Abrupt Lockdowns Loom Over Beijing Life Ahead of Olympics

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, February 02, 2023
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Publicise privacy policy pledge: Supreme Court to WhatsApp Refuting allegations that it is sharing personal and sensitive information of users with others, including its parent company Meta (earlier Facebook), WhatsApp on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that all messages on its platform are encrypted, which can’t be seen even by it, and assured that it would not remove any user from using the social media platform for not consenting to its controversial privacy policy which has been challenged in court. US may let GE make jet engines in India The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a state visit to the US comes amid efforts to achieve a quantum leap in bilateral ties, with India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, and his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, tasked with launching a Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative that officials suggest will top anything the two countries, long prone to mutual distrust, have achieved so far, including the civilian nuclear agreement of 2005. Security of nation can neither be outsourced nor be dependent on largesse of others: Army chief General Pande More India News»

		Science
		Anomaly during second stage separation failed SSLV: FAC report; Next flight soon US looks to include Indian firms in NASA lunar project; NISAR in 2024, Isro astronaut may visit NASA Centre Map of all of universe's matter developed, could help understand its evolution better: Study More Science News»

		Technology
		Samsung unveils Galaxy Book 3 series: Price, features and more Samsung has unveiled its latest range of notebook PCs at the Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event. The Galaxy Book 3 series includes a total of four devices -- the Galaxy Book3 Pro 14, Galaxy Book3 Pro 16, Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 and the top-of-the-line Galaxy Book3 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with 200MP camera launched: All the details Apart from the new 200MP camera and improved camera capabilities, the Galaxy S23 Ultra retains the same industrial design language with a curved display and individually placed camera setup at the back. Apart from that, the handset also comes with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 5000mAh battery and more. Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, improved low light camera and design launched At Galaxy Unpacked 2023, Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy S series flagship smartphones -- Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ feature an updated rear camera design with individually placed camera lenses. Additionally, the headsets are powered by the most powerful chipset available for the Android ecosystem -- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Other features include a 50MP triple rear camera setup with improved Nightography. More Technology News»

		Business
		Budget 2023: A new 'house for commons', major tax relief for the rich too Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday went out of her way to woo the middle class, particularly the salaried — traditional supporters of BJP, but who have at times felt unacknowledged. She announced changes in the personal tax regime that effectively meant anybody with a taxable income below Rs 7 lakh per annum would now have to pay no income tax. Bullish on Budget, bearish on Adani, sensex swings wild The BSE sensex gyrated wildly on Wednesday as a bullish response to the Budget was offset by a fresh slump in Adani Group stocks. After gaining over 1,200 points by mid-session, and then nose-diving by 2,000 points, the sensex finally closed with a modest gain of 158 points at 59,708 points. FM Sitharaman applies Amrit-anjan balm to give middle class relief Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the Union Budget 2023 seeks to make it more attractive for individuals to move to the new tax regime and is aimed at benefiting the middle class. India goes to the general elections next year. More Business News»

		Sports
		3rd T20I: India thrash New Zealand by 168 runs for their biggest win, clinch series 2-1 Opener Shubman Gill scored his maiden century and Hardik Pandya produced an all-round show to help India register a record shattering 168-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1 with their biggest ever win in terms of runs in the format. It was also the biggest margin of victory in a T20I match between two full member teams. Shubman Gill becomes 5th Indian to score centuries across formats In the form of his life, Shubman Gill smashed a scintillating century in the series deciding third T20I against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Watch: Tendulkar felicitates U19 Women's T20 WC-winning team The Shafali Verma-led Indian team, which recently won the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa was on Wednesday felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the third India-New Zealand T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. More Sports News»

		Education
		Gujarat Technological University to confer degrees to over 48k students at convocation tomorrow Gujarat Technological University is set to confer degrees to 48,000 students at the annual convocation of GTU tomorrow, on February 02, 2023. As per the statement by Praful Pansheriya, the minister of state for Primary, Secondary, Adult and Higher Education is the guest of honour at the convocation ceremony of the University. Assam PSC Exam 2023 calendar released for February & March; check schedule Assam Public Service Commission has released the APSC exam 2023 calendar for examinations which are scheduled to be conducted in the month of February/March. Candidates can visit the official website at apsc.nic.in to check the complete examination schedule or read the full article here to get every detail related to the upcoming examinations. JEE Main February 1 Paper Analysis: Students say overall exam balanced, Maths lengthy in Shift 1 The JEE Main 2023 Session 1 was concluded on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. JEE Main aspirants and education experts shared their initial reactions for the paper. The next session of JEE Main exam will be held in April. Check out the detailed article below to know about the examination difficulty level and students, experts' reactions. More Education News»

		Environment
		Union Budget 2022-23: Rs 3,030 crore allocated to Environment Ministry Germany pledges $222 million for Brazil environment, Amazon German development minister Svenja Schulze announced Monday that her government will make 204 million euros ($222 million) available for environmental policies in Brazil. Three dead as rain pounds New Zealand's largest city Auckland Authorities declared a state of emergency for the Auckland region and the nation's new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, flew to the city on a military plane to assess the damage. Hipkins was sworn in to the top job on Wednesday after Jacinda Ardern resigned. More Environment News»

		World
		Pakistan inflation rises to 48-year high as IMF visits Inflation has risen to a 48-year high in crisis-hit Pakistan, where the International Monetary Fund is visiting for urgent talks, according to data released on Wednesday by the country's statistics bureau. Finland ends infertility requirement for transgender people Lawmakers in Finland approved amendments Wednesday that will make it substantially easier for people to change their legally recognized gender in the Nordic country. Peshawar mosque blast: 17 suspects arrested Pakistan's security agencies arrested 17 suspects in connection with the suicide blast in a high-security zone mosque in Peshawar that killed 101 people, including 97 policemen, as Army chief Gen Asim Munir vowed zero tolerance for terror groups and directed his generals to eliminate the threat of militancy. More World News»

		Environment
		Union Budget 2022-23: Rs 3,030 crore allocated to Environment Ministry Germany pledges $222 million for Brazil environment, Amazon German development minister Svenja Schulze announced Monday that her government will make 204 million euros ($222 million) available for environmental policies in Brazil. Three dead as rain pounds New Zealand's largest city Auckland Authorities declared a state of emergency for the Auckland region and the nation's new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, flew to the city on a military plane to assess the damage. Hipkins was sworn in to the top job on Wednesday after Jacinda Ardern resigned. More Environment News»

		Hyderabad
		Telangana Inc hails budget for striking the right balance Telangana Inc gave a big thumbs-up to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2023 for striking the right balance, sharpening focus on tech, laying the roadmap for long-term investments and driving initiatives to address climate change. “Budget 2023 has set a positive tone for a healthier and more sustainable future for the country. No funds allocation, no projects: Bharat Rashtra Samithi MPs Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MPs said the Centre gave short shrift to Telangana in the Union Budget and they would raise the issue in parliament. They termed the budget 'anti-farmer and anti-poor' with focus only on poll-bound states like Karnataka. Bandi Sanjay: Telangana should have sent proposals for allocation early BJP state chief Bandi Sanjay on Wednesday questioned the state government on proposals sent from Telangana for budget allocation. He alleged that chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has no interest in the welfare of people. More Hyderabad News»

		Chandigarh
		Budget lacks vision, direction: Punjab Congress Punjab Congress on Wednesday termed the Union Budget presented by finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as “visionless and directionless” for rural India and expressed dismay over ignoring the state. Haryana govt issues fresh guidelines for enhancement in contract agreements for projects The Haryana government has issued new guidelines for enhancement in original contract agreements of projects in a transparent and uniform manner. Man-made wetland coming up at Badbar village in Punjab's Barnala district Aiming to stop the receding underground water table and increase biodiversity, the man made wetland is being prepared at Badbar village in Punjab's Barnala district. More Chandigarh News»

		Ahmedabad
		'Why no stern action against illegal meat shops?' in Ahmedabad The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow pace of sealing of unlicensed meat shops or shops selling unstamped meat or operating in unhygienic conditions in Ahmedabad. It has asked for an affidavit from AMC's commissioner for the "slow pedalling" in taking stern action against the defaulting shops. Morbi bridge tragedy: Oreva chief Jaysukh Patel in police custody till February The special public prosecutor told chief judicial magistrate M J Khan that it needed to be investigated how more than 400 people were allowed on the bridge when its capacity was not more than 100. Man stabs ex-batchmate for rejecting him in 2019 in Ahmedabad Four years after she turned down her college batchmate's proposal, a 24-year-old woman from Chandkheda was allegedly stabbed by him multiple times. She filed a complaint with Chandkheda police, accusing the batchmate of slashing her throat and stabbing her multiple times for refusing to be in a relationship with him during college days. More Ahmedabad News»

		Chennai
		Domestic violence case valid even if woman's spouse lives abroad: Madras high court Any woman residing in India either temporarily or permanently is entitled to seek relief from a court of law under the Domestic Violence Act even if her spouse lives outside the country, the Madras HC said. The court dismissed a petition challenging a domestic violence complaint filed by his wife against him in a Chennai family court. "The cause of action arises in India since the aggrieved person is residing here, even if abused economically by the spouse residing in another country," he said. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority minister Sekar Babu holds meeting with builders association Sorting out glitches in software while uploading drawing for approvals and reintroduction of balconies in the approval were some of the issues discussed at a meeting held between representatives of Builders Association of India (BAI), Chennai Chapter and minister for Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) P K Sekar Babu on Wednesday. Gandhi Park at East Tambaram goes to seed in Chennai Walkers and children have been left with few options to spend time outdoors as one of the biggest parks in East Tambaram is in bad shape and is not opened regularly More Chennai News»

		Bangalore
		Helmetless riders to be fined as many times as junctions they pass by in Bengaluru Helmetless two-wheeler riders passing junctions fitted with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be challaned as many times as the interesections they pass by, traffic police said. 'Push box' underpass, completed in 58 days, to cut travel time on ORR in Bengaluru Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has completed work on the 'push box' underpass at Munnekolala railway overbridge near Marathahalli at breakneck speed, earning praise from people. The civic body took just 58 days to fix the prefabricated push box underpass. Gang rents techie's three cars, pledges them for loans without his consent in Bengaluru A 29-year-old software engineer alleged that a gang of miscreants took three of his cars on rent and pledged them with a financier without his consent or knowledge. More Bangalore News»

		Bangalore
		Helmetless riders to be fined as many times as junctions they pass by in Bengaluru Helmetless two-wheeler riders passing junctions fitted with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be challaned as many times as the interesections they pass by, traffic police said. 'Push box' underpass, completed in 58 days, to cut travel time on ORR in Bengaluru Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has completed work on the 'push box' underpass at Munnekolala railway overbridge near Marathahalli at breakneck speed, earning praise from people. The civic body took just 58 days to fix the prefabricated push box underpass. Gang rents techie's three cars, pledges them for loans without his consent in Bengaluru A 29-year-old software engineer alleged that a gang of miscreants took three of his cars on rent and pledged them with a financier without his consent or knowledge. More Bangalore News»

		Mumbai
		7/11 Mumbai trains blasts convict's plea for release for exam junked Bombay high court on Wednesday disposing of an application filed by Ehtesham Siddiqui a 7/11 local trains blasts convict awarded death sentence, Special court grants relief to ex-minister Anil Deshmukh's aide A special court on Wednesday granted bail to Kundan Shinde, personal assistant of state home minister Anil Deshmukh, in a money laundering case. Borivli: Water tank victim yet to recover, court says no bail In a detailed order refusing to grant bail to attempt to murder accused Amey Darekar, a sessions court has observed that the victim, Priyangi Singh, is yet to recover from the injuries and there is possibility that the offence may convert into one of a higher degree. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Union Budget: Rs 3,500 crore for RRTS, no funds marked for Delhi Metro The country’s first high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor being constructed between Delhi and Meerut got a major boost of Rs 3,596 crore in the Union Budget. However, the allocation was lower than last year’s Rs 4,472 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi Police receive 15% more, hike in infrastructure funds too Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 11,662.03 crore in the Union Budget, an increase of around 15% over last year’s initial allotment of Rs 10,096.29 crore. The budget for infrastructural development has also seen a slight rise — from Rs 259 crore to Rs 270 crore. The final budget for 2022-23 was revised to Rs 11,617.59 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi given stepmotherly treatment, says CM Arvind Kejriwal Describing the 2023-24 Union Budget as a disappointment, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said no measure was proposed to provide relief from inflation while deputy CM Manish Sisodia called it a “jumla” which will bury the nation in debt. More Delhi News»

		Delhi
		Union Budget: Rs 3,500 crore for RRTS, no funds marked for Delhi Metro The country’s first high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor being constructed between Delhi and Meerut got a major boost of Rs 3,596 crore in the Union Budget. However, the allocation was lower than last year’s Rs 4,472 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi Police receive 15% more, hike in infrastructure funds too Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 11,662.03 crore in the Union Budget, an increase of around 15% over last year’s initial allotment of Rs 10,096.29 crore. The budget for infrastructural development has also seen a slight rise — from Rs 259 crore to Rs 270 crore. The final budget for 2022-23 was revised to Rs 11,617.59 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi given stepmotherly treatment, says CM Arvind Kejriwal Describing the 2023-24 Union Budget as a disappointment, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said no measure was proposed to provide relief from inflation while deputy CM Manish Sisodia called it a “jumla” which will bury the nation in debt. More Delhi News»

		Delhi
		Union Budget: Rs 3,500 crore for RRTS, no funds marked for Delhi Metro The country’s first high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor being constructed between Delhi and Meerut got a major boost of Rs 3,596 crore in the Union Budget. However, the allocation was lower than last year’s Rs 4,472 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi Police receive 15% more, hike in infrastructure funds too Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 11,662.03 crore in the Union Budget, an increase of around 15% over last year’s initial allotment of Rs 10,096.29 crore. The budget for infrastructural development has also seen a slight rise — from Rs 259 crore to Rs 270 crore. The final budget for 2022-23 was revised to Rs 11,617.59 crore. Union Budget 2023-24: Delhi given stepmotherly treatment, says CM Arvind Kejriwal Describing the 2023-24 Union Budget as a disappointment, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said no measure was proposed to provide relief from inflation while deputy CM Manish Sisodia called it a “jumla” which will bury the nation in debt. More Delhi News»

		Allahabad
		Work for multi-purpose cultural complex at Allahabad University begins at science faculty The construction of a multipurpose cultural complex auditorium at Allahabad University has started at a new site on the varsity campus. Last year, the defense authorities had stopped the work for lack of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for building the auditorium behind the NCC building, Chaitham Lines. Now, the auditorium with the seating capacity of 1500 individuals will be constructed at the place, along with the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of the Science Faculty of Au at an estimated cost of Rs. 47 crore. The ambitious project is being constructed by the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA), prior to using this land for the construction of this auditorium. It housed the gymnasium and squash court both being not in use for several years. The fully centralised airconditioned auditorium will have seating arrangement spread over two floors, the ground floor will have around 900 seats while the first floor balcony will have 600 seats, besides the basement will have the facility of parking for over 250 vehicles, along with an open parking for the VIPs. There will also be two conference halls each having a seating capacity of 250 individuals, the complex will also have two exhibition hallsthe main stage will be of around 200 sqm and UPPSC releases admit card for PCS (J) prelims The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (Uppsc) has released admit cards for the prelims of the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Civil Judge Junior Division Exam 2022. The exams will be held on February 12 in two sessions from 930 am to 1130 am and from 230 pm to 430 pm at various centres in five districts of Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Nagar, Agra, and Meerut. Candidates should download admit cards and instructions on the basis of their registration numbers and date of birth and reach centres with two copies of their passport-sized photographs as well as original and a photocopy of their ID proof. They will be admitted to centres only 30 minutes in advance and entry will be closed 10 minutes before the exam begins. Traditional, designer 'khadau' trending at Magh Mela this year The article tells about the benefits of wearing wooden slippers, also known as khadau. The sale of designer and medicinal khadau has picked up among devotees and visitors at the ongoing magh mela. Apart from kalpwasis seers and saints, the shops selling designer khadau are doing brisk business. Wearing of khadau was considered to be helpful in their pursuit of spiritualism and devotion path. Mostly seers and saints were seen wearing “khadau” but its medicinal and healing value have found more takers at the ongoing magh mela. National president of akhil bharatiya dandi sanyasi parishad pithadhishwar swami brahmashram maharaj says “majority of people particularly from the middle age group and suffering from ailments like blood pressure diabetes are inclining towards wooden footwear khadau are made from the wood of different trees including vijaysar dhak and sheesham”maharaj further adds “a popular form of khadau is the acupressure khadau which is specially designed for treatment of foot related medical conditions and overall health benefits”. Crafted perceptively, this special khadau More Allahabad News»

		Bhopal
		Gym trainer befriends 28-year-old, clicks 'obscene' photographs and blackmails her; booked A man allegedly hiding his religion befriended a 28-year-old woman and clicked her obscene photographs. Minor girls, women among 5 killed in collision between two trucks in MP's Burhanpur district Five people, including two minor girls and as many women, died and nine others were injured when a truck carrying farm labourers and their families collided with another truck transporting sugarcane on Wednesday in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district, police said. 'T1', tigress behind Panna's successful reintroduction project, found dead T1 — the tigress behind successful reintroduction project of Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh — was found dead by a patrolling staff on Tuesday evening. She was 17. More Bhopal News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Odisha to launch 'zero tolerance day and fatality week' to curb accident deaths In view of the alarming road safety scenario in the state, the Odisha government has decided to observe every Tuesday as ‘zero tolerance day’ against traffic rule violations. Retired HC judge to monitor probe into Odisha health minister Naba Das killing The Orissa high court on Wednesday nominated retired judge Justice JP Das to monitor the crime branch investigation into the murder of state health minister Naba Das by ASI Gopal Das at Jharsuguda on January 29. Das served as a judge of Orissa high court from April 17, 2015 to May 19, 2019. Gujarat ATS nabs teacher for question paper leak A high school teacher from Malkangiri district was arrested by the Gujarat anti-terrorist squad (ATS) for leaking question paper of the Gujarat government's competitive exam for recruiting junior clerks. More Bhubaneswar News»

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