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Thu, 21 November 2024

Vindicates our JPC demand: Cong on Adani charges

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11:49   Meet India's new CAG
K Sanjay Murthy was sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. 
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11:42   Vindicates our JPC demand: Cong on Adani charges
With billionaire Gautam Adani charged in the US with alleged bribery and fraud, the Congress on Thursday said it "vindicates" its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into the various "scams" involving his conglomerate. 

 The opposition party also called for "a new and credible" SEBI head to be appointed to complete the securities law investigations into the "Adani Mega Scam". 

 Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts. 

 US prosecutors charged Adani, 62, his nephew Sagar and other defendants for paying over USD 250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to Indian government officials to win solar energy contracts on terms that could potentially bring in more than USD 2 billion in profit.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the US Securities and Exchange Commission's actions also cast poor light on the manner in which its Indian counterpart, namely SEBI, has gone about investigating violations of securities and other laws by the Adani Group and its abject failure to hold the Group to account for the source of its investments, shell companies, etc.

 "The indictment of Gautam Adani and others by the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) of the US vindicates the demand that the Indian National Congress has been making since Jan 2023 for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the various Modani scams," Ramesh said in a post on X. "The INC had asked a hundred questions in its Hum Adani ke Hain (HAHK) series bringing out the various dimensions of these scams and of the intimate nexus that has existed between the PM and his favourite businessman. These questions have remained unanswered," he said. 

 The Congress reiterates its demand for a JPC into the transactions of the Adani Group, which is leading to growing monopolisation in key sectors of the Indian economy, fuelling inflation, and posing huge foreign policy challenges as well, especially in our neighbourhood, Ramesh said. Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda said the indictment is a blow to the Indian name. 

 "Very surprised and shocked to see that #SEC charges three senior executives in two actions alleging massive #bribery scheme involving Indian Energy companies #Adani Green and #Azure Power. It is a huge blow to the #Indian name and fame," Pitroda said in a post on X. 

 "I am sure there is more to come"," he also said. Congress leader Manish Tewari reiterated the demand for a JPC into the Adani group's dealings. "THERE SHOULD NOW BE A JPC INTO L' AFFAIRE @gautam_adani," he said in a post on X. "Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and other executives were charged with paying more than $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials and concealing them from US investors," Tewari said. Praveen Chakravarty, who heads the Professionals' Congress and Data Analytics department of the party said, "among all the grave charges, the US District Court has also categorically stated that on Mar 19 2024 Adani Group lied to India's stock exchanges BSE & NSE." 

 "This is tantamount to duping Indian investors & a serious offence under SEBI law. Over to Madhabi Puri Buch, yet again!" he said. -- PTI
The empty coffin march by the Kukis. File pic
The empty coffin march by the Kukis. File pic
11:21   Manipur MLA's home vandalised, jewellery stolen
The mother of JD(U) MLA Kh Joykishan Singh in Manipur has lodged a complaint, alleging that Rs 18 lakh in cash and jewellery items worth Rs 1.5 crore were looted by a mob that vandalised the legislator's residence on November 16, police said on Thursday.

Several items kept at the MLA's residence in West Imphal's Thangmeiband area for internally displaced people were also destroyed during the attack, a senior officer said. 

"The mother of Thangmeiband constituency legislator Kh Joykishan Singh filed a complaint with the Imphal Police Station that Rs 18 lakh in cash and several valuable items worth Rs 1.5 crore were looted and destroyed during a mob attack. An FIR has been registered," the police officer told PTI. 

The mob vandalised the residence of the legislator for about two hours on the November 16 evening, he said. Notably, the MLA was in Delhi due to medical treatment for one of his family members when the mob attacked his residence last week. 

An internally displaced person, staying in a relief camp set up at Tombisana Higher Secondary School in Thangmeiband, a few meters away from the residence of Joykishan, said, "Vegetables like potatoes and onions, and other items such as winter clothes were kept for people like us. All these materials were looted." 

"We urged the mob not to vandalise the residence of the MLA as several items meant for distribution among displaced people were kept there," Sanayai, a volunteer who manages the relief camp under the supervision of Joykishan, said. 

Lockers, electronics goods and furniture were vandalised, she claimed, adding that the mob attempted to take away three air conditioners but failed.

Seven gas cylinders were also taken away by the mob, she claimed. Documents of internally displaced people were also destroyed during the attack, Sanayai said. The mob also pushed internally displaced people and one of the volunteers there was injured after being beaten up, she claimed.
-- PTI 
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10:59   We knew it: Political parties react to exit polls
Political parties responded with mixed reactions to exit poll predictions for the upcoming state elections, with some embracing the forecasts as a sign of victory, and others dismissing them and calling them speculative and inaccurate. Exit poll predictions for the state assembly elections sparked varied reactions across political parties. 

While some parties celebrated favourable forecasts, others questioned their accuracy, labelling them premature and unreflective of ground realities. After the release of exit polls for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections, NDA leaders expressed confidence in their alliance securing victories in both states. 

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh dismissed doubts, claiming the NDA will form governments. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also predicted a historic majority in Jharkhand, while opposition leaders like Dr Ajoy Kumar and Dr Nitin Raut contested the predictions, alleging discrepancies in surveys and electoral malpractice. 

 After the exit polls were released for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh exuded confidence in the alliance victory and said that the NDA will form the government in both the states. 

 Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said, "We know this since earlier, we know that in both states NDA is going to form the government. The Congress was not ready to accept the Haryana (result) as well in the Lok Sabha polls, they thought they were going to form the government there, but what happened?" 

 Likewise, BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also expressed confidence in the NDA alliance and said that the BJP is going to be the strongest government in the history of Jharkhand. 

 "We differ from the exit polls. We are going to cross 50-55 seats. It is going to be the strongest government in the history of Jharkhand. People were fed up with this government. There were allegations of corruption. The CM went to jail for five months. The mandate is in favour this will prove to be true on the 23rd of November when the counting begins," Deo told ANI.

 Meanwhile, Congress candidate from Jamshedpur East, Dr Ajoy Kumar also responded to the exit polls and said, "We have to wait till November 23. Different reports (Exit Polls) have come from different places. Exit Polls do show a trend but for the past few elections, it has been facing difficulties. We are awaiting the result day. But we are fully confident that JMM-Congress government will be formed in Jharkhand because parties and candidates also conduct their surveys." 

 Another Congress candidate from Nagpur North, Dr Nitin Raut also reacted to the exit poll predictions and said, "Many a time in Exit Polls if someone has actually voted for Congress, they feel that why should they reveal that they voted for Congress. So, in the Exit Polls, they say that they have voted for the BJP." 

 "As per the feedback coming to me, Maha Vikas Aghadi will take the lead. But Mahayuti also facilitated bogus voting and used all tactics. They also used the Home Department, Police force, money, and Electricity Board, and lights were turned off at several booths. So, with all this rigging, they want to win elections. This Mahayuti Government is a Government of rigging. They were formed by breaking other parties, this is not original. They have no originality. So, Exit Polls can show anything, the public's first choice will be Maha Vikas Aghadi," he alleged. 

 JMM leader Manoj Pandey also joined in to give his reaction on the exit polls and said, "They (NDA) gave a slogan of '400 paar' in the Lok Sabha elections. The survey agencies competed among themselves, who would give more seats during the Lok Sabha elections, in such a situation, they are no longer credible. As per our internal survey, we are going to be 50+ in Jharkhand." -- ANI
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10:09   Sensex takes a tumble, Adani stocks crack
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Thursday amid sharp fall in Adani group stocks and unabated foreign fund outflows. Weak trends from Asian peers also drove the markets lower during the initial trade. 

 The BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 468.17 points to 77,110.21 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 179.75 points to 23,338.75. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Adani Ports tumbled 10 per cent as billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts. 

 Other Adani group stocks, including Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions, also fell sharply in the early trade. State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, NTPC and Tata Motors were also among the laggards. 

 Infosys, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,411.73 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data. -- PTI
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10:02   More central forces arrive in violence-hit Manipur
Amid an escalation in violence in Manipur, eight companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have reached the state capital Imphal, and these forces will be deployed in sensitive and fringe areas, an official said.

 These forces arrived in Imphal on Wednesday, a day after another batch of 11 companies of CAPF reached the state. 

 "Four companies each of CRPF and BSF will be deployed in sensitive and fringe areas of the state," the official said. Of the CRPF companies, one belongs to the Mahila Battalion. 

The Centre recently announced that 50 fresh companies of CAPF would be deployed in Manipur. Violence has escalated in the state as offices of the Congress and the BJP have been ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam last week. 

 The incidents occurred after mobs set fire to the residences of three BJP legislators, one of whom is a senior minister, and a Congress MLA in various districts of Imphal Valley where an indefinite curfew has been clamped. Security forces also foiled the attempt of the agitators to storm the ancestral residence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening. -- PTI
Gautam Adani
Gautam Adani
09:52   US accuses Adani of bribing officials
Billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by United States prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay $250 million bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts.

US prosecutors charged Adani, 62, his nephew Sagar and other defendants for paying over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to Indian government officials to win solar energy contracts on terms that could potentially bring in more than $2 billion in profit.

This, they alleged, was concealed from the US banks and investors from whom the Adani group raised billions of dollars for the project.US law allows pursuing foreign corruption allegations if they involve certain links to American investors or markets.

The Adani group did not immediately respond to requests for comments.'The defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars,' Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, which brought the case, said in a statement.Adani, chairman of the ports-to-energy Adani Group, his nephew Sagar R Adani, who is an executive director at the conglomerate's renewable energy arm Adani Green Energy Ltd, and its former CEO Vineet Jain were charged with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.

The Adanis were also charged in a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) civil case.The five-count indictment also accuses Sagar Adani and Jain of breaking federal laws.

CDPQ, which invests in infrastructure projects, is a shareholder in Adani companies.

The indictment may throw the conglomerate again in a turmoil just as it rebounded from US short seller Hindenburg Reseach's damning fraud allegations.

Hindenburg allegations of 'brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud' in January 2023 had led to the conglomerate seeing $150 billion wipeout in market value at its lowest point. The group stocks have since recovered most of the losses.

The Adani Group had denied all allegations made by Hindenburg.  -- PTI
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09:48   Maharashtra polls: 59% turnout in CM's constituency
Thane district has recorded 56.05 per cent voter turnout with 59.85 per cent polling in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's constituency in the Maharashtra assembly elections, as per the updated figures shared by authorities on Thursday. 

The neighbouring Palghar district registered 65.95 per cent polling, the authorities said. Voting for the 288 assembly seats in the state was held from 7 am to 6 pm Wednesday. Thane district comprises 18 assembly constituencies, while Palghar district has six seats. 

 In Thane, Bhiwandi Rural constituency had the highest turnout of 69.01 per cent, while Ambernath recorded the lowest at 47.75 per cent. In CM Shinde's Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane, the voter turnout was 59.85 per cent, as per the data shared by Collector and District Election Officer Ashok Shingare. 

 In Palghar, voting continued till 9 pm on Wednesday in some constituencies, according to Collector and District Election Officer Govind Bodke. Vikramgad in Palghar district recorded the highest turnout of 77.75 per cent, while Vasai had the lowest at 60.46 per cent, as per the data. PTI
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09:20   The Dominican honour
PM Modi shares this image on X saying: "Gratitude to President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica for conferring the 'Dominica Award of Honour' upon me. This honour is dedicated to my sisters and brothers of India. It is also indicative of the unbreakable bond between our nations."
The masks are out in Delhi
The masks are out in Delhi
09:11   Delhi AQI: Cops restrict online saleofcrackers
The Delhi Police directed social media and e-commerce platforms to immediately cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) amid rising air pollution levels.

According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the directive comes in a bid to protect the health and well-being of citizens directly due to increasing pollution and to prevent sale of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms. 

 "As a crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of citizens getting directly affected due to increasing pollution and to prevent sale of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms, providing delivery options to addresses within NCT of Delhi, e-Commerce Websites/Social Media Platforms have been directed in writing through an e-mail, yesterday dated 19.11.2024," Delhi police said in its statement. 

Platforms have been instructed to remove firecracker listings, disable services for customers in Delhi, implement location-based restrictions to block sales and deliveries within the city, publish notices informing users about the prohibition in compliance with legal orders, and ensure delivery partners do not accept, transport, or deliver firecracker-related consignments during the ban period. -- ANI
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09:01   Cong will win all seats in Latur: Amit Deshmukh
Congress leader and candidate from Latur city constituency Amit Deshmukh said on Wednesday that voters in Latur district had supported the party and Maha VIkas Agadhi government will be formed in the state.

 "In Latur, I went to several areas and spoke to voters. I could see them standing by Congress with a lot of excitement. I feel that in Latur Congress will win all the seats," Deshmukh told ANI. Latur district consists of 6 assembly seats, including one reserved seat. "Voting percentage has been good...this is a vote for change and in Maharashtra, Maha Vikas Aghadi's govt will be formed," he said. 

 Deshmukh was in the electoral contest against Bharatiya Janata Party's Archana Chakurkar. 

 The voting for assembly polls concluded earlier today at 6 om, with a fiery battle between the two major alliances, Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA). Maharashtra polled 58.22 per cent votes till 5 pm on Wednesday. Mahayuti includes BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). The majority mark in Maharashtra assembly is 145 in 288-member assembly.
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08:38   Guyana, Dominica confer top awards on Modi
Guyana and Dominica have conferred their top awards on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exceptional contributions to the global community and efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations.

The prime minister, who is in Guyana on the last leg of his three-nation visit, was conferred 'The Order of Excellence' by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday. 

'Sincerely thank President Dr Irfaan Ali, for conferring upon me Guyana's highest honour, 'The Order of Excellence.' This is a recognition of the 140 crore people of India,' he said in a post on X.

'This is living proof of your deep commitment towards our relations which will continue to inspire us to move forward in every field,' he said while accepting the award.

Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the deep-rooted historical ties between the people of the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release. 

He also emphasised that his State visit is a testament to India's continued commitment towards deepening India-Guyana friendship.

'Another feather in the cap for India! President @DrMohamedIrfaa1 @presidentaligy of Guyana conferred PM @narendramodi with the highest national award of Guyana 'The Order of Excellence', for his exceptional service to the global community, statesmanship and contribution in deepening India-Guyana ties,' the MEA said in a post on X.

Modi is the fourth foreign leader to be conferred with the highest National award of Guyana, according to the ministry.

Before this, the prime minister was conferred the 'Dominica Award of Honour' by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica on the sidelines of the India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown.

'Honoured to be conferred with highest national award by Dominica. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India,' Modi said in a post on X.

'This honour is dedicated to my sisters and brothers of India. It is also indicative of the unbreakable bond between our nations,' he said in a separate post.

'The award is a recognition of PM's statesmanship and contribution to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to strengthening India-Dominica ties,' the MEA said in a post.

Replying to an X post by Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Modi said, 'Your kind words have touched me, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. With deep humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Dominica Award of Honour'.'

'You spoke about the support during COVID-19. It fills my heart with joy to see how our solidarity during COVID-19 strengthened bonds across borders and continents. We will keep working closely with Dominica in the times to come,' he added. 

'In 2021, during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, your generous provision of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines became a lifeline for Dominica,' Prime Minister Skerrit said in his post on X.

He said the accolade was more than a symbol: 'It is a tribute to your enduring legacy of leadership, your commitment to humanity, and the indelible mark you have left on nations, including ours, far beyond your shores.'

Skerrit asserted that it 'transcended a donation; it was a powerful reminder that true leadership knows no borders'.

'This singular act of solidarity echoed the essence of global partnership and South-South collaboration,' he said.

'This honour also reflects the shared values that unite Dominica and India -- our unwavering dedication to democracy, resilience in the face of adversity, and belief in the power of unity. Today, we recognise that your inspiration extends far beyond the oceans that separate us. Like Dominica, the world owes you a debt of gratitude for your tireless efforts to uplift humanity,' he said.

Barbados will also confer its top award on Prime Minister Modi, bringing his tally of international honours to 19.

Dominica announced its top award to Modi a few days ago.

According to a statement released by Skerrit's office on the award's announcement, it also recognises India's support for Dominica in healthcare, education and information technology under Modi's leadership and his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level.

The statement quoted Prime Minister Skerrit as saying that the award is an expression of Dominica's gratitude for Modi's solidarity with Dominica and the wider region.

In accepting the offer of the award, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts and affirmed India's commitment to working alongside Dominica and the Caribbean in addressing these issues, the statement underlined.   -- PTI
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01:20   113-year-old woman casts vote at Thane booth in Maha
Vithabai Patil made heads turn when she approached a polling booth in Thane city on Wednesday accompanied by her large family comprising daughters-in-law and grandchildren. 

The grand old lady, aged 113, carried the air of a celebrity as she walked erect, showing no signs of her advanced age. Patil arrived at a local school in Koprigaon in an autorickshaw to cast her vote. 

She was accompanied by her sons, six daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. 

The entire family, totalling 30 members, exercised their franchise in the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency where Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde is in the fray. 

With no history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or the need for corrective eyewear, Patil maintained a sharp memory throughout her life, her son Sharad Patil said. 

"My mother's active involvement in the election process was a testament to her vibrant spirit and her importance as the matriarch of a large, multi-generational family," he added. 

A video of Vithabai Patil arriving at the polling booth and casting her vote has gone viral. 

Voting for all 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra was held on Wednesday. -- PTI 
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00:29   Protest at IIM-B against alleged 'caste discrimination'
A group of people staged a protest on Wednesday against alleged "caste discrimination" at the Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru (IIM-B), demanding the removal of its director. 

However, IIM Bangalore denied the allegations made by the protesters. The protest, organised at Freedom Park, was called by the All India OBC Students Association, Dr BR Ambedkar Association of Engineers, and the OBC Federation of India. 

The protesters demanded the implementation of reservations, alleging that IIM-B was not following the reservation policy for SC, ST, and OBC communities. 

Citing an RTI filed by the AIOBCSA, the protesters urged full compliance with constitutional mandates on reservations for SC, ST, and OBC students, faculty, and staff at IIM-B. 

They also called for the establishment of SC, ST, and OBC cells and pressed for the removal of IIM-B's director for "allegedly violating the reservation policy" and "harassing" faculty members raising diversity and inclusion concerns. 

In a statement, IIMB said the institute has long prioritised nurturing an inclusive work environment, promoting growth and development for all stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including SC, ST, and OBC communities. 

It added that the institute has established a Diversity and Inclusion Cell and a Diversity and Inclusion Grievance Redressal Committee to address grievances and ensure a discrimination-free environment.  -- PTI
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00:25   CBSE Class 10, 12 exams to begin from February 15; board announces datesheet
The board exams for class 10 and 12 will begin from February 15, the Central Board of Secondary Education announced on Wednesday.

In a late night notification, the board announced that the class 10 exams will conclude on March 18 while class 12 exams will end on April 4, 2025.

For the first time, the datesheet has been issued by the board at least 86 days in advance.

"Sufficient gap has been given between two subjects. The datesheet has been prepared by keeping in mind at least 40,000 subject combinations to ensure that no two subjects opted by a student fall on the same date," CBSE Exam Controller, Sanyam Bhardwaj said. -- PTI
Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
00:24   India rejects Canadian media report on Nijjar killing
India on Wednesday strongly trashed as "smear campaign" a Canadian media report that claimed that the Indian prime minister was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

Referring to the report quoting an unnamed official, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such "ludicrous statements" should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. 

"We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," he said. 

"Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties," he said. 

Jaiswal was responding to media queries regarding the report in Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail

In the report, the newspaper cited inputs from a senior national security official. 

The report claimed the Indian national security advisor and the external affairs minister were also in the loop of the plot. 

Nijjar was gunned down on Canadian soil last year. India-Canada ties nosedived last month after Canada linked Indian high commissioner Sanjay Verma and some other diplomats to the murder. -- PTI

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