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Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah Lead New Cabinet in Modi 3.0

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar are also set to begin new innings at the Centre, as ministers in Modi 3.0…reports Asian Lite News

The swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday marked the beginning of Modi 3.0, the third straight term for BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office by President Droupadi Murmu, this evening. Rajnath Singh was the second after PM Modi to take the oath, indicating that he would be the second most important minister in Modi 3.0. Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari were next in line to be administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu. JP Nadda, the incumbent BJP President also took oath and is now set to don a new role in Team Modi.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar are also set to begin new innings at the Centre, as ministers in Modi 3.0. The portfolio allocation is yet to be announced but the BJP is likely to keep the top ministries with itself including Defence, Home, Finance, and the External Affairs. The swearing-in ceremony saw many notable and luminary figures from all fields including the corporate world, business fraternity, entertainment industry and others. The presence of top leaders from India’s neighbourhood including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay made for a memorable moment.

Other world leaders who attended the colourful ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan included Bangladesh President Sheikh Hasina, Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Earlier in the day, PM Modi met a battery of NDA MPs, many of whom are likely to become ministers for the first time in Modi 3.0. The difference between Modi 3.0 and the previous two terms of the Modi government is the shift in power dynamics. In the previous two terms, the Modi government enjoyed an absolute majority on its own but this time, it required the support of allies to cross the magic mark of 272.

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Rajnath vows to eradicate poverty in 15 years

Singh pointed to the remarkable feat of uplifting approximately 25 crore individuals from poverty during Modi’s nine-year tenure….reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has pledged to eradicate poverty in India within the next decade to fifteen years, underscoring it as ‘Modi Ki guarantee’. Singh was speaking at the BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp’ rally in Kalahandi.

Singh’s proclamation was laden with historical context as he contrasted the unfulfilled promises of past leaders, including Nehru, Gandhi, and Singh himself, with the proactive initiatives championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Backing his assertion with data, Singh pointed to the remarkable feat of uplifting approximately 25 crore individuals from poverty during Modi’s nine-year tenure. This achievement, he emphasised, wasn’t just rhetoric but was substantiated by the authoritative reportage of Niti Aayog, marking a watershed moment in Indian governance and positioning Modi as a harbinger of socio-economic transformation.

Expanding on Modi’s vision, Singh envisioned a future where every Indian household would enjoy essential amenities like robust housing, clean water, and cooking fuel within the next five years. These aspirations, he stressed, weren’t mere fantasies but tangible goals supported by a meticulous roadmap for execution.

Going beyond the macroscopic narrative, Singh zoomed in on the grassroots level, highlighting the tangible transformation witnessed in Kalahandi, once synonymous with poverty and deprivation.

Under Modi’s leadership, he remarked, the region is experiencing a revitalization driven by proactive governance paradigms, underlining the pivotal role of local representation in addressing regional issues on the national stage and rallying support for BJP’s Kalahandi Lok Sabha candidate, Malavika Devi.

Echoing BJP’s core values, Singh invoked the principle of fiscal prudence, juxtaposing past fiscal leakages with the efficient mechanisms introduced by Modi, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana and direct benefit transfers.

According to Singh, these measures have not only curbed corruption but have also ensured the direct and effective distribution of public funds to their intended recipients, thereby catalyzing socio-economic development.

Singh tears into Channi

Rajnath Singh on Wednesday took a dig at former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi over his controversial remarks on the recent terrorist attack on Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy at Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir leading to the death of one IAF soldier.

Addressing a public gathering at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi on Wednesday, Singh said, “Congress has always been involved in negative politics. Recently, some terrorists launched an attack on our defence forces convoy in Jammu & Kashmir. Congress leader Charanjit Singhji Channi said that it (the terrorist act) was an election stunt. Will we get our army soldiers attacked? What are these people trying to do with the security and self-esteem of the nation?”

“Earlier, terrorist attacks would take place in almost every state across the country. After our government came to power, terrorism almost stopped in the country, barring some minor incidents. This was also an act of terrorism. One soldier of IAF was killed in the attack but our defence forces soon neutralised the two terrorists by showing their valour and bravery,” Singh added.

Notably, Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi had earlier remarked that the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force was a BJP-operated pre-poll stunt. He alleged that BJP is playing with people’s lives and bodies.

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Rajnath  pitches for higher US investment in India

He said that India has made reforms in FDI and labour laws to attract foreign investment, which gives investors the maximum advantage of a skilled labour force…reports Asian Lite News

India-US cooperation will act as a force multiplier for a rules-based world order, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday in Delhi.

He was addressing the Special Session of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi.

He said that India can be an avenue of de-risking for US companies and provide high returns. US capital and technological know-how can help India become a developed nation by 2047.

He said that India has made reforms in FDI and labour laws to attract foreign investment, which gives investors the maximum advantage of a skilled labour force.

“We are also working on next-generation infrastructure projects in India. Infrastructural sectors like roads, railways, waterways, and electricity have made unprecedented progress in India. India is developing a world-class infrastructure,” he said.

“Aatmanirbharta’ doesn’t mean cutting off from the global system; it is based on collaboration with friendly countries for shared security and prosperity. The current India-US relationship is driven by the twin congruence of our shared values and aligned interests. Such twin congruence is a guarantee for the long-term sustainability and robustness of our relationship,” he said.

He mentioned the role of US-India in space and defence: “Sensing the need of the hour, India and the USA are working together in different fields. India’s ISRO and America’s NASA have jointly started an initiative called ‘NISAR’. In defence technology collaboration, the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between India and the USA; Where India and America are working towards further strengthening their defence technology partnership. It reflects the growing India-USA relations.”

He added that India’s self-reliant programme promotes companionship and not isolation, as India believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

When two big democracies (India and the USA) collaborate, it will make the democratic world order stronger. This will act as a force multiplier for rule-based order all over the world. Therefore, he feels that working together will prove beneficial not only for India and the US but for the entire world, he said. (ANI)

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Rajnath, Cameron appreciate momentum of India-UK partnership

London, Jan 10 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, in London on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

Cameron reiterated the UK government’s desire to collaborate with India in defence areas. The leaders held the meeting at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who is on a visit to the UK held a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on boosting ties between the two nations.

The two leaders appreciated the new momentum and direction of the India-UK partnership, symbolised by intense engagements at various levels.

Singh outlined his goal of integrating defence industries of India and UK, including through supply chain integration to build resilience. He stressed the importance of bilateral start-up level interaction, and identification and discussion of joint projects that India and the UK could implement together.

Taking to X, Rajnath Singh stated, “Insightful deliberations with the UK Foreign Secretary, Mr. David Cameron on boosting India-UK ties and deepening cooperation between both the countries.”

Cameron reiterated the UK government’s desire to collaborate with India in defence areas. The leaders held the meeting at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, “Foreign Secretary Cameron reiterated the UK government’s desire to collaborate with India in the defence areas, particularly in the field of defence industrial collaboration, as one of the means by which the UK hopes to strengthen the support for a rule-based international order.”

Singh, who is currently on a visit to UK, interacted with the Indian community at India House in London. More than 160 prominent persons of Indian origin attended the interaction. A number of Indian military ex-servicemen, including a few family members of second world war veterans were also present.

Earlier, Singh and his UK counterpart Grant Shapps attended the India-UK Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable at Trinity House in London.

Taking to X, Defence Minister’s Office stated, “Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and his British counterpart Mr. @grantshapps attended the India-UK Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable at Trinity House in London.”

The UK announced its plans to send its Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean Region later this year, with a proposal for the Carrier Strike Group to visit the Indian waters in 2025.Both will operate and train with Indian forces.

The announcement was made by UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. The UK and India also vowed to continue strengthening ties during the Defence Minister’s visit to the country.

In a post shared on X, Rajnath Singh stated, “Had a wonderful interaction with the industry leaders and CEOs at the UK-India Defence CEO Roundtable in London. India envisions an enriching partnership with the UK to cooperate, co-create and co-innovate. By synergizing the strengths of both the countries, we can do great things together.”

In a move that signals the growing importance of the strategic relationship between the UK and India, Defence Secretary Shapps welcomed Singh to the UK and the two leaders agreed on unprecedented levels of UK-India defence cooperation, according to an official release.

The two nations also discussed future cooperation in defence from joint exercises to knowledge sharing and instructor exchanges. These steps build on the comprehensive strategic partnership envisaged in the 2030 India-UK roadmap, announced in 2021, it added.

In the coming years, the UK and India will also embark on more complex exercises between their respective militaries, building up to a landmark joint exercise to be conducted before the end of 2030, supporting shared goals of protecting critical trade routes and upholding the international rules-based system, as per the release.

Shapps said, “There is absolutely no question that the world is becoming increasingly contested, so it’s vital that we continue to build on our strategic relationships with key partners like India. Together we share the same security challenges and are steadfast on our commitment to maintaining a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

He said it is clear that “this relationship is going from strength-to-strength, but we must continue to work hand-in-hand to uphold global security in light of threats and challenges that seek to destabilise and damage us”. (ANI)

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Rajnath arrives in UK for talks with Shapps

Rajnath Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron…reports Asian Lite News

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday night.

During his visit, the defence minister will discuss bilateral issues with his counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official press release.

Notably, this marks the first visit of a sitting Indian Defence Minister to the UK in 23 years.

The Defence Minister would be accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, comprising senior officials from DRDO, Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production.

As per the Ministry, both leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of defence, security and industrial cooperation issues.

Rajnath Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron.

He will further interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK defence industry and meet with the Indian community there.

Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for FTA between India and the UK started in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31 this year.

The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both countries. (ANI)

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Rajnath to visit UK to discuss defence, security issues

New Delhi, Sep 23 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during 'Mai Ramvanshi Hun' book release function, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

The two leaders explored ways and means to develop closer defence relations. Grant Shapps also invited Rajnath Singh to visit the UK in the near future…reports Asian Lite News

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on January 8, 2024 and will discuss bilateral issues with his counterpart Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official press release on Sunday.

The defence minister would be accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, comprising senior officials from DRDO, Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production.

As per the Ministry, both leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of defence, security and industrial cooperation issues.

Rajnath Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron. He will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK defence industry and meet with the Indian community there.

Earlier in November, Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his British counterpart Grant Shapps and discussed means to bolster closer defence relations as well as the security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the Defence Ministry, both ministers discussed a range of defence and security issues, with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. They briefly reviewed the ongoing engagements and discussed possible cooperation in new domains.

The two leaders explored ways and means to develop closer defence relations. Grant Shapps also invited Rajnath Singh to visit the UK in the near future.

Singh also congratulated Shapps on his appointment as Secretary of State for Defence.

“Had a telephonic conversation with the UK Secretary of State for Defence Mr Grant Shapps. We discussed a range of defence and security related issues with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific,” Rajnath Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Shapps was appointed as the new Defence Secretary of United Kingdom in August, after Ben Wallace resigned from his position.

Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for FTA between India and the UK started in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31 this year.

The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both countries.(ANI)

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Rajnath meets CEOs of top French defence firms in Paris 

Rajnath Singh reached Paris late on October 10 and interacted with the Indian community…reports Asian Lite News

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India in France.

During the interaction Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault; Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group; Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus; and Olivier Andries, CEO of Safran Group were present.

Union Minister visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris, France during the second and final leg of his two-nation tour.

During his visit to the Centre, he witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology.

Olivier Andries, Global CEO Safran welcomed Rajnath Singh to the facility and, along with his team, gave a detailed briefing to him. Safran expressed interest in being a part of the Indian growth story by working with its counterparts on mutually agreed joint projects.

Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including the possibility of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of the Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world-class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture, the release stated.

Later in the day, Rajnath Singh will be holding the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue with the French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu.

Rajnath Singh reached Paris late on October 10 and interacted with the Indian community.

While addressing the sizeable Indian community at the India House, he highlighted the various achievements of India in the defence sector such as increased defence exports, increasing indigenous production of defence equipment, concerted efforts on co-development and co-production in India and an enhanced outreach in the region.

The Defence Minister spoke about the tremendous progress achieved in India in the last nine years, an assessment that was heartily supported by the Indian community. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Rajnath to visit Italy, France to strengthen defence ties

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Rajnath to visit Italy, France to strengthen defence ties

New Delhi, Sep 23 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during 'Mai Ramvanshi Hun' book release function, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

Officials said the potential for joint development of military platforms will be part of Mr Singh’s discussions both in Rome and Paris…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will pay a four-day visit to Italy and France beginning Monday to expand bilateral strategic engagement and explore industrial cooperation for joint development of military hardware.

In the first leg of his two-nation tour, Singh will travel to Rome where he will hold wide-ranging talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crisetto, according to the defence ministry. The relationship between India and Italy was elevated to the level of strategic partnership in March during the Italian prime minister’s visit to India.

“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Italy and France from October 9 to 12, ” the ministry said.

In Paris, Singh will attend the fifth annual India-France defence dialogue with his French counterpart Sebastian Lecornu.

“India and France recently celebrated 25 years of strategic partnership. Both countries enjoy a deep and wide-ranging bilateral defence relationship, including significant industrial cooperation,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“In both Rome and Paris, the defence minister will also interact with the defence industry CEOs and senior representatives to discuss potential opportunities for industrial cooperation,” it said.

Officials said the potential for joint development of military platforms will be part of Mr Singh’s discussions both in Rome and Paris.

Meanwhile, Eric Trappier, the chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, is set to visit New Delhi this week to discuss various aspects of India’s proposed purchase of 26 naval variants of the Rafale aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

They said Trappier arrives in Delhi on Monday on a two-day trip to hold preliminary negotiations on the procurement. However, there is no official announcement on the visit by Dassault Aviation.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. In July, India and France announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.

The two strategic partners also expressed commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries.

ALSO READ-Rajnath to meet Nigerian Prez ahead of G20

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Rajnath to meet Nigerian Prez ahead of G20

India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year with the theme — ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, and since then about 200 meetings related to G20 have been organized in 60 cities across the country…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in New Delhi on Wednesday ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Nigerian President Tinubu is the first head of state to arrive in the national capital for the G20 summit scheduled to be held on September 9, 10. It is also Tinubu’s first visit to India since the assumption of office in May 2023.

According to an official statement released earlier by Nigeria, Tinbu will participate in and deliver keynote addresses at both the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

President Tinubu aims to leverage this platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigeria’s economy for job creation and revenue expansion, it said.

Moreover, he will use this opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, specifically outlining his cross-sectoral reform plan as encapsulated by the Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the statement.

The President will also hold bilateral meetings with a cross-section of world leaders from four different continents, representing both G20 and non-G20 countries. These engagements are geared towards strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment partnerships for mutual benefit, as per the statement.

At the G20 Summit, the Nigerian leader is expected to share Nigeria’s perspective on the theme, “One Earth-One Family-One Future,” which speaks to the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet.

With its collective contribution of up to 80 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade, and housing 60 per cent of the world’s population, the G-20 constitutes a significant economic power bloc of socio-economic opportunity and geo-political stability.

While Nigeria’s membership of the G20 is desirable, the government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations with a view to ascertaining the benefits and risks of membership.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union.

India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year with the theme — ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, and since then about 200 meetings related to G20 have been organized in 60 cities across the country.

The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. (ANI)

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Rajnath, Didi review India-Maldives defence ties

Defence Minister, who reached Maldives on Monday, had met Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in Male during his three-day visit to the island nation…reports Asian Lite News

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday, attended the dinner, which was hosted by Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

“H.E. @MariyaDidi hosted a dinner to honour her visiting Indian counterpart H.E. @rajnathsingh. Min Didi reiterated that tonight’s dinner was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of partnership and to renew their commitment to strengthen cooperation and collaboration,” Maldives Defence Ministry tweeted. At the dinner, a cultural programme happened, emblematic of the close cultural ties between India and Maldives was reflected.

Defence Minister, who reached Maldives on Monday, had met Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in Male during his three-day visit to the island nation.

“Happy to have met with Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid in Male today,” Singh tweeted.

Earlier, he paid tribute to fallen heroes at the ‘3rd November Memorial’ flag mounting ceremony. He was accompanied by his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Didi.

“The Defence Minister of India, H.E.@rajnathsingh, pays tribute to fallen heroes at the 3rd November Memorial flag mounting ceremony, accompanied by Defence Minister of Maldives H.E.@MariyaDidi, @CDFofMNDF, and senior leadership of @MNDF_Official,” Maldives Defence Ministry said in a tweet.

November 3 in the Maldives is celebrated as “Victory Day” to pay tribute to each and every martyr to sacrificed his life for the country. Victory Day is to mark the defeat of an attempted coup in 1988.

Later on, Monday, Singh attended an interactive session at the IHQ of Maldives National Defence Force.

The Defence Minister is expected to call on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during his visit to the island nation.

In tune with India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries and partners in the region, Rajnath Singh will gift one Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a Landing Craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces.

During his stay, the Defence Minister will also visit the ongoing project sites in the country and interact with the Indian diaspora.

India and the Maldives are working closely to effectively address shared challenges, including maritime security, terrorism, radicalisation, piracy, trafficking, organised crime and natural disasters.

India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) along with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy seek to work together to jointly develop the capabilities within the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)

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