What are some unique Diwali rituals across India?
Several unique rituals mark Diwali celebrations across India. In Chhattisgarh's Bastar, crops are ceremonially married with an idol of Lord Narayana. In Goa, effigies of demon Narkasur are burnt before dawn. A stone-pelting ceremony called 'Pathar Ka Mela' is held in Himachal Pradesh’s Dhami every year after Diwali. A cow dung fight marks end of Diwali in Karnataka's Gumatapura village.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
05:41 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
Several unique rituals mark Diwali celebrations across India. In Chhattisgarh's Bastar, crops are ceremonially married with an idol of Lord Narayana. In Goa, effigies of demon Narkasur are burnt before dawn. A stone-pelting ceremony called 'Pathar Ka Mela' is held in Himachal Pradesh’s Dhami every year after Diwali. A cow dung fight marks end of Diwali in Karnataka's Gumatapura village.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
05:41 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Ex-Union Minister Smriti celebrates Vijayadashami with Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi Dance
Ex-Union minister Smriti Irani celebrated Vijayadashami in Mumbai's North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, participating in the traditional Sindoor Khela ritual and performing the Dhunuchi dance. Taking to X, she shared a video of the celebrations and wrote, "Please return next year Maa...Till then...keep us safe, bless every home with peace...and give us the strength to weather every storm."
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News By: Ishaan Mukherjee
05:29 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Ex-Union minister Smriti Irani celebrated Vijayadashami in Mumbai's North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, participating in the traditional Sindoor Khela ritual and performing the Dhunuchi dance. Taking to X, she shared a video of the celebrations and wrote, "Please return next year Maa...Till then...keep us safe, bless every home with peace...and give us the strength to weather every storm."
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News By: Ishaan Mukherjee
05:29 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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74-yr-old woman steps out at 5 am every Diwali to paint strangers' doorsteps in WB
A 74-year-old woman, Ratnabali Ghosh, steps out at 5 am every Diwali to paint traditional alponas, a folk art style from Bengal, outside strangers' homes. Her efforts turn ordinary doorsteps into joyful surprises, earning her the nickname "Alpona didi" in Kolkata. "Alponas are little reminders to people that someone cares," Ratnabali said, adding that she would continue the tradition.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
04:47 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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A 74-year-old woman, Ratnabali Ghosh, steps out at 5 am every Diwali to paint traditional alponas, a folk art style from Bengal, outside strangers' homes. Her efforts turn ordinary doorsteps into joyful surprises, earning her the nickname "Alpona didi" in Kolkata. "Alponas are little reminders to people that someone cares," Ratnabali said, adding that she would continue the tradition.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
04:47 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Delhi CM orders night-time cleaning drives ahead of festive season
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed the MCD to conduct night-time cleaning drives in major markets and residential colonies ahead of the festive season. She also ordered civic agencies to deploy additional staff, remove garbage dumps and improve waste collection across the Capital. Gupta warned that negligence in maintaining cleanliness would not be tolerated.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
04:42 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed the MCD to conduct night-time cleaning drives in major markets and residential colonies ahead of the festive season. She also ordered civic agencies to deploy additional staff, remove garbage dumps and improve waste collection across the Capital. Gupta warned that negligence in maintaining cleanliness would not be tolerated.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
04:42 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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What is 'Dhunuchi Naach', performed during Durga Puja?
Dhunuchi Naach is a traditional Bengali dance performed by devotees, especially women, during Durga Puja, mostly at pandals. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhak, devotees hold dhunuchis, which are traditional Bengali incense burners, that are filled with burning coconut husks, camphor and incense while offering prayers to Goddess Durga, The Times of India reported.
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News By: Saurav Joshi
04:04 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Dhunuchi Naach is a traditional Bengali dance performed by devotees, especially women, during Durga Puja, mostly at pandals. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhak, devotees hold dhunuchis, which are traditional Bengali incense burners, that are filled with burning coconut husks, camphor and incense while offering prayers to Goddess Durga, The Times of India reported.
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News By: Saurav Joshi
04:04 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Maharashtra records 1.12 lakh vehicle registrations during Navratri
Maharashtra registered 1,12,814 vehicles during the 10-day Navratri festival this year, down around 2% from last year, officials said. The registrations included 77,449 private two-wheelers and 25,536 private cars. Officials attributed the decline to poor rainfall, drought and global financial uncertainty. Pune recorded highest number of registrations in the state, with 12,752 vehicles registered.
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News By: Girish Kumar Anshul
03:06 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Maharashtra registered 1,12,814 vehicles during the 10-day Navratri festival this year, down around 2% from last year, officials said. The registrations included 77,449 private two-wheelers and 25,536 private cars. Officials attributed the decline to poor rainfall, drought and global financial uncertainty. Pune recorded highest number of registrations in the state, with 12,752 vehicles registered.
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News By: Girish Kumar Anshul
03:06 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Harry Brook smashes fastest double hundred in ODI cricket history
England captain Harry Brook on Thursday smashed the fastest double hundred in ODI history. The 27-year-old took 114 deliveries to smash a double hundred in the third tri-series match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The previous record was held by Shubman Gill, who reached his double hundred off 117 deliveries against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
06:16 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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England captain Harry Brook on Thursday smashed the fastest double hundred in ODI history. The 27-year-old took 114 deliveries to smash a double hundred in the third tri-series match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The previous record was held by Shubman Gill, who reached his double hundred off 117 deliveries against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
06:16 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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What is Muhurat trading on Diwali?
Muhurat trading is a special one-hour stock market session held annually around Diwali, reflecting the festival's cultural significance in India. Conducted at an auspicious time, the session is rooted in Hindu traditions, with investors associating it with prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. This year, the special trading session will be held on Sunday, November 8.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
06:15 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
Muhurat trading is a special one-hour stock market session held annually around Diwali, reflecting the festival's cultural significance in India. Conducted at an auspicious time, the session is rooted in Hindu traditions, with investors associating it with prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. This year, the special trading session will be held on Sunday, November 8.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
06:15 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Why do some Indians take an oil bath before sunrise during Diwali?
Diwali's traditional oil bath, known as 'Ganga Snan' or 'Abhyanga Snan' or 'Thaila Snan', is usually performed before dawn and symbolises spiritual cleansing and a fresh beginning. Sesame oil is commonly massaged onto the body before a warm water bath. Dr Santosh Pandey, acupuncturist and naturopath, said the ritual may help moisturise skin, improve circulation and relax muscles.
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News By: Udit Gupta
06:54 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Diwali's traditional oil bath, known as 'Ganga Snan' or 'Abhyanga Snan' or 'Thaila Snan', is usually performed before dawn and symbolises spiritual cleansing and a fresh beginning. Sesame oil is commonly massaged onto the body before a warm water bath. Dr Santosh Pandey, acupuncturist and naturopath, said the ritual may help moisturise skin, improve circulation and relax muscles.
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News By: Udit Gupta
06:54 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Why are Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha worshipped together on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, are worshipped together on Diwali. According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that wealth, when not accompanied by wisdom, can lead to dissatisfaction. It's also customary to worship Lord Ganesha before other deities, as he's believed to remove obstacles and bring wisdom and good judgment to new beginnings.
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News By: Udit Gupta
07:42 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
Goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, are worshipped together on Diwali. According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that wealth, when not accompanied by wisdom, can lead to dissatisfaction. It's also customary to worship Lord Ganesha before other deities, as he's believed to remove obstacles and bring wisdom and good judgment to new beginnings.
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News By: Udit Gupta
07:42 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Powerful 7-magnitude earthquake strikes Tibet
A powerful 7-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 173 kilometres, according to India's National Center for Seismology. The earthquake comes months after deadly flash floods hit Tibet and Nepal, in which more than 1,400 people were killed.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
08:43 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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A powerful 7-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 173 kilometres, according to India's National Center for Seismology. The earthquake comes months after deadly flash floods hit Tibet and Nepal, in which more than 1,400 people were killed.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
08:43 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Sri Lanka chase down 430-run target against England in ODI, create history
Sri Lanka scripted history by chasing down a 430-run target against England in Rawalpindi on Thursday, recording the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket. England put up a total of 429/4, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 202(116). Sri Lanka completed their biggest run chase in 49.5 overs, with Pavan Rathnayake top-scoring with 130(106).
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News By: Anmol Sharma
09:54 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
Sri Lanka scripted history by chasing down a 430-run target against England in Rawalpindi on Thursday, recording the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket. England put up a total of 429/4, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 202(116). Sri Lanka completed their biggest run chase in 49.5 overs, with Pavan Rathnayake top-scoring with 130(106).
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News By: Anmol Sharma
09:54 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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How much gratuity is tax-free for employees?
For employees covered under Payment of Gratuity Act, the tax exemption is the lowest of the actual gratuity received, ₹20 lakh or the amount calculated based on salary and years of service. For example, an employee earning ₹1 lakh monthly with 20 years of service would get an exemption of about ₹11.54 lakh. Excess amount is taxed as salary income.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
09:01 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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For employees covered under Payment of Gratuity Act, the tax exemption is the lowest of the actual gratuity received, ₹20 lakh or the amount calculated based on salary and years of service. For example, an employee earning ₹1 lakh monthly with 20 years of service would get an exemption of about ₹11.54 lakh. Excess amount is taxed as salary income.
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News By: Jessica Rajan
09:01 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Gold prices fall, silver hits 10-month low in India
Gold prices fell by ₹1,000 to ₹1.48 lakh per 10 grams in Delhi on Thursday. Silver plunged ₹5,900 to a 10-month low of ₹2,07,500 per kg, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Gold had closed at ₹1.49 lakh on Wednesday. Globally, spot gold declined nearly 1.7% to $4,072.30 per ounce, while silver fell nearly 4% to $55.72.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
06:32 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Gold prices fell by ₹1,000 to ₹1.48 lakh per 10 grams in Delhi on Thursday. Silver plunged ₹5,900 to a 10-month low of ₹2,07,500 per kg, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Gold had closed at ₹1.49 lakh on Wednesday. Globally, spot gold declined nearly 1.7% to $4,072.30 per ounce, while silver fell nearly 4% to $55.72.
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News By: Anmol Sharma
06:32 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026
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'Top Gun' star Tom Skerritt passes away
Veteran Hollywood actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in films including action drama 'Top Gun', sci-fi classic 'Alien' and the war comedy 'M*A*S*H', has died at the age of 93. Skerritt, whose Hollywood career spanned from the 1960s to the 2020s, died on Wednesday of natural causes, his family said in a statement. He also delivered memorable performances in television roles.
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News By: Daisy Mowke
09:13 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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Veteran Hollywood actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in films including action drama 'Top Gun', sci-fi classic 'Alien' and the war comedy 'M*A*S*H', has died at the age of 93. Skerritt, whose Hollywood career spanned from the 1960s to the 2020s, died on Wednesday of natural causes, his family said in a statement. He also delivered memorable performances in television roles.
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News By: Daisy Mowke
09:13 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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HoABL introduces beach-view villa plots in Goa for Delhi land buyers
The House of Abhinandan Lodha® presents the Crown Collection at One Goa – The Rhapsody, featuring beach-view villa plots spanning 2,002 sq. ft., released for the first time. With exceptional Diwali benefits and introductory pricing on limited units, this exclusive launch offers a compelling opportunity to own a piece of Goa before the festive window closes, the brand stated.
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News By: Roshan Gupta
10:00 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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The House of Abhinandan Lodha® presents the Crown Collection at One Goa – The Rhapsody, featuring beach-view villa plots spanning 2,002 sq. ft., released for the first time. With exceptional Diwali benefits and introductory pricing on limited units, this exclusive launch offers a compelling opportunity to own a piece of Goa before the festive window closes, the brand stated.
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News By: Roshan Gupta
10:00 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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Video shows drone & laser shows at Int'l Kullu Dussehra festival in Himachal
A video shared by PTI on X captures drone and laser light shows on the second day of the International Kullu Dussehra festival in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu. The seven-day festival, held at the Dhalpur grounds, blends centuries-old local traditions with global cultural performances. The festival also features cultural performances by artists from several countries.
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News By: Neeraja Nath
10:56 am Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
A video shared by PTI on X captures drone and laser light shows on the second day of the International Kullu Dussehra festival in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu. The seven-day festival, held at the Dhalpur grounds, blends centuries-old local traditions with global cultural performances. The festival also features cultural performances by artists from several countries.
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News By: Neeraja Nath
10:56 am Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
Video shows huge crowd of devotees gathered for Bharat Milap Leela in Varanasi
A huge crowd of devotees gathered at Nati Imli ground in Varanasi to witness the Bharat Milap Leela that marks the reunion of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna after 14 years of exile. In the procession, a flower-decked aerial chariot with Lord Ram and Lakshman is carried by devotees, while Bharat and Shatrughna approach it with deep humility.
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News By: Mini Tiwari
11:59 am Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
A huge crowd of devotees gathered at Nati Imli ground in Varanasi to witness the Bharat Milap Leela that marks the reunion of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna after 14 years of exile. In the procession, a flower-decked aerial chariot with Lord Ram and Lakshman is carried by devotees, while Bharat and Shatrughna approach it with deep humility.
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News By: Mini Tiwari
11:59 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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Bharat Milap Leela in Varanasi celebrates Lord Ram’s return after 14-yr exile
The historic Bharat Milap Leela of Varanasi took place at Nati Imli ground on Thursday, marking the reunion of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna after 14 years of exile. This marked the 484th year of the traditional reenactment, first initiated by Megha Bhagat, a contemporary of Tulsidas. The event was attended by the former King of Varanasi, Kunwar Singh.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
10:57 am Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
The historic Bharat Milap Leela of Varanasi took place at Nati Imli ground on Thursday, marking the reunion of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna after 14 years of exile. This marked the 484th year of the traditional reenactment, first initiated by Megha Bhagat, a contemporary of Tulsidas. The event was attended by the former King of Varanasi, Kunwar Singh.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
10:57 am Friday, 23 October 2026
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Kullu Dussehra a living expression of Himachal’s rich ‘Dev Sanskriti’: Governor
While inaugurating the week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival at Dhalpur Ground, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said the event was not merely a religious festival but a living expression of the state’s ‘Dev Sanskriti’, traditions, and social harmony. The festivities began with Lord Raghunath’s traditional Rath Yatra, featuring more than 347 deities from across the Kullu Valley.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
12:43 pm Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
While inaugurating the week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival at Dhalpur Ground, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said the event was not merely a religious festival but a living expression of the state’s ‘Dev Sanskriti’, traditions, and social harmony. The festivities began with Lord Raghunath’s traditional Rath Yatra, featuring more than 347 deities from across the Kullu Valley.
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News By: Sourav Kumar
12:43 pm Friday, 23 October 2026
Sent on @inshortschannel Telegram
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