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DPIIT and Voltas Limited Sign MoU for Cooling and Smart Appliance InnovationIn March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Voltas Limited, a Tata Enterprise, to promote collaboration between industry and start-ups in the cooling and smart appliance ecosystem.The MoU was signed by Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Mukundan Menon, Managing Director of Voltas Limited, in New Delhi, Delhi.About Industry–Start-up collaboration:Focus Areas:The partnership targets technologies in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), advanced control systems, power electronics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(ML) diagnostics, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled appliances, and manufacturing digitalisation.Initiatives: Startup India initiative under DPIIT and Voltas will organise ‘Bharat Startup Grand Challenge(BSGC) innovation challenges’ and hackathons addressing industry problems.Support and PoC:Selected start-ups will receive mentorship, technical guidance, testing infrastructure access, and market linkages, and may participate in Proof-of-Concept (PoC) programmes and field trials with Voltas engineering teams.
DPIIT and Voltas Limited Sign MoU for Cooling and Smart Appliance InnovationIn March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Voltas Limited, a Tata Enterprise, to promote collaboration between industry and start-ups in the cooling and smart appliance ecosystem.The MoU was signed by Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Mukundan Menon, Managing Director of Voltas Limited, in New Delhi, Delhi.About Industry–Start-up collaboration:Focus Areas:The partnership targets technologies in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), advanced control systems, power electronics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(ML) diagnostics, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled appliances, and manufacturing digitalisation.Initiatives: Startup India initiative under DPIIT and Voltas will organise ‘Bharat Startup Grand Challenge(BSGC) innovation challenges’ and hackathons addressing industry problems.Support and PoC:Selected start-ups will receive mentorship, technical guidance, testing infrastructure access, and market linkages, and may participate in Proof-of-Concept (PoC) programmes and field trials with Voltas engineering teams.
DPIIT and Voltas Limited Sign MoU for Cooling and Smart Appliance InnovationIn March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (M...
MoAFW Releases 2nd Advance Estimates of Production of Major Agricultural Crops 2025-26On March 10 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) released the data of 2nd Advance Estimates of production of major agricultural crops (including Kharif and Rabi crops)for the year 2025-26.The crop area data received from the states has been validated and cross-verified using information from remote sensing, the Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group(WCWWG), and other agencies, while yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), past production trends, and other relevant factors.Key Estimates:Food Grain Production: As per the newly released data, Kharif foodgrain production is estimated at 1741.44 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) and Rabi food grain production at 1745.13 LMT.Rice Production: For Kharif, rice production is estimated at 1239.28 LMT (for 2025-26) and for Rabi rice production is projected at 167.20 LMT for the same time period.Pulses Production: Among pulses, tur production is estimated at 34.55 LMT; gram at 117.92 LMT; and lentil at 17.33 LMT.Oilseeds Production: The production of oilseeds is pegged at 265.33 LMT (in the Kharif season) and 144.65 LMT (in the Rabi season).Commercial Crops: Some of the major commercial crops production projections: 5001.97 LMT (sugarcane ); 290.91 lakh Bales (170 kilograms, kgs each) (cotton) and 81.27 lakh Bales (180 kgs each) (jute).
MoAFW Releases 2nd Advance Estimates of Production of Major Agricultural Crops 2025-26On March 10 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) released the data of 2nd Advance Estimates of production of major agricultural crops (including Kharif and Rabi crops)for the year 2025-26.The crop area data received from the states has been validated and cross-verified using information from remote sensing, the Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group(WCWWG), and other agencies, while yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), past production trends, and other relevant factors.Key Estimates:Food Grain Production: As per the newly released data, Kharif foodgrain production is estimated at 1741.44 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) and Rabi food grain production at 1745.13 LMT.Rice Production: For Kharif, rice production is estimated at 1239.28 LMT (for 2025-26) and for Rabi rice production is projected at 167.20 LMT for the same time period.Pulses Production: Among pulses, tur production is estimated at 34.55 LMT; gram at 117.92 LMT; and lentil at 17.33 LMT.Oilseeds Production: The production of oilseeds is pegged at 265.33 LMT (in the Kharif season) and 144.65 LMT (in the Rabi season).Commercial Crops: Some of the major commercial crops production projections: 5001.97 LMT (sugarcane ); 290.91 lakh Bales (170 kilograms, kgs each) (cotton) and 81.27 lakh Bales (180 kgs each) (jute).
MoAFW Releases 2nd Advance Estimates of Production of Major Agricultural Crops 2025-26On March 10 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) released the data of 2nd Advance Estimates of production...
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NITI Aayog Releases Fiscal Health Index 2026; Odisha Ranks FirstIn March 2026, Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), and Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Additional Charge) of NITI Aayog, released the second annual edition of the “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026” in New Delhi, Delhi.FHI 2026 evaluates the fiscal performance and financial soundness of Indian states for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), based on data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).Odisha secured the top rank with an FHI score of 73.1, followed by Goa (54.7) and Jharkhand (50.5).Performance of Major States:Front-Runners: The Front-Runner category includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Karnataka.Performers: Madhya Pradesh (MP), Haryana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu (TN) and Rajasthan fall under the Performer category, reflecting moderate fiscal management with scope for improvement.Aspirational: West Bengal (WB), Kerala, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Punjab are placed in the Aspirational category, characterised by higher fiscal deficits, elevated debt levels (35–45 percent of GSDP), and large committed expenditures.
NITI Aayog Releases Fiscal Health Index 2026; Odisha Ranks FirstIn March 2026, Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), and Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Additional Charge) of NITI Aayog, released the second annual edition of the “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026” in New Delhi, Delhi.FHI 2026 evaluates the fiscal performance and financial soundness of Indian states for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), based on data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).Odisha secured the top rank with an FHI score of 73.1, followed by Goa (54.7) and Jharkhand (50.5).Performance of Major States:Front-Runners: The Front-Runner category includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Karnataka.Performers: Madhya Pradesh (MP), Haryana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu (TN) and Rajasthan fall under the Performer category, reflecting moderate fiscal management with scope for improvement.Aspirational: West Bengal (WB), Kerala, Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Punjab are placed in the Aspirational category, characterised by higher fiscal deficits, elevated debt levels (35–45 percent of GSDP), and large committed expenditures.
NITI Aayog Releases Fiscal Health Index 2026; Odisha Ranks FirstIn March 2026, Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), and Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Additional Charge) of NITI Aay...
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Launches Bharat Tex 2026On 11 March 2026, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT), launched Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile event, expected to become one of the world’s largest integrated textile fairs, aimed at positioning India as a reliable sourcing destination and investment hub for the global textile industry.Overview of Bharat Tex 2026:Event: Bharat Tex 2026 will be held from July 14 to 17, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (Delhi).Organiser: The event is organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF), an umbrella body of 11 textile-related Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and industry organisations, with support from MoT.Vision Alignment: The event supports the Prime Minister’s (PM) 5F Vision—Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign markets, under the Make in India, aiming to strengthen the entire textile value chain from raw material production to global exports.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Launches Bharat Tex 2026On 11 March 2026, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT), launched Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile event, expected to become one of the world’s largest integrated textile fairs, aimed at positioning India as a reliable sourcing destination and investment hub for the global textile industry.Overview of Bharat Tex 2026:Event: Bharat Tex 2026 will be held from July 14 to 17, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (Delhi).Organiser: The event is organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF), an umbrella body of 11 textile-related Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and industry organisations, with support from MoT.Vision Alignment: The event supports the Prime Minister’s (PM) 5F Vision—Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign markets, under the Make in India, aiming to strengthen the entire textile value chain from raw material production to global exports.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Launches Bharat Tex 2026On 11 March 2026, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT), launched Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile event, expected to become one of the world’s largest i...
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Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kerala, TN on March 11, 2026On 11 March 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Ernakulam (Kerala) and Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu, TN), where he inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 16,450 crore across sectors such as petroleum and natural gas infrastructure, highways, rural connectivity and railways.Highlights of the Visit:Kerala: During the visit to Ernakulam, Kerala, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, laid foundation stones and flagged off multiple development projects worth around Rs 10,800 crore.He laid the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) with an investment of over Rs 5,500 crore and a capacity of 400 Kilo Tons Per Annum (KTPA) to boost domestic polymer production and reduce import dependence.TN: During the visit to Tiruchirappalli (TN), PM Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stones for development projects worth about Rs 5,650 crore across petroleum, infrastructure, rural connectivity and railway sectors.The foundation stone was laid for the City Gas Distribution Network (CGD) of BPCL in The Nilgiris and Erode districts with an investment of over Rs 3,680 crore, which will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to over 8.8 lakh households, supply gas to 200+ commercial establishments, and establish 201 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kerala, TN on March 11, 2026On 11 March 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Ernakulam (Kerala) and Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu, TN), where he inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 16,450 crore across sectors such as petroleum and natural gas infrastructure, highways, rural connectivity and railways.Highlights of the Visit:Kerala: During the visit to Ernakulam, Kerala, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, laid foundation stones and flagged off multiple development projects worth around Rs 10,800 crore.He laid the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) with an investment of over Rs 5,500 crore and a capacity of 400 Kilo Tons Per Annum (KTPA) to boost domestic polymer production and reduce import dependence.TN: During the visit to Tiruchirappalli (TN), PM Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stones for development projects worth about Rs 5,650 crore across petroleum, infrastructure, rural connectivity and railway sectors.The foundation stone was laid for the City Gas Distribution Network (CGD) of BPCL in The Nilgiris and Erode districts with an investment of over Rs 3,680 crore, which will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to over 8.8 lakh households, supply gas to 200+ commercial establishments, and establish 201 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kerala, TN on March 11, 2026On 11 March 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Ernakulam (Kerala) and Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu, TN), where he inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the founda...
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Presents Rs 1.11 lakh crore Budget for FY27 In March 2026, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand, presented a Rs 1,11,703.21 crore Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) at Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly Bhararisain (Gairsain) in Uttarakhand. The budget focuses on development through the GYAN model (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, Nari Shakti), prioritising welfare of the poor, youth, farmers and women.The FY27 budget is 10.41% higher than the previous financial year and emphasises inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social welfare.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Presents Rs 1.11 lakh crore Budget for FY27 In March 2026, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand, presented a Rs 1,11,703.21 crore Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) at Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly Bhararisain (Gairsain) in Uttarakhand. The budget focuses on development through the GYAN model (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, Nari Shakti), prioritising welfare of the poor, youth, farmers and women.The FY27 budget is 10.41% higher than the previous financial year and emphasises inclusive growth, infrastructure development and social welfare.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Presents Rs 1.11 lakh crore Budget for FY27 In March 2026, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand, presented a Rs 1,11,703.21 crore Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) at Uttarakhand Legisla...
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CISF Raising Day 2026 – March 10The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is observed annually across India on 10 March to commemorate the establishment of the CISF in 1969 and to honour the service, dedication, and sacrifices of its personnel in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and industrial assets.10 March 2026 marks the 57th CISF Raising Day.CISF Background:Establishment: In 1969, CISF was established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 (Act No. 50 of 1968). It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).Legislative Process: The CISF Bill was passed by the Parliament of India on 13 August 1968 and received Presidential assent on 2 December 1968.The Act came into force on 10 March 1969, marking the formation of CISF.2026 Celebrations: In 2019, the GoI decided to celebrate CISF Raising Day across different parts of India, instead of only in New Delhi, Delhi.
CISF Raising Day 2026 – March 10The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is observed annually across India on 10 March to commemorate the establishment of the CISF in 1969 and to honour the service, dedication, and sacrifices of its personnel in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and industrial assets.10 March 2026 marks the 57th CISF Raising Day.CISF Background:Establishment: In 1969, CISF was established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 (Act No. 50 of 1968). It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).Legislative Process: The CISF Bill was passed by the Parliament of India on 13 August 1968 and received Presidential assent on 2 December 1968.The Act came into force on 10 March 1969, marking the formation of CISF.2026 Celebrations: In 2019, the GoI decided to celebrate CISF Raising Day across different parts of India, instead of only in New Delhi, Delhi.
CISF Raising Day 2026 – March 10The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is observed annually across India on 10 March to commemorate the establishment of the CISF in 1969 and to honour the service, dedication, and sacrifices of its p...
Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister Biren Singh Engti Passed AwayIn March 2026, Veteran leader of Indian National Congress (INC) party and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Biren Singh Engti passed away at the age of 81 in Guwahati, Assam. He was born on March 02, 1945 in Karbi Anglong, Assam.About Biren Singh Engti:Parliamentary Career: He started his parliamentary career in the 1970s and was elected to the Lok Sabha (The Lower House of the Parliament) 5-times from Diphu constituency (Assam) ie. in 1977, 1984, 2009, and twice in 2014.Union MoS: During Rajiv Gandhi(former Prime Minister(PM) of India)-led central government , he served as MoS for various ministries such as: the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P); and the Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation between 1986 and 1989.Role in Autonomous Council: Other than his parliamentary role and MoS at the central government, he had also served as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister Biren Singh Engti Passed AwayIn March 2026, Veteran leader of Indian National Congress (INC) party and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Biren Singh Engti passed away at the age of 81 in Guwahati, Assam. He was born on March 02, 1945 in Karbi Anglong, Assam.About Biren Singh Engti:Parliamentary Career: He started his parliamentary career in the 1970s and was elected to the Lok Sabha (The Lower House of the Parliament) 5-times from Diphu constituency (Assam) ie. in 1977, 1984, 2009, and twice in 2014.Union MoS: During Rajiv Gandhi(former Prime Minister(PM) of India)-led central government , he served as MoS for various ministries such as: the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P); and the Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation between 1986 and 1989.Role in Autonomous Council: Other than his parliamentary role and MoS at the central government, he had also served as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister Biren Singh Engti Passed AwayIn March 2026, Veteran leader of Indian National Congress (INC) party and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Biren Singh Engti passed away at the age of 81 in Guwahati, ...
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DRDO and Indian Navy Conducted Trials of Indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy (IN) successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of an indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) from a P-8I aircraft (Boeing P-8I Poseidon) off the coast of Goa, between 21 February and 01 March 2026 under different extreme release conditions.Following the successful completion of all developmental flight trials, the system is expected to be inducted into the IN soon.About Indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’:Objective: The ADC-150 has been indigenously developed to deliver a payload of up to 150 kilogram (kg), enabling rapid supply of critical materials to naval vessels operating in deep-sea areas far from the coast.Capabilities: The system allows aircraft to drop essential supplies such as critical spare parts, equipment, operational supplies, and medical aid directly to ships at sea, helping the IN assist vessels in distress or operating in remote maritime zones.Development Support: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) served as the nodal laboratory.
DRDO and Indian Navy Conducted Trials of Indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy (IN) successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of an indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) from a P-8I aircraft (Boeing P-8I Poseidon) off the coast of Goa, between 21 February and 01 March 2026 under different extreme release conditions.Following the successful completion of all developmental flight trials, the system is expected to be inducted into the IN soon.About Indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’:Objective: The ADC-150 has been indigenously developed to deliver a payload of up to 150 kilogram (kg), enabling rapid supply of critical materials to naval vessels operating in deep-sea areas far from the coast.Capabilities: The system allows aircraft to drop essential supplies such as critical spare parts, equipment, operational supplies, and medical aid directly to ships at sea, helping the IN assist vessels in distress or operating in remote maritime zones.Development Support: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) served as the nodal laboratory.
DRDO and Indian Navy Conducted Trials of Indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy (IN) successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of an indigenous Air Droppable...
ASSOCHAM and ICCC Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Canada Business CollaborationIn March 2026, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the India–Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi, Delhi.The agreement aims to enhance trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between the business communities of India and Canada.Key Areas of Cooperation under the MoUPolicy Cooperation: Both chambers will enhance the exchange of information on trade policies, economic regulations, and investment opportunities in India and Canada, helping businesses better understand regulatory frameworks and market prospects.Business Collaboration: The MoU promotes stronger institutional engagement between organizations of both countries and supports joint ventures, production collaboration, and business partnerships to expand industrial and commercial cooperation.Capacity Building Initiatives: Both organizations will facilitate trade missions, business delegations, and participation in exhibitions, and will jointly organize seminars, conferences, and workshops to strengthen business networking and capacity building.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Canada Business CollaborationIn March 2026, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the India–Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi, Delhi.The agreement aims to enhance trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between the business communities of India and Canada.Key Areas of Cooperation under the MoUPolicy Cooperation: Both chambers will enhance the exchange of information on trade policies, economic regulations, and investment opportunities in India and Canada, helping businesses better understand regulatory frameworks and market prospects.Business Collaboration: The MoU promotes stronger institutional engagement between organizations of both countries and supports joint ventures, production collaboration, and business partnerships to expand industrial and commercial cooperation.Capacity Building Initiatives: Both organizations will facilitate trade missions, business delegations, and participation in exhibitions, and will jointly organize seminars, conferences, and workshops to strengthen business networking and capacity building.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Canada Business CollaborationIn March 2026, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ...
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