This week in India saw several important events: Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time, 12 days after the assembly elections. Other news includes rising tensions between India and Bangladesh over attacks on Hindus, a shooting incident involving Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar, and the tragic death during a Pushpa 2 screening in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, three Indian women were named among BBC’s 100 inspiring women of 2024.

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• Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM on December 5, 2024, for the third time after a long wait of 12 days post-election results.
• Fadnavis’ deputies are Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), strengthening the alliance.
• Fadnavis’ return marks his reward for playing a pivotal role in BJP’s victory after the 2022 political crisis that saw the Shiv Sena break.
• Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated over increasing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh since August 2024.
• India protests against rising anti-Hindu attacks in Bangladesh, especially the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.
• Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD leader, was shot at by an assailant linked to the Khalistani movement during his service at Amritsar’s Golden Temple on December 4.
• Badal survived the attack, but his party has been criticized for past controversial decisions.
• Three Indian women—Aruna Roy, Pooja Sharma, and Vinesh Phogat—were named in BBC’s 2024 list of the 100 most inspiring women globally.
• AI-powered mom influencer Kavya Mehra debuts in India, reflecting the growing trend of AI in virtual influencer spaces.