June 24, 2026

2026

TV Somanathan NEW DELHI: While land acquisition, and forest and wildlife clearances are the main hurdles for delay in infrastructure projects that have been addressed by Pragati, the platform for large projects led by PM Modi, Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan made it clear Friday that development won’t be at the cost of democracy. Asked about amendments to the current policy, Somanathan said: “In a democracy we need to strike a balance… We want to implement projects with the consent of people and after public consultation.” The comment comes amid demands from a section of the business community to review the land acquisition policy to speed up the implementation of projects, with the corporate sector often citing the Chinese model of infrastructure creation. ‘No change in policy’While BJP govt did seek to amend land acquisition law in its first term, it left it to the states to offer a simpler regime. Responding to a question, cabinet secretary TV Somanathan said govt has no plans to change its land acquisition policy. Removing hurdlesThe data shared by Somananthan at a press conference showed 35% of 7,735 issues raised under multi-layer Pragati were related to land acquisition, followed by 20% dealing with wildlife and forest clearances.Manoj Govil, secretary coordination in the cabinet secretariat, said the average time taken for forest and wildlife clearance has come down from over 600 days to around 75 days as learnings from Pragati have been part of the administrative process.Of 382 projects reviewed by the PM in 50 meetings, almost two-thirds related to land and forest. Among the sectors, roads was on top (114 projects), followed by railways (109) and power (54). For railways and roads, at least half the issues are related to land acquisition.In a rare press conference, Somananthan said so far projects of Rs 85 lakh crore have been cleared by the PM-led panel as states and Centre have worked together to resolve the issues. Citing the example of Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, the country’s highest-ranking civil servant said the project was approved in 1994 and by the time it reached Pragati in 2015, only 40% of the work had been done. It was finally commissioned last June after being monitored at the highest level. He said had the project not been taken up under Pragati, it would have been completed only by Jan 2038.He said by removing bottlenecks, Pragati had created a platform for higher capital expenditure by govt. “All states, irrespective of political dispensations, want to complete their projects and all chief secretaries have been very responsive in resolving issues,” he said.On impact of review of projects by PM under this initiative, Somanathan said on average, one issue was resolved every working day after review under Pragati.Besides projects, the platform is used to review 61 govt schemes such as One Nation, One Ration Card, PM Jan Aarogya Yojna, PM Awas Yojna, PM Swanidhi Yojna, Swachh Bharat Mission, Rera, and grievances across 36 sectors were taken up for review.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers RowBJP Claims Rahul Gandhi Ties To ‘Anti-India’ Panel Over US Lawmakers’ Umar Khalid LetterNot All Are Illiterate: Rajnath Singh Cites Red Fort Blast, Flags Educated, White Collar Terrorists’Arunachal Pradesh Is And Will Always Be…’ Jaishankar Warns China, Blasts Harassment Of IndiansBullet Train Gets August 15, 2027 India Launch Date, Minister Shares Details On Tunnel BreakthroughCleanest City Hit By Water Contamination As Lab Links Indore Diarrhoea Outbreak To Pipeline LeakUS Lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi Condemns Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh Urges Global Action Up123PhotostoriesWhy your fish keeps dying: 5 mistakes most aquarium owners make without realising7 foods to combine with sweet potato for a wholesome breakfastOlder people who live happily, do these 10 things in their 30 and 40s8 winter pickles to add warmth and taste to your mealsLessons from centenarians: What the world’s longest-living people eat‘Shark Tank India Season 5’: FULL LIST of judges, their net worth, and the brands they ownKylie Jenner-Timothée Chalamet to complete 3 years of dating in 2026: 3 relationship lessons to learn from themHow to make Dhaba-style Dal Makhani at homeAttract True Love During the January 2026 Full Moon; According To Birth Number10 oldest trees in the world that are still living and where can they be found123Hot PicksPremarital Test OmanVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

TV Somanathan NEW DELHI: While land acquisition, and forest and wildlife clearances are the main hurdles for delay in infrastructure projects that have been addressed by Pragati, the platform for large projects led by PM Modi, Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan made it clear Friday that development won’t be at the cost of democracy. Asked about amendments to the current policy, Somanathan said: “In a democracy we need to strike a balance… We want to implement projects with the consent of people and after public consultation.” The comment comes amid demands from a section of the business community to review the land acquisition policy to speed up the implementation of projects, with the corporate sector often citing the Chinese model of infrastructure creation. ‘No change in policy’While BJP govt did seek to amend land acquisition law in its first term, it left it to the states to offer a simpler regime. Responding to a question, cabinet secretary TV Somanathan said govt has no plans to change its land acquisition policy. Removing hurdlesThe data shared by Somananthan at a press conference showed 35% of 7,735 issues raised under multi-layer Pragati were related to land acquisition, followed by 20% dealing with wildlife and forest clearances.Manoj Govil, secretary coordination in the cabinet secretariat, said the average time taken for forest and wildlife clearance has come down from over 600 days to around 75 days as learnings from Pragati have been part of the administrative process.Of 382 projects reviewed by the PM in 50 meetings, almost two-thirds related to land and forest. Among the sectors, roads was on top (114 projects), followed by railways (109) and power (54). For railways and roads, at least half the issues are related to land acquisition.In a rare press conference, Somananthan said so far projects of Rs 85 lakh crore have been cleared by the PM-led panel as states and Centre have worked together to resolve the issues. Citing the example of Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, the country’s highest-ranking civil servant said the project was approved in 1994 and by the time it reached Pragati in 2015, only 40% of the work had been done. It was finally commissioned last June after being monitored at the highest level. He said had the project not been taken up under Pragati, it would have been completed only by Jan 2038.He said by removing bottlenecks, Pragati had created a platform for higher capital expenditure by govt. “All states, irrespective of political dispensations, want to complete their projects and all chief secretaries have been very responsive in resolving issues,” he said.On impact of review of projects by PM under this initiative, Somanathan said on average, one issue was resolved every working day after review under Pragati.Besides projects, the platform is used to review 61 govt schemes such as One Nation, One Ration Card, PM Jan Aarogya Yojna, PM Awas Yojna, PM Swanidhi Yojna, Swachh Bharat Mission, Rera, and grievances across 36 sectors were taken up for review.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers RowBJP Claims Rahul Gandhi Ties To ‘Anti-India’ Panel Over US Lawmakers’ Umar Khalid LetterNot All Are Illiterate: Rajnath Singh Cites Red Fort Blast, Flags Educated, White Collar Terrorists’Arunachal Pradesh Is And Will Always Be…’ Jaishankar Warns China, Blasts Harassment Of IndiansBullet Train Gets August 15, 2027 India Launch Date, Minister Shares Details On Tunnel BreakthroughCleanest City Hit By Water Contamination As Lab Links Indore Diarrhoea Outbreak To Pipeline LeakUS Lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi Condemns Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh Urges Global Action Up123PhotostoriesWhy your fish keeps dying: 5 mistakes most aquarium owners make without realising7 foods to combine with sweet potato for a wholesome breakfastOlder people who live happily, do these 10 things in their 30 and 40s8 winter pickles to add warmth and taste to your mealsLessons from centenarians: What the world’s longest-living people eat‘Shark Tank India Season 5’: FULL LIST of judges, their net worth, and the brands they ownKylie Jenner-Timothée Chalamet to complete 3 years of dating in 2026: 3 relationship lessons to learn from themHow to make Dhaba-style Dal Makhani at homeAttract True Love During the January 2026 Full Moon; According To Birth Number10 oldest trees in the world that are still living and where can they be found123Hot PicksPremarital Test OmanVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: While land acquisition, and forest and wildlife clearances are the main hurdles for delay in infrastructure projects that have been addressed by Pragati, the platform for large projects led by PM Modi, Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan made it clear Friday that development won’t be at the cost of democracy. Asked about amendments to…

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Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: Shubman Gill in focus, Rishabh Pant faces crucial test

Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: Shubman Gill in focus, Rishabh Pant faces crucial test

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Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: The Vijay Hazare Trophy has taken on added importance this season, serving as a key reference point for India’s upcoming ODI selections. With the Ajit Agarkar led national selection committee scheduled to meet online on Saturday, the domestic 50 over tournament has become central to conversations around form, fitness and…

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Govt prods Russia to ease trade barriers

Govt prods Russia to ease trade barriers

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India foreign trade (Image for representation) NEW DELHI: Govt is pushing Russia to lower barriers for export of Indian electronics, engineering goods, food products and fisheries as part of its efforts to get Moscow to use the $50-55 billion equivalent of roubles lying in bank accounts due to the oil-induced trade balance. For electronics, software…

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SSC Stenographer Grade C and D final answer key, response sheets released at ssc.gov.in: Direct link to download here

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D final answer key, response sheets released at ssc.gov.in: Direct link to download here

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SSC Stenographer Grade C and D: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the final answer keys, candidates’ response sheets, and marks for the Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Examination 2025. Candidates who appeared for the Computer-Based Examination can now check and download these documents from the official website, ssc.gov.in.As per the official notice,…

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Virgo Saturn Horoscope 2026: Shani Reshapes Your Circle—Who Stays and Who Goes in 2026?

Virgo Saturn Horoscope 2026: Shani Reshapes Your Circle—Who Stays and Who Goes in 2026?

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

In the year 2026, Saturn will transform your life into a systematic workshop for self-betterment. As it transits through Uttara Bhadrapada and then Revati, you will need to regularise your work, health, daily rituals, and even your relationships. Perfectionism will lead to practical discipline. You will gradually get to know which of your daily habits…

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Coloured diamonds shine brighter: Ultra rich chase pink, blue stones — what’s driving the demand?

Coloured diamonds shine brighter: Ultra rich chase pink, blue stones — what’s driving the demand?

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ultra wealthy Indians are increasingly placing their bets on pink, blue and yellow diamonds, embracing the rare stones as both eye-catching statement jewellery and long-term investment assets. Coloured diamonds,far rarer than conventional white diamonds, have seen demand spiked by 20%-25% over the past year, even as prices continue to climb.According to jewellers and traders, since…

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Air India pilot found intoxicated; arrested at Vancouver airport — what are the drinking rules?

Air India pilot found intoxicated; arrested at Vancouver airport — what are the drinking rules?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Vancouver International Airport saw a major disruption on December 23, 2025 when an Air India pilot was arrested after being found under the influence of alcohol while preparing for a flight to Delhi. Transport Canada has warned the airline that failure to comply with regulations could result in suspension or cancellation of its flight authorisations,…

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AI-generated image for representation NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: In a move to track the origin and manufacturing of all batteries and help consumers get details of their life and performance, govt has come up with proposed guidelines for Battery Pack Aadhaar Number. Under this, every battery pack will have machine-readable, 21-character alphanumeric code and QR code storing all such details.The digital framework, which will work like a “battery passport”, is aimed at tracking batteries across their lifecycle, from manufacturing and use to recycling and disposal. While the guidelines focus exclusively on EV applications, they would be extended to industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2kWh at a later stage. “SLI and portable batteries are outside scope of this document,” the draft norms said.The code will contain static data such as battery material, descriptor and carbon footprint parameters, which will be accessible to public. This data remains unchanged unless there is a physical replacement of components or modification of battery’s operational parameters by its management system. The battery’s dynamic data will be stored, maintained and updated via a server. It will give real-time insights into the battery’s performance.Preeti Bajaj, CEO and MD, Luminous Power Technologies, called it a “pivotal shift for India’s battery ecosystem”, creating lifecycle transparency from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling.”The framework mirrors global thinking,” she said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers RowBJP Claims Rahul Gandhi Ties To ‘Anti-India’ Panel Over US Lawmakers’ Umar Khalid LetterNot All Are Illiterate: Rajnath Singh Cites Red Fort Blast, Flags Educated, White Collar Terrorists’Arunachal Pradesh Is And Will Always Be…’ Jaishankar Warns China, Blasts Harassment Of IndiansBullet Train Gets August 15, 2027 India Launch Date, Minister Shares Details On Tunnel BreakthroughCleanest City Hit By Water Contamination As Lab Links Indore Diarrhoea Outbreak To Pipeline LeakUS Lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi Condemns Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh Urges Global Action Up123Photostories6 stunning flowering succulents that will transform your balconyWhy your fish keeps dying: 5 mistakes most aquarium owners make without realising7 foods to combine with sweet potato for a wholesome breakfastOlder people who live happily, do these 10 things in their 30 and 40s8 winter pickles to add warmth and taste to your mealsLessons from centenarians: What the world’s longest-living people eat‘Shark Tank India Season 5’: FULL LIST of judges, their net worth, and the brands they ownKylie Jenner-Timothée Chalamet to complete 3 years of dating in 2026: 3 relationship lessons to learn from themHow to make Dhaba-style Dal Makhani at homeAttract True Love During the January 2026 Full Moon; According To Birth Number123Hot PicksPremarital Test OmanVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

AI-generated image for representation NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: In a move to track the origin and manufacturing of all batteries and help consumers get details of their life and performance, govt has come up with proposed guidelines for Battery Pack Aadhaar Number. Under this, every battery pack will have machine-readable, 21-character alphanumeric code and QR code storing all such details.The digital framework, which will work like a “battery passport”, is aimed at tracking batteries across their lifecycle, from manufacturing and use to recycling and disposal. While the guidelines focus exclusively on EV applications, they would be extended to industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2kWh at a later stage. “SLI and portable batteries are outside scope of this document,” the draft norms said.The code will contain static data such as battery material, descriptor and carbon footprint parameters, which will be accessible to public. This data remains unchanged unless there is a physical replacement of components or modification of battery’s operational parameters by its management system. The battery’s dynamic data will be stored, maintained and updated via a server. It will give real-time insights into the battery’s performance.Preeti Bajaj, CEO and MD, Luminous Power Technologies, called it a “pivotal shift for India’s battery ecosystem”, creating lifecycle transparency from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling.”The framework mirrors global thinking,” she said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShankh Air Founder Speaks Out As Airline Eyes March Launch, Targets Intl Flights By 2029’Their Islamist Ideas…’: Ex-Bangladesh Minister Hits Out Over Attacks on Hindus And Christians’Very Petty & Shameful’: Shashi Tharoor On Row Over KKR Selecting Bangladeshi Player In IPLINLD President Calls For Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal Type Uprising In India Politics, Triggers RowBJP Claims Rahul Gandhi Ties To ‘Anti-India’ Panel Over US Lawmakers’ Umar Khalid LetterNot All Are Illiterate: Rajnath Singh Cites Red Fort Blast, Flags Educated, White Collar Terrorists’Arunachal Pradesh Is And Will Always Be…’ Jaishankar Warns China, Blasts Harassment Of IndiansBullet Train Gets August 15, 2027 India Launch Date, Minister Shares Details On Tunnel BreakthroughCleanest City Hit By Water Contamination As Lab Links Indore Diarrhoea Outbreak To Pipeline LeakUS Lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi Condemns Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh Urges Global Action Up123Photostories6 stunning flowering succulents that will transform your balconyWhy your fish keeps dying: 5 mistakes most aquarium owners make without realising7 foods to combine with sweet potato for a wholesome breakfastOlder people who live happily, do these 10 things in their 30 and 40s8 winter pickles to add warmth and taste to your mealsLessons from centenarians: What the world’s longest-living people eat‘Shark Tank India Season 5’: FULL LIST of judges, their net worth, and the brands they ownKylie Jenner-Timothée Chalamet to complete 3 years of dating in 2026: 3 relationship lessons to learn from themHow to make Dhaba-style Dal Makhani at homeAttract True Love During the January 2026 Full Moon; According To Birth Number123Hot PicksPremarital Test OmanVande Bharat Sleeper TrainJanuary Bank holidayGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

AI-generated image for representation NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: In a move to track the origin and manufacturing of all batteries and help consumers get details of their life and performance, govt has come up with proposed guidelines for Battery Pack Aadhaar Number. Under this, every battery pack will have machine-readable, 21-character alphanumeric code and QR code storing…

Read More
‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ box office collection day 9: Kartik Aaryan’s film struggles to reach Rs 31 crore amid competition from Agastya Nanada and Dharmendra’s ‘Ikkis’ and Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhuranhar’

‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ box office collection day 9: Kartik Aaryan’s film struggles to reach Rs 31 crore amid competition from Agastya Nanada and Dharmendra’s ‘Ikkis’ and Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhuranhar’

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In a whimsical journey through romance, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s delightful film ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ has endearingly wrapped up its 90-day theatrical escapade, hitting a solid Rs 30 crore at the box office. However, the film faced fierce competition, leading to a modest Rs 50 lakh earnings on its…

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MUMBAI: The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, are not a cause for worry for the BJP. “We will win decisively,” said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in an interview with an online channel. “Thackeray is no longer a brand. There was only one Thackeray brand and that was late Balasaheb Thackeray.”In the interview aired on Friday,…

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On February 21, when Class 10 students sit for CBSE English (Language and Literature), they won’t just be writing an exam. They’ll be practising a life skill that keeps showing up—in entrance tests, college applications, internships, interviews, even the first email you send to a new boss. English is one subject where marks matter, yes,…

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‘Ikkis’ box office collection day 2: Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra’s war drama mints over Rs 12 crore worldwide; BEATS Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ while ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to shine

‘Ikkis’ box office collection day 2: Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra’s war drama mints over Rs 12 crore worldwide; BEATS Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ while ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to shine

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2026 brought new beginnings for several stars, especially for Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda, who made his debut with ‘Ikkis.’ Released on January 1st, 2026, the war drama is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. It features multiple talented artists in the ensemble cast, including the late Bollywood veteran actor Dharmendra, who…

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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Donald Trump sat down for a no-holds-barred chat with The Wall Street Journal this week, and at 79, he didn’t mince words about his well-being. “My health is perfect,” he quoted flatly when pressed on age-related worries, brushing off critics who question his stamina during rallies and long days in office. Published January 1, 2026–the…

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Leo Saturn Horoscope 2026: Shani Dhaiya At Peak, A Wake-Up Call for Your Health and Wealth

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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In 2026, Saturn will make your emerging natural leadership more responsible and down-to-earth. It will take you through Uttara Bhadrapada and then onward to Revati, in which case you will be forced to reconsider how you wield power, status, and attention. Maturity will be required from you in relationships, co-shared responsibilities and even in setting…

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