After five years of political turbulence in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is determined to lead a stable government and prioritize governance over politics in his upcoming term. He has instructed his administrative heads to prepare a 100-day plan for their respective departments, with the goal of tackling state finances and rectifying past mistakes. Fadnavis is focused on delivering a quality administration and playing the role of a calm and effective captain.
Devendra Fadnavis: Leading Maharashtra Through Stability and Governance
After a tumultuous five years marked by political instability, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has embarked on a mission to prioritize governance over politics in his second term.
Background
Fadnavis became Chief Minister in 2014, forming a coalition government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress. However, in 2019, the NCP and Congress withdrew their support, leading to a period of political uncertainty.
In November 2019, Fadnavis returned as Chief Minister, supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. Determined to restore stability, he has vowed to deliver a responsive and efficient administration.
100-Day Action Plan
To kickstart his second term, Fadnavis has directed all administrative departments to prepare 100-day plans. These plans prioritize:
Focus on Quality Administration
Fadnavis believes that governance should take precedence over political gamesmanship. He has emphasized:
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What are Fadnavis's key priorities for his second term? A1: Financial management, infrastructure development, and improving public services.
Q2: How is Fadnavis approaching political stability? A2: By emphasizing governance and setting aside partisan divides.
Q3: What was the political turbulence that marked Fadnavis's first term? A3: The withdrawal of support from the NCP and Congress in 2019, leading to a temporary collapse of the government.
Q4: How did Fadnavis return as Chief Minister in 2019? A4: With the support of the BJP and its allies in a government supported by a majority in the state legislature.
Q5: What are Fadnavis's personal qualities and leadership style? A5: He is seen as a calm, effective, and pragmatic leader, focused on delivering results.
Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted in two separate rape cases, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds. However, the bail is only until March 31 and he will remain in jail as he has to obtain bail in another rape case. Asaram's request for bail was based on his deteriorating health condition, for which he had previously received treatment in Pune and AIIMS Jodhpur. The Supreme Court also ordered police officers to escort him to the hospital for treatment without imposing any restrictions on where he should go.
In response to concerns raised about discrepancies in voter turnout and vote counting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He assured the public that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible. Kumar also explained the mock poll process done in the presence of election agents to further ensure transparency.
The life and papacy of Pope Innocent XI, previously known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was marked by his deep devotion to piety and his relentless efforts to reduce expenses and fight against nepotism in the Curia. He gained admiration from the people of Ferrara as a "father of the poor", and as pope, he faced challenges from Louis XIV of France on the issue of "Gallican Liberties" and ambassadorial immunities. Despite a long period of ill health, Innocent XI left a lasting legacy of selflessness and service, leading to his eventual beatification in 1956.
The Election Commission has put an end to speculation about electronic voting machine (EVM) manipulation, stating that the machines are tamper-proof and have consistently upheld the principles of fair elections. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar also addressed concerns about alleged discrepancies in voter lists, asserting that the preparation of electoral rolls is a transparent process involving political parties at every stage. These announcements were made as the dates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections were announced, with polling to take place on February 5 and counting on February 8.
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP-led Centre of taking away the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi by cancelling the allotment. In response, Atishi has stated that she is willing to work for the people of Delhi from the streets if needed. With the upcoming Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Election Commission of India has announced the poll schedule, with voting taking place on February 5 and results on February 8. Furthermore, the Delhi CM's refusal to accept alternative housing options provided by the Public Works Department has sparked controversy and led to the cancellation of the offer.
After nine years in office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party. He cited the need for a "real choice" in the upcoming election and acknowledged the decline in his popularity due to issues such as inflation and housing crisis. A Liberal Party MP further explained that Canadian's fatigue with Trudeau played a role in his decision to step down.
Patna District Magistrate, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, has defended the detention of 43 individuals, including political strategist Prashant Kishor, during protests over BPSC exams. Singh stated that the protest at Gandhi Maidan was illegal and despite warnings, protesters refused to vacate. An FIR was filed and 15 vehicles were seized. Verification has shown that 30 out of the 43 detained individuals were not students, and Dr. Singh has warned of strict action against any future illegal protests.
In a historic statement, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as the leader of the Liberal Party, citing the need for a new leader to be chosen before the next election. This resignation comes after mounting pressure and internal conflicts within the party, leading to a call for Parliament to be prorogued until March 24. Despite support from party leaders Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, some are calling for Canadians to put their faith in a new party, with even U.S. President-elect Donald Trump weighing in on the matter.
On Friday night, Jan. 3, multiple reports were received about gunshots being fired into a home in Magalia, California. The Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) later arrested two individuals in connection to the incident. Although no injuries were reported, deputies found evidence that the home had been shot at multiple times.