Precious Kashmir

Now generate Ayushman Bharat Health Account number from Aarogya Setu app

National

12/02/2022

Now generate Ayushman Bharat Health Account number from Aarogya Setu app

New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA), under its flagship scheme of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), on Friday announced the integration with the Aarogya Setu app. The integration will enable the the Aarogya Setu app users to avail the benefits of ABDM.

According to the Union Health Ministry, under the ABDM, a user can generate their 14-digit unique ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number.

Further the users can use the ABHA number to link their existing and new medical records including doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital records etc. and also share these records with registered health professionals and health service providers, the ministry said..

Elaborating on the integration, R.S. Sharma, CEO, NHA said: “Aarogya Setu has played a pivotal role amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a wide usage of the mobile application. As vaccination helps us fight this pandemic, it was essential to repurpose this widely used digital public good. With the integration of Aarogya Setu with ABDM, we will now be able to make the benefits of ABDM available to the users of Aarogya Setu and enable them to join the digital health ecosystem, with their due consent.”

“We would soon roll out the functionality to view the users’ digital health records as well, he added.

The Aarogya Setu app is already being used for Covid related contact tracing, ICMR guidelines based self-assessment, vaccine booking, certificate download and status check, generating e-Pass, and search for ICMR-approved Covid testing labs among others.

“With ABHA, Aarogya Setu has enabled an important consent based option for the citizens which will help them access their personal health record and useful services from the national digital health system,” said Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Batting does need urgent attention as it cost us last two games, says WI coach Simmons

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

12/02/2022

Batting does need urgent attention as it cost us last two games, says WI coach Simmons

Ahmedabad: The West Indies head coach Phil Simmons on Friday admitted that their batting is in need of urgent attention as it cost them the last two matches in the ODI series against India.

In the ODI series that concluded on Friday, West Indies were blanked 3-0 after suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Ireland at home in January, their batting failed to step up to the needs of the circumstances and fell woefully inadequate thrice.

“It does need urgent attention because it has just lost the last two games. When you bowl out India for 230 (237) and 260 (265), you expect to chase it. Just a year ago we were cruising to 280-290 against Sri Lanka, which have similar spinners. The batting is a huge concern and people got to stand up now as we go into the next set of ODIs in June. People got to stand up and make sure that they bat for West Indies and what we have to do as a unit. It is a huge concern,” said Simmons in the post-match virtual press conference.

Simmons was further pained by the mode of dismissals by the batters throughout the series. “I think the mode of dismissal is the biggest issue. If we assess and play according to the situation, then you get out and that’s the execution (part). The modes of dismissals, it’s hurtful and doesn’t make for a good watch. It’s something that players have to sit and get it right as soon as possible. We can’t go like this.”

Asked about how West Indies will have to improve their batting in ODIs, Simmons pointed towards batting according to the situations in the match. “It is a simple thing, that is to assess the situation and play according to the situation. We have got batsmen who can bat. Most of the guys who bat at top five or six have Test hundreds or runs, so they can bat.”

“You saw Shreyas Iyer and (Rishabh) Pant come out and they batted for a while. Our batters have got to assess the situations and know that we have to bat for a while. We can’t be 100/6 in one-day games and that’s the crux of the matter there. They have to assess the situation and play accordingly.”

After the ODIs in Ahmedabad, West Indies will now try to put up a better batting show in the T20Is at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata starting from February 16.

8 months on, land identified for TRC Pahalgam awaits further process

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

12/02/2022

8 months on, land identified for TRC Pahalgam awaits further process

By: Ahmad Shabir

Anantnag: Eight months after the authorities identified the land for the construction of Tourist Reception Center (TRC) Pahalgam and prepared a detailed project report (DPR), the project is yet to see any further progress.

Pertinently, the old TRC building in Pahalgam was destroyed in a massive blaze in 2014 and since then the major tourist destination remains without TRC, thus not only causing inconvenience to the tourists but creating a bad impression among them as well.

Initially, the Pahalgam Development Authority failed to identify the land, which delayed the construction of the new TRC for several years.

The authorities identified 13 kanals of land near Nunwan belonging to tourism department for the purpose and subsequently submitted a DPR last year.

However, after the identification of the land and submission of DPR, the project has not seen any further progress.

Sources within the department said that the file with regard to the DPR of the project continues to await the approval of the top authorities, thus delaying the further steps in this regard.

“For several years, the delay in the construction was to some extent justified due to the non-availability of the land. Now that, the land stands identified for the purpose but the authorities continue to sit over the file for unknown reasons,” sources said.

Interestingly, TRC Pahalgam at present functions from a small hut at the same site identified for its construction. The hut, according to officials, is too small to be used for the purpose.

“TRC should have a spacious reception hall, JKTDC counter, information counter, cafeteria and registration counter but the hut where the TRC functions at present, is too small to offer these facilities to tourists. It is a joke in the name of TRC,” said an official.

Meanwhile, repeated attempts by this reported to contact Commissioner Secretary and Director Tourism, failed.

Staggered School Reopening

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Precious Kashmir

12/02/2022

Amid significant improvement of the Covid situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, called for working out a plan to open educational institutions in a “staggered manner.”

In the recent past, the covid-19 numbers are declining, although the pandemic is far from over. The all-round general improvement in the pandemic situation has thus encouraged the administration to gradually ease curbs imposed during the third wave. Weekend curfew has been lifted across Jammu and Kashmir.

The scenario looks for more opening up especially the educational institutions. The schools have remained closed in Jammu and Kashmir, more than in any part of India or globe. While the pandemic forced the closure of educational institutions in mid-March in 2020 when the virus was declared a pandemic around the world, the schools, colleges and universities had reopened after seven-month closure in the wake of the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Even when reopened, attendance at educational institutions remained voluntary as the guidelines by the government of India specify that parents can decide what their wards should do. Most parents gave consent and school resumption seemed uninterrupted until covid-19 announced an unpleasant return.

Since then though, the situation has improved considerably. Following protocols such as masking, and proper ventilation can allow schools to reopen since prolonged closure has affected children adversely.

Educationists and NGOs are voicing similar concerns on various platforms. Concerns galore on far-reaching and deadly implications on the future of youngsters. All this has naturally added to the concern of the people and authorities to reopen schools.

Online education can never replace offline education and this fact stands proved beyond doubt. The excessive caution is now harming students and as such efforts must be done to reopen the schools. Vaccination should be ensured to all eligible.

Lieutenant Governor rightly asked the district administrations to ensure an enabling environment for schools for reopening, cleaning and sanitation, transportation, flexible and staggered timings for students with the help of school education authorities.

He said there will be flexibility in attendance and consent of parents or guardians will be obtained, as per the guidelines issued by the Centre. Students willing to study from home with the consent of parents will be allowed to do so, the Lt Governor said. He als rightly emphasized that the vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the Covid pandemic. The government needs to create awareness and boost confidence among the people, especially among the parents of the eligible children, to get vaccinated.

J&K signs pact with NZ for transforming sheep farming sector

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Precious Kashmir

11/02/2022

J&K signs pact with NZ for transforming sheep farming sector

New Zealand important partner of India’s expanding relationship globally: LG

Jammu: Government of Jammu and Kashmir Thursday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for transforming Sheep Farming Sector in the Union Territory.

The virtual MoC signing ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.

The MoC was signed by Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to J&K Government, Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department and Mischa Mannix-Opie, Executive Director, New Zealand G2G as a mutual commitment between J&K and New Zealand for complementing each other’s capability in sheep sector.

The Lt Governor observed that the new partnership between J&K and New Zealand will boost production & productivity in livestock sector of the UT.

Overarching objective of the MoC is to improve farmers’ remuneration, transfer of technology in research & development as well as marketing & value addition of sheep products of J&K, the Lt Governor said.

New Zealand is an important partner of India’s expanding relationship globally and we attach special values to our ties not only because of deep bonding and cultural affinities but also from a mature understanding of our strategic convergences, global interests and economic potential, observed the Lt Governor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern believe in shared commitment to promote ideals of democracy, peace and prosperity for the people. Despite turbulent events of global pandemic since the last two years, there has been almost seamless continuity in India-New Zealand relationship, said the Lt Governor.

This year marks 70th anniversary of commencement of bilateral relations between our two countries. It gives us opportunity to strengthen our partnership and our resolve to construct a strong edifice of a long term, mutual reinforcing economic relationship, the Lt Governor added.

Now, expanding our relationship further, New Zealand G2G, the well known public sector entity actively partnering with other Indian states to leverage expertise and solutions for sustainable development has entered into a cooperation agreement with J&K to encourage collaboration in the field of sheep husbandry, capacity building, technology transfer and training.

The new partnership is aimed at doubling produce in the next three years with substantial increment in quality of livestock products, wool production and introducing processing facilities and value addition to boost income and benefits to Jammu Kashmir, the Lt Governor further added.

We are creating an enabling environment for the integrated growth of livestock sector which is providing livelihood support to around 1.2 million families and contributing 5% to the Union Territory’s GDP.

The Lt Governor said that Government of Jammu & Kashmir has unleashed unprecedented reforms in various spheres in the last two and half years.

An innovative & self sustaining Integrated Sheep Development Program was launched during 2020-21 with an aim to supplement livestock production & build entrepreneurship in the sector.

The Lt Governor reaffirmed that the leadership of the two countries believes in the huge potential for our economic and commercial cooperation.

We are committed to create conditions, which would facilitate the rapid growth of this cooperation. I am confident this cooperation agreement between New Zealand G2G and Jammu Kashmir Union Territory is just the beginning of widening and deepening of our relationship in the future, the Lt Governor added.

HE David Pine, New Zealand’s High Commissioner expressed hope that the cooperation of agreement shall further strengthen the relationship between J&K and New Zealand and help in achieving the desired results on ground.

Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Animal Husbandry, GoI, congratulated the J&K Government for the unique initiative to make new strides in making J&K self-reliant in livestock sector, besides enhancing the income of the farmers and improve the economy of J&K.

Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Sectary, J&K said that the MoC is a timely step to add further momentum to our excellent bilateral ties and to facilitate greater institutional linkages between J&K, India and New Zealand. This will improve our practices in the sheep farming sector and increase the income of everyone associated with it.

Mischa Mannix-Opie, Executive Director, New Zealand G2G said that the latest scientific interventions shall be extended to J&K which shall entail marketing of livestock products like wool for adding value to farmers produce.

Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department, while speaking on the broad contours of the MoC, said that the new initiative shall have a direct impact on farmer’s remuneration and make necessary improvement in sheep farming sector in J&K.

It will enhance mutton production, value addition of livestock products, capacity building, technology transfer, greater education and trainings in J&K for the benefit, welfare and prosperity of both current and future generations, he added.

New Zealand Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Ralph Hays; Director Oceania, Ruby Jaspreet; Commercial Manager G2G, Erin Mehar, besides HoDs of concerned departments and other senior officers attended the MoC signing ceremony in person and through virtual mode.

“Crown of Incredible India”: Govt & OYO Group launch rural home stay

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Precious Kashmir

11/02/2022

New initiative will empower local communities, youth, women: LG

Jammu, Feb 10: Jammu & Kashmir Government and world’s leading travel tech platform, OYO Group Thursday launched rural home stay under project “Crown of Incredible India” in a special event presided by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.

The Lt Governor announced Rs. 50,000 special financial assistance to youth willing to establish a home stay unit.

The Lt Governor said that J&K UT has emerged as a leader in the tourism sector over the last two and a half years.

With a market giant like OYO coming onboard, we are making in-roads to encourage micro-entrepreneurs in the villages and revitalizing local art & crafts and redevelopment of rural areas, added the Lt Governor.

Undoubtedly, nature has blessed J&K with great scenic beauty, and rural home stays will offer a piece of eternal culture, cuisine, traditions, and warm & friendly hospitality of J&K UT to domestic & International travelers, the Lt Governor observed.

This new initiative will empower local communities, youth and women, fulfilling the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Through vocal for local products, individuals and enterprises will help in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, said the Lt Governor.

The venture will help in building a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K. By December this year, around 200 home stays will be available on OYO platform, he added.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the tourism sector has made unprecedented progress and recorded highest tourist influx in the country, besides generating great employment avenues for the locals, observed the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor said that the government is creating requisite facilities for the domestic and international tourists to experience the rich rural culture and traditions. Better road connectivity, water & electricity supply, mobile & internet connectivity are being ensured in the villages included under Tourist Village Network, he added.

We are making efforts in a systematic manner to connect the youth and self-help groups on a large scale in the tourist village network and give them an opportunity to be a part of the transformation of rural J&K, said the Lt Governor.

The UT Government under Mission Youth will support 500 youth for establishing home stay, he added.

The Lt Governor asked the DDCs, PRI representatives and other stakeholders to play their important role in tapping the huge tourism potential of rural J&K.

The new initiative will also promote sustainable and eco-tourism, rural products and creating employment opportunities in rural areas, he further added.

Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi, Chairman, DDC Anantnag thanked the UT Government for the endeavour to support the rural homeowners and augment their livelihood.

Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, while speaking on the occasion, said the rural home stay under project “Crown of Incredible India” will create new entrepreneurs, provide gainful employment to the rural youth and strengthen the rural economy.

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, OYO, said that the OYO group is proud to extend its partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Government to generate economic and employment opportunities in rural areas.

We are committed to strengthening tourism for the benefit of local communities and aim to work together with these micro-entrepreneurs to promote sustainable and responsible travel and home-stays that contribute to resilient local economies and support jobs, he added.

OYO Hotels has tied up with 20 home stays in Pahalgam and 10 home stays are present on their platform as on date. The project also aimed to improve tourism in underpenetrated areas in Udhampur, Doda, Pahalgam and Kokernag, it was informed.

Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department and Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, CEO Mission Youth outlined the key features of the rural home stay initiative.

Rohit Kapoor, CEO OYO India and South East Asia presented the Vote of Thanks.

Theme presentation on Home stays and a video message from Pahalgam Home stay owners were also showcased.

Dr. Piyush Singla, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Siddhartha Dasgupta, President Corporate Affairs, OYO; Guruprasad Sankaranarayanan, Chief Strategy Officer – India & South East Asia, OYO and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.

LG launches QR Code based mechanism for certification, labeling of J&K carpets

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Precious Kashmir

11/02/2022

LG launches QR Code based mechanism for certification, labeling of J&K carpets

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday launched QR Code based mechanism, which is first of its kind in the country, for certification and labeling of handmade carpets of J&K.

With the QR-based application, customers can check & verify authenticity and other requisite details of carpets produced in Jammu Kashmir UT.

The Lt Governor observed that J&K Handicrafts are repository of India’s creative traditions that is serving as a cultural expression for centuries. This creative tradition is strikingly visible in handmade carpets with intricate designs & subtle shades.

With the help of modern technology, we will be able to standardize uniqueness of handmade carpets & boost exports of J&K’s carpet industry in the international market, he added.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also felicitated UT’s awardees of Handicrafts & Handloom.

“I truly admire the painstaking work of all the craftsmen and carpet weavers. Government is providing training & financial support to strengthen the priceless artistic and cultural heritage of J&K UT”, he said.

The Lt Governor said that J&K has a unique identity in the global market for handloom and handicraft products. He noted that the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology has taken several important steps for GI certification, testing, labeling and training to promote Kashmiri carpets.

“Government of Jammu and Kashmir has introduced Export Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, incentive of 10% of the total volume of GI certified Handicrafts and Handloom products exported to any country, with maximum reimbursement upto Rs. Five crores, shall be provided to eligible exporters registered with Department of Handicrafts and Handloom”, he added.

The Department of Handicrafts & Handloom and Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar shall launch a massive awareness & promotional campaign within and outside the UT to popularize GI of Hand-knotted carpets so that its demand gains popularity across the globe, the Lt Governor said.

It was informed that a project has also been completed in association with NIFT Srinagar on innovative and economical packaging of handicraft products.

The Lt Governor further observed that presently carpets are being exported from Jammu and Kashmir to at least 25 countries. In 2020-21, carpets worth Rs 115 crore were exported to Germany, Rs 34 crore worth to USA, Rs 36 Crore to UAE and Rs 22 crore to Netherlands.

Earlier, Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to J&K Government, Industries & Commerce Department briefed the chair about the key features of the QR Code based GI Application.

Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir gave a powerpoint presentation on the background and present scenario of the handmade carpet industry of Jammu Kashmir, and latest initiatives made by the UT administration to promote it.

Anoo Malhotra, Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu; Zubair Ahmad, Director, IICT Srinagar; Dr. Javid Ahmad Wani, Director, NIFT Srinagar; Dr. Vikas Gupta, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Jammu; Sheikh Ashiq, President, KCCI; Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Chairman and Maharaj Krishan Bhat, Vice Chairman, Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization, besides other officers and awardees were present on the occasion.

KCC&I welcomes GI for Kashmir carpets

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Precious Kashmir

11/02/2022

Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Thursday welcomed the step of UT Government, under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, for introducing Geographical Indication (GI) to famed Hand-knotted Kashmiri Carpets.

“The QR code based mechanism, first of its kind in the country, for certification & labelling can help in checking the cheating and misbranding that has badly dented the Carpet Industry in Kashmir”, remarked the KCC&I spokesperson in a statement.

“Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Ranjan Prakash & Director Industries Jammu , Anoo Malhotra, Director Industries and Commerce, Director Handicrafts & Handloom Mehmood Shah, President, KCC&I, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad , Chairman CEPC, Representative’s Meeras and NIFT were there on the occasion,” reads a statement.

Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, KCC&I, as per statement, said that GI tagging for Kashmir Hand-made Carpets also increases exports of Kashmiri Handicrafts which are declining due to various reasons from the last 3- 4 years.

“This GI tagging also restores customer’s confidence, bedsides protecting authenticity of artisans. Stake Holders requested administration that maximum grants should be sanctioned to the Department for this QR code based mechanism so that we can compete with the international market.”

“The GI for Kashmir hand-knotted Carpets will capture vital parameters of the Carpet viz GI user, manufacturers, Artisans, Knots per square inch, the material used etc. Indian Institute of Carpet & Technology (IICT) and MEERAS will do the necessary tagging under the ages of Handicraft and Handloom Department”, the statement reads.

On this occasion LG Manoj Sinha also assured that administration will soon start working on Mega Carpet Village in Kashmir.

Sinha also facilitated UT Awardees of Handicraft & Handloom of Jammu & Kashmir, President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad congratulated all the artisans for their contribution towards the Handicraft industry.

BJP Govt stands in solidarity with every victim Muslim woman: PM Modi

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Agencies

11/02/2022

BJP Govt stands in solidarity with every victim Muslim woman: PM Modi

Saharanpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government stands with ‘Har Majloom (every victim Muslim woman)”.

Addressing a public rally in Saharanpur, PM Modi said, “Our government stands with ‘Har Majloom (every victim Muslim woman)’. Those people (Opposition parties) are trying to trick Muslim sisters to push them back in their lives.”

He further said that the BJP government freed the Muslim sisters and daughters from the menace of triple talaq.

“Muslim sisters and daughters understand our clear intentions. We made them free of Triple Talaq, and gave them protection.

When the BJP received support from the Muslim women, these vote-‘thekedaar (contractors)’ got restless, seeing that their daughters were chanting ‘Modi-Modi’… They’re trying to trick Muslim sisters again,” he added.

Prime Minister took a dig at Opposition parties over dynasty politics, cautioning people from trusting their “tall claims”.

“A whole ‘parivaar-vaad’ party is making fake promises to the people of UP …Remember if someone promises big, they are usually empty, and irresponsible.

They promised electricity, but kept UP in dark and illuminated their residing district only, leaving Saharanpur and others to fend for themselves,” said PM Modi.

“Earlier governments had no vision because of ‘parivar-vaad’. They could not see or think beyond family.

They did not worry about you but only ran everything via mafias. We bring permanent solutions and want every citizen to live with self-respect,” he added.

He also referred to riots in Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur and labelled the Samajwadi Party as “dangawadi (rioters)”.

“Don’t think for a moment that these ‘dangawadis’ have reformed. They are just waiting for a chance. The rioters of Saharanpur were welcomed by these mafia-like people. Across western UP, they are backing rioters.

These people want to take revenge against the people of UP. Those who were cursing rioters earlier are now standing with the same rioters,” PM Modi said.

Voting for the first phase of state assembly elections on 58 seats is underway, and 623 candidates are in the fray. (Agencies)

Cong called Gen Rawat ‘sadak ka gunda’, now seeking votes on his name: PM

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United News Of India

11/02/2022

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress for abusing late CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and asked the voters to respond to “those who questioned India’s surgical strike on terror camps.” He was addressing a poll rally- Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Srinagar of Uttarakhand.

“When Indian braves carried out surgical strike on militant camps, these people kept raising questions on the Army. Some leaders even demanded proof of the strike from Indian Army. These people resorted to lots of politics over the appointment of Gen Rawat as the first CDS of India. The leader of the same Congress party even called Gen Rawat ‘sadak ka gunda’. This is their hatred for the martyrs of the country,” the PM said.

“Today if they are using Gen Rawat for political purposes, in order to obtain votes, it is the responsibility of the people of Uttarakhand to respond to the Congress,” he added.

The PM said that he is deeply pained at heart and saying this since the Congress party has been seeking votes in the Uttarakhand by erecting cutouts of Gen Bipin Rawat.

“I can’t believe someone can go to this extent for power,” Modi said adding “the people of Uttarakhand cannot forget what’s Congress’s approach for the Army.”

“General Bipin Rawat’s memories make me emotional. He has shown to the country that people of Uttarakhand not only have courage like a mountain, but also have views as high as the Himalaya,” he said. Uttarakhand will go to polls on February 14. (UNI)

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