Important News - 2025-03-20
20 March 2025
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Festivals (3)
VTU Youth Festival - Interact 2025 to Celebrate Karnataka’s Culture from March 24
The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), in collaboration with the Global Academy of Technology (GAT), is organizing the 24th VTU Youth Festival - Interact 2025 from March 24 to 27 at the GAT campus in Bengaluru. Themed ‘Brand Karnataka’, the festival aims to highlight the cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of Karnataka. It will feature 25 events across five domains: music, arts, literary, fine arts, and theatre. Over 9,000 students from more than 100 VTU-affiliated colleges, including GAT, have registered to participate. The event will be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, with notable attendees including Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor of VTU, Aisshwarya D.K.S. Hegde of GAT, and celebrities like Dhruva Sarja, Vijay Raghavendra, and playback singer Vijay Prakash.
Sidi Hook-Swinging Ritual to Resume at Udusalamma Jatra Mahotsava After Four-Year Hiatus
The traditional ritual of Sidi, involving hook swinging, is set to return after a four-year hiatus at the Udusalamma Jatra Mahotsava in Hariharapura village, Holenarasipur taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka. The ritual, which was halted in 2021 due to opposition from activists and Dalit Hakkugala Samiti, involves participants being tied to a pole and rotated to entertain the public. The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, which came into effect in January 2020, provided legal backing to stop the ritual. This year, the festival organizers have been persuading Dalit families from Chakenahalli, who previously performed the ritual, to resume it. However, some former participants have expressed reluctance. The festival, held once every two years, attracts residents from seven surrounding villages. The ritual has faced criticism for its inhumane treatment of participants, and CPI(M) district committee member Dharmesh has warned of protests if the administration permits its revival.
‘Ranga Sambrahama’ Theatre Festival to Celebrate World Theatre Day from March 22
The ‘Ranga Sambrahama’ theatre festival is set to take place from March 22 to March 27 in the city. Organized by Rangayana and the District Amateur Theatre Artistes Forum, the festival will feature seminars, folk music, and celebrations of World Theatre Day. The event will be inaugurated by K.M. Gayatri, Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, on March 22 at 6 p.m. Notable attendees include theatre personality K.R. Sumathi and MLA K. Harish Gowda. A seminar on March 23 will be inaugurated by senior IPS officer Dharani Devi Malagatti, with Karnataka Sahitya Academy president L.N. Mukundaraj participating. Discussions will focus on the representation of grassroots communities in modern Kannada theatre and the role of C.G. Krishnaswamy in social movements. Daily plays will begin at 6:30 p.m., with season tickets priced at ₹300 and daily tickets at ₹100. On March 27, World Theatre Day will be celebrated, with eminent theatre artists like Saraswathi Julekha Begum and H. Janardhan (Janni) being felicitated. A poster of the festival was released by Rangayana Director Satish Tipturu and Joint Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture V.N. Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Economy (4)
HDMC Presents ₹1,512.67 Crore Surplus Budget for 2025-26 with Focus on Infrastructure and Revenue Generation
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) presented a surplus budget of ₹19 crore for the financial year 2025-26 on Thursday. The total budget outlay for the year is estimated at ₹1,512.67 crore, marking an increase of ₹20.92 crore from the previous year’s budget of ₹1,491.75 crore. The budget was passed amidst uproar from Opposition Congress members, who protested against a comment made by BJP members during the presentation. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Taxation, Finance, and Appeal, Chandrashekhar Managundi, proposed five major initiatives, including tripling revenue generation through internal resources and property tax, installing LED lights under a Public-Private Partnership model, achieving 100% door-to-door waste collection, implementing 24x7 drinking water supply, and providing essential infrastructure. The budget allocates ₹694 crore from State and Central government grants, with ₹303 crore expected from property tax and other tax sources. Additionally, ₹200 crore is projected from monetizing municipal properties. The capital expenditure is set at ₹978 crore, with allocations for ward funds, roads, underground drainage, and emergency works. Health insurance under 'Arogya Raksha' has been announced for councillors, civic labourers, and media persons, with a ₹75 lakh allocation. The budget also includes ₹25 crore for lake and garden maintenance under the AMRUT scheme and ₹60 crore for solid waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II.
Kerala to Export Hilly Aqua Bottled Water to GCC Countries
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to inaugurate the export of bottled water from Kerala to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as announced by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine in the State Assembly on Thursday. The initiative involves the export of the Hilly Aqua bottled water brand, produced by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC). A three-year agreement has been signed with Arohana General Trading LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to facilitate exports to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Additionally, Hilly Aqua is transitioning to eco-friendly biodegradable bottles as part of its sustainability efforts. This move is expected to boost Kerala's economy and strengthen trade ties with GCC nations.
Kerala Govt. Raises Dearness Allowance to 15% for Employees and Pensioners
The Kerala government has announced an increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and dearness relief for pensioners, raising the rate from 12% to 15%, effective from April 2025. This hike will benefit government employees, teachers, staff of aided schools, private colleges, polytechnics, full-time contingent employees, and local government employees. Additionally, State service pensioners, family pensioners, ex-gratia pensioners, and ex-gratia family pensioners will also receive the enhanced relief. The revised DA and dearness relief will be disbursed along with the salary and pension from May 2025 onwards. Furthermore, teaching staff under UGC, AICTE, and Medical Education schemes who transitioned to the revised scale from January 1, 2016, will see their DA increase from 34% to 38%. Those continuing in the sixth UGC, AICTE, and Medical Education scale since January 1, 2006, will have their DA raised from 203% to 212%.
Farmers in Nellore Struggle Amid MSP Implementation Issues and Middlemen Exploitation
Farmers in SPSR Nellore district are facing significant challenges due to the lack of proper implementation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy. Kakani Govardhan Reddy, former Agriculture Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Nellore district president, highlighted these issues during a media conference at the YSRCP office in Nellore. He stated that despite the MSP being set at ₹19,800 for 850 kg (putti) of paddy, farmers are forced to sell their produce to middlemen for as low as ₹15,000 per putti. Additionally, farmers growing the BPT variety of paddy are particularly affected, as they are unable to sell their produce even in the open market. Reddy alleged that while 300 paddy procurement centers have been established in the district, farmers are not provided with essential supplies like bags and face transportation difficulties. Moreover, rice millers are reportedly exploiting farmers by deducting an additional 150 kg of paddy under the pretext of moisture percentage. Reddy also accused Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy of conducting review meetings primarily to blackmail rice millers, rather than supporting the farmers.
Appointments (1)
Hanumanth Nirani Appointed to Bagalkot University Board After Delay
The Karnataka State Government has officially notified the appointment of BJP member Hanumanth Nirani to the board of the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, following a reprimand from the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti. The appointment, which had been pending for eight months, was delayed despite two reminder letters from Mr. Horatti. On Wednesday, Mr. Horatti summoned the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar of the university, and the Horticulture Department Secretary to explain the delay. The issue was discussed in the Legislative Council, with Congress members criticizing the delay and threatening to move a privilege motion. On Thursday, the matter was resolved after Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil intervened, and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot issued the notification by afternoon. Mr. Nirani claimed the delay was due to political reasons, as the Congress government allegedly did not want to notify the appointment of a BJP legislator. Notably, the government had promptly notified the appointment of Badami legislator B.B. Chimmankatti, appointed by the Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader.
Miscellaneous (7)
Disgruntled Bus Driver Sabotages Minibus, Killing Four Near Pune
A tragic incident occurred near Pune on March 19, 2025, when a minibus owned by Vyoma Graphics caught fire, resulting in the deaths of four employees. The police investigation revealed that the fire was an act of sabotage by the bus driver, Janardan Hambardekar, who was disgruntled after his salary was recently cut. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad, Hambardekar procured benzene, an inflammable chemical, and used a cloth to set the bus on fire as it approached Hinjawadi. The accused also suffered injuries but managed to escape along with a few others. Ten passengers sustained burn injuries, with two in serious condition. The victims, Shankar Shinde (63), Rajan Chavan (42), Gurudas Lokare (45), and Subhash Bhosale (44), were unable to open the emergency exit door in time and succumbed to the fire. Hambardekar is currently undergoing treatment and will be arrested upon recovery. Further investigations are ongoing.
Telangana Police Crack Down on Betting Apps Amid Rising Concerns
The Telangana Police, led by Sajjanar, have intensified efforts to combat the promotion of betting apps, which are likened to organized mafias. These apps have been linked to severe consequences, including financial ruin, mental health issues, and even loss of life, particularly among young people in rural areas. Social media influencers, who previously promoted these apps, are now being held accountable for exploiting their followers' trust. Recent campaigns have generated over 90 million digital footprints in a week, raising awareness about the dangers of these platforms. Cases in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh highlight the devastating impact, with police gathering evidence in incidents where individuals have taken their lives due to losses incurred through betting apps. Authorities emphasize the need for stricter laws, public awareness, and parental vigilance to curb the influence of these apps.
Two Brothers Killed in Motorcycle Accident at Anepalya Junction
In a tragic road accident, two brothers, Shakil Bashir (23) and Asalam Bashir (22), lost their lives early on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at Anepalya junction under the Ashok Nagar police station limits. The duo was riding a motorcycle when they lost control and crashed into an electric pole. Both sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-West) Anitha B. Haddannavar stated that overspeeding and the absence of helmets were the primary causes of the accident. The bodies were shifted to Bowring Hospital for postmortem, and the report is awaited. The brothers were residents of Neelasandra and ran a hotel on Bajaj Street.
Rare Pinhole Pupilloplasty Surgery Restores Vision for Badminton Injury Patient
Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Chennai successfully performed a rare surgical procedure known as pinhole pupilloplasty on a 67-year-old patient from Tambaram who sustained a severe corneal injury while playing badminton. The patient, Mr. Mani, suffered a cut cornea when a shuttlecock hit his spectacles, causing them to shatter and leaving him temporarily blind. Typically, corneal transplantation is the standard treatment for such injuries, but in this case, complications like multiple sutures, donor cornea rejection, and long-term issues associated with corneal transplants made it unsuitable. Dr. Amar Agarwal, chairman of the hospital, opted for pinhole pupilloplasty, a technique usually reserved for conditions like keratoconus or conical cornea. This procedure reduces the pupil's size to that of a pinhole, limiting light entry and ensuring sharper focus on the retina, thereby improving visual acuity. The surgery also eliminated the risk of donor cornea rejection and enabled faster recovery of sight. Mr. Mani’s vision was successfully restored, and he expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.
Young India Police School Conducts Transparent Lottery for Inaugural Admissions
The Young India Police School (YIPS) marked a significant milestone towards its first academic year by conducting a transparent lottery-based admission process on March 20, 2024. The event, held at the YIPS campus in Manchirevula, Hyderabad, was overseen by Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C.V. Anand to ensure fairness in seat allocation. Following the overwhelming response to admissions after the school’s website was launched by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the committee adopted a lottery system to distribute seats equitably. Commissioner Anand conducted the draw for classes 1 to 5, offering 40 seats per class, with 20 reserved for children of uniformed service personnel and 20 for the general public. A total of 45 seats were allotted to police personnel’s children, while 11 were allocated to others. The event was attended by school authorities, senior police officials, and parents, who praised the transparent process. With the admissions finalized, YIPS is now set to welcome its inaugural batch of students.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts at SLBC Tunnel: Preventive Measures and Excavation Progress
The rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, aimed at locating the remaining seven individuals trapped under debris, has entered its 27th day. The State government has implemented preventive measures to protect rescue personnel from leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, by administering a weekly dose of 200 mg doxycycline capsule. The rescue teams are working in five shifts, starting at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m., with a focus on making multiple holes using crowbars to detect odours and aid further excavation. Simultaneous de-watering operations are ongoing at D1 and D2 points to prevent water accumulation. The rescue teams are using excavators, conveyor belts, loco-trolleys, and water jets to remove muck, debris, and boulders. Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar and General Officer Commanding of the Telangana, Andhra Sub Area (TASA) Col. Ajay Mishra reviewed the progress of the operation with district officials and rescue team leaders.
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand Reviews Summer Preparedness and Issues Heatwave Advisory
In response to escalating temperatures and persistent heatwaves, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant over the next three months. On March 20, 2024, during a video conference with officials from various departments at the State Secretariat, Vijayanand emphasized the need for comprehensive preparedness. He mandated the appointment of a nodal officer at the district level to develop a tailored heatwave action plan. With temperatures already reaching 42 degrees Celsius and expected to rise further, Vijayanand directed the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) to enhance public awareness through multiple platforms. He also called for the provision of essential amenities such as drinking water, buttermilk, tents, and first aid in public areas, particularly at examination centers where Class X exams are underway. Additionally, he instructed the APSDMA to issue advance alerts about high temperatures and urged departments like Medical and Health, Education, and Water Supply to implement precautionary measures. Vijayanand advised the public to stay hydrated, consume light meals, and avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. unless absolutely necessary. Ronanki Kurmanath, Managing Director of APSDMA, reported that the highest temperature recorded so far was 42.7 degrees Celsius on March 18 and assured that steps had been taken to disseminate precautionary information widely.
Politics (6)
UDF MLAs March in Support of ASHAs’ Demand for Fair Remuneration
On Thursday, Opposition MLAs from the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala boycotted the Assembly discussions on the demand for grants and marched to the Secretariat in solidarity with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), who had begun an indefinite fast earlier that day. The march was led by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who assured the ASHAs of the Opposition’s full support in addressing their livelihood issues. Satheesan emphasized that the ASHAs’ demand for fair remuneration was a genuine concern, not a political issue. He highlighted that UDF MPs had already raised the issue in Parliament, prompting the Central government to announce a hike in ASHAs’ incentives. Satheesan urged the State government to increase the honorarium and called for the Centre to revise the incentive structure. Meanwhile, UDF MP Ms. George, seeking to meet Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi, submitted a memorandum to the Resident Commissioner after failing to secure an appointment.
Yogi Adityanath Condemns Glorification of Invaders as Treason, Highlights U.P.’s Progress
On March 20, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while inaugurating buildings in Motipur village, Bahraich, criticized those who glorify foreign invaders, labeling such actions as treason. He emphasized the importance of respecting India’s Sanatana culture and traditions, stating that glorifying invaders undermines the nation’s heritage. Adityanath highlighted Bahraich’s historical significance, mentioning its connection to Maharishi Balark’s ashram and the victory of Suhaldev over a foreign invader. He also contrasted the current BJP-led government’s achievements, such as improved law and order and economic growth, with the previous regime’s shortcomings. Adityanath asserted that the “New India” will not tolerate those who insult the nation’s great men or support invaders who harmed its culture and faith.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Applauds SC Sub-Classification Efforts
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan welcomed the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes, attributing its success to the persistent efforts of MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. During a Short Discussion in the Legislative Assembly on the report submitted by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Kalyan highlighted that Andhra Pradesh's initiative had garnered national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsing the proposal for equitable justice across sub-castes. The Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission ensured the classification was based on the population size of each sub-caste. Earlier, Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Minister of Social Welfare, presented the report of the One-man Commission on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes in the Assembly.
NDA Government Pledges to Protect Kolleru Lake Amidst Criticisms of Past Administrations
Jana Sena Party MLC and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan’s political secretary, P. Hari Prasad, emphasized the NDA government’s commitment to safeguarding Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh. He criticized the previous administrations of former Chief Ministers Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy (YSR) and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for their handling of encroachments and other issues that led to the degradation of the lake’s ecosystem over the past two decades. Prasad highlighted that during the YSR regime in 2006, Operation Kolleru involved the use of explosives to destroy lake embankments, leading to legal interventions by the High Court and Supreme Court. He also noted that the Jalagam Vengala Rao government in 1975 had permitted fishermen to dig ponds in 7,200 acres, but over time, more than 70,000 acres were illegally encroached upon. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 1999 resulted in a court ruling that prohibited aquaculture in the lake, allowing only traditional fishing and agriculture. As per the Ramsar Convention of 2002, both the Central and State governments are responsible for protecting the Kolleru region’s biodiversity while considering the livelihoods of people in 122 surrounding villages. Prasad accused the YSRCP government (2019-24) of neglecting the lake’s conservation and failing to allocate funds for promised infrastructure projects.
Telangana HC Quashes Criminal Case Against Former Minister Harish Rao and Retired Police Officer
The Telangana High Court, led by Justice K. Lakshman, quashed a criminal case against former Minister T. Harish Rao of the BRS party and retired police officer P. Radha Kishan Rao on Thursday. The case was based on a complaint filed by G. Chakradhar Goud, who alleged extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy, including illegal phone tapping. Harish Rao, a former Minister in the BRS government, and Radha Kishan Rao, who was heading the Hyderabad Police Commissioner’s Task Force at the time, were accused of detaining Goud illegally and intimidating him. The case was registered on December 1, 2024, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The court’s decision came after Harish Rao and Radha Kishan Rao filed petitions challenging the First Information Report (FIR). This case is linked to a previous incident where Radha Kishan Rao was accused of phone tapping, and he had secured bail in that case. The detailed order of Justice K. Lakshman is yet to be uploaded on the High Court website.
Andhra Pradesh Approves Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes for Equitable Benefit Distribution
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly approved the report of the One-Man Commission on Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes, led by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra. The decision aims to ensure equitable distribution of benefits among SC sub-groups, based on the 2011 Census, with Andhra Pradesh as a single unit for implementation until 2026, after which it will be applied at the district level. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that the move fulfills a 30-year-long demand for social justice, ensuring that historically marginalized sub-groups receive their rightful share of benefits. The Commission recommended dividing SCs into three categories: Group 1 (most backward sub-castes) with 1% reservation, Group 2 (backward sub-castes) with 6.5% reservation, and Group 3 (comparatively less backward sub-castes) with 7.5% reservation. Naidu also criticized the previous YSRCP administration for its lack of efforts in SC welfare, highlighting the NDA government’s allocation of ₹804 crore for SC welfare.
Schemes (3)
APSSDC Launches Project SarvaSetu with Indian Diaspora in Germany to Skill ITI Students for International Careers
The Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) has collaborated with the Indian diaspora in Germany to launch Project SarvaSetu, an initiative aimed at equipping Indian youth with skills for international career opportunities, particularly in Germany. The project focuses on providing German language training, cultural orientation, and integration skills to final-year ITI students in Andhra Pradesh. In partnership with the Consulate General of India (CGI), Munich, the initiative will train 300 students in two batches across selected ITIs and training centers. Students who successfully complete A1 and A2 level German language certifications will become eligible for employment opportunities in Germany. The online training sessions are scheduled to commence in the first week of May 2025. This collaboration seeks to bridge skill gaps and open new career pathways for Indian youth in the global job market.
Jal Jeevan Mission to Exceed 85% Coverage by End of Government Term
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally assisted scheme aimed at providing household tap connectivity in rural areas, is expected to achieve over 85% coverage by the end of the current government’s term. Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine informed the Assembly that the coverage has increased from 25% to approximately 55% since the launch of the scheme in the state. The Minister addressed concerns raised by the Opposition UDF regarding the slow progress of JJM, particularly Kerala’s position at the bottom of the national implementation list. By January-February 2026, more than 550 panchayats are projected to achieve full coverage under JJM, with 115 panchayats and nine Assembly constituencies already having full coverage. The cost of the mission is equally shared by the State and the Centre. Currently, 38.51 lakh out of 70.77 lakh rural households in Kerala have tap connections. The Union government has extended the deadline for JJM to 2028. Additionally, funds have been allocated for the restoration of roads dug up for pipeline installation under the mission.
GHMC Launches Fogging Request Feature on My GHMC App to Combat Mosquito Menace
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has introduced a new feature in the My GHMC app to address the issue of mosquito menace in residential areas. Residents and corporators can now request fogging in their localities through the app. Initially being tested in the Jubilee Hills Circle, the feature will soon be extended to other areas under GHMC. To use the feature, users must log into the app, select the ‘Fogging Request’ option, and submit their request. The request is automatically forwarded to the assistant entomologist, who assigns it to the entomology worker of the area. Once fogging is completed, a photo and geo-coordinates are uploaded as proof. The app restricts repeat requests from the same area for a week to prevent duplication and ensure optimal resource utilization. GHMC officials noted that this initiative addresses frequent complaints about fogging not being conducted in certain wards. However, fogging is a cost-intensive operation involving vehicles, diesel, and chemicals, which may pose health risks. Earlier studies by the Entomology department indicate that mosquitoes have developed immunity to the chemicals used, leading to a rise in mosquito populations despite fogging efforts.
Defence (1)
Defence Acquisition Council Approves Reforms to Streamline Procurement and Boost Indigenous Defence Capabilities
On March 20, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved new guidelines to streamline and reduce the timelines of the defence procurement process by 10-15%. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Year of Reforms’ and aims to make the capital acquisition process faster, more effective, and efficient. The DAC also granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for eight procurement proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore, including the upgrade of T-90 tank engines, Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft systems for the Indian Air Force, and Varunastra torpedoes for the Navy. Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 307 indigenously designed and developed ATAGS artillery guns, which will significantly reduce India’s dependency on foreign imports and boost the domestic defence industry. The ATAGS project is expected to generate 20 lakh man-days of employment and enhance India’s defence export portfolio.
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