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As more Indians gain the financial ability to spend on premium experiences, the real marker of privilege is shifting from affordability to assured access, according to Kotak Mahindra Bank. The bank said rising demand for concerts, exclusive dining experiences and cultural events is outpacing availability, making certainty of participation a key differentiator for affluent consumers. Traditionally, premium credit cards signalled exclusivity through benefits such as airport lounge access, concierge services, golf privileges and reward points. However, Kotak said these features are gradually losing their distinctiveness as they become more widely available. Instead, consumers are increasingly valuing experiences that are exclusive,…

Škoda Auto India has expanded the appeal of its premium sedan lineup by introducing two new exclusive dual-tone colour options—Shimla Green and Steel Grey—for the Slavia Monte Carlo. The limited-edition variants will be restricted to just 200 units and will be available with both the 1.0-litre TSI automatic and 1.5-litre TSI DSG automatic powertrains, the company announced. The latest addition aims to strengthen the Slavia Monte Carlo's premium positioning by offering customers greater exclusivity while retaining the model's sporty styling, blacked-out exterior elements, signature Monte Carlo design cues, black-and-red cabin theme and feature-rich interior. Brand Director Ashish Gupta said the…

A student from West Bengal has secured an international software engineering internship through campus recruitment, highlighting the growing demand for industry-ready technology talent from specialised institutions. SourashisSarkar, a native of Barrackpore and a student of Scaler School of Technology (SST), landed a three-month on-site internship at Singapore-based HealthTech startup Neurowyzr with a monthly stipend of 3,000 Singapore Dollars, approximately Rs 2 lakh. Sourashis developed an interest in computer science during the COVID-19 pandemic by learning coding independently before pursuing an industry-focused undergraduate programme at SST. Through multiple internships and participation in hackathons, he strengthened his expertise in data structures, algorithms…

Turkish Airlines has signed a multi-year agreement with aviation training technology company CAE for the delivery of five full-flight simulators (FFS) and two flight training devices (FTD), with an option to acquire two additional full-flight simulators, as part of its long-term strategy to expand pilot training capacity. The agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow and supports the airline's 10-year flight training investment plan as it continues to expand its global fleet and route network. The simulators and training devices will be installed at Turkish Airlines' new Flight Training Center, construction of which began earlier this year. The simulator hangars…

Fenesta, a leading windows and doors brand in India, has expanded its presence in West Bengal with the launch of its eighth showroom in Kolkata, taking its total network in the state to 16 outlets. The new showroom, operated by Plywood House, is located at 191/3, NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata, and is aimed at improving customer access to the company's range of fenestration solutions while catering to the growing residential and commercial construction market in Eastern India. The showroom showcases Fenesta's portfolio of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, solid panel doors, and facade solutions. The company said the…

Cashfree Payments has announced a complete waiver of payment gateway fees for new businesses signing up on its platform, offering 0% charges on the first ₹20 lakh of Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) until March 31, 2027. The AI-native payments company said the initiative is aimed at supporting early-stage businesses and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands ahead of the festive shopping season, when many small businesses generate a significant share of their annual revenue. Under the offer, eligible merchants will pay no payment gateway fees on their first ₹20 lakh in sales. The company said new businesses can also complete onboarding within minutes,…

Thums Up, Coca-Cola India's flagship homegrown beverage brand, has relaunched its biking platform ThunderWheels®, with Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah leading the latest campaign aimed at encouraging young riders to embrace India's growing biking culture. Announced on July 21, the initiative marks the third edition of the ThunderWheels platform and seeks to engage biking enthusiasts through community-driven experiences and digital participation. The campaign is anchored by a new brand film featuring Bumrah, highlighting the adventure and excitement associated with biking while encouraging aspiring riders to explore the open road. As part of the initiative, specially marked Thums Up packs will allow…

Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. has launched Smart Retirement Income with Sustained Earnings Plan (Smart RISE), a new retirement solution that combines a guaranteed annuity with a NIFTY 50-linked variable annuity, offering customers a mix of stable post-retirement income and potential market-linked returns. The product allows policyholders to choose a deferment period during which their retirement corpus can accumulate before regular annuity payouts begin. After the deferment phase, policyholders receive a fixed guaranteed annuity throughout the policy term alongside a variable annuity linked to the performance of the NIFTY 50 Index. The plan also includes a legacy-planning feature under which…

Turkish Airlines has joined the SAFFA Fund I, LP, an investment fund dedicated to accelerating the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a significant step in the airline's long-term sustainability and supply chain strategy. The agreement will enable the airline to support the expansion of SAF production while strengthening its access to sustainable fuel supplies as the global aviation industry intensifies efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Established in December 2023 and managed by Burnham Sterling Asset Management LLC (BSAM), the SAFFA Fund invests in technologically mature SAF projects across multiple production technologies and geographic regions. Airbus serves as the…

Turkish Airlines has signed an agreement with Turkish defence and technology company HAVELSAN for the supply of 12 new flight simulators as the airline accelerates preparations for its long-term fleet expansion and pilot training requirements. The order comprises eight Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and four Flight Training Devices (FTD), supporting the airline's goal of expanding its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033. The simulators, designed and manufactured entirely in Türkiye, will be installed at Turkish Airlines' expanding training infrastructure, including new simulator hangars currently under development and a Flight Training Center scheduled for completion in 2028. The airline…