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Hemant

Hemant Bokil  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 16, 2024

Hemant Bokil is the founder of Sanay Investments. He has over 15 years of experience in the field of mutual funds and insurance.Besides working as a financial planner, he also hosts workshops to create financial awareness. He holds an MCom from Mumbai University.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2023Hindi
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my age is 39, I am investing around 30k per month since last 5 years. how many years I have to invest if I want 2-2.5 Cr at the retirement.

Ans: Hi if I assume your retirement at age 55 you have another 16 years in hand so if your investments grow at 15% every year then you can touch 2 cr but that's less likely so assume a decent growth of 12% and u can see you wealth at 1.1 cr

Disclaimer the views expressed are on personal basis based on my experience and knowledge
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 23, 2024Hindi
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Iam 23.I want to invest in mutual funds for next 30 years. How much money would I need by retirement at that time.How much should I invest from now every month to achieve that goal?
Ans: Investing for retirement at a young age is a smart financial decision. Let's calculate how much money you would need by retirement and how much you should invest monthly to achieve that goal.

Determining Retirement Corpus:
Estimate your desired retirement corpus based on your expected expenses during retirement. Consider factors like inflation, lifestyle preferences, healthcare costs, and other financial obligations.
Assuming a moderate estimate of future expenses, let's say you aim for a retirement corpus of 5 Crores.
Calculating Monthly Investment:
Use a retirement calculator or financial planning software to determine the monthly investment required to reach your retirement corpus.
Assuming an annual return of 10% on your mutual fund investments (which is a reasonable long-term average for equity investments), we can calculate the monthly investment required.
With a 30-year investment horizon, the power of compounding will work in your favor. By starting early, you can invest smaller amounts monthly to achieve your goal.
For example, if you aim for a retirement corpus of 5 Crores and assuming a 10% annual return:
Using a financial calculator or formula, the monthly investment required would be approximately 22,000 INR.
Regular Review and Adjustments:
Periodically review your investment strategy and adjust your contributions based on changes in your financial situation, investment performance, and retirement goals.
As your income increases or expenses decrease over time, consider increasing your monthly investments to accelerate your progress towards your retirement goal.
By consistently investing in mutual funds over the next 30 years and staying committed to your long-term financial plan, you can work towards achieving a comfortable retirement.

Remember, while this calculation provides a rough estimate, individual circumstances may vary. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial goals and help you create a comprehensive retirement plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 23, 2024Hindi
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I am 37. i need to have a corpus of around 1 cr when i retire at 60. right now I don't have any investments and ny NTH is 75K. Hiw much should i start investing pm to meet my goals
Ans: That's a fantastic goal! Looking to build a Rs. 1 crore corpus by 60 with a Rs. 75,000 monthly salary is a smart move. Let's get you started!

Planning for your future:

Time is your friend! Starting at 37 gives your investments a long time to grow through compounding.
We need a plan! Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can create a personalized plan considering your income, expenses, risk tolerance, and goals.
Understanding your investments:

Actively managed funds: Unlike index funds, these funds have professional managers who aim to outperform the market. We can explore options that suit your risk profile.
Regular investments: Setting up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) helps you invest a fixed amount regularly, building discipline and benefiting from rupee-cost averaging.
Now, about the numbers:

While I can't give specific investment amounts without a detailed plan, here's a general idea:

Factor in inflation: Aim to build a corpus that considers inflation, so your Rs. 1 crore today has the same buying power when you retire.
Investment returns: Expected returns from your investments will impact the amount you need to invest monthly.
Next steps:

Talk to a CFP! They can help you determine the ideal monthly SIP amount based on your goals and risk profile.
Start investing early! Even a small amount invested regularly can grow significantly over time.
Remember:

Building a corpus takes discipline. Stick to your investment plan!
Regularly review your plan with your CFP to ensure it stays aligned with your evolving goals.
I hope this helps!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 2024

Money
I am 32 year old I have investment of 4 lakh in mutual funds, 3 lakh in FD, 3.5 lakh in shares and 15 lakh in ppf. I need 5 cr in next 23 years. My current sip is 15000 per month. How much I need to invest
Ans: Planning for a secure financial future requires meticulous planning and strategic investments. You have an admirable goal of accumulating Rs. 5 crores in the next 23 years. Given your current investments and regular SIP of Rs. 15,000 per month, it’s essential to assess and fine-tune your investment strategy. Let's explore this in a detailed, analytical manner.

Current Financial Snapshot
Firstly, let’s review your existing investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 4 lakhs

Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 3 lakhs

Shares: Rs. 3.5 lakhs

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 15 lakhs

Monthly SIP: Rs. 15,000

You’ve built a solid foundation. The diversity in your portfolio is commendable. However, aiming for Rs. 5 crores means your current strategy might need some adjustments.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds
Your Rs. 4 lakhs in mutual funds is a strong start. Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management. Ensure your mutual funds align with your risk appetite and investment horizon. Actively managed funds, guided by a Certified Financial Planner, can provide superior returns compared to passive funds like index funds.

Fixed Deposits
Your Rs. 3 lakhs in FDs provide safety but relatively lower returns. FD returns often barely outpace inflation. Consider redirecting a portion of this to higher-yielding investments, keeping some for liquidity.

Shares
Your Rs. 3.5 lakhs in shares indicate a direct exposure to the stock market. While direct shares can yield high returns, they also come with higher risks. Regular review and, if needed, guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, can ensure they align with your financial goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your Rs. 15 lakhs in PPF is excellent for a risk-free, long-term investment. PPF provides tax benefits and compounding over the years. Continue maximizing your PPF contributions to Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually for steady growth.

Enhancing Your Investment Strategy
To reach Rs. 5 crores, you need a robust and dynamic investment plan. Here’s a detailed strategy:

Increase Monthly SIPs
Your current SIP of Rs. 15,000 is a strong contribution. However, increasing this amount gradually can significantly impact your corpus. Aim to increase your SIP by at least 10% annually. This incremental increase can align your contributions with inflation and salary increments, boosting your final corpus.

Diversify Mutual Fund Investments
Ensure your mutual funds are diversified across various sectors and market capitalizations. A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward. Additionally, consider sectoral and thematic funds to capitalize on specific market trends. Actively managed funds often outperform passive index funds, offering better returns through expert management.

Explore Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
ELSS funds provide the dual benefit of tax saving under Section 80C and potential for higher returns. Investing in ELSS can enhance your equity exposure while optimizing your tax outgo. The three-year lock-in period also instills a disciplined investment approach.

Review Direct Share Investments
While direct share investments offer high returns, they require regular monitoring. Evaluate the performance of your share portfolio periodically. Consider reallocating underperforming stocks to mutual funds or other diversified instruments. Professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner can optimize your direct equity investments.

Maintain Adequate Emergency Fund
While investing for long-term goals, ensure you maintain an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of expenses. An emergency fund prevents the need to liquidate long-term investments during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your financial goals remain unaffected.

Assess and Adjust Periodically
Regular reviews of your investment portfolio are crucial. Market conditions and personal financial situations change over time. Periodic assessments, ideally with a Certified Financial Planner, ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your goals. Adjustments may involve rebalancing your portfolio, switching underperforming funds, or reallocating assets based on market trends.

Strategic Asset Allocation
Equity Investments
Equities should form a significant portion of your portfolio. They offer higher returns over the long term, essential for achieving your Rs. 5 crore target. Mutual funds and direct shares can provide this exposure. Ensure a diversified approach to mitigate risks.

Debt Investments
Debt instruments offer stability and regular income. Your PPF and a portion of your FDs fulfill this role. Consider investing in debt mutual funds for better tax efficiency and returns compared to traditional FDs. Debt funds can also provide liquidity and stability to your portfolio.

Gold Investments
While gold traditionally serves as a hedge against inflation, its returns may not always align with long-term financial goals. If you do consider gold, keep it to a small portion of your portfolio. Gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds offer a more efficient investment route compared to physical gold.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning enhances your returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments like ELSS, PPF, and NPS (National Pension System). ELSS offers equity exposure with tax benefits. PPF provides assured returns and tax advantages. NPS can be a valuable addition to your retirement corpus with tax deductions.

Capital Gains Management
Be mindful of the tax implications on capital gains from your investments. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equities are taxed at 10% beyond Rs. 1 lakh. Plan your investments and withdrawals to optimize tax liabilities. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in managing capital gains efficiently.

Retirement Planning
Your Rs. 5 crore goal likely includes retirement planning. Ensuring a comfortable retirement requires a well-thought-out strategy. Here are some considerations:

Start Early and Stay Invested
The power of compounding works best over long periods. Starting early and remaining invested ensures maximum benefits. Avoid the temptation to time the market; instead, focus on a consistent investment approach.

Balance Risk and Reward
As you approach retirement, gradually shift your portfolio from high-risk equities to more stable debt instruments. This transition reduces volatility and preserves your accumulated wealth. A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor this shift based on your risk tolerance and retirement timeline.

Ensure Adequate Insurance
Insurance is crucial for financial security. Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protection safeguards your family against unforeseen events, ensuring your investment goals remain intact. Term insurance is cost-effective, while health insurance covers medical emergencies.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 23 years is an ambitious yet attainable goal with disciplined planning and strategic investments. Your current financial foundation is strong, and with regular reviews and adjustments, you can enhance your portfolio's performance.

Increasing your SIP contributions, diversifying your mutual fund investments, and periodically reviewing your portfolio are key steps. Balancing equity and debt, optimizing tax efficiency, and ensuring adequate insurance will fortify your financial plan.

Regular consultations with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized insights and adjustments to keep you on track. Stay committed, be patient, and maintain a long-term perspective to achieve your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

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I am 45 with two houses.one loan is still running. With a monthly income of 1.5 lakhs how much and what kind of investment o should make to have a retirement corpus of 3 to 4 Cr.
Ans: You are 45 years old with a monthly income of Rs 1.5 lakh.

You own two houses, and one of them still has an ongoing loan.

You aim for a retirement corpus of Rs 3 to 4 crore.

Your remaining working years will determine how much you can invest.

Your current savings and investments (other than real estate) will impact your strategy.

Your loan repayment is a key factor in cash flow management.

Key Considerations Before Investing

The number of years left until retirement affects your investment choices.

Your monthly expenses will determine how much you can save.

The existing loan reduces your free cash flow.

If your properties are for self-use, they won’t contribute to retirement income.

Rental income, if applicable, can be factored into your plan.

You need to balance investments with loan repayment.

Loan Repayment Strategy

If the home loan has a high interest rate, consider prepaying it.

If the interest rate is low, investing instead may yield better returns.

Ensure that EMIs do not exceed 40% of your income.

A longer loan tenure means more interest paid.

A shorter tenure increases EMI but saves on interest.

How Much to Invest Monthly?

The required investment depends on your retirement age and expected returns.

If you have 15 years left, you need a higher monthly investment.

If you have existing savings, the required investment reduces.

Inflation will increase your future expenses.

A structured investment plan ensures you reach your goal.

Types of Investments to Consider

A mix of equity and debt ensures balanced growth.

Equity mutual funds offer potential for higher returns.

Debt funds provide stability and safety.

Fixed deposits can be used for emergency funds.

Gold and sovereign bonds add diversification.

A portion can be allocated to liquid funds for short-term needs.

Why Equity Mutual Funds?

They have historically given higher returns than other assets.

Long-term investments help beat inflation.

Professional fund managers handle investments efficiently.

You can start with SIPs to invest consistently.

Diversification reduces risk compared to direct stock investment.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Avoid locking too much money in real estate.

Insurance is not an investment; avoid ULIPs or endowment plans.

Do not delay investing, as starting late requires more funds.

Keep emergency funds separate before investing.

Review your investments yearly to ensure they stay on track.

Managing Risk and Market Volatility

Markets fluctuate, but long-term investments tend to grow.

A staggered investment approach reduces risk.

Asset allocation should match your risk tolerance.

Rebalancing investments periodically ensures the right mix.

Avoid emotional decisions based on short-term market trends.

Ensuring Liquidity for Retirement

Build a liquid corpus alongside long-term investments.

Ensure part of your corpus is easily accessible post-retirement.

Plan withdrawals systematically to avoid financial stress.

Avoid over-exposure to illiquid assets like property.

A mix of short-term and long-term funds ensures cash flow.

Final Insights

Your financial plan must balance investments, loan repayment, and savings.

A disciplined approach with regular investments will help you achieve Rs 3-4 crore.

Equity mutual funds can be the primary growth driver.

Debt and fixed-income investments add stability.

Periodic review and adjustments will ensure success.

Start investing immediately to maximize your retirement corpus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |235 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 31, 2025Hindi
Money
My age is 29 started I have SIP corpus 80000 at present and investing 15000 per month in mutual fund and 10000 per month in PPF and 10000 per month in NPS Guide me how much should I invest more to achieve 2 lac per month if I retire at 45 years of age
Ans: Dear Sir,

Thank you for sharing your details. At 29 years old, with a current SIP corpus of ?80,000, monthly investments of ?15,000 in mutual funds, ?10,000 in PPF, and ?10,000 in NPS, and a goal of retiring at 45 with ?2 lakh per month, here’s an analysis:

1. Goal Analysis

Time Horizon: 16 years (29 → 45)

Target Passive Income: ?2 lakh/month (~?24 lakh/year)

Assuming post-retirement duration of 30 years (life expectancy ~75), the required corpus at 6–7% post-tax return would be approximately ?4–5 crore.

2. Current Investment Status
Investment Monthly Corpus (Assuming current value) Horizon 16 yrs Assumed Returns
Mutual Fund SIP ?15,000 ?80,000 16 yrs 12% CAGR
PPF ?10,000 - 16 yrs 7% CAGR
NPS ?10,000 - 16 yrs 8% CAGR

Using current investments only, the expected corpus will fall short of ?4–5 crore needed to generate ?2 lakh/month.

3. Suggested Approach

Increase Equity Allocation:

Consider increasing mutual fund SIP to leverage higher growth potential.

Suggested: ?35,000–40,000/month in equity MFs to reach corpus target.

PPF & NPS:

Continue existing contributions. These provide tax efficiency and stability.

Portfolio Diversification:

Mutual funds: Split across large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid/small-cap funds for growth and risk management.

Maintain PPF for safe long-term returns.

Annual Bonus / Lump Sum Allocation:

Any bonus or additional savings should be invested in equity funds to accelerate corpus accumulation.

4. Next Steps / Discussion with QPFP

To finalize the exact SIP amounts and corpus projections, it is important to:

Share current detailed portfolio (fund-wise holdings, NAVs)

Discuss risk tolerance and lifestyle assumptions post-retirement

Review inflation assumptions for expenses and corpus requirement

A QPFP professional can model year-wise corpus growth, expected monthly withdrawal, and adjust SIP amounts to ensure you meet the target of ?2 lakh/month by 45.

Summary:

Current SIPs are good start, but to achieve ?2 lakh/month by 45, you likely need to increase equity SIP contribution significantly.

Maintain PPF & NPS for stability and tax efficiency.

Review portfolio annually with a QPFP professional.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
www.alenova.in
https://www.instagram.com/alenova_wealth

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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