Cabinet Approved on August 27 2025 PM SVANidhi Extended till 2030 and Bid Cleared for 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
National
On August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several key proposals aimed at bolstering urban livelihoods and enhancing India’s global profile in sports. These decisions mark important steps in empowering informal sector entrepreneurs and ramping up sports diplomacy.
- The Cabinet approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme. Originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2024, the lending period has been extended until March 31, 2030. The revamped scheme features a financial outlay of ₹7,332 crore and includes the introduction of a new credit card facility to improve access to credit for street vendors, further strengthening their economic resilience.
- The Union Cabinet approved the formal submission of India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as the host city. The decision includes sanctioning the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement and committing to financial support (grant-in-aid) for the Gujarat government if the bid is successful.
- Ahmedabad was singled out as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class stadiums, cutting-edge training facilities, and a passionate sporting culture. The city’s infrastructure—including the Narendra Modi Stadium and recent hosting of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final—reinforces its suitability to stage such a global sporting event.
Main Point :- (i) Alongside domestic approvals, the government also responded to external economic pressures—India decided to counter former U.S. President Trump's proposed 50% tariffs. This move reflects a broader strategic posture on trade diplomacy amid mounting global tensions.
(ii) The extension of the PM SVANidhi scheme reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting self-reliance (AtmaNirbhar Bharat) among street vendors—an essential pillar in India’s informal economic sector. By offering tailored credit access, the scheme helps stabilize and formalize urban livelihoods.
(iii) The bid to host the Commonwealth Games underscores India’s growing ambitions to boost its soft power through sports diplomacy. If successful, the event is expected to catalyze infrastructure upgrades, generate employment, and elevate Ahmedabad’s global profile in sports and tourism.
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