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Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le” – Blinkit’s Viral Marketing Genius Explained

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Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le” – Blinkit’s Viral Marketing Genius Explained

Rahul Paul, Creative Director at Blinkit, recently took to LinkedIn to share an image that perfectly captures the brand’s witty and functional approach to branding. The post, featuring a Blinkit delivery vehicle, highlights how the company is creatively positioning itself in the quick-commerce industry while engaging with audiences in a lighthearted manner.

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The image showcases a bright yellow Blinkit large-order delivery vehicle, which stands out not just because of its bold color but also due to the clever messaging on its exterior. The vehicle’s side panel emphasizes Blinkit’s ability to deliver not just everyday groceries but also larger items such as geysers, air purifiers, air fryers, luggage bags, and even PlayStation 5 consoles—all in just 10 minutes! This highlights the company’s increasing focus on expanding its product offerings beyond essential groceries and into the realm of high-value, large-sized products.

However, what truly caught people’s attention was the humorous and culturally relevant text placed on the back of the vehicle. It reads: “Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le”, which translates to “Evil eye watchers, order lemons and chilies from Blinkit.” This is a playful nod to the widely followed Indian superstition of hanging lemons and chilies to ward off the evil eye. The phrase instantly connects with the local audience, reinforcing Blinkit’s knack for blending cultural insights with its branding strategy.

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Rahul Paul’s caption, “Putting the ‘fun’ in functional branding for the Blinkit large order fleet ✌️”, aligns perfectly with Blinkit’s brand personality—modern, fast, and witty. The post resonated with many LinkedIn users, garnering 119 likes, 7 comments, and 1 share at the time the screenshot was taken. The engagement on the post signifies how branding that strikes a balance between practicality and humor can capture consumer interest and create buzz.

Blinkit has consistently leveraged quirky marketing and localized humor to differentiate itself in the competitive quick-commerce space. This latest branding move further cements its reputation as a brand that understands its audience, delivers convenience, and adds a touch of fun to everyday shopping.

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Fake Restaurants on Zomato? Amit Mantri Calls Out ‘Scammy’ Listings, Says CEO Deepinder Goyal Must Act Before Trust Erodes

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Fake Restaurants on Zomato? Amit Mantri Calls Out ‘Scammy’ Listings, Says CEO Deepinder Goyal Must Act Before Trust Erodes

Zomato has found itself in hot water after Amit Mantri, a fund manager, exposed what he called a “massive fake restaurant problem” on the platform. Mantri took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience of accidentally ordering from a counterfeit outlet masquerading as the well-known beverage chain Keventers—only to realize later that he had actually bought from “Keventerss” (with an extra ‘s’), a knockoff serving subpar drinks.

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Zomato’s Response—or Lack Thereof

Mantri’s frustration didn’t just stem from the fake listing but also from Zomato’s unwillingness to act. When he flagged the issue with customer support, he was met with indifference.

“I doubt Zomato would dare allow a fake Starbucks, but smaller brands like Keventers don’t have the same muscle to fight back,” he wrote.

He also questioned whether Zomato was prioritizing commission earnings over customer trust.

“Sure, the commissions from these fake places must be great, but I hope Deepinder Goyal realizes how much this erodes loyalty.”

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Bigger Tech, Bigger Problems?

Mantri went a step further, comparing Zomato’s alleged shift away from customer focus to what he claims has happened with Amazon.

“This is what happens when companies become too big—they move from delighting customers to squeezing them with scammy practices.”

Zomato Takes Action, But Questions Remain

In a rare quick turnaround, Zomato finally took action and removed the fraudulent listing. Mantri later acknowledged the move, posting:

“Good to see the prompt action @zomato.”

However, the controversy has kicked off a bigger debate around fake listings, platform accountability, and customer trust. Many social media users chimed in, urging Zomato’s leadership to implement stricter verification processes and clean up its marketplace.

“Letting unverified businesses operate is a fast track to losing customer trust—and business,” wrote one user, tagging CEO Deepinder Goyal.

With platforms like Zomato rapidly expanding, can they balance growth with quality control? Or is this just the start of more issues to come?

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Ola Electric Dominates January 2025 with 25% Market Share and 24,341 Sales – Bhavish Aggarwal’s EV Empire Expands to 4,000 Stores

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Ola Electric Dominates January 2025 with 25% Market Share and 24,341 Sales – Bhavish Aggarwal’s EV Empire Expands to 4,000 Stores

Ola Electric has kicked off the year with a commanding 25% market share in India’s electric two-wheeler space for January 2025, selling 24,341 units, according to VAHAN data. That’s a massive 76.4% jump in registrations compared to December, thanks to its aggressive expansion strategy. The company now boasts a 4,000-store sales and service network, making its scooters more accessible than ever.

Gen 3 Scooters Powering Growth

The sharp growth is largely fueled by Ola’s recently launched Gen 3 lineup, which includes its flagship S1 Pro+ models with 5.3kWh and 4kWh battery options priced at ₹1,69,999 and ₹1,54,999. The more affordable S1 Pro (4kWh) comes in at ₹1,34,999, while the S1 X range starts at just ₹79,999 for the 2kWh version, making EV adoption easier for budget-conscious buyers.

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A company spokesperson described the numbers as a “strong start to the year”, crediting the success to Ola’s expanding presence beyond metro cities and its focus on both premium and mass-market electric vehicles.

Still Selling Gen 2 Scooters (With Heavy Discounts)

Despite the Gen 3 launch, Ola is not abandoning its Gen 2 lineup just yet. The company is offering discounts up to ₹35,000, bringing prices down to ₹1,14,999 for the S1 Pro and ₹69,999 for the S1 X (2kWh).

What’s New in Gen 3?

The latest generation of Ola scooters comes with several key improvements, including:

✅ New mid-drive motors with chain drive for better efficiency

✅ Integrated motor control unit, increasing peak power by 20%

✅ Dual ABS braking – a first for electric scooters in India

✅ Brake-by-wire system, which optimizes regenerative braking and improves energy recovery by 15%

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MoveOS 5 and More EV Expansions

Ola has also confirmed that MoveOS 5 beta will roll out mid-February, adding features like:

📌 Smartwatch app integration

📌 Smart Park and Road Trip Mode (powered by Ola Maps)

📌 Live Location Sharing & Emergency SOS

Beyond scooters, Ola is gearing up for its biggest EV push yet, following last year’s launch of removable battery models for gig workers and the preview of its Roadster motorcycle series with battery capacities of up to 16kWh.

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With $8 Million Backing from EM Impact Capital, VoltUp Accelerates India’s EV Revolution

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With $8 Million Backing from EM Impact Capital, VoltUp Accelerates India’s EV Revolution

Pune-based electric mobility startup VoltUp has secured $8 million (approximately INR 69 crore) in a combination of equity and debt funding, led by EM Impact Capital. This fresh capital will help the company expand its mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings and accelerate its push towards EV adoption.

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VoltUp has ambitious plans to invest $85 million over the next two years in building its infrastructure, including battery-swapping stations and battery assets. The company aims to roll out 1,000 new swapping stations across 20 cities, making it easier for customers to transition to electric two- and three-wheelers.

Earlier, the startup raised $10 million in a pre-seed round with backing from HDFC Bank, cKers, Grip Invest, GetVantage, and multiple family offices.

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“We’ve identified the right market fit and are focused on scaling our battery-swapping network to meet the growing demand for electric mobility. With Series A funding on the horizon, VoltUp is doubling down on its mission to lead India’s EV transition,” said Siddharth Kabra, founder and CEO of VoltUp.

Established in 2019 by Kabra, VoltUp specializes in providing battery-swapping stations and manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, creating a seamless experience for its growing EV customer base.

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Meesho Secures $550M Total in Latest Funding Round, Valuation Slips to $3.9-4B as It Preps for IPO

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Meesho Secures $550M Total in Latest Funding Round, Valuation Slips to $3.9-4B as It Preps for IPO

Meesho Secures $250-270M Funding as New Investors Join, Valuation Drops to $3.9-4B

Ecommerce platform Meesho has reportedly closed a funding round of $250-270 million, bringing new investors like Tiger Global, Think Investments, and Mars Growth Capital onto its cap table. A significant portion of this round consists of secondary share sales, according to sources cited in an ET report.

With this latest development, Meesho’s total fundraising in the ongoing round has reached approximately $550 million (₹4,750.9 crore). This comes as the company works towards solidifying its financial and operational position, ahead of a much-anticipated public offering.

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Reverse Flip and Merger Plans

After discussions over the past year about shifting its legal domicile back to India, Meesho has filed an application with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bengaluru to re-register under its Indian entity, Fashnear Technologies. This reverse flip is seen as a critical step in preparing for its IPO plans.

Sources familiar with the matter also revealed that part of the newly raised primary capital will go towards covering tax liabilities associated with the reverse merger.

Investors and Valuation Update

Existing backers such as Peak XV and WestBridge Capital participated in the round alongside the new investors. A source quoted in the report mentioned, “The primary raise is primarily to cover the costs of the merger. The company has no plans to dip into its current cash reserves for this purpose.”

The funding deal values Meesho at approximately $3.9-4 billion, reflecting a 20% decline from its previous valuation of $4.9 billion. This dip in valuation follows a similar pattern seen across many growth-stage startups amid challenging market conditions.

Funding History and Business Growth

This isn’t Meesho’s first major funding milestone this year. In May 2024, the company raised $275 million through a combination of primary and secondary share sales. Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho has grown rapidly, boasting a network of over 15 lakh sellers and more than 140 million annual transacting users.

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Meesho’s leadership believes these strategic moves will strengthen its position in India’s competitive ecommerce landscape, as it continues to focus on empowering small businesses and driving digital commerce adoption across the country.

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Medtech Startup SVASTEK Bags ₹2 Crore Seed Funding Led by IAN Angel Fund, Targets India’s Booming Respiratory Sector

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Medtech Startup SVASTEK Bags ₹2 Crore Seed Funding Led by IAN Angel Fund, Targets India’s Booming Respiratory Sector

SVASTEK Secures ₹2 Crore Seed Funding to Revolutionize Respiratory and Critical Care

Boost for India’s MedTech Sector

Delhi-based medtech startup SVASTEK has raised ₹2 crore in seed funding, led by the IAN Angel Fund. This funding is set to accelerate the rollout of its flagship product, the ALLTIP-enabled NIV mask, while strengthening its distributor network, clinical application team, and outreach efforts across India.

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Innovative Respiratory Solutions with ALLTIP Technology

Founded in 2022 by Arita Abrol, SVASTEK focuses on addressing critical gaps in respiratory and critical care. Its ALLTIP-enabled NIV mask combines noninvasive ventilation with simultaneous nutrition delivery, offering a unique solution for patients requiring long-term respiratory support. This innovation not only enhances patient care but also aims to reduce malnutrition risks commonly associated with respiratory illnesses.

Tapping into India’s ₹48,500 Crore Respiratory Market

With India’s respiratory and critical care market valued at ₹48,500 crore (approximately $5.8 billion) and growing at a CAGR of 8.3%, SVASTEK is strategically positioned to capitalize on this expanding sector. The startup plans to expand its reach across the country, introduce new products, and eventually enter global markets to make respiratory care more accessible and affordable.

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Founder’s Vision and Industry Impact

“We’re thrilled to have secured this funding—it’s more than just financial support; it validates our mission to create impactful and transformative solutions for the medtech industry,” said Arita Abrol, founder of SVASTEK. “This investment will help us expand our team, enhance innovation, and strengthen our position in a rapidly evolving sector. India’s medtech ecosystem is flourishing, with initiatives like MedTech Mitra, BIRAC grants, and Make in India paving the way for groundbreaking advancements.”

Future Outlook

SVASTEK’s innovative approach and focus on patient-centric solutions position it as a key player in India’s medtech sector. With ambitious plans to expand its product line and global footprint, the startup aims to redefine respiratory and critical care, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.

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Advent International in Talks to Acquire Majority Stake in Orra Fine Jewellery for ₹1,750 Crore: What This Means for India’s Jewellery Market

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Advent International in Talks to Acquire Majority Stake in Orra Fine Jewellery for ₹1,750 Crore: What This Means for India’s Jewellery Market

Advent International, a prominent US-based private equity firm, is reportedly on the verge of acquiring a majority stake in Orra Fine Jewellery, which is currently owned by Rosy Blue Group, one of India’s leading diamond manufacturers and retailers. The deal, which could value Orra at between Rs 1,500-1,750 crore (roughly $174-203 million), comes as investor interest in the jewellery retail sector heats up.

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Sources close to the matter reveal that Advent has been in exclusive talks with Orra for several months, with the buyout firm poised to secure a controlling stake of 51-75%. Under the terms of the deal, Orra’s Managing Director, Dipu Mehta, will retain a minority stake, while the private equity fund will take over the company’s management and voting rights, marking a significant shift in control. There are also plans for Orra to go public in the near future.

The negotiations have now entered the final stages, with the deal’s documentation nearly complete, and an official announcement expected soon, according to industry insiders.

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Founded in 1888 and known for its design hubs in Antwerp, Tokyo, New York, Hong Kong, and India, Orra Fine Jewellery was established in 2004 to offer a range of diamond, gold, and platinum jewellery through both physical and online stores. The company has been looking for investment partners to help expand its presence both within India and internationally, especially in light of growing competition from new-age brands and the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds.

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From Viral Sensation to Retail Conquest: Gloss Ventures Locks Down a Fiery $15M Series A with Peterson Partners in the Driver’s Seat

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From Viral Sensation to Retail Conquest: Gloss Ventures Locks Down a Fiery $15M Series A with Peterson Partners in the Driver’s Seat

Gloss Ventures, the beauty incubator responsible for TikTok-famous brands like Sacheu Beauty (a favorite of Billie Eilish) and the Gen Alpha-focused skincare line Glossmetics, has secured $15 million in Series A funding. This investment sets the stage for the company’s ambitious goal of reaching $100 million in sales within two years.

The sole backer in this round was Peterson Partners, a Salt Lake City-based private equity firm with a $2.5 billion portfolio that includes names like Allbirds, Glowbar, Bonobos, Rails Clothing, and Madison Reed. This is Peterson’s first institutional investment in Gloss Ventures, which launched Sacheu in 2020 in partnership with influencer Sarah Cheung and introduced Glossmetics in 2023. Peterson Partners is known for being the first institutional investor in many of its portfolio companies.

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Gloss Ventures CEO Quinn Roukema reflected on the partnership, saying, “Our growth trajectory kept outpacing expectations, and the relationship with Peterson Partners developed naturally during the due diligence process. We’re excited to collaborate—it’s a seamless fit.”

Brett Stohlton, a partner at Peterson Partners, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Sacheu is at an exciting point, using innovative technology and marketing to carve out its place in the beauty industry. We’re thrilled to partner with Quinn, Sarah, and the Gloss Ventures team as they build the next breakout beauty brand.”

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In addition to the $15 million Series A funding, Gloss Ventures has secured a $5 million asset-based loan from an undisclosed lender. These funds will fuel the company’s expansion across products, retail partnerships, marketing, and international markets. This follows a $9.5 million senior debt raise in 2021 from a Canadian financial institution.

Glossmetics is preparing for a significant retail push, with plans to hit 400 U.K. stores this spring and 5,000 U.S. locations by summer. Known for delivering high-quality skincare products at under $10, the brand is already available at Urban Outfitters, Amazon, and 210 Walmart stores in Canada. Standout products include the $7.99 Lip Glaze, $8.99 Check Mate Spot Patches, and $9.99 Peptide Glazed Face Serum.

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Innov8 Raises Rs 110 Crore from Mankind Pharma, Gauri Khan & Others—Here’s How It Plans to Double Its Footprint

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Innov8 Raises Rs 110 Crore from Mankind Pharma, Gauri Khan & Others—Here’s How It Plans to Double Its Footprint

OYO-backed coworking brand Innov8 has secured Rs 110 crore (approximately $13 million) in fresh funding from a group of high-profile family offices, including Mankind Pharma, Gauri Khan, Rupa Group, and Jagruti Dalmia. The investment round, managed by InCred, saw strong demand, with subscriptions exceeding the available stake by 2.7 times.

With this latest infusion of capital, Innov8’s valuation now stands at Rs 1,000 crore (around $120 million), after the company diluted 10% of its equity. The funds will be used to fuel expansion, acquire new properties, enhance technology, and explore strategic partnerships.

“This investment allows us to scale at a faster pace while reinforcing investor confidence in our vision and business model,” said Rakesh Kumar, Group CFO of OYO.

Originally founded by Ritesh Malik in 2015, Innov8 was acquired by OYO in 2019 but continues to operate as an independent entity. The company has set ambitious goals, aiming to double its coworking locations to 100 by 2025 and add 4 million square feet of managed office space across India in the next three years.

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Currently, Innov8 runs over 45 centers in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, catering to more than 17,000 professionals from brands like Swiggy, IndusInd Bank, PhonePe, JioSaavn, and Tata Digital.

Riding the Wave of Flexible Workspaces

With hybrid work models becoming the norm, demand for coworking spaces has surged. Innov8 reports that its occupancy rates have exceeded 90% across its centers. To capitalize on this trend, the company recently opened two massive facilities in Mumbai—one in Navi Mumbai and another in Andheri—each spanning over 1 lakh square feet and housing up to 3,000 seats.

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Surging Profits

Innov8’s financials have seen remarkable growth. In FY24, its net profit skyrocketed to Rs 62 crore, a massive leap from Rs 2.5 crore in FY23, partly due to one-time exceptional gains. This strong performance reinforces its position as a leader in India’s booming coworking sector.

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India’s UPI Revolution: From 34% in 2019 to 83% in 2024—How UPI Became the King of Digital Transactions

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India’s UPI Revolution: From 34% in 2019 to 83% in 2024—How UPI Became the King of Digital Transactions

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as a dominant force in the country’s digital payments landscape, rapidly growing from a 34% share in 2019 to a staggering 83% by 2024. This shift, highlighted in the Reserve Bank of India’s most recent payment system report, underscores UPI’s role in transforming the way the nation transacts.

Launched in April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI offers a simplified and secure payment experience by consolidating multiple bank accounts into one mobile platform. It leverages virtual payment addresses (VPAs) to facilitate quick and safe transfers, making digital payments accessible to millions across the country.

The growth trajectory of UPI has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past five years, the platform has seen an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 74%, cementing its position as the largest retail payment system by transaction volume in India. In 2018, UPI handled 375 crore transactions worth Rs 5.86 lakh crore. By 2024, those numbers surged to 17,221 crore transactions, amounting to Rs 246.83 lakh crore—a CAGR of 89.3% in volume and 86.5% in value.

The rapid rise of UPI has come at the expense of other digital payment methods. While systems like RTGS, NEFT, IMPS, and credit cards once accounted for 66% of digital transactions, that share has dropped to just 17%, reflecting UPI’s dominance in the space.

One of the standout aspects of UPI’s growth is its ability to “democratize” digital finance, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those from lower-income or previously unbanked segments. This has helped push cashless payments to new heights, with fewer barriers for users to embrace the digital economy.

Breaking down the types of transactions, UPI facilitates both person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payments. P2P payments were once the dominant transaction type in terms of volume. However, since 2023, P2M transactions have overtaken P2P in frequency, signaling a shift toward greater adoption of UPI in commercial and retail settings.

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In terms of transaction values, P2P payments remain higher than P2M, though the latter is seeing rapid growth, particularly for smaller, everyday purchases. The number of low-value transactions (under Rs 500) has surged, with P2P payments rising from 394.26 crore in 2019 to 3,649.91 crore in 2024, reflecting a 56% CAGR. However, P2M payments have outpaced this growth, skyrocketing from 291.54 crore to 9,112.72 crore, a remarkable 99% CAGR.

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Similarly, medium-value (Rs 500–Rs 2,000) transactions saw P2P volumes reach 1,420.57 crore, while P2M grew to 1,106.24 crore. In high-value payments (above Rs 2,000), P2P climbed from 151.75 crore to 1,452.81 crore, while P2M jumped from 12.02 crore to 478.55 crore—an eye-catching 109% CAGR over five years.

With UPI’s continued expansion and its increasing role in everyday transactions, it’s clear that India’s digital payment ecosystem is in the midst of a massive shift.

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