Month: May 2024

JD(S) MLA from Holenarasipura HD Revanna, who was arrested on charges of kidnapping case linked to the ‘obscene video’ case, was released from Parappana Agrahara Jail on Tuesday after he was granted conditional bail by a special court of people’s representatives.

On Monday, HD Revanna, who was arrested in connection with the kidnapping case linked to the ‘obscene video’ case, was granted conditional bail by a special court of people’s representatives.

The judge granted conditional bail to Revanna, on a Rs 5 lakh bond.

He was arrested on May 4 by SIT officials in a kidnapping case registered against him at KR Nagar police station in the city.

HD Revanna had been sent to judicial custody till May 14 in connection with the ‘obscene video’ kidnapping case on May 8.

He was arrested by the Special Investigation Team on May 4 in connection with an alleged kidnapping case registered against him at KR Nagar police station in Bengaluru.

HD Revanna and his son, Prajwal Revanna, are facing a probe by an SIT, constituted by the Karnataka government over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against the duo following a complaint by a woman who worked in their household.

HD Revanna, who is a JD(S) MLA from Holenarsipura, along with his associate were booked under Sections 364A (kidnapping for ransom), 365 (kidnapping with intent to cause harm), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

The FIR, registered by KR Nagar police, lists HD Revanna as accused number one and another man, identified as Babanna, as accused number two.

However, HD Revanna has termed this case a “political conspiracy” against him.”It’s a political conspiracy going on against me. In my 40 years of political life, I have never seen anything like this,” he told reporters.

Prajwal Revanna and his father, HD Revanna, are facing a probe by a Special Investigative Team (SIT), constituted by the Karnataka government, over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation following a complaint by a woman who worked in their household. (ANI)

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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued a warning about cyber criminals who are engaged in ‘blackmail’ and ‘digital arrest’ while impersonating as officers from government agencies like NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies as well as state and Union Territory Police.

In a statement, the MHA mentioned that a large number of complaints are being reported on National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) regarding intimidation, blackmail, extortion and “digital arrests” by cyber criminals posing as police authorities, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Department, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Enforcement Directorate and other Law Enforcement Agencies.

“These fraudsters typically call a potential victim and inform that the victim has sent or is the intended recipient of a parcel, which contains illegal goods, drugs, fake passports or any other contraband item,” said the MHA.

Sometimes, the Ministry said, they (the criminals) also inform that a near or dear one of the victim has been found to be involved in a crime or an accident and is in their custody.

A demand for money is made to compromise the “case”, it said.

“In certain instances, unsuspecting victims are made to undergo “digital arrest” and remain visually available over Skype or other video conferencing platform to the fraudsters, till their demands are met.”

The fraudsters are known to use studios modelled on police stations and government offices and wear uniforms to appear genuine, alerts the MHA.

Across the country, it further said, several victims have lost large amounts of money to such criminals.

As per the Ministry, this is an “organized online economic crime and is learnt to be operated by cross-border crime syndicates.”

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, coordinates activities related to combating cybercrime in the country, it said.

“MHA is closely working with other Ministries and their agencies, RBI and other organizations to counter these frauds. I4C is also providing inputs and technical support to Police Authorities of States/UTs for identifying and investigating the cases,” said the Ministry.

It further added that its I4C wing has also blocked more than 1,000 Skype IDs involved in such activities, in collaboration with Microsoft. “It is also facilitating blocking of SIM cards, mobile devices and Mule accounts used by such fraudsters.”

“I4C has also issued various alerts through infographics and videos on its social media platform ‘Cyberdost’ for eg X, Facebook, Instagram and others,” the MHA mentioned.

“Citizens are advised to be alert and spread awareness about these types of frauds. On receipt of such calls, the citizens should immediately report the incident on cybercrime helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in for assistance,” it added. (ANI)

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Condemning the alleged assault on the party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Tuesday said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the matter and has directed for strict action in the incident.

Addressing a press conference, Sanjay Singh said, “Yesterday, an incident took place. At the residence of Arvind Kejriwal, an incident of misbehaviour took place with Swati Maliwal by Vibhav Kumar (Arvind Kejriwal’s PA). Swati Maliwal has informed about this incident to Delhi Police. This is a condemnable incident. Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognizance of the incident and has directed strict action in the incident. We are with Swati Maliwal.”

Meanwhile, according to Delhi Police, Swati Maliwal has not yet contacted Delhi Police to register her complaint. The police said that it would wait for some more time for the complaint and if no complaint is still received from Swati Maliwal, then Delhi Police might contact her.

According to Delhi Police sources, a PCR call means asking for police help in an emergency and not filing any complaint. “The complaint is registered only when the complainant registers his complaint in writing in the police station, in this case also by Swati Maliwal. Unless a written complaint is lodged, Delhi Police can neither register any complaint nor any FIR.”

Earlier today, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House was adjourned on Tuesday without any discussion following a ruckus by councillors of the BJP over the issue of the alleged assault of Aam Admi Party MP Swati Maliwal and the demands for the appointment of a ‘Dalit’ Mayor.

Holding placards, the councillors of the BJP also raised slogans against the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Hours after the House was adjourned, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi told ANI, “All the councillors of the BJP created a ruckus inside the house…BJP councillors didn’t allow any discussion on issues of MCD…For the past 1-1.5 years, BJP has not allowed the formation of a standing committee, special committee, ward committee…”

Delhi Police said on Monday that no complaint has been received in connection with the alleged assault against Swati Maliwal at the Chief Minister’s residence.

“At around 9.34 am, we received a PCR call wherein the caller said that she had been assaulted inside the CM residence. Accordingly, local police responded to the call and SHO and the local police reached the spot. After some time, MP Swati Maliwal came to the police station, Civil Lines. She left the police station without giving any complaints. In this matter till now, no complaints have been received,” DCP Manoj Kumar Meena said.

This comes nearly just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the National Capital and following the release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from jail. The Supreme Court has granted him interim bail till June 1. All seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will vote on May 25. The Aam Admi Party and Congress are jointly fighting the elections. As per the arrangement, AAP will be contesting 4 seats and Congress on 3. (ANI)

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US State Secretary Antony Blinken on Tuesday embarked on an unannounced visit to Ukraine to foster ties and reaffirm American support to Kyiv amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Secretary Blinken shared details of his arrival in Kyiv on X saying, “I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression.”

Additionally, US State Department official spokesperson Matthew Miller also shared that Secretary Blinken will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior leaders to discuss battlefield updates.

“While in Kyiv, the Secretary will meet with President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian senior leaders to discuss battlefield updates, the impact of new US security and economic assistance, and ongoing work to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery,” he posted on X.

The visit comes as the United States announced a USD 400 million military aid package for Ukraine as the country continues to be in desperate need of Western aid amid intensifying pressure from Russia, The Hill reported.

This package is the third slated for Kyiv after the US passed the national security supplemental last month that included USD 61 billion for Kyiv.

The new package includes Patriot air defence munitions and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, which have been crucial to defending Ukraine’s skies and keeping its cities safe, The Hill reported on Friday.

Other equipment includes more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds, which Ukraine was in desperate need of to fend off Russian attacks across the front line as Moscow has an advantage in artillery fire, the report said.

The US is also providing Javelin missiles, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol boats and general small arms ammunition, grenades and demolition munitions.

Notably, the announcement comes after the passage of an initial USD 1 billion package in late April, shortly after President Biden signed the national security supplemental bill into law. This had come after months of Congress holding up talks on new aid for Ukraine.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also announced a USD 6 billion package for Ukraine that will require Kyiv to purchase equipment from the defence industrial base before delivery, The Hill reported.

As Russia intensifies pressure across the eastern frontline, making critical advances in the Donetsk region, US aid will play a crucial role in the Ukrainian counter-offensive.

This announcement comes on the heels of a fresh attack launched by Russia in the north-eastern Kharkiv region, putting even more pressure on Ukrainian forces. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday filed his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister is seeking a third consecutive term from the constituency and hoping to win with a record margin.

PM Modi, the sitting MP and BJP’s candiatate, filed his nomination papers at the district magistrate’s office. Varansi will go in for polling in the seventh and last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1. The counting of the votes will be held on June 4.

PM Modi arrived at the DM office in Varanasi clad in a full-sleeved white Kurta with white churidar and Blue jacket.

The PM was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Uttar Pradesh outside the Kal Bhairav temple. The Prime Minister was given a rousing welcome from people who showered flower petals and chanted slogans of ‘Modi, Modi’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ outside the temple.

Ahead of filing his nomination, he offered prayers at Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges in the temple town and boarded a cruise to the Namo Ghat.

He offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi and was seen performing Aarti at the Temple.

PM Modi also performed Ganga Aarti, offering prayers to the River Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Saptami today.

A total of 25 NDA leaders attended the nomination of the Prime Minister including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma were also present.

The NDA leaders TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) National President Chirag Paswan, Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Praful Patel, Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jiten Ram Manjhi, President of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party Om Prakash Rajbhar, President of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, Upendra Kushwaha, Uttar Pradesh minister and Nishad party Chief Sanjay Nishad, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel, Pashupati Kumar Paras, Bhupendra Chaudhary, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary, Tamil Maanila Congress President GK Vasan, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, were present at the DM office in Varanasi.

Yesterday, PM Modi held the 5-km-long massive roadshow in Varanasi, a large number of women in saffron attire walked ahead of the vehicle in which Modi was standing.

PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh. The whole stretch reverberated with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants as a huge crowd of supporters and residents gathered on either side of the road to cheer the Prime Minister.

The Varanasi seat comprises five Assembly segments, including Rohaniya, Varanasi North, Varanasi South, Varanasi Cantt, and Sevapuri. Varanasi is the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Modi. This will be the most anticipated contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi won the constituency with resounding majority in both the 2014 and 2019 general polls.

This time he is facing Congress candidate Ajay Rai, who is the Opposition INDIA bloc’s joint nominee against the Prime Minister. The UP Congress chief, Rai, was also fielded by the Congress against the PM in Varanasi in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls, but he finished third both times.

This is the third time Ajay Rai will face Modi in a Lok Sabha contest.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi won the seat with over 6,74,664 votes and commanded a vote share of 63.6 per cent.

In 2014, Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a clash between Narendra Modi, then the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. PM Modi won the elections with a margin exceeding 3 lakh votes.

In 2014, PM Modi contested two Lok Sabha seats- from Gujarat’s Vadodara and Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. (ANI)

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Political activist from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Amjad Ayub Mirza on Monday, requested the Indian government to summon the Pakistan ambassador for an explanation, after Pakistan Rangers opened fire on thousands of locals in Muzaffarabad, protesting to raise their demands.

Mirza, in a video statement, stressed that the situation in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is very serious.

The political activist emphasised that earlier today, about 500,000 people descended upon Muzaffarabad and its suburbs to protest against taxes on electricity bills, cuts in subsidies and to demand an end to the perks and privileges of the Prime Minister and President.

He urged for global support and demanded the international community to come, stand by them and raise their voice for the locals of PoJK.

“The Indian repertoire in the United Nations, we request them to raise their voice at the United Nations Forum. We also request the Indian government to instruct the Ministry of External Affairs to summon the Pakistan ambassador and ask for an explanation. This is the broad daylight murder that is taking place in PoJK. Our lives are in danger. People’s lives are in danger.”

The incident has left several locals of the area injured, as locals in several thousand were out on the streets to raise their demands.

“At the moment the situation in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is getting very very serious. This morning, about 500,000 people descended upon Muzaffarabad and in the suburbs to protest against taxes on electricity bills, cuts in subsidies and to demand an end to the perks and privileges of the Prime Minister, the President, all members of the Legislative Assembly as well as the judges and bureaucracy,” Mirza said.

During this march, the Pakistan Rangers tried to baton charge and stop the advancing long march, Mirza said.

“Suddenly the protesters hit back and the Rangers retreated. It seemed as if the Rangers have disappeared from the scene, but then they came with heavy contingency of rangers,” he added.

However, the government of PoJK suddenly announced that they had reached an agreement accepting all demands of the Awami Action Committee (AAC).

They issued a notification, stating that the first 100 units of electricity will be charged at a fixed rate of three Rupees per unit, instead of 30, 40, 50 rupees per unit, Mirza said.

“They also said that the prices of the wheat have been reduced by about Rs 600-700 a month and that the Pakistan government has agreed to give an annual grant of 23 billion Rupees for facilitating these new prices” he added.

Mirza further in his statement said, “It was noticed that the notification issued by PoJK administration did not have a dispatch number. The people, the leaders of the Jammu-Kashmir Joint Action Committee (JAAC) are curious about it and they asked people to march towards Gilani Square, which is now called Aziz Chowk.”

Mirza further highlighted that the Rangers began open firing and at least three people died and over 19 were injured. “The death toll is said to maybe increase,” Mirza added.

He further said that the internet has totally shut down in the region, stressing that they are in a desperate situation.

“The army commandos started to land in helicopters in the center of Muzaffarabad and each helicopter was carrying about 20 to 25 commandos and they started to land and we don’t know what is happening now because the internet is totally shut down and other people are dying. We are in a desperate situation,” Mirza said. (ANI)

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The Patiala House Court of Delhi on Monday granted bail to accused Arun Reddy who allegedly handled the ‘Spirit of Congress’ X account, in the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s deepfake morphed video’ case on furnishing of bail bonds in the sum of Rs. 50,000/- with one surety in the like amount.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Nabila Wali on Monday observed that the prime allegation against the applicant/ accused on the basis of which he was arrested is being the ‘Admin’ of the Whats App group on which the alleged fake video was first posted for circulation. However, there

are no allegations of the applicant/ accused having posted/ circulated the said video on any forum.

Reddy was recently arrested by the Delhi Police in the case and was in Judicial Custody.

According to the Police he handles the group called ‘Spirit of Congress’ X account, in the Union Home Minister Amit Shah ‘deepfake morphed video’ case.

The Delhi Police had arrested Arun Reddy, who handles the ‘Spirit of Congress’ X account, in connection with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s doctored video case.

In the doctored video, the Union Home Minster is purportedly heard saying that the BJP stands against the reservations in the country.

However, during his address at a public meeting in Congress-ruled Telangana, Shah said, “If the BJP forms the government here, we will withdraw the unconstitutional reservations to Muslims. We will ensure that the SCs, STs and OBCs get quotas as guaranteed under the Constitution.”

Earlier, five Congress workers were arrested by the Telangana Police in connection with Shah’s fake video case. (ANI)

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The situation continues to worsen as fresh violence erupted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) due to clashes between protestors and authorities.

Several videos circulating on social media show protesting civilians running for their lives as protests turn violent, as seen in the videos. 

This comes amid a wheel-jam strike that is continuing for the fourth consecutive day in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Protesters have already started sit-ins, effectively shutting down the Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road at various points along its 40-kilometre stretch, which connects Kohala town with Muzaffarabad in PoJK. Their route from Dhirkot is expected to lead them to the capital.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of PoJK, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, has said that the Awami Action Committee’s (AAC) demands have been met by the state administration following a fourth day of violent protests against increases in taxes and the price of power.

“No one can reject two fundamental demands regarding cheap roti [bread] and electricity,” PM Anwar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif assured of his all-out support to address issues of the PoJK people, reported Geo News.

He made it clear that the government did not intend to interfere with the PoJK people’s non-violent struggle and would not attempt to influence one in the future.

In spite of legal infractions, he claimed, the administration showed tolerance and patience. He further mentioned that while not a single marcher was hurt, over 100 police officers were hurt in violent altercations with the demonstrators. 

Accepting all demands placed by the AAC, the PoJK government issued a notification regarding subsidies for power and food commodities.

However, the Awami Action Committee (AAC) is expected to call off the protest today.

The price of flour, according to PoJK PM has been lowered from (PKR) 3,100 to (PKR) 2,000 per 40 kilogrammes, according the notice.

Whereas, electricity rates will therefore be (PKR) 3 per unit for usage within the first 100 units, (PKR) 5 per unit for usage within the next 100 to 300 units, and (PKR) 6 per unit for usage beyond the 300 unit threshold.

Commercial power tariffs are established at (PKR) 10 per unit for slabs of one to three hundred units and (PKR) 15 per unit for slabs of three hundred units or more, reported Geo News.

The AAC had called for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike across the state as a mark of their protest against electricity price hikes and taxes. However, the situation escalated as clashes broke out between protesters and police.

During the clashes, a sub-inspector lost his life. Several policemen and protesters also sustained injuries following tear gas shelling and stone-pelting incidents.

The protesters’ actions also led to the vandalism of multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car, along the Poonch-Kotli road. Additionally, markets, trade centers, offices, schools, and restaurants remained closed across PoJK.

In response to the violence, police launched a massive crackdown and arrested dozens of individuals in the PoJK capital.

Telecommunication and internet services were also suspended in various parts of PoJK, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns. In Mirpur, all mobile networks and internet services remained suspended. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the INDIA bloc leader over remarks made by Farooq Abdullah, Mani Shankar Aiyar and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and said that it appeared that certain leaders of the INDIA bloc had taken ‘Supari’ to speak against India.

Addressing a public rally in Muzaffarpur, PM Modi on Monday said that

“These (Congress and INDIA alliance) people are so afraid that they see Pakistan’s atom bombs even in their dreams. Can such a government and leader run the country? They (INDI alliance leaders) say, ‘Pakistan ne choodiyan nahi pehni hain, are bhai pehna denge. Ab unko aata bhi chahiye, unke pass bijli bhi nahi hai, ab humein maloom nahi ki unke pass choodiyan bhi nahi hai’. Some people are giving clean chits to the accused of 26/11. Some people are raising questions on Surgical strikes and Air strikes. These Left people wants to destroy the nuclear power of country. It seems like ‘INDI alliance ne India ke khilaf supari le li hai.’ You people tell me that do these people can take decisions for the country?” without naming Abdullah, PM Modi highlighted the economic problems of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said that there is a storm in favour of the BJP and NDA in the country.

“The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election is being conducted in the country. With your blessings, there is a storm in the favour of BJP and NDA in the country. Wherever I go, I hear the same thing. ‘Fir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkaar’. It’s the election to decide the future; to decide the leader and this country doesn’t want to choose a weak and unstable government like Congress,” he added.

PM Modi further said that the people of Muzaffarpur and Bihar have suffered the wounds of naxalism for decades.

“The people of Muzaffarpur and Bihar have suffered the wounds of naxalism for decades. The previous governments nurtured naxalism and also used it against you. Due to crime and naxalism, all the industries and businesses in Bihar were ruined,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that RJD’s Jungle Raj had pushed Bihar back several decades.

“Life during the Jungle Raj was terrifying and scary. RJD’s Jungle Raj had pushed Bihar back several decades. This is the NDA government, which has brought law and order back on track in Bihar. Now the naxalism-affected districts are also decreasing rapidly,” he added.

PM Modi asserted that during the Congress regime, an LED bulb used to cost Rs 400 and in Modi’s regime, it is Rs 40-50.

“During the Congress regime, an LED bulb used to cost Rs 400, but Modi reduced its price to Rs 40-50. By providing cheap LED bulbs to every household, the government has saved Rs 20 thousand crores in the electricity bills of the poor and middle class. Modi has made another scheme that will double your profit. With this scheme, your electricity bill will become zero. The name of this scheme is- PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme. Under this scheme, the government will give you Rs 75,000 for installing solar panels on the roof. Use as much electricity as you need,” he said.

Earlier, In an April 15 interview Congress’ Mani Shankar Aiyar had said that Pakistan is a respected nation that also possesses an atom bomb so India must enter into a dialogue with them.

On May 10, Telangana Chief Minister Revnath Reddy raised fresh questions over the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 and the retaliatory airstrikes on a terror hideout in Balakote, deep inside Pakistan.

The 40 seats in Bihar are undergoing polls in all seven phases. In 2019, the BJP-led NDA swept the state by winning 39 out of 40 seats, while Congress won just one seat. RJD, a formidable force in the state, failed to open its account.

The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), the opposition coalition in Bihar, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, recently announced that the RJD, its largest constituent, will contest 26 out of the state’s 40 Lok Sabha seats. As part of the NDA, BJP and JD(U) will contest on 17 and 16 seats respectively. (ANI)

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