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Pakistan To Auction Debt-Hit National Airlines To Meet IMF Bailout Terms
World

Pakistan To Auction Debt-Hit National Airlines To Meet IMF Bailout Terms

Pakistan, long dependent on foreign loans and emergency funding, is preparing to place its struggling national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), under the hammer on 23 December 2025. The live-broadcast auction marks what officials call the “final step” in meeting a key requirement of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) $7 billion bailout programme, according to a report by Geo TV. A High-Stakes IMF Condition The sale of 51% to 100% of PIA shares, along with full management control, is a structural benchmark under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF Board is set to convene on 8 December to clear the next $1.2 billion disbursement, which includes $1 billion under EFF and $200 million from a climate-related facility. Crucially, the Fund has made it clear: Pakistan must complete PIA’s privatisation before year-end to unlock future tranches. Four Pre-Qualified Bidders Among the four companies shortlisted for the bidding is Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited, a major arm of the military-run Fauji Foundation. The other contenders include: Lucky Cement Consortium Arif Habib Corporation Consortium Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited Air Blue Limited This will be Pakistan’s first large-scale privatisation in nearly 20 years, as noted by Dawn. Privatisation Minister Muhammad Ali, speaking to Reuters earlier, said the government is targeting Rs 86 billion in proceeds this year. In the previous bidding round, he noted that 15% of the proceeds would go to the government, with the remainder retained by the airline. Military’s Indirect Influence Over Key Bidder Fauji Fertiliser falls under the Fauji Foundation, one of Pakistan’s most powerful corporate groups, deeply intertwined with the country’s influential military establishment. Although Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s most powerful figure, does not sit on the Foundation’s Central Board of Directors, he appoints the Quartermaster General — a board member — giving the military considerable indirect sway. This influence extends through institutional control, senior appointments, and alignment with national priorities. Government rules also stipulate that the majority shareholding must remain with Pakistani nationals, preventing foreign entities from securing full control. A Crucial Moment for a Cash-Strapped Nation The privatisation push comes at a time when Pakistan continues to borrow simply to service older debt. In 2023, the country teetered on the brink of default, the result of years of economic mismanagement and heavy spending on defence. Pakistan remains the IMF’s fifth-largest borrower, having taken more than 20 loans since 1958. Under the current $7 billion programme approved in September 2024, only $1 billion has been disbursed upfront; the remainder is scheduled across three years. How PIA Went From National Pride to National Liability Once celebrated as Pakistan’s premier asset, PIA has become a case study in how mismanagement, corruption, and systemic neglect can devastate a national institution. Shrinking Fleet and Escalating Losses The carrier’s losses have ballooned into the billions. By October 2024, PIA had just 16 operational aircraft, after grounding 17 planes due to technical faults — a stark indicator of its deteriorating fleet and financial health. The Fake Pilot Licence Scandal The unraveling accelerated in 2020, when it emerged that over 30% of Pakistani pilots held fake or dubious licences. Authorities grounded 262 pilots, setting off widespread operational chaos. The scandal prompted swift international backlash. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA flights to Europe in June 2020. The UK and US soon imposed similar restrictions. Losing these lucrative routes robbed PIA of billions in annual revenue and dealt a serious blow to its global standing. Corruption, Nepotism and Chronic Overstaffing Internally, PIA was buckling under long-standing structural failures. Political appointments, rampant nepotism and severe overstaffing left the airline operating with a workforce far larger than industry norms. Ballooning salary costs and entrenched inefficiencies only deepened its financial wounds, which exceeded PKR 200 billion after the scandal. Corruption and poor governance further corroded the organisation, turning recovery into an uphill battle. The Crash That Exposed Deeper Failures The 2020 crash of PIA Flight 8303, which led to the pilot licence probe, forced costly safety inspections, repairs, and fleet groundings. With cash reserves evaporating, the airline had to divert funds from commercial operations towards crisis management and regulatory compliance. PIA’s Decline Mirrors Pakistan’s Larger Structural Crisis PIA is more than a national airline; it is a symbol of Pakistan’s trajectory. Its collapse was never triggered by a single scandal, but by a decades-long chain of systemic failures, much like the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

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11 months ago
Trump Orders H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants To Make Social Media Profiles Public
World

Trump Orders H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants To Make Social Media Profiles Public

New York/Washington: The US government has expanded screening and vetting measures for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, directing them to keep the privacy settings on all their social media profiles set to "public". In a new order issued Wednesday, the State Department said beginning December 15, a review of the online presence for all H-1B applicants and their dependents will be conducted. Students and exchange visitors were already subject to such scrutiny, which has now been extended to include those applying for H-1B and H-4 visas. “To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public',” the State Department said. Underscoring that a US visa is a privilege and not a right, the department said it uses all available information in screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible or pose a threat to America's national security or public safety. "Every visa adjudication is a national security decision," it said. The department said the US “must be vigilant” to ensure applicants do not intend to harm Americans and that all visa applicants credibly establish eligibility and intent to comply with the terms of their admission. The directive is the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules. The administration has launched a massive crackdown to check abuse of the H-1B visa programme, used largely by US technology companies to hire foreign workers. Indian professionals, including tech workers and physicians, form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders. In September, US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation, titled ‘Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers’, imposing a one-time USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B work visas, an order that could significantly impact Indian workers seeking temporary employment in the US. Separately, Washington has also paused with immediate effect Green Card, US citizenship and other immigration applications for people hailing from 19 “countries of concern”, following the shooting of National Guard soldiers by an Afghan national. A policy memorandum issued Tuesday directs the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to “place on hold”, effective immediately, all asylum applications, regardless of the immigrant’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review. The pause also applies to all immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries previously covered by the administration's travel ban. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. The applications will be on hold “pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date”, the directive said. The new guidance follows the shooting of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and US Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, Trump said Thursday during a Thanksgiving call with service members, while Wolfe remains in critical condition. The accused, Lakanwal, 29, had entered the US through ‘Operation Allies Welcome’, a Biden-era programme for Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban takeover in 2021.  (Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)  

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11 months ago
KKR Legend Andre Russell Reveals Why He Chose To Retire From IPL
Sports

KKR Legend Andre Russell Reveals Why He Chose To Retire From IPL

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell revealed in a conversation with Cricbuzz that stepping away from Indian Premier League (IPL) was the right move for him at this stage of his career. He said he didn't want to "fade away" with declining performances and felt it was better to bow out on his own terms. Russell also admitted that the IPL is far tougher than most other T20 leagues around the world, making the decision even more significant. "Take Usain Bolt, for example, or AB de Villiers. When those guys hung up their boots while still at the top of their game, a lot of fans were asking, “why?” When I made this decision, I felt it was the best decision for me at this point. I don’t want to fade out; I want to leave a legacy behind. I believe it’s best to retire when people still say "why" rather than reaching a stage where they say, ‘okay, yeah, you should have retired three or four years ago‘," Russell said. While discussing his new role as KKR’s power coach for IPL 2026, Russell acknowledged that the position - and the responsibilities that come with it - is a completely new experience for him. “To be honest, when I heard that name coming from Mr Venky (Mysore, the CEO), I said, hmm, that describes Dre Russ perfectly, that describes Andre Russell… because when it comes to what I’ve been doing on the field - the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with the ball in hand - I thought, yeah, this name sounds good: POWER COACH,” Russell added. After a long association with KKR, Andre Russell’s journey as a player came to an end when the franchise released him ahead of IPL 2026 auction. However, his connection with the team continues, as he has now taken up a role in support staff. Russell has finally spoken about what led him to step away from the IPL as an active player.

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11 months ago
Gavin Newsom urges Democrats to be culturally normal, slams Fox as 'Pravda' for Trump
World

Gavin Newsom urges Democrats to be culturally normal, slams Fox as 'Pravda' for Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom urged Democrats to embrace mainstream appeal, criticizing both his party and Fox News for lacking normalcy. Speaking at The New York Times' Dealbook Conference, Newsom advocated for a less judgmental approach to broaden the party's reach beyond core supporters. He also addressed his social media strategy and criticisms of Donald Trump's conduct.

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11 months ago
Women’s hockey team faces crisis of trust, unity in ranks
Sports

Women’s hockey team faces crisis of trust, unity in ranks

The Indian women's hockey team faces renewed turmoil as head coach Harendra Singh resigns amid allegations of high-handedness and favouritism. Players have accused the captain and vice-captain of siding with the coach, leading to a breakdown in trust and team unity. Regional divides and a lack of cohesive dynamics are cited as ongoing issues plaguing the sport.

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11 months ago
Winter And Heart Health: Simple Morning Habit That Quietly Raises Your Heart Attack Risk
Health

Winter And Heart Health: Simple Morning Habit That Quietly Raises Your Heart Attack Risk

(By Dr. Hasmukh Gujar) Every winter, the same pattern repeats itself in cardiac ICUs: a seemingly healthy person in their 50s steps out for a fast, early-morning walk and ends up with a heart attack before breakfast. This happens because of one common mistake, sudden, intense outdoor exercise in the cold, dark hours of early morning without any preparation. While people believe they are doing something healthy, the body reacts very differently in winter, especially at dawn. ALSO READ: From Millets To Mindfulness: How New-Age Lifestyle Hacks Are Transforming Diabetes Prevention In India Early Morning Walk That Can Backfire In Winter In the early hours after waking, the body naturally releases higher levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and make the blood slightly more prone to clotting. Cold air compounds this effect by making the blood vessels constrict, which further pushes up blood pressure and forces the heart to pump harder. Winter air, particularly in urban areas, is often polluted and lower in oxygen. This makes the heart work even more to deliver oxygen to active muscles during exercise. This can be lethal for someone with underlying or hidden heart artery blockages. Visualize someone getting out of a warm bed at 5:30 am, not drinking water, skipping medicines, and starting off on a brisk, fasted walk or jog into the cold fog. The sudden surge in physical effort requires the heart to demand more oxygen. The now thickened blood, already-narrowed arteries and cold-induced constriction create the perfect storm. Under this sudden strain, a vulnerable cholesterol plaque may rupture, spawn a clot that completely blocks a coronary artery, and precipitate a heart attack. Your Winter Fitness Checklist The solution does not lie in the avoidance of exercise, but in understanding and adaptation to winter physiology. In general, walking after sunrise is safer because there is a slight improvement in temperature and air quality. A short indoor warm-up of 5–10 minutes prepares the body gradually. Dress in layers and cover the head, ears, hands, and feet to maintain body heat. Also, avoid sudden high-intensity exercises in the first 15–20 minutes and never skip prescribed blood pressure or heart medications before physical activity. Therefore, if chest pressure, unusual breathlessness, giddiness, or pain radiating to the jaw or arms occurs during exercise, it should be stopped at once and immediate medical care sought. The well-intentioned morning routine must not be allowed to become the trigger for a preventable heart attack, especially during the colder months.  Dr. Hasmukh Gujar is Interventional Cardiologist & HOD Cardiology at Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune.  [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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11 months ago
NYT Connections Answers (December 4): Puzzle # 906 Confused You? Check Hints, & Solution
Technology

NYT Connections Answers (December 4): Puzzle # 906 Confused You? Check Hints, & Solution

NYT Connections Answers: The New York Times’ daily word game, Connections, dropped its December 4 challenge, and it gave players a fun but tricky ride. The goal was the same as always: sort 16 words into four hidden groups. Even though the rules sound simple, the puzzle turned confusing fast because many words seemed like they could belong together.  Just like Wordle, Connections resets every day and has become a favourite for people who enjoy spotting patterns and testing their brains. If today's board was tough for you, don’t worry, here are all the hints and the full solution. What Is Connections & How Do You Play? Connections is a daily puzzle where you are given 16 words and must divide them into four groups of four based on a common theme. It sounds easy, but the game adds words that look like they belong together even when they don’t, which makes mistakes very likely. For example, “Hook,” “Nana,” “Peter,” and “Wendy” are all Peter Pan characters. Another example is “Action,” “Ballpark,” “Go,” and “Stick,” which all fit before the word “Figure.” You only get four wrong tries. If you make the fourth mistake, the game ends and the final answer appears automatically. To help players understand difficulty, the four groups come in different colours: Yellow (easiest) Green (easy) Blue (medium) Purple (hardest) Many players enjoy the game because it is short, clever, and different every day. Hints & Full Solution To NYT Connections (December 4) Here are today’s official hints: Yellow: People who like each other may do this. Green: You may see this at a bar. Blue: Look for things you can build. Purple: They're at the front of the face. Extra hints: Nuzzle and muzzle are in different groups. Every theme except yellow contains a word starting with “P.” One word from each group: Yellow: Hold tight Green: Guzzle Blue: Lego set Purple: Rostrum Full Solution For December 4 (Puzzle #906) Yellow (Cuddle): Draw Close, Hold Tight, Nuzzle, Spoon Green (Imbibe): Guzzle, Knock Back, Pound Down, Swill Blue (Things You Assemble): Ikea Furniture, Lego Set, Model, Puzzle Purple (Snouts): Beak, Muzzle, Proboscis, Rostrum This puzzle was sneaky because “nuzzle” and “muzzle” looked like they belonged together, but they didn’t. It also helped to notice phrases related to drinking for the green group.  The blue category was easier once players connected building with “Lego set” and “Ikea furniture.” Overall, today’s board was a mix of cosy words, bar talk, assembly items, and animal parts, a fun and brain-stretching combination.

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11 months ago
'Human rights crisis in Pakistan': Over US 40 lawmakers write to Rubio; express concern over Sharif-Munir regime
World

'Human rights crisis in Pakistan': Over US 40 lawmakers write to Rubio; express concern over Sharif-Munir regime

Over 40 US lawmakers have expressed grave concerns to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Pakistan's "transnational repression and worsening human rights crisis." They highlighted threats and harassment against US citizens and their families speaking out against the military-backed government. The lawmakers also called for investigations into the 2024 elections and targeted sanctions against officials involved in human rights violations.

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11 months ago
Wordle Answer Today, December 4: Puzzle 1629 Flew Over Your Head? Check Hints, & Solution
Technology

Wordle Answer Today, December 4: Puzzle 1629 Flew Over Your Head? Check Hints, & Solution

Wordle Answer Today: Wordle fans woke up this Thursday, December 4, to a fresh puzzle that many players found charming and fun to solve. The clues pointed toward something colourful and beautiful, and people who love flowers got a big hint today. If you tried many guesses and still didn’t get it, don’t worry, we have the full hints, answer, and meaning written in easy words below. Wordle Hints And Clues For Today’s Puzzle (December 4) Here are the clues that were shared for today’s Wordle: It’s a flower. The word begins with T. It ends with P. The word has 2 vowels. All five letters are unique. If you start with the word “poult”, then four letters will turn yellow. These clues made the puzzle fair and fun. Players who paid close attention to the starting word hint were able to narrow down the answer quickly. Wordle Answer Today The Wordle answer for December 4 is: TULIP. If you solved it by yourself, that’s great! Even if you needed the hints, you still played well. Wordle is not about speed; it is about thinking and enjoying the game every day. Meaning Of Today’s Word A tulip is a flower that grows from a bulb and usually blooms in spring. Tulips come in many colours, but red ones are the most popular. The flower looks a little like a lily and is loved around the world for its simple, pretty look. Tulips are also known as a symbol of the Netherlands. How To Play Wordle Wordle is a five-letter guessing game where you get six chances to find the answer. Green = correct letter in the correct position Yellow = correct letter in the wrong position Grey = the letter is not in today’s word By using these clues wisely, your next guess becomes better and closer to the final answer. Yesterday’s Wordle Answer The Wordle answer for December 3 was: HASTE. Wordle is a fun way to start the day and sharpen your mind. Every puzzle teaches you something new about words and thinking. Keep playing daily, trust your guesses, and tomorrow might be your best score yet.

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11 months ago
Online Garena Fire Max Redeem Codes Today (Dec 4, 2025): Grab Exciting Rewards For Free
Technology

Online Garena Fire Max Redeem Codes Today (Dec 4, 2025): Grab Exciting Rewards For Free

Garena Free Fire Max redeem codes for today: Garena Free Fire Max is loved by gamers for its smooth gameplay, bright graphics, and daily free rewards. Players wait for new redeem codes every day because they unlock diamonds, skins, and loot items without spending real money. Here are the working codes for today, so make sure you use them quickly. Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes For December 4 These are the first set of codes for today. They work only for a short time and only for the first few players who redeem them, so be fast. FF1V2CB34ERT FFB2GH3KJL56 FF5B6YUHBVF3 FF7TRD2SQA9F FF8HG3JK5L0P How To Claim & Redeem Codes Redeeming codes in Free Fire Max is very easy. Players must use the official Rewards Redemption website to enter the codes. Once the code is confirmed, the reward appears in the in-game mailbox or is added directly to the wallet. Make sure you log in with the account where you want the rewards. Here is the full step-by-step method: Open the official Free Fire Max Rewards Redemption website Log in using Facebook, Google, X, or VK ID Copy any code from the list Paste it into the box on the website Click Confirm Open your in-game mailbox to collect the reward Some rewards may take a few minutes to show up, so don’t worry if you do not see them instantly. Free Fire Max Working Redeem Codes For December 4 Here is the second set of active codes for today. Use them quickly before they expire. FFCMCPSJ99S3 FF9MJ31CXKRG XZJZE25WEFJJ FFIC33NTEUKA ZZZ76NT3PDSH Rewards From Redeem Codes: Diamonds, Skins & Loot Boxes Redeem codes in Free Fire Max to help players get special items for free. You can win diamonds to buy things inside the game. You can unlock gun skins, outfits, and cool looks that make the game more fun. Some codes also give loot boxes with surprise rewards like weapon crates and rare items that help players grow faster in the game. Tips & Tricks For Using Redeem Codes In Free Fire Max Always redeem codes as soon as they are shared because they expire fast. Use a stable internet connection so there is no error while entering the code. Redeem one code at a time to avoid mistakes. Double-check your game account before claiming so rewards reach the correct account. Checking codes daily helps you never miss free rewards.

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11 months ago
Margashirsha Purnima 2025: Rare Yogas To Bring Wealth And Success For These Zodiac Signs
Lifestyle

Margashirsha Purnima 2025: Rare Yogas To Bring Wealth And Success For These Zodiac Signs

The day of Purnima holds great significance for receiving the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Satyanarayan. This year, several auspicious yogas will form on Margashirsha Purnima, falling on December 4, 2025. According to beliefs, these favourable planetary combinations may resolve job-related hurdles, boost business growth, and bring financial gains for some zodiac signs. ALSO READ: Sakat Chauth 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time, And More Auspicious Yogas On Margashirsha Purnima 2025 On this day, Lakshmi Narayan Yoga, Budhaditya Yoga, Shukraditya Yoga, Dhanashakti Rajyoga, and Malavya Yoga will form.Among these, Lakshmi Narayan Yoga is especially associated with growth in wealth, career advancement, increased respect, and overall material comfort. Additionally, Shiv Yoga will also occur. Worshipping Lord Shiva during this period is believed to bring His blessings and help resolve marital issues. Another significant formation is Ravi Yoga, which enhances the influence of the Sun. It is believed that tasks undertaken during Ravi Yoga get completed smoothly without obstacles. Zodiac Signs Likely To Prosper On Margashirsha Purnima Libra: Sudden financial gains are likely. Businesspersons may see better profits. Long-pending wishes may finally be fulfilled. The blessings of Goddess Lakshmi will bring improvement in family relationships. Aries: Your work will be appreciated at the workplace. Seniors may assign you new responsibilities, which will turn out favourable. Pending tasks may get completed, and overdue money may be recovered. Cancer: Those involved in the stock market may receive substantial profits. With Lord Vishnu’s blessings, this period is also beneficial for students. Opportunities for monetary gains look promising. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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11 months ago
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Five Big Highlights Before Launch
Technology

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Five Big Highlights Before Launch

Maruti Suzuki will launch its first EV by January 2026, but a lot has been revealed about this new EV. This is a born electric EV and is the first one from Maruti Suzuki. In this article, we will tell you five things that you need to know about the new e Vitara and what its highlights are, as this is an important car for Maruti Suzuki. Dimensions and Platform The e Vitara has a length of 4,275mm, a width of 1,800mm wide and a height of 1,640mm. Its wheelbase is 2700mm. It is based on the Heartect-e architecture, which means it is born electric and not based on an ICE Car. Powertrain, Range and Features The e Vitara comes with two battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh. Both use LFP (Lithium Iron-phosphate) ‘blade’ cells with 143 bhp and 173bhp respectively from both the battery packs. It has a single motor and is FWD. The range for the e Vitara is 543 km for the larger 61kwh battery pack, and that is more than some of its rivals. The e Vitara comes with features such as a floating 10.25-inch screen, a 10.1-inch instrument cluster, electronic parking brake, reclining rear seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, a 10-way power adjust for the driver seat, Level 2 ADAS, and 7 airbags. Charging Ecosystem and Support The e Vitara is also backed by a robust ecosystem, including over 2000 charging stations in 1000-plus cities, while also working with an additional 13 charging point operators as well. Maruti Suzuki promises that it will have over 1 lakh charging points by 2030 while it claims to have a charger every 5-10 kms with the e For Me app. It also has over 1500 workshops, which are EV-ready as well, along with doorstep service. Interestingly, there is an assured buyback and BAAS or battery as a subscription model too.

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11 months ago