Important News - 2025-04-04
04 April 2025
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Schemes (8)
Andhra Pradesh Launches Early Bird Portal and Guidelines for Industrial Development Policies
On Friday, Andhra Pradesh’s Industries & Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath and Minister for MSMEs Kondapalli Srinivas unveiled the operational guidelines and launched the Early Bird Portal under the AP Industrial Development Policy 4.0 (AP IDP 4.0), AP MSME & Entrepreneur Development Policy 4.0 (AP MEDP 4.0), and AP Food Processing Policy 4.0 (AP FPP 4.0). The guidelines outline eligibility criteria, incentive structures, application processes, timelines for approvals, and nodal agency responsibilities, ensuring seamless implementation through a single-window facilitation mechanism. The Early Bird Portal allows eligible industrial units to apply for incentives, rewarding early adopters and streamlining documentation and approval workflows. Secretary (Industries & Commerce and Food Processing) N. Yuvaraj highlighted the State’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive industrialization. Minister Bharath emphasized that these policies align with the government’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into an industrial hub, focusing on balanced regional development, employment creation, and environmental stewardship. He also mentioned the establishment of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) plant in Anakapalli district, the BPCL refinery at Ramayapatnam, and ongoing discussions about Kia Motors’ expansion in Anantapur. Regarding the Kadapa Steel Plant, Bharath stated that the government continues to pursue its establishment, keeping options open for partnerships with companies like Jindals.
Andhra Pradesh Launches Slot Booking Service for Document Registrations
On Friday, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Revenue, Registration & Stamps, A. Satya Prasad, launched a slot booking service for document registrations across 26 sub-registrar offices in the state. The initiative aims to streamline the registration process by allowing citizens to book convenient time slots online, reducing waiting times and minimizing the involvement of middlemen. The service enables sellers, buyers, and witnesses to complete document registration smoothly at their chosen time. Initially piloted in Gandhinagar and Kankipadu sub-registrar offices, the scheme received positive feedback and will be expanded to all 296 offices statewide. Online data entry, fee payment, and document preparation ensure that the registration process can be completed in just 10 minutes at the office. Additionally, registrations are permitted after 5 p.m. for those who miss booking a slot, and a special fee of ₹5,000 is applicable for registrations on public holidays.
Swachh Bharat Mission Prioritizes Toilet Construction in Eco-Sensitive Zones to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict
The Department of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), has directed the prioritization of toilet construction in villages located within eco-sensitive zones. This initiative aims to reduce human-animal conflicts caused by open defecation, which often leads to fatal encounters with wildlife such as tigers, leopards, and elephants. The order was issued by the department director to the CEOs of all zilla panchayats in Karnataka in response to a letter from wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi to Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge. Gubbi, the programme head of Holematthi Nature Foundation, highlighted that open defecation in forested areas increases the risk of wildlife attacks, as humans are sometimes mistaken for prey. The initiative aligns with the government's efforts to conserve eco-sensitive zones, which include national parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, while addressing local employment challenges and fostering positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation.
Nagababu Inaugurates Urban PHC and Developmental Projects in Pithapuram
Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) K. Nagababu inaugurated several developmental projects in the Pithapuram Assembly constituency on Friday. This marked his first visit to the constituency since becoming an MLC. Among the projects inaugurated were an ₹89 lakh Urban Primary Health Centre (PHC), a ₹65.24 lakh Head Water Works in Gollaprolu mandal, and an Anna Canteen. In Pithapuram, Nagababu also distributed house pattas to 15 families and inaugurated a new bus terminus near the Pada Gaya temple. During his interaction with locals, he addressed their grievances and assured them of a door-to-door survey to resolve their issues. Nagababu emphasized that he represents Deputy Chief Minister and Pithapuram MLA K. Pawan Kalyan and that all problems in the constituency would be registered and addressed by Kalyan. The event was attended by MLC P. Hari Prasad, Collector S. Shan Mohan, Kakinada Urban Development Authority Chairman Tummala Ramaswamy, and Jana Sena leaders.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Announces Multi-Specialty Hospitals and Mega MediCity Project in Amaravati
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to establish multi-specialty hospitals with 100 to 300 beds in every Assembly constituency. Out of the 175 constituencies, 70 already have hospitals with over 100 beds. The remaining 105 constituencies will see swift action to build these hospitals, potentially under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with incentives for private firms. Additionally, Naidu proposed the development of a Mega Global MediCity Project in Amaravati to international standards, attracting global medical tourism. He emphasized the need for high-quality medical services, supported by the Gates Foundation, and the implementation of virtual primary healthcare services in the absence of doctors at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs). Naidu also directed the recruitment of medical staff in Agency areas, the establishment of eight dialysis centers in Vizianagaram, and the upgrade of CHCs in Kovvur and Nidadavolu. Furthermore, he allocated ₹32.5 crore to strengthen 25 existing drug de-addiction centers and establish 13 new ones. The state has also made significant progress in healthcare initiatives, including the Digital Nerve Center (DiNC) developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Aadhaar card issuance to 4.47 crore people (88% coverage), and screening under the PM Janman scheme for TB elimination and sickle cell anemia.
Kerala Notifies 2025 Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code Rules
The Kerala government has officially notified the Kerala Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code Rules, 2025, which aim to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in building construction across the state. These rules, applicable to commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 kW or more or a contract demand of 120 kVA or more, cover various aspects such as building design, construction, and completion. The code, published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), includes standards for sustainable site planning, building envelope systems, lighting, electrical and renewable energy systems, water and waste management, and indoor environmental quality. The Energy Management Centre - Kerala, the State Designated Agency (SDA) for energy efficiency, emphasized that the provisions are designed to ensure energy conservation, renewable energy use, and environmental friendliness in buildings. Additionally, the rules expand the powers of the Kerala State Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code Implementation Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary. For further details, the public can visit the Energy Management Centre website: https://keralaenergy.gov.in.
Telangana CM Directs Education Commission to Formulate Comprehensive Education Policy
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana has instructed the Telangana Education Commission to develop a comprehensive policy aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's education system. During a review meeting with the Education Commission, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to address existing gaps and implement reforms to improve the quality of education. The government has prioritized the education sector, taking steps such as appointing teachers, forming Amma Adarsha Committees, distributing school uniforms and textbooks, and planning to establish Young India Integrated Residential Schools and Young India Skills University. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening primary education as a foundation for higher studies. The Education Commission is tasked with consulting stakeholders, including anganwadis and experts, to create a policy document that leverages available resources effectively. The goal is to make Telangana's education system a model for others. Former bureaucrat and Chairman of the Education Commission, Akunuri Murali, shared insights from visits to various states and countries, while Jayaprakash Narayan, General Secretary of the Foundation for Democratic Reforms, discussed the evolution of the education system since the 1960s and suggested reforms in the examination system and life skills development.
State Government Ensures Total Paddy Procurement and Timely Payments to Farmers
Nadendla Manohar, the Minister for Civil Supplies, reaffirmed the State government's commitment to procuring every grain of paddy from farmers during his visit to the Paddy Procurement Centre in Yathaluru village, Venkatagiri mandal, Tirupati district. Accompanied by local MLAs and officials, he interacted with farmers and sought their suggestions on improving the procurement process. The government has already procured 74,000 metric tonnes of paddy from 7,000 farmers, disbursing ₹154 crore within 24-48 hours. Manohar emphasized that the Alliance government prioritizes farmers' welfare, ensuring timely payments and total procurement through the 134 Rythu Seva Kendras (RSK) in the district. Additionally, the government cleared ₹1,674 crore in pending dues left by the previous administration. Later, Manohar distributed LPG cylinders under the Deepam–II Scheme in Tirupati before proceeding to Tirumala for the night.
Politics (10)
J&K Legislators Clash with L-G Sinha Over Official Transfers and People’s Mandate
On April 4, 2025, elected legislators of the ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, comprising the National Conference (NC) and Congress, accused Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of undermining the people’s mandate by transferring middle-rung officials in the Union Territory. This marked the first major confrontation since the elected government assumed power after a six-year gap. NC legislator Tanvir Sadiq emphasized the alliance’s commitment to coordination with the L-G administration and the Government of India (GoI) but warned against pushing them to the wall. The legislators passed two key resolutions during an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: urging the Centre to respect the people’s mandate and opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which they termed discriminatory and anti-Muslim. L-G Sinha defended the transfers, stating they were within his jurisdiction as defined by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. BJP leader Sunil Sharma supported the L-G’s actions, while PDP leaders criticized the NC for focusing on administrative issues rather than addressing unemployment and other pressing concerns.
BJP Demands CBI Probe and Arrest of Congress MLAs Over Kodagu Worker’s Suicide
The suicide of Vinay Somaiah, a BJP worker from Kodagu, has escalated into a political controversy. The BJP has demanded a CBI probe into the incident and called for the arrest of two Congress MLAs—A.S. Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda—whom they accuse of harassing Somaiah, as mentioned in a purported death note circulating on WhatsApp. Senior BJP leaders, including R. Ashok and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, visited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital in Bengaluru, where Somaiah’s body was kept. They criticized the FIR for excluding the MLAs’ names and demanded the suspension of the Kodagu Superintendent of Police. Narayanaswamy claimed that Somaiah faced police harassment after being booked for a WhatsApp post criticizing the cleanliness of a government hospital toilet. BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra alleged an increase in harassment and attacks against BJP workers since the Congress came to power. The BJP is planning further protests against the Congress government on various issues, including price rise.
Pinarayi Vijayan May Face SFIO Probe in CMRL Pay-Off Case: Kuzhalnadan
Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan has asserted that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could soon be implicated as an accused in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe related to the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) pay-off case. The SFIO has already named Vijayan's daughter, Veena Thaikkandiyil, as an accused in the case. Speaking to the media in Thodupuzha on April 4, 2025, Kuzhalnadan questioned the CPI(M)'s stance on the issue, particularly regarding the CMRL-Exalogic transaction initially defended as a fair deal. He highlighted CMRL's claim that payments to Veena were made to protect the company from alleged threats. Additionally, Kuzhalnadan accused Sasidharan Kartha, CMRL's managing director, of holding 100 acres of illegal land with state government support. The financial transactions between CMRL and Veena’s IT firm, Exalogic, were first brought to light by Kuzhalnadan.
BRS Leader Harish Rao Urges Rahul Gandhi to Address Congress Government’s Actions in Telangana
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao has written an open letter to AICC leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to address the alleged excesses of the Congress government in Telangana. Rao highlighted Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's actions, which he claims contradict the principles of the Congress party. He pointed out that despite Gandhi's nationwide advocacy for constitutional values, Reddy has been disrespecting them, particularly by encouraging defections among elected representatives—a promise the Congress had previously opposed. Rao also criticized the government's use of bulldozers for the Musi Riverfront Development and HYDRAA projects, which have led to the destruction of homes of the poor and middle class. Additionally, he accused the government of environmental damage in Kancha Gachibowli and misuse of police power against students and teachers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) opposing land disposal plans. Rao reminded Gandhi of his past solidarity with UoH students following Rohit Vemula's suicide but noted his current silence on the issue. He also mentioned Gandhi's lack of response to police actions against farmers opposing land acquisition for projects in Nalgonda and Kodangal.
Karnataka Urged to Strengthen Ties with Neighboring States at Kannada University Convocation
A.H. Rajasab, former Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University, emphasized the need for Karnataka to strengthen harmonious relationships with its neighboring states during his address at the 33rd Convocation of Kannada University, Hampi. He highlighted the role of technology in fostering linguistic and cultural exchange, particularly with the five states bordering Karnataka. Rajasab also stressed the importance of digitizing Kannada knowledge and simplifying the Kannada alphabet to enhance its accessibility and reach. At the convocation, Governor and Chancellor Thaawarchand Gehlot conferred the prestigious Nadoja award on former Supreme Court judge Shivaraj V. Patil, novelist Kum. Veerabhadrappa, and Hindustani vocalist M. Venkatesh Kumar. Additionally, seven candidates received D.Lit degrees, and 198 were awarded Ph.Ds. Earlier in the day, Gehlot and Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar visited Sugriva’s cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi.
Calcutta HC Finds Evidence of Custodial Torture in SFI Activist Case
The Calcutta High Court, on April 3, 2025, found evidence of custodial torture of a Students Federation of India (SFI) activist, Sucharita Das, at the Medinipur Police Station. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh raised concerns about the missing four hours of CCTV footage out of the 17 hours available and questioned the presence of wax at the police station. The judge criticized the police station's functioning and directed the State administration to restructure the Paschim Medinipur Women’s Police Station. The case emerged after female students from Medinipur College alleged custodial torture following their participation in protests on March 3, 2025. Sucharita Das claimed she was physically and mentally tortured, including sexual harassment, while in custody. The Superintendent of Police, Paschim Medinipur, Dhritiman Sarkar, denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Thrissur DCC Chief Urges Suresh Gopi to Ensure Arrest of Priest Attackers
Joseph Tajet, the president of the Thrissur District Congress Committee and Leader of the Opposition in the district panchayat, has called upon Suresh Gopi, the MP of Thrissur and Union Minister of State, to ensure that a case is registered and the attackers of Father Davis George from Thrissur are arrested. The incident occurred in Jabalpur, and Mr. Tajet expressed disappointment over Mr. Gopi’s lack of action as a people’s representative, especially given his vocal support for minority rights in Parliament. Mr. Tajet visited the priest’s residence to meet his family and urged Mr. Gopi to take swift action, emphasizing that the priest belongs to his constituency.
Asaduddin Owaisi Challenges Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in Supreme Court
Asaduddin Owaisi, the president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025. The Bill, recently passed by both Houses of Parliament, has been contested on the grounds that it violates several constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 15, 26, 29, 30, and 300A, which pertain to equality, minority rights, and the right to property. Owaisi’s legal representative, Supreme Court lawyer Nizam Pasha, stated that the petition seeks to nullify the amendments. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also criticized the legislation, calling it “unfortunate” and a “stain” on democracy, while indicating plans for nationwide protests and legal action. The AIMPLB accused the Union government of disregarding their concerns and those of other stakeholders. Further decisions on protests and legal strategies are expected to be announced after consultations.
BRS Accuses Telangana CM of Directing Police to File Cases Against Party Leaders
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused the police of filing cases against its leaders under the directives of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The allegations stem from social media posts made by BRS leaders regarding the controversy surrounding Kancha Ganchibowli lands. BRS leaders R.S. Praveen Kumar and Ch. Rakesh Kumar highlighted that a plainclothes police officer from Nirmal served notices at the party’s Telangana Bhavan office in Hyderabad to former director communications Dileep Konatham and Manne Krishnak. They questioned the involvement of police from Nirmal for posts related to Hyderabad. Additionally, they criticized the state's handling of women's safety, citing recent incidents of molestation in MMTS trains and other areas like Kandi, Nagarkurnool, and Pahadi Shareef. They also pointed out that the previous BRS government had established 331 SHE teams, installed 11 lakh CCTV cameras, and invested ₹770 crore in police modernization, but the current administration is failing to respond to emergency calls on dial 100.
Telangana to Challenge Andhra Pradesh’s River Interlinking Projects in Supreme Court
The Telangana government has announced its decision to approach the Supreme Court to challenge two major river interlinking projects proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government: the Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme and the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS). Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that these projects violate established water-sharing agreements, particularly the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980 and the A.P. Reorganisation Act (APRA), 2014. The Godavari-Banakacherla Link Scheme, with an estimated cost of ₹80,112 crore, aims to divert 200 tmc ft of water from the Godavari river at Polavaram to Rayalaseema, interlinking the Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers. Telangana argues that Andhra Pradesh has not secured mandatory clearances from regulatory bodies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), and the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB). Additionally, Telangana had previously raised objections to the RLIS, leading to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) ruling in February that Andhra Pradesh must restore the RLIS site to its pre-construction stage. Despite this, Andhra Pradesh continues to pursue the project, prompting Telangana to seek legal intervention to safeguard its water rights.
Elections (3)
BJP Nominates N. Goutham Rao for Hyderabad MLC Election on April 23
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced N. Goutham Rao as its candidate for the upcoming Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election in the Hyderabad Local Authorities constituency. The election is scheduled to take place on April 23. The nomination was made after extensive consultations conducted by former MLC N. Ramchander Rao with various stakeholders, including corporators, party leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Union ministers. The central leadership of the party was subsequently informed of these discussions, leading to the formal announcement of the candidate. Party vice president and former MLA Ch. Ramachandra Reddy, who addressed the media on Friday, also criticized the Congress and BRS parties for allegedly aligning with the AIMIM to secure its support, while the AIMIM has historically aligned with the ruling party for its own interests.
AIMIM’s Mirza Riyaz ul Hasan Effendi Files Nomination for MLC Elections
Mirza Riyaz ul Hasan Effendi, a prominent leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), filed his nomination on Friday as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections from the local authorities constituency. This marks his bid for a second term in the MLC. During the nomination process, he was accompanied by key party members, including Charminar legislator Mir Zulfeqar Ali and Malakpet legislator Ahmed bin Abdullah Balala, along with other party functionaries. Addressing the media, Effendi expressed gratitude to the AIMIM leadership and conveyed his confidence in securing victory in the elections.
263 Polling Booths Proposed for Nilambur Bypoll, Including 59 New Ones
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Kerala, has proposed the establishment of 263 polling booths, including 59 new ones, for the upcoming Nilambur Assembly constituency byelection. The proposal, submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), aims to replace auxiliary booths with permanent ones in areas with a high voter population. To ensure smooth polling, the ECI has set a limit of 1,200 voters per booth to prevent long queues. The proposal aligns with ECI guidelines and will involve the appointment of booth-level officers once approved. Additionally, the ECI has announced a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the voters’ list, allowing individuals who turned 18 on or before April 1 to register. The byelection was necessitated by the resignation of Independent MLA P.V. Anvar. The proposal was developed after inspections by officials, including the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.
Miscellaneous (1)
Davangere Police Solve ₹13 Crore Gold Burglary at SBI Nyamati Branch
The Davangere police have successfully solved the burglary case of the State Bank of India (SBI) Nyamati branch, arresting six individuals, including some from Tamil Nadu. The heist, which occurred on October 28, 2024, involved the theft of over 17 kg of gold valued at ₹13 crore from the bank’s strongroom. The accused, led by prime suspect Vijaykumar, meticulously planned the crime over six to seven months, drawing inspiration from crime series on OTT platforms and social media. They entered the bank by removing an iron grill from a window, used a gas cutter to open a locker, and took away the DVR containing CCTV footage. The stolen gold was hidden in a 30-foot irrigation well in Usalampatti, Madurai, and was recovered with the help of swimmers. The accused, who were running a sweetmeat shop in Nyamati, had performed a special puja before and after the burglary and continued their daily lives as if nothing had happened. The investigation also led to the arrest of five members of the notorious Kakrala gang, solving several other theft and robbery cases in the region.
World Affairs (1)
Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on India’s Trade Relations: A Diplomatic Analysis
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs has caused significant concern in global markets, raising questions about its impact on international trade relations. India, among the countries affected, has adopted a cautious 'wait and watch' approach. This article explores the diplomatic implications of India’s silence on the issue, analyzing the potential upsides and downsides for its trade relations with the U.S. Additionally, it provides insights into the broader context of Trump’s trade policies, including the targeted countries and the rationale behind these tariffs. Relevant readings and reports, such as the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, are referenced to offer a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Festivals (1)
Grand Celebrations Planned for Sri Rama Pattabhishekham on Sri Rama Navami
The historic Ramateertham and the famous Ramanarayanam temples are preparing for the grand celebration of Sri Rama Pattabhishekham on the auspicious occasion of Sri Rama Navami on April 6. The Andhra Pradesh government will mark the festival with State honours at Ramateertham, alongside the Ontimitta temple in Kadapa. Minister for MSME Kondapalli Srinivas has been coordinating with Revenue and Endowments officials to ensure a smooth and hassle-free darshan for devotees. Narayanam Srinivas, trustee of the Ramanarayanam temple, highlighted that thousands of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh are expected to participate in the celestial wedding ceremony, which will be held in the temple designed in the shape of Lord Rama’s bow near the Fort City’s Y junction. Additionally, Raparthi Jagadishbabu, founder of the Sri Gurudeva Charitable Trust, has sent ‘pattuvastrams’, fruits, and puja materials to 108 Lord Rama temples in North Andhra, continuing a two-decade-long tradition of supporting small temples in celebrating Sri Rama Navami.
Awards (1)
Padma Shri Awardee Madugula Nagaphani Sarma Honored at National Sanskrit University
Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, a distinguished scholar and recipient of the Padma Shri award, was honored at the National Sanskrit University (NSU) in Tirupati on Friday. Known as ‘Dvisahasravadhani’ for his expertise in ‘Avadhanam’, a unique literary format in the Telugu language, Sarma was felicitated by TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, along with the Vice-Chancellors of NSU and SV Vedic University, G.S.R. Krishnamurthi and Rani Sadasiva Murty, respectively. The event recognized his recent Padma Shri award conferred by the Government of India. Sarma reminisced about his early days in ‘Avadhanam’ during the mid-90s, encouraged by then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, which paved the way for his illustrious career. Scholars at the event praised his eloquence, mastery of classical Telugu, and exceptional memory, essential qualities for excelling in ‘Avadhanam’.
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