Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 22-07-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 22-07-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. COVID-19 – 6 lakh Covid cases in July, more than in all past months together – India has recorded more Covid-19 cases in July so far than in all previous months put together. July’s count crossed 6 lakh on Tuesday (July 21), going past the cumulative caseload of 5.9 lakh recorded till June 30. The death toll this month also topped 11,000, accounting for nearly 40% of all fatalities since the pandemic’s outbreak. There were 670 deaths on Tuesday, taking the total to 28,723. India now has the world’s seventh highest Covid toll, having crossed Spain’s count of 28,422 fatalities. The country reported 38,444 new cases, the second highest single-day tally after the 40,000-plus count on Sunday (July 19).
2. World – EU nations strike €750bn deal to save virus-hit eco – European Union leaders have stepped up to confront one of the gravest challenges in the bloc’s history, agreeing to a landmark spending package to rescue their economies from the ravages of the pandemic. The 750 billion euro ($857 billion) stimulus agreement sent a strong signal of solidarity. The EU’s executive commission predicts the bloc’s economy will shrink by 8.7% this year and rebound by 6.1% next year. The goal of the spending is to support that upswing. The deal was notable for its firsts: Countries will raise large sums by selling bonds collectively, rather than individually; and much of that money will be handed out to member nations hit hardest by the pandemic as grants, not loans. Economists predict a recession in Europe far worse than anything since World War II.
3. Economy – Close to limited trade deal with U.S., says Piyush Goyal – India and the U.S. have “almost” finalised a limited trade deal. India is seeking concessions for generic drugs it exports to the United States in return for opening its dairy markets and slashing tariffs on farm goods as the two sides seek to clinch a new trade accord. They have been negotiating a limited trade pact aimed also at restoring zero tariffs on a range of Indian exports to the United States under its Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), from which the Trump administration withdrew last year, citing lack of reciprocal access to Indian markets. Officials said New Delhi and Washington should look at a preferential trade pact with 50 to 100 products and services before moving to a free trade pact.
4. Economy – Govt to revamp FTA strategy to ensure economic benefits – The government is recalibrating its strategy on entering into free trade agreements (FTAs) in a bid to ensure that the treaties provide economic and strategic benefits. Separately, the focus is on alliances with “peaceful” countries, especially those with which India does not have a significant trade deficit. There is expected to be greater thrust to FTAs with Australia and the European Union, with the UK and the US among countries with which India will engage more aggressively, while recognising that there is no need to rush into a deal. Off late, Singapore has been a miser in giving out fresh visas, citing domestic issues, while Japan has denied access to Indian nurses, pointing out a lack of language skills. What has also complicated matters is the presence of Chinese companies in Asean countries, which use the benefit of lower tariffs to route goods into India.
5. Polity & Governance – Russia meddled in Scottish vote, unclear on Brexit: UK parliament – Russia meddled in the 2014 Scottish referendum, and the British government failed to ask for a deep assessment of possible Kremlin-directed interference in the Brexit vote. There has been credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. The reports said there were open-source indications that Russia sought to influence the Brexit campaign but that the United Kingdom's government had not sought deep evidence of meddling.
   
6. COVID-19 – IRDAI approves group variant of Corona Kavach – The group variant of the COVID-19 specific, short term, standard health policy — Corona Kavach — is likely to be available soon, with insurance regulator IRDAI permitting insurers to offer such a cover. This is expected to be useful to private and public establishments for covering COVID-19 related medical needs of their employees. The standard group policy can provide protection to a large number of employees engaged in manufacturing, services, SMEs, MSMEs, logistics sector, migrant workers. It will “bring peace of mind to them, their family members and the employers”.
   
7. Environment & Ecology – Amid Covid, monsoon fury in 8 states leaves 470 dead – In the middle of the pandemic, monsoon has unleashed its fury in eight states, causing over 470 deaths due to floods and landslides, with the highest toll being recorded in West Bengal, Assam and Gujarat. This is the second disaster striking India since March this year, resulting in the deployment of at least 70 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rescue and relief. In the current monsoon season, West Bengal has reported the highest number of flood related deaths at 142, excluding five missing, followed by Assam (111) and Gujarat (81). The other worst-affected states include Maharashtra with 46 deaths and Madhya Pradesh with 44 deaths.
8. Defence – India, Russia defence logistics sharing pact likely to be signed by year-end – A formal agreement between India and Russia on defence logistics sharing to enable seamless access to each other's military bases is likely to be signed at the annual summit planned later this year (2020). The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement will not only simplify interoperability but also enable support to military platforms like warships and aircraft. Under the agreement, warships of both the countries will get access to mutual ports and exclusive economic zones to refuel and pick up supplies. Similarly, the proposed agreement will also enable the Indian Air Force to deploy aircraft for joint exercises.
   
9. Polity & Governance – Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85 – Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away in the early hours of Tuesday (July 21) at the age of 85. He played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator, always giving importance to public welfare. In his career spanning five decades, Tandon served in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council for two terms from 1978 to 1984, and 1990-1996; as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for three terms between 1996 to 2009; as MP in the 15th Lok Sabha; and Governor of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
10. People & Personalities – C.S. Seshadri, a leader of Indian mathematics, passes away in Chennai – C.S. Seshadri, one of the leaders of Indian mathematics in the post-Independence era, passed away late on July 17 in Chennai. He was 88. A leader in the field of algebraic geometry, he made breakthroughs that lie at the base of many branches of this profound discipline. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1988 and a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, USA in 2010. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2009.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	NIT, Calicut	Resident Medical Officer, Tech. Asst, Computer Asst	125	DMLT, Dip., MBBS, B.E/ B.Tech, BAC, P	August 5, 2020	http://www.nitc.ac.in/app/webroot/img/upload/Annexure_Non-teaching_2020.pdf
2	WAPCOS Ltd.	Manager, Supervisor, Amin, Asst Eng.	18	Degree, Dip. ICWAI/ CA	July 22, 2020	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/07/Notification-WAPCOS-Ltd-Manager-Sr-Manager-Asst-Manager-Other-Posts.pdf
3	Army Recru. Office, Palampur	Soldier	--	10th Class, 10+2	Sept. 4, 2020	https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/BRAVO_NotificationPDF/Rally_Notification_of_ARO_Palampur_from_18_Sep_to_28_Sep_2020-converted__1_.pdf
4	Visakha Inst. of Medical Sciences	Office Subordinate, ParaMedical, Physiotherapist	582	10th, Degree, B.Sc/ M.Sc	July 23, 2020	http://www.vimsvskp.com/notifications/
5	Bihar Police	Forest Guard	484	10 + 2	Sept. 4, 2020	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/07/Notification-Bihar-Police-Forest-Guard-Advt-No.-03-2020.pdf
6	Thane Municipal Corporation	Data Entry Operator	50	Degree, Typing Knowledge	July 22, 2020	https://thanecity.gov.in/tmc/cache/1/17-Jul-20/EIP/EIP_PUBLIC_NOTICES/HOME_PAGE/1594989365782/Adv.%2017.07.2020%20new.pdf
7	BNCMC	Assistant Legal Officer	5	---	July 28, 2020	https://bncmc.gov.in/upload/vidhi%20vibhag.jpeg

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• SECTION 2 - DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

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• 1. CONSTITUTION AND LAW (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

1.1 The 19 rebel MLAs of Rajasthan's ruling party (Congress) have filed a petition before the High Court challenging the disqualification notices issued to them by the Assembly Speaker under Anti Defection Law

• Key Points -

1. The disqualification notice was issued on MLAs’ absence from successive Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meetings and a “conspiracy to bring down the government”.
2. In their writ petition, MLAs, citing violation of their freedom of speech and expression the legislators argued that they had neither given up their membership of the House nor did their failure to attend the two CLP meetings render them liable for disqualification on the ground of defection.
3. Therefore they challenged Clause 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (which states that a member may be disqualified “if he has voluntarily given up his membership” of a political party), and the validity of the Rajasthan Assembly Members (Disqualification on the Grounds of Changing Party) Rules, 1989.
4. They also contended that they could not be disqualified merely for disagreeing with the decisions and policies of some leaders outside the Assembly.

• SC Verdict -

1. The SC in the Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others, 1992 has said that judicial review cannot be available at a stage prior to the making of a decision by the Speaker/Chairmann nor would interference be permissible at an interlocutory stage of the proceedings.
2. The only exception for any interlocutory interference (decree or judgment) being cases of interlocutory disqualifications or suspensions which may have grave, immediate and irreversible repercussions and consequences.
3. Therefore, Constitutional courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution until the Speaker or Chairman makes a final decision on merits. The reason for limiting the role of courts is the respect and esteem of the speaker’s place.

• Anti-Defection Law - 

1. The Anti-Defection Law was passed in 1985 through the 52nd amendment to the Constitution. It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat “the evil of political defections”.
2. According to it, a member of a House belonging to any political party becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, if:
3. He voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or
4. He votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.
5. Exceptions to the Disqualification on the Ground of Defection.
6. If a member goes out of his party as a result of a merger of the party with another party. A merger takes place when two-thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such a merger.
7. If a member, after being elected as the presiding officer of the House, voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or rejoins it after he ceases to hold that office. This exemption has been provided in view of the dignity and impartiality of the office.
8. Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.
   

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• 2. ECONOMY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper

2.1 Consumer Protection Act, 2019 comes into force, covers e-commerce too

• Key points - 

1. The e-commerce portals will have to set up a robust consumer redressal mechanism as part of the rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, that come to force on Monday (July 20).
2. This is the first time that such detailed rules have been published by the government of India regarding e-commerce entities.

• Highlights -

1. Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020, which fall under the Consumer Protection Act, will be notified within next few days.
2. The e-commerce entities will have to provide every detail relating to return, refund, exchange, warranty and guarantee, delivery and shipment, modes of payment, grievance redressal mechanism, payment methods, security of payment methods, charge-back options and so on.
3. They will also have to mention the country of origin which are necessary for enabling the consumer to make an informed decision at the pre-purchase stage on its platform.
4. The e-commerce platforms also have to acknowledge the receipt of any consumer complaint within forty-eight hours and redress the complaint within one month from the date of receipt under this Act.
5. They will also have to appoint a grievance officer for consumer grievance redressal.
6. These rules are mandatory and not merely advisories as issued earlier.
7. As per the rules, sellers cannot refuse to take back goods or withdraw services or refuse refunds, if such goods or services are defective, deficient, delivered late, or if they do not meet the description on the platform.
8. The rules also prohibit the e-commerce companies from manipulating the price of the goods or services to gain unreasonable profit through unjustified prices.

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• 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)

3.1 Scientists have reported the discovery of the first super giant isopod species in the eastern Indian Ocean named ‘Bathynomus raksasa’

•  Key point -  

1. It has been described as the ‘cockroach of the sea’.
2. A team of researchers from Singapore discovered it while exploring waters of the Indian Ocean in Bantan, off the southern coast of West Java in Indonesia in 2018.

• Super Giant Isopod -

1. The Bathynomus raksasa is a super giant isopod in the genus Bathynomus. It measures around 50 cm in length, which is big for isopods, which normally do not grow beyond 33 cm.
2. Isopods are marine invertebrates (animals without backbones) that belong to the greater crustacean group of animals, which also includes crabs and shrimp.
3. They live in many different types of habitat, from mountains and deserts to the deep sea.
4. It has 14 legs but uses these only to crawl along the bed of oceans in search of food.
5. The only member of the isopod species that exceeds the raksasa in size is the Bathynomus giganteus, which is commonly found in the deep waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
6. As a scavenger, it eats the remains of dead marine animals a trait that it shares with the cockroach.

• Importance -

1. It is the first recorded species of the genus Bathynomus from Indonesia and the sixth ‘supergiant’ species from the Indo-West Pacific, and is one of the largest known members of the genus Bathynomus.

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• 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

4.1 UAE launches mission to Mars, becomes first Arab country to do so

• Key points -

1. The UAE has successfully launched its Mars probe, named Hope, making history as the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission.
2. Emiratis and Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with US educational institutions to develop and build the Hope Probe.
3. The MBRSC space centre in Dubai will oversee the spacecraft during its 494 million km (307 million mile) journey at an average speed of 121,000kph.

• Highlights -

1. The rocket blasted off successfully from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center for a seven-month journey to the red planet.
2. There are currently eight active missions exploring Mars; some orbit the planet and some have landed on its surface. China and the United States each plan to send another this year.
3. The Emirates Mars Mission has cost $200m. It aims to provide a complete picture of the planet's atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes.
4. The UAE first announced plans for the mission in 2014 and launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise.
5. Its population of 9.4 million people, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the big spacefaring nations.
6. It has an ambitious plan for a Mars settlement by 2117.
7. Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space in September 2019 when he flew to the International Space Station.

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• 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)

5.1 PM SVANidhi Scheme approved loans to over 48,000 street vendors so far

•  The Scheme -  

1. PM SVANidhi Scheme aims at providing affordable working capital loan to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to Covid-19 lockdown.
2. This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh street vendors who had been vending on or before 24 March, 2020, in urban areas including those from surrounding peri-urban/ rural areas.
3. Under the scheme, the vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year.
4. On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly basis.
5. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.
6. The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
7. Moreover, the vendors can achieve their ambition of going up on the economic ladder by availing the facility of enhancement of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan.
8. Since the commencement of lending process under PM SVANidhi Scheme on July 02, more than 1,54,000 street vendors have applied for loan across States/ UTs and out of which over 48,000 have already been sanctioned.

• The mobile application -  

1. The Central Government launched the mobile application of PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme on July 17.
2. The App aims to provide user friendly digital interface for Lending Institutions (LIs) and their field functionaries for sourcing and processing loan applications of street vendors under the Scheme.
3. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the web portal on June 29, 2020.
4. This App has all the features similar to the web portal of PM SVANidhi added with the feature of easy portability.
5. The features include vendor search in the survey data, e-KYC of applicants, processing of applications, and real time monitoring.

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Weekly Roundup – Banking and Finance

• Insurance regulator IRDAI clears Corona Kavach policy - Insurance regulator IRDAI has cleared the Corona Kavach policy or the standard COVID-19 specific product of 30 general and health insurers. July 10, 2020 was the deadline for the insurers to unveil the policy conceived by IRDAI. As per IRDAI directions, it is a single premium, indemnity policy, available on individual and family floater basis with an optional cover on benefit basis. The sum insured ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh. The policy period is three-and-a-half months; six-and-a-half months and nine-and-a-half months, including the waiting period of 15 days.
• Cover for more than ₹5 lakh can be offered under Arogya Sanjeevani: IRDAI - General and health insurers can offer cover for more than ₹5 lakh, under Arogya Sanjeevani, the standard individual health insurance product that IRDAI had mandated them to offer earlier this year. The regulator on July 8, 2020 relaxed the sum insured limits.
• Cabinet approves Rs 12,450 crore capital infusion in 3 PSU General Insurers - The Union Cabinet on July 8, 2020 approved capital infusion of Rs 12,450 crore in three Public Sector General Insurance Companies – Oriental Insurance Company Limited, National Insurance Company Limited and United India Insurance Company Limited – to strengthen their capital base and make them more stable. 
• Either sell or advise, SEBI says investment advisers can’t do both - From October 1, investment advisers can either distribute financial products or advise on them to investors, but cannot do both, capital markets regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) said.
  

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Indian Navy holds passage exercise with ‘USS Nimitz’ carrier group

• Key points:

1. Indian naval ships on Monday (July 20) conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United States Navy’s USS Nimitz carrier strike group near the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands as it is transiting the Indian Ocean.
2. The exercise comes amidst high alert by the Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) due to the ongoing stand-off with China along the border in Ladakh.
3. The passage exercise involved a total of eight Indian and US warships.
4. The Nimitz carrier strike group, consisting of flagship USS Nimitz, Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson took part in the drills.
5. India was represented by INS Rana, INS Sahyadri, INS Shivalik and INS Kamorta.

• Highlights -  

1. The Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy is currently carrying out manoeuvres near Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the warships that took part in the exercise were from that fleet.
2. The US 7th Fleet said, while operating together, the US and Indian naval forces conducted high-end exercises designed to maximize training and interoperability, including air defence.
3. Nimitz carrier strike group’s operations were designed to provide security throughout the region while building partnerships with friends and allies.
4. The 7th Fleet is the largest of the US Navy’s forward deployed fleets.
5. The Indian Air Force has deployed half a squadron (eight to 10) of its Jaguar fighters at the Car Nicobar air base, in a show of strength amidst the tense confrontation between Indian and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
6. The IAF has raised its guard along the northern border to deal with any military provocation by the Chinese forces and forward bases have been ordered to be on their highest state of alert.

• Importance of naval engagements –  

1. Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of US and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism.
2. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the US and India and allow both countries to learn from each other.
   

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• 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)

8.1 Not Available Today

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• 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)

9.1 CSRI-CMERI, Durgapur, unveils COVID Protection System for workplace

• Key points - 

1. CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, unveiled the COVID Protection System (COPS) for workplace in the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario.
2. The system can be utilised by organisations as healthcare workers and frontline security guards are vulnerable to COVID-19 through infected individuals and contaminated objects.

• Detailed news –

1. CSIR-CMERI in the near future is expected to develop a Digital Entry Management Systems whereby workflow would be automated and would be based upon Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.
2. The COPS for Workplace includes contactless Solar Based Intelligent Mask Automated Dispensing Unit cum Thermal Scanner (IntelliMAST), Touchless Faucet (TouF) and 360 degree Car Flusher are now available for Technology Transfers and Product Orders.
3. CSIR-CMERI aims to support and align the Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs while developing its technologies to give boost to their aspirations and give them a platform to showcase their Innovative potential.  
4. CSIR-CMERI is also focused upon developing products Made in India, which will consequently boost the Atma-Nirbhar Bharat flagship initiative of the Government of India.
5. The COPS is a conglomeration of Solar Based Intelligent Mask Automated Dispensing Unit cum Thermal Scanner (IntelliMAST), Touchless Faucet (TouF) and 360 degree Car Flusher.

• IntelliMAST - 

1. It is an Intelligent surveillance kiosk which identifies the body temperature and whether an individual is wearing Face Mask or not through customised Software solutions. 

• Touchless Faucet – 

1. It is being launched for households and Office Spaces. The system dispenses Liquid Soap and Water from the same Faucet with a time-gap of 30 seconds, which is as per the latest Government guidelines. 

• 360 degree Car Flusher – 

1. The CSIR-CMERI developed 360 degree Car Flusher is a Sodium Hypochlorite Water Screen which uses specialised Nozzle Design to ensure that the Sanitizer Diffused Water is evenly spread over and under the car body or wheels with adequate water force and coverage. 

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• 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)

10.1 Not Available Today

10.2 Daily dose of  FIVE Facts -

• The International Day of Parliamentarism was observed on: June 30.
• Arun Kumar Jha is the head of National Productivity Council.
• The age limit for voters to opt for postal ballot in Lok Sabha and assembly elections has been reduced from 80 years to: 65 years.
• Raj Mohan Vohra died due to COVID-19 on June 16, 2020 at the age of 88. He was winner of: Maha Vir Chakra.
• NAREDCO is National Real Estate Development Council.

10.3 Today's best editorials to read

• We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned. 

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AND READ!

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• SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

Solve the online quiz given, right now. Check scores, and relative performance!

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