Machail Mata Yatra begins in Kishtwa, Jammu

The yearly Machail Mata Yatra began as numerous devotees gathered to pay their respects at the high-altitude temple located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra was initiated with a ceremonial “Pratham Pooja” at the shrine, which is devoted to goddess Durga, also known as ‘Kaali’ or ‘Chandi’.

Facilities for Pilgrims at Machail Mata Yatra Base Camp

A ‘Yatri Bhawan’ has been established at the base camp, capable of accommodating a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims at a nominal charge of Rs 10 per person. Additionally, the chopper facility has commenced its operations along with the initiation of the yatra from the base camp, providing convenience to those who may find it difficult to complete the pilgrimage on foot.

Machail Mata Mandir

Machail Mata Mandir, situated in Machail Village, Paddar, Kishtwar, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. This popular temple is located in the midst of a beautifull landscape, encompassing lush green rolling hills, glaciers, and the tributaries of the Chenab River. The temple is also known as the Chandi Mata Shrine, as Chandi is one of the forms of Goddess Durga.

Machail Mata Temple: A Sacred Pilgrimage

On the auspicious day of the first Bhadon or Bhadoon Sankranti, a grand fair takes place outside the Chandi Mata temple in Machail as the temple doors are opened. This event attracts people from all over Paddar, who gather to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity.

The Machail Yatra pilgrimage is the second-largest pilgrimage in the Jammu region, witnessing the arrival of over 50,000 pilgrims at Chandi Dham Machail

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

Lieutenant Governor of J&K: Shri Manoj Sinha

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Banknotes with a Star (*) symbol identical to any other legal banknotes: RBI

Banknotes with a Star (*) symbol have recently become a subject of discussion on social media platforms. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a press release to clarify that these banknotes, known as the “Star Series” banknotes, are legitimate and have a specific purpose. The Star symbol is added to identify banknotes used as replacements for defectively printed ones in a packet of 100 serially numbered banknotes.

What is the ‘Star Series’ Banknote?

The Star Series banknote is a special category of banknotes issued by the RBI to replace defectively printed banknotes in a packet of 100 serially numbered banknotes. These replacement banknotes are identical to regular legal banknotes, except for the addition of a Star (*) symbol in the number panel.

Identical Yet Distinguishable:

The Star Series banknotes are exactly similar to other legal banknotes in terms of appearance, security features, and value. The only difference lies in the number panel, where a Star (*) symbol is placed between the prefix and the serial number. This Star symbol acts as an identifier, indicating that the banknote is a replacement or reprint.

Serial Numbering of Banknotes until August 2006:

Before August 2006, fresh banknotes issued by the RBI were serially numbered. Each banknote had a unique serial number and a prefix comprising numerals and letters. These banknotes were issued in packets containing 100 pieces.

RBI’s Approval Process for Banknote Design:

The design, form, and material of banknotes in India are governed by Section 25 of the RBI Act. The responsibility for determining the design elements of banknotes lies with the Central Government. The process involves the following steps:

a. Central Board’s Recommendations: The Central Board of RBI, which is the apex decision-making body of the bank, makes recommendations regarding the design, security features, and other aspects of banknotes.
b. Central Government’s Approval: After considering the recommendations made by the Central Board, the Central Government approves the final design, form, and material of banknotes. This approval process ensures that the banknotes meet necessary security standards and reflect the country’s aesthetic and cultural elements.

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Pixxel Secures Grant from Ministry of Defence to Develop Satellites for Indian Air Force

Pixxel, a prominent space-tech startup supported by renowned entities such as Google, Blume Ventures, and Omnivore VC, has been awarded a significant grant from iDEX (Innovations For Defence Excellence), an initiative established by the Ministry of Defence. This grant will enable Pixxel to develop small, multi-purpose satellites for the Indian Air Force, contributing to India’s ambitious space and defense plans. The grant is part of the Mission DefSpace Challenge under the broader iDEX Prime (Space) initiative.

Pixxel’s Background and Mission

Pixxel, founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, specializes in crafting hyperspectral imaging satellites. These cutting-edge devices provide real-time, AI-facilitated data on various environmental phenomena. With an impressive funding pool of $71 million, including a recent Series B round contribution of $36 million, Pixxel has rapidly ascended in the space-tech domain.

The iDEX Grant and Its Significance

The grant received from iDEX remains undisclosed in its exact value but is known to be in the multi-crore range. This funding positions Pixxel to develop agile satellites weighing no more than 150 kilograms. These multi-purpose satellites will be designed to perform electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral tasks, bolstering India’s defense architecture and expanding the country’s space technology capabilities.

Understanding the iDEX Initiative

The iDEX initiative is a strategic plan by the Ministry of Defence aimed at stimulating technological evolution in the defense and aerospace sectors. It brings together an eclectic mix of MSMEs, startups, and R&D institutes to foster innovation in these domains.

Pixxel’s Ambitious Roadmap

As part of its ambitious roadmap, Pixxel plans to launch six satellites into orbit in 2024, followed by an astonishing 18 satellites in 2025. These satellites will harvest crucial hyperspectral images of the Earth, gathering data across various electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths, significantly enriching our understanding of the planet’s wellness.

India’s Space-Tech Sector Progression

Pixxel’s recent grant underscores the swift progression of India’s space-tech sector, with other pioneering companies like Agnikul and Skyroot Aerospace also making strides. Forecasts suggest that India’s space-tech market may reach an impressive $77 billion by 2030, demonstrating the country’s dedication to fostering deep-tech innovations in this field.

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HDFC Bank Surpasses SBI in CRISIL’s Corporate Banking Ranking for 2023

In 2023, HDFC Bank, India’s largest private lender, achieved a significant milestone by overtaking State Bank of India (SBI) to secure the top spot in CRISIL’s Greenwich market share Leaders in Large Corporate Banking. The report by Coalition Greenwich, a division of CRISIL, highlights the changing dynamics in India’s corporate banking landscape, with larger private and foreign banks gaining traction at the expense of smaller banks, including public sector banks.

Leadership in Large Corporate Banking:

HDFC Bank’s remarkable performance in the corporate banking sector enabled it to outshine State Bank of India (SBI) in CRISIL’s ranking. The table below illustrates the shift in market share among Indian corporates working with leading banks for overall corporate banking services from 2021 to 2022:

	2021 Market Share (%)	2022 Market Share (%)
Large Indian Private Banks	33	38
Large Foreign Banks	18	21
Smaller Indian Private Banks	21	18

HDFC Bank’s Dominance in Middle Market Corporates:

HDFC Bank’s supremacy extended to middle market corporates as well, securing the top position among local banks in the 2023 Leaders ranking. Alongside ICICI Bank, it was recognized as the joint Greenwich Quality Leaders for the year.

Consolidation Trend Among PSUs:

The report indicates that larger public sector banks, led by SBI, are successfully maintaining corporate relationships and consolidating their positions in the market. This has resulted in smaller public sector banks losing ground to larger private and foreign banks.

Driving Growth Factors in the Banking Industry:

The banking industry experienced an overall 16% growth in revenue pools, driven primarily by factors like cash management amid a higher rates environment and substantial growth in domestic and cross-border trade. Additionally, lending for banks in India saw significant growth, influenced by the capex cycle.

Corporate Outlook and Business Optimism:

A significant finding from the Coalition Greenwich study is that nearly 90% of large and middle market Indian corporates are optimistic about their business outlook for the coming year. This positive sentiment likely contributes to their willingness to collaborate with India’s largest banks to drive expansion, internationalization, and increased efficiency.

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India’s GDP to reach $6 trillion by 2030: Standard Chartered Research

Standard Chartered’s India research team has projected a transformative growth trajectory for India’s economy, expecting it to reach $6 trillion by 2030. This remarkable achievement is supported by various factors, including a significant increase in per capita income and robust structural growth drivers. India’s stable macroeconomic environment further reinforces its position as a leading global economy. By 2030, India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy, trailing only the United States and China, solidifying its role as a major player in the global economic landscape.

Doubling Per Capita Income: A Standout Achievement

One of the most significant milestones in India’s economic journey is the expected doubling of per capita income by 2030. As the economy grows and income disparities reduce, a larger portion of the population will experience improved living standards, fostering a more prosperous and equitable society. Currently, India’s GDP stands at about $3.5 trillion, with per capita income at $2,450 as of CY 2022.

India’s Position as the Third-Largest Economy

India’s GDP is projected to nearly double in the next seven years, reaching $6 trillion by 2030. This growth is primarily driven by domestic factors, including organic growth and robust household consumption. By the end of the decade, India is expected to secure its position as the world’s third-largest economy, showcasing its significant economic progress.

Transition to an Upper-Middle-Income Economy

Apart from becoming the third-largest economy, India’s transition from a lower-middle-income economy to an upper-middle-income economy is a noteworthy yet under-appreciated theme. This shift in income levels reflects the nation’s remarkable progress and potential for greater economic prosperity.

Drivers of India’s Growth

Several key factors are expected to drive India’s growth over the next decade:

Consistent Policy Reforms: India’s commitment to implementing progressive policy reforms will create a conducive environment for economic development and attract investments.
Macroeconomic Stability: The country’s stable macroeconomic landscape will foster investor confidence and ensure sustained growth.
Healthy Financial Sector: A robust and healthy financial sector will support the efficient allocation of capital and promote economic activities.
Demographic Advantage: India’s large and young population, with a significant share of the working-age group, will act as a driving force for growth.
Digitalization and Urbanization: Rising digitalization and increasing urbanization will boost productivity and create new avenues for economic growth.
Expanding Middle Class: A growing middle class with higher disposable incomes will drive consumption and fuel economic expansion.
Political Stability: Political stability will provide a conducive environment for long-term planning and execution of developmental initiatives.

Regional Disparities and Consumption Expenditure

By 2030, several states in India are expected to outpace the national average in terms of wealth. Additionally, household consumption expenditure may reach levels similar to India’s current GDP, indicating a potential rise in consumer spending and economic prosperity.

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World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History

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World Day against Trafficking in Persons is held on July 30th each year, and is an annual event. People trafficking and modern day slavery is a massive worldwide problem with very few countries immune to human trafficking, and the event by the United Nations is to raise awareness and increase prevention of that.

The campaign for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends identified by the latest United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons and calls on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity.

Theme of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023

This year’s theme, “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind,” calls on governments, law enforcement, public services and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023: Significance

Human trafficking is a criminal act that involves the exploitation of women, children, and men, forcing them into various forms of labor and sex work. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has gathered data on approximately 225,000 trafficking victims detected worldwide since 2003.

Globally, there is a noticeable rise in the detection of trafficking cases and an increase in convictions of traffickers. This could be attributed to an improved ability to identify victims and/or a rise in the actual number of individuals being trafficked.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: History

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Global Plan of Action to address trafficking in persons, urging governments worldwide to collaborate in combating this harmful phenomenon. The plan’s objective is to integrate the fight against human trafficking into the broader initiatives of the United Nations, thereby promoting global development and enhancing security.

Subsequently, in 2013, the UN General Assembly convened a high-level meeting to advance the Global Plan of Action. During this meeting, member states adopted resolution A/RES/68/192, officially designating July 30th as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. The resolution highlighted the day’s significance in raising awareness about the plight of human trafficking victims and advocating for the protection and promotion of their rights.

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China’s Use of Stapled Visas for Indian Athletes from Arunachal Pradesh: A Matter of Concern

China’s issuance of stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh has sparked controversy and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries. This practice involves attaching a separate piece of paper to the visa instead of directly stamping it on the passport. The recent incident involving three Indian wushu players receiving stapled visas led to India’s withdrawal of its wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu.

The Stapled Visa Controversy: What It Means for Indian Athletes

Denial of Legitimacy: China’s use of stapled visas is seen as a refusal to recognize Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir as integral parts of India. By not stamping the visa directly on the passport, China implies that these regions are disputed territories, undermining India’s sovereignty.
Lack of Recordkeeping: The stapled visa’s design poses practical challenges for Indian athletes traveling to China. Upon returning to their home country, the entry and exit passes on the stapled visa are torn off, leaving no official record of their trip. This lack of recordkeeping can lead to potential complications and difficulties for the athletes in the future.

The Recent Incident: India’s Strong Reaction

Wushu Contingent Withdrawal: In response to China issuing stapled visas to three Indian wushu players, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, India made a strong statement by withdrawing its wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu. This move conveyed India’s disapproval of China’s actions and highlighted the seriousness of the matter.
Ministry of External Affairs’ Protest: The Indian government expressed its dissatisfaction with China’s actions, calling them “unacceptable.” The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to India to formally lodge a protest, underscoring the severity of the issue and its potential impact on bilateral relations.

Historical Context: Previous Instances of Stapled Visas

Selective Application: The issuance of stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir is not a new phenomenon. China began using this approach in the mid-2000s for residents of Arunachal Pradesh and from 2009 for those from Jammu and Kashmir. Previous incidents involving denial of visas for international events added to the tensions.
Impact on Sports Diplomacy: The denial of visas to athletes from the region for international events, including the 2011 Asian Karate Championships and the 2011 Youth World Archery Championship, has adversely affected sports diplomacy between India and China.

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Harmanpreet Kaur suspended for Code of Conduct breach

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India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been suspended for her team’s next two international matches following two separate breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third match of their ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Harmanpreet Kaur becomes 1st women cricketer to breach ICC Code of Conduct.

How much Harmanpreet Kaur fined?

Kaur was fined 50 per cent of her match fee and three demerit points were added to her disciplinary record for a Level 2 offence after she was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision”.

Kaur was also fined 25 per cent of her match fee for a Level 1 offence and one more demerit point was added to her record after she was found guilty of breaching article 2.7, which relates to “public criticism in relation to an incident occurring in an international match.”

Why this incident happen?

The first incident occurred in the 34th over of India’s innings when Kaur hit the wickets with her bat in a show of dissent after she was adjudged caught at slip off spinner Nahida Akter. The other incident was during the presentation ceremony when Kaur criticized the umpiring in the match.

Kaur admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Akhtar Ahmed of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Tanvir Ahmed and Muhammad Kamruzzaman, third umpire Moniruzzamman and fourth umpire Ali Arman leveled the charges.

Conclusion

Level 2 breaches carry a penalty of between 50 and 100 per cent of a player’s match fee and three or four demerit points while Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Kaur’s four demerit points convert to two suspension points. As two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player or player support personnel, Kaur stands suspended from India’s forthcoming matches.

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International Tiger Day 2023: Date, Significance, and History

International Tiger Day 2023

International Tiger Day has been observed annually on July 29th since its inception in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. The main purpose of this day is to bring attention to the drastic decline in wild tiger populations, which has pushed them to the edge of extinction. By celebrating this occasion, we aim to create awareness about the crucial efforts of tiger conservation.

The global celebration of International Tiger Day allows people from all corners of the world to come together and raise awareness about the plight of tigers. The ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive international system dedicated to safeguarding tigers and their natural habitats. When we ensure a safe and flourishing environment for tigers, it also means preserving other species and protecting our forests.

Through the observance of International Tiger Day, we strive for a future where humans and tigers can coexist harmoniously. By working towards tiger conservation, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and foster an environment where both humans and wildlife thrive side by side.

Here are some key reasons why International Tiger Day 2023 is significant:

Tiger Conservation Awareness: International Tiger Day serves as a global platform to spread awareness about the threats faced by tigers, including habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and conserving tigers to ensure their survival for future generations.

Tiger Population Monitoring: The day allows conservation organizations and governments to share updates on tiger population numbers and conservation efforts. This data is crucial in evaluating the success of conservation initiatives and identifying areas that require more attention and support.

Global Collaboration: International Tiger Day encourages countries to come together and collaborate on tiger conservation. As tigers inhabit various regions across Asia, cooperation between countries is essential to protect tiger populations that often cross national borders.

Policy Advocacy: On this day, stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, and wildlife organizations, can advocate for stronger policies and measures to protect tigers and their habitats. It highlights the need for stricter law enforcement against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Public Engagement: International Tiger Day engages the public, motivating them to get involved in tiger conservation efforts. People are encouraged to participate in awareness campaigns, support conservation projects, and contribute to the protection of tigers.

Ecosystem Preservation: Tigers are apex predators, and their presence helps maintain the balance of their ecosystems. By conserving tigers and their habitats, we also protect numerous other species and the overall biodiversity of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Tigers have deep cultural and symbolic importance in many Asian countries. They are revered and considered symbols of power, strength, and beauty. International Tiger Day acknowledges the cultural significance of tigers while promoting their conservation.

Overall, International Tiger Day is a significant annual event that strives to draw attention to the plight of tigers and the critical need for conservation efforts. By working together globally, we can make a positive impact on tiger populations and ensure the survival of these iconic big cats in the wild.

History of International Tiger Day

International Tiger Day was first celebrated in 2010 after it was found that 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared in the last century, with about only 3,000 of them remaining. It’s not news that tigers are on the brink of extinction and International World Tiger Day aims to halt the numbers from worsening. Habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and poaching are only some of the factors that are responsible for the decline in the tiger population. Along with the preservation of these species, the day also aims to protect and expand their habitats. Many international organizations such as the WWF, the IFAW, and the Smithsonian Institute also observe International Tiger Day.

With the loss of habitat and climate change, tigers are increasingly coming into conflict with humans. Poaching and the illegal trade industry is also a very serious threat that wild tigers face. Demand for tiger bone, skin, and other body parts is leading to increased cases of poaching and trafficking.

This is resulting in localized extinctions, which has made the revival of the tiger population next to impossible. Another threat that has negatively impacted the tiger population is the loss of habitat. All across the world, we are witnessing a loss of tiger habitats due to access routes, human settlements, timber logging, plantations, and agriculture. In fact, only about 7% of the original tiger habitats are still intact today. Experts also worry that the lack of genetic diversity among tigers can lead to inbreeding in small populations. The ever-increasing habitat loss means that the conflicts between tigers and humans are on the rise. Tigers may wander into the human population which is worrying for people as well as these majestic cats.

Important Takeaways for All Competitive Exams:

World Wildlife Fund Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland;
World Wildlife Fund Founded: 29 April 1961;
World Wildlife Fund Director General: Marco Lambertini.

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Antarctica’s sea ice is at its lowest extent ever recorded

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Antarctica’s sea ice has been recorded low level of about 14.2 million sq. km, significantly below the normal extent of 16.7 million sq. km for this time of year.

What’s in News?

The sea ice extent of Antarctica was about 14.2 million sq. km as of 25^th July, the normal extent of sea extent for this year should be closer to 16.7 million sq. km.

Antarctica lost about 2.6 million sq. km of sea ice compared to the long-term average of the satellite era.

Alarming Trend

There has been significant drop in winter sea ice extent from 2015, compared to record highs observed in the years 2012 to 2014.

Causes of reduced sea extent

High temperature in the Northern Hemisphere: The northern hemisphere’s warning has repercussions for Antarctica’s climate, leading to the reduction in sea ice cover.
Warm air from the North: The transportation of warm air from the northern regions to Antarctica is contributing to the reduction inn sea ice cover.
Southern ocean and climate change: The southern ocean encircling Antarctica normally freezes to form sea ice during peak winter (September or early October) and melts during summer (December to February).

Implications and Climate Change

Environmental Impact: The record low sea level extent poses potential threat to the marine life accustomed to colder temperatures.
Reduced sea ice leads to warmer temperature which will cause potential disruption to ecosystems.
Reduced sea ice can accelerate the melting and thinning of glaciers.
The give rise to the existing sea level which has already increased by 21-24 centimeters since 1880, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Continued loss of ice from Antarctica could exacerbate the sea level rise, impacting coastal areas and human settlements worldwide. Find More International News Here

Facilities for Pilgrims at Machail Mata Yatra Base Camp

Machail Mata Mandir

Machail Mata Temple: A Sacred Pilgrimage

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

What is the ‘Star Series’ Banknote?

Identical Yet Distinguishable:

Serial Numbering of Banknotes until August 2006:

RBI’s Approval Process for Banknote Design:

Pixxel’s Background and Mission

The iDEX Grant and Its Significance

Understanding the iDEX Initiative

Pixxel’s Ambitious Roadmap

India’s Space-Tech Sector Progression

Leadership in Large Corporate Banking:

HDFC Bank’s Dominance in Middle Market Corporates:

Consolidation Trend Among PSUs:

Driving Growth Factors in the Banking Industry:

Corporate Outlook and Business Optimism:

Doubling Per Capita Income: A Standout Achievement

India’s Position as the Third-Largest Economy

Transition to an Upper-Middle-Income Economy

Drivers of India’s Growth

Regional Disparities and Consumption Expenditure

Theme of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023: Significance

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: History

The Stapled Visa Controversy: What It Means for Indian Athletes

The Recent Incident: India’s Strong Reaction

Historical Context: Previous Instances of Stapled Visas

How much Harmanpreet Kaur fined?

Why this incident happen?

Conclusion

International Tiger Day 2023

Here are some key reasons why International Tiger Day 2023 is significant:

History of International Tiger Day

What’s in News?

Alarming Trend

Causes of reduced sea extent

Implications and Climate Change

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