NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally started the process to replace its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘request for information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) that are meant for secure, rapid and reliable transportation of the military leadership and govt dignitaries.The RFI, which is the first stage to identify potential vendors and understand available technology before initiating a formal purchase, aims at modernising the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron based at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets have already served for over 20 years and are slated for a phased replacement. India’s Air Power on Full Display as IAF Conducts Spectacular Vayushakti Drill in Pokharan “IAF is planning to procure approximately four/six Long Range Business Jets. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Attack Iran Live Updates: US, Israel continue bombing in Iran; Israeli jets strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s BeirutChinese Weapons Fail In Combat: Recent defeats expose Beijing’s arms flaws’They want to talk, and I agreed’: Trump claims Iran seeking dialogueWith the view to identify probable vendors who can undertake the said project, OEMs/ authorised vendors are requested to forward information on the product which they can offer,” the RFI posted on the IAF website said. “The LRBJs will be used for VIP role with passenger carrying capacity of minimum 19 passengers,” it said.The existing fleet, which was inducted on Sept 21, 2005, comprises four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft that have been designated as Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot.However, the LRBJs are different from the aircraft that are meant only for India’s top three VVIPs: the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known by the call sign ‘Air India One’, are specially modified, secure and exclusive jets for the top three VVIPs.On the other hand, the LRBJ aircraft are meant for the movement of senior govt functionaries, including the ministers of defence, finance, home and external affairs, as well as the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi to Convene Urgent CCS Session Tonight as Middle East Crisis Deepens Post Iran Strikes15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | Explained123PhotostoriesHolika Dahan 2026: 5 Mantras to chant to remove negativityYour evening habits might be slowing your metabolism: 5 must follow habits that will boost your digestion and help with weight lossWhy so many Indians have borderline thyroid reports and ignore them: What you should do before it turns seriousExclusive – From Khanzaadi calling her ‘Criminal’ to vulgar gesture allegations and addressing Rajat Dalal as her brother; Chahat Pandey responds to ‘The 50’ dramaSouth Delhi’s costliest streets: Where homes are valued in hundreds of croresVegetarian foods that have more protein than fish: Experts reveal 6 foods and why they might be a healthier optionSilent dehydration: 7 signs you might not be drinking enough water7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftovers123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingTaylor SwiftUS Israel Strike IranTop Stock RecommendationsCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsMichael MoralesNFL International Games ScheduleMiddle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally started the process to replace its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘request for information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) that are meant for secure, rapid and reliable transportation of the military leadership and govt dignitaries.The RFI, which is the first stage to identify potential vendors and understand available technology before initiating a formal purchase, aims at modernising the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron based at Palam, Delhi. The current fleet of four Embraer Legacy 600 jets have already served for over 20 years and are slated for a phased replacement. India’s Air Power on Full Display as IAF Conducts Spectacular Vayushakti Drill in Pokharan “IAF is planning to procure approximately four/six Long Range Business Jets. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Attack Iran Live Updates: US, Israel continue bombing in Iran; Israeli jets strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s BeirutChinese Weapons Fail In Combat: Recent defeats expose Beijing’s arms flaws’They want to talk, and I agreed’: Trump claims Iran seeking dialogueWith the view to identify probable vendors who can undertake the said project, OEMs/ authorised vendors are requested to forward information on the product which they can offer,” the RFI posted on the IAF website said. “The LRBJs will be used for VIP role with passenger carrying capacity of minimum 19 passengers,” it said.The existing fleet, which was inducted on Sept 21, 2005, comprises four Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft that have been designated as Meghdoot, Vayudoot, Nabhdoot and Gagandoot.However, the LRBJs are different from the aircraft that are meant only for India’s top three VVIPs: the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, known by the call sign ‘Air India One’, are specially modified, secure and exclusive jets for the top three VVIPs.On the other hand, the LRBJ aircraft are meant for the movement of senior govt functionaries, including the ministers of defence, finance, home and external affairs, as well as the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi to Convene Urgent CCS Session Tonight as Middle East Crisis Deepens Post Iran Strikes15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | Explained123PhotostoriesHolika Dahan 2026: 5 Mantras to chant to remove negativityYour evening habits might be slowing your metabolism: 5 must follow habits that will boost your digestion and help with weight lossWhy so many Indians have borderline thyroid reports and ignore them: What you should do before it turns seriousExclusive – From Khanzaadi calling her ‘Criminal’ to vulgar gesture allegations and addressing Rajat Dalal as her brother; Chahat Pandey responds to ‘The 50’ dramaSouth Delhi’s costliest streets: Where homes are valued in hundreds of croresVegetarian foods that have more protein than fish: Experts reveal 6 foods and why they might be a healthier optionSilent dehydration: 7 signs you might not be drinking enough water7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftovers123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingTaylor SwiftUS Israel Strike IranTop Stock RecommendationsCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsMichael MoralesNFL International Games ScheduleMiddle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally started the process to replace its old fleet of VIP transport aircraft by issuing a ‘request for information’ (RFI) for 4-6 new Long Range Business Jets (LRBJs) that are meant for secure, rapid and reliable transportation of the military leadership and govt dignitaries.The RFI, which is…

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Mar 02, 2026, 08:08 IST

Mar 02, 2026, 08:08 IST

Sanju Samson of India celebrates victory following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Super 8 match between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 01, 2026 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) TimesofIndia.com in Kolkata: “Kotsi, I am not playing and you are asking me to…

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‘Good things happen to good people who wait’: Suryakumar Yadav’s emotional tribute to Sanju Samson

‘Good things happen to good people who wait’: Suryakumar Yadav’s emotional tribute to Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson and skipper Suryakumar Yadav run between wickets. (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: A night of reckoning at the Eden Gardens turned into a night of redemption for Sanju Samson, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav could not have scripted it better.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With India’s T20 World Cup Super Eight…

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Gold, Silver Rate Today Live Updates: Gold climbs 2% on rising Middle East tensions; oil up 10%

Gold, Silver Rate Today Live Updates: Gold climbs 2% on rising Middle East tensions; oil up 10%

“Gold and silver prices are expected to remain extremely volatile, with a likely gap-up opening on Monday as the Middle East conflict, involving renewed US and Israeli military action against Iran, continues to weigh heavily on global risk sentiment,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. He added that escalating…

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UP Police SI admit card 2026 for over 1.5 lakh candidates to be released soon at uppbpb.gov.in: Exam on March 14 and 15

UP Police SI admit card 2026 for over 1.5 lakh candidates to be released soon at uppbpb.gov.in: Exam on March 14 and 15

UP Police SI recruitment 2026: Admit card expected to be released in first week of March. The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) is set to release the UP Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Admit Card 2026 on its official website soon. Candidates who have registered for the recruitment exam will be able to download…

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‘Thaai Kizhavi’ OTT release: Where to stream Radhikaa Sarathkumar’s comedy drama

‘Thaai Kizhavi’ OTT release: Where to stream Radhikaa Sarathkumar’s comedy drama

Radhikaa Sarathkumar’s comedy-drama ‘Thaai Kizhavi’ is enjoying a strong theatrical run, with impressive box office collections and high audience occupancy. The film, backed by Sivakarthikeyan, is lauded for its blend of humor and women empowerment themes, with Radhikaa’s performance receiving widespread praise. JioHotstar has secured the OTT rights, with a digital premiere anticipated in late…

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Air India extends West Asia flight suspension for March 2; IndiGo announces flight curbs — full list of cancelled flights |

Air India extends West Asia flight suspension for March 2; IndiGo announces flight curbs — full list of cancelled flights |

Canva Air India has extended the suspension of all its flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until 2359 hrs IST on March 2, 2026, citing the continuing situation in the Middle East.In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the decision was taken after closely monitoring the evolving…

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4,000-year-old 36 swords seized at a US port in Philadelphia in a bizarre smuggling case | World News

4,000-year-old 36 swords seized at a US port in Philadelphia in a bizarre smuggling case | World News

US authorities have seized a cache of ancient weapons after intercepting a shipment of 36 Bronze Age short swords and 50 arrowheads at the Port of Philadelphia. The artifacts, dating back nearly 4,000 years, were confirmed by archaeologists to be genuine cultural heritage items originating from ancient Iran. The seizure was carried out by US…

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Amid the US-Iran conflict, an oil tanker, reportedly having 15 Indians among its 20 crew members, came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz. Four mariners were injured.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that oil tanker Skylight — flying the flag of Palau — was targeted about 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port. It wasn’t clear who attacked the tanker in the strait, which accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s oil flow15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzThere were 20 crew members, including five Iranians, on the ship. According to initial information reported by the Times of Oman, four crew members suffered injuries of varying severity and were transferred to medical facilities. No death was reported. “All 20 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, were evacuated,” the centre said in a statement.In Dec 2025, the US Treasury sanctioned Red Sea Ship Management and Skylight, among other vessels, accusing the management company and its owner of operating a “shadow fleet” to transport Iranian petroleum products in the Gulf. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Strikes On Iran Live Updates: 8 killed in Israel as Iran missile attackIran strikes Gulf again: More explosions in Dubai, Doha and Manama; airports targeted?’Go back to your senses’: UAE tells Iran after attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and KuwaitShip monitoring service Tankertrackers.com described Skylight as a small tanker that was mostly used for fuelling other vessels and had been anchored in Oman’s Musandam Governorate since Feb 22.Two ships, including Skylight, were attacked in the strait on Sunday, maritime security agencies said. A projectile hit the Marshall Islands–flagged product tanker MKD VYOM killing a crew member on board as the vessel sailed off the coast of Oman, manager V.Ships said on Sunday.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that the strait is effectively closed to international navigation and warned vessels to stay away.Three vessels operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation were stopped on Sunday by Iran from proceeding towards the strait, the ARY News reported.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi to Convene Urgent CCS Session Tonight as Middle East Crisis Deepens Post Iran Strikes15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | Explained123PhotostoriesYour evening habits might be slowing your metabolism: 5 must follow habits that will boost your digestion and help with weight lossWhy so many Indians have borderline thyroid reports and ignore them: What you should do before it turns seriousExclusive – From Khanzaadi calling her ‘Criminal’ to vulgar gesture allegations and addressing Rajat Dalal as her brother; Chahat Pandey responds to ‘The 50’ dramaSouth Delhi’s costliest streets: Where homes are valued in hundreds of croresVegetarian foods that have more protein than fish: Experts reveal 6 foods and why they might be a healthier optionSilent dehydration: 7 signs you might not be drinking enough water7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftoversHair fall and irregular periods? Doctors say this mineral could be the missing link: Here’s how to fix it123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNikita Kucherov and Anastasiya Kucherova Net WorthUS Israel Strike IranNagpur BlastCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsMichael MoralesNFL International Games ScheduleMiddle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

Amid the US-Iran conflict, an oil tanker, reportedly having 15 Indians among its 20 crew members, came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz. Four mariners were injured.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that oil tanker Skylight — flying the flag of Palau — was targeted about 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port. It wasn’t clear who attacked the tanker in the strait, which accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s oil flow15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzThere were 20 crew members, including five Iranians, on the ship. According to initial information reported by the Times of Oman, four crew members suffered injuries of varying severity and were transferred to medical facilities. No death was reported. “All 20 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, were evacuated,” the centre said in a statement.In Dec 2025, the US Treasury sanctioned Red Sea Ship Management and Skylight, among other vessels, accusing the management company and its owner of operating a “shadow fleet” to transport Iranian petroleum products in the Gulf. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel Strikes On Iran Live Updates: 8 killed in Israel as Iran missile attackIran strikes Gulf again: More explosions in Dubai, Doha and Manama; airports targeted?’Go back to your senses’: UAE tells Iran after attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and KuwaitShip monitoring service Tankertrackers.com described Skylight as a small tanker that was mostly used for fuelling other vessels and had been anchored in Oman’s Musandam Governorate since Feb 22.Two ships, including Skylight, were attacked in the strait on Sunday, maritime security agencies said. A projectile hit the Marshall Islands–flagged product tanker MKD VYOM killing a crew member on board as the vessel sailed off the coast of Oman, manager V.Ships said on Sunday.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that the strait is effectively closed to international navigation and warned vessels to stay away.Three vessels operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation were stopped on Sunday by Iran from proceeding towards the strait, the ARY News reported.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi to Convene Urgent CCS Session Tonight as Middle East Crisis Deepens Post Iran Strikes15 Indian Crew Members Aboard Palau‑Flagged Tanker Evacuated After Attack Near Strait of HormuzGlobal Inaction Could Prove Costly, Warns Former Envoy As Iran Tensions Spiral DangerouslyDeadly Clashes In Karachi Near US Consulate Leave 9 Dead, 32 InjuredJaishankar Dials Iran, Israel FMs & Gulf Leaders, Stresses Safety Of Indian Nationals Amid ConflictAfter Khamenei Killing Owaisi Warns Prolonged War May Trigger Oil Price SurgeMassive Flight Cancellations Hit India As Iran War Disrupts West Asia AirspaceIran’s Strike On Saudi Arabia Forces Pakistan To Choose Between Alliance And Survival‘India Understands The Danger…’: West Asia Expert On Iran‑US, Israel War; Cites Pak Nuclear ThreatUS Iran War: Why Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is India’s Worst Nightmare | Explained123PhotostoriesYour evening habits might be slowing your metabolism: 5 must follow habits that will boost your digestion and help with weight lossWhy so many Indians have borderline thyroid reports and ignore them: What you should do before it turns seriousExclusive – From Khanzaadi calling her ‘Criminal’ to vulgar gesture allegations and addressing Rajat Dalal as her brother; Chahat Pandey responds to ‘The 50’ dramaSouth Delhi’s costliest streets: Where homes are valued in hundreds of croresVegetarian foods that have more protein than fish: Experts reveal 6 foods and why they might be a healthier optionSilent dehydration: 7 signs you might not be drinking enough water7 chicken starters you can make in just 15 minutesVijay-Rashmika to Nupur-Stebin: Celeb couples celebrating first Holi 2026 as newlyweds6 mistakes people make while reheating leftoversHair fall and irregular periods? Doctors say this mineral could be the missing link: Here’s how to fix it123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayDubai airportIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNikita Kucherov and Anastasiya Kucherova Net WorthUS Israel Strike IranNagpur BlastCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsMichael MoralesNFL International Games ScheduleMiddle East CrisisQatar AirwaysICAI CA Final Result JanuaryHow to get Grace Ashcroft skin in fortnite

Amid the US-Iran conflict, an oil tanker, reportedly having 15 Indians among its 20 crew members, came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz. Four mariners were injured.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that oil tanker Skylight — flying the flag of Palau — was targeted about 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port. It wasn’t…

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Mar 01, 2026, 16:59 IST

Mar 01, 2026, 16:59 IST

India’s Varun Chakaravarthy with his teammates (ANI Photo) As India brace for a knockout Super 8 showdown against the West Indies in Kolkata, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has underlined the need for discipline with the ball against a Caribbean side known for fearless strokeplay.The contest revives memories of their 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final…

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‘This is the day I was waiting for’: Sanju Samson’s emotional confession after heroics vs West Indies

‘This is the day I was waiting for’: Sanju Samson’s emotional confession after heroics vs West Indies

India’s Sanju Samson (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra) Perpetually under scrutiny and often questioned about his place in the side, Sanju Samson described his match-winning night as the moment he had always dreamed of — a reward for years of belief through uncertainty and self-doubt.“It means the whole world actually to me. I think right from the…

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ICAI CA January 2026 Final result released at icai.nic.in: Direct link to download scorecards here

ICAI CA January 2026 Final result released at icai.nic.in: Direct link to download scorecards here

ICAI CA Final result 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the Chartered Accountants (CA) Final Examination January 2026 results today, March 1, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the CA Final exams can now check and download their scorecards from the official websites icai.nic.in and icai.org.The results were announced in the…

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Nora Fatehi says people are living in fear of what’s going to come tomorrow amid Middle East conflict; ‘It’s going to escalate’

Nora Fatehi says people are living in fear of what’s going to come tomorrow amid Middle East conflict; ‘It’s going to escalate’

While in India, actress Nora Fatehi posted a heartfelt Instagram message about the Middle East conflict. She expressed deep concern for the innocent lives lost and the pervasive fear gripping the region, noting the world’s exhaustion with ongoing turmoil. Fatehi urged peace and stability, warning that the situation could worsen before it improves and that…

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