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Australia becomes the No.1 ODI team, defeats India by 21 runs in Chennai

The India Saga Saga |

On March 22nd, 2023, Wednesday, Australia wrapped the tour to India on a high as they defeated India in the final ODI match to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first and made a competitive 269 runs in 49 overs against India. Steve Smith’s Aussies were crowned as the number 1 team in the ICC Men’s ODI team Ranking after Australia defeated India by 21 runs in the final ODI. Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed the final ODI match between India and Australia. .  

 

Marking the beginning of the series, the first game showcased a dominant performance by India, the hosts but Australia, the visitors were ruthless to take revenge in the next match. Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya led India’s attack and scalped three wickets each, then India in response got off to a strong start as Rohit Sharma and Shubham Gill added 65 runs for the opening wicket. Hardik Pandya played a fighting run with a ball of 40, while Virat Kohli contributed 50 runs and completed his half-century. Meanwhile, India’s losing wickets at regular intervals kept Australia in the game. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa scalped four wickets in his overs as well as his teammate Ashton Agar scalped two wickets against India, both wickets came in his final overs. 

 

It was the most important and a must-win match for India as their record was at stake in the third ODI at their proud home. Also, the rain was likely to play a major role in Chennai. Meanwhile, after the change in the batting lineup, Surya Kumar Yadav was struggling in the first two games, but again he missed the golden opportunity for the third consecutive time. 

The 21-run win takes Australia marginally ahead of India at the top, with the visitors racking up 113.286 rating points as compared to the Men in Blue’s 112.638, before the beginning of the final ODI. 

 

Australia was made to work hard for their win against India, after a cakewalk in Visakhapatnam but managed to defeat Rohit Sharma’s team to claim the series with 2-1. Australia’s opener Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh started off the innings well with a partnership of 68 runs, but India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya swung the tide in India’s favour by dismissing both the openers. Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner failed to score big. The ODI series of three matches, won by Australia with 21-runs. This is India’s first series defeat at home since 2019, they had previously lost to Australia too with 3-2 in an ODI series back in March 2019. 

Firm linked with Uzbek cough syrup death, licence cancelled by UP Govt

The India Saga Saga |

Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority has revoked the manufacturing licence of Marion Biotech, a pharmaceutical company located in Noida. This action was taken on Wednesday after their cough syrup, DOK-1 Max, was associated with the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, as per a media report. After an event took place in December of the previous year, the drug regulatory authorities at both the national and regional levels in India launched an inquiry into the matter. 

 

“The healthcare company licence had been suspended since January and a thorough investigation was commenced. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority has cancelled the firm’s licence, which means they are no longer allowed to produce the syrup,” a government official said. According to the official, on 03 March, the Noida Police apprehended three Marion Biotech workers from their office in Sector 67. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was filed against all of them.

 

The investigation discovered that the drugs produced by Marion Biotech were not up to standard and had been adulterated, which led to the lodging of the FIR. The FIR stated that after sending the samples to the government’s regional drug testing laboratory in Chandigarh, it was discovered that 22 of them were adulterated and spurious, meaning they did not meet the required standard quality as per norms.

 

An FIR has been filed against them, citing various offences under the Indian Penal Code, such as Section 274 for tampering with drugs, Section 275 for selling adulterated drugs, and Section 276 for selling drugs as a different drug or medical preparation. Additionally, the FIR mentions violations of Section 17 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940, related to misbranded drugs.

 

In January, the central and state drug authorities conducted inspections at the company’s site following a controversy, which led to the suspension of the firm’s production license. The World Health Organization (WHO) released a ‘medical product alert’  on January 12, which concerned two flawed (contaminated) products that were discovered in Uzbekistan and reported to the WHO on December 22, 2022. 

 

“Marion Biotech Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer based in Uttar Pradesh, India, produces two syrups called Ambronol and Dok-1 Max. However, the manufacturer has not yet provided any assurance to the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the safety and qualities of products,” the WHO officials stated. The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has conducted laboratory tests on samples of both products and discovered that they contained an unacceptable level of contaminants such as diethylene glycol or ethylene. Generally, these substandard medical products are toxic to human beings, especially toddlers and may have severe consequences. 

India sends a strong message to UK; Security barricades outside UK commissioner Alex Ellis’ residence removed

The India Saga Saga |

In a major move, security barricades outside the British high commissioner’s residence in Rajaji Marg were removed today afternoon by Indian authorities. Also, all the external security that was provided to the British Commission in India was removed. This extreme step was taken after the Anti-India activity in London happened where the Indian Flag was removed by the Khalistani extremists from the Indian commission this week.

 

In addition to removing the barricades and bunkers placed in front of the British High Commission’s gate on Shantipath at the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave, the Delhi police team and the PCR vans stationed there have also been taken down. Similar to this, police have taken down the barricades in front of the residence of British High Commissioner Alex Ellis at Rajaji Marg located in Meena Bagh in Lutyens Delhi.

 

This is an act of retaliation by new India after the British government neglected to provide enough protection for the Indian High Commission in London on Sunday when a number of Khalistani supporters had gathered in front of the British High Commission and attacked the office. The development comes after a review of the problem at the highest level of the government.

 

Many Khalistani extremists can be seen protesting outside the Indian High Commission on Sunday night in a video. An Indian flag was pulled down by a man wearing an orange turban while there were chants of “Khalistan Zindabad” and he was seen climbing the building’s walls. India reacted angrily to this development in London over the “activities conducted by separatist and extremist forces” against the Indian Commission, and as a result British deputy high commissioner Christina Scott had been summoned to the external affairs ministry late on Sunday night. 

 

In a fury way, India demanded an explanation for the whole event which happened in London and how pro-Khalistani elements entered the premises of the Indian Commission in the UK. India’s new foreign policy won’t tolerate such events and will reply aggressively. In a fierce way, the Ministry of External Affairs said India finds it ‘unacceptable’ the indifference to the security of Indian diplomats and personnel by the British Government.

154 people were arrested for disturbing the Harmony and Peace in Punjab

The India Saga Saga |

On March 22nd, 2023, Amritpal Singh, the fugitive continues to evade the police for the fifth consecutive day, Punjab police said that they have already arrested 154 people for disturbing the ‘Peace and Harmony’ in the state informed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Sukhchain Gill, then the IGP Gill reaffirmed that the situation in the state is fully stable and under control. At the press conference, IGP Gill revealed that ‘A total of 154 people have been arrested for disturbing the state’s harmony and peace’. 

 

A lookout circular (LOC) and non-bailable warrant (NBW) has been issued against Amritpal, who remains a fugitive and efforts are being made to arrest him as soon as possible, also on Saturday Punjab Police has launched an operation against him to arrest him at the earliest. He further added, the Punjab Police are getting full cooperation as well as support  from the central agencies and other states are also in this action, he further added. IGP appealed to the people to disclose the whereabouts of the fugitive Amritpal Singh, while sharing the pictures of him with different looks. 

 

The IGP said while giving the details that Jalandhar rural Police have recovered a Brezza car which was used by Amritpal Singh to escape, when police teams were chasing his cavalcade on March 18th. The number of the car which was recovered by them is PB02-EE-3343. The Police have also arrested four accused persons identified as Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja of village Gondara, Harpreet Singh alias Happy (36) of village Kotla Nodh Singh in Hoshiarpur, Manpreet Singh Mann of Nava Killa in Shahkot, Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa (34) of village Bal Nau in Nakodar. 

 

Jalandhar Rural Police has registered FIR (First Information Report) against Harjit Singh of Kallu Kheda in Amritsar, Amritpal’s uncle and Harpreet Singh, his driver of village Madoka in Moga after informed by the IGP for trespassing and taking shelter for the period of two days at the Sarpanch Manpreet Singh house in the village in Mehatpur, at the gunpoint. 

GK Digital, a leading star in the Punjabi film industry and music labels

The India Saga Saga |

Today, the Punjabi film industry is one of India’s fastest-growing regional film industries. With its unique blend of language, music, and culture, Punjabi films have gained a loyal following not just in India but also in other countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where there is a large Punjabi diaspora. The Punjabi film industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, thanks to the advent of new technologies and the rise of innovative distribution companies like GK Digital. 

 

Founded in 2018, GK digital has quickly emerged as the leading player in the Punjabi film industry and music labels, providing a platform for the distribution of Punjabi films worldwide. In just a few short years, GK Digital has revolutionised the industry by bringing new ideas, strategies, and technologies to the table. In the fast-paced world of entertainment, digital platforms have become increasingly important for both filmmakers and musicians to reach their audiences. As more and more consumers turn to online streaming services and music apps, it’s become clear that the future of the industry lies in digital distribution and companies like GK Digital have been diligently working towards the same. 

 

GK Digital is the brainchild of Gurpiar Singh aka Guri and Keval Singh aka KV Dhillon. Guri realised that there was a significant gap in the Punjabi film industry in terms of digital distribution and decided to fill that gap by launching GK Digital. The company’s primary goal is to provide a platform for the digital distribution of Punjabi films and music labels that would cater to the needs of a global audience.  One of the key advantages of working with GK Digital is its expertise in digital distribution. 

 

The company is currently handling the top labels such as Geet MP3, Jatt Life Studio, Even Records, Harf Cheema and Music Factory. They have a deep understanding of the various online platforms and services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Wynk Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn and YouTube Music. This allows them to create tailored distribution strategies that are optimised for each individual project, maximising exposure and revenue potential. GK Digital had previously worked with prominent music labels such as Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rehaan Records, Desi Melodies, Mankirt Aulakh and Royal Music Gang and Also Some Artits Like B Praak, Jaani, Hardy Sandhu, Jassi Gill.

 

GK Digital’s approach to film distribution is unique and innovative. The company uses a data-driven approach to identify the target audience for each film and creates tailored marketing campaigns to reach that audience. This approach has helped the company to achieve remarkable success, with many of the films distributed by GK Digital breaking box office records. Some of the top movies online are distributed under the GK Digital banner, like the famous box office success Qismat, a Punjabi movie starring Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta. Additionally, the company worked with many top Punjabi films in the digital distribution sectors, such as Shooter, Lover, Jatt Brothers, Rabb Da Radio, Chobbar, Kaka Pardhan, Sikander 2 and Harjeeta. 

 

With an ever-growing catalogue of films and music, GK Digital has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. They work with both independent and established artists, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. The company also managed the Punjabi industry’s famous songs, such as Lehanga by Jass Manak, Prada by Jass Manak, Nira Ishq By Guri and many more. One of the key factors that set GK Digital apart from other distribution companies is its use of technology. The company has developed a sophisticated digital distribution platform that allows filmmakers to distribute their movies worldwide quickly. 

 

Another key factor that has contributed to GK Digital’s success is its focus on content. The company has an excellent eye for quality content and works with filmmakers to ensure that their films meet the highest standards. This approach has helped GK Digital to build a reputation for distributing feature films and music labels that are not only commercially successful but also critically acclaimed. GK Digital is a rising star in the Punjabi film industry for digital distribution and music labelling. Their commitment to transparency, fairness, and expertise has already made them a trusted partner for many in the industry. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, GK Digital will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the spectrum of film and music distribution. 

 

As Covid-19 Cases back on the rise, PM Narendra Modi to hold a high level meeting

The India Saga Saga |

In a big move, PM Narendra Modi to hold a high level meeting to review the Covid-19 related situation and preparedness. The meeting is likely to commence today at 4:30 pm in the evening. The crucial high-level meeting comes at a time when the Covid-19 cases are again on a sharp rise in the country. The unseasonal rains in March may have contributed to the rise in flu cases as believed by several medical experts. Not just cases related to H3N2 virus are on a rise, recently, there was a sharp surge in Covid-19 related cases as well. Symptoms of both Covid-19 and H3N2 are similar in many ways and the rise in the cases have prompted the government to take measures and this is what is said to be one of the reasons for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chair this high-level meeting.

 

According to data put forth by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday, India recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active tally of Covid-19 infections rose to 7,026.

Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot, presented the Budget of 78,800 crores in the Assembly

The India Saga Saga |

On March 22nd, 2023, Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gahlot presented the Budget for the financial year 2023-2024. Tuesday, March 21st, the Delhi government’s budget was to be presented, but was resubmitted  by the finance minister to the Home Affair Ministry for approval amid the fight between the Aam Aadmi Party government  (AAP) and the Centre. The Union Home Ministry eventually approved the Delhi Budget on Tuesday, and today it will be presented in the Assembly by the Finance Minister of Delhi. 

 

This was the first time Kailash Gahlot presented the budget in the Assembly after getting the charge of the department of finance, following the resignation of Manish Sisodia, deputy chief minister, who was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise Policy scam case  by the CBI (the Central Bureau of Information) and ED (Enforcement Directorate). Before Gahlot all eight previous budgets were presented by Sisodia and in the previous year, and the Delhi government’s budget size was Rs 75,800 crore and Rs 69,000 crore for the year of 2022-2023.

 

On Monday, CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the Centre had placed the budget of the government of Delhi on hold as it was scheduled to be presented. The centre has requested clarification on the AAP  government’s expenditure on advertisements before approving the presentation of the Budget, according to people with knowledge of developments in the Ministry of Home Affairs. “I would have been more happy if this budget was presented by Manish Sisodia who is like my elder brother. The budget is an expression of aspiration and expectation of the people,” Kailash Gahlot said in the budget speech. He further mentioned that this budget is dedicated toward a beautiful, clean, and modern Delhi. The Delhi government announces the Mohalla Bus yojana to strengthen last-mile connectivity. 

 

Just before the presentation of the Budget in the Assembly, the AAP engaged in a postal war and said ‘Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao’. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the centre to work together and tweeted “It is not right to stop every work of Delhi. Now people have started understanding and raising their voices, and stop fighting every day. Serve the people of Delhi and let’s develop Delhi together”. In the last 8 years, 21 new flyovers have been constructed and the middleman concept has been abolished by the Delhi government. The network of the Delhi metro doubled in the year 2015-2023. Today, the number of buses running in Delhi has increased to 7,379, which is the highest as of now.  

 

Siddhant SD and his Pandora’s box

The India Saga Saga |

No one can deny that the unfurling of recent events is a great tragedy, a tragedy even in the ancient Greek sense as it contains a disastrous ending contingent on irresponsibility. However, this time instead of Agamemnon the entirety of humanity is at the receiving end. Does this pandemic signal towards a ‘Pandemonium of provoking procrastination’ where the flow of life is obstructed?

 

I simply disagree, man’s qualities of adaptation can never be questioned. As a society that is of dynamic nature, complex thoughts and theories become comprehensive just like we have moved from Jeremy Bentham’s Panopticon to that of Michele Foucault’s. On analyzing the graph of history we will find solace in the fact that even the Fall of the Western Roman Empire was followed by the enlightening Renaissance. Siddhant SD himself exclaimed that ‘I’d like to start by saying hope can never be lost.

 

A person is never hopeless, a situation could be and situations always change!’. In this Greek context we can see a Pandora’s box. No matter how horrible the result is, hope will still lie inside. This was channeled by Siddhant through his creation of Di Mora. He saw this as a figment of his imagination, something he dreamt of doing. To shape Di Mora into a delight for consumers as it’s merely more comprehensive than just a nightclub but is close to an experience. Siddhant never felt like he was performing a tedious task, as the entire ride was smooth driven by his ambition and desire to provide for a never before experience. He himself acknowledges this as he went on to say “I’m lucky enough to do what I love. I would say it’s the best part! I’m never ‘working’ as such, because I enjoy every bit of what I do.” He also is a man who is not fazed by challenges, as he thought of opening the Di Mora during the December of 2021, when the global economy itself had crashed.

 

On the other side of the spectrum, the lockdown was being relaxed and he accurately caught on to this trend. Di Mora provided the consumers with a form of respite and relief from this unforeseen circumstance. A night of vigor and vibrancy is what it served to each and everyone. A night to remember was produced as the club soon became the talk of this town, rising to the top. The acceleration was not only in their status but was also seen in the levels of dopamine throughout the night.

 

No decision yet on nationwide NRC, govt replies in Parliament

The India Saga Saga |

The Union government has informed Parliament that they have not yet made a decision on creating a National Register of Citizens (NRC) at the National level. Additionally, they have delayed the update of NRC and the first phase of the 2021 Census due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Nityanand Rai, who holds the position of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, provided information in reply to a question by Sushil Kumar Modi, a member of the Rajya Sabha from BJP. The question was related to the NRC, CAA, and NPR.

 

Protests erupted throughout India after the CAA was enacted in December 2019, which aimed to expedite the citizenship process for individuals who are not Muslim and who entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh prior to December 31, 2014. Those who were against the law argued that it was unfair and went against the constitution because it excluded Muslims and associated religion with citizenship in a country that was supposed to be secular. 

 

They were concerned that it could lead to Muslims being removed or imprisoned if they couldn’t provide the required documents, especially if the law was considered in relation to a proposed nationwide NRC. In Assam, a procedure was conducted to identify individuals who were not officially documented, and as a result, approximately two million people were removed from the National Register of Citizens (NCR) in 2018. 

 

The National Population Register (NPR) is a thorough collection of biometric information for all individuals considered ‘regular residents’ in India. This initiative has caused controversy as critics argue that it is related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Initially, the government stated that the NPR is the initial stage in implementing a nationwide NRC. However, later on, they denied any association between the two and clarified that there are no plans to implement an all-India NRC in the near future. Last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received a seventh extension to establish guidelines for the CAA. After the rule is announced, individuals who qualify will be able to apply for Indian citizenship.

World Happiness Index:- India not that Happy, sits at 126th spot in the World Happiness Report 2023

The India Saga Saga |

Finland, for the 6th consecutive year, was ranked on top, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Israel and the Netherlands in the recently released World Happiness Report 2023.

 

India, a country of about 1.4 billion people, has witnessed a slight increase in its ranking in the World Happiness Report 2023, climbing to 126th spot from 136th. As per the recently-launched 2023 World Happiness Report, Finland has been successful in maintaining its 1st position in the World Happiness Index for the past 6 consecutive years. Unveiled by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the World Happiness Report suggested that Finland outpassed other countries by a significant margin in the report that was released on Monday. Denmark was second, followed by Iceland and India was far behind at the 126th spot with even war-torn Ukraine and economically unstable Sri Lanka maintaining good ranking as compared to India. 

 

The rankings issued in the World Happiness Report 2023 are based on data from the main life evaluation question in the Gallup World Poll, which measures how happy citizens perceive themselves to be. Researchers have gone through several aspects and have looked at six important variables to come to the conclusion where people are happy in the world. These variables include social support, money, health, independence, charity, and lack of corruption. The report discovered that, despite a number of converging crises, overall life satisfaction is on par with levels prior to the epidemic.

 

However, as soon as the report was published, Indians were all active on Social Media, raising questions about India’s ranking. What was surprising was that despite India emerging as a major economy, Indians were not happy as compared to other countries, particularly Nomadic countries. What raised eyebrows was the fact that war-torn Ukraine and economically bankrupt Sri Lanka fared well as compared to India with Ukraine sitting at 92nd and Sri Lanka at 112th spot respectively. What was also a matter of concern for Indians was the fact that most of the neighbouring countries of India fared well. Sri Lanka at 112, Pakistan at 108 and Nepal at 78 were way ahead than India. However, Afghanistan, a close ally of India was at the very bottom of the list with occupying the 137th spot. The World Happiness Report also highlighted African countries like Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were among the unhappiest countries, largely due to factors such as high levels of corruption and low life expectancy.

 

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