2023 in Recap: A Rollercoaster of Resolutions, Controversies, and Celebrations

The year kicked off with the age-old tradition of setting New Year resolutions, and, predictably, confusion ensued. Every year, we’re caught in a cycle of promising ourselves change, only to be lost in the complexity of life. The struggle is real, friends. As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a look back through the year’s highlights. All the controversies and memorable moments that kept us awake in excitement or horror. Here’s to 2023 in recap!

Musk revolutionized Twitter, shifting from the bird logo to ‘X’

The renaming of Twitter to “X” by Elon Musk has attracted a lot of interest. The Twitter logo change started in late July 2023, and the “X” new logo is currently seen on Twitter’s mobile applications. In keeping with Musk’s goal of making Twitter an “everything app,” the recognizable bird emblem has been removed. His interest in the letter “X” is evident in his pursuit of SpaceX and Tesla, among other endeavours. The whole Twitter experience has been rebranded, with a focus on an AI-powered platform for chat, payments, video, and audio. Though opinions on the modification are still split, Musk’s bold action has undoubtedly changed the social media game. No doubt, Elon Musk bhakts think they can solve problems!

Deepika Padukone’s Koffee Confession

On the premiere episode of Koffee With Karan Season 8 on October 26, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone came. In a candid conversation, Deepika shared details about the initial days of their relationship. She revealed that she wanted to be single for a while due to past difficult relationships. During this phase, she and Ranveer were seeing other people, but they kept coming back to each other as she was committed to him in her mind. Situationships becoming a buzzword!

However, Deepika’s confession sparked trolling on social media, with some labelling it as an “open relationship.” Earlier in 2023, someone mistook Deepika for a Brazillian Model too. Just telling!

SRK’s Blockbuster Comeback

After a five-year break, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is returning with an array of multi-crore blockbuster films. These include Jawan, in which Shah Rukh Khan plays a double role in an action-packed plot; Pathaan movie, a spying thriller set in a future Middle East; Dunki, a comedy picture that explores illegal migration; and Tiger 3, a film in action series starring Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan. Exciting times are ahead for SRK fans!

Sidharth and Kiara’s grand wedding

Bollywood & heartbreaking weddings are a trend now. Coming to this couple, the eagerly awaited wedding of Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani at the magnificent Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer captured the attention of the world. On February 7, the couple said their vows in front of the grandeur of Rajasthan during a private ceremony. Kiara’s wedding dress was the main attraction, she looked stunning in a pink lehenga by Manish Malhotra, and Sidharth, looking stunning in a sherwani embroidered with gold, formed a mystical bond. Star-studded Mumbai reception brought together Bollywood’s finest, and the couple’s breathtaking wedding photos are still trending on social media. Sidharth and Kiara’s union has us all fascinated, from their love story that began on the set of “Shershaah” to a true fairy tale.

Ashneer Grover Slams Journalists, Defends BharatPe’s FY22 Report

In the tweet by Ashneer Grover, he criticizes business journalists in India, alleging that they lack diligence and engage in gossip for monetary gain. He highlights that no journalist read BharatPe’s annual FY22 report, which explicitly states that there were no instances of fraud were there. The auditing firm, Deloitte, was paid ₹4 crore in audit fees and found nothing amiss. However, another user points out that many audit firms themselves collaborate closely with management. While Grover’s frustration with certain journalists is evident, it’s essential to recognize that not all journalists fit this description.

“Ashneer Grover’s tweet: Exposing gossip-loving business journalists – who need facts when you can have spicy rumours for breakfast?”

India launched its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3, India’s historic lunar mission, successfully lifted off on July 14, 2023. The spacecraft, equipped with an orbiter, lander, and rover, aims to be the first to land near the little-explored south pole of the Moon. If all goes well, India will join an elite group of countries—the US, the former Soviet Union, and China—that have achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface. Thousands watched the majestic rocket soar into the sky from the Sriharikota space center, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this momentous achievement as a testament to Indian scientists’ relentless dedication.

Zomato’s Blinkit Billboard Sparks Controversy Amid Strikes

A quick commerce platform Blinkit acquired by Zomato, faced a strike by its delivery partners over the reduction in payouts per order. Zomato had to temporarily shut down some Blinkit stores for safety reasons but later said that most of them have resumed operations. Zomato claimed that the payout changes were made to improve customer experience and reduce fraud and that the strike had no material impact on its business.

“It’s like when Blinkit delivery partners said, ‘Show me the money!’ Zomato replied, ‘Hold on, let us find it in the app.”

World Cup 2023: India’s Defeat Against Australia

The 2023 Cricket World Cup final has already concluded, and India faced a heartbreaking defeat against Australia. Throughout the tournament, India displayed their dominance, winning all 10 matches. However, in the grand finale between India vs Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, they fell short. The pressure on India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was immense as the team struggled. Despite this setback, India’s influence in global cricket remains formidable. The intricate relationship between Bollywood and cricket reflects India’s ever-evolving dynamics. Additionally, India’s persistent efforts to include cricket in the Olympics could significantly impact the sport’s global reach.

Leadership Crisis at OpenAI: Altman Gone, Co-Founder Follows

The IT industry has been shaken by OpenAI’s developing leadership crisis. Internal conflicts were brought on by the unexpected dismissal of former CEO Sam Altman, who was purportedly fired for lacking consistent transparency. Employees at OpenAI signed a loyalty pledge in support of Altman. Ilya Sutskever, the top scientist, also expressed regret over his part in the firing. Complicating matters further was Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s involvement and the company’s large investment in OpenAI. Investors are looking for legal options, and the group is concerned about Altman’s uncertain future. This innovative AI research institute’s future is still up in the air, with consequences that go well beyond its boundaries. 

“OpenAI’s leadership crisis has more twists than a sci-fi thriller—Altman’s out, Sutskever’s in regret, and Nadella’s in the mix. Can someone pass the popcorn?”

AQI on the Rise: Hold Your Breath, India

Our lungs are suffering as a result of India’s poor air quality. In many large cities, the Air Quality Index, or AQI, is surging, leaving us desperate for clean air and wishing for a time when pollution wasn’t a constant companion. Many Indian cities are now dealing with “severe” or “hazardous” air quality levels, according to the most recent AQI data. For example, Delhi’s current AQI of 450 is deemed “hazardous” for all individuals. Bangalore (282), Kolkata (268), Mumbai (341), and other cities have high AQI scores.

“Incredible India, where even our allergies need seat belts to survive the AQI rollercoaster.”

As the new year approaches, I find myself flipping through the pages of the past year in my journal. 2023, you’ve been a mix of colours, full of dreams, challenges, and surprises. From making New Year resolutions to experiencing unexpected adventures, it’s been a journey of self-discovery. The changes in familiar places, Bollywood love stories, and the excitement of Chandrayaan-3 in space have made this year memorable. As we get ready for a fresh start, I take comfort in letting go and accepting the things that “Ye Bhi Theek Hai” and look forward to the next chapter in the book of life. Cheers to the memories, lessons, and the promise of new beginnings!