Punjab National Bank Revises Interest Rates On Retail Loans

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has announced a revision in its interest rates across various loan products, effective from 10.02.2025. The rate adjustment aligns with the Bank’s commitment to providing competitive financial solutions while adapting to evolving market conditions. The revised rates apply to a wide range of products, including home loans, car loans, education and personal loans, ensuring that customers continue to receive diverse financing options.

Home Loans: PNB has made homeownership more accessible by revising its home loan interest rates and waiving key charges such as:

PNB Digi Home Loan: With an attractive ROI starting from 8.15% per annum, customers can avail home loans up to Rs 5 crore digitally from anywhere. EMI starts from Rs 744 per lakh, making home financing more affordable. This scheme offers nil prepayment charges with zero processing fees and documentation charges. Customers can apply conveniently through online platform by logging in to https://digihome.pnb.co.in/pnb/hl/

PNB Home Loan: This traditional home loan scheme offers ROI starting from 8.15% per annum with an EMI of Rs 744 per lakh. Customers can benefit from a complete waiver of upfront processing fees and documentation charges till 31 March 2025. Additionally, borrowers can avail an overdraft up to Rs 25 lakh or a term loan of up to Rs 1 crore for personal needs. This scheme also offers a 50% waiver on legal and valuation charges for home loan takeovers till 31 March 2025.

PNB Gen-Next Home Loan Scheme: Specifically designed for salaried professionals such as IT professionals, public sector employees, and government employees having age upto 40 years. This scheme with starting ROI at 8.15% per annum allows borrowers to avail loans up to 1.25 times of their eligibility. With repayment tenure of up to 30 years, this scheme provides financial flexibility to the borrowers.  A moratorium period of up to 60 months is also available. Full waivers on processing fees and documentation charges are available till 31 March 2025.

PNB Max Saver – Home Loan Scheme: Targeted at high-income groups, this scheme is offered in the form of an overdraft, allowing borrowers to park their excess funds in overdraft loan account to reduce interest liability. Interest rates start at 8.30% per annum, with full waivers on processing fees and documentation charges till 31 March 2025.

Car Loans: PNB has updated its car loan offerings to make vehicle financing more accessible and affordable, such as:

PNB Digi Car Loan: Designed for digital-savvy customers, this scheme offers ROI starting from 8.50% per annum, with an affordable EMI of Rs 1,240 per lakh. The maximum loan amount available is Rs 20 lakh, making it an ideal option for purchasing new cars. Customers can apply conveniently through the online platform by logging in to https://digivl.pnbindia.in/#/vehicle-home

PNB Car Loan: With an ROI starting from 8.50% per annum, this scheme provides financing for both new and used cars, with EMIs as low as Rs 1,240 per lakh. Customers can avail loans up to Rs 100 lakh, with 100% financing of the ex-showroom price, ensuring affordability and ease of purchase.

PNB Green Car (e-Vehicle) Loan: To promote sustainable mobility, PNB offers a 0.05% concession in ROI starting from 8.50% per annum and starting EMI of Rs. 1,240 per lakh. Customers can benefit from a longer repayment tenure of up to 120 months and enjoy 100% financing of the ex-showroom price.

Education Loans: PNB continues to support students in their pursuit of higher education with tailored loan products like:

PNB Digi Education Loan: A completely digital and hassle-free loan process with ROI starting from 7.85%. This scheme provides collateral-free financial support to students who get admission to selected premier institutes in India. Parents or students can apply conveniently through the online platform by logging in to https://digiel.pnbindia.in/#/education-home.

PM Vidyalaxmi: This scheme provides education loan with starting ROI of 7.85%, with no processing fees and documentation charges to students enrolled in 860 QHEIs (Quality Higher Education Institutes) in India.

PNB Pratibha: This scheme is exclusively for meritorious students who get admission in 80+ premier institutes in India. It covers full-time post-graduate degree and diploma courses, with starting ROI from 7.85%. The scheme comes with zero processing fees and documentation charges, along with a nil margin for loan disbursal.

PNB Saraswati: Designed for students pursuing higher education in non-premier institutes in India. This scheme offers education loan up to Rs 4 lakhs with nil margin and above Rs. 4 lakhs with margin of 5%. Starting ROI is 9.00%, with no processing fees and documentation charges.

PNB Udaan: This scheme provides financial support to students planning to study abroad. This scheme offers education loan up to Rs 4 lakhs with nil margin and above Rs. 4 lakhs with margin of 15%. Starting ROI is 9.00%, with no processing fees and documentation charges.

Personal Loans: To meet immediate financial needs, PNB has enhanced its personal loan offerings:

Pre-Approved Personal Loan: Customers can avail Personal loan up to Rs 20 lakh through a seamless digital process, eliminating the need for branch visits or paperwork. ROI starts from 11.25%. Customers can log in to https://instaloans.pnbindia.in for further information.

PNB Swaagat: A convenient online personal loan option for new-to-bank customers, this scheme offers loans up to Rs 10 lakh with quick approval through an OTP-based process. ROI starts from 11.25%, flexible repayment tenure extends up to 72 months, and no collateral or personal guarantee is required, ensuring easy access to funds. Customers can apply conveniently through the online platform by logging in to https://instaloans.pnbindia.in/home#!

Online Overdraft (e-OD) Against Fixed Deposit: PNB also offers an attractive overdraft facility against fixed deposits. Customers can obtain an overdraft of up to Rs 50 lakh with a simple, three-click digital application process. The interest rate is set at 1% over the applicable deposit rate. This facility allows instant access to funds without incurring pre-mature withdrawal penalties. Customers can avail this offer digitally from anywhere through internet banking and PNB One App.

PNB offers effortless loan approval with a fully digital, paperless process, allowing customers to apply from anywhere with ease. With zero prepayment charges, no processing fees, and no documentation charges, the Bank ensures a seamless and cost-effective borrowing experience. Customers can visit their nearest PNB branch or log in to www.pnbindia.in for further details on the revised rates and applicable terms.

Kansai Nerolac Empowers Local Vendors At Maha Kumbh Mela With A Vibrant Identity

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of India's leading paint companies, has an ongoing initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela, blending tradition with innovation to empower local vendors. Understanding the challenges faced by small business owners and street vendors, Kansai Nerolac is giving out storefronts inspired by the vibrant hues of Nerolac colours. These storefronts not only help the vendors stand out amidst the bustling crowds and transform their space but also protects them and their merchandise.

As the world’s largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims. Given its grandeur, small vendors find it difficult to make their presence known. Kansai Nerolac’s initiative provides vendors with shade card-inspired storefronts, that allow them to personalise their shops with colours that best reflect their services. Adaptable to various business needs, they transform into overhead canopies and are being used for multiple small businesses. These storefronts offer shelving, menu boards, signage, and product displays, ensuring each vendor enjoys a distinct and unmistakable presence. Each shopfront also features the selected Nerolac shade name and number, while seamlessly integrating business utility with aesthetic enhancement.

Made with DIY corrugated sheets and transparent acrylic boards, the structures are easy to set up and tailored as per individual vendor needs, ensuring both convenience and durability. For example, display racks for tea vendors or fold-out menu cards for food stalls.

Commenting on the initiative, a company spokesperson said, commenting on the initiative, a company spokesperson said, “At Kansai Nerolac, we believe that colours are more than just aesthetics. They tell stories, create identity, and enhance experiences. By bringing this concept to Maha Kumbh, we aim to uplift vendors who form the heart of this cultural gathering, while demonstrating the impact of colour in real-world applications”.

“This innovative initiative reflects our commitment to providing community-driven solutions. By empowering vendors with customised storefronts, we want to contribute to the livelihoods of small business owners and vendors, ensuring they have a better space to sell their wares and thrive in a competitive environment”, he added.

Watch how Kansai Nerolac is transforming vendor spaces at Maha Kumbh here: Dukan It Yourself | Kansai Nerolac at Mahakumbh.

With this initiative, Kansai Nerolac once again sets a benchmark by making a meaningful impact, offering vendors a vibrant and functional option.

Third Batch Of FICCI Leadership Development Program Commences At Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), initiated the third batch of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) today. This exclusive three-day residential program is hosted at the MAHE campus in Manipal and features a series of nine meticulously designed training modules aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of academic leaders.

The FICCI LDP has brought together a diverse group of academic leaders including Directors, Deans, Registrars, Senior Professors, etc from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program is developed to orient professionals with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for managing the complexities of modern academia and shaping them become 'future-ready'.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Co-Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his keynote Address highlighted the fundamentals of leadership, discussing its various layers and significance in personal, organizational, and societal contexts. Emphasizing the need for a structured approach in identifying and nurturing potential academic leaders, Lt. Gen. Venkatesh also addressed the challenges faced by stakeholders within the education ecosystem. These include stakeholder consciousness, managing expectations, budgeting and financing, industry partnerships, and regulatory compliances. He further highlighted the essential attributes expected of an academic leader in today’s rapidly evolving and transformative times. He emphasized the growing significance of developing a comprehensive  sense in research, operational and strategic management, team-building skills, and proficiency in accreditation and ranking. He further underscored the critical importance of succession planning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure robust governance, innovation, and effective talent risk management, thereby ensuring readiness for future leadership transitions.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Saxena, Advisor, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Former Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, articulated the urgent need for developing readiness to embrace change. He stressed the importance of anticipating and preparing for future challenges to avert potential disasters, overcome stagnancy, and address systemic issues, which could otherwise lead to low enrollment and demoralization within the academic community. Prof. Saxena observed that the success of students and the relevance of HEIs hinge on recognizing the shifting dynamics of the job market. He pointed out the cyclical challenges that may at times persist until institutions adapt to these changes. He advocated for a continuous focus on adding value to students, industry, and society at large. He highlighted that the transformation in education begins with leadership at the top and permeates throughout the faculty and administrative levels.

Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Director & Head – Education & Skills, FICCI, in his welcome remarks highlighted the significant complementary efforts and benchmark standards set by private higher education institutions in India. These institutions, he noted, play a crucial role in equipping a global workforce with competent and relevant skills. Dr. Pankaj emphasized that the vision of the FICCI LDP is centered around capacity building within HEIs. He elaborated on how FICCI as an association is uniquely positioned to, integrate fresh insights from both industry and academia to forge structured leadership that meets critical benchmarks and significantly impacts HEIs.

The modules cover critical aspects of academic leadership including change management, talent management, research and innovation, technology integration, fostering a learning culture, financial sustainability, internationalization, and industry partnerships. These sessions are designed not only to enrich and upgrade the participants' skill sets but also to immerse them in an environment that promotes substantial growth and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in real-time case studies, interactive sessions, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror the complexities and nuances of modern higher education.

This program masterfully blends theoretical foundations with practical insights to stimulate thoughtful discussion and inspire decisive action. Facilitated by esteemed leaders who are pioneers of change in their respective fields, its primary goal is to reimagine the role of academia in a transformative world. By focusing on critical areas such as technology integration, research innovation, and sustainable practices, the program is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to effectively shape the future of education.

The FICCI Leadership Development Program is a significant step toward empowering academic leaders to effectively lead and implement progressive policies, ensuring their institutions remain at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.

Established in 1927, FICCI is India's oldest and largest apex business organization, playing a pivotal role in propelling India's economic growth and industrialization. As a non-government, not-for-profit organization, FICCI serves as the voice of India’s business and industry, facilitating dialogue, influencing policy, and building bridges across sectors.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational offerings. By hosting the LDP, MAHE underscores its commitment to fostering educational leadership that can drive significant impacts in the realms of higher education and beyond.

Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai Presents Limited Time: Member Exclusive Offer

* Earn Generous Bonus Points and Complimentary Perks – Book Your Stay by April 18, 2025

Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai proudly announces a limited-time, exclusive offer designed to elevate the guest experience to new heights. From now until April 18, 2025, Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to enjoy a host of exceptional benefits, including a generous 2,000 bonus points per stay, along with an array of luxury services that promise to make each visit unforgettable.

In addition to the rewarding points, members will receive a selection of premium amenities to enhance their stay. These exclusive benefits include significant savings on dining, spa treatments, transportation, and more —

Inclusions of the Member Exclusive Offer:

Earn 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay

Complimentary daily buffet breakfast at Hill View Café

Complimentary Hi-Tea daily from 17:00 to 19:00 hrs at Hill View Café

15% discount on all food and beverages

15% discount on transportation services

15% discount on laundry services

15% discount on spa treatments at Tattva

10% discount on airport transfers to and from Mumbai International Airport

Book Now: Member Exclusive Offer: Earn Bonus Points & More in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | Marriott Executive Apartments

About Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai

Nestled in the heart of Navi Mumbai, Marriott Executive Apartments offers an elevated living experience that seamlessly combines the comforts of home with the luxury and convenience of Marriott’s world-class services. Perfect for both short-term and extended stays, the property is tailored for discerning guests seeking an elegant setting for work or relaxation. With spacious accommodations, premium amenities, exceptional service, and a variety of dining experiences, including an all-day café, specialty restaurant, seasonal terrace grill, and coffee lounge, Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai stands as the ideal choice for those who seek excellence in every aspect of their stay.

“You Don’t Realize When You’ve Left The Storm, But You’re Never The Same:” Geetanjali Kirloskar, CMD of Kirloskar Systems At Ideas Of India

After Vikram’s passing, I felt absolutely alone. But leadership is about taking charge, managing stakeholders, and guiding the situation." – Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar.

At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values.

Reflecting on her journey, Geetanjali said, "Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company."

Addressing the impact of personal loss on leadership, she said, "Losing Vikram so suddenly was devastating emotionally and mentally. He was in his prime, and I could never replace him; he was better. In just seconds, I felt absolutely alone. But within a few days, I sent my relatives back and stood strong. Leadership means taking charge, managing stakeholders and guiding the situation. I chose to rely on myself."

Further highlighting the importance of purpose in overcoming crises, she stated, "Grief is not linear, it has its nuances. I think its God’s way of preparing you. Crisis transforms you. And it is your purpose that helps you navigate through it. You must define your objective and for me, that was carrying the Kirloskar legacy forward."

When asked if women are taken seriously, Geetanjali acknowledged subtle discrimination but also stressed the importance of confidence and credibility in earning one’s place. She praised her Japanese partners and coworkers for their inclusivity, stating, "Once they trust you, they accept you completely." She also noted the cultural parallels between India and Japan that have shaped her leadership.

On the future of Kirloskar Systems, she highlighted its seven joint ventures and her daughter's role in carrying the legacy forward. "With a team of 30,000 to 40,000 employees, we are driving our legacy together."

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

About ABP Network

An innovative media and content creation company, ABP Network is a credible voice in the broadcast and digital sphere, with a multi-language portfolio of news channels reaching 535 million individuals in India across YouTube, websites, apps, and social media platforms. ABP Studios, which comes under the purview of ABP Creations – the content innovation arm of the network – creates, produces, and licences original, groundbreaking content outside of news. ABP Network is a group entity of ABP, established almost 100 years ago, and continues to reign as a leading media company.

MIT Bengaluru To Host ACM India Industry Day On Feb 22, 2025

Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru in collaboration with the ACM Bangalore Chapter, ACM IMOBILE Chapter (India Chapter of ACM SIGMOBILE), and the ACM Student Chapter at MIT Bengaluru, is all set to organize ACM Industry Day. The event will be held on 22nd February 2025 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (Audi AB-5).

The aim of the event is to bring industry professionals, researchers, and students under one umbrella to share insights on the emerging trends, share ideas, and foster collaboration in computer and computer science.

The event will feature insightful sessions from renowned experts, including:

Shourya Roy (ACM India & Zepto)

Krishnasuri Narayanam (IBM Research)

Amit Saha (DocLens.ai)

A panel discussion on “Careers in Industry/Research” will bring together esteemed professionals:

Renuka Sindhgatta (IBM Research)

Gururaj H. L. (MAHE-MIT Bangalore)

Anbumunee Ponniah (IBM)

Prasant Misra (TCS Research)

During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to build and establish connections with industry experts and professionals.

Dr. Shreyas J and Dr. Gururaj H L, faculty sponsors, MITB ACM Student Chapter will be coordinating  the event.

About Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru (MIT B’LRU)

The Garden City of India, Bengaluru, is now home to a new engineering institution – “MIT Bengaluru” – the latest constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). MAHE is proud to open its doors in the bustling cosmopolitan IT hub of Bengaluru by establishing its new engineering campus: MIT Bengaluru. It is offering eight B Tech programs starting in 2021, with approval from the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), MHRD, Government of India. The eight approved programs are Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Engineering – Cyber Security, Computer Science and Engineering - Data Science, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology), MAHE is recognized as a deemed-to-be university since 1993 and has been accorded the status of Institute of Eminence (IoE) by MHRD, Government of India. Admission to MIT Bengaluru is based on a computer-based online entrance test, MET, conducted by the MAHE

“We Saw The Potential Of Makhana Even Before People Adopted It”: Shashwat Goenka At ABP Network’s Ideas Of India 2025

* “Work-Life Balance Matters—It is Productivity, Not Hours, That Counts”, said Shashwat Goenka

"We discovered the market value of makhana before people even adopted it. Healthy snacking was an untapped space, and we saw the opportunity before it became mainstream," said, Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, at the fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, in Mumbai today.

Participating in the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early.

Adding to the conversation, Shashwat Goenka, said, “Indians have a very unique way of consuming things. They want the punch of flavour in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect. We will always prioritise health, but the taste will trump everything else. If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”

Speaking on reinventing traditional snacking, Shashwat Goenka noted, "We identified the space of healthy snacking in time. Our bhujias have 45% less saturated fat, but they don’t compromise on taste. Today, we offer a gamut of healthy snacks that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Consumption has changed in the last two decades."

Talking about the evolution of quick commerce, Shashwat Goenka added, "Quick commerce has taken off, and Indian consumers today are more aspirational and willing to try new things. Continuous supply chain availability is key to meeting this demand. "

Speaking on competition and success in the snacking industry, Shashwat Goenka said, “There is a heat of competition in the snacking market. Technology is changing faster than ever, and faster adoption of tech is the key to success. However, it is important to have a work-life balance. The number of hours does not matter; productivity does. Mukesh Ambani is someone I admire in this space as he has perfect vision, as well as Elon Musk."

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

About ABP Network

An innovative media and content creation company, ABP Network is a credible voice in the broadcast and digital spheres, with a multi-language portfolio of news channels reaching 535 million individuals in India across YouTube, websites, apps, and social media platforms. ABP Studios, which comes under the purview of ABP Creations – the content innovation arm of the network – creates, produces, and licences original, groundbreaking content outside of news. ABP Network is a group entity of ABP, established almost 100 years ago, and continues to dominate as a leading media company.