opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Public Awareness Regarding Meteorology
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3216

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## PUBLIC AWARENESS REGARDING METEOROLOGY

## †3216. SHRI JUGAL KISHORE: SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  proposes  to  create  public  awareness  regarding meteorology  and  climate  science  in  various  areas  of  the  country  using  the  artistic initiatives;
- (b) whether the Government has any scheme to integrate meteorology awareness programmes  in  the  academic  curriculum  by  taking  inspiration  from  the  said  artistic initiative; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) The "Open Air Art Wall Museum" at "Mausam Bhawan" Lodhi Road, New Delhi, is the first  of  its  kind  artistic  initiative  in  the  country  to  enhance  public  awareness  about meteorology  and  climate  science.  It  reflects  a vibrant visual narrative of India's meteorological  advancements,  history,  and  the  impact  of  weather  on  society.  It  has  a series  of  reminders  and warnings,  as  well  as do's and don'ts, in certain weather-related situations  -  including  heavy  rainfall,  heatwaves,  cyclones,  thunderstorms,  etc.  Similar artistic initiatives are not currently in plan.
- (b)-(c)  The  ministry  has  been  working  continuously  to  integrate  weather  science  awareness programs into school and college curriculum by promoting courses and special lectures in meteorology, climatology, disaster risk vulnerability of India, preparedness, and management. It includes talks, chapters about severe weather events (cyclones, thunderstorms,  heavy  rainfall,  etc.),  frequently  asked  questions  (FAQs),  related  safety preparedness with do's and don'ts, and all safety steps to be followed before and during such  disasters.  It  also  promotes  Information,  Education,  and  Communication  (IEC) materials  prepared  by  the  India  Meteorological  Department  (IMD),  National  Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), etc.. It also spreads awareness through posters, leaflets, brochures, and social media posts.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3215 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Inclusion of Millets in PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.3215

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19TH MARCH, 2025

## INCLUSION OF MILLETS  IN PDS

## 3215. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plans to expand the inclusion  of millets  in the Public Distribution  System (PDS) to promote nutritional  security; and
- (b) if  so, the details thereof alongwith  the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a) &  (b): Under Pradhan Mantri  Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY),  foodgrains are being provided to States/UTs for distribution to around 80 crore beneficiaries through Targeted Public Distribution  System (TPDS), free of cost from  lst January 2023. The term 'foodgrains' is  defined as rice, wheat &  coarse grains or  any combination thereof conforming to  such quality  norms as may be determined, by order, by the Central Government from time to time. In  addition to this, the State/UT Goverbments may formulate food or nutrition  based plans or schemes providing  for benefits higher than the benefits provided under PMGKAY.

Coarse grains/ Millets  are also allocated under PDS in  lieu  of  equal quantity of wheat/rice (as requested by  the State) while  ensuring that the overall  quantity of  rice, wheat and coarse grains has to be within  the upper ceiling  fixed  in respect of  each State/UT.

Further, as per Guidelines for  procurement, allocation, distribution and disposal of coarse grains, States are allowed to procure Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Barley & Ragi and six minor millets  from  farmers at MSP for central pool  subject to prior  approval of Government of India, in consultation with  FCI.  The whole  quantity is distributed under Targeted Public Distribution Scheme (TPDS)/ OWS (Other Welfare Schemes) in the State/UT.

Initiatives by the Department to increase Millets  Procurement:

- (i) Revision in  Guidelines: Distribution  period/ Shelf life  of  millets  was increased from earlier 3 months to 6-10 months, thus enhancing higher level of procurement.
- (ii) Provision of  inter-state transportation of  surplus millets through FCI had also been incorporated.
- (111) Increase in  administrative  charges on acquisition  stage from  1% to  2%  of  MSP,  to incentivize procurement ofmillets  .
- (iv) Inclusion of  minor  millets  in TPDS/OWS: Government has recently expanded scope of procurement of  millets by  States/UTs by  including minor millets. Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Little Millet (Kutki), Black-wheat (Kuttu)  and Ameranthus (Chaulai) under MSP scheme on the MSP of Ragi for  next three years (from  2023).

88+8
Lok Sabha Question No. 3214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Unhygienic Condition of Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3214

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## UNHYGIENIC CONDITION OF COACHES

† 3214. SHRI UJJWAL RAMAN SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  complaints  received  regarding  the  unhygienic  conditions  in railway coaches due to the disposal/storage of used food plates during the year 2020-24;
- (b)  the  details  of  measures/efforts  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to address the complaints received;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to improve the current cleaning methods for  maintaining  cleanliness  in  railway  coaches  and  for  efficient  and  effective waste management; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (d):  Indian  Railways  has  RailMadad  as  a  unified  portal  for  providing assistance and redressing grievances of passengers at stations and in trains. In FY  2022-23,  99.99%  of  grievances  were  resolved.  In  FY  2023-24,  99.98%  of grievances were resolved.

Indian  Railways  constantly  endeavor  to  provide  clean  and  hygienic environment  to  passengers.  Cleaning  of  coaches  including  toilets  of  trains  is done  at  both  ends  including  mechanised  cleaning.  On-Board  Housekeeping Services (OBHS) is a system implemented to ensure cleanliness and sanitation in  long-distance  trains.  OBHS  includes  regular  cleaning  of  coaches,  toilets, doorways, and passenger areas during the journey. OBHS plays a important role in  garbage  disposal  management  like  Collection  of  Garbage,  Segregation  of Waste  (Encouraging  passengers  to  dispose  of  waste  in  designated  bins), Periodic  Cleaning,  Disposal  at  Designated  Stations  (Garbage  is  collected  and handed over at specific railway stations where waste management facilities are available). Toilets are cleaned frequently and there is a well established redressal mechanism  for  addressing  cleanliness  issues  during  the  run  of  the  train. Provision  of  Clean  Train  Station  (CTS)  has  been  done  for  limited  mechanized cleaning attention to identified trains. All trains have been fitted with bio-toilets which help in maintaining cleanliness in trains as well as at tracks/station.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Connectivity of Agra with Fatehpur Sikri by Heritage Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Chahar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## CONNECTIVITY OF AGRA WITH FATEHPUR SIKRI BY HERITAGE TRAIN

3210. SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is aware that Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World  Heritage  Site,  lacks  convenient  train  connectivity,  adversely impacting its tourism potential;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  plan  to  improve  rail  connectivity between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri to enhance tourism and ease travel for visitors;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  have  any  plans  to  introduce  a  heritage train  between  Agra  and  Fatehpur  Sikri  to  offer  tourists  a  unique  and memorable travel experience, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the time by when the Government is likely to implement improved rail connectivity or a heritage train service between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri to boost tourism ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d)  At present, Fatehpur Sikri station is being served by 04 pairs of train services which provide connectivity to major cities like Agra, Mumbai,  Surat,  Gorakhpur  etc.  Besides,  introduction  of  new  train services is an on-going process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, competing demands etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Vande Bharat Train from Kutch to Delhi
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3204

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## VANDE BHARAT TRAIN FROM KUTCH TO DELHI

†3204. SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to run a Vande Bharat train from Kutch to Delhi in view of the long standing demand of the people of Kutch  for  a  train similar  to  Vande  Bharat  or  a  superfast  train connecting Kutch with Delhi;
- (b) if so, the timeline by which the said train is likely to be introduced; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) To facilitate the passengers of Bhuj-Delhi sector, 20983/20984  Bhuj-Delhi  Sarai  Rohilla  Express(Bi-weekly)  has  been introduced  w.e.f.  02.08.2024.  Moreover,  three  pairs  of  trains  viz. 14321/14322  Bhuj-Bareilly  Express  (04  days  a  week),  14311/14312 Bhuj-Bareilly Ala Hazrat Express(Tri-weekly) and 12473/12474 Gandhidham-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Sarvodaya Express(weekly) are also catering to the needs of the sector. Besides, introduction of new  train  services  including  Vande  Bharat  and  its  variants  is  an on-going  process  on  Indian  Railways  subject  to  traffic  justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3202 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Meetings of Railway Zonal Committees
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3202 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## MEETINGS OF RAILWAY ZONAL COMMITTEES

3202.  SHRI KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Railway Zonal Committee (RZC) is holding meetings regularly;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  number  of  total  proposals  received  by  the  Government  from  the
- meetings of RZC in which Members of Parliament also take part;
- (d)  the  details  of  the  numbers  of  meetings  held  in  North  Eastern  States from 2014 to 2024; and
- (e) the details of the total number of proposals received and implemented?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (e): Existing Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committees (ZRUCCs) have been reconstituted for a two years term from 01.10.2024 to 30.09.2026.  As  per  extant  provisions,  ordinarily  three  meetings  of  each ZRUCC  should  be  held  in  a  year.  All  efforts  are  made  to    hold  these meetings as per schedule, however, at times, due to various reasons  as mentioned  below,  it  is  not  feasible  to  hold  these  meetings  as  per schedule:-
- i. Imposition of Model Code of Conduct on account of announcement of
- Elections.

ii. The condition of non-holding of ZRUCC meetings during Parliamentary Sessions. iii.  Other  reasons  including  unforeseen  circumstances  like  Corona period. As  per  available  records,  between  2016  and  2024,  six  meetings  of ZRUCC  Northeast  Frontier  Railway  have  been  held.  Several  suggestions regarding  extension  of  trains,  provision  of  passenger  amenities  etc.  are received  during  these  meetings.  Examining  the  suggestions  received during such meetings and taking action as deemed fit is a continuous and ongoing exercise and separate record of these suggestions is not compiled.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3201 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: BharatNet Project in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3201 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## BHARATNET PROJECT IN UTTAR PRADESH

## 3201.   SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the Status of Phase III of BharatNet Project in the country particularly in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) whether the Government intends to extend the said project to various other States in the country, other than the States already covered under the same;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and a likely time-frame for its implementation;
- (d) the details of funds allocated, released and utilized so far on BharatNet Project, State-wise particularly in Uttar Pradesh;
- (e) the number of 5G telecom towers installed by the Government in the country particularly in Amroha Parliamentary Constituency in Uttar Pradesh till date; and
- (f) the steps taken by the Government to enhance the usage of 5G in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

- (a) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as Project Management Agency has signed agreement with  M/s  Rail  Vikas  Nigam  Limited  (RVNL)  as  Project  Implementation  Agency  (PIA)  for implementation of Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in Uttar Pradesh on 20.02.2025
- (b) & (c) Yes, Government has approved ABP for providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats  (GPs)  in  ring  topology  and  connectivity  to  non-GPs  villages  on  demand  basis.  The program  is  to  be  executed  through  Program  Implementation  Agency  (PIAs)  selected  through competitive bidding. The project also envisages Operation and Maintenance for ten years from the date of award of the project.
- (d) As on 31.01.2025, total Rs. 43,236.24 Crores has been disbursed under BharatNet Project including  Rs  5,564.42  Crore  for  Uttar  Pradesh.  The  State/UT-wise  details  are  available  at  DBN website (https://usof.gov.in/en/home).
- (e) Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have installed 4,69,792 number of 5G Base Transceiver Station (BTSs) in country including 606 nos. in Amroha Parliament Constituency as on 28.02.2025.
- (f) Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has provided funding support to establish 5G Use Case Labs in 100 institutions across the country with objective to build competencies and engagement in 5G technologies.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3197 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Global Internet Shutdowns
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Sukhdeo Bhagat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3197 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## GLOBAL INTERNET SHUTDOWNS

## 3197.   SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the country has recorded 84 internet shutdowns, the highest among democratic nations, with 21 occurring in Manipur alone in 2024, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether  a  report  by  Access  Now  (published  in  February  2024)  confirmed  that  India accounted for nearly 60% of all documented global internet shutdowns for the sixth consecutive year and a statement by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in December, 2024 admitted that no impact assessment has been conducted to evaluate the economic or social consequences of these shutdowns, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the reasons for not undertaking comprehensive evaluations of the consequences of internet shutdowns by the Government given the significant implications for access to information, economic activities and digital rights; and

(d) the  plans  of  the  Government  to  implement  oversight  mechanisms  to  prevent  arbitrary suspensions in the future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) As  per  seventh  schedule  of  the  Constitution,  police  and  public  order  are  State  subjects. Accordingly, the details regarding internet suspension orders issued by State Government/ Union Territories (UTs) are not maintained centrally by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The permissions  granted  by  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  (MHA)  for  temporary  suspension  of  telecom services are available on MHA website.

(b), (c) & (d) No such authentic report is available with the DoT. DoT has not conducted any study to evaluate the economic or social consequences of internet shutdowns in the country.

The contribution of internet for the well-being of citizens has to be balanced with the misuse of social media platforms by anti-social elements which may require temporary internet shutdowns as  per  the  Telecommunications  (Temporary  Suspension  of  Services)  Rules,  2024.  These  Rules provide  oversight  mechanism  through  review  committee  constituted  at  the  central  and  state government level.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3196 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Incentives for Rooftop Solar Panels
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Ajay Bhatt

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3196

ANSWERED ON 19/03/2025

## INCENTIVES FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS

## 3196. SHRI AJAY BHATT

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the targets fixed for solar power generation from rooftop solar panels during the current year;
- (b) the details of achievements made in this regard so far;
- (c) the incentives provided for solar power generation from rooftop solar panels; and
- (d) whether the problems of grid connectivity is being faced, if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a) to (c) It was estimated that during the initial year i.e. FY 2024-25, of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY), a total of 12 lakh households are likely to be benefitted through the installation of solar rooftop plants under the scheme.

A total of 10.09 lakh residential households have been benefitted under the scheme through installation of rooftop solar plants as on 10.03.2025.

The Central Financial Assistance (CFA) available under PMSG: MBY for installation of rooftop solar is as under:

- For individual households, the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) available under PMSG: MBY is Rs. 30,000/- per kWp for the first 2 kWp and Rs. 18,000/- per kWp for the additional one  kWp.  The  subsidy  is  capped  at  3  kWp  rooftop  solar  plant  capacity  for  individual household.
- For Group Housing Societies/ Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA) the CFA is Rs. 18,000/- per kWp with rooftop solar plant capacity limit of 500 kWp.
- In  case  of  special  category  states/UTs  including  Uttarakhand,  Himachal  Pradesh,  J&K, Ladakh, States in the North East Region, UTs of A&N and Lakshadweep, the CFA is 10% higher.
- (d) There is no grid connectivity problem as under PMSG: MBY, all DISCOMs have waived the requirement of technical feasibility approval for residential consumers installing rooftop solar upto 10 kW capacity.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3190 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Telecommunication Facilities in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Ram Shiromani Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3190 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN UTTAR PRADESH

## †3190.  SHRI RAM SHIROMANI VERMA:

Will the Minister of  COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether there are adequate telecommunication facilities across all the remote villages and border areas of Uttar Pradesh including the Terai region bordering Nepal in Shravasti and Balrampur districts; and

(b) if not, the steps taken/proposed to be taken to upgrade/strengthen telecom facilities in the said areas?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) & (b) Out  of  1,196  villages/habitations  in  the  border  areas  of  Uttar  Pradesh,  1,192 villages/habitations are having mobile coverage. Shravasti and Balrampur districts collectively have 280 border villages/habitations, out of these, 278 villages/habitations are having mobile coverage.

Mobile  coverage  for  inhabited  uncovered  villages  is  provided  by  the  Telecom  Service Providers (TSPs) based on their techno-commercial viability. Government, through funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), is implementing various schemes for expansion of telecom connectivity through installation of mobile towers in the rural, remote and border areas of the country, including Uttar Pradesh.

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