned their visit into a festive spectacle.

Dressed in traditional attire, the actors arrived in the Holy city for the trailer launch of their film ‘Tere Ishk Mein’. Director Aanand L. Rai was also present for the event.

After attending the event at a theatre in Varanasi, they experienced the spiritual beauty of the city by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and receiving blessings before the film’s release.

Dhanush, Kriti, and Aanand L. Rai arrived at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where they witnessed the magnificent and divine Ganga Aarti.

Speaking about the film, actress Kriti Sanon told ANI, “This is a very special film, and in only a few films do we feel that we are making something different… We came here to take the blessings of Mahadev. There is a special relationship with Banaras…”

Actor Dhanush expressed his long-standing connection with the city and its significance in Aanand L. Rai’s films. He said, “I don’t think Aanand L. Rai can make any film without Banaras in it… Banaras is always a part of our film, and we are also part of Banaras. This film also has a connection with Banaras… This place is very special to me, and the connection I have with this place is very special.”

The cast of the upcoming film arrived in Varanasi to promote their film and spoke about their bond with the ancient city, sharing anecdotes, memories, and heartfelt sentiments. Dhanush described Banaras as a transformative force in his life. “Varanasi is not just a city to me. It’s a spiritual awakening. I’ve connected with every street, every ghat, every temple. Because of him, there was an awakening inside me and I surrendered myself to Mahadev,” he said, adding that he never misses an opportunity to revisit the city.”

Filmmaker Aanand L. Rai said Banaras had shaped his personal philosophy. “This city teaches you not to be afraid,” he shared. “Parents teach you how to live, but Banaras teaches you to stand for what is right,” added Rai.

Talking about the film, Kriti plays Mukti, a young woman who falls for the fierce, volatile, rule-breaking Shankar (Dhanush). But circumstances pull them apart before their love can take shape. Unable to cope with the heartbreak, Dhanush’s character becomes vengeful and pledges to burn ‘entire Delhi’ to ashes for his broken heart.

Director Aanand L Rai first revealed the project on the 10th anniversary of ‘Raanjhanaa’, his 2013 romantic drama that also starred Dhanush in a leading role.’Tere Ishk Mein’ is produced under the banners of Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Colour Yellow Productions.

Producers include Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar.It will hit the theatres on November 28. (ANI)

Comedian and actor Kapil Sharma on Wednesday spoke about the earlier attacks on his cafe in Vancouver, Canada, recalling a series of shootings and noting that despite the incidents leading to discussions in the Canadian Parliament, he has never felt unsafe in Mumbai due to the strong law-and-order presence of the city police.

While speaking to the media during the trailer launch of ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 in Mumbai, he said, “These incidents happened in Canada, in Vancouver. I think teen baar vahan pe firing huyi ( I think there were three shootings there)..I think the police don’t have the power to control things. But after that, when our case happened, it went to the federal court… There was a discussion in the Canadian Parliament… “

He added, “I received calls from many people saying that all this was already going on there, but after the shooting at my cafe became news, the police are taking steps to significantly improve the law and order situation… “

Kapil stressed that he has never felt unsafe in Mumbai. “I never feel like this in Mumbai or in my country. There’s no one like our Mumbai Police… “

He noted that the incidents did not affect business in the long run, “After all the gunfire there, we saw a bigger opening in our cafe… If God is with you, everything is fine…”

In October, Kapil’s cafe in Canada was reportedly targeted in another shooting incident. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating after reports of shots fired at the outlet, Kap’s cafe, on 85 Avenue and 120 Street, around 3:45 a.m., as per City News Vancouver.

Kulvir Sidhu, reportedly linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s operations, claimed responsibility in a viral social media post. “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Today’s firing at Caps Cafe, Surrey, was carried out by me, Kulvir Sidhu, and Goldy Dhillon. We hold no grudge against the general public. Those who owe us or cheat us will be warned. Bollywood individuals who speak against our religion should also be prepared, bullets can come from anywhere.”After all the gunfire there, we saw a bigger opening in our cafe… If God is with you, everything is fine…”

While staff were reportedly present inside the premises during the shooting, no injuries were reported. Kapil Sharma and his team have not issued any statement yet.

This was the third time since July that Kapil’s restaurant has been targeted in a shooting incident. The first attack was reported on July 10. The second attack happened on August 8. (ANI)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday decided to lift all restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, after Delhi’s air quality showed improvement over the last three days, the release said.

While CAQM has directed authorities to intensify actions under Stage I and Stage II of GRAP to ensure that pollution levels do not rise again.

“Actions under Stage-I & II shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented as per the modified GRAP dated 21.11.2025 (copy enclosed), monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further to the “Severe/ Severe+ Category”. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-1 & II of the modified GRAP,” the release said.

Meanwhile, the order states that construction sites that were shut down earlier for violations cannot resume work without a separate clearance from the Commission.

“Construction & Demolition project sites, etc., which have been issued specific closure orders on account of violations/non-compliance of various statutory directions, rules, guidelines, etc., under no circumstances shall resume their operations without any specific order to this effect from the Commission,” the release said.

The Commission also urged citizens to follow the GRAP Citizen Charter, avoid polluting activities and help prevent air quality from slipping back into the severe category.

Today, a layer of haze engulfed the national capital in morning as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 337 at 7 am, falling under the ‘very poor’ category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI around the India Gate was recorded at 358, while AQI near the Ghazipur area stood at 363.

AQI around the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) stood at 348. Visuals near the South Extension showed a layer of toxic smog blanketing the area. AQI around the area was recorded at 348 at 7 am.

Bawana recorded the AQI level of 377 at 7 am, falling under the ‘very poor’ category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 296, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (ANI)

The Special NIA Court at Patiala House on Wednesday remanded Soyeb to 10-day custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the November 10 blast case.

The court has extended NIA custody of Amir Rashid Ali for seven days. NIA produced two accused, Soyeb and Amir Rashid, before the Special NIA court in heavy security.

Principal District and Session judge (Special NIA Judge) Anju Bajaj Chandana remanded the accused persons in NIA custody. The hearing was conducted in a closed courtroom.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Faridabad resident for allegedly sheltering the bomber, Umar Un Nabi, shortly before the terror act on November 10.

The accused, identified as Soyab from Dhauj in Haryana’s Faridabad, is the seventh person to be arrested in the case linked to the deadly explosion in a moving Hyundai i20 car that claimed multiple lives and left several others injured– one of the most serious terror attacks in the national capital in recent years.

As per the NIA, the arrested accused “not only harboured Umar but also extended logistical support to facilitate the terrorist’s movements ahead of the attack.”

“The development follows the earlier arrest of six key aides linked to Umar during the course of the investigation into case RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI,” said the NIA.

The Officials said the latest arrest has strengthened the agency’s understanding of the operational network behind the bombing.

The NIA is continuing to track multiple leads and conduct searches across multiple states, in collaboration with local police forces, to identify additional suspects connected to the conspiracy.

Officials said efforts remain underway to fully expose and dismantle the network involved in planning and executing the deadly attack.

Earlier this month, the anti-terror agency arrested six prime accused involved in the Delhi car blast.

On November 20, the agency arrested Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir).

They were taken into custody by the NIA in Srinagar on production orders issued by the district sessions judge at Patiala House court. They had all played a key role in the terror attack that killed several innocent people and left many others injured.

Moving expeditiously with its probe in the case, NIA had earlier arrested two other accused– Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used in the blast was registered, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, who had provided technical aid to the terrorist involved in the deadly attack.

The seventh accused will be confronted with those arrested earlier by the NIA.

The anti-terror agency, which was handed over the investigation by the Union Home Ministry soon after the attack, is working closely with various state police forces to track and arrest every member of the terrorist module involved in the carnage.

A total of 15 people were killed, and over two dozen others were injured in the Delhi blast that occurred around 7 pm on November 10 in a moving Hyundai i20 car driven by one alleged suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi.

The NIA took over the case from the Delhi Police the next day and launched a massive search operation.

As per the anti-terror agency, Amir had come to Delhi to facilitate the purchase of the car, which was eventually used as a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to trigger the blast.

NIA has forensically established the identity of the deceased driver of the vehicle-borne IED as Umar Un Nabi, a resident of Pulwama district and Assistant Professor in the General Medicine Department at Al Falah University at Faridabad.

The anti-terror agency has also seized another vehicle belonging to Nabi. The vehicle is being examined for evidence in the case, in which NIA has so far examined 73 witnesses, including those injured in the blast that rocked the national capital.

Working in close coordination with Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and various sister agencies, the NIA is continuing its investigation across states. (ANI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Kolkata has arrested Abul Hossen Molla, also known as Duronto, from South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. He was taken into custody on Wednesday evening.

According to officials, Molla was allegedly involved in the mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in the Sandeshkhali area in January 2024.

He had been absconding for months and had consistently evaded multiple notices issued by the CBI to join the investigation.

A competent court had also issued a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against him after he failed to appear and remained underground.

CBI officials confirmed that the accused is being produced before the court today. Further investigation into the Sandeshkhali attack case is underway.

Meanwhile, Sandeshkhali, a village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, had been in a political storm after villagers, mostly women, came out on the streets against the ruling TMC and its strongman Shahjahan, accusing him and his aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion. He was later arrested. Both the BJP and Trinamool Congress have been levelling charges against each other over Sandeshkhali.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court directed a court-monitored investigation by the CBI into the alleged cases of sexual assault and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. The women of Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district came out on the streets earlier against the ruling TMC and Shahjahan, accusing the strongman and his aides of perpetrating gross excesses and atrocities on them while also gobbling up their land. Multiple women on the island charged Shajahan and his aides of “land-grab and sexual assault” under coercion. (ANI)

The death toll in the deadly fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 13, with 15 others injured after the massive fire swept through multiple high-rise residential towers in the area on Wednesday, CNN reported, citing local authorities. Officials say more people may still be trapped inside the buildings.

According to CNN, citing the New Territories East Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Chou Wing Yin, nine victims — including a firefighter — died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Two firefighters are among the injured, with one suffering severe exhaustion and another sustaining a leg injury, as reported by CNN.

According to CNN, visuals from the Wang Fuk Court housing complex showed towering flames bursting through apartment windows, with seven of the eight buildings still ablaze well into the night.

Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Fire Department, Chan Derek Armstrong, said that the blaze was reported at 2:51 pm (local time), and by the time firefighters arrived, the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the complex was already engulfed, spreading fire inside the building and outward to adjacent towers, as reported by CNN.

A massive emergency response has been deployed, with 767 firefighters, 128 firetrucks, 57 ambulances, eight fire hoses and seven fire engines engaged in the operation.

The complex was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding — a traditional but highly flammable construction method widely used across Hong Kong’s skyline.

Though still common, bamboo scaffolding is being phased out in favour of metal alternatives under new government guidelines due to safety concerns, CNN reported.

However, the Hong Kong Labour Department recorded 24 deaths linked to bamboo scaffolding between 2018 and August 2025.

The Wednesday blaze is feared to be Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 30 years, according to CNN.

The last major fire tragedy occurred in 1997, when 17 people were killed in a karaoke bar blaze. Another fire in 2011 in Fa Yuen Street claimed nine lives. Authorities continue to battle the fire and search for survivors as the death toll may rise further. (ANI)