Current Affairs - National

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a nationwide Aadhaar Mascot Design Contest, inviting citizens to create an official visual ambassador for Aadhaar. The mascot is intended to embody Aadhaar’s core values, including trust, inclusivity, empowerment, and digital innovation, and to enhance public engagement. Participants can submit original designs via the MyGov platform by 31 October 2025, with a total prize pool of ₹1 lakh distributed among top winners. Beyond monetary rewards, the selected mascot will be used in public campaigns, serving as a symbolic representation of Aadhaar’s mission and national identity.

India’s passport rank has declined to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, dropping from its previous rank of 80th in 2024. The Henley Passport Index evaluates countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without requiring a visa. Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. Meanwhile, Singapore continues to lead the index, having one of the world’s strongest passports. This ranking emphasises the importance of international mobility and the varying degrees of travel freedom granted by different national passports.

Ahmedabad, located in the state of Gujarat, has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This major sporting event will coincide with the 100-year celebration of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The decision was made during the Executive Board meeting of Commonwealth Sport, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing role in hosting large-scale international sports events. If finalised, this will further enhance Ahmedabad’s global recognition as a modern sports and infrastructure hub, contributing to India’s legacy in the world of competitive athletics.

The “Extradition of Fugitives - Challenges and Strategies” conference was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the conference aimed to enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies on issues related to the extradition of fugitives. Senior officers from both Central and State Police departments participated to discuss practical challenges, international cooperation mechanisms, and strategic frameworks to ensure more effective cross-border law enforcement. This initiative reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening its legal and diplomatic systems to handle fugitive extradition cases efficiently.

The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships were hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking the first time India organised this prestigious continental event. Held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, the championship witnessed outstanding performances by athletes from across Asia. China emerged as the dominant nation with 54 medals, while India delivered its best-ever showing with a total of 13 medals. Hosting the event in Ahmedabad showcased India’s growing infrastructure and capability to organise large-scale international sporting events, strengthening its position in the global sports arena.