Saturday, October 5, 2024

JSW Paints Ropes In Dulquer Salmaan As Brand Ambassador For South Markets


(YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/xEZbsTYKBtM)

JSW Paints, India's leading environment-friendly paints company and part of the US$24 billion JSW Group, signed acclaimed actor Dulquer Salmaan as its Brand Ambassador for the Southern markets.

This strategic partnership marks an exciting chapter for JSW Paints as it strengthens its bond with customers in Southern India. The company released its new campaign "Khoobsurat Soch" today featuring brand ambassadors Dulquer Salmaan and Alia Bhatt. The new campaign is being launched across television channels, digital and other platforms. 

In the visually captivating film, Dulquer Salmaan and Alia Bhatt invite everyone to embark on a journey of self-expression with JSW Paints. The soundtrack of the film is composed by the maestro Gulzar, making it beautiful mix of visual and auditory experience for audience. Conceptualised by TBWA\India, the film captures JSW Paints’ diverse range of eco-friendly paints.

Commenting on the association Mr. AS Sundaresan, Joint MD & CEO of JSW Paints said, "We are thrilled to welcome Dulquer Salmaan to the JSW Paints family. His immense popularity, the variety of roles and performances and genuine connection with the people make him an ideal choice to represent our brand. We believe his association will take our idea of Think Beautiful closer to consumers."

Known for his versatile performances and widespread appeal, Dulquer Salmaan embodies elegance, authenticity and innovation. These values resonate deeply with JSW Paints' commitment to excellence and customer-centricity.

Commenting on his association with JSW Paints, renowned actor Dulquer Salmaan said, "I am thrilled to be associated with JSW Paints, a young brand that stands for excellence and innovation in the paint industry. I am glad to be associated with a company that shares my values and commitment to quality. I look forward to contributing to JSW Paints' journey with Think Beautiful and connecting with consumers."

JSW Paints aims to deepen its engagement with customers, drive brand visibility and strengthen market presence in the southern India. The company is poised to introduce campaigns and initiatives featuring Dulquer Salmaan to reach the diverse consumer base across Southern states.

About JSW Paints: JSW Paints, India’s environment-friendly paints company and part of the diversified US$24 billion JSW Group. As one of India’s leading business houses, JSW Group, in addition to paints also has other business interests in sectors such as steel, energy, maritime infrastructure, defence, B2B e-commerce, realty, cement, sports and venture capital. Launched in May 2019, JSW Paints aims to inspire consumers to Think Beautiful as beautiful thoughts make the world beautiful. It extends “Think beautiful” to every aspect of the way the company conducts its business, right from offering environmental-friendly portfolio of water-based paints to its thoughtful disruption of “Any Colour One Price” aimed at bringing pricing transparency to paints. The JSW Paints Buddy is another such initiative wherein consumers are offered personal attention & assistance in colour and product selection. The company currently has two manufacturing units, an Industrial Coatings facility at Vasind in Maharashtra and Decorative Paints facility at Vijayanagar in Karnataka with a combined capacity of 170,000KL per annum. Within a short span of time, it has already become the largest Industrial Coil Coatings company in India. JSW Paints is endorsed by well-known Bollywood actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Alia Bhatt.

How To Manage Diabetes Distress And Burnout Better?


Living with diabetes can feel like juggling many things at once. It requires constant glucose monitoring, meal planning, and maintaining an exercise routine. One must also consider how daily activities may impact glucose levels and be prepared for sudden changes. Known as diabetes distress, this relentless cycle of responsibilities and worries affects about 33% of adults with Type 2 diabetes in India[1].

“Managing a chronic condition with care and caution, while navigating everyday life stressors, can be overwhelming. This may lead to mental fatigue and strain, increasing frustrations, isolation, and burnout. In turn, such feelings can make it difficult to manage diabetes. Engaging in physical activity, managing healthy diet keeping an eye on glucose levels with simple tools such as continuous glucose monitoring devices, people can manage diabetes and seek better health outcomes,” says Dr. Praveen Ramachandra, Consultant Endocrinologist, DiaPlus Clinic, Diabetes Superspeciality Clinic, Bangalore.

Dr. Prashanth Subramanian, Head of Medical Affairs, Emerging Asia & India, Diabetes Care, Abbott, added, “Identifying distressful feelings and addressing them is crucial. It is important to find ways to take a holistic approach in managing the condition better... Technology such as continuous glucose monitoring devices, which offer useful real-time information on one’s blood sugar highs or lows and adopting a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can help navigate the condition. 

Ways to steer through the challenges of living with diabetes:

Acknowledging the problem: The first step to solving any health related challenge  is to admit that there may be an issue and acknowledge it. It's normal to have ups and downs when managing one’s health, but constant stress and feeling overwhelmed could be a sign of diabetes distress. To feel better, start by recognizing the signs and patterns. Pay attention to your emotions and body to find the support you need.  Additionally, as per the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are more likely to experience depression. If you suspect symptoms of depression, talk to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Curating a treatment plan: Being open about your diabetes and the struggles you face is key to getting the right care. Managing a health condition can feel lonely because of the changes you need to make.  Talk to your loved ones about how you're feeling and the kind of support you need.  Have honest discussions with your doctor about everything affecting your health, both physical and mental. This will help them create a personalized plan for managing your diabetes, including medications and support groups. Technology can also be a big help in your day-to-day management. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like Freestyle Libre can give you valuable information and empower you to take charge of your health. These prick free and painless monitors track your blood sugar levels all the time, giving your doctor a clearer picture and allowing them to adjust your treatment more effectively.

Focusing on the Essentials,:  The key to feeling better is finding a balance. Figure out what activities and health goals are most important to you. It will make managing diabetes and your overall health feel more manageable in the long run. Technology can be a big help! Tools like trackers can monitor important things like blood sugar levels, fitting seamlessly into your routine without extra work. Don't forget to be kind to yourself. Balancing a chronic illness with daily life is tough and may take a toll mentally. Make time for things you enjoy such as travelling, gardening, reading - things that remind you there's more to you than your diagnosis. By focusing on what matters most and letting go of the rest, you can create a healthier and happier life.

Godrej Properties Delivers Its Highest Ever Q2 And H1 Bookings, Collections, Operating Cash Flow, And New Business Development


Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) (scrip id: GODREJPROP), a leading national real estate developer, announced it has achieved its highest ever Q2 and H1 performance on several critical operational parameters including bookings, collections, operating cash flow, and new business development

·         Godrej Properties delivers its highest ever Q2 and H1 bookings.

*   Q2 FY25 booking value grew 3% YoY to nearly INR 5,200 crore from sale of over 5.1 million sq. ft. This is the highest ever Q2 booking value achieved by Godrej Properties.

*   H1 FY25 booking value grew over 89% YoY to over INR 13,800 crore. This was achieved through the sale of over 8,600 homes with a total area of over 14 million sq. ft. This is the highest ever H1 booking value achieved by Godrej Properties.

*   GPL has achieved 51% of its annual guidance for booking value for FY25. In the past 5 financial years, GPL has averaged 37% of its full year sales in the first half of the financial year.

*   Sales in Q2 FY25 were driven by strong demand in some key new project launches including Godrej Vrikshya in NCR, which delivered a booking value of nearly INR 1,500 crore and Godrej Woodside Estate in MMR, a plotted development project, which delivered a booking value of more than INR 600 crore.

*   GPL’s bookings in NCR, Bengaluru & MMR in H1 FY25 grew 69% to over INR 5,400 crore, more than 200% to over INR 3,800 crore and more than 100% to over INR 3,100 crore respectively.

·         Highest ever Q2 and H1 collections & operating cash flow (OCF)

*   Q2 FY25 collections stood at over INR 4,000 Crore representing a YoY growth of 68% and H1 FY25 collections stood at over INR 7,000 Crore representing a YoY growth of 62%. This is the highest Q2 and H1 collections achieved by Godrej properties respectively. GPL has achieved 47% of its annual guidance for collections for FY25.

*   Q2 FY25 OCF stood at over INR 1,800 Crore representing a YoY growth of over 120% and H1 FY25 OCF stood at over INR 2,800 Crore representing a YoY growth of over 200%. This is the highest ever Q2 and H1 OCF achieved by Godrej Properties respectively.

·         Strong start to the year for business development

*  GPL has added 8 new projects in year-to-date FY25 with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 11 million sq. ft. and total estimated booking value potential of ~INR 12,650 Crore. This included 6 new projects with an expected booking value of 9,650 Crore in Q2. GPL has achieved 63% of its annual guidance for business development in H1 FY25.

Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, “We are delighted with the scale up we have achieved in the past couple of years. The sales bookings of over INR 13,800 crore in H1FY25 surpasses our annual bookings in FY23. We are pleased that this sales growth was on the back of both an improving project mix as well as strong volume growth of 89%. Importantly, our robust sales performance, has translated into record collections growth of 62% to over INR 7,000 crore and Operational cash flow growth of over 200% to over INR 2,800 Crore in H1FY25. We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our customers and all stakeholders for their trust and confidence in Godrej Properties.

Our business development additions of Rs 12,650 crores in H1FY25 will ensure that we continue to have a strong launch pipeline not just for the current year but for years to come. This includes a number of projects at the prestigious Golf Course Road in Gurugram. We have also entered the market of Indore recently and are looking forward to our first launch in this city. We have built a deep understanding across the key real estate markets in India and are greatly excited by the potential the next several years offer for us to deliver sustained high-quality performance across all key operating metrics.”

About Godrej Properties Limited: 

Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Industries Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 127-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY 2024, Godrej Properties emerged as the largest developer in India by the value of residential sales achieved.

Godrej Properties has deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third party certified green buildings. In 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices. In 2017, GPL was one of the founding partners of the Sustainable Housing Leadership Consortium (SHLC), whose mission is to spread sustainable development practices across the Indian real estate sector. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 400 awards and recognitions, including the Porter Prize 2019, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 2019 Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2019, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand 2018.

Tanishq Presents Nav-Raani Collection Royal Jewellery For Modern Day Queens


-Featuring Intricate Craftsmanship that Merges Tradition with Modern Elegance-

As the festive season approaches, Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery brand from the house of Tata, unveils its newest festive masterpiece—The Nav-Raani Collection, a radiant tribute to the modern-day queen. Honouring today’s women, the collection embodies the perfect balance of bold modernity and classic elegance, designed to celebrate the regal spirit that shines especially during the festive season.

Inspired by the splendor of royal courts, majestic palaces, and storied heritage, Nav-Raani redefines traditional jewellery by merging intricate handcrafted artisanship with contemporary flair. The collection showcases the finest craftsmanship through standout Karigaris such as high-brilliance Kundan in Badhroom setting Kajar and mirror finish glass enamel work, and colored Kundan with an ombre effect. These signature techniques are further complemented by delicate Jaali patterns, the timeless Ras Rava and Partaj techniques, and the dazzling Chandak and Kalgi motifs, all coming together to create jewellery that is both regal and modern. Enhanced by 3D laser-cut beads and casted stamps each piece is a stunning manifestation of regal opulence. Whether it’s statement neckwear or intricately designed earrings, every piece captures the grandeur and grace of royal jewellery, perfectly tailored for the modern woman.

This collection goes beyond mere adornment—it's about celebrating the regal essence that every woman carries within her. While she may not always embody the persona of a queen every day, Diwali is when her inner royalty radiates through, as she embraces the warmth, grace, and timeless beauty that Nav-Raani offers. It’s a tribute to her strength, poise, and the aura she exudes during these special moments.

Speaking about the collection, Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer, Titan Company Limited, shares, “We are immensely proud to present the Nav-Raani collection, a splendid reflection of intricate craftsmanship inspired by regal heritage. Each piece is meticulously crafted, showcasing the exceptional skill of our artisans and their ability to transform traditional techniques into modern designs. Every design in this collection tells a story of strength and elegance—an homage to the modern women who navigate their lives with confidence and grace. At Tanishq, we’ve designed these jewels to merge the old-world charm of royal courts with contemporary sensibilities, creating pieces that resonate deeply with today's queens. Nav-Raani is not just jewellery—it’s a celebration of a woman’s spirit, transforming her festive moments into timeless memories.”

The Nav-Raani collection is a stunning representation of the festive spirit. As a symbol of both tradition and modernity, it is perfect for Diwali gifting, allowing women to experience the rich craftsmanship that Tanishq is renowned for. From royal jewellery pieces for modern day queens to contemporary designs, Nav-Raani offers something for every discerning woman, at diverse price points, making luxury accessible for all. It is a collection crafted for those who appreciate the beauty in both the heritage of the past and the elegance of the present.

TKM Enhances Educational Infrastructure At Two Government Schools In Ramanagara District


In line with its unwavering commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure in rural areas, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful completion and handover of newly modernized facilities at two Government schools in Ramanagara District. This initiative reflects TKM's dedication to fostering state-of-the-art learning environments that cater to the evolving needs of local communities. TKM has already completed modernization projects at 13 Government schools, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to educational development. The ceremonial handover of the modernized Government Higher Primary School (GHPS) Chakkare and GHPS Kodamballi took place in the esteemed presence of Shri D. K. Shivakumar Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.

The modernization project includes the addition of modern classrooms, a staff room, a kitchen, a state-of-the-art science laboratory, computer room, sports room, and separate toilets for boys and girls.The school is fully furnished with benches, desks, chairs, tables, library racks, and laboratory furniture, creating a conducive learning environment.

GHPS Chakkare serves 424 students from I to VII Std and encompasses a built-up area of 14408 square feet, while GHPS Kodamballi caters to a larger student population of 765, spanning classes from I to X Std, and occupies a larger built-up area of 20178 square feet. The GHPS Chakkare project was completed for Rs. 4.35 crores, while the cost for the GHPS Kodamballi project stood at Rs. 5.14 crores.  The projects addressed the specific needs and capacities of each school, ensuring that both institutions are well-equipped to support their respective student bodies.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President and Chief Communication Officer said, “At TKM, we recognize that education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and progressive community. As a responsible organization, we are committed to advancing the rural education system, acknowledging its crucial role in the overall development of the state and the nation. By providing state-of-the-art facilities across the schools, we aim to create an environment that nurtures curiosity, fosters learning, and equips students with the tools they need to succeed. Our work in Ramanagara is founded on a collaborative approach, and we are honoured to enhance the educational facilities at GHPS Chakkare and GHPS Kodamballi. Looking forward, we remain dedicated to creating a meaningful impact that extend beyond the classrooms, contributing to the overall growth and development of the communities we serve.”

Since 2001, CSR has been integral to TKM's philosophy, focusing on scalability and sustainability across key themes: Education, Environment, Hygiene, Health, Road Safety, and Skill Development. Over the years, TKM has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance access to quality education in Karnataka.

In addition, TKM has implemented the Toyota Anganwadi Program (TADP) in 150 Anganwadi centers in the Ramanagara district from FY 2023-24 to 2024-25, with plans to extend to FY 2024-26. This program focuses on developing model Anganwadi centers by enhancing teachers' capacity, activity-based learning methods, and hygiene. 30 centers have already been developed and handed over under a pilot program in 2023. These ongoing efforts towards promoting inclusive education for children with special needs and building modern school infrastructure in rural areas of Karnataka have positively impacted over 12,222 students in the last financial year, with a total to 1,32,980 students, since the program's inception. Moreover, the company has also reinitiated its flagship program, A Behavioural Change Demonstration (ABCD), in 2023, and in FY 2024-25 it was implemented in 550 schools, benefitting 28,000 students.

TKM remains committed to introducing more enriching and sustainable CSR projects aimed at the holistic development of community.

Unlock Your Dream Home At Bengaluru’s Mega Property Expo!


Bengaluru, renowned for its pleasant climate and cosmopolitan vibe, continues to attract people from across India and abroad. The city has rapidly evolved, with new IT parks, townships, malls, and commercial hubs springing up. Its booming economy, combined with exceptional living conditions, has created a high demand for real estate, making Bengaluru a sought-after destination for homebuyers and investors alike.

With the ongoing growth of businesses and job opportunities, Bengaluru's real estate sector is more vibrant than ever. 2024 has seen buoyant investments across all real estate asset classes, and the momentum is expected to continue through the second half of the year. With increasing market stability and favourable regulatory reforms, real estate investments are proving to be a reliable and profitable option, even amidst global economic uncertainties.

Whether it’s residential or commercial properties, Bengaluru is witnessing a surge in inquiries. Post-pandemic, many are opting for homes nestled in serene, green spaces away from the city’s bustling urban areas. High-net-worth individuals and startup founders are especially drawn to luxury properties and plotted developments in key locations. Real estate has also become an essential diversifier in investment portfolios, thanks to its long-term stability.

To capitalize on this growing demand, The Times of India is hosting a Mega Property Expo, in association with State Bank of India. This two-day event, scheduled for October 5 and 6, promises an excellent opportunity for prospective homebuyers and investors to explore a wide range of projects, both existing and upcoming. With more than 30+ top developers all gathered under one roof, attendees can engage in face-to-face discussions, get comprehensive project details, and make informed decisions about their next property investment.

“SBI being Country’s largest Home Loan provider is excited to collaborate with TOI for this Mega Property Expo . With its 426 Branches & 9 Home Loan Centres , SBI has wide spread presence in Bengaluru City and we are offering special home loan interest and other discounts for Loans booked during the Expo. Join us and make the most of these exciting opportunities.!”

Smt. Joohi Smita Sinha, CGM, Bengaluru Circle, SBI.

The expo will take place at the State Bank of India’s Local Head Office, 65 St. Mark’s Road, Bengaluru, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days. Entry is free, and it’s an event not to be missed for anyone considering real estate investments or home purchases.

Visit https://timespropertyexpo.in/ for more information and take the first step toward owning your dream home in Bengaluru! 

On The Fast Track: BMW Group India Posts Best-Ever Year To Date Car Sales


* At an all-time high of YTD Q3 car sales (BMW + MINI): 10,556 units, +10% growth.

* Overwhelming demand for Long Wheelbase models. (BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series).

* BMW 5 Series stars the festive season with strong deliveries.

* BMW Luxury Class affirms the symbol of exclusivity with BMW 7 Series, BMW i7 and BMW X7.

* BMW X1 dominates the Luxury Compact SAV segment.

* Leadership in Luxury Electric segment continues with the widest portfolio.

* BMW i7 is the largest selling BMW EV.

* #BMWGroupIndia #BMW #MINI #BMWMotorrad

BMW Group India continues its success story by posting best-ever year to date car sales (January – September 2024) with 10% growth. In the first nine months, 10,556 cars (BMW and MINI) and 5,638 motorcycles (BMW Motorrad) have been delivered. BMW sold 10,056 units and MINI 500 units.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “BMW Group India is scaling new heights with consistent and robust business results. The highest ever car deliveries during January to September this year, reflects the synergy between a successful strategy and an unparalleled customer experience. BMW Group India is changing the game with its long wheelbase product portfolio and a strong electric mobility offensive. Key models like the BMW 7 Series Long Wheelbase, BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and BMW X1 are leading in their segments and demand for the new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is overwhelming. Excellence across the entire spectrum of sales, aftersales, processes and customer engagements set our brands apart, creating an intense pull for both existing customers and aspiring individuals who want to enjoy sheer driving pleasure.”

BMW Joy Days complimented the festive seasons as a catalyst for strong sales performance. The newly launched BMW 5 Series has already garnered sales of over 300 units with a strong order bank over 600 units.

BMW Group Electric Vehicles (EV)

With the widest and most attractive range of electric vehicles in the luxury segment, BMW Group India maintains its top position in the electric mobility space. 725 units of fully electric BMW and MINI cars were delivered YTD Q3 2024. BMW i7 was the largest selling BMW EV.

BMW Group India now offers six electric cars and two electric scooters in India –

BMW: i7, i5, i4, iX, iX1 | MINI: Countryman Electric | BMW Motorrad: CE 04 and CE 02.

BMW Group India is the first luxury car manufacturer in the country to cross the milestone of over 2,000 EV deliveries till date. BMW iX is the most popular luxury EV in India with over 1,000 units sold till date.

Apart from the strong product offensive, a key differentiating factor in this success is building a robust electric ecosystem for customers. BMW Group India has one of the largest fast-charging networks at its dealerships across 51 cities in India. Additional facilities like complimentary home charger with installation, Destination Charging and Smart E-Routing come together to build strong trust in electric mobility services from BMW and MINI.

BMW Long Wheelbase Range

BMW India possesses the largest portfolio of long wheelbase models in the luxury segment – BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 3 Series. Designed keeping the requirements of Indian clientele in mind, these strategic models are highly successful due to enhanced space, comfort and luxury.

BMW Luxury Class (BMW 7 Series, BMW i7, BMW X7 and BMW XM)

BMW Luxury Class vehicles contributed 17% to total sales and BMW X7 was the highest-selling model. Launch of new exclusive editions such as BMW X7 Signature heightened the opulence of the segment.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Sedans

With around 50:50 ratio between sports activity vehicles and sedans sales, BMW Group India is strategically positioned across the entire product spectrum in the luxury segment.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles contributed 55% to sales. BMW X1 was the most popular SAV with around 20% share in sales. BMW 3 Series was once again the highest selling BMW sedan with a 19% share in sales.

BMW and MINI 360°

Customers enjoy great value proposition and complete peace of mind with the 360? finance plan from BMW India Financial Services which offers attractive low monthly instalments, assured buy-back, flexible end of term options and an opportunity to upgrade to a new car amongst other benefits. 7 out of 10 cars financed by BMW India Financial Services are through BMW and MINI 360?.

For BMW Joy Days festive offers, BMW India Financial Services has introduced exclusive finance plans with interest rates as low as 7.75% per annum and comprehensive EMI plans starting from just INR 49,999 onwards. (Valid on select models)

BMW Group India

With BMW, MINI and Motorrad, the BMW Group has its sight set firmly on the premium sector of the Indian automobile market. Along with cars and motorcycles, BMW Group's activities in India comprise of financial services for its premium clientele. BMW India and BMW India Financial Services are 100% subsidiaries of the BMW Group and are headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region).

BMW India started operations in 2007. The wide range of its activities include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Pune, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

MINI has successfully established itself as a premium small car brand in India since its launch in January 2012. BMW Motorrad officially started its operations as a part of the Indian subsidiary of BMW Group in April 2017.

With BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, BMW Group India currently has over 80 touchpoints across the country setting high benchmarks in service quality and customer service. With launch of Retail.NEXT, BMW Group India aims to create a future-forward retail space that not only showcases its vehicles but also embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The new retail concept entails new design, new digital tools, new roles, and new processes. With a total investment of INR 365.6 crores, Retail.NEXT will be implemented across 56 facilities in 33 cities over 36 months.

BMW India Financial Services, a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), started operations in 2010. It operates with three business lines: Retail Finance, Commercial Finance and Insurance Solutions (as corporate agents). The services offered through BMW India Financial Services are significantly valuable to the premium clientele who require exclusive and flexible financial solutions.

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