Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi launches bilingual e-Learning portal

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April 7, 2025

In a significant move towards enhancing digital literacy and streamlining governance, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi unveiled a dedicated e-Learning portal aimed at training government employees on the e-Office platform on Thursday. The initiative is expected to fast-track the state’s journey toward a paperless and efficient administrative ecosystem.

Developed by the Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (HARTRON), the portal is designed to offer structured, easy-to-navigate courses tailored to equip officials with the skills required to seamlessly transition into digital workflows. The platform, accessible at elearninghartron.org.in, is bilingual, supporting both English and Hindi, to ensure inclusive access across departments.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, while launching the portal, stressed the importance of continuous skill development and highlighted that adopting digital tools is no longer optional but essential for transparency, speed, and accountability in governance. He also announced the formation of a dedicated committee to identify additional relevant training programs and recommended collaboration with other institutes to enrich the content library.

Key features of the portal include:

A dashboard displaying data such as the number of participating departments, employee enrollment, and course progress.
Performance tracking for individual users.
A leaderboard to recognise top-performing learners and encourage healthy competition.
e-Certificates upon course completion
A feedback mechanism for quality improvement

Also Read: Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College launches ‘Smart Guru’

This initiative is part of Haryana’s broader strategy to embed digital-first practices in every layer of government functioning, ensuring that services are delivered more swiftly and reliably to citizens.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College launches ‘Smart Guru’

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April 4, 2025

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC) has unveiled Smart Guru, an innovative AI-driven learning application crafted to transform the educational journey of school students. Designed with user experience at its core, this intelligent digital platform leverages artificial intelligence to deliver a highly personalized, engaging, and effective learning experience across various academic subjects.

Smart Guru – Your CBSE Study Buddy goes beyond traditional learning by integrating interactive educational content, real-time performance tracking, and gamified features that make studying more enjoyable and productive. With the ability to generate quizzes tailored to each learner’s progress, the app evaluates comprehension and knowledge through AI-generated insights and adaptive feedback mechanisms.

One of the app’s standout features is its support for educators. It equips teachers with AI-powered analytics to better understand each student’s learning curve, enabling them to adjust lesson plans and teaching strategies accordingly. Whether a student excels or struggles in a subject, Smart Guru adapts to their pace, ensuring no learner is left behind.

In the domain of English, the app offers advanced proofreading tools such as grammar and spelling checks, sentence rewrites for clarity, and tone detection, helping students refine their writing and articulate ideas effectively. It also aids in breaking down complex texts, enhancing reading comprehension and interpretation skills.

From practice worksheets and homework support to detailed performance reports highlighting strengths and improvement areas, Smart Guru fosters a structured learning environment. The result is a confident learner, equipped with real-time insights and guided by intelligent recommendations.

Also Read: Government to establish 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal education

Currently accessible via web browsers, mobile platforms, and extensions, Smart Guru is designed for students, teachers, and parents. A launch on the Google Play Store is on the horizon, making it even more accessible. Notably, the platform offers an ad-free and secure experience, prioritizing user privacy and ensuring safe digital learning for all users.

With a vision to revolutionize school education through smart technology, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College Smart Guru is poised to become an essential tool in the modern student’s academic toolkit.

Government to establish 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal education

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April 4, 2025

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, announced that the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) was launched in 2018-19 to provide quality education to tribal students, equating it to the standards of Navodaya Vidyalayas. The initiative is designed to offer holistic learning experiences within tribal environments.

Under this scheme, the government aims to establish 440 EMRSs, ensuring at least one school in every block where the tribal population exceeds 50% and comprises at least 20,000 people (as per the 2011 Census). Additionally, 288 existing schools, previously funded under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, are being upgraded. The Ministry has set a goal of establishing a total of 728 EMRSs across India, benefiting approximately 3.5 lakh tribal students.

To provide a well-rounded educational experience, EMRSs offer:

State-of-the-art Infrastructure Equipped classrooms, science and computer labs, and well-stocked libraries.
Residential & Boarding Facilities Separate hostels for boys and girls, furnished with essential amenities.
Sports & Extracurricular Activities Playgrounds, equipment, and training in arts, music, and sports.
Healthcare & Nutrition Regular medical check-ups and healthcare facilities.
Digital & IT Learning Smart classrooms, internet-enabled computer labs, and digital education tools.
Vocational Training Skill development programs to enhance employability prospects.

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been tasked with managing and implementing the EMRS scheme. NESTS recently hosted a Principals’ Conclave, providing training on academic management, mental health, safety, and HR practices. Furthermore, State Societies have been empowered to conduct induction programs for teachers, familiarising them with the residential school culture and academic best practices.

The Ministry has partnered with various government agencies to introduce digital learning and skill-based training, ensuring a future-ready education system. These initiatives include:

Smart Classrooms with Digital Boards Implemented in collaboration with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Skill Labs 400 labs set up in 200 EMRSs with support from the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MoSDE).
Online Coaching for Competitive Exams IIT-JEE and NEET preparation courses, alongside recorded lectures for Class 11 and 12 students, in partnership with PACE-IIT & Medical.
Dedicated DTH Channel Launched by NCERT to support academic and extracurricular learning in remote regions.
Regional Language Support Teachers have been recruited to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage.

Also Read: Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 paves the way for cooperative education in India

To promote education among tribal communities, the Ministry offers multiple scholarship programs:

Pre-Matric Scholarship for students in Classes IX and X.
Post-Matric Scholarship for students from Class XI onwards.
National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education supports students in top government and private institutes for professional courses like Engineering, Medicine, IT, and Law.
National Fellowship Scheme Provides funding for ST students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs in India.
National Overseas Scholarship Financial aid for meritorious tribal students to study abroad.
Examination Fee Coverage State EMRS Societies bear the application costs for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and CLAT for Class XII students, reducing financial stress on families.

The expansion of EMRSs marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to improving tribal education, bridging learning gaps, and equipping students with skills for a brighter future.

Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 paves the way for cooperative education in India

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April 3, 2025

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, lauded the passage of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, calling it a transformative step for cooperative education in the country.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Shri Shah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading this initiative. He highlighted that the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill 2025 will drive cooperation, innovation, and employment, making cooperative education an integral part of India’s academic landscape.

Also Read: Union Govt allocates ₹4,906.32 Cr to PMKVY, ₹666.33 Cr to JSS, and ₹1,238.48 Cr to NAPS in last five years

The newly established Tribhuvan Sahkari University aims to equip youth with specialized training, enabling them to enhance and modernize the cooperative sector. Shri Shah emphasized that this initiative will make the sector more structured, efficient, and future-ready.

Union Govt allocates ₹4,906.32 Cr to PMKVY, ₹666.33 Cr to JSS, and ₹1,238.48 Cr to NAPS in last five years

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April 3, 2025

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), under the Skill India Mission (SIM), has been actively promoting skill development across the nation through various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) implemented via Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). These initiatives aim to equip India’s youth with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are prepared for future employment opportunities.

Financial Allocations Over the Past Five Years (Up to 2023-24):

PMKVY: ₹4,906.32 crore
JSS: ₹666.33 crore
NAPS: ₹1,238.48 crore

Under NAPS, apprentices receive a stipend support of up to ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The administration and financial control of ITIs are managed by the respective State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.

Initiatives to Promote Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence:

Introduction of New-Age Courses: PMKVY 4.0 has been launched with a focus on emerging skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Web 3.0, tailored to meet current market demands.
Apprenticeships in AI: Approximately 60 private establishments are offering apprenticeships in seven AI-related courses under NAPS.
Future Skills Training in ITIs and NSTIs: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 31 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme, covering areas like AI, Mechatronics, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and Semiconductor technology.
Collaborations with Tech Giants: DGT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading IT companies such as IBM, Cisco, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft to provide training in modern technologies, including AI, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing.
Specialized AI Courses: The ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant (AIPA)’ course has been introduced to impart AI-based skill training through ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). Additionally, a 7.5-hour micro-credential course titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)” has been developed for all CTS trainees in collaboration with industry and academic experts.
Launch of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): MSDE has launched the SIDH platform, offering a wide range of AI and ML courses. These range from foundational programs like ‘Fundamentals of Azure AI Speech’ and ‘Machine Learning’ to specialized offerings such as ‘Google Cloud Generative AI’ and ‘AI Strategy to Create Business Value in Healthcare’, catering to various levels of expertise.
Partnerships for Digital Courses: The National Skill Development Corporation, under MSDE, has partnered with international organizations including AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Redhat, Pearson VUE, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Cisco Networking Academy to provide digital courses.

Also Read: CollegeDekho secures ₹30 crore funding to enhance operations ahead of admission season

State-Wise Distribution of Training Centers:

State/UT	PMKVY 4.0 Centres	JSS Centers	NAPS Establishments	CTS ( ITIs)
State/UT	PMKVY 4.0 Centres	JSS Centers	NAPS Establishments	Govt. ITIs	Pvt. ITIs
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	7	1	20	3	1
Andhra Pradesh	408	6	1,147	85	434
Arunachal Pradesh	86	0	25	7	0
Assam	833	6	941	31	16
Bihar	596	21	548	150	1,219
Chandigarh	9	1	166	2	0
Chhattisgarh	202	14	324	120	106
Delhi	222	3	3,013	18	28
DNH & DD	9	2	130	4	0
Goa	8	1	495	11	2
Gujarat	377	8	12,458	273	215
Haryana	629	2	5,872	159	222
Himachal Pradesh	210	11	740	128	139
Jammu And Kashmir	694	1	554	49	0
Jharkhand	246	13	442	77	269
Karnataka	457	12	2,452	274	1,192
Kerala	145	9	1,904	149	297
Ladakh	12	0	16	3	0
Lakshadweep	1	1	1	1	0
Madhya Pradesh	1,527	29	1,126	195	767
Maharashtra	684	21	9,086	422	615
Manipur	164	4	23	10	0
Meghalaya	99	1	41	7	1
Mizoram	102	1	20	3	0
Nagaland	91	1	22	9	0
Odisha	307	29	738	73	427

Puducherry	23	0	245	8	7
Punjab	617	2	933	115	205
Rajasthan	1,613	9	984	182	1,363
Sikkim	37	0	69	4	0
Tamil Nadu	581	9	2,892	93	363
Telangana	157	6	1,314	66	232
Tripura	151	2	98	20	2
Uttar Pradesh	2,965	47	6,395	294	2,964
Uttarakhand	231	8	738	103	71
West Bengal	344	8	1,352	168	139
Overall	14,844	289	49,788	3,316	11,296

CollegeDekho secures ₹30 crore funding to enhance operations ahead of admission season

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April 3, 2025

CollegeDekho, a higher education edtech platform in India, has secured ₹30 crore (~$3.5 million) in funding from Lighthouse Canton, a global investment firm. This infusion of capital aims to strengthen the company’s operational capabilities and expand its reach as it gears up for the upcoming college admission season.

This funding round follows CollegeDekho’s $35 million Series B raise in December 2021, which saw participation from Winter Capital, ETS Strategic Capital, Calega, and Man Capital. The continued investment highlights the company’s growing influence in bridging the gap between students and higher education institutions across India.

CollegeDekho intends to deploy the new capital to:

Enhance technology infrastructure to streamline processes.
Expand its outreach to support more students and educational institutions.
Strengthen its services to optimize college admissions.

Ruchir Arora, CEO & Co-Founder of CollegeDekho, stated:
“This funding ensures we are well-prepared for the upcoming admission cycle and beyond. Our vision remains steadfast—helping students access quality, skill-oriented higher education while enabling them to make informed choices.”

Financial Performance and Impact

The company recently reported a 32.2% increase in operating revenue, rising from ₹163 crore in FY23 to ₹215.6 crore in FY24. While net losses remained steady at ₹129 crore, CollegeDekho has successfully scaled operations while maintaining cost controls.

Over the past seven years, the platform has facilitated over 2,00,000 student admissions and has contributed ₹5,000 crore in fee income to educational institutions.

To bolster its operational efficiency and retail admissions segment, CollegeDekho has appointed two seasoned professionals.

Arshad Mumtaz joins as Chief Operating Officer – Enrolment Business. With 26 years of expertise in sales, operations, and outsourcing, he has previously held leadership roles at IGT Solutions, Spanco, and Bharti Airtel. He will spearhead operations and sales for the company’s retail business.

Deep Prakash takes on the role of Head of Sales – Retail Business & GetMyUni. With over 20 years of experience in sales strategy and market expansion, Deep has led initiatives at SMC Real Estate, Cloudfarm, and Agent Hero. He will be responsible for national sales and revenue growth.

Also Read: Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as CEO & Managing Partner for Education Excellence & Transformation (MEA & India)

Commenting on the leadership appointments, Ruchir Arora added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Arshad and Deep to our team. Their expertise will play a crucial role in optimizing efficiencies and driving growth in our retail admissions business.”

With this latest round of funding and leadership reinforcements, CollegeDekho is well-positioned to scale its operations and further strengthen its presence in the higher education sector.

Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as CEO & Managing Partner for Education Excellence & Transformation (MEA & India)

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April 2, 2025

Amit Washington joins Xarpie, Machani Group as the CEO & Managing Partner – Education Excellence & Transformation for the Middle East, Africa (MEA), and India regions. With over 25 years of experience across education, EdTech, vocational training, and corporate learning solutions, he is set to lead Xarpie’s mission to revolutionize education through innovation, personalization, and accessibility.

Amit Washington has held leadership roles at some of the most influential education organisations. Most recently, he served as the CEO for a GEMS Education Group company, where he played a pivotal role in expanding and optimizing education services across international markets. His work at GEMS Education—one of the world’s largest private education providers—focused on scaling digital learning solutions, building global partnerships, and driving educational transformation.

He also founded ed2100, an ed-tech venture committed to democratising education by delivering personalised, 21st-century learning experiences. His expertise extends to deploying large-scale corporate learning programs, youth employment initiatives with state and federal governments, and developing EdTech products for K-12 education (B2B & D2C).

Also Read: PhysicsWallah in talks to acquire Drishti IAS

With a strong presence in Africa, India, and the UAE, he has successfully built new business units, managed multi-cultural teams, and spearheaded education strategies for corporates, governments, and development agencies. His leadership spans industries including telecom, banking, FMCG, and hospitality, bringing a multifaceted perspective to learning & development.

At Xarpie, Amit will lead AI-driven education solutions, industry-academia collaborations, and large-scale learning ecosystems that enhance access, equity, and excellence in education. As a practitioner of First Principles Thinking, he is known for turning ideas into reality through creativity, grit, and perseverance.

Join us in welcoming Amit Washington to Xarpie!

PhysicsWallah in talks to acquire Drishti IAS

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April 1, 2025

India’s edtech unicorn, PhysicsWallah (PW), is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Drishti IAS, a prominent coaching institute for civil services exam preparation, according to an Entrackr report. If finalized, the deal, valued between ₹2,500-3,000 crore, would be among the most significant acquisitions in the Indian edtech space.

The acquisition aligns with PhysicsWallah’s expansion strategy, marking its foray into UPSC and state commission exam coaching—one of India’s most competitive educational segments. It also strengthens PW’s push into hybrid education, where it aims to generate ₹1,000 crore in offline revenue by FY25.

Notably, this move comes as PhysicsWallah prepares for an initial public offering (IPO), with reports indicating a fundraising target of $500 million at a $5 billion valuation. The company has already taken steps towards a public listing by appointing three independent directors.

Founded by Vikas Divyakirti, Drishti IAS has been a key player in the civil services coaching sector for over 26 years. In FY24, the institute reported ₹405 crore in revenue and ₹90 crore in profit, with its flagship Mukherjee Nagar centre in Delhi contributing 58% of its total earnings. Other key locations include Prayagraj, Jaipur, and Karol Bagh.

Also Read :- Foundation stone laid for New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh

However, Drishti IAS CEO Vivek Tiwari has dismissed these acquisition reports as “mere speculation.”

Founded by Alakh Pandey, PhysicsWallah has transformed from a YouTube-based educational platform into a leading hybrid edtech firm. The startup has secured over $300 million in funding to date, with a valuation of $2.8 billion following a $210 million Series B round in September 2023.

In FY24, PW’s revenue surged to ₹1,940 crore, a significant jump from ₹744 crore in FY23. However, the company’s losses also escalated, soaring 13-fold to ₹1,131 crore in FY24 from ₹84 crore in FY23, as it aggressively invested in technology, marketing, and offline expansion.

If the deal materializes, it would cement PhysicsWallah’s position as a dominant player across multiple competitive exam categories, bridging its expertise in JEE and NEET coaching with UPSC preparation. This expansion would further solidify its presence in the offline education landscape, making it a formidable force in India’s edtech industry.

Foundation stone laid for New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh ₹38 Crore Project to Enhance Educational Infrastructure in Assam

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March 31, 2025

New Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh

In a significant step towards strengthening educational infrastructure in Assam, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stone for the new Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhawan in Dibrugarh. The long-awaited project, set to be developed with an investment of ₹38 crores, aims to provide world-class facilities for students, teachers, and parents, fostering holistic learning.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal emphasized the pivotal role Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dibrugarh, has played in shaping young minds. He highlighted that the new building aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ensuring that students receive quality education in a modern and conducive environment.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and this initiative reaffirms our commitment to nurturing young talent for a self-reliant India. This new infrastructure will empower students with knowledge and skills to lead our nation into a brighter future,” he stated.

Shri Sonowal expressed gratitude to the Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, for facilitating the necessary funding for this project. He also stressed the importance of incorporating green spaces within the school premises to promote learning through nature, fostering creativity and curiosity among students.

“Our aim is to align with the National Education Policy’s vision of inclusive and holistic learning. The design will integrate ample green spaces, ensuring a sustainable and inspiring environment for students,” he added.

Also Read :- CBSE announces 2025-26 syllabus with major changes in Class 10 and 12 exams

The minister highlighted that Dibrugarh has a strong academic ecosystem, which must be further nurtured to equip the youth with skills for innovation and economic development. He stressed the need for investments in modern infrastructure, quality education, and skill development to match the rapid growth seen in Guwahati.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Minister Prasanta Phukan, Dibrugarh Mayor Dr. Saikat Patra, Vice Chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Rituparna Baruah, Chairman of Assam Petrochemicals Limited, Bikul Deka, the District Commissioner of Dibrugarh, and the Principal of KV Dibrugarh, among others.

With this initiative, Dibrugarh is set to witness a transformative step in its education sector, paving the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for its students.

CBSE announces 2025-26 syllabus with major changes in Class 10 and 12 exams

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March 31, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the syllabus for Class 10 and Class 12 for the academic session 2025-26, outlining significant changes in the examination structure. The revised curriculum provides detailed learning objectives, subject guidelines, and assessment criteria for students appearing in the CBSE Board Exams 2026.

Two Board Exams for Class 10, Unchanged Format for Class 12

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE has introduced a dual-exam system for Class 10 students, allowing them to appear for board exams twice a year—in February and April. This initiative aims to reduce academic stress and provide students with an additional opportunity to improve their scores. Meanwhile, Class 12 board exams will continue to be held annually. The 2026 Class 12 board exams are scheduled to commence on February 17, with nearly 20 lakh students expected to appear.

Revised Assessment and Grading for Class 10

The new evaluation method for Class 10 will follow a 9-point grading system, converting numerical marks into grades. Each subject’s board exam will be conducted for 80 marks, while the remaining 20 marks will be allocated for internal assessment. To pass, students must secure a minimum of 33% in each subject.

CBSE has also introduced three skill-based subjects for students to choose from:

Computer Application (Code 165)
Information Technology (Code 402)
Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)

Additionally, students must opt for either English or Hindi as a language subject during Class 9 and 10.

In a key revision, students who fail in core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or a language paper but pass a skill-based or optional language subject can have the failed subject replaced by the qualified skill or language subject in their result calculation.

Also Read :- D2L shines in G2’s 2025 best software awards

New Skill-Based Electives for Class 12

The Class 12 assessment will also follow the 9-point grading system. CBSE has introduced four new skill-based elective subjects:

Land Transportation Associate
Electronics and Hardware
Physical Activity Trainer
Design Thinking and Innovation

Students opting for technical subjects such as Informatics Practices (Code 065), Computer Science (Code 083), and Information Technology (Code 802) will be allowed to choose only one from these options.

The Class 12 curriculum has been structured into seven major learning areas:

Languages
Humanities
Mathematics
Sciences
Skill Subjects
General Studies
Health and Physical Education

These updates reflect CBSE’s ongoing efforts to modernize its education system, enhance student flexibility, and integrate skill-based learning for better career readiness.

Two Board Exams for Class 10, Unchanged Format for Class 12

Revised Assessment and Grading for Class 10

New Skill-Based Electives for Class 12

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