Business - The Purbottar

07 Aug

Retirement planning needs to shift from wealth creation to sustainable income, says expert

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Retirement planning in India must move beyond the traditional focus on building a large retirement corpus and instead prioritise creating a steady and sustainable income stream that can support retirees throughout their post-retirement years, according to Anurag Gupta, Chief Business Officer, Partnership Channels and Head of Retirement at Axis Max Life Insurance Limited. Gupta said the growing popularity of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has encouraged many Indians to chase a target retirement corpus, but cautioned that wealth accumulation alone does not guarantee financial security. Since retirement can last two to three decades, the bigger challenge is ensuring…

07 Aug

Technology investments improve ICICI Prudential Life’s cost efficiency

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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance’s continued investment in technology and automation is translating into improved operational efficiency and lower costs, underscoring the growing role of digital transformation in enhancing productivity across India’s life insurance sector. The insurer reported that its savings cost-to-premium ratio declined to 13.6 per cent in the first quarter of FY2027, down 50 basis points from a year ago, reflecting gains from technology-led cost optimisation while maintaining business growth. The company attributed the improvement to increased adoption of artificial intelligence, analytics and digital platforms such as ICICI Pru Partner Stack and IPRU Edge, which have streamlined customer acquisition,…

07 Aug

Free dialysis services reach over 6,200 kidney patients in Dibrugarh under Assam-Apollo partnership

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The Government of Assam, in partnership with Apollo Dialysis Clinics under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has strengthened access to free dialysis services in Dibrugarh district through the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP), benefiting thousands of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. The initiative operates dialysis centres at Assam Medical College & Hospital, Moran Community Health Centre (CHC) and Naharkatia Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital, enabling eligible patients to receive hospital-grade renal care closer to home without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. According to official data as of June 2026, the three centres have served 6,288 kidney patients and conducted 44,670 free dialysis…

06 Aug

Kotak Education Foundation launches Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026 to support 500 meritorious girls

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The Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the CSR implementing arm of the Kotak Mahindra Group, has launched the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026 under the campaign theme “One in a Million”, aiming to identify and support 500 meritorious girl students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds across India during the 2026-27 academic year. Now in its sixth year, the scholarship programme seeks to help deserving students pursue professional higher education without financial constraints. Since its inception in 2021, the Kotak Kanya Scholarship has supported 1,525 girls across 24 states. Besides financial assistance, the programme offers mentorship, career guidance, industry exposure and finishing school sessions…

06 Aug

RBI holds rates steady, flags inflation risks as markets eye October hike

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept its key policy rate and monetary policy stance unchanged, a move that was widely anticipated by market participants. While maintaining status quo, the central bank underscored heightened risks on the inflation front, signalling that price pressures remain a key concern for policymakers. Reacting to the monetary policy decision, Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the RBI's decision was on expected lines but reflected growing caution over inflation. She said the central bank had highlighted amplified inflation risks and added that Kotak Mahindra Bank expects a cumulative 50 basis points…

06 Aug

ICICI Prudential simplifies flood claims process for Assam policyholders

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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has announced a simplified claims settlement process for nominees and beneficiaries of policyholders affected by the devastating floods in Assam, aiming to provide faster financial assistance to bereaved families. The company said it will process death claims on the basis of just three essential documents to ensure quicker settlements during the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Under the revised procedure, nominees can submit a death certificate or any official record issued by government, hospital or police authorities, or proof of compensation provided by the Central or State government as evidence of death. In addition, claimants need to furnish…

06 Aug

Vi bundles Spotify Premium with prepaid plans to strengthen entertainment offerings

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Vodafone Idea (Vi) has partnered with Spotify to introduce Spotify Premium as a bundled benefit across select prepaid recharge plans, aiming to strengthen its entertainment portfolio and attract India's growing base of digital-first consumers. The telecom operator on Monday launched three new prepaid recharge options that include Spotify Premium at no additional cost alongside voice, data and entertainment benefits. The flagship Rs. 435 Non-Stop Hero plan offers unlimited 4G/5G data, unlimited calls, 100 SMS per day, JioHotstar (Mobile) access and Spotify Premium with 28 days validity. The Rs. 250 prepaid plan provides 2GB data, unlimited calls, 300 SMS and Spotify…

06 Aug

Sony expands True RGB TV lineup with 115-inch flagship BRAVIA 9II

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Sony India has expanded its premium television portfolio with the launch of the 115-inch (292 cm) BRAVIA 9II, the company's largest-ever BRAVIA television, as it strengthens its presence in the premium large-screen home entertainment segment. The unveiling was led by Sony India Managing Director Sunil Nayyar and Nezu Daisuke, Global Head of Home Product Business Division, Sony Corporation. With the launch, Sony's True RGB BRAVIA lineup now spans screen sizes from 55 inches (140 cm) to 115 inches (292 cm). The company said the new flagship television is powered by its proprietary RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro and BRAVIA XR…

06 Aug

Bajaj Life prioritises Assam flood claims as insurers strengthen disaster response

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Bajaj Life Insurance has introduced an expedited claims settlement mechanism for policyholders affected by the Assam floods, reflecting the growing emphasis on operational resilience and rapid financial assistance by insurers during climate-related disasters. The company has established a dedicated claims settlement desk and simplified documentation requirements for eligible death claims in the flood-affected districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. Claims arising from the disaster will receive the highest priority, enabling faster disbursal of insurance benefits to affected families. Under the revised process, nominees or legal heirs can submit proof of death due to floods issued by local municipal authorities,…

05 Aug

Eurofragance names Shekhar Srinivasan as India managing director to drive expansion

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Global fragrance manufacturer Eurofragance has appointed Shekhar Srinivasan as Managing Director for India, strengthening its leadership team as it accelerates expansion in one of its fastest-growing markets. The appointment underscores the company's long-term commitment to India, where it has steadily expanded its operations since entering the market in 2018. Eurofragance said it has built a local workforce of more than 50 employees serving customers across the fine fragrance, home care and personal care segments. In his new role, Srinivasan will spearhead business growth, deepen customer partnerships, expand the company's market presence and oversee the next phase of expansion, including the…