Ahmedabad to host CWG 2030
Ahmedabad has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the return of the multi-sport event to India after two decades and supporting the country’s Olympic ambitions for 2036. The decision was approved by the 74-member Commonwealth Sport general assembly following a recommendation by its Executive Board. India had last hosted the Games in Delhi in 2010. Ahmedabad, which has significantly upgraded its sports infrastructure over the past decade, will feature 15-17 confirmed disciplines, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, table tennis, netball, weightlifting and boxing, with additional sports under consideration. The city has previously hosted major events like the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Aquatics Championships. Key venues include the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, with an athletes’ village planned for 3,000 residents.
India launches rare earth push
The Government has unveiled a Rs 7,280-crore scheme to boost domestic production of rare-earth permanent magnets, aiming to cut dependence on China for components vital to electronics, electric vehicles and renewable-energy systems. Rare-earth magnets-made from elements like neodymium and samarium-offer far stronger magnetic fields than conventional magnets, enabling compact, high-performance motors, speakers, sensors and wind turbines. India holds sizeable rare-earth reserves, estimated at 6.9-8.5 million tonnes, mainly in monazite-rich coastal and inland sands, with additional deposits identified in several states.
Teen athletes die on court
Two teenage basketball players in Haryana, including 16-year-old national sub-junior player Hardik Rathi, died in separate incidents after iron hoops collapsed during practice, highlighting the State’s crumbling sports infrastructure. Hardik died in Rohtak on Tuesday, while Aman, a year younger, succumbed to injuries on Monday after a similar accident in Bahadurgarh. CCTV footage of Hardik’s accident showed the rusted pole giving way as he attempted to hang from it. Local players and family members had repeatedly warned officials about the unsafe equipment. The tragedies sparked outrage, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led State Government of negligence.
