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Kolkata, October 7, 2026: Bandhan Mutual Fund has launched ‘BattisWali Smile’, a new film under its Salary Wala Plan campaign, using humour and a familiar payday emotion to simplify the concept of Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs). The campaign builds on the universal feeling associated with receiving money regularly, regardless of whether an individual is salaried, self-employed, a business owner or retired. The film revolves around the humorous idea that “32 comes after 31”, with the ‘32nd’ representing the smile that follows a salary credit. The campaign positions SWPs as a way of creating regular cash flow from investments, while the…

Akasa Air’s onboard meal service, Café Akasa, has introduced its first Durga Puja Special Meal, bringing traditional Bengali flavours to passengers during the festive season. Available throughout October, the limited-edition meal features Radhaballabhis served with DhokarDalna, Baked Rasgullas and a beverage of choice. The meal can also be prebooked through Akasa Air’s website or mobile app. The airline said the initiative is part of its effort to reflect India’s diverse cultural traditions through curated onboard culinary offerings. Café Akasa has introduced limited-edition meals for occasions including MakarSankranti, Holi, Eid, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas since Akasa Air began…

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent on Wednesday, while shifting its stance from “neutral” to “calibrated tightening”, signalling that further rate action could be on the table amid persistent inflation risks. The rate hike was in line with market expectations, while the change in stance emerged as the key surprise from the policy review. Reacting to the RBI’s decision, Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “The MPC delivered a 25bp rate hike in line with expectations, with a surprise shift in stance…

Myntra’s Big Fashion Festival, beginning October 8, is set to provide a fresh boost to India’s fashion and lifestyle consumption, with the platform bringing more than 8 million styles, 100-plus new launches and 21,000 emerging brands and labels to the festive market. The scale-up reflects growing opportunities for both established and emerging businesses, particularly as Myntra expects stronger demand from metro and non-metro markets. As many as 13,000 emerging brands will make their BFF debut, gaining access to Myntra’s 80 million-plus monthly active users through technology, business insights and its creator ecosystem. The assortment spans ethnic and western wear, beauty,…

ICICI Bank has brought back its annual ‘Festive Bonanza’, offering discounts and cashback across online shopping, mobile phones, electronics, travel, fashion, furniture and quick-commerce platforms as the festive season gathers pace. The bank said customers using its credit and debit cards, internet banking, cardless EMI and no-cost EMI options can access the offers. Its partnership with Flipkart will provide a 10% discount during the Big Billion Days sale beginning October 8. The bank is offering cashback of up to ₹7,000 on the new iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while discounts of up to ₹30,000 are…

Indian MSMEs must accelerate the adoption of quality processes across design, manufacturing and delivery to strengthen their global competitiveness, industry leaders said at the second day of the IFQM Symposium 2026 in New Delhi. The two-day symposium brought together around 50 CEOs, 200 CXOs and more than 400 participants from industry, government, academia, global quality institutions and MSMEs to discuss quality, innovation, technology and productivity. IFQM announced plans to launch a leadership programme for MSMEs, followed by a similar initiative for large industries, aimed at sharing best practices, reducing waste and promoting innovation. Civil Aviation Minister KinjarapuRammohan Naidu, delivering the…