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‘Unseasonal rains, hailstorms cause Rs 209 Cr crop damage across J&K’

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government said that unseasonal rains, hailstorms and floods in September 2025 caused widespread damage to crops, livestock, horticulture, fisheries and infrastructure across the Union Territory.

Minister Incharge, while responding to a query by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, as per KNO, said total losses were assessed at Rs 209.214 crore and the report has been submitted to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) and the General Administration Department (GAD) as per directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The total cropped area damaged across Jammu and Kashmir was 75,997.32 hectares. Of this, Jammu Division recorded the highest loss with 69,707.69 hectares affected, followed by Kashmir Division with 6,289.63 hectares.

The government said compensation is being provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. Farmers in rainfed areas are eligible for Rs 8,500 per hectare, while those in irrigated areas are entitled to Rs 17,000 per hectare. The relief is restricted to the actual sown area of affected farmers, with a minimum of Rs 1,000 per farmer.

So far, Rs 647.98 lakh has been disbursed among the affected farmers across Jammu and Kashmir. This includes Rs 635.79 lakh for agricultural crops and Rs 12.19 lakh for horticulture losses.

The Agriculture Department stated that the disbursement process for remaining eligible farmers is underway with the concerned authorities. (KNO)

21,573 structures damaged in Jammu, 980 in Kashmir in recent floods, cloudbursts

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday revealed that recent floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rains caused widespread destruction across the Union Territory, resulting in loss of lives and extensive damage to both public and private property.

Responding to a question by MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, the Minister for Disaster Management, as per KNO, said that a total of 21,573 structures were damaged in Jammu division, while 980 structures were affected in Kashmir division during the recent weather-related disasters.

The government said that 152 people, including 151 in Jammu and one in Kashmir, lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, flash floods, and cloudbursts that affected several districts, especially in hilly and remote areas. Livestock and standing crops also suffered significant losses, it added.

A total compensation of Rs. 5,246.47 lakhs has been paid for damages in Jammu division, while Rs. 1,914.44 lakh has been disbursed in Kashmir so far, the government said.

Relief efforts included organising relief and medical camps across the affected areas, providing shelter, food, and household essentials to flood-affected families, the minister said.

He said immediate restoration work was undertaken to restore power, water supply, and road connectivity to support rehabilitation.

The minister said that relief was provided to affected individuals and families as per the guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

He said rehabilitation and restoration of public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, have been initiated in accordance with SDRF norms. (KNO)

Speaker rejects Lone’s adjournment motion on reservation policy

Srinagar: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday rejected an adjournment motion brought by Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone to discuss the government’s “failure” to rationalize the reservation policy.

After the Question Hour concluded, according to KNO, Lone drew the attention of the Chair to an adjournment motion he had submitted, seeking a discussion on the government’s failure to rationalize the existing reservation policy.

“I want to reiterate that reservation is a post-dated cheque. Please, don’t brush it under the carpet,” Lone urged.

As Lone pressed the issue, the Speaker ruled that the matter could not be discussed as it was neither of recent occurrence nor permissible due to its sub-judice status.

Citing Sub-Rule 3 of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, the Speaker explained that an adjournment motion can only be brought on matters of recent occurrence.

“The adjournment motion should concern a matter of recent occurrence. This is not such a matter. You had also raised this issue during the budget session. A sub-committee has been formed to examine the issue,” the Speaker said.

He further pointed out, as per Sub-Rule 7 of Rule 58, an adjournment motion cannot be admitted if the matter is pending before a court of law.

“This matter is sub-judice,” the Speaker added.

According to the notice for the adjournment motion submitted by Lone, the business of the House should have been suspended to discuss the government’s failure to rationalize the existing reservation policy.

“The existing policy has severely curtailed the competitive space available to Kashmiris in public employment, promotions, and professional education. In December last year, the government constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine public grievances concerning the revised reservation policy. However, despite the lapse of ten months, the committee’s report has neither been made public nor have its recommendations been implemented,” the notice reads. (KNO)

Reveal the names of your four MLAs who voted for BJP, Sajad Lone tells CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Monday leveled serious allegations against the ruling National Conference (NC), claiming that the party was engaged in a “secret deal” with the BJP over the allocation of the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar as per KNO, Lone pointed to recent remarks by NC patriarch Dr. Farooq Abdullah as evidence of ongoing negotiations between NC and the BJP. “If there wasn’t a deal, then why did Farooq Sahib himself admit that there were payleys between his party and BJP regarding Rajya Sabha seats?” Lone questioned.

He further said, “Why were 31 votes cast for candidate number three? Simple and straightforward: so that it would be possible for the BJP to win, and to make horse-trading easier for them. If NC was so confident of winning all four seats, why didn’t they offer any of the three seats to Congress? Was there a deal—something like, give two, take two or four?”

Referring to Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s statement that BJP had offered NC “ek seat do, teen lo” (give one seat, take three), Lone stressed that this indicated an ongoing dialogue. “Did he inform his allies about this dialogue with BJP? If he knows who the four people are, as he claims, he should name them—chahe woh unki apni party ke hi kyun na hon (even if they are from his own party). But he is not naming anyone.”

Speaking about the abstentions, Lone said, “They are blaming us for abstaining, saying that by not voting we supported them. Allah maaf kare, if we had voted, imagine the accusations! For us, there is no difference between National Conference and BJP. What one does, the other follows. We have taken a clear stand.”

Lone also raised questions on the voting process, “How does a vote get rejected? Put a mark here or there—what’s the problem? Saying our agent did or didn’t do it isn’t possible. When there is match-fixing, what can you say? I don’t know much Urdu, but there’s a verse: Idhar udhar ki baat na kar, yeh bata qafila kyun loota; mujhe rahznon se gila nahi, teri rahbari ka sawaal hai (Don’t talk about about trivial happenings, tell me why the caravan was looted; I don’t care about the robbers, the real question is about your leadership).”

On the electoral performance, Lone said, “Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference got nearly two lakh votes [during last year’s assembly polls], all against National Conference. Our fight is against them. Why would people vote for those who brought BSF, who killed thousands, who jailed so many? If NC looks into their zameer (conscience), they will see stains of Kashmiri blood. For me and my supporters, there is no difference between the National Conference and BJP.”

Touching on the issue of daily wagers, Lone added, “Everyone has deceived them [Daily wagers]. Even when I was in government, there were only committees upon committees. The basic issue lies with the state government. All these promises come with financial implications. The government has the financial overload that is why it is delaying their regularisation.” (KNO)

41 private member bills listed in tomorrow’s Assembly business

Srinagar: As many as 41 private member bills have been listed for introduction in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

According to the business scheduled in the House, as per KNO, 41 private member bills are set to be introduced tomorrow-the day reserved for such bills in the Assembly.

Key bills listed for introduction include the liquor ban bill, the constitution of Lokayukta, the regularisation of daily wagers, and the establishment of a legislative forum for monitoring and protection of human rights in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Liquor Ban Bill was submitted by MLA Kupwara Mir Muhammad Fayaz during the last budget session. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had actively campaigned in support of the bill submitted by Mir. A few other MLAs have also submitted similar bills.

The bill for regularisation of services of employees working on a contractual basis, including casual labourers and daily wagers, was submitted by National Conference’s Mir Saifullah. His bill has been listed at serial number 3.

A similar bill, listed at serial number 20, was submitted by PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Para. (KNO)

Ministers should read first, then answer queries: LoP Sharma

Srinagar: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Monday held the government, especially ministers, responsible for wrong questions and answers highlighted in the Question Hour Session today.

Speaking to the media persons, the LoP, as per KNO, termed it as a “serious issue” saying, “The government is at the fault.”

“The Ministers should have read what they have been served. They wake up in the morning and read these answers in the Assembly,” he said.

He also said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah couldn’t understand the question raised by one of the BJP MLAs regarding the flood-hit families. “The Chief Minister mentioned the PMAY scheme which was launched by the Lieutenant Governor. The question, however, was whether there is any scheme for the flood-affected people,” he said.

Sharma also said that during the question hour session, the MLAs get a chance to raise their grievances regarding their constituencies and expect that the government will listen to their pleas. (KNO)

‘Leadership, Loyalty, Unfulfilled Promises’: Storm erupts in NC as Omar, Ruhullah, Larmi lock horns

Srinagar: While many had anticipated fireworks inside the Assembly on Monday, the real storm erupted within the National Conference (NC) as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the party’s outspoken MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, and senior leader Majeed Larmi engaged in a heated war of words over leadership, loyalty, and unfulfilled promises.

With Ruhullah, who was the star campaigner for the National Conference during the 2024 elections, now distancing himself from the party over unfulfilled poll promises, the rift has deepened as leaders trade sharp barbs in public.

Omar Abdullah, speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, according to KNO, drew a clear distinction between two of his party’s parliamentarians Mian Altaf Ahmad and Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

Omar praised Mian Altaf as a seasoned and respected leader whose counsel he valued deeply. He recalled how both his father and Mian Altaf often advised him to measure his words carefully, a suggestion he said, he admired.

“I have great respect for Mian Sahib. My father always tells me to think before I speak, and Mian Sahib says the same. In that way, they are alike,” Omar said.

But when asked to comment on MP Ruhullah, Omar drew a sharp contrast, saying that there was a “difference between the earth and the sky” between the two leaders.

He refused to elaborate further, dismissing the question abruptly. “I will not speak about him,” he said, his tone firm enough to leave little doubt about his displeasure.

Omar also responded to reports that Ruhullah had refused to join the Budgam bypoll campaign, saying that the party has enough leaders to carry on its political outreach. “No one is being forced to campaign,” he said. “We have plenty of people willing to go out and work. Whoever wants to stay away can do so.”

Hours later, NC legislator Majeed Larmi added fuel to the fire. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Larmi, as per KNO, took direct aim at Ruhullah’s criticism of the Chief Minister, suggesting that if the MP truly believed the government has failed, he should resign from his seat and face the people again.

“If he says the Chief Minister has done nothing, then let him resign and contest again,” Larmi said. “He won on the party’s ticket. If he thinks the leadership failed, he should have the courage to go back to the voters.”

Larmi said every representative has a right to speak for their people but argued that public criticism of the leadership was damaging to the party’s unity.

He pointed out that many decisions affecting daily life, including the installation of smart meters, were taken under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, not by the elected government. “The order for smart meters came from the LG government, not ours. When our government has full control, we will deal with it differently,” he added.

He also suggested that major policy decisions could only be made once statehood was restored. “When there is no money and no administrative power in the state’s hands, how can anyone promise miracles?” he asked.

By afternoon, it was Ruhullah’s turn to respond and he did not hold back.

Speaking at another media interaction, the MP Ruhullah rejected any notion of personal rivalry, saying his concern was about the direction the party had taken since coming to power.

“If the National Conference wants to make this personal, I’m ready to fight,” Ruhullah said.

“There is no time for personal fights. The real fight is for Kashmir’s existence,” he said. “We promised people a battle for their dignity and the restoration of their rights. Where has that fight gone?”

Ruhullah accused the leadership of abandoning key poll promises made during the 2024 elections, including the restoration of Article 370 and the creation of one lakh jobs. “Only 20,000 have been given. Can anyone tell me where the rest are? Can anyone give me their address?” he asked.

He also raised concerns about detained youth in Kashmir, saying thousands remain behind bars without trial. “These are the same people who voted for us. What have we done for them?”

Rejecting any focus on himself, Ruhullah said his remarks were driven by accountability, not ego. “Ruhullah is not important. What matters is the trust people placed in us and the promises we made,” he said. “If someone wants to make it about ego, they can. But I won’t.” (KNO)

Hope for J&K statehood is fading: CM Omar, laments delay by Centre

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that delays in restoring statehood are diminishing hope among the people. He clarified that there is no understanding between the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but his efforts are focused on maintaining relations with the central government to ensure proper governance.

Speaking to the media persons, Omar, as per KNO, said he will not utter anything regarding resigning as the Chief Minister, as mentioned by him in an interview yesterday. “The person who conducted that interview also tried to ask me questions around this. I didn’t answer them. If I didn’t answer her, why do you think I will answer you?” he said.

Abdullah said he was hopeful for the restoration of statehood from the first day. “But the hope is fading with each passing day. Still, I am hopeful of its restoration. The more you make us wait, the less hopeful we will be. Only one year has passed. It would be better if we could have it during this hopefulness,” he said.

The CM said the government wanted to talk about the restoration of statehood. However, the speaker didn’t allow the discussion as the case is subjudice, he said. “I had no objection if any MLA tried to bring a resolution on statehood. The custodian of the house is the speaker, and only he can decide on the introduction of bills and resolutions.”

“I know where I stand in the matter of statehood. I know that if a resolution of statehood comes before the House, then my colleagues and I will vote,” he added.

Omar further said the government doesn’t make decisions based on religion or area. “These are BJP members who have kept about 15% of the population of this country out of the government. Today, the BJP has not even one Muslim Member Parliament in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha,” he said while replying to a query on compensation to the flood-hit people.

The Chief Minister said his government will decide to disburse relief to the people by looking at the loss, not the area or religion. He added that in the area which has suffered loss, the package will be requested from the Centre and distributed among the people.

On hurdles being faced under the Union Territory, Abdullah said that if there were no obstacles, he would not have asked for statehood. “It is obvious that issues are being raised. I have the responsibility, and I will have to answer the House. But the officer doesn’t seem to be my choice. There are many other examples and many institutions that should be under the control of the elected government, which are not yet. There are two universities, Cultural Academy, SKIMS, Power Development Corporation. There are many things that should have been transferred to the elected government, which have not been done. With these obstacles, we are fighting that statehood should be returned to us so that all these rights are with us,” he said.

About the Business Rules file, Omar said that there has been a conversation with the center for a few hours. “There have been one or two rounds of discussion. Some questions have been raised from there. But we are telling them that the business rules we have sent are completely under the J&K Reorganization Act. We have not tried to work against the Reorganization Act anywhere,” he said.

Regarding MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone’s statement calling Rajya Sabha elections a ‘fixed match’ between NC and BJP, the Chief Minister stated that the person who has not taken part in the elections should clarify what his helplessness was to help the BJP. “If he wanted to avoid match-fixing, at least he would have used his vote,” he said, adding that the people of Handwara did not send him here to remain silent and play double roles. He should openly say whether he is with BJP or not.

“On the day when elections were announced, I had maintained that those who do not take part in this election or abstain are directly helping the BJP. The media had already announced the results, giving us three and the BJP the seat. But, on the ground, we fought and tried to win,” he said.

Regarding the Rajya Sabha results, he said those who have made a deal of their faith should answer to Allah, adding that he would like them to come forward.

He also said that one of the independent MLAs had approached him and admitted that he made a mistake. “The MLA was not allowed to open the dummy voter slip and thus he voted in the wrong place,” he added.

Omar said that on the last seat, four votes went in favour of the BJP, while three deliberately destroyed their votes because they didn’t give a first preference; they directly wrote a second preference. Therefore, the BJP clearly made attempts to lure people. On what basis they were lured, whether they were induced or anything else, that only the BJP can answer,” he said.

On the discussion over Mehraj Malik’s detention, Abduallah said the speaker has given his opinion. I agree that whatever Mehraj Malik did was not worthy of a PSA. If there is any action against him, then the Speaker can do it. He is a member of this House,” he said, adding that a disciplinary committee can be formed to look into it, but using PSA against an elected member is completely wrong.

Abdullah said that there was no understanding with BJP. “The only party that is taking on the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir is the National Conference. We are the ones who took them on in the Rajya Sabha elections, nobody else. Congress could have fielded a candidate; they chose not to. In Nagrota, where is PDP’s candidate? Congress also, at the last minute, told us they will not fight, so I had to scramble to find a candidate. Otherwise, we were ready to support Congress in Nagrota. We are not those people who have a secret understanding,” he added.

The CM said that his attempt is that the central government should maintain relations so that J&K government’s work is done properly. “But the relationship between the government, the National Conference, and the BJP has a big difference. There is no relation between the National Conference and the BJP anywhere else. What will happen to my relationship with the central government is another thing,” he said.

Omar said any by-election is a challenge for a government. “We are taking this by-election also as a challenge. This challenge is multiplied by the complexities of voter distribution in Budgam. It is also multiplied by some element of internal politics that is playing out. I am hopeful that the people of Budgam will make the right choice,” he said. (KNO)

Hostilities can erupt anytime; India must stay prepared for war: Rajnath Singh

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Srinagar: Terming faceoff with Pakistan post Pahalgam terror attack in May this year as a reminder that hostilities can erupt anytime, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that India must be prepared for potential war that can breakout without any prior warning.

Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session here, Singh, according to KNO said, “The outcome of Operation Sindoor demonstrated the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.”

He said indigenous systems such as the Akash missile system, BrahMos cruise missile, and AkashTeer Air Defence Control System played a key role during the operation. “We all saw how these systems and other home-grown platforms performed during Operation Sindoor. Their success has strengthened India’s reputation not only in the region but also globally,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister said that while the soldiers executed the mission on the frontlines, it was equally the result of the efforts of engineers, scientists, and industry professionals working behind the scenes.

“The success of Operation Sindoor belongs not just to the soldiers who fought, but also to those who designed, developed, and produced the technology that made it possible,” he said. “People working in research, innovation, and manufacturing are silent contributors to national defence.”

Referring to the tensions that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said India’s response showed that the armed forces were prepared for any eventuality. However, he cautioned that the evolving global situation called for constant vigilance and self-reliance.

“After the Pahalgam attack, when Operation Sindoor was launched, a situation arose where war was knocking at our doors,” Singh said. “Our forces are fully prepared to defend the nation in any circumstance, but the level of uncertainty in the world has increased. We must therefore move forward carefully, assessing every situation before taking action.”

He said the nature of modern warfare is changing rapidly, with technology, drones, and cyber capabilities becoming central to national security. “To deal with these changes effectively, indigenisation is the only path forward,” he said.

Pertinently, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched in May this year as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead. The operation involved precision strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (KNO)

Era of degrees defining success coming to an end: LG Sinha

Srinagar: Asserting that the era where degrees alone defined success is coming to an end, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the future will belong to youth equipped with trans-disciplinary skills and innovative thinking.

Speaking at the inauguration of DREAM School Project at the prestigious Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh here, LG Sinha, according to KNO stressed on the importance of vocational education and the need to integrate practical skills with academic learning. “In the future, a degree won’t help. It will be about trans-disciplinary skills. Vocational education is important for preparing our youth for real-world challenges,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the Education Department is making sustained efforts to provide quality education and to nurture a scientific temper among students across Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the government’s focus remains on transforming the education ecosystem to make it more inclusive, modern, and skill-oriented. “The Education Department is trying its best to provide quality education and develop scientific temper among students. The future and destiny of Jammu and Kashmir lie in your hands,” he said.

Urging the youth to aim high and think creatively, the LG said, “Your talent and creativity will decide J&K’s destiny. Think big, dream big, develop courage to take risks, and cultivate patience. Set your role models—people from whom you draw your inspiration—and move forward with determination.”

He also emphasized that the new generation must not shy away from experimenting or exploring new areas of learning, as the world is changing rapidly and innovation is the key to progress.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his government’s commitment to empower youth through education, skill development, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

He said that with the right mindset, training, and exposure, the students of Jammu and Kashmir can compete globally and play a pivotal role in shaping the Union Territory’s bright future.

The Lieutenant Governor said that government schools will lead the future of India’s learning reforms. “The Robotics Lab, STEM innovation centres, smart classrooms, advanced digital infrastructure, professional development for teachers, and holistic learning spaces will unlock the potential of every child,” he said.

Pertinently, the project- Developing Resilient Education and Aspirational Mindsets (DREAM) is a collaboration between the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the Faizal and Shabana Foundation that was initiated through an MoU in March 2023.

As per the MoU, the Faizal and Shabana Foundation has constructed the middle school block with state-of-the-art facilities such as Robotics and STEM Lab, ACs for all the rooms and a dedicated lunchroom with separate kitchen and a storeroom.

The DREAM School Project was committed by Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of the UAE India Business Council–UAE Chapter (UIBC–UC), during a high-level UIBC-UC delegation visit to Srinagar in 2023. The project aimed to transform public education in Jammu Kashmir, builds on the success of the Nadakkavu School model in Kerala, which has been ranked among the top 3 best Government Day schools in India for the past five years.

The Lieutenant Governor said the project is a testament to our commitment to ensure global standard education to every child and a progressive environment for them to aspire and dream big.

The Lieutenant Governor said the “Dream school project” has helped bridge the distance between Kashmir and Kerala by bringing the two regions closer through education and innovation.

He stated that his goal is to ensure that every school in Jammu Kashmir becomes a hub of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration – nurturing the youth who will shape the nation’s future.

“We are committed to foster a nurturing and empowering atmosphere that propels each student towards growth and excellence in the school, which will guarantee holistic development encompassing social, emotional, and intellectual growth for every student, moulding them into exemplary citizens of the future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the key initiatives taken by the UT Administration, under the guidance of PM Modi, aimed at equal access to education, promoting inclusivity, enhancing infrastructure, empowering youth, and aligning education with modern skill requirements and technological advancements.

“Our youth are our greatest strength, and their talent and potential will drive our vision for the future. Over the past few years, we have invested deeply in transforming our education ecosystem to make Jammu Kashmir an ‘Oasis of Talent’,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also called upon the educational institutions and the teaching community to develop the education system that rewards creativity, curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking.

He stressed that this system must balance creativity with competition, where classroom tests are based on learning, originality, and experimentation, where creativity and individuality are valued more than marks and gold medals.

Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder, Faizal and Shabana Foundation and Chairman, UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC–UC); Shabana Faizal, Co-Founder, Faizal and Shabana Foundation; Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary School Education Department; Dr. Aman Puri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Maj. Gen. Sharafuddin Sharaf (Retd.), Vice-Chairman, UIBC–UC; Sunjay Sudhir, former Indian Ambassador to UAE; Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo; Director General, School Education, Kashmir; office bearers of Faizal and Shabana Foundation; Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, senior officials, heads of educational institutions, teachers and students in large number attended the inaugural ceremony. (KNO)