defense, india, technology

Drones Made By MP’s Satna Boy Pass Test At Army Camp

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**Innovative Drone Project by Satna Resident for Indian Army**

Satna (Madhya Pradesh): Anshuman Shukla, a resident of the Kitaha area in Satna district, has developed two advanced drones for the Indian Army designed to neutralize enemy targets. These drones successfully passed testing at the campus of the 609 EME Battalion in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh.

Currently, Anshuman is working on enhancing the drones’ operational range. Alongside him, his two friends, Abhijit Patel and Akhilesh Singh Rathore, are actively involved in the project.

The Government of India has announced that this initiative is part of **Operation Sindoor**, under which the manufacturing of these drones is underway. One drone is specifically built for attacking enemy positions, while the other is designated for post-mission damage assessment.

Anshuman, the son of contractor Anil Shukla, was inspired to develop these drones following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at the Institute of Engineering Technology, Indore.

The team handed over their project to Lieutenant Colonel Nitin Verma of the 609 Battalion. The development spanned from August 10 to September 5, during which the trio stayed at the army camp to complete the work.

Both drones are equipped with modern systems, featuring SIM cards that enable activation from anywhere in the world via Short Message Service (SMS). Currently, the drones have a maximum range of 20 km, a significant improvement over existing drones that typically have a 5 km range. Their top speed reaches 180 km/h.

Anshuman explained that the attack drone is designed to self-destruct after completing its mission to avoid capture. The surveillance drone, meanwhile, is fitted with a night vision camera to estimate damage inflicted on the enemy.

The drones boast a portable, lightweight design and were developed with a total expenditure of Rs 3 lakh. They take off from altitudes of 100-200 metres, keeping them below radar detection, and operate at a flying height of approximately 400 metres above ground level.

Each drone can carry between 2 to 4 kilograms of explosives, making them highly effective tactical tools for the battlefield.

This pioneering project marks a significant contribution from young innovators towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/drones-made-by-mps-satna-boy-pass-test-at-army-camp

competitions, education, technology

Indore: Over 1000 Students Participate In DAVV’s Internal Hackathon

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**IET DAVV Organises Internal Hackathon for Smart India Hackathon 2025 Selection**

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), a part of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), hosted an internal hackathon on Saturday as part of the selection process for the upcoming Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025.

Students from various DAVV teaching departments—including IET, IIPS, the School of Data Science and Forecasting, and other University Teaching Departments (UTDs)—participated enthusiastically in the event. Out of 190 registered teams, each comprising six members, over 1,000 students presented innovative technical solutions.

A panel of 29 judges evaluated the projects. The panel included 11 industry experts and 18 faculty members from IET and other DAVV departments. Divided into 14 evaluation panels, the judges assessed the projects based on creativity, feasibility, and potential real-world impact, focusing on practical solutions to pressing problems.

“The hackathon featured a strong emphasis on addressing real-world problem statements, leading to the selection of several outstanding projects for their innovation and practical potential,” said Prof. Pratosh Bansal, Director of IET.

The event was expertly coordinated by Prof. Vaibhav Jain, the College SPOC for SIH 2025, with co-coordination support from Prof. Praveen Karma.

**Key Problem Statements Addressed**

Participants tackled challenges provided by various ministries and state governments under the following major themes:

– **Healthcare Data Management:** Developing secure and efficient systems for handling patient records.
– **Smart Traffic Management Systems:** Creating AI-driven solutions aimed at reducing congestion and accidents.
– **Cybersecurity and Phishing Detection:** Designing tools to promote safer internet usage.
– **IoT-based Agricultural Solutions:** Innovating smart irrigation and crop monitoring systems to support farmers.

The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by the participants underscore DAVV’s commitment to nurturing future innovators and equipping students to solve real-world challenges.

—

*Stay tuned for updates on the selected teams advancing to the Smart India Hackathon 2025.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-over-1000-students-participate-in-davvs-internal-hackathon

diet, food, health, nutrition, waste reduction

Can you get your nutrition intake from ‘random leftovers’? A dietitian weighs in

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Annie Jacobs-Perkins is a 28-year-old cellist who shares a glimpse into her typical day’s meals and eating habits.

**8:00 AM**
A cup of black coffee starts her day. “I don’t always eat breakfast; today was one of those days,” Annie admits.

**11:45 AM**
For a mid-morning snack, she enjoys homemade pumpkin bread with cream cheese, accompanied by some red plums sourced from a local farmer. “I prioritise plant-heavy meals and local produce,” she explains.

**1:00 PM**
Lunch consists of a variety of random leftovers: lentil curry, tofu salad, kimchi, sprouts, salad, and a few bites of local cheddar cheese.

**4:30 PM**
While on a family holiday, Annie visits an Amish food stand called Sharps Market in Adams, New York, to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese. At home, the family shares half a watermelon. They save the rinds, which Annie is fermenting into watermelon rind pickles using gochujang and garlic.

**6:30 PM**
Dinner features grilled corn, beans, and peppers tossed into a salad with lime juice and tomatoes. She also roasts chickpeas and butter beans with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The roasted chickpeas and salad are served on a bed of yoghurt mixed with lemon juice, ricotta cheese, and garlic.

**10:00 PM**
Annie ends the day with a sweet treat: a bowl of vanilla ice cream drizzled with maple syrup.

—

**Expert Nutrition Insights**
Dr Joanna McMillan praises Annie’s eating habits:
“Top marks for your strong focus on local produce and the wide variety of plant foods. I love how you use up leftovers and your home-fermenting, which both reduces waste and promotes emerging gut and immune health benefits.”

However, Dr McMillan also offers some advice for continued health:
“If you keep eating like this, you’ll need to watch your iron intake, which can be low for women in their 20s if animal foods are limited. Without fish or seafood, your omega-3 intake is also on the low side. While dairy supplies some high-quality protein, the lack of eggs, meat, or seafood means you need to be mindful of replacing or supplementing certain nutrients.”

She suggests a few practical tips:
– Increase your intake of iron-rich plant foods such as lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, and dark leafy greens.
– Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods to boost iron absorption.
– Consider a marine algae omega-3 supplement if fish isn’t on the menu.
– For extra protein variety, try nut butters, tempeh, or quinoa.

—

Annie Jacobs-Perkins will perform in the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music series on October 12.

—

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https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/can-you-get-your-nutrition-intake-from-random-leftovers-a-dietitian-weighs-in-20250903-p5mrzx.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

business, financial, leadership, retail

Shake-up at the top for billionaire-backed budget retailer

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The chief executive of Best & Less has left after just nine months in the role, marking the second early departure of a CEO at the budget retailer within a short period.

Aaron Faraguna, who previously served as chief executive at JD Sports and chief operating officer at David Jones, was appointed to lead Best & Less in January. However, the company has now confirmed that Faraguna has tendered his resignation.

In a statement, Best & Less announced that Ray Itaoui, executive chairman of Best & Less Group, has assumed day-to-day responsibilities to maintain business continuity. Faraguna will continue to be available to ensure a smooth handover, the spokesperson added.

Faraguna had publicly announced his appointment as CEO of Best & Less on LinkedIn earlier this year, expressing gratitude to Itaoui for believing in him and offering the opportunity to lead “such a talented and passionate team.”

Founded in 1965, Best & Less operates more than 200 stores across Australia. The clothing and homewares retailer is co-owned by Ray Itaoui — who became CEO of Sanity in 2007 and purchased it two years later — alongside billionaire businessman Brett Blundy.

Itaoui had personally recruited Faraguna from sneaker chain JD Sports, reconnecting after Faraguna began his retail career at Sanity in 1999. Describing the appointment earlier this year, Itaoui told The Australian Financial Review that Faraguna was “exactly what we are looking for” and possessed “the energy we need.”

Before Faraguna’s appointment, Best & Less had announced in April 2023 that former The Iconic CEO Erica Berchtold would be joining as its incoming chief executive. However, in May, Itaoui and Blundy made a takeover bid for the discount fashion retailer.

By late June — months before Berchtold was due to start in September — the company and Berchtold agreed not to proceed with her appointment. Itaoui then assumed the CEO responsibilities himself.

In July 2023, Itaoui and Blundy delisted Best & Less from the Australian Securities Exchange, privatising the company two years after its initial public offering.

Reflecting on the role, Berchtold told Australian businessman Mark Bouris on his podcast, The Mentor, in August 2023: “I resigned, I quit my job, I signed up. I wasn’t allowed to start straight away, and that was fine because I wanted to do the right thing by The Iconic and see out my notice period. During that notice period, the company got bought out, privatised, and the role I wanted — the role I signed up for — was no longer the role that was there. That role just wasn’t there anymore.”

Today, Itaoui co-owns Best & Less alongside Brett Blundy, who is also the founder of Lovisa and holds a 40% stake in Dissh.

A spokesperson for Best & Less declined to answer further questions, and Itaoui was unavailable for interview.

In the 12 months to June 30, 2024, Best & Less reported a 2.2% decline in sales to $625.1 million. Despite the fall in revenue, net profits nearly doubled to $17.5 million from $9.1 million in 2023, according to the company’s most recent financial report filed with the corporate regulator.

—

*The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage, and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.*
https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/shake-up-at-the-top-for-billionaire-backed-budget-retailer-20250919-p5mwhn.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_business

education, government, health, medical

Faculty Crunch Hits Government, Private Medical Colleges Across Madhya Pradesh

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**Faculty Recruitment a Growing Challenge for Medical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Faculty recruitment has become a serious challenge not just for private medical colleges, but also for newly established government institutions across Madhya Pradesh. According to norms, each medical subject requires at least six faculty members: a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, two demonstrators, and one senior resident (SR). This standard applies uniformly to both government and private medical colleges.

Medical colleges offering the MBBS course must teach at least 12 core subjects over five years. In MBBS Part I, students study Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. The second-year curriculum includes Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (FMT).

To meet the growing demand, the state government’s Health and Medical Education website has listed recruitment notifications for assistant professors and demonstrators at newly established medical colleges in Chhindwara, Datia, and Satna.

Meanwhile, private colleges face similar staffing challenges. However, recent tech-driven reforms aim to keep these challenges in check. Managements of private medical colleges report strict adherence to National Medical Commission (NMC) rules, especially since the introduction of the face-based Aadhaar authentication faculty attendance system in May.

This system was implemented to curb earlier instances of faculty misreporting or proxy attendance. Now, each faculty member’s presence is tracked via real-time biometric authentication, leaving little room for discrepancies.

**Hiring on for Higher Classes**

Dr. Vaibhav Jain, Deputy Director, Health and Medical Education (Recruitment), stated, “We have full faculty in MBBS Part I in new medical colleges. Professors are available, but SRs come and go — that’s a regular occurrence in government medical colleges. We’re not facing problems in older medical colleges, and even in new colleges, Part I is fully staffed. Phase-wise recruitment is underway for MBBS-II and MBBS-III and will continue as required.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/faculty-crunch-hits-government-private-medical-colleges-across-madhya-pradesh

automotive, business, electric vehicles, luxury, technology

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to retain their combustion engines

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**Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to Retain Combustion Engines**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 20, 2025, 06:46 PM*

**What’s the Story?**

Porsche has announced a significant shift in its electric vehicle strategy. The next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman models will continue to offer combustion engine options for their “top” variants. This move aligns with the automaker’s broader plan to revamp the combustion engine and plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera, ensuring these models remain relevant well into the 2030s, according to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.

**Strategic Shift and Financial Impact**

As part of this strategy, Porsche will halt the development of the SSP 61 ‘Sport’ version of Volkswagen Group’s platform, resulting in a €1.8 billion financial hit. Originally, this platform was intended to support the K1 large SUV, along with electric successors for the Panamera and Taycan. Blume explained that the decision reflects a “clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars.”

**Update on the K1 Model**

The much-anticipated K1, described by Porsche as a ‘D-SUV,’ will now launch with combustion engine and plug-in hybrid variants instead of being fully electric. However, the company has not disclosed a specific launch date for this model. The change in plans follows a noticeable decline in luxury good demand in China, coupled with the US’s imposition of higher tariffs on imported vehicles.

**Financial Outlook**

These combined challenges are expected to reduce Porsche’s predicted net profit margin to around 2% for the current year. Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook, aiming to boost margins above 10% with the introduction of new products.

Blume emphasized the company’s confidence in its revised approach:
*”This flexibility gives us a strong position with a compelling mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.”*

—

With this strategic pivot, Porsche is balancing tradition and innovation to adapt to shifting market demands while maintaining its renowned performance legacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/porsche-to-offer-combustion-engines-in-next-gen-718-models/story

general

UAAP: Jacob Cortez, La Salle escape Adamson to open title defense

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La Salle weathered a determined challenge by Adamson and came away with a 60-58 victory to open its title redemption bid in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. The thrilling game took place on Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

In his debut, Jacob Cortez delivered a standout performance. He scored a pivotal go-ahead layup and made a crucial pass that led to key points for La Salle, helping secure the narrow win.
https://sports.inquirer.net/640979/uaap-jacob-cortez-la-salle-escape-adamson-to-open-title-defense

business, international trade, politics, real estate, technology

Trump’s new visa policy could hit India’s real estate market

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**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that is set to influence India’s real estate market significantly. Starting September 21, 2025, a hefty $100,000 annual fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This development is expected to impact the residential property segment in Indian metro cities notably, while the commercial real estate sector might experience different effects, particularly through the operations of Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

### Major Impact on Indian Metro Cities

In the fiscal year 2024, over 71% of H-1B visa approvals went to Indian nationals. Experts believe that the new fee will discourage US onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could directly affect remittance-driven home buying and long-term housing decisions among Indian tech professionals.

Real estate specialists warn that cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are especially vulnerable to a slowdown due to this policy change.

### Housing Market Risks

Industry experts have highlighted three primary risks to India’s residential real estate market due to this policy:

– A decline in demand for premium housing.
– Delays in property purchase decisions as US relocations get postponed.
– Slower absorption of mid-to-high-end residential projects targeted at technology sector buyers.

A real estate consultant based in the Delhi NCR region noted that the sudden increase in visa costs is likely to dampen the sentiments of families planning overseas relocations, which could reduce property investments back home.

### The Role of Remittances in Housing Demand

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, pointed out that remittances have been a major driver of housing demand in India. Although primary housing demand may rise due to some individuals returning from the US or moving to Indian metros, overall investment demand in the real estate sector is expected to weaken amid reduced remittances and increased job insecurity.

Similarly, Vishal Raheja, Founder and MD of InvestoXpert, emphasized that the increased H-1B visa fee is likely to affect housing demand negatively.

### Potential Boost for Commercial Real Estate

Despite challenges facing the residential sector, commercial real estate might see a potential upswing. American companies may accelerate the growth of their Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India as they rethink staffing strategies in response to the new visa costs.

Indian metro cities could witness increased leasing of office spaces and expanded infrastructure development driven by this shift. According to data from CBRE, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

### Shifting Global Investment Patterns

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these new conditions, India’s real estate market is likely to experience a shift towards mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty noted that higher H-1B visa costs might encourage top Indian talent to explore luxury real estate markets in other global cities. This dynamic could create fresh demand for real estate markets that offer greater stability and enhanced lifestyle options.

—

The new H-1B visa fee represents a significant shift with wide-ranging consequences for India’s housing and commercial property sectors. Stakeholders will need to closely monitor these trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story

business, international trade, politics, real estate, technology

Trump’s new visa policy could hit India’s real estate market

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**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

—

**Overview**

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that could significantly affect India’s real estate market. Beginning September 21, 2025, an annual $100,000 fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This move is expected to influence primarily the residential property market in major Indian metro cities, while the commercial real estate sector may experience distinct effects, especially through Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

—

**Market Impact on Indian Cities**

With over 71% of H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024 granted to Indian nationals, experts anticipate that the new fee will discourage onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could profoundly impact remittance-backed home buying and long-term housing decisions among technology professionals.

Real estate analysts warn that cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram could witness a downturn due to this policy change.

—

**Housing Forecast: Three Key Risks**

Industry experts have identified three major risks to the residential real estate market caused by the new visa fee:

1. A decline in demand for premium housing.
2. Delayed purchase decisions resulting from postponed relocations to the US.
3. Slower absorption rates of mid-to-high-end projects targeting tech-sector buyers.

A Delhi NCR-based real estate consultant highlighted that the sudden spike in visa costs is likely to dampen sentiment among overseas-bound families who were relying on US assignments for property investments back home.

—

**Investment Shifts: Remittances Driving Housing Demand**

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, emphasized that remittances play a crucial role in driving housing demand in India. He predicts that while primary housing demand may see growth as some professionals return from the US or relocate to Indian metros, overall investment demand in real estate is expected to weaken due to lower remittances and increased job insecurity.

Vishal Raheja, Founder & MD of InvestoXpert, echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed H-1B visa fee could dampen housing demand among Indian buyers.

—

**Commercial Real Estate: A Potential Boost**

Despite challenges in the residential sector, the commercial real estate market may find new opportunities. The expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) might accelerate as American companies restructure their staffing strategies to minimize overseas costs.

Indian cities could experience increased office space leasing and infrastructure development as a result. According to CBRE data, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

—

**Uncertainty and Shifting Investment Patterns**

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these developments, India’s real estate market is likely to see a pivot toward mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty observed that higher H-1B costs could prompt top Indian talent to explore global cities for luxury real estate investments. This shift is expected to fuel fresh demand in markets offering stability and lifestyle benefits.

—

**Conclusion**

The new H-1B visa fee introduced by the US government is poised to reshape India’s real estate landscape, with mixed effects across residential and commercial sectors. While residential properties in tech-centric metro cities may face challenges, commercial real estate, propelled by GCC growth, could witness new momentum. Stakeholders will need to navigate this evolving environment carefully to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story

cricket, international cricket, sports, statistics, women's sports

3rd WODI, Beth Mooney slams career-best 138 versus India: Stats

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By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 20, 2025, 05:39 PM

**Beth Mooney’s Majestic 138 Powers Australia in 3rd ODI Against India**

Australia women’s cricket team batter Beth Mooney delivered a sublime performance, smashing a magnificent 138-run knock against India in the 3rd and final ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Mooney walked to the crease when Australia were 150/2 in the 22nd over. She immediately took charge and shared crucial partnerships throughout her innings—a 106-run stand with Ellyse Perry, 82 with Ashleigh Gardner, and an additional 40 runs with Tahlia McGrath. Australia posted a formidable total of 379/6 when Mooney’s innings came to an end.

### Mooney Powers Australia with a Blazing Hundred

The quality of Mooney’s 138-run innings was outstanding. She reached her century in just 57 balls during the 38th over, showcasing aggressive intent and maintaining the momentum provided by Australia’s top order. Throughout her innings, Mooney remained unflappable, expertly maneuvering the ball and putting the Indian bowlers under constant pressure.

Unfortunately, her innings was cut short by a run-out in the 45th over, shortly after the dismissal of McGrath.

### Did You Know?
**Joint-2nd Fastest Hundred in Women’s ODIs**
Beth Mooney’s 57-ball century equals the joint-2nd fastest century in Women’s ODIs. She matched former Aussie star Karen Rolton, who also reached 100 in 57 balls against South Africa in 2000. The record for the fastest ton is held by Meg Lanning, who scored her century in just 45 balls against New Zealand in 2012.

### Stats That Impress

– Mooney’s 138 came off 75 balls.
– She struck 23 fours and 1 six during her innings.
– Playing her 85th WODI (78 innings), Mooney has now amassed 2,786 runs at an impressive average of 49.75.
– This innings was her 4th WODI century, in addition to 19 half-centuries.

Against India specifically, Mooney has been in splendid form. According to ESPNcricinfo, she has scored 698 runs in 18 matches (16 innings) at an average of 58.16, including two centuries and four fifties.

### More Milestones

– This was Mooney’s 9th fifty-plus score in away WODI matches (away from her home ground). In 36 away matches (33 innings), she has accumulated 1,212 runs at an average of 44.88, including 2 centuries and 7 fifties.

### Records Broken

**Highest Individual Score for Australia Against India**
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mooney’s 138 is now the highest individual score by an Australian batter against India in Women’s ODIs. She surpassed the previous best of 133 runs set by Alyssa Healy in 2018.

Beth Mooney’s scintillating innings not only set up a commanding total for Australia but also cemented her place among the elite batters in women’s cricket history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/beth-mooney-slams-hundred-versus-india-in-3rd-women-s-odi/story

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