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Featured Image Nikhat Parveen
Culture & Heritage
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Living Heritage: Conserving India’s Historic Gems Beyond the Metro Hubs

0 Preserving the Past, Protecting Our Roots We all know about India’s iconic historic cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which tend to hog the limelight. But did you know that our incredible country is home to countless lesser-known gems, where age-old heritage is being lovingly preserved against all odds? Get ready to discover the unsung heroes fighting to safeguard India’s living legacy, one dazzling diya and crumbling fort at a time. The Salt-Swept Shores of Gujarat  Let’s kick things off in the coastal heartlands of Gujarat, where an incredible grassroots movement is underway to protect the state’s rich maritime heritage. You’ll be blown away to learn about the local heroes like the Sodha family, who have been tirelessly working to conserve their ancestral naval fort town of Lakhpat for over four decades now. Built way back in the 16th century by the legendary Nawabs of Janjira, this ancient port citadel is a stunning architectural marvel that blends Indian, European, and Islamic styles. Thanks to the efforts of passionate locals, intricate stone carvings and age-old frescoes are being meticulously restored to their former glory.   The Mesmerizing Mural Villages  Shifting gears from Gujarat’s coastline, let’s head inland to the rural heartlands of Shanti Nagar district in Madhya Pradesh. Brace yourselves, art lovers, because you’re about to discover the astonishing “Bhittichitra” (mural) villages where entire hamlet walls are adorned with intricate, larger-than-life artworks. Not only that, but the mind-blowing murals depict vivid scenes from Hindu epics, tribal folklore, and the everyday lives of the indigenous Bhil and Bhilala communities. In these remote villages like Jalakwada and Kehtadha, passionate artists and conservation groups are battling fading paints and the ravages of time to protect these outdoor masterpieces for future generations. The Spiritual Citadel of Orchha Now let’s move east to the oft-overlooked historic town of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. This former 16th-century capital may be tinier than metro cities, but its ancient forts, palaces, and temples pack one heck of a cultural punch. You’ll be amazed by the herculean efforts of local organizations striving to preserve Orchha’s magnificent Bundela Rajput architecture through careful restoration and maintenance works.  Highlights include the captivating murals within the ornate Raja Mahal palace, the sky-piercing spires of the iconic Chaturbhuj Temple, and the ingeniously designed Jahangir Mahal built to counter the region’s sweltering summers. Thanks to their tireless campaigning, this petite wonderland is finally starting to get its long-overdue national recognition. The Desert Kingdom’s Lost Glories Last but definitely not least, let’s head to the sun-baked realms of rural Rajasthan, where forgotten marvels like the medieval ruins of Khatu and the 10th-century towered city of Kuldhara stand as reminders of the region’s glorious past. Do you know that these forgotten sites were once flourishing settlements that suddenly fell into decline, leaving behind astounding forts, cenotaphs, and heritage Havelis ravaged by centuries of neglect? Well, thanks to the tireless efforts of local heritage clubs, archeological trusts, and passionate individuals, these haunting yet magnificent time-capsule sites are slowly being revived. Work is underway to carefully document and conserve their crumbling splendors before the desert sands erase all traces of their existence.    So there you have it, my friends, a glimpse into the inspiring world of heritage conservation warriors protecting India’s unsung historic wonders. From the coastal marvels of Gujarat to the rural art hubs of Madhya Pradesh and the forgotten desert citadels of Rajasthan, their hard work ensures our vibrant living legacy endures for generations to come. The next time you’re bitten by the travel bug, why not ditch the beaten path and discover these real-life gems for yourself? After all, preserving our past is the key to cherishing our future.

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Featured Image Nikhat Parveen
Lifestyle
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How to Plan an Unforgettable Indian Wedding on a Budget?

0 Tying the Knot Without Emptying Your Pockets Are you dreaming of the perfect big, fat Indian wedding but feeling overwhelmed by the hefty price tags? Well, fear not, because we’re about to share some insider tips and tricks to help you plan an absolute stunner of a celebration without going broke. Get ready to have your mind blown by how much you can actually save while still keeping the glitz, glamour, and good times flowing. The Guest List Balancing Act Let’s start with the elephant in the room, the guest list. Do you know that the number of attendees can make or break your wedding budget? But don’t worry, we’ve got some genius hacks to help you trim that list without causing any family feuds! Key Point: Instead of inviting every distant relative and long-lost connection, focus on the inner circle of loved ones who truly matter. Not only will this keep costs down, but it’ll also create a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere. Venue Savvy: Think Outside the Box When it comes to venues, you’ll be shocked to know just how many budget-friendly options are out there if you get a little creative! Sure, those fancy banquet halls and five-star hotels look dreamy, but they’ll also drain your wallet faster than you can say “I do.” Why not consider hosting your big day at a picturesque farmhouse or a quaint heritage haveli? Not only will the rustic charm add bags of character, but the rates will be way more manageable too. And who doesn’t love the idea of tying the knot surrounded by lush gardens or ancient stone walls? The Decor Dilemma Okay, let’s talk decor. Indian weddings are famous for their over-the-top floral installations, elaborate mandaps, and dazzling lights. But did you know you can achieve that wow factor without spending a fortune? Key Point: Get thrifty with DIY projects, rent or buy decorations in bulk, and focus on a few statement pieces rather than going overboard. Trust us, a few well-placed floral garlands, some twinkling diyas, and a showstopping mandap will create all the magic you need. Feeding the Masses on a Shoestring No Indian wedding is complete without a delicious feast fit for royalty. But catering for hundreds of guests can quickly turn into a budgeting nightmare. Not to worry, though, we’ve got you covered. Instead of hiring an expensive caterer, why not enlist the help of your local dhaba or community kitchen? They’ll whip up authentic, mouth-watering delicacies at a fraction of the cost. And let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like piping hot chhole bhature or fragrant biryani served with love and simplicity. Entertainment Extravaganza Now, let’s talk about the real showstoppers, the music, and entertainment. You’ll be amazed at how many talented local artists and performers are just waiting to be discovered. From energetic bhangra troupes to mesmerizing folk dancers, hiring regional talent is a surefire way to add cultural flair and festive vibes without breaking the bank. Pro Tip: Ask around at your local community centers, colleges, or cultural associations. You might even stumble upon a budding DJ or singer who can keep the dance floor grooving all night for a fraction of the typical cost. So, there you have it, future newlyweds, a treasure trove of tips and tricks to help you plan the ultimate Indian wedding without sacrificing your savings. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but about the love, laughter, and cherished memories you create with your nearest and dearest. Now, let’s raise a glass of chai and toast to your happily-ever-after! Give 6 plain citations and no links.

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Featured image Sudipa Roy
Finance
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Inflation is Around the Corner: 4 Ways to Manage Your Household Budget During This Crisis!

0 Everything is more expensive, whether at the supermarket or a petrol station. It’s not something you’re dreaming about. The challenge is how to handle your finances when you need more of them to make enough to survive.   Rising petroleum prices have the most obvious and immediate consequences for consumers who purchase gasoline and diesel. Bigger ramifications, meanwhile, affect macroeconomic variables like rates of interest, trade gaps, price increases, currency conversion rates, and foreign exchange balances. Because of its significant cascading effects, oil poses an enormous threat to both the economy and the personal finances of everybody’s households. Required expenses include your mortgage or house loan, energy companies, and medical bills. On the other hand, movie tickets, refreshments, evening coffee, and dining out are less essential. You need to distinguish necessities and extra costs and cut back on your wasteful spending one by one when growing costs are making it harder for you to stick to your financial goals. Pay attention to debt, particularly as interest rates go up. Reducing balances on high-interest credit cards can result in tax savings, enhanced credit rating and score, as well as additional budget space for other bills or debt repayment. Select a debt repayment plan that makes sense for you after considering your unique economic situation. In three to five years, it can assist you in paying off unprotected loans. The trained counselors may work with your collectors to reduce costs, bring your financial records up to date, and cut fees and interest. If your income exceeds your spending by a significant margin, you are ready for any increases in expenditures. However, that is untrue for the majority of us. Our revenue either barely meets obligations due to growing costs or falls short. If all of your costs are necessary and your source of income is still insufficient, consider seeking a career, working part-time gigs on the weekends, or freelancing. Having control over your cash flow may appear challenging at times. Making and following lists before heading to the store is the greatest way to be an informed consumer. Decide that you will follow your list no matter what. Handling family budgeting can make it difficult to control your impulsive expenditures. To begin controlling your budget properly to combat inflation, considering these 4 tips will be beneficial. 

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Featured Image Sudipa Roy
Automobile
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Car Hacks: 4 Practical Yet Essential Tips To Maintain Your Car’s Cleanliness!

0 Maintaining an immaculate vehicle may be quite difficult for anyone leading a hectic lifestyle, and this is especially apparent if you have children. Luckily, keeping the car clean is easier than you might think if you prepare ahead of time. Many car owners focus more on repairing the outside of their automobiles than the interior, investing a greater amount of time, money, and effort in the latter. They fail to notice that a cluttered interior is a dangerous home for several deadly pathogenic microorganisms and is unappealing. Our four tips to keep your car clean will benefit both your car and your health. You’ll undoubtedly need to remember to take out the garbage every time or be too preoccupied, which is why having a disposable trash bag in your vehicle is so helpful. You can purchase an easily attachable washable sack to the center console or rear seat or make one from scratch. Pristine footwear will keep the internal parts of the vehicle spotless for longer. To remove excess sand lodged in the exterior soles of your footwear, lean sideways on the seat with your legs outside and tap your footwear repeatedly. This should be done more on particularly sandy days, like while visiting the beach. A handheld vacuum machine may be a great addition to your automobile, whether you want to get a battery-operated one or connect it to the AC adaptor. When you discover yourself walking in mud or dropping an accidental mound of crumbs behind the passenger seat, pull it out of the hatchback and keep it there. Air fresheners cannot solve the offensive smells in your automobile. Conversely, they could combine with already-existing smells to make the situation worse. To purify the air, use an odor remover spray rather than these perfumed solutions. Spritz as often as necessary to achieve the desired “pure air smell.” After that, you may create a DIY air freshener for your car and put it inside. It is a superior substitute for the overpowering, artificial scent of inexpensive air purification products.  A competent detailer can make your car look flawless regardless of whether you maintain it quite tidy. At least once a year, give your automobile an all-encompassing detailing to protect both the inside and exterior.

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Featured Image Ishita
Health & Wellness Lifestyle
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2.08K

Mental Health Makeover: Top Trends to Upgrade Your Well-being in 2024

0 It doesn’t take an expert to know that the stereotypical image of mental health is far off – beanbags and bland kale salads and 2-hour walks to nowhere. That doesn’t mean we aren’t getting closer, with tech that could literally “hack your mind” with approaches beyond the usual expensive therapists. Here are some new trends to consider updating your well-being with – Macro Magic: Food as a Mood Booster Calorie counting is a thing of the past! Macros have now infiltrated the mental fitness world. And people are realizing the power of the connection between gut health and mood. By tracking how many calories, proteins, and fats you eat, you can create a diet pattern that optimizes energy and, in turn, your emotional well-being! It’s tastier than a stress ball, that’s for sure. Biohacking Your Brain: From Wearables to Wonder Drugs (Almost) Forget about burning a hole in your pocket for a gym membership and the toil of waking up every morning for tedious training. Wearables aren’t glorified pedometers anymore because now they can track your stress levels and sleep patterns! Nootropics may fancy you, boosting cognitive function, but remember to take your doctor’s word more than ours! The Rise of the Mental Health Squad: Community Beats Isolation Sometimes, mental health struggles feel like a solo hike—tiring and sometimes overwhelming. You’d need something to take your mind off, a conversation, or at least someone else to walk with you. That’s what communities are for! They give you a sense of belonging and support. You connect with people who have seen the same as you have, share experiences with them, and swap coping mechanisms. Gamifying Mindfulness: Meditation Gets a Makeover What do you think when you read the words mindfulness and calm? A monk sitting crosslegged below a tree chanting “om”, or a person having access to engaging mindful exercises through their phones? That’s right, mindful exercises are starting to be more accessible! It gamifies your breathing exercises and gives you medals for consistent practice. Sleep – The Ultimate Wellness Power-Up Of course, everyone needs the usual 8 hours of bedtime. However, isn’t it challenging to get a proper 10 to 8? Anyone you could ask would agree that trying to get good sleep is difficult. Smart Watches and apps make having a good night’s sleep a breeze, not only tracking your sleep cycles but also suggesting changes in your lifestyle for a refreshing 8 hours of sleep! These are just a few examples of what you could do by integrating an app or a device into your lifestyle to better it! Remember, a healthy mind is the ultimate life hack, so why not ditch the old methods and update your well-being?

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Featured image Fathima Sanna
Uncategorized
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4 Best Luxurious Theatres In The World (Which You Can’t Skip)!

0 Who doesn’t like snuggling up on a cushy seat of an ostentatiously classy theatre with every nook and cranny donned to artistically enthral you? From Raj Mandir to Walt Disney Concert Hall, there are some cinemas, concert halls and opera houses swathed in sumptuously stunning aesthetics from Art Deco style to Neo Classical to Contemporary style. Some of these have been here for a long time while others have sprouted in recent decades. So here’s the list of luxurious theatres that will widen your eyes in admiration. Raj Mandir, Jaipur, India Raj Mandir, built in 1976, is the most luxurious and awe-striking cinema theatre with the blend of classy and modern touch. Inside the theatre, ceilings are donned with dangling chandelier, floor carpeted with wooden tiles and the air is filled with floral fragrance spilled by the air conditioning. This sprawling theatre can lavishly seat around 1300 people. If you’re a movie buff with an eye for artistic beauty, you can watch Bollywood while enduring the royal beauty of this place. Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain If you’re a music enthusiast, this music palace will enthral you with its ethereal beauty. This concert hall, built back in 1908, is donned in modernista style by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. There’s an incredible blend of different architectural styles like Moorish and Gothic with sculptures and glass art. The facade of this building is donned with floral mosaic pillars. Sculptures of Beethovan and Anselm Clavè are adorned on the right and left of the mystical stage. Opera Garnier, Paris Opera Garnier also known as Palais Garnier is such a dazzling architectural beauty that entertains one with dance and operas. This breathtaking world of Opera is adorned with magnificent sculptures, paintings, dangling chandelier ornamented in bronze and crystal. If you’ve heard of the popular novel Phantom of Opera by Gaston Leroux, you would be pleased to know that this magnificent architectural beauty is the setting of the novel. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Are you a diehard fan of Disney and orchestra? If yes, you will undoubtedly be thrilled by this spellbinding concert. This wonder, crafted by the well known architect Frank Gehry, presents the world’s best euphonious orchestral pieces, including classical and contemporary. The concert hall stands out for its striking steel structure that shines when embraced by the light. The sprawling vineyard style seating can be comfortably filled with around 2,265 people.

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Entertainment
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Upcoming Animations On Netflix To Add To Your Watchlist in 2024!

0 Netflix is waiting to thrill you with more fantastically intriguing animations. From Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp to That Christmas, many animations are going to blow up and warm up your quest. So, are you ready to take rip-roaring rides to the magical world of captivating characters, and learn to bravely face challenges? If yes, here’s the list of upcoming animations. Woody Woodpecker Goes To Camp When Woody Woodpecker gets ousted from the forest, he finds Camp Woo Hoo and sees a forever home in it, but will the inspector shatter his new home by closing down the camp? If you have watched Woody Woodpecker released back in 2017, you should definitely watch this upcoming sequel, directed by Jonathan A. Rosenbaum. Release Date: 12, April, 2024 Thelma The Unicorn If you want a lesson on loving yourself, you should definitely give it a shot. Thelma Unicorn by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, is based on a vivacious picture book by Aaron Blabey. The animation tells the tale of an ordinary pony who wishes to be a magically glamorous Unicorn. But she’s struck by disappointments when her wish was granted and fame was showered. Release Date: 17, May, 2024 Spellbound If you’re ready to go on an adventure to break the dangerously mysterious spell that sparkled Ellian’s parents (the rulers of Lumbria) into hideous monsters, add this to your watchlist. Spellbound is a musical fantasy animation from Skydance Animation, directed by Vickh Jenson, based on the screenplay by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton. Release Date: TBD That Christmas That Christmas from Locksmith animation is simply a holiday movie. The movie is based on a children’s trilogy titled Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually and Yesterday, written by award winning writer Richard Curtis. If you’re up for Christmas tales woven with friends, family, love and loneliness, this animation will make your evening tea taste better! Release Date: TBD

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Education
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Feynman Technique: An Interestingly Effective Way To Learn For Exam

0 Do you have trouble swallowing chapters in detail? Are you someone who easily forgets the topic after hours of painful learning? If you’re someone struggling with learning and feeling dispirited, you need to actively engage your brain by employing Feynman Technique, a self-learning technique that can interestingly help you enhance your knowledge through simplified teaching. What is Feynman Technique ? Feynman technique is an art of learning crafted by the well-known physicist Richard Feynman. This learning technique consists of four simple steps that encourage the learners to dive deeply into a concept for a complete and simplified understanding. As a result, the self-learning technique can dampen the chances of forgetfulness and enhance your knowledge. Here’s the list of four steps you need to immediately try. Step 1 – Study First step is to choose a topic instead of selecting the whole chapter to avoid getting bored and burdened. Take a piece of paper, and write the topic you want to dive in. This makes your learning easier and simpler. By specifically focusing on one topic at a time, you will know the topic backward and forwards. Step 2 – Teach it to a Child This is the most important step in the Feynman technique. Pretend like you’re teaching the topic to a child who has no idea about anything you’ve learned. Make it as simple as ABC by presenting without jargons, breaking complexities into chunks of easily catchable information. This step helps us understand our own understanding of the topic, thus helping us understand the gap in our knowledge. Step 3 – Identify Knowledge Gap Now you know what you missed! We have to identify the gaps in our knowledge and learn more about it. Feynman technique encourages repetitive learning of a topic to enhance our knowledge. By directing the focus on the area we struggled to explain, and by revisiting the topic multiple times, we can lessen the chances of forgetfulness. Step 4 – Simplify The last step is all about simplifying the content using simple vocabularies. Rewrite everything you’ve learnt in a crystal clear language. This helps one examine their understanding of the subject. Are you able to completely simplify without facing the barricades of complexities? If yes, you’ve done it.

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Featured Image Ishita
Trends
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Resignation 2024 (Beyond Pay) – And What Companies Must Offer?

0 From the “Great Resignation” to what some are now calling the “Great Reassessment,” there’s no question that employees are quitting their jobs in record numbers. But before you boil it all down to a salary arms race, remember this: money isn’t the only thing getting people to walk away. Today’s workers want more than a paycheck — they want a job that supports their well-being, purpose, and respect. So, what does this mean for employers? It’s time to get over the one-size-fits-all mentality and understand the evolving reasons behind resignations. Here’s a peek behind the resignation letter: Burnout is Blazing  Remember those pre-pandemic days when we could actually leave work at work? The line between work and life has become blurry thanks to endless emails and the ever-present glow of laptops. But companies that get it – offer flexible hours, mental health support, and chances to unplug. They will see a wave of happy, recharged employees. Who knew a little humanity could go such a long way? Purpose over Paycheck  Working with meaning is what employees today want: something bigger than a spreadsheet. Employers that convey a clear purpose and connect respective roles to that mission will attract and retain top talent. Work-Life Harmony? More Like Work-Life Integration No longer do employees compartmentalize work and personal lives. Modern workers seek flexibility that seamlessly blends their personal life into their 9-5. Compressed workweeks, childcare solutions, and remote working options- are just a few ways to cater to this evolving need. Respect Revolution Gone are the days when micromanagement was a thing. Now, it’s a major turn-off. Today, employees crave autonomy and a sense of being valued for their skills. Cultivating open communication and offering growth opportunities are key to building respect and loyalty. What Can Companies Do? The answer is simple: listen and adapt. Here are some actionable steps: Final Words! The future of work belongs to companies that prioritize their people over profit. Success lies in understanding the evolving reasons behind resignations and creating a work environment that fosters well-being, purpose, and respect. This will help companies retain top talent and attract the next generation of passionate and committed employees.

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Entertainment
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93

Moonlight Sonata to Hedwig’s Theme: 5 Best Instrumental Songs of All the Time

0 Instrumental songs are quite magical with the power to spark various shades of emotions. Though instrumental pieces alone are ethereally euphonious, they’re often employed in movies and video games. Movies and concerts can sometimes propel the instrumental music to new heights by garnering the world’s attention. From Moonlight Sonata to Hedwig Theme, here is the list of some of the canorous instrumental works that have stood the test of time. Moonlight Sonata (1801) It’s Beethoven’s masterpiece woven by the bewitching magic of the moon. This euphonious instrumental piece will make you feel like everything is soaked in ethereal beauty. Ludwig Van Beethovan composed this magnificent piano work back in 1801, that was when his hearing was hitting the skids. The first movement is notable for its gripping gentleness. This timeless classic was dedicated to his student, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi Blue Danube Waltz (1867) The Blue Danube Waltz or An der schönen blades Donau composed by Johann Strauss is a canorous instrumental music that makes your heart beat in romantic rhythm, synchronically soaking one’s heart in tranquillity. This instrumental music was originally played at a concert named “Wiener Männergesang-Verein”, back in 1867. Blue danube Waltz struck the world when the orchestral piece was performed in Paris. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan (1992) The Swan or Le Cygne, the 13th movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival Of the Animals, is a soothing melody that flutters with echoes of emotions. This popular instrumental music is crafted through a cello and two pianos. The Swan is based on Greek and Roman belief, where the swan is worshipped as the most beautiful animal that sings so strikingly seraphic in their final moments of life. The Murder (1960) The Murder by Bernard Herrman is the spookiest instrumental to rekindle nightmares. This iconic cinematic score garnered world’s attention through Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The shower scene in psycho was intensified with this hauntingly sonorous score. If you’re someone with a quest for spine-chilling music, you will undoubtedly be enthralled. Hedwig’s Theme (2001) Potterheads, the diehard fans of Harry Potter must be familiar with this striking score. This iconic piece was crafted by John Willaims. The orchestral piece named after Harry potter’s pet owl “Hedwig”, was often played when the owl takes flight, also used to strikingly intensify the wizardry feeling. Plethora of video games as well as universal themed parks are widely using this piece to sparkle the air with magical vibe.

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