Saturday, December 27, 2025

AI 171 crash probe–AAIB ‘totally unbiased’, doing ‘rule-based probe’ : Civil Aviation Minister

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is “totally unbiased” and is carrying out a definitive, thorough and rule-based probe into the June-12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

“There are multiple theories floating, respect process of investigation. AAIB has been successful in decoding data from black boxes of the Air India plane that crashed last month. We want to stand with truth, not anything else,” Naidu said. 

Amid world wide speculations on the crash, Naidu said “we want to find out what exactly happened in the Air India plane crash and that will come out only after AAIB final probe report.”

Responding to supplementaries, the minister said the AAIB has been successful in decoding data from black boxes of the crashed Air India plane. “AAIB follows a definitive, rule-based process, totally unbiased in probing the Air India Ahmedabad plane crash,” Naidu said.

In a statement issued last week AAIB slammed the US media reports for its “selective and unverified reporting” blaming the senior captain.

The constant media reports in the west pointing fingers at Captain Sumeet Sabharwal on basis of some information from US authorities, saw AAIB slamming “irresponsible” drawing of “conclusions” through such reports.

Speculation in sections of the foreign media regarding the cause of the crash is “unfounded” and “premature”, AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar said in his first public statement since the crash of Boeing 787-8 aircraft (registration VT-ANB), which killed 241 of the 242 people on board.

“It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing,” he said.

Titled ‘Appeal’, the statement followed The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report claiming that Sabharwal turned off fuel switches moments before the crash, which leading to anger  

The WSJ report said the US assessment was based on black box data and speculated on whether Sabharwal’s actions were deliberate or accidental. It added that such details could lead US authorities to examine potential criminal liability had the crash occurred on American soil. Yugandhar also urged people and media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative procedure

 “It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft, and other deceased persons on the ground,” Yugandhar also wrote.

He also appealed to “all concerned to await publication of the final investigation report after completion of the investigation. AAIB will also publish updates as and when required, which have technical and public interest.”

Kanwar Yatra: All major routes closed till July 23, says traffic advisory

Photo: Naveen Bansal

The Delhi Traffic Police on Monday said that the GT Road, from Apsara Border to Shahdara, Seemapuri to Apsara Border, Anand Vihar to Apsara Border, and the GT Road to Vivek Vihar Underpass will remain closed from July 21 to 23 for Kanwar Yatra.

Issuing an advisory here, it stated, “Due to Kanwar Yatri arrangements, the following roads will be closed from July 21, 2025, 8:00 am to July 23, 2025, 8:00 am: GT Road from Apsara Border to Shahdara, Seemapuri to Apsara Border, Anand Vihar to Apsara Border, GT Road to Vivek Vihar Underpass, Traffic from Swami Dayanand Marg to Keshav Chowk (towards GT Road), Traffic from Pusta Road to Shastri Park.”

Suggesting alternative routes, the traffic police added, “For traffic from Seemapuri to Apsara Border, use the underpass towards Road No 56 – For traffic from Anand Vihar to Apsara Border, use the underpass towards Seemapuri – For traffic on GT Road to Vivek Vihar, use the Apsara Border route and then Road No 56 – For traffic on Swami Dayanand Marg, use Vikas Marg or NH-9 – For traffic on Pusta Road, use NH-9 or Ring Road.”

“Precautions Please plan your route accordingly and follow traffic guidelines to ensure a smooth journey,” the Delhi Traffic Police posted on the X.

As per another advisory by Delhi Traffic Police, GT Road from Keshav Chowk Roundabout to Yudhistir Setu, ISBT (left carriageway) will remain closed from 8 am on July 21 to 8 am on July 23.

Sharing an X post, Delhi Traffic Police wrote, “Due to Kanwar Yatra Route arrangement, the following roads shall remain closed from 8 am on 21.07.25 to 8 am on 23.07.25. 1. GT Road from Keshav Chowk Roundabout to Yudhistir Setu, ISBT (left carriageway).”

“Alternative Routes – For traffic from SDN Marg towards ISBT, Keshav Chowk underpass may be used towards Moujpur or take U – turn from Shyam Chowk towards Swami Dayanand Marg, Vikas Marg or Master Plan Road for ISBT. For traffic from Seelampur, T- Point, Road No 66 may be used towards Wazirabad Road. For Traffic from Dharampura T-Point, traffic may take Road No. 66 up to Wazirabad Road or Keshav Chowk underpass towards Vikas Marg,” the X post added.

According to Delhi Traffic Police, “For Traffic from Old Iron Bridge towards GT road, Pusta road towards Kailash Nagar, Gandhi Nagar may be taken. For Traffic from Shastri Park Pusta Road, GT Road from Shastri Park to Road No. 66 or up to Keshav Chowk Underpass towards Vikas Marg may be taken. Traffic shall be controlled towards GT road from Khajoori Chowk and diverted on Wazirabad road for ISBT.”

The officials urged the public to follow the guidelines.

The Kanwar Yatra where Kanwariyan collect holy water from rivers and carry it over hundreds of kilometres to offer it at Lord Shiva temples began on July 10.

Parliament must send a message of unity, says PM Modi; Not being allowed to speak, says Rahul Gandhi

Monsoon session is a Vijay Utsav after operation Sindoor in which we attained a 100 per cent success: PM Modi

Photo: Naveen Bansal

The Monsoon Session of the Parliament kicked off to a rocky start with both houses – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – being adjourned within minutes of commencement. .

Speaking to reporters later Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged bias and said that despite being the leader of the opposition, he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. “The Defense Minister and other people of the government are allowed to speak, but the opposition leaders are not being allowed to speak. I am the leader of the opposition, it is my right to speak, it is my job to raise issues, but they are not letting me speak,” he said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the House. If he allows, there can be a discussion…If the leaders of the government are allowed to speak, then we should also be given space. We wanted to speak, but we were not allowed,” he said

As soon as the proceedings started this morning, uproar bagan in both the houses with the opposition demanding an immediate discussion on Operation Sindoor.

in his customary address earlier, PM Modi hoped Parliamentarians cutting across party lines would send a message of unity in this session and celebrate the successes of Indian forces

The PM said India had achieved 100 % success in its military response Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, which shocked the world. “Monsoon session is a Vijay Utsav after operation Sindoor in which we attained a 100 per cent success,” he said in his customary speech at the start of the proceedings.

“Indian Forces destroyed terror targets in 22 minutes and the world witnessed the military prowess of made in India arms.

“Parliament must send a message of unity,” he said thanking MPs across parties for travelling the world after Operation Sindoor and “exposing terror patron Pakistan.”

Recalling the brutal killings in Pahalgam that shocked the world and brought global attention to terrorism and its sponsors, the Prime Minister remarked that in response, representatives from most political parties and states rose above partisan interests and embarked on international outreach in service of the nation. He highlighted the success of this unified diplomatic campaign, which exposed Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism on the global stage.

PM Modi expressed deep appreciation for the Members of Parliament and political parties who carried out this vital national initiative. He stated that their efforts created a positive environment in the country and opened the minds of the international community to India’s perspective on terrorism, noting that it is his privilege to commend all involved for this significant contribution to national interest.

Emphasizing the power of unity and the spirit of one voice that inspires and energizes the nation, the Prime Minister said that the current monsoon session will reflect this spirit as a celebration of victory, honouring India’s military strength and national capability, and serving as a source of motivation for 140 crore citizens. He also expressed confidence that collective efforts will strengthen India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the defence sector and urged the nation to recognize and applaud the strength of the armed forces.

Highlighting  the strength that comes from unity and the impact of speaking in one voice, he called upon all Members of Parliament to advance this sentiment in Parliament. Acknowledging the diversity of political parties and their respective agendas, PM Modi stated that while opinions may differ on party interests, there must be harmony of intent in matters of national interest.

The opposition has multiple notices for suspension of business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to discuss the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trump’s claims on the issue

Terror-free J&K not possible until Pakistan changes course: Omar

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir will remain elusive unless Pakistan rethinks its strategy, warning that India now views any terror strike as an “act of war.”

“No matter what we do, if Pakistan’s intent is inimical, then we will never fully achieve a terror-free J&K. And I think Pahalgam has proven that,” Omar said, referring to the recent terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

He rejected the notion that the abrogation of Article 370 had helped end terrorism in the region. “The BJP tried very hard to sell this narrative that terror in J&K was the result of Article 370. We know that’s not true. Terror in J&K is the result of Pakistan’s intentions. And therefore, that’s why the removal of Article 370 did not stop terror in J&K,” he said.

Omar urged Pakistan to reassess its position, stressing that the central government had “set a very low bar” for what it considers an act of aggression. 

“The biggest challenge will be to convince Pakistan that its support for these sorts of activities is bad for us, but also bad for Pakistan,” he said. “And given now the sort of very low bar that the Centre has set, that any attack will be seen as an act of war, Pakistan needs to seriously think about whether it wants to plunge the neighbourhood into a war.”

On the Pahalgam attack, Omar welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s admission of a “security and intelligence failure” but said that was only the first step. “Twenty-six people died. Twenty-six innocent people were brutally murdered. Where were the lapses? This Pahalgam incident brought two nations, two nuclear powers, to war,” he said. “It is appreciable that the LG has said that he is responsible. But down the chain of command, accountability has to be fixed. The next step would be to fix responsibility, and then heads must roll.”

Monsoon Session—storm expected 

Key flash points include Operation Sindoor, Donald Trump’s statements, Bihar SIR, whereabouts of Pahalgam terrorists

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set for a predicted storm with the Opposition parties all set to take on the BJP-led NDA government on various issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack (especially the accountability factor considering Jammu & Kashmir is a UT), the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, latest being his claim on five fighter jets and the AI 171 crash.    

The BJP-led NDA on Sunday held an all-party meeting to ensure smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged both the ruling and opposition sides to coordinate to assuring that the government is open to discussing all issues in accordance with rules and traditions, including Operation Sindoor

Notably, this is the first parliamentary session following Operation Sindoor—India’s precision military response to terror camps in Pakistan following the devastating April-22 terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.  However, even after three months, the whereabouts of the terrorists who killed 26 innocent people is not known and the opposition is demanding answers.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last week said that terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack have been identified and “will not live long.”

Earlier, reacting to his admission of a security lapse at Pahalgam, the Congress had also questioned who Sinha was trying to “protect”.

“The much-delayed acceptance of responsibility by L-G Manoj Sinha is an insult to all those innocent tourists who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. Who is the L-G protecting? Where is the accountability?” Congress’s Pawan Khera said.

Hitting out at the BJP-led Centre over the ongoing SIR in Bihar, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi also wondered how the Election Commission could identify the presence of Bangladeshis, Rohingyas and Nepalis in voter list but the intelligence agencies failed to find out how the terrorists entered the Indian territory.

On Sunday Congress leader Pramod Tewari accused the BJP-led NDA government of pushing the nation into a “crisis”. “BJP’s activities are weakening the country, its democracy and economy, he said, calling Trump’s statement about the five fighter jets being shot down as “disturbing”

“To date, the traces of terrorists of the Pahalgam attack have not been found. Regarding Operation Sindoor, Donald Trump stated for the 24th time that he managed the ceasefire. He also made a shocking statement that five fighter jets were shot down. The defence attache said the same. CDS too said the same, it is all very disturbing,” he said

Meanwhile, the government is looking to discuss various bills related to GST, Mines, Sports and more. The report of the Parliamentary Select Committee scrutinising the new Income Tax Bill, 2025, is also set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha, paving the way for further legislative action on a complete overhaul of India’s direct tax framework.

Green body takes cognizance of alleged illegal activities in Gurugram

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Union of India and other respondents over alleged violations of environmental laws in Chandrashekhar Smriti Van, formerly known as Bharat Yatra Kendra, located in Bhondsi, Gurugram. 

The NGT has directed to file their replies via affidavit at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025. 

The case, filed by environmental activist Naveen Bamel, highlights serious concerns regarding forest encroachment, illegal constructions, and biodiversity loss in the ecologically sensitive area.

A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel heard the matter on July 9 and observed that the Original Application raises “substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms.”

The applicant, represented by Advocate Gaurav Arya, alleged that large-scale impermissible activities have been permitted on forest land in blatant violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and other legal provisions. Drawing from a range of supporting documents and photographs, the petition identifies a string of infractions:

The petition claims that a 395-acre police training institute was constructed in 2004 by clearing approximately 62,000 trees. Additionally, several resorts and farmhouses are reportedly operating within the forest premises. These developments, the applicant contends, not only disregard the Forest Act but also contradict earlier NGT orders from 2019 and 2020, which had criticized the Haryana government’s inaction.

Moreover, records submitted include reports of the illegal felling of 60 Julie flora trees in 2016, with allegations of continued deforestation that endangers the area’s biodiversity and contributes to desertification.

The petition paints a grim picture of the van’s deteriorating ecological health. Illegal bird poaching, unethical wildlife photography, and recreational activities like volleyball within forest premises have reportedly compromised the sanctuary’s delicate avian population. According to the petitioner, 46% of Haryana’s bird species are at risk.

The van is also reportedly a leopard habitat, and increasing urbanization and tree loss have led to frequent human-animal conflict. Leopard sightings between 2023 and 2025 underline the urgency of safeguarding remaining habitats.

Once a symbol of ecological and cultural harmony, the site now shows signs of neglect. The petition notes broken boundary walls, a dried-up lake, and abandoned facilities that invite anti-social elements and further undermine the sanctity of the space.

Ghazipur landfill fire: NGT inquiry reveals alarming gaps in waste management

Photo: Naveen Bansal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the MCD to submit a comprehensive affidavit within six weeks, detailing all resources deployed for biomining, treatment capacity, transportation of leachate, and long-term plans for clearing legacy waste— currently targeted for 2028 in the backdrop of fire at Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill earlier this year. 

It has also sought clarification on how mixing of C&D waste affects treatment processes and whether fly ash is tested for toxicity before reuse. The case is scheduled for next hearing on October 16, 2025.

The case, registered suo motu by the NGT following a media report on the April 21 blaze, has become a focal point for examining Delhi’s broader waste management failures. 

At the July 10 hearing, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, with Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, the tribunal reviewed findings from a court-appointed commissioner’s visit to the site and responses from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

The Ghazipur landfill, situated in a densely populated area flanked by the Hindon River Canal and a slaughterhouse, has grown into a towering environmental hazard. While regulations permit a maximum height of 40 meters, the mound now exceeds 60 meters due to continuous dumping of unprocessed municipal waste.

Despite MCD’s claim of reducing the landfill’s burden from 100 lakh metric tons in 2019 to 85 lakh metric tons, the court commissioner found no documentary proof to support this, raising doubts about the authenticity of progress reported.

The inspection revealed that leachate — the polluted liquid that drains from landfill sites — is not being adequately contained. Although MCD stated that leachate is diverted to tanks and transported to the Okhla Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP), photographs and site observations showed untreated leachate leaking into Drain No. 1 and ultimately flowing into the Yamuna River.

Vertical methane vents have been installed, but without a collection system, the highly flammable gas is being released directly into the atmosphere, posing a continued fire risk — the very threat that ignited the April blaze.

One of the most troubling findings is the absence of boundary walls on both the canal and road (slaughterhouse) sides of the landfill. This not only raises safety concerns — particularly the threat of a landslide impacting nearby populations — but also leaves the site vulnerable to trespassing and arson.

‘Dramatic increase’ in income of unrecognised parties, ‘non-compliance’ of EC rules

ADR says “between 2022 and 2024, over 3,260 registered unrecognised political parties
(RUPPs) collectively received more than Rs10,000 crore in electoral donations, raising alarms about potential misuse as “slush money”, indicating “possible money laundering.”

Photo by Naveen Bansal

Between 2022 and 2024, over 3,260 registered unrecognised political parties
(RUPPs) collectively received more than Rs10,000 crore in electoral donations, raising alarms about potential misuse as “slush money.” ADR investigations suggest that much of this funding is funnelled to shell companies through complex bank account networks, indicating possible money laundering.

This latest Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report analyses the status of submission of annual audit reports and contribution reports of registered unrecognised parties for FY 2022-23.

The report looks at the status of submission of the annual reports of these parties and the income, expenditure and donations declared by them during the FY 2022-23.

RUPPs’ political funding

According to the ADR, political funding for RUPPs primarily comes from voluntary contributions by individuals and corporate entities, as permitted under Section 29B of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.

Foreign funding is prohibited under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

These parties enjoy income tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, provided they file their income tax returns and disclose details of donations exceeding Rs 20,000 to the ECI annually.

“However, many RUPPs fail to comply with these requirements, leading to issues like tax evasion and money laundering. For instance, in 2019–20, 219 RUPPs claimed tax exemptions worth Rs 608 crore, yet 66 of them did not submit mandatory contribution reports, underscoring widespread non-compliance with Election Commission of India (ECI) regulations.

‘Slush money’

“The lack of consistent financial reporting and minimal electoral activity by many RUPPs has led the ECI to initiate cleanup drives, delisting non-compliant parties and enforcing stricter regulations, ” ADR said, adding that
“between 2022 and 2024, over 3,260 RUPPs collectively received more than Rs 10,000 crore in electoral donations, raising alarms about potential misuse as “slush money.”

“Investigations suggest that much of this funding is funnelled to shell companies through complex bank account networks, indicating possible money laundering. In 2022, the ECI delisted 537 RUPPs for non-compliance, such as failing to submit audited accounts, contribution reports for donations above ₹20,000, or election expenditure statements. The ECI also introduced a web portal in 2023 to streamline digital filing of financial statements, with reminders to enforce compliance,” it said

Many RUPPs are suspected of existing solely to exploit tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, without engaging in electoral activities.

The ECI’s data indicates that only 5% of RUPPs submitted donation reports between 2013 and 2016, highlighting persistent non-compliance. The ECI continues to monitor RUPPs, with plans for further delisting of non-compliant parties and stricter enforcement of financial reporting requirements.

The Election Commission of India issued guidelines on “Transparency and Accountability in party funds and election expenditure – submission of reports by unrecognised political parties” which were applicable to all political parties w.e.f 1st October, 2014. As per these guidelines, all unrecognised parties are required to submit their requisite reports in the office of the respective State CEOs.

The analysis shows that both annual audit and contribution reports of a significant 73.26% or 2025 of the total RUPPs are not available in the public domain for FY 2022-23.

The maximum number of RUPPs, whose statements were available are in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Delhi and Bihar, given that these states have the highest number of registered unrecognised political parties.

States with zero reporting: Punjab (73 RUPPs), Uttarakhand (40 RUPPs) and Goa (12) are among the top three states where both audit and contributions reports of none of the RUPPs are available on the official websites. This highlights stark non-compliance or non-disclosure in these regions.

‘Don’t  want substitute batsman, only the PM must answer,’ says Congress

“Half an hour before the Parliament session, the PM will give a speech and demand cooperation. After that, whatever they wish will happen in the Parliament. There should be a 2-3 day discussion on Pahalgam, Trump, Operation Sindoor, China’s role and the new challenges”

  

Describing the all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament as just a formality, Congress today demanded a special discussion on critical issues facing the country in the upcoming Monsoon Session which  “only” Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer.

“The Parliament is about to begin and the Prime Minister should break his silence. Any other leader will not do, the Congress and the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion, and the PM must answer. We do not want a substitute batsman. Only the PM must answer,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, also taking on the government on the latest statement by US President Donald Trump that “five fighter jets were shot down during India-Pakistan tensions”

“It (all-party meeting)  is just a formality. (Defence Minister) Rajnath Singh will come, smile, and greet everyone. We will sit, and everyone will present their opinions for two hours and then nothing will happen. This happens before every session, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiu and two to three others also come, it is just a formality, it has no meaning.

“Half an hour before the Parliament session, the PM will give a speech and demand cooperation. After that, whatever they wish will happen in the Parliament. There should be a 2-3 day discussion on Pahalgam, Trump, Operation Sindoor, China’s role and the new challenges,” he said

Calling  the ongoing SRI in Bihar as one of the main issues, Ramesh said “voting rights of lakhs of people, including Dalits, minorities, women, and tribals, have been snatched”.

“Our two main issues are Pahalgam and ‘vote bandi, Leaders of opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have written to the PM to table a bill to provide statehood to J&K,” he said.

On Trump’s statement that five fighter jets were shot down during India-Pakistan tensions, Ramesh said since May 10 till today, the US President has repeatedly said two things–one that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan and two that the war should stop if India and Pakistan want trade with the US

 “Now he has claimed something new that five fighter jets went down. The Parliament is about to begin and the PM should break his silence. Any other leader will not do, the Congress and the entire Opposition will demand a special discussion, and the PM must answer. We do not want a substitute batsman. Only the PM must answer” he said

Ministry of Law & Justice gets Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh

Photo: Naveen Bansal

In a first-of-its-kind initiative towards institutionalising workplace wellness within the corridors of government, the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, inaugurated the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh — a health, fitness and wellness space exclusively for women employees of the Department.

Nestled within the Shastri Bhawan premises, the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh has been carved out of a previously unused garage space. The facility is envisioned as a space to encourage physical fitness, mental well-being and work-life balance for women employees.

Speaking at the inauguration, Meghwal praised the department for the initiative, describing it as a meaningful stride in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Hum Fit Toh India Fit’ campaign. 

He emphasised that the well-being of women employees is essential to building a truly fit and inclusive India, and encouraged them to make full use of the space.

Photo: Naveen Bansal

Law Secretary Dr. Anju Rathi Rana spoke about the deeper message the initiative carries — and the everyday challenges women face in prioritising their health amid professional and personal responsibilities. “Women often set aside their own well-being while caring for others. This space is a gentle reminder that self-care is not selfish, it is foundational to empowerment,” she said. 

The Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh is more than just a wellness room — it’s a quiet but firm shift in how we imagine government offices. Not merely as spaces of administration, but as workplaces that acknowledge the human needs of those who serve within them. In line with the Fit India Movement and the vision of a Viksit Bharat, this initiative places dignity, health and inclusion at the heart of institutional culture.

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