Art & Culture

UNESCO Recognises Deepavali as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Context: During the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted at the Red Fort, New Delhi, UNESCO inscribed Deepavali (Diwali) on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. With this, Deepavali becomes India’s 16th ICH element, joining earlier inscriptions such as Kumbh Mela (2017), Kolkata Durga Puja (2021), and Garba of Gujarat (2023).

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About Deepavali

Deepavali is a 2,500-year-old festival rooted in ancient agrarian and seasonal traditions, later assimilated into diverse religious and regional practices across South Asia.

  • Hindu traditions:
    It commemorates events such as Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Goddess Lakshmi’s emergence, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, and the return of the Pandavas, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and dharma over adharma.
  • Other religious traditions:
    • Jainism: Marks Mahavira’s Nirvana.
    • Sikhism: Celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, recalling Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment.
    • Buddhist and regional practices: Observed as Tihar and by Newar Buddhist communities in Nepal.
  • Cultural practices:
    Celebrated over five days (Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj), Deepavali involves lighting diyas, ritual worship, home decoration, exchange of gifts, community gatherings, and region-specific customs across India and Nepal.
  • Socio-economic dimension:
    The festival generates significant economic activity in textiles, gold, handicrafts, traditional lamps, firecrackers, and e-commerce, and is increasingly celebrated globally with official recognition in several countries.

About the 20th UNESCO ICH Committee Session

India is hosting the 20th session from 8–13 December 2025 at the Red Fort, New Delhi.

  • Agenda:
    Review new nominations, assess safeguarding reports, examine existing ICH elements, approve international assistance, and share best practices for protecting living heritage.
  • Participation:
    Over 800 delegates from 180+ countries, including committee members, UNESCO officials, experts, NGOs, and cultural practitioners.

Significance for India

The inscription of Deepavali strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power, highlights the country’s pluralistic traditions, and reinforces its leadership role in global heritage governance. Hosting the ICH session further positions India as a key voice in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage worldwide.

Sirpur Archaeological Site Proposed for UNESCO Nomination

Context: The Government of India is preparing the Sirpur Archaeological Site in Chhattisgarh for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its cultural, historical and architectural significance.

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About Sirpur Site

Sirpur, historically known as Shripura or Sripura ("City of Auspiciousness"), is situated along the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district.

The site flourished between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, emerging as a major administrative and cultural centre.

The settlement served as the capital of the Dakshina Kosala kingdom, ruled by the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi dynasties.

The site was first documented by Alexander Cunningham (first DG, ASI) in 1882, and later gained scholarly attention after the visit of the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang in the 7th century CE, who described Sirpur as a thriving Buddhist learning hub.

Cultural Significance

Sirpur evolved as a unique multi-religious urban centre, where Buddhism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism coexisted. Numerous monasteries, temples, sculptures, inscriptions and civic structures highlight its cosmopolitan and pluralistic character.

Key Architectural Highlights

  • Lakshmana Temple
    A 7th-century brick temple dedicated to Vishnu, notable for its early brick shikhara, ornate stone doorway carvings, and Gupta-influenced architectural style.
  • Surang Tila Complex
    A Panchayatana-style temple built on a high terrace featuring five shrines—four Shiva shrines and one dedicated to Ganesha.
    Notably, the Shiva lingams in the complex appear in four distinct colours, symbolising ritual diversity.
  • Ananda Prabhu Kuti Vihara
    A prominent Buddhist monastery (Vihara) containing a monolithic seated Buddha and representations blending Buddhist and Hindu motifs.
    An inscription mentions the Hindu king Shivagupta Balarjuna, indicating royal patronage to Buddhism.
  • Urban Structures
    Remains of markets, residential blocks, stepped tanks, drainage systems, granaries and bathhouses point to planned urbanisation, trade, and administrative sophistication.

UNESCO Nomination Significance

The site aligns with multiple UNESCO criteria, including:

  • Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in early medieval architecture
  • Example of religious syncretism and cultural interconnectedness
  • Evidence of planned city development and artistic innovation

Nomination may boost heritage conservation, international research collaboration, and global tourism for Chhattisgarh.

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh: The Mahanayak of Sonakhan

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Chhattisgarh to honour the state’s first martyr and a legendary leader of tribal resistance during India’s First War of Independence (1857).

About Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh

  • Born: 1795, in Sonakhan (present-day Balodabazar-Bhatapara district), Chhattisgarh
  • Community: Belonged to the Binjhwar tribal community, known for valor and integrity.
  • Legacy: Revered as the “Mahanayak of Sonakhan” for his leadership, compassion, and defiance of British exploitation.
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Key Events of His Life and Revolt

  1. Humanitarian Defiance (1856):
    During a severe famine, Singh seized grain hoarded by a British-backed trader in Kashadol and distributed it among starving villagers — a direct act of defiance against colonial economic oppression.
  2. Imprisonment and Escape:
    The British authorities arrested and jailed him in Raipur, but he escaped in 1857, coinciding with the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion.
  3. Armed Uprising:
    Returning to Sonakhan, he mobilized over 500 tribal and peasant fighters, initiating one of the earliest organized uprisings in central India. His movement reflected both the anti-colonial sentiment and tribal assertion against feudal and foreign exploitation.
  4. Martyrdom:
    Veer Narayan Singh was captured deceitfully and executed publicly on 10 December 1857 in Raipur — becoming the first martyr of Chhattisgarh. His bravery inspired subsequent regional resistance movements.

Historical and Regional Significance

  • Symbol of Tribal Resistance: His movement predates many mainstream revolts and highlights the role of Adivasi leadership in India’s early freedom struggle.
  • Socio-Economic Uprising: His actions were rooted not only in political rebellion but also in social justice — fighting hunger, inequality, and British-backed exploitation.
  • Cultural Legacy: The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, one of India’s largest cricket stadiums, is named in his honour.

About Chhattisgarh

  • State Formation: Formed on 1 November 2000 after separation from Madhya Pradesh.
  • Capital: Raipur
  • Cultural Identity: Known as the “Rice Bowl of India”, Chhattisgarh has a vibrant tribal heritage, comprising over 30% of its population. The new museum aims to showcase the state’s rich tribal contributions to India’s freedom movement.

Conclusion

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s legacy represents the courage and resilience of India’s tribal communities, who fought for justice, dignity, and independence.

The newly inaugurated memorial stands as a national tribute — reaffirming India’s commitment to recognizing grassroots heroes who shaped its freedom struggle.

Monument Conservation Opens to the Private Sector

Context: In a landmark move, the Government of India is opening the conservation of protected monuments to private participation for the first time, ending the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) exclusive control. The initiative will work through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, inviting corporates, PSUs, and private organisations to contribute.

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Implementation Framework

  • Funding Mechanism: All contributions will flow through the National Culture Fund (NCF), set up in 1996.
    • NCF offers 100% tax exemption for donations.
    • Till now, NCF has mobilised around ₹140 crore from corporates/PSUs.
  • Operational Model:
    • Donors may select empanelled conservation architects (shortlisted by the Ministry of Culture).
    • External implementing agencies can be hired for execution.
    • Each project must follow the National Policy for Conservation of Ancient Monuments (2014).
    • Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) require ASI’s approval.
  • Pilot Phase: A list of 250 monuments will be opened for donor participation.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – At a Glance

  • Founded: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Culture.
  • Mandate: Archaeological explorations, excavations, conservation, site museums, and epigraphical research.
  • Current Role: Manages conservation of ~3,700 protected monuments.

Significance of the Move

  • Resource Mobilisation: Expands conservation funding beyond limited government budgets.
  • Efficiency: Brings in professional expertise and corporate accountability.
  • Heritage Protection: Ensures faster preservation of monuments that face neglect due to resource crunch.
  • Public Engagement: Encourages wider participation in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Way Forward

Successful implementation will depend on robust regulatory oversight by ASI to maintain authenticity and prevent over-commercialisation of heritage sites.

150 Years of the National Song - Vande Mataram

Context: The Union Cabinet has announced a year-long celebration marking 150 years of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, to honour its historical and cultural significance in the nation’s freedom struggle.

About Vande Mataram

Composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875, Vande Mataram first appeared in his patriotic novel Anand Math (1882). The song became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, symbolizing devotion to the motherland and inspiring countless Indians during the national movement.

On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, declared Vande Mataram as the National Song of India, granting it equal status with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Although the Constitution of India, under Article 51A(a), enjoins citizens to respect the Constitution, its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem, it does not specifically mention the National Song.

Nevertheless, Vande Mataram remains deeply revered as a symbol of India’s unity, sacrifice, and spirit of independence.

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Significance:

The 150th anniversary celebration aims to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and pay tribute to Vande Mataram—a song that continues to evoke pride and remind citizens of India’s collective struggle for freedom.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Context: Renowned Malayalam actor Mohanlal is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2023. It will be presented during the 71th National Film Awards ceremony and he will be the 55th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
  • The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 in honour of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the pioneer of Indian cinema, by the Government of India. 
  • It is India's highest award in the field of cinema.
  • It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • The Directorate of Film Festivals in India, established in 1973, is responsible for organizing major film events such as the International Film Festival of India, the National Film Awards, and the Indian Panorama.
  • Based in New Delhi, the organization operates under the works as part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • The recipient is honoured for their ‘great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’ and is selected by a committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.
  • The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs. 10 Lakh.  
  • The first recipient of the award was actress Devika Rani (widely acknowledged as the First Lady of Indian cinema), who was honoured at the 17th National Film Awards.

About Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (April 1870 – 16 February 1944): 

About Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
  • He was widely known as Dadasaheb Phalke and is referred to as ‘the Father of Indian cinema.’ 
  • He directed India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, which was released in 1913, marking a significant milestone in the history of Indian cinema.
  • Over his 19-year career, from 1913 to 1937, Phalke produced and directed a total of 95 feature films and 27 short films.
  • Some of his most acclaimed works include Mohini Bhasmasur (1913), Satyavan Savitri (1914), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918), and Kaliya Mardan (1919).

Sarnath: India’s UNESCO Nomination for 2025-26

Context: India has officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List (2025-26 cycle) ending its 27-year wait on the tentative list. 

Ahead of a UNESCO team’s visit, the ASI will install a corrected plaque crediting Babu Jagat Singh (1787-88) a local ruler, instead of the British, for the rediscovery of the site. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Sarnath.

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Historical and Religious Significance

  • Sarnath is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon around 528 BCE.
  • Located about 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is also the place where the Buddhist sangha (community) was first formed.
  • Ancient texts refer to the place as Mrigadava (Deer Park) or Rishipatana.
  • Emperor Ashoka (268-232 BCE) erected the famous Lion Capital Pillar at Sarnath, now the national emblem of India. He commissioned monastic structures including the Dhamek Stupa, which marks the spot of the first sermon.
  • Later dynasties, including the Kushanas (1st-4th century CE) and the Guptas (3rd-6th century CE) continued to patronise and expand the site.

Decline and Destruction: 

  • Sarnath flourished as a monastic centre until the 12th century CE, after which it was destroyed and abandoned.
  • Historical accounts attribute this decline to invasions by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1193 CE) during Muhammad Ghor’s campaign, when temples and monasteries were sacked.
  • By the 13th century, Sarnath was in ruins coinciding with the decline of Buddhism in India.

Rediscovery and Modern Excavations: 

  • The site was rediscovered in 1787-88 when workers of Jagat Singh, Diwan of Raja Chait Singh of Benares, unearthed Buddhist relics while digging for construction materials.
  • In 1799, the site drew wider attention when Jonathan Duncan, a prominent indologist and founder of the Sanskrit College at Varanasi, described the discoveries in his writings. His account spurred interest among British scholars and laid the foundation for systematic excavations.
  • Alexander Cunningham (1835-36), founder of the Archaeological survey of India (ASI), carried out excavations and confirmed Sarnath as the site of the Buddha’s first sermon.
  • The most significant excavations, however, were carried out in 1904-05. They unearthed over 470 relics and 41 inscriptions giving the site its current archaeological identity.

Contemporary Significance: 

  • Today, Sarnath is recognised as one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagara.
  • In 2024-25, over 8.43 lakh visitors visited the site, according to ASI data.
  • Its nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores India’s efforts to preserve and promote its Buddhist heritage globally.

Erra Matti Dibbalu

Context: Erra Matti Dibbalu or red sand dunes in Visakhapatnam have been included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Erra Matti Dibbalu. 

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Erra Matti Dibbalu: 

  • Erra Matti Dibbalu, also called Red Sand Hills, are unique red sand formations near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The formations belong to the late Quaternary period (50,000-20,000 years ago). They preserve records of ancient climate changes, monsoon patterns, and sea-level rise and fall.
  • The dunes stand 10-30 feet high and have a bright rusty-red colour due to ferrous minerals oxidising (rusting) over time.
  • Such red sand dunes are very rare and found only in three places in the world: Visakhapatnam, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka.
  • Stone tools and pottery from microlithic, mesolithic, and paleolithic periods have been found here, showing that early humans lived in this region.
  • It was declared as a Geo-Heritage site in 2014 by the Geological Survey of India.

Erra Matti Dibbalu qualifies under UNESCO Criterion (viii) for representing exceptional records of Earth’s geomorphological and environmental history.

Why have scholars struggled to decipher Harappan Script?

Context: India will host its first-ever international conference on Manuscript Heritage from 11 to 13 September at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The scholars from around the world will also present their work on the Harappan Script.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Indus Valley Civilisation and Indus Valley Script. 

First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage

  • Hosted by: Ministry of Culture
  • Title: Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage 
  • The event aims to bring global attention to India’s vast and diverse manuscript tradition.

India is home to more than 10 million manuscripts in various languages and subjects such as philosophy, science, mathematics, medicine, rituals, and literature. 

Why have scholars struggled to decipher Harappan Script?

  • In 1924, Sir John Marshall announced the discovery of the Bronze Age culture or Harappan Civilization that thrived in the Indus Valley between c. 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE. 
  • The Harappan script, and the underlying language spoken by Harappans spoke are still undeciphered more than a century after the discovery. 
  • Various interpretations exist about the underlying language represented by the Harappan script. It has been claimed to be Sanskrit; a form of proto-Dravidian; and even Ho and Santali. However, such claims are often made with scant evidence. 

The Challenge to Decipher a Script: 

To decipher a script, the following subproblems have to be solved in order.

  • Deciding if a set of symbols actually represent a writing system
  • Devising appropriate procedures to isolate or segment the stream of symbols into a sequence of single signs 
  • Reducing the set of signs to the minimal set for the writing system forming (its alphabet, syllabary, or inventory of signs) by identifying all allographs (the same sign written in a variant form, for example a printed ‘a’ and a cursive ‘a’) 
  • Assigning to each symbol their specified value, whether phonetic or otherwise
  • Trying to match these values to a specific language.

Associated Challenges in Indus Script: 

In the case of the Indus script, many of these problems remain unsolved due to three main reasons.

  • Absence of Multilingual Inscriptions: The most helpful tool to decipher an unknown script is parallel or bilingual inscription (by direct comparison with other known scripts). Though the Indus Valley Civilisation had robust trade links with the contemporary Mesopotamian Civilisation, no multilingual inscriptions have been discovered so far.
  • Language Not Known: Harappan script falls in the category of “unknown script written in an unknown language”. This makes it the most challenging to decipher as there are no familiar points of reference, unlike Egyptian hieroglyphs (unknown script but known language family). 
  • Limited Knowledge of Civilisation: In comparison to contemporaneous ancient civilisations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, much less is known in general about the Harappan civilisation. Although some 3500 Harappan seals have been identified, as each seal has on average only 5 characters inscribed, there is not enough material to analyse.  
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Key features of Indus Valley Script: 

  • Short inscriptions: Indus inscriptions are very short with only about 5 characters on average, with the longest having only 26 characters.
  • Boustrophedon script i.e., it is written from right to left on one line and then from left to right in the next line. 
  • Pictographic script: The script is not alphabetical. There are about 250 to 400 pictographs in the form of a picture; each letter stands for some sound, idea, or object. 

Also Read: Gyan Bharatam Mission: Mission for Manuscript Conservation

Onam: Kerala’s Harvest Festival

Context: Recently, Onam, the significant harvest festival of Kerala, was celebrated with grandeur and devotion. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Onam. 

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About Onam

  • Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated to honour the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Earth (once a year) to visit his people. 
  • The festival also signifies the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season.

Rituals and Celebrations:

  • People worship King Mahabali and Lord Vamana and pray for the health and longevity of their close ones. On Thiruvonam (the last day of the festival), King Mahabali visits the earth. 
  • Onam is observed with a range of traditional dance performances such as:
    • Thiruvathira Kali (Kaikottikali dance)
    • Pulikali (tiger dance)
    • Kathakali dance
  • Onam Sadya (a platter of traditional local cuisine) is prepared and served to family members and guests. 
  • Pookalams (intricate flower designs) are made in households across the state.  stunning Snake Boat Race, and unique Kaikottikali dance. 
  • On the Pamba River, the renowned Aranmula Vallamkali (snake boat race competition) is organised.

NGO Educate Girls wins Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025

Context: Educate Girls, an Indian non-profit organisation working to educate unprivileged girls across the country, has been named as one of the three winners of the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025.

Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025

  • Educate Girls is the first Indian organisation to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
  • The other awardees are Shaahina Ali from the Maldives (an environmental activist) and Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva from the Philippines (a human rights defender).
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About Educate Girls (NGO)

  • Educate Girls (Foundation to Educate Girls Globally) is a leading Indian non-profit organisation working towards bridging gender gaps in education.
  • It was founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain. 
  • Its core mission is to identify out-of-school girls, enrol them into classrooms, ensure their continued education and improve learning outcomes.
  • The NGO adopts a community-driven model by mobilising local volunteers such as Team Balika and Preraks, who act as change agents within their villages.
  • The organisation emphasises that investing in girls’ education creates a multiplier effect- improving health outcomes, delaying early marriages, enhancing incomes, and transforming communities.
  • It began its work in Rajasthan (one of the states with the highest gender disparity in education), and later scaled operations to states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. It has succeeded in bringing millions of girls back to school, while simultaneously changing community mindsets around girls’ education and gender roles.
  • In recognition of its transformative work, Educate Girls became the first Indian non-profit organisation to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2025.
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About Ramon Magsaysay Award

  • The Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1958 in memory of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh President of the Philippines.
  • It is considered Asia’s most prestigious prize and is often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
  • The award celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia.
  • The Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership is conferred to outstanding young individuals who are 40 years old or below, and to organisations not more than 10 years old that are engaged in exceptionally worthy work. It is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation.

Daruma Doll

Context: The Prime Minister of India was presented a Daruma doll by the Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, Takasaki-Gunma during his recent visit to Japan. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Daruma Doll. 

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Daruma Doll

  • Daruma doll is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism.
    • Daruma tradition in Japan is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma known as Daruma Daishi in Japan. He was an Indian monk from Kancheepuram who is said to have travelled here over a thousand years ago. 
    • Bodhidharma spent nine years in meditation facing a wall at Shaolin Temple in China, demonstrating such unwavering determination that his legs atrophied from lack of use. This became the inspiration for the Daruma doll’s armless, legless form.
  • These dolls are typically red and can vary greatly in colour and design.
  • They are considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture. Takasaki City in Gunma, Japan is the birthplace of the Daruma dolls. 

The doll represents the popular Japanese proverb which translates to ‘fall seven times, get up eight,’ representing the power of resilience. The special gesture reaffirms the close civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Japan. 

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