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Indian equity markets opened on a cautious note on 20 January 2026, reflecting consolidation after recent volatility and the absence of strong global cues. Early market action suggests that traders and investors are preferring a wait-and-watch approach as benchmark indices hover near key levels.
At the opening bell, both Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty traded marginally lower, indicating mild profit booking and selective selling across sectors.
At the start of today’s trading session, benchmark indices were placed as follows:
Such flat openings are typically seen when markets are digesting recent moves and awaiting fresh triggers. Instead of broad-based momentum, the focus shifts toward stock-specific opportunities and intraday level-based trades.
Overnight global markets failed to provide a clear directional cue. With limited movement in major global indices, Indian markets opened without strong conviction in either direction.
After a recent uptrend, some investors appear to be booking profits near important resistance zones. This has capped early upside, especially in index heavyweight stocks.
Institutional investors seem to be adopting a guarded approach near crucial levels. The lack of aggressive buying or selling points toward a consolidation-driven session.
Nifty opening around the 25,580 mark keeps the index well within its recent trading range.
As long as Nifty holds above the immediate support zone, the broader structure remains stable. A decisive breakout or breakdown may require stronger global cues or institutional participation.
Bank Nifty has opened slightly weaker compared to Nifty, suggesting mild pressure in banking stocks.
Selective selling in private banks is visible, while PSU banks are showing mixed trends. Sustaining above support could attract intraday buying, while a breakdown may lead to short-term weakness.
A flat market opening like today’s often favors:
Traders should avoid over-leverage and remain flexible, especially in a session driven by consolidation.
In uncertain and range-bound markets, timely insights and execution matter. Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered stock broker, supports traders with:
Such tools help traders stay aligned with market realities rather than emotions.
The market opening on 20 January 2026 reflects caution and consolidation rather than weakness. With Nifty and Bank Nifty trading close to key levels, the session may remain range-bound unless fresh triggers emerge.
For traders and investors looking to navigate volatile and sideways markets with confidence, structured research and disciplined execution are essential.
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Vodafone Idea shares returned to the spotlight after the telecom operator laid out a detailed roadmap to repay its massive adjusted gross revenue dues amounting to ₹87,695 crore. For a company that has spent years battling survival concerns, regulatory liabilities, and intense competition, the announcement marks a critical moment.
While the roadmap offers clarity, it also raises fresh questions around funding, timelines, and long-term viability. For investors, this is not just about a repayment plan, but about whether Vodafone Idea can realistically turn intent into execution.
Adjusted gross revenue dues have been at the heart of Vodafone Idea’s troubles since the Supreme Court ruling that widened the definition of AGR to include non-telecom income. The verdict left telecom operators with staggering liabilities, reshaping the industry overnight.
In Vodafone Idea’s case, AGR dues ballooned to levels that far exceeded its annual operating cash flows. Despite multiple relief measures announced by the government, including moratoriums and conversion of dues into equity, the overhang never fully disappeared.
The newly unveiled ₹87,695 crore repayment roadmap is the company’s most comprehensive attempt yet to address this liability head-on.
Rather than promising aggressive short-term repayments, Vodafone Idea’s plan focuses on a staggered, long-term approach aligned with expected cash flow generation. This suggests a realistic assessment of its financial capacity rather than optimistic projections.
The roadmap assumes improvement in average revenue per user, subscriber stabilisation, and continued tariff discipline across the industry. Any slippage in these factors could stretch timelines further.
With the government already a significant shareholder following the conversion of dues into equity, its stance on future relief measures and spectrum-related decisions remains central to Vodafone Idea’s survival narrative.
Vodafone Idea shares saw heightened trading activity following the announcement. For traders, the stock remains a high-volatility play, reacting sharply to any news around funding, tariffs, or policy support.
From an investor perspective, the roadmap reduces uncertainty but does not eliminate risk. Markets tend to reward visibility, even if challenges remain, and that explains the renewed focus on the stock.
India’s telecom sector is now effectively a three-player market. Larger peers with stronger balance sheets continue to invest aggressively in networks and customer acquisition.
Vodafone Idea’s challenge is unique. While competitors focus on growth and monetisation, Vodafone Idea must balance survival with gradual recovery. Any misstep, whether regulatory or operational, could widen the gap further.
At the same time, the government has a clear interest in maintaining competition in the sector, which provides Vodafone Idea a degree of strategic importance beyond its balance sheet.
The Department of Telecommunications and SEBI have both played key roles in shaping the company’s path forward. SEBI’s disclosure requirements ensure that investors receive timely updates on liabilities and funding plans, while policy decisions from the telecom ministry directly influence cash flow visibility.
Past relief measures, such as payment moratoriums and equity conversion, show that policy intervention is not off the table. However, markets remain cautious, preferring sustainable business improvement over temporary relief.
For retail investors, Vodafone Idea represents a high-risk, high-uncertainty stock. The repayment roadmap is a step in the right direction, but it does not change the fundamental risk profile overnight.
Long-term investors typically look for predictable earnings, manageable debt, and strong competitive positioning. Vodafone Idea is still a work in progress on all three fronts.
This makes research, position sizing, and risk management especially important when dealing with such turnaround stories.
In complex cases like Vodafone Idea, relying on headlines alone can be misleading. Understanding cash flow assumptions, regulatory dependencies, and industry dynamics requires deeper analysis.
Platforms that combine SEBI-registered credibility, robust research tools, and tech-enabled investing can help investors cut through noise and make informed decisions. Continuous customer support and investor education also play a critical role during volatile phases.
Why are Vodafone Idea shares in focus after the AGR announcement?
The ₹87,695 crore repayment roadmap provides clarity on long-term liabilities, which directly impacts the company’s valuation and survival prospects.
Does the roadmap eliminate Vodafone Idea’s financial risk?
No. While it improves visibility, execution depends on operational recovery, tariff growth, and continued policy support.
How does the AGR issue affect the telecom sector overall?
AGR liabilities reshaped industry economics, reduced competition, and increased the importance of regulatory clarity and pricing discipline.
Is Vodafone Idea a long-term investment opportunity?
It remains a high-risk turnaround play rather than a stable long-term compounder at this stage.
What role does the government play in Vodafone Idea’s future?
As a major shareholder and policymaker, government decisions significantly influence Vodafone Idea’s financial sustainability.
Vodafone Idea’s ₹87,695 crore AGR repayment roadmap is an important milestone, but not the final chapter. It signals intent, improves transparency, and keeps the company in the game. However, the journey ahead remains challenging and closely tied to execution and policy support.
For investors navigating such complex stories, informed decision-making is essential. Swastika Investmart, with its SEBI registration, strong research-driven insights, technology-backed platforms, and focus on investor education, aims to support investors through clarity rather than speculation.
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Thursday turned out to be one of those uncomfortable reminder days for Indian investors. By the closing bell, benchmark indices had slipped sharply, and nearly ₹8 lakh crore in market capitalisation had evaporated. For retail investors, it felt sudden. For seasoned market participants, it looked like a classic convergence of multiple risk factors coming together.
So what exactly went wrong, and more importantly, what does it mean for Indian markets going forward?
Both Sensex and Nifty ended the session deep in the red, with broad-based selling across sectors. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks witnessed even sharper cuts, highlighting rising risk aversion.
Sectors that led the decline included:
For many investors, portfolio values slipped back to levels seen weeks earlier, despite no major domestic policy shock.
One of the biggest contributors to Thursday’s sell-off was the rise in global bond yields, especially in the US. Higher yields reduce the relative attractiveness of equities, particularly emerging market stocks like India.
Foreign institutional investors tend to rebalance portfolios in such phases, leading to short-term outflows from risk assets.
Sticky inflation data from developed markets reignited fears that interest rates could stay higher for longer. This directly impacts equity valuations, especially for growth-oriented stocks that rely on future earnings.
Indian markets, which have been trading at a premium to peers, became vulnerable once global risk appetite weakened.
Indian equities had rallied sharply over recent months, driven by strong domestic growth, stable macros, and robust retail participation. Such rallies often attract profit booking, especially when global cues turn adverse.
Thursday’s fall reflected investors choosing to lock in gains rather than take fresh exposure at elevated levels.
While headline indices appeared reasonable, pockets of the market, particularly mid and small caps, were trading at stretched valuations. Any hint of uncertainty tends to hit these segments harder.
Investors also appeared cautious ahead of upcoming macro data, central bank commentary, and global policy signals. Markets often correct not on bad news, but on uncertainty.
For long-term investors, the correction was painful but not unprecedented. Short-term traders, however, faced heightened volatility and sudden stop-loss triggers.
Some real-world implications included:
Importantly, domestic institutional investors helped cushion the fall, preventing a deeper rout.
India’s market structure remains fundamentally strong. SEBI’s robust disclosure norms, surveillance mechanisms, and risk management frameworks ensure that sharp corrections are largely sentiment-driven rather than systemic.
From tighter margin requirements to enhanced monitoring of derivatives activity, Indian regulators have consistently worked to reduce excess speculation. Thursday’s fall, while sharp, did not indicate any breakdown in market integrity.
Indian markets have seen multiple sharp one-day sell-offs over the years, often triggered by global shocks or valuation resets. In most cases, quality stocks recovered once uncertainty eased.
Corrections of this nature:
The key difference between panic and prudence lies in preparation and research.
Periods like these highlight why investors benefit from structured research, timely insights, and strong advisory support. Instead of reacting emotionally, experienced investors focus on fundamentals, balance sheets, and long-term growth prospects.
This is where platforms with strong research capabilities, SEBI-registered credentials, and tech-enabled tools add real value. Access to credible analysis, risk management frameworks, and responsive customer support can make a meaningful difference during volatile sessions.
Why did Indian markets fall despite strong domestic growth?
Markets react to a combination of global and local factors. Even strong economies are not immune to global risk-off sentiment and valuation corrections.
Is a ₹8 lakh crore erosion a sign of a market crash?
Not necessarily. While the number looks alarming, such declines have occurred earlier and often represent temporary corrections rather than long-term trend reversals.
Should retail investors exit the market after such a fall?
Knee-jerk exits are usually counterproductive. Decisions should be aligned with individual goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance.
Which sectors were most affected in Thursday’s sell-off?
Banking, IT, metals, and high-valuation mid-cap stocks saw the maximum selling pressure.
Does SEBI intervene during sharp market falls?
SEBI monitors markets closely and has mechanisms in place, but it typically intervenes only if there are signs of systemic risk or manipulation.
Thursday’s ₹8 lakh crore erosion was a stark reminder that markets do not move in straight lines. Corrections are an inherent part of equity investing, often separating speculative excess from long-term opportunity.
For investors, the focus should remain on quality research, disciplined strategies, and reliable platforms. Swastika Investmart, with its SEBI registration, strong research-driven approach, investor education initiatives, and technology-backed investing solutions, aims to support investors through both rallies and corrections.
If you are looking to invest with greater confidence and clarity, consider taking the next step.
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Global markets are more connected than ever, and in 2026, Indian investors are paying closer attention to international indices to understand risk, opportunity, and market direction. One such benchmark is the Hang Seng Index, often seen as a barometer of Hong Kong and China-related equities.
Whether you are an equity investor, a derivatives trader, or simply tracking global cues before the Indian market opens, understanding the Hang Seng Index can offer valuable context for smarter decisions.
The Hang Seng Index is the primary stock market index of Hong Kong. It tracks the performance of the largest and most liquid companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. These companies represent a significant portion of the market capitalisation and economic activity linked to Hong Kong and mainland China.
Introduced in 1969, the index has evolved to include companies across traditional sectors as well as modern technology-driven businesses. In 2026, it continues to be one of the most closely watched Asian indices by global investors.
The Hang Seng Index is made up of leading companies across multiple sectors. These are broadly categorised into finance, technology, consumer services, utilities, and real estate.
Major banks and insurance companies play a dominant role in the index. Their performance reflects interest rate trends, credit growth, and economic stability in the region.
In recent years, large Chinese technology firms listed in Hong Kong have become influential components. Movements in these stocks often react to regulatory changes, global tech sentiment, and earnings outlook.
Property developers and infrastructure companies reflect housing demand, urban growth, and policy measures, making them sensitive to economic cycles.
Because of this mix, the Hang Seng Index acts as a broad indicator of regional economic health.
The index is calculated using a free-float market capitalisation method. This means only shares available for public trading are considered. Larger companies have a greater influence on index movements, but weight caps are applied to prevent overconcentration.
For Indian investors, this calculation method is similar to indices like the Nifty 50, making comparisons easier.
The Hong Kong market opens before Indian markets. A strong move in the Hang Seng Index often sets the tone for Asian sentiment, which can influence how Indian indices open.
For example, sharp declines due to global risk-off sentiment can lead to cautious openings in the Nifty and Sensex.
China remains a major global economic force. Any policy change, slowdown, or stimulus reflected in Chinese-linked stocks often shows up in the Hang Seng Index before impacting other markets.
Indian investors tracking global trends use this as an early indicator of potential volatility.
Movements in the Hang Seng Index can indirectly affect Indian sectors such as metals, IT services, and export-oriented businesses. A rally driven by global growth optimism often supports similar sentiment in Indian equities.
During periods of global uncertainty, such as changes in US interest rate outlook or China policy announcements, sharp moves in the Hang Seng Index have often coincided with increased volatility in Indian markets.
In 2026, with rising global participation from Indian investors, tracking such cues has become part of everyday market analysis.
Indian investors cannot directly buy the Hang Seng Index, but exposure is possible through international mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or global trading platforms offering overseas access. Each option comes with regulatory considerations under the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
Understanding SEBI guidelines and taxation implications is essential before taking global exposure.
Tracking global indices requires reliable data, timely insights, and contextual analysis. This is where a SEBI-registered brokerage like Swastika Investmart adds value.
With strong research tools, dedicated customer support, and a tech-enabled trading platform, Swastika Investmart helps Indian investors interpret global market signals and align them with domestic strategies. Investor education remains a key focus, especially for those exploring international trends for the first time.
It represents the performance of major companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and reflects Hong Kong and China-linked market sentiment.
Yes, it can influence Indian market sentiment, especially during global risk events or major economic developments in Asia.
Both are benchmark indices using free-float market capitalisation, but they track different economies and sectors.
Direct trading is limited for retail investors, but some platforms offer international access subject to regulatory norms.
In 2026, understanding global indices like the Hang Seng Index is no longer optional for Indian investors. It provides early signals, global context, and insights into regional economic trends that can shape domestic market movements.
For those looking to make informed decisions backed by research and reliable support, partnering with a trusted brokerage makes a meaningful difference.
Open your trading account with Swastika Investmart and explore markets with confidence:
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As Indian stock markets evolve in 2026, traders are increasingly looking for clarity on which trading style fits their goals. With faster execution platforms, tighter regulations, and higher retail participation, understanding the difference between scalping, intraday trading, and swing trading has become more important than ever.
Each approach offers distinct advantages and challenges depending on market conditions, capital size, and time commitment.
Scalping remains a fast-paced trading style where positions are held for a few seconds to minutes. In 2026, improved trading platforms and better liquidity in large-cap stocks have made scalping more accessible, yet more competitive.
Scalpers aim to capture small price movements by executing multiple trades in a single session. In India, scalping is commonly done in:
In 2026, scalping success depends heavily on low-latency platforms, disciplined stop losses, and strict capital management.
Intraday trading involves buying and selling stocks within the same trading session. This style continues to be popular among Indian traders in 2026 due to its balance between activity and flexibility.
Intraday traders typically focus on:
For Indian traders in 2026, intraday trading remains one of the most accessible trading styles when backed by proper risk controls.
Swing trading focuses on capturing medium-term price movements over several days or weeks. In 2026, this style is increasingly favoured by working professionals and long-term investors looking for tactical opportunities.
Swing traders rely on:
Swing trading in 2026 aligns well with India’s evolving market structure and improved access to quality research.
There is no universal answer. The best trading style in 2026 depends on:
Beginners may prefer intraday or swing trading, while experienced traders with fast execution systems may explore scalping.
In 2026, Indian markets offer opportunities across scalping, intraday, and swing trading, provided traders choose strategies aligned with their lifestyle and risk appetite. Technology, regulation, and market depth have improved, but discipline remains the biggest differentiator.
Choosing the right trading style is not about chasing returns but about sustaining consistency in evolving market conditions.
The Indian IPO market has kicked off 2026 on a confident note, and the BCCL IPO is at the centre of investor attention. Bharat Coking Coal Limited, a Coal India subsidiary, has entered the capital markets amid strong subscription numbers and optimistic grey market signals. With a GMP of around ₹31, market participants are increasingly discussing the possibility of a listing nearly 50% above the cut-off price.
While listing expectations are strong, prudent investors are also evaluating the fundamentals, sector outlook, and regulatory environment before taking a position.
Bharat Coking Coal Limited is one of India’s most critical producers of coking coal, a key input for steel manufacturing. Unlike thermal coal, coking coal has limited substitutes, making BCCL strategically important for India’s industrial ecosystem.
As a public sector enterprise under Coal India Limited, BCCL benefits from established mining assets, long-term supply linkages, and government backing. The IPO is structured as an Offer for Sale, aligning with the government’s broader PSU disinvestment roadmap.
The Grey Market Premium reflects informal demand for shares ahead of listing. A GMP of ₹31 suggests that investors are willing to pay significantly above the IPO price in anticipation of strong listing gains.
In practical terms, such a premium often indicates:
If current sentiment sustains, a listing premium of around 50% over the cut-off price is being widely discussed in the market. However, GMP is sentiment-driven and can fluctuate based on broader market conditions.
India’s steel consumption continues to rise, supported by infrastructure spending, urbanisation, and manufacturing expansion. Since coking coal is essential for steel production, BCCL remains a key supplier in this value chain.
For investors, this provides visibility into long-term demand rather than cyclical speculation.
Being a Coal India subsidiary brings operational discipline, regulatory compliance, and predictable cash flows. PSU stocks often appeal to investors seeking stability over aggressive growth, especially during volatile market phases.
Early subscription data shows healthy interest across investor categories. Such broad-based participation often supports stronger listing outcomes, particularly when combined with positive secondary market sentiment.
Recent PSU listings with strong fundamentals and reasonable valuations have delivered solid debuts. Investors are increasingly selective, favouring companies with established operations and sector relevance over purely narrative-driven IPOs.
The BCCL IPO fits this pattern by offering exposure to India’s core industrial growth rather than emerging but untested business models.
Despite optimistic signals, investors should be mindful of certain risks:
Coal prices are influenced by global demand, trade policies, and geopolitical factors. A sharp correction could impact profitability and sentiment.
Mining companies face increasing scrutiny under environmental regulations. Compliance costs and policy changes can affect margins over time.
Since the IPO does not raise fresh capital, future growth will rely on internal accruals and operational efficiency rather than immediate expansion funding.
The BCCL IPO is governed by SEBI’s ICDR regulations, ensuring disclosures, pricing transparency, and investor protection. For retail investors, this framework reduces information asymmetry and enhances trust in PSU offerings.
Understanding regulatory safeguards is crucial, especially for first-time IPO investors navigating volatile markets.
In fast-moving IPO markets, informed decision-making matters more than headlines. Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered brokerage, supports investors through:
Rather than chasing hype, Swastika Investmart helps investors align IPO participation with their financial goals and risk appetite.
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Based on a GMP of ₹31, market participants are expecting a listing premium of around 50%, subject to market conditions.
It may suit investors seeking PSU exposure and linkage to India’s steel and infrastructure growth, but commodity risks should be considered.
No. GMP is an informal indicator and can change before listing. Actual performance depends on market sentiment on listing day.
No, it is an Offer for Sale, meaning existing shareholders are selling part of their stake.
The BCCL IPO, supported by a ₹31 GMP and expectations of a 50% listing premium, has captured market attention at the start of 2026. Its strategic importance, PSU backing, and sector relevance strengthen its investment case, while commodity and regulatory risks call for balanced evaluation.
For investors looking to participate thoughtfully, partnering with a trusted broker like Swastika Investmart can make the journey more informed and disciplined.
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ITC has long been considered one of India’s most reliable dividend-paying stocks. However, 2026 has started on a difficult note for the FMCG and cigarette major. In just four trading sessions, ITC shares have fallen nearly 15%, hitting a fresh 52-week low near ₹338, following a sharp increase in cigarette excise duties announced by the government.
The sudden decline has raised a key question among investors: has ITC finally bottomed out, or is there more downside ahead? Let’s break down what is driving the fall, how analysts are reading the charts, and what this means for Indian investors.
The primary trigger behind ITC’s sell-off is the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, which was approved by Parliament in December. Under the new framework, cigarettes will attract excise duty over and above the existing 40% GST.
The notified excise duty ranges from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, and becomes effective from February 1, 2026.
Cigarettes remain ITC’s most profitable segment, contributing a disproportionate share of operating profits despite lower volume contribution. Analysts estimate that:
This regulatory move has revived concerns that cigarette profitability may come under sustained pressure, prompting heavy institutional selling.
In just four sessions, ITC has lost nearly ₹82,000 crore in market value. Volumes surged sharply, suggesting forced selling rather than routine profit booking.
From a market behaviour perspective, such high-volume declines often indicate either panic-driven liquidation or capitulation, where weak hands exit en masse.
Despite the sell-off, ITC’s dividend profile remains strong. In FY25, the company paid a total dividend of ₹14.35 per share. At current prices, the dividend yield stands close to 4.1%.
However, history shows that dividend yield alone does not protect stocks from regulatory shocks, especially in sectors like tobacco.
ITC is currently trading below all major moving averages including the 20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs. This confirms a clear downtrend across short-term and medium-term timeframes.
The stock has also slipped below its long-term support zone near ₹380 to ₹400, which had held for several years.
Momentum indicators like RSI remain deeply oversold, but oversold conditions alone do not guarantee a reversal.
Such conditions often precede a period of consolidation, rather than immediate further collapse.
From a risk-reward standpoint, this phase favours patience rather than aggressive buying.
If you already hold ITC for income, there is no immediate need to panic. However, fresh accumulation should ideally wait until price stability and base formation become visible.
Momentum remains negative. Until ITC reclaims ₹360 with strong volumes, short-term trades carry elevated risk.
Staggered buying near strong supports, only after confirmation, may offer better risk-adjusted returns than lump-sum investments.
The ITC episode highlights how policy risk remains a major factor in Indian equity markets, especially for sin sectors like tobacco, alcohol, and mining.
It also reinforces the importance of diversification. Even traditionally defensive stocks can witness sharp drawdowns when regulatory frameworks change abruptly.
At Swastika Investmart, SEBI-registered research teams focus on blending technical, fundamental, and regulatory analysis to help investors make informed decisions.
With advanced research tools, real-time market insights, strong customer support, and a technology-driven trading platform, Swastika empowers investors to navigate volatile markets with clarity and discipline.
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The fall was triggered by a sharp increase in cigarette excise duties, raising concerns about profitability and demand impact.
ITC continues to offer a strong dividend yield, but dividend strength alone may not offset near-term price volatility.
The key support zone lies between ₹330 and ₹310. A breakdown below this range could increase downside risk.
There are signs of selling exhaustion, but confirmation of a bottom requires price stability and recovery above ₹360.
Most analysts advise caution and recommend waiting for consolidation or confirmation before fresh entries.
ITC’s sharp correction in early 2026 is a reminder that even blue-chip dividend stocks are not immune to regulatory shocks. While the long-term business remains resilient, the near-term trend remains fragile.
Investors should focus on disciplined risk management, clear entry levels, and reliable research support rather than reacting emotionally to sharp price moves.
For structured investing, research-backed insights, and tech-enabled trading, Swastika Investmart remains a trusted partner for Indian investors navigating evolving market cycles.
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