Current Affairs Of Today Are
1) Harappan site of Rakhigarh
- Looking at the mounds at the Harappan site of Rakhigarhi, where locals dry cow dung cakes and dump garbage, there is little to show the thousands of years of history beneath. But the Centre is moving ahead with its plan to develop the site as a tourist hub and set up a museum, and this has got residents in two villages in Haryana’s Hisar district — Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Shahpur — known as Rakhigarhi worried.
- After Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government’s plan to fund five onsite museums, including the under-construction museum initiated by the Haryana government at Rakhigarhi, in her Budget speech on February 1, there is excitement and concern here. The Archaeological Survey of India has started planning the project. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel visited the site
Villagers concern
- A former sarpanch, or local head, Dinesh, told the Minister, “We are happy that there will be work in our villages, but we are scared about what will happen to us. Already, people are anxious about the rehabilitation of homes around mound numbers four and five.”
The ASI has been able to get under its control just 83.5 acres of the 350 hectare site that spans 11 mounds, after first taking over the site in 1996, due to encroachments and pending court cases, The site is under ASI protection. about 5% of the site had been excavated so far by the ASI and Deccan College, Pune. Among the findings, which indicate both early and mature Harappan phases, were a 4,600yearold female skeleton, fortification, and bricks.
Rakhigarhi
- Rakhigarhi, Rakhi Garhi (Rakhi Shahpur + Rakhi Khas), is a village in Hisar District in the state of Haryana in India, situated 150 kilometers to the northwest of Delhi. It is the site of a pre-Indus Valley Civilisation settlement going back to about 6500 BCE. Later, it was also part of the mature Indus Valley Civilisation, dating to 2600-1900 BCE. The site is located in the Sarasvati river plain, some 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar river.
- Rakhigarhi encompasses a set of seven mounds, and there are many more settlement mounds in the immediate vicinity. Not all of them were occupied at the same time. Depending on which mounds to include, the estimates of the size of Rakhigarhi have been given variously as between 80 and 550 hectares. In January 2014, the discovery of additional mounds resulted in it becoming the largest Indus Valley Civilization site, overtaking Mohenjodaro (300 Hectares) by almost 50 hectares, resulting in almost 350 hectares.
- The size and uniqueness of Rakhigarhi have drawn much attention from archaeologists all over the world. It is nearer to Delhi than other major sites, indicating the spread of the Indus Valley Civilization east across North India. Much of the area is yet to be excavated and published. Another related site in the area is Mitathal, which is still awaiting excavation.
- In May 2012, the Global Heritage Fund declared Rakhigarhi one of the 10 most endangered heritage sites in Asia. A study by the Sunday Times, found that the site is not being looked after, the iron boundary wall is broken, and villagers sell the artifacts they dig out of the site and parts of the site are now being encroached by private houses.
Source: The Hindu
2) Ulsoor lake pollution
- The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the constitution of a joint committee to take water samples from Bengaluru’s Ulsoor lake and neighboring areas to ascertain whether the lake is being polluted owing to illegal activity.
- It also tasked the panel with carrying out an analysis of the water in the lake
- The water analysis should include not only Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) limit, but also the Total Coliforms and Faecal Coliforms and also the presence of any heavy metals like Arsenic, Phosphorus, etc., which are likely to affect the human health and, if such things are found, suggest the remedial measures required to restore the water quality in that area
- The water quality had come down owing to illegal activities being carried out while discharging untreated sewage, effluents and the dumping of garbage into the waterbody, affecting the quality of the water and the ecology and aquatic life, much required for ecological sustenance.
- If the quality of the water in the lake is affected, it will automatically reflect in the groundwater quality, which in turn affects the health of the people who are likely to consume the poor quality of water, which is not in conformity with the norms provided for drinking purpose
Source: The Hindu
3) Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the issuance of an order for an adaptation of Central Acts in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir under Section 96 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 by the Central Government.
- After coming into force of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir has been reorganized into Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh on w.e.f 31st October 2019.
- All the Central Laws which apply to the whole of India except the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir before appointed date i.e. 31.10.2019 are now applicable to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir w.e.f. 31.10.2019. Further, it is necessary to adapt the Central Laws made under the Concurrent List, with required modifications and amendments, for ensuring administrative effectiveness and smooth transition concerning the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir thereby removing any ambiguity in their application in line with the Constitution of India.
- As per section 96 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Central Government has powers to make adaptations and modifications of the laws, whether by way of repeal or amendment, as may be necessary or expedient for the purpose of facilitating the application of any law made before the appointed date till the expiration of one year from the appointed date about the successor Union territories.
- Accordingly, the Cabinet in its meeting today has approved the proposal for issuance of an order by the Central Government for adaptation and modifications of 37 such Central Laws that are made applicable to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the exercise of its powers conferred under Section 96 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Adaptation of above Central Acts with such modifications would ensure administrative effectiveness in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and remove ambiguity in the implementation of these laws in line with the Constitution of India.
Source: PIB
4) Indradhanush - V 2020
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Ex Indradhanush at Air Force Station Hindan on 24 Feb 2020. The focus of this edition of the exercise is 'Base Defence and Force Protection'. This theme is of significance considering the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements. Ex Indradhanush provides a platform for the IAF and RAF to share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to counter terror threats to their installations.
- The RAF team comprises of 36 specialized combatants of the RAF Regiment while the IAF will comprise of 42 combatants of the GARUD Force. Both teams will execute missions based on jointly worked out plans and scenarios. Both sides would also exercise specialized weapons, equipment, and vehicles and validate joint employability. Special missions would encompass Airfield Seizure, Base Defence and anti-terror operations in Urban built-up zones. These exercises would include para drops from C-130J aircraft, tactical insertions by Mi-17 V5 helicopters and use of various airborne sensors.
- The IAF, as well as the RAF, would gain significantly from each other's operational experience, training philosophies, contemporary technologies and best practices followed. A few social, sports and cultural events have been interspersed during the exercise to enhance bonhomie and mutual understanding. The exercise would formally conclude on 29 Feb 2020.
Source: PIB
5) Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020
- The Union Cabinet approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020, allowing a “willing” woman to be a surrogate mother and proposing that the Bill would benefit widows and divorced women besides infertile Indian couples.
- The Cabinet approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill after incorporating the recommendations of a Rajya Sabha Select Committee
- The 15 major changes suggested by the 23member committee to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, also included deleting the definition of “infertility” as the inability to conceive after five years of unprotected intercourse on the ground that it was too long a period for a couple to wait for a child.
- The Bill is aimed at banning commercial surrogacy and allowing altruistic surrogacy
- Only Indian couples can opt for surrogacy in the country.
- The Bill proposes to regulate surrogacy by establishing a National Surrogacy Board and State Surrogacy Boards and appropriate authorities in the States and Union Territories respectively. The proposed insurance cover for a surrogate mother has now been increased to 36 months from 16 months earlier.
Source: The Hindu
6) World Air Quality Report 2019
India was the fifth most polluted country in 2019 and accounts for almost two-thirds of the world’s most polluted cities according to the World Air Quality Report 2019.
- The report was released by the pollution tracker IQAir and Greenpeace.
- The ranking is based on a comparison of PM 2.5 levels.
PM 2.5
- It is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometers, which is around 3% the diameter of a human hair.
- It causes respiratory problems and also reduces visibility. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to diabetes.
- It is very small and can only be detected with the help of an electron microscope.
Key Points
- Bangladesh emerged as the most polluted country for PM 2.5 exposure followed by Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and India.
- 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are located in India with Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region ranked the world’s most polluted.
- Indian cities, on average, exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO) target for annual PM 2.5 exposure by 500%.
- For example, Mumbai’s annual PM 2.5 concentration is 45.3 micrograms/cubic meter, when it should be 10 micrograms/cubic meter according to the WHO.
- However, national air pollution decreased by 20% from 2018 to 2019, with 98% of cities experiencing improvements.
- India launched a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019 that commits to reducing air pollution in 102 most polluted cities by a maximum of 30% by 2024.
- The report, however, noted that the reduction in pollution in 2019 couldn’t be attributed to the NCAP but to the slowing of the marketplace.
- According to the Economic Survey 2019-20, the economic growth rate in India is expected to slow down to 5% in 2019-20 from 6.1% in 2018-19 and 7% in 2017-18.
- The Report highlights elevated air pollution levels as a result of climate change events, such as sandstorms, wildfires and pollution gains from the rapid urbanization of cities in regions such as Southeast Asia.
- While some achievements have been made in air quality monitoring infrastructure globally, there are still huge gaps in access to data around the world.
- It is to be noted that the World Air Quality Report is different from the State Of Global Air Report which is produced by the Boston-based Health Effects Institute (HEI).
Source: Indian Express
7) Elections to Rajya Sabha
The biennial elections for 55 Rajya Sabha seats will take place on March 26, 2020. The announcement was made by the Election Commission recently.
Rajya Sabha:
- The Constitution provides that the Rajya Sabha shall consist of 250 members, of which 12 members shall be nominated by the President from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service; and not more than 238 representatives of the States and of the Union Territories.
How are the members elected?
Elections to the Rajya Sabha are indirect.
- Members representing States are elected by elected members of legislative assemblies of the States by the system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote.
- Members representing Union Territories are chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law prescribe.
Related facts:
- The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year.
- According to Section 154 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, a member has chosen to fill a casual vacancy will serve for the remainder of his predecessor’s term of office.
- Members of a state’s Legislative Assembly vote in the Rajya Sabha elections in what is called proportional representation with the single transferable vote (STV) system. Each MLA’s vote is counted only once.
Source: PIB
8) What are Masala Bonds?
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has listed its 10-year masala bonds worth Rs 850 crore on the global debt listing platform of India INX. The proceeds would be used to support local currency lending and investment in India.
Background:
India INX is the country’s first international exchange, located at International Financial Services Centre, GIFT City in Gujarat. ADB’s masala bonds are listed on both Luxembourg exchange and India INX.
What are Masala Bonds?
They are bonds issued outside India by an Indian entity or corporate. These bonds are issued in Indian currency than local currency. Indian corporates usually issue Masala Bonds to raise funds from foreign investors. As it is pegged into Indian currency, if the rupee rates fall, investors bear the risk. The first Masala bond was issued in 2014 by IFC for the infrastructure projects in India.
How does Masala Bonds help bond issuer?
As Masala bonds are issued directly in Indian rupees, the investor needs to bear the exchange rate risks. Rupee rate falls will not affect the issuer of Masala Bonds. In simpler words, as Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds, the risk goes directly to the investor.
Who is eligible to invest in Masala bonds?
Investors from outside of India who would like to invest in Indian assets can invest in Masala bonds. Indian entities like HDFC, NTPC and Indiabulls Housing have raised funds via Masala Bonds.
Source: The Hindu
9) Exemption from the applicability of DPE Guidelines to India Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the exemption of the India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) from the DPE Guidelines, except reservation and vigilance policies.
- IPGL was incorporated under Companies Act 2013, as a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly promoted by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Deendayal Port Trust (DPT), [earlier Kandla Port Trust (KPT)], under Administrative control of Ministry of Shipping, for development and management of Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar in Iran.
- After the withdrawal of the USA from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Ministry of External Affairs advised the Ministry of Shipping on 29th October 2018 to exclude JNPT and DPT from the possible impact of US sanctions.
- Based on this and with the approval of the Empowered Committee all the shares of JNPT & DPT were purchased by "Sagarmala Development Company Ltd" (SDCL) on 17th December 2018. SDCL is a CPSE and therefore IPGL being a subsidiary of SDCL has also become a CPSE. As a result, the Guidelines of DPE are technically applicable to IPGL.
- Since Chabahar Port is Country's first overseas port project with strategic objectives, there is an urgent need to allow IPGL to continue to function as a Board managed company, duly following the instructions of Ministry of Shipping & Ministry of External Affairs, without making the guidelines of DPE applicable to it for 5 years. Accordingly, the Ministry of Shipping has requested exemptions to IPGL from the applicability of the DPE guidelines, for the smooth execution of the project.
Source: PIB
10) Gujarat’s Disturbed Areas Act
The Gujarat government has announced that it would place parts of Khambhat, a town in Anand district under the Disturbed Areas (DA) Act due to the recent communal violence outbreaks in the town.
- The Act, also known as the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, 1991, aims at preventing distress sale of properties in communally-sensitive areas.
- Under this Act, the permission of the district collector is mandatory for the sale or transfer of property in the areas notified as “disturbed” to ensure that the sale was not out of any distress or compulsion, and to see that the seller had received a fair price.
- The Act is currently in force in parts of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch, Kapadvanj, Anand and Godhra towns.
- The DA Act was first introduced in Ahmedabad in 1986 to check the large scale distress sale of properties mainly by people of a particular community due to continuous riots in Ahmedabad.
- The then Gujarat Chief Minister brought in an ordinance which was later converted into the DA Act in 1991.
- However, the focus of the Act has changed from checking the distress sale of properties to checking polarisation of disturbed areas through the transfer of properties by alleged coercive means.
Source: Indian Express
11) State Bank of India (SBI) Economic report
- The GDP growth for the October-December quarter is estimated to be 4.5%, according to a State Bank of India (SBI) report.
- For the full year, the projection has been revised upwards to 4.7% from 4.6%.
- The economy grew by 5% in the first quarter and 4.5% in the second quarter — the lowest in 26 quarters
- Our composite leading indicator (index of 33 major leading indicators) suggests that GDP growth will remain flat at 4.5% in Q3 of FY20, the report, authored by Soumya Kanti Ghosh, group chief economic adviser, SBI, said. The government is scheduled to release Q3 GDP data by the end of this week.
- “Trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and idiosyncratic stress in key emerging market economies continued to weigh on global economic activity — especially manufacturing and trade. Considering all these factors, we now foresee a GDP growth at 4.7% in current fiscal,” the report said.
Global slowdown
- The report pointed out that the growth rate in FY20 should be looked at through the prism of the synchronized global slowdown, and India cannot be isolated.
- There is worry that the impact of COVID19on India could occur with a lag and the outbreak was now expected to cause a growth erosion of 100 basis points in China alone, it said adding new hotspots had emerged in South Korea and in Italy and these will result in more quarantines, border closures and disruptions in economic relations.
- “Thus, the cost of death, even though it might be limited, the economic impact could be significantly large,” the report said.
- Commenting that the monetary policy was not enough in the current circumstances to revive growth, the report observed low-interest-rate does not guarantee a rise in demand for investment as it is the future expectation that drives investment decisions rather than cost.
Source: The Hindu
12) National Science Day 2020
- National Science Day (NSD) will be celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan on February 28 with women in science as the focal theme of the program. President Ram Nath Kovind will present several awards for science communication and popularization as well as for women scientists.
- A total of 21 awards will be given which will include National Science and Technology and Communication Awards, Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR) awards, SERB Women Excellence Awards and National Award For Young Woman Showing Excellence Through Application Of Technology For Societal Benefits.
- NSD is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. The government of India designated 28 February as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986. On this day, Sir C.V. Raman announced the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. On this occasion, theme-based science communication activities are carried out all over the country.
- NSD Theme has been chosen to increase public appreciation of the scientific issues involved. Celebrations of important Scientific Days with associated events bring scientific awareness in the community. Many institutions organize an open house for their laboratories and appraise students about career opportunities available in a particular research laboratory/institution.
Source: PIB
13) National Technical Textiles Mission
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to set up a National Technical Textiles Mission with a total outlay of Rs 1480 Crore, to position the country as a global leader in Technical Textiles. The Mission would have a four year implementation period from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24.
- Technical Textiles are a futuristic and nice segment of textiles, which are used for various applications ranging from agriculture, roads, railway tracks, sportswear, health on one end to bulletproof jacket, fireproof jackets, high altitude combat gear and space applications on other ends of the spectrum.
The Mission will have four components:
Component -l (Research, Innovation, and Development)
- With an outlay of Rs. 1000 Crore. This component will promote both (i) fundamental research at fiber level aiming at path-breaking technological products in Carbon Fibre, Aramid Fibre, Nylon Fibre, and Composites and (ii) application-based research in geo-textiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, mobile textiles and sports textiles and development of biodegradable technical textiles.
- The fundamental research activities will be based on the 'pooled resource' method and will be conducted in various Centre for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and other scientific/industrial/academic laboratories of repute. Application-based research will be conducted in CSIR, IIT, Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) of Indian Railways, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL), Indian Road Research Institute (IRRI) and other such reputed laboratories.
Component -II (Promotion and Market Development)
- Indian Technical Textiles segment is estimated at USD 16 Billion which is approximately 6% of the 250 Billion USD global technical textiles market. The penetration level of technical textiles is low in India varying between 5-10% against the level of 30-70% in developed countries. The Mission will aim at an average growth rate of 15-20% per annum taking the level of domestic market size to 40-50 Billion USD by the year 2024; through market development, market promotion, international technical collaborations, investment promotions and 'Make in India' initiatives.
Component - III (Export Promotion)
- The component aims at export promotion of technical textiles enhancing from the current annual value of approximately Rs.14000 Crore to Rs.20000 Crore by 2021-22 and ensuring 10% average growth in exports per year up to 2023-24. An Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles will be set up for effective coordination and promotion activities in the segment.
Component- IV (Education, Training, Skill Development)
- Education, skill development and adequacy of human resources in the country are not adequate to meet the technologically challenging and fast-growing technical textiles segment. The Mission will promote technical education at higher engineering and technology levels related to technical textiles and its application areas covering engineering, medical, agriculture, aquaculture, and dairy segments. Skill development will be promoted and an adequate pool of highly skilled manpower resources will be created for meeting the need for relatively sophisticated technical textiles manufacturing units.
About Mission and its objective
- The Mission will focus on the usage of technical textiles in various flagship missions, programs of the country including strategic sectors. The use of technical textiles in agriculture, aquaculture, dairy, poultry, etc. JalJivan Mission; Swachch Bharat Mission; Ayushman Bharat will bring an overall improvement in cost economy, water and soil conservation, better agricultural productivity and higher income to farmers per acre of landholding in addition to the promotion of manufacturing and exports activities in India. The use of geotextiles in highways, railways and ports will result in robust infrastructure, reduced maintenance cost and higher life cycle of the infrastructure assets.
- Promotion of innovation amongst young engineering /technology/ science standards and graduates will be taken up by the Mission; along with the creation of innovation and incubation centers and promotion of 'start-up' and Ventures'. The research output will be reposited with a ‘Trust’ with the Government for the easy and assessable proliferation of the knowledge thus gained through research innovation and development activities.
- A sub-component of the research will focus on the development of biodegradable technical textiles materials, particularly for agro-textiles, geo-texti!es, and medical textiles. It will also develop suitable equipment for environmentally sustainable disposal of used technical textiles, with emphasis on safe disposal of medical and hygiene wastes.
- There is another important sub-component in the research activity aiming at the development of indigenous machinery and process equipment for technical textiles, to promote 'Make In India' and enable competitiveness of the industry by way of reduced capital costs.
Background of Technical Textiles:
- Technical textiles are textiles materials and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic characteristics. Technical Textiles products are divided into 12 broad categories (Agrotech, Buildtech, Clothtech, Geotech, Hometech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Meditech, Protech, Sportstech, Oekotech, Packtech) depending upon their application areas.
- India shares nearly 6% of the world market size of 250 Billion USD. However, the annual average growth of the segment is 12%, as compared to 4% world average growth.
- The penetration level of technical textiles is low in India at 5-10%, against 30-70% in advanced countries. The Mission aims at improving the penetration level of technical textiles in the country.
Source: PIB
14) Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve
- Location: The Mukundra Tiger Reserve (TR) is located near Kota, Rajasthan.
- The park is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
- The 4 rivers (Ramzan, Ahu, Kali, and Chambal) form the boundary of the valley.
- It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
- Protected Area: The Mukundra Hills was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and a National Park (Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park) in 2004.
- It was notified as a Tiger Reserve (2013) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and became the 3rd Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan in the form of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
- Other Tiger Reserves in Rajasthan: Ranthambore and Sariska.
- History: In the past, the reserve was the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kota. The name Darrah is taken as the ‘pass’ in the local language revealing the purpose that the region served earlier. The Marathas, Rajput’s and the British utilized the opportune position of the forest to seek asylum during the war.
- Parks and Sanctuaries Included: The Mukundra TR constitutes 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries viz; Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambhal and covers 4 key districts of Rajasthan (Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar). The forest of the reserve is very thick and dense.
- Other National Parks (NP) in Rajasthan: Desert NP, Keoladeo Ghana NP, Ranthambore NP, Sariska NP.
Chambal River
- Chambal River originates at the Singar Chouri peak in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh). From there, it flows in the North direction in Madhya Pradesh and then follows a north-easterly direction through Rajasthan.
- It enters Uttar Pradesh and joins the Yamuna River in Etawah District.
- It is a rainfed river and its basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravallis. The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
- Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati.
- It is one of the most pollution-free rivers in India.
Source: Indian Express
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