16, Sep 2024
IEEE Photonics Chapter Inaugurated at MIT Bengaluru: A New Era for Light Science and Technology
Bengaluru, 13th September – The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at Manipal Institute of Technology MIT Bengaluru, in collaboration with the IEEE Student Branch, proudly announces the inauguration of the IEEE Photonics Chapter. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the exploration and application of photonics technology.
Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Iven Jose Director, MIT MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Ujjwal Verma, HoD, ECE, MIT MAHE Bengaluru along with chief guests Dr. Srinivas Talabattula Professor, ECE Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru IEEE Bangalore Section, Chair graced the event with their presence.
Photonics, a vital branch of optics, involves the generation, detection, and manipulation of light in the form of photons. This field, closely related to quantum electronics, focuses on the practical engineering applications of light. As we stand on the cusp of a photonics revolution, the impact of photonic devices on our daily lives becomes increasingly evident. From LEDs and laser diodes to advanced imaging and sensing technologies, photonics is driving innovation across a wide array of applications.
The IEEE Photonics Society, a global leader with over 100,000 professionals, is at the forefront of translating breakthroughs in quantum physics into transformative devices and systems. By organizing technical conferences, publishing cutting-edge research, and developing industry standards, the Society plays a pivotal role in advancing the field.
The newly inaugurated IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru aims to foster collaboration, research, and development in photonics. The chapter will serve as a vibrant hub for students, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest advancements in light science and technology.
Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru said “The inauguration of the IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru is a landmark event that will undoubtedly propel the field of photonics to new heights. This chapter will serve as a beacon for innovation, bringing together bright minds to tackle the challenges and opportunities in light science for the students.”
Dr. Iven Jose Director, MIT MAHE Bengaluru, added, “Photonics is more than just a branch of science; it is the foundation of many technologies that impact our daily lives. The establishment of this chapter provides an excellent platform for students and researchers to delve into photonics, drive forward discoveries, and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of light technology.”
Dr. Srinivas Talabattula, Professor, ECE, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and IEEE Bangalore Section Chair, said “The inauguration of the IEEE Photonics Chapter at institutions like MIT Bengaluru is a significant step towards strengthening the photonics community. This chapter will serve as a platform for fostering research and innovation in integrated optics, which aims to develop various optical components on a single substrate, much like integrated electronics. By focusing on technical advancements such as modulators, waveguides, and fabrication devices, we can accelerate the development of next-generation photonic systems and their applications across multiple industries”
Dr. Ujjwal Verma, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, MIT MAHE Bengaluru, stated “ The inauguration of the IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT MAHE Bengaluru represents a significant leap forward for our institution and the broader scientific community. This chapter will be a catalyst for fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of photonics, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. We are excited to see our students and faculty contribute to advancements in light science and technology, further solidifying MIT MAHE Bengaluru’s role as a leader in cutting-edge research and development.”
The IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru will actively engage in research, development, and standardization efforts, supporting the IEEE Photonics Society’s mission to advance technology for the benefit of humanity.
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- By Rabindra
16, Sep 2024
IIM Bodh Gaya Wraps Up 6-Day MDP for BAMETI Officers
IIM Bodh Gaya, in collaboration with the Bihar Agriculture Management & Extension Training Institute (BAMETI), concluded the six-day Management Development Programme (MDP) on Leadership and General Management for the BAMETI officials on 14th September 2024. The Programme was aimed at equipping officials with enhanced leadership and effective management skills.
The participants of the MDP were from varied designations and different functional areas representing various regions of Bihar state. Among the 30 participants, besides deputy project directors and sub-divisional agriculture officers, the majority of them were the designated Assistant Directors in different functional areas such as Plant Protection, Horticulture, Crops, Agriculture Engineering, Parks, and Soil Testing & Conservation. Besides, though a majority of the participants represented the Patna region, other regional distributions of participants varied, including Begusarai, Jamui, Muzaffarpur, Jehnabad, Vishali, and Nawada, among others.
The participants received training on topics such as organizational behavior, marketing, project management and financial management. These sessions were designed to empower them with knowledge and tools to address the challenges faced in the domain of agriculture. Sessions were tailored to address the challenges faced by participants in the agriculture domain through interactions and case analyses. In addition, as part of the outbound visit, the participants were taken to Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya.
The Bihar Agriculture Management & Extension Training Institute (BAMETI) is a state-level autonomous institution with flexible structure and operations, responsible for organizing need-based training programmes for project implementation officials across various departments as well as the farming community. To achieve its goals, BAMETI collaborates with technical and management institutions within the state to provide the necessary training inputs. The institute operates under the technical guidance of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management.
The collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and the Bihar Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (BAMETI) aligns with the institute’s commitment to developing leadership and management capacity. The institute also provides leadership and management training to various departments of the Bihar government, such as the Water Resource Department, State Health Society, Bihar Police Academy, BIPARD, and the Department of Industries, among others.
16, Sep 2024
Indian Overseas Bank Honoured with Rajbhasha Kirti Pratham Puraskar
New Delhi, September 16, 2024 – On the auspicious occasion of Hindi Day Celebrations and the Diamond Jubilee of Official Language, celebrated on September 14, Indian Overseas Bank has been awarded the prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti First Prize in the Official Language Implementation category for the year 2023-24. The award ceremony took place at the internationally renowned Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The award was presented to Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank. It’s a pride moment for Indian Overseas Bank that for second consecutive year, Bank has received Rajbhasha Kirti First Prize. In a momentous highlight of the event, the book ‘Bhasha Sangam,’ produced by the bank, was released by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah. IOB has published the said book for their employees to learn 19 scheduled Indian languages from Hindi.
Expressing his joy and pride, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO, Indian Overseas Bank stated, “This honour is a matter of pride for our bank. I congratulate all the officers and employees of my bank; their dedication, hard work, and mutual cooperation have made this achievement possible. There is a wave of happiness among the officers and employees of Indian Overseas Bank on receiving the Rajbhasha Kirti Pratham Puraskar.”
This recognition underscores Indian Overseas Bank’s commitment to promoting the use of Hindi and enhancing the implementation of official language policies across its operations
16, Sep 2024
We miss out on ethics because we want to make much money quickly, Dr Gyanvatsal Swami Ji
Hyderabad, September 16, 2024……We miss out on ethics because we want to make a lot of money quickly, said Dr Gyanvatsal Swami Ji, a motivational speaker, social reformer from Akshardham and an eminent saint of the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha). Swaminarayan Sanstha graced FTCCI at its office at Red Hill on Saturday night to speak about ethics in profession and spirituality in management.
Speaking about understanding the true value of money and fame, Gyanvatsal Swami quoted Michael Jackson and his 94,000 USD mattress stating that despite having the most expensive mattress Michael Jackson struggled to sleep. His sleeping medication only helped him to manage 2 hrs of sleep a day.
Talking about ethics in the profession, Gyanvatsal Swami emphasized the need for people to understand the following three principles: Understanding the true nature of money, understanding life well and understanding how unethical practices lead to a disastrous life
Speaking about unethical practices in the profession, swami ji added that it has the power to tarnish talent, willpower, and confidence. And highlighted that on the flip side, being ethical creates credibility and induces a sense of magnetism whereby all necessary resources come naturally to the ethical one.
Marry twice advised Dr. Gyanvatsal Swami, once with ethics and once with your spouse. And you will stay happy in your life, he added.
When spirituality gets into management, management evolves to another level, he said while talking about spirituality in management
Quoting a 10-year long survey conducted in 8000 companies by the University of Duke on ‘What advantages does a religious place goer has over a non-goer?’ he shared that a goer to the religious place as compared to a non-goer under the same circumstances was found to be less susceptible to depression, tension, anxiety, and fear. The goers to religious places were found to have 40% less chance of having heart ailments as compared to their counterparts under the same circumstances. Leaders who go to spiritual places are found to be more composed, better leaders and manage adverse situations calmly without going through any stress, making them better and efficient leaders.
By having a law, we cannot necessarily create a law-fearing people. But by having God loving people, we can create conscience-abiding people. Therefore, we need spirituality in management, said Gyanvatsal Swami while addressing the gathering at FTCCI.
He stressed the need for ethical practices in any profession citing many examples of how unethical practices lead to personal success.
Swamiji advised the industry members to be spiritual in their approach, be empathetic and follow ethical practices that make them better individuals.
Suresh Kumar Singhal, President, Ravi Kumar, Sr. Vice President, Krishna Kumar Maheswari, Vice President of FTCCI, A. Prakash, Managing Committee Member and convenor of the program, several guests, members of FTCCI participated and honoured Swamiji by presenting a shawl and memento.
15, Sep 2024
Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust Offers Prasad to 10,000 Devotees at Bhandara
Delhi, 15 September 2024 – The Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust in Delhi, overseen by Mr. Rakesh Bindal, the chairman of the trust, along with other trustees, is hosting its grand 10-day Ganesh Pooja celebration at DDA Ground, near Sant Nirankari Samagam, Burari, Delhi, feeding over 10,000 devotees through a daily Bhandara. The event running from September 7 to September 16, has drawn lakhs of visitors, making it a major cultural and spiritual highlight in the city.
The Bhandara, which serves free meals, is a key part of the trust’s mission to give back to the community. Throughout the 10 days, volunteers have been tirelessly working to ensure that every devotee receives a nourishing meal. Even the paramilitary forces and security personnel are provided meals daily. This large-scale act of service reflects the trust’s dedication to fostering a sense of togetherness and devotion.
In addition to the religious activities, the mela surrounding the event offers a wide range of entertainment options, including paid food stalls, giant wheels, and various attractions for families and children. The combination of spiritual and festive elements has turned the Ganesh Pooja into a community celebration that blends devotion with enjoyment.
“We are proud to serve 10,000 people through our Bhandara and offer a space where families can enjoy the festivities as well. We aim to make sure no one leaves without experiencing both the blessings of Ganesh and the joy of the mela,” said Mr. Rakesh Bindal, Chairman of Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust, along with other trustees.
The event also features spiritual discourses and prayers, including Hanumant Katha and Ram Katha by renowned spiritual leaders Bageshwar Maharaj and Aniruddha Maharaj. The presence of celebrities and political figures has further elevated the significance of the event.
14, Sep 2024
Celebrate Ganpati Mahotsav 2024: Ram Katha by Acharya Aniruddhacharya Maharaj in Burari
New Delhi, September 14, 2024: After the successful execution of Divya Darbar by Bageshwar Maharaj, Lal Bagh Ka Raja (regd) Trust, is all set to dive into Acharya Aniruddhacharya Maharaj’s Ram Katha. Devotees from all over Delhi are joining the grand celebration filled with cultural and spiritual atmosphere.
On the 8th day of the Ganpati Mahotsav, Dandiya Nights have been organised for the visitor’s amazement, which has added special significance to the festivities.
The festivities held at the DDA Groud Burari, Delhi, will continue with a series of spiritual significant activities till 16th of September. The Mahotsav also features daily food stalls, devotional offerings and prasad distribution.
Esteemed dignitaries like Chairman Rakesh Bindal, Vice Chairman Satyabhushan Jain, Event Head Pradip Kumar Agarwal, Chief Sporson Dharmpal Singhla and Chief Secretary Anil Wadhwa were present to enrich the grandeur and spiritual fervor of the 8th Grand Vighnaharta Ganpati Mahotsav.
Visitors are encouraged to participate and indulge in the spiritual atmosphere, have live darshan and blessings from Lord Ganesh. All the arrangements are personally overseen by the Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust to make the event a memorable spiritual experience for everyone.
14, Sep 2024
ASUS bolsters its pan India retail strategy with the launch of an Exclusive Store in Chennai
Chennai, September 2024: As a step towards bolstering the brand’s retail footprint across the country, ASUS India, Taiwanese tech giant today announced the launch of an exclusive store in Chennai. The new exclusive store is spread across 220 sq. ft. and is set to host an extensive range of electronics and computer hardware, including the ASUS flagship products such as Vivobook, Zenbook, Republic of Gamers (ROG) laptops, Gaming Desktops, All-in-One Desktops, and accessories. This is the brand’s 14th store located in Chennai.
Talking about the expansion, Jignesh Bhavsar, National Sales Manager – PC & Gaming Business, ASUS India, said, “We are glad to announce the expansion of our retail footprint across the country. Tamil Nadu being an integral market for us, the inauguration of the new brand store in Chennai will play a crucial role in empowering consumers across different regions of the country with a unique experience of our latest offerings. With a thought through retail expansion approach, we will continue to create more interaction and new touchpoints for our users.”
14, Sep 2024
PVR INOX and Film Heritage Foundation Honor Akkineni Nageswara Rao with 100th Anniversary Film Festival
National, 14th September, 2024: PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, is proud to announce the Akkineni Nageswara Rao Film Festival, a grand tribute to the legendary Telugu actor, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), to mark his 100th birth anniversary. Widely known as Natasamrat, ANR was a towering figure in Indian cinema, renowned for his versatility and captivating performances that have left an indelible mark on the film industry. This three-day film festival will run from 20th to 22nd September 2024, offering fans a rare opportunity to relive the magic of ANR’s iconic films on the big screen.
In collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation, the festival will showcase a handpicked collection of ANR’s most celebrated movies, including Devadasu, Mayabazar, Bharya Bharthalu, Gundamma Katha, Doctor Chakravarthi, Sudigundalu, Premabhishekam, Prem Nagar, and Manam. The festival will span 31 cities, allowing audiences across the country to honor ANR’s extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema.
Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO of PVR INOX Limited, commented on the festival, saying, “We are deeply honored to celebrate the centenary of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, whose cinematic journey is nothing short of legendary. His powerful performances have transcended generations, and his films continue to inspire cinephiles across the world. This festival is our tribute to his immense legacy, and we are thrilled to partner with the Film Heritage Foundation to bring ANR’s timeless classics back to the big screen. We hope this initiative will engage both devoted fans and new audiences, offering them a chance to experience the brilliance of ANR in theatres once again.”
ANR’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, with a filmography that reflects his exceptional range as an actor—from tragic dramas to heartwarming family sagas. His roles in films like Devadasu and Mayabazar cemented his place as a cultural icon, and his dedication to cinema earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Filmmaker and Director, Film Heritage Foundation, also expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating, “Akkineni Nageswara Rao was a true titan of Indian cinema, and it is only fitting that we celebrate his centennial with this remarkable festival. Through our partnership with PVR INOX, we are ensuring that ANR’s unparalleled contributions to film are preserved and showcased for future generations. The Film Heritage Foundation is committed to restoring and reviving classic films, and this festival is a step forward in our mission to honor the legends of Indian cinema.”
Akkineni Nagarjuna states, “I am delighted that the Film Heritage Foundation is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of my father with a festival of his landmark films across the country. He was rightly called Natasamrat for his amazing ability to play a range of roles from a saint to an alcoholic to a romantic hero in a way that has stayed in people’s hearts and minds for decades. His performance in Devadasu has been acknowledged as one of the best across all versions of the film over the years and his films like Premabhishekam, Doctor Chakravarthi and Sudigundalu are loved even today. He was a pioneer who established Annapurna Studios, laying the first foundation for the Telugu film industry in our state. We are very proud of his legacy and through this festival audiences across the country will remember an icon not just of Telugu cinema but of Indian cinema. We would like to preserve this legacy so that people will remember him for another hundred years. The entire Akkineni family would like to thank the NFDC-NFAI and PVR-Inox for partnering with us to make this festival possible.”
Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Films) and Managing Director, NFDC-National Film Archive Of India states, “NFDC-NFAI is deeply honoured to collaborate in commemorating the birth centenary of Shri. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, by presenting seven timeless classics, restored in 4K from prints and negatives held in the archive’s collection. This event is not just a tribute to a legendary actor but also a testament to our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indian cinema. By bringing these masterpieces back to the big screen, we hope to evoke a deep sense of pride and nostalgia, allowing audiences to reconnect with the golden era of our film history. Our sincere thanks go to PVR-INOX for providing the platform to share these films with the nation, to Annapurna Studios and Film Heritage Foundation for their curation and planning, and to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for funding this endeavour under the National Film Heritage Mission.”
Each film in the showcase highlights ANR’s remarkable versatility and celebrates the rich legacy of Telugu cinema. Through this festival, PVR INOX and the Film Heritage Foundation aim to rekindle admiration for ANR’s work while introducing his timeless classics to a new generation of audiences.
The Akkineni Nageswara Rao Film Festival will be hosted across 31 cities, including major hubs like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Gurugram, Ahmedabad and many more, allowing fans nationwide to join in the celebration of this cinematic legend.
14, Sep 2024
Annapurna Finance, BII, and FinReach Sign Landmark Credit Guarantee for MSEs
14 September 2024: Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies and Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFI), has entered into a landmark partnership with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, and FinReach Solutions, a guarantee facilitation partner dedicated to enhancing credit availability to viable MSEs. This strategic alliance aims to empower India’s Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
This partnership is particularly significant as it marks the first time a Development Finance Institution (DFI) has extended a credit guarantee to an NBFC-MFI in India. The agreement entails BII providing a first-of-its-kind credit guarantee to Annapurna Finance, with FinReach Solutions playing a pivotal role as the key enabler. The credit guarantee is expected to increase Annapurna Finance’s loan book by INR 100 crore, thereby enhancing its capacity to provide financial services to over 4,000 underserved MSEs, particularly in regions where traditional financial services are limited, such as Eastern India.
Mr. Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik, Managing Director of Annapurna Finance, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with British International Investment and FinReach Solutions represents a major milestone not only for Annapurna Finance but also for the broader financial inclusion landscape in India. The introduction of BII’s credit guarantee enables us to expand our reach to underserved micro and small enterprises, empowering them with the credit they need to scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. These businesses, often located in regions with limited access to traditional financial services, are the backbone of our economy. Providing these enterprises with the means to grow will contribute to creating a more dynamic and resilient economy, enhance local livelihoods, and support sustainable development in their communities. We are excited to see the substantial impact this partnership will have on driving inclusive economic progress.”
The credit guarantee scheme is a financial arrangement under which BII partially guarantees the repayment of retail loans extended by Annapurna Finance to MSEs. This arrangement notably reduces the lending risk for Annapurna Finance, enabling the company to extend credit more confidently to businesses that might otherwise face challenges in accessing finance. As a result, this initiative will not only promote financial inclusion by improving access to credit but also support job creation, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction by empowering small businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Mr. Gaurav Malhotra, Director and Head of Financial Services Equity at British International Investment, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, articulating, “The credit guarantee under our MSME Finance Guarantee program, developed in close collaboration with FinReach Solutions, is a pioneering effort designed to address the systemic challenges faced by micro and small enterprises in accessing finance. This initiative is not solely about mitigating risk for Annapurna Finance but also about creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem where underserved businesses can thrive. We are proud to partner with Annapurna Finance in this endeavour as it aligns perfectly with BII’s mission to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development. Facilitating greater access to credit allows these businesses to unlock new growth opportunities, contribute to the economy, and improve the livelihoods of countless families.
Ms. Suvalaxmi Chakraborty, Managing Director of FinReach Solutions, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership, asserting, “At FinReach Solutions, access to credit is seen as a fundamental enabler of economic empowerment, especially for micro and small enterprises that drive local economies. Our role in this partnership with Annapurna Finance and BII is to facilitate a credit guarantee program that not only addresses the immediate financial needs of these businesses but also contributes to building a more inclusive financial system in India. The innovative structure of this credit guarantee is a game-changer as it reduces the perceived risks associated with lending to smaller enterprises, allowing them to access the capital they need to grow and scale. We are confident that this program will set a new standard in the credit guarantee market, paving the way for future initiatives that will further empower underserved businesses across the country.”
The historic agreement between Annapurna Finance, British International Investment, and FinReach Solutions exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative partnerships can have on social and economic development. Annapurna Finance, deeply embedded in delivering financial services to underserved populations, is uniquely equipped to harness this credit guarantee to reach thousands of micro and small enterprises throughout India. British International Investment, with its extensive expertise in impact investing and development finance, contributes not only financial support but also strategic insight to ensure the initiative’s success. FinReach Solutions, leveraging its proficiency in credit guarantee facilitation, bridges the gap between financial institutions and underserved market segments. Collectively, these organizations are advancing beyond mere support for individual enterprises; they are fostering the development of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem
14, Sep 2024
Dyson announces Badshah as Dyson OnTrac headphones Ambassador for India
INDIA, September 2024: Dyson, the global technology company, today announced renowned artist and music icon Badshah as a Dyson OnTrac™ headphones ambassador for India. This collaboration commences with the highly anticipated launch of Dyson’s first high-fidelity, audio-only headphones: the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones on 23rd September 2024.
Ahead of the India launch, from today (i.e. 12th September 2024), the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones will be available to experience in select Dyson Demo stores. Customers can now also pre-register for the product via Dyson.in.
Ankit Jain, Managing Director, Dyson India said: “Dyson has huge ambitions to disrupt both the audio category and industry – evidenced by the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones, unveiled earlier this year. These headphones deliver exceptional sound quality through a high-performance design, underpinned by over 30 years of aero-acoustic research. To celebrate the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones launch across India, it is our great pleasure to announce our first Dyson OnTrac™ headphones Ambassador, Badshah. Known to many across the country, Badshah is an industry icon, known for both his unique blend of music, high fashion and appreciation of high-performing technology. We are delighted to welcome Badshah into the Dyson family.”
India’s Dyson OnTrac™ headphones Ambassador Badshah said: “Music is my life, and I believe in the power of exceptional sound. Dyson’s commitment to pushing boundaries fits perfectly with my own artistic approach. Their products are not only technologically advanced but also visually appealing, which perfectly aligns with my aesthetics and vision.”
Dyson’s commitment to innovation and design is evident in every product it launches. With the introduction of the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones and the creative association with Badshah, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian audio market.
In addition to the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones, there will be an exciting line-up of three other new Dyson technologies that are planned across categories for a phased release starting this festive season. The new line-up includes two advanced hair styling tools – the Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Multi-Styler and Dryer, the Dyson Supersonic Nural™ hair dryer, and Dyson’s first dedicated wet cleaner – the Dyson WashG1™ wet floor cleaner.
