Business - The Purbottar

21 Aug

ICICI Prudential Life launches value-plus-momentum index fund

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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched the BSE 500 Momentum Value 50 Index Fund, expanding its investment offerings with a value-plus-momentum strategy aimed at providing customers access to long-term equity opportunities through select unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs). The fund will offer exposure to a diversified portfolio of 50 companies selected from the broader BSE 500 universe and will follow the ICICI Pru BSE 500 Momentum Value 50 Customized Index. The rules-based strategy combines attractive valuations with positive price momentum, while the portfolio will be reviewed quarterly to reflect changing market valuations and trends. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Manish Kumar,…

21 Aug

Berger Paints launches ‘Rang BanaRahe’ campaign celebrating resilience

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Berger Paints India Limited has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and a new campaign, ‘Rang BanaRahe’, built around the idea of preserving colour and celebrating human resilience. The campaign reinterprets the company’s long-standing focus on protecting colours through products such as Home Shield, Weather Coat Anti Dustt and Easy Clean. The new brand thought extends the idea beyond walls, highlighting the ability of individuals to retain their identity and spirit despite life’s challenges. The campaign film features a character named Khushrangi, whose colours remain unaffected by rain, dust and heat, serving as a metaphor for resilience and the determination to…

21 Aug

ABD rating upgraded to IND AA- as profitability and scale strengthen

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Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD) has received a two-notch upgrade in its rating from India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra), with the agency raising the rating on the company’s bank facilities from IND A to IND AA-, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The rating upgrade reflects ABD’s continued growth in its consolidated scale of operations in FY26, with Ind-Ra expecting the company to sustain and further expand its scale over the medium term. The agency also expects ABD’s improved profitability to continue, supported by a better sales mix driven by premiumisation and higher gross margins. Progress in the company’s ongoing…

21 Aug

Drivn, Tata Motors join hands to accelerate electric truck adoption

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EV leasing platform Drivn has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Motors to explore leasing-based deployment of electric commercial vehicles for fleet operators, aiming to address financing and other barriers to large-scale fleet electrification in India. Under the partnership, Drivn will offer customised operating lease solutions for Tata Motors’ electric commercial vehicle portfolio. The companies said the collaboration would help fleet operators transition to electric vehicles through simpler financing, while also addressing challenges related to deployment, charging infrastructure and vehicle uptime. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks at Tata Motors, said the partnership would make electric…

20 Aug

PWNSAT 2026 seeks to widen access to competitive exam preparation through scholarships

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PhysicsWallah (PW) has announced the fourth edition of the PhysicsWallah National Scholarship cum Admission Test (PWNSAT) 2026, with the programme focusing on reducing financial barriers for students preparing for JEE and NEET examinations. Free registrations are open to students from Class V to XII and Class XII pass-outs across both PCM and PCB streams. The scholarship initiative provides eligible students with tuition fee waivers of up to 100%, while cash rewards worth up to Rs 2.5 crore are also available. A significant component of the programme is free education and accommodation support for the top 500 eligible students, based on…

20 Aug

PWNSAT 2026 offers financial relief and a fresh opportunity to aspiring JEE and NEET students

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For students aspiring to crack JEE and NEET but facing financial constraints, PhysicsWallah's (PW) fourth edition of the PhysicsWallah National Scholarship cum Admission Test (PWNSAT) 2026 offers an opportunity to access education and academic support. Free registrations are open to students from Class V to XII and Class XII pass-outs from both PCM and PCB streams. PWNSAT 2026 offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition fee waivers and cash rewards worth up to Rs 2.5 crore. A key benefit of the programme is free education and accommodation support for the top 500 eligible students, selected on the basis of their…

20 Aug

Škoda Auto India drives sedan push with new Slavia, Octavia RS and Superb TDI

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Škoda Auto India has unveiled the new Slavia, strengthening its sedan portfolio with refreshed styling, new technology, enhanced comfort and additional powertrain options, while also announcing the return of the Octavia RS and all-new Superb TDI to India. The new Slavia gets all-new LED headlamps and taillamps with sequential turn indicators, redesigned alloy wheels, refreshed interiors and a new Monte Carlo variant. A key introduction is an eight-speed torque-converter automatic paired with the 1.0 TSI engine, making it the first sedan in its segment to offer the combination. The 1.0 TSI also gets a six-speed manual, while the 1.5 TSI…

20 Aug

IIT Bombay launches e-postgraduate diploma in computer science and artificial intelligence

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IIT Bombay Educational Outreach has launched an e-Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CS & AI), aimed at professionals and graduates seeking deeper expertise in computer science and emerging AI technologies. Designed and delivered by IIT Bombay faculty with Great Learning as the EdTech partner, the one-year programme combines online synchronous and asynchronous learning with an in-person campus immersion at IIT Bombay. Learners can also complete the programme within three years, offering flexibility to working professionals. The curriculum is divided into Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning baskets. Students must complete six courses, with at least…

20 Aug

Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund posts 18.21% CAGR in three years

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Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund’s flagship Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund has completed three years, with its Direct Plan–Growth option delivering a CAGR of 18.21% since its launch on August 14, 2023, against 12.74% for the BSE 500 TRI as of August 13, 2026. The fund’s Regular Plan–Growth option delivered a 16.59% CAGR during the same period. Across the full market cycle, the Direct Plan recorded an absolute return of 65.2%, compared with 43.3% for the benchmark, while the Regular Plan delivered 58.5%. An investment of ₹10,000 in the Direct Plan at inception would have grown to ₹16,513, compared with ₹14,325…

20 Aug

Bata India eyes product innovation and retail transformation to drive next growth phase

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Bata India is banking on product innovation, retail experience, digital acceleration and operational efficiency to drive its next phase of sustainable and profitable growth, the company said at its 93rd Annual General Meeting. The footwear major said its transformation is focused on becoming more agile and consumer-centric, with greater emphasis on contemporary styling, comfort, value and convenience. Bata operates more than 2,000 brand outlets and 775-plus franchise stores, while over 1,000 stores are omnichannel-enabled and 70% offer hyperlocal delivery. The company said its Zero Base Merchandising initiative is operational across more than 800 stores and is targeting over 900 stores…