Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Planning A Long Weekend? Best SBI Card Picks For Every Indian Traveller This Season


Planning a long weekend escape from the city? Before you click ‘book’ on that flight or train ticket, make sure your wallet is just as ready for the journey. In today’s travel landscape—where experiences matter more than ever—how you plan, pay, and proceed for your journey can be just as important as where you go. For travellers seeking greater value, comfort, and rewards from every trip, a travel credit card is no longer just a payment option, it’s your smartest travel companion. SBI Card offers a suite of travel-centric credit cards tailored to every kind of explorer—from rail enthusiasts and budget travellers to globe-trotting frequent flyers and luxury seekers. 

Here’s our curated pick of best travel credit cards from SBI Card to help you make the most of your long weekend getaway. 

SBI Card MILES

SBI Card MILES is the ideal choice for globetrotters seeking to turn their travel spends into meaningful rewards. Designed to offer flexibility and premium benefits, this credit card allows you to convert travel credits into air miles, hotel points, and travel bookings. Cardholders can earn up to 6 travel credits per ₹200 spent on travel and 2 travel credits per ₹200 on other eligible spends. The credit card also offers up to ₹20,000 as travel credits on annual spends of ₹12 lakh, along with an annual fee waiver on reaching spends of ₹15 lakh. To elevate your travel experience, the credit card offers Priority Pass membership, 8 domestic and 6 international complimentary airport lounge access annually, plus additional domestic lounge visits on reaching spends of ₹1 lakh. Other exclusive privileges include a low forex markup of 1.99%, protection against loss, damage or delay of check-in baggage, loss of travel documents or credit card, among others. The credit card is available in three variants: SBI Card MILES ELITE with an annual renewal fee of ₹4,999, SBI Card MILES PRIME at ₹2,999, and SBI Card MILES at ₹1,499, plus applicable taxes. Each variant is tailored to suit different travel needs, while delivering unmatched value. 

IRCTC SBI Platinum Card

The IRCTC SBI Platinum Card is the ideal companion for railway commuters seeking a rewarding experience on every ticket booking. This co-branded credit card, introduced in association with IRCTC, makes your travel rewarding and offers exclusive railway benefits. The cardholders receive 350 reward points as bonus for their initial transaction of ₹500 and 500 reward points annually on renewal fee payment. You can earn up to 10% value back as reward points on booking seats in First AC, Second AC, Third AC, executive chair car, or chair car through irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Mobile App. Cardholders can also collect 1 reward point for each ₹125 spent on all other retail purchases. You can also save 1% on transaction fees on any railway ticket booking made through www.irctc.co.in and enhance travel journey with 4 complimentary railway lounge access per year (one per quarter) at select lounges across India. Get an exemption of 1% fuel surcharge at all petrol pumps in India on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000 (excluding GST and other fees). The IRCTC SBI Platinum Card is accepted at more than 29 million VISA merchants globally, and over 3,25,000 merchants across India. The credit card also offers fantastic deals on VISA variant, including offers on holiday bookings, dining, golf, and entertainment. The membership and annual renewal charge for the IRCTC SBI Platinum Card is ₹500 plus taxes. For customers seeking a premium version, the IRCTC SBI Card Premier is another option with exclusive benefits available at an annual fee of ₹1,499 plus taxes. 

KrisFlyer SBI Card

If you're planning to indulge yourself in a premium experience, the KrisFlyer SBI Card is a smart option. For travelers who want to turn every spend into air miles, this co-branded credit card will help earn KrisFlyer miles on everyday purchases and travel expenses, enabling to unlock flight rewards faster. Cardholders enjoy a welcome bonus of 3,000 KrisFlyer miles on payment of the annual fee and their first transaction within 60 days of card issuance. You can earn 5 KrisFlyer miles for every ₹200 spent with the Singapore Airlines Group, 5 miles per ₹200 on international transactions, and 2 miles per ₹200 on other eligible spends. Frequent flyers can also unlock milestone benefits and earn an additional 3,000 KrisFlyer miles on annual spends of ₹3 lakh. Miles earned are automatically transferred to KrisFlyer account in every statement cycle, making it easy to redeem them for flight tickets or upgrades on Singapore Airlines, flights on Scoot, gifts purchased from KrisShop.com and on booking travel experiences globally via Pelago. Plus, cardholders can enjoy a tier upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Silver membership on spends of ₹2.5 lakh on Singapore Airlines. Your travel experience is enhanced with complimentary lounge access, enjoy 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge visit every quarter, a free Priority Pass membership, and 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year (maximum one visit per quarter). Customers with upgraded memberships will also get a chance to enjoy benefits such as additional baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, exclusive bonus miles, special seat selection privileges, lounge access, and much more, adding extra comfort and convenience to their travel experience. The joining and annual renewal fee for the KrisFlyer SBI Card is ₹2,999 plus applicable taxes. For those seeking more benefits, there is a premium variant - KrisFlyer SBI Card Apex that is available with a joining and annual renewal fee of ₹9,999 plus applicable taxes. 

Whether you are catching a train home, flying overseas, heading on a spiritual retreat, or indulging in a short beachside break, the right travel credit card from SBI Card can transform your experience. With savings, exclusive rewards, complimentary lounge access, accelerated miles, and flexible redemption options, these travel credit cards don’t just offer convenience, they turn every journey into a more rewarding one.

PNB Empowers Investors With Unified Demat-Trading Account Opening Journey Via PNB One


Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, offers digital Integrated Demat & Trading account opening functionality. This enables customers to open both Demat and Trading accounts simultaneously through the PNB One mobile application without requiring additional KYC documentation. 

The digital facility represents a significant milestone in PNB's digital transformation journey, offering customers convenience in Demat & Trading account opening. Through strategic partnership with the trading channel partners, PNB has created a unified platform that eliminates traditional barriers in Demat & Trading account opening. 

Key Highlights

  • Single application process: Investors can now open Demat and trading accounts using a single application, eliminating paperwork and save time.

  • Seamless integration: The functionality ensures smooth integration between demat and trading accounts.

  • Status Updates: Clients can manage both accounts through a unified dashboard of the trading partner, providing real-time updates and enhanced visibility.

  • Comprehensive support: Dedicated customer service team available to assist clients throughout the account opening process.

Shri Binay Kumar Gupta, CGM, PNB said “We are committed to innovating and improving the overall investment experience. Our integrated demat account and trading account opening facility in collaboration with Bank’s trading partners, Aditya Birla Money Ltd. and SMC Global Securities Ltd. aims to empower investors to achieve their financial goals.” 

How to Open an Account?

To open an integrated demat and trading account, customer can navigate to the ‘Popular’ section of the Bank’s mobile banking app, PNB One, and click on Demat & Trading. The service is available also on the internet banking platform.

For More Information, visit www.pnbindia.in/

Monday, August 4, 2025

Bajaj Finserv AMC Launches Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund For Balanced Growth Potential And Stability


Bajaj Finserv AMC today announced the launch of the Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund, an open-ended scheme that invests across equity, arbitrage, and debt instruments. The New Fund Offer (NFO) begins on July 28, 2025 and will be on till August 11, 2025.

The fund offers investors a way to bridge the gap between traditional fixed-income instruments and high volatility equity-oriented investments. For years, traditional Indian investors have found themselves caught between two extremes—fixed deposits and other debt instruments that offer stability but often fail to beat inflation, and pure equity investments that have potential for higher long term returns but come with high volatility.

Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund is designed to provide a middle ground for investors.Its portfolio combines growth-oriented equities, low-risk arbitrage opportunities, and income-generating fixed income instruments. This strategic allocation aims to deliver long term capital appreciation along with stable income potential while reducing overall portfolio volatility.

Speaking on the fund’s launch, Ganesh Mohan, Managing Director at Bajaj Finserv AMC, said, “The Bajaj Finserv Equity Savings Fund offers investors financial confidence and a steady wealth creation opportunity through a balanced approach. By combining growth-oriented equities, stable debt, and low-risk arbitrage, it aims to deliver consistent returns with reduced volatility. In an environment where inflation impacts fixed income and equity markets remain relatively unpredictable, this diversified strategy helps manage risk while capturing upside potential. With tax efficiency as an added advantage, the fund serves as a smart, all-in-one solution for disciplined and stable long-term savings growth.”

A key advantage of the fund lies in its tax-efficient structure. By maintaining a minimum of 65% overall equity allocation (including arbitrage), it qualifies as an equity-oriented scheme, making it eligible for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax at 12.5% (along with an exemption on LTCG of up to Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year). This structure can offer more favourable post-tax outcomes, particularly for investors in higher tax brackets, than traditional fixed income instruments.

The fund is suitable for various types of investors — those seeking limited equity exposure with controlled risk, those looking for steady income through regular withdrawals, and those seeking tax-efficient, low-volatility returns over market cycles.

Honda Cars India Announces Start Of ‘The Great Honda Fest’ Campaign For The Upcoming Festive Season

 


* Attractive benefits & schemes on Honda Cars line-up

* Introduces 360° surround vision camera* solution in Honda Elevate & Honda Amaze 

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India announced the start of its annual campaign ‘The Great Honda Fest’ ushering in the festive season.


Celebrating the multiple and diverse festivals of India, ‘The Great Honda Fest’ campaign under the theme of ‘Get.Fest.Go’ will offer attractive schemes and benefits on Honda Cars line-up including Amaze, City and Elevate with the aim of providing the joy of mobility to customers at an exceptional value.


Further, coinciding with the festive campaign, the company has introduced 360° surround vision camera* solution for Elevate and Amaze as new item in its accessory line-up.

 

An exclusive ‘Elite Pack’ featuring the newly introduced 360° surround vision camera and rhythmic 7 colours ambient lighting** is being offered in select variants of Elevate at no additional price during this special period.  

 

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, "Festivals are a time of joy and celebration, and with the start of ‘The Great Honda Fest’, we want to make this season even more special for our customers. This year, along with exciting offers and schemes on Honda cars, we are introducing new tech solutions in our accessory line-up for Elevate and Amaze adding more value, comfort, and safety to every drive. We urge all our customers to visit a Honda dealership near them to avail these benefits & schemes.”

These offers under  ‘ The Great Honda Fest’ are valid at all authorized Honda dealerships across the country for a limited period and applies to specific model variants.

* Optional Accessory available at an extra cost from third party, to be fitted at Dealership. Warranty on such accessories is supported by Supplier & is limited to 2 years from date purchase.

** Optional Honda Genuine Accessory available at an extra cost, to be fitted at Dealership. Honda Accessory Warranty is applicable & is limited to 1 year from the date of purchase.

About Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan. 

 

Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel-efficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country. 

 

Besides the new car business, Honda offers a stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function, Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country.

Vedanta Foundation’ Job Mela Helps Empower Over 450+ Youth In Chitradurga


Providing youth with golden opportunities for employment and guiding the youth for a progressive future, Vedanta Sesa Goa, in collaboration with Vedanta Foundation and Gurukul Skills, Hubli, organized a 'Job Mela' 2025, at M. Basavaiah Residential Degree College, Sirigere, Chitradurga. The event witnessed over 550 registrations, and over 450+ students were shortlisted after the interview process at companies such as Tata Electronics, Tata Croma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T Finances and local companies. The objective of this initiative is to make the youth self-reliant by providing them employment opportunities and encourage their active participation in the economic progress of the country. 

Dr. Vamadevappa, Administrative Officer, Shri. Taralabalu Jagadguru Vidya Samsthe, Sirigere, K. Basavappa, Principal, MBR Degree college, Sirigere, along with Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, graced the occasion along with Shri Gurunagouda Kuragund, Founder and CEO, Gurukul Skills, Hubli, HR officials from various companies, and Vedanta Sesa Goa & Vedanta Foundation executives.

 

Dr. Vamadevappa, Administrative officer and Chief Guest appreciated the initiative and said “The Job Mela organized by Vedanta Sesa Goa in collaboration with Vedanta Foundation and Gurukul Skills is a truly impactful initiative that reflects a deep commitment towards community development and youth empowerment. This is a wonderful platform to connect the youth with reputed employers & helps reduce unemployment and instills confidence and hope among the local youth. I sincerely appreciate Vedanta's proactive approach,such initiatives are essential for building a stronger, self-reliant society."

 

Marking the occasion, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta - IOK said, "At Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK, we are proud to have positively impacted the lives of numerous youth surrounding our operations, through the Job Mela 2025. We believe that true progress lies in empowering the youth by reducing the gap between aspirations and opportunity. "

 

One of the beneficiaries of the Job Mela, Soundarya E., Resident of Tanigehalli village, Chitradurga, said, "I am truly grateful to Vedanta Sesa Goa, Vedanta Foundation & Gurukul Skills, for the initiative. Since I graduated with a M.Com. degree, I was searching for a job but could not secure a suitable opportunity. The Job Mela has helped me secure an opportunity at TATA Electronics, and would greatly help me to support my family's needs. Thank you, Vedanta Sesa Goa, for the initiative!"

 

Vedanta IOK & Vedanta Foundation have several other youth focused initiatives including setting up of Vedanta Computer Centres & Computer Labs, providing Vedanta 'Utkarsh' Scholarship to meritorious students from economically under-privileged sections, and placement linked skill training through its Vedanta 'Unnati' Program. The Company also runs Vedanta Tailoring Training Centres which are accredited by the National Skill Development Council. Through various CSR activities, Vedanta IOK has, over the years, benefitted over 82,000 people in the state. The students who attend Job Mela and are still not able to secure jobs would be eligible to join the 'Unnati' skilling programme by Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK in collaboration with Gurukul Skills.


Photo Caption: Successful candidates being handed over job offer letters by Mr Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta IOK, Chitradurga.


Zigly’s ‘International Happy Pets Day’ Celebrates Pet Friendship And Brings Pet Community Together For Social Cause


-          Over 2200 pets and their parents celebrated the day together across India, and Rs 3 lakhs raised for animal welfare

-          Launched Zigly Coins, an industry-first omnichannel loyalty program rewarding customers with 1 coin (Re 1 value) for every Rs 100 spent

-          Launched exclusive range on Pet products under in-house labels: Applod, Fur Pro and Zigly lifestyle

 Zigly, (Cosmo First Limited) India’s first tech-enabled omnichannel pet care brand successfully concluded the second edition of ‘International Happy Pets Day (IHPD)’ across India, witnessing over 2200 pets and parents participating in the day-long celebration. Building on the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event, this landmark festivity, coinciding with Friendship Day, celebrated the special bond between pet parents and their pawsome pals, while promoting responsible pet parenting.

 

This year, the day-long festivity was spread across Zigly’s Experience Centers across the country. The overwhelming response demonstrated the growing pet care community in India, their enthusiasm for dedicated pet-centric celebrations and sharing their pet parenting journey with new parents.

 

Zigly’s ‘International Happy Pets Day’ (IHPD) celebration featured a host of activities to delight both pets and pet parents, creating memorable bonding moments. In a first of its kind from an omnichannel program in the industry, Zigly launched ‘Zigly Coins’ – where customers can earn one coin on every spend of Rs 100, with each coin valued at Re 1, adding value to a customer’s purchase for their furry friends. The event also marked the launch of an exclusive range of pet products such as Wet Food & Fresh Food and Yak Chews for dental hygiene by in-house Applod Brand, Travel Mat in Zigly Lifestyle, launch of a new brand Catmos for Cat litter and Grooming tools in Fur Pro range for dogs and cats.

 

Celebrating the second year of IHPD, Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO Cosmo First said, “This strong response to our second International Happy Pets Day validates our vision of creating meaningful experiences for India’s pet community. The enthusiasm and participation we witnessed across all our centers reinforces our belief that pet parents are looking for avenues that celebrate their bond with their companions while providing valuable services, community connections and a safe space to educate new pet parents. This success motivates us to continue innovating and expanding our offerings for the pet care ecosystem in India.”

 

Interactive games, puzzles and free treats kept the tails wagging while the twinning contests and pet fashion shows were major crowd-pullers, with participants showcasing creative outfits and celebrating the unique personalities of their pets. Professional pet portraits and photobooth sessions captured precious memories for families. Additionally, live entertainment and surprise goodies brought ‘pawsitive’ cheers to the event. Over 100 performers and artists along with pet parents created a vibrant atmosphere, with the brand’s signature song “O Mere Yaara” adding a special touch to the celebrations. Further, over 150 pet influencers happily participated in the event, making it a grand celebration.

 

As part of this initiative, pet parents received complimentary health check-ups for their pets, along with anti-rabies vaccinations among many other benefits, including flat 20% off on Everyday Shine grooming services, discounts on select food brands, treats, and toys, along with attractive offers on Zigly Lifestyle products. Recognising the people who are equally helping the pet care ecosystem to flourish, Zigly also presented few special award and trophies at IHPD. The ‘Influencer of the Year’ awards recognised pet influencers for creating the most engaging content, while the ‘Influencer of Empathy’ awards honoured those who made significant contributions in Animal welfare. Further, to celebrate the unique bonds between pet and their human, Zigly also presented ‘Pets Got Talent’ award, showcasing some amazing and unique abilities of participating pets.

 

Keeping true to the genesis of Zigly, 100% of the proceeds from the event’s ticket sales were donated to Zigly Foundation, demonstrating the company’s dedication to support the broader animal welfare and supporting various NGOs associated with the foundation. This year, Rs 3 lakhs was raised during the event, which will enhance the foundation’s work to raise awareness about pet and animal rights, conduct pet adoption drive and support various animal shelters.

 

The positive reception to IHPD 2025 continues to strengthen Zigly’s position as a comprehensive petcare company in India. Initiatives such as Zigly Coins and Happy Pet Index launched during the inaugural IHPD, highlights the brand’s innovative service and creating community-driven experiences that enhance the lives of pets and their parents.

 

About Zigly:

Zigly is a leading omnichannel platform for pet care, offering comprehensive veterinary care, best-in-class pet spa and grooming services, pet fashion, pet food, and more. With multiple experience centers across India, including Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, and Dehradun, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Ludhiana Zigly is expanding its physical presence by opening new stores in other major cities. As a direct-to-consumer (D2C) pet care brand under the umbrella of Cosmo First, Zigly is committed to providing innovative solutions for pet owners. Visit your nearest Zigly Experience center, log on to www.zigly.com, or download the Zigly App to discover the Zigly experience today.

 

About Cosmo First Limited:

Founded in 1981, Cosmo First is a multinational conglomerate and global leader in specialty films, with five major business verticals and operations in over 100 countries. Its portfolio spans flexible packaging, lamination, labelling and specialty films (Cosmo Films), specialty chemicals (Cosmo Speciality Chemicals), rigid packaging (Cosmo Plastech), window films (Cosmo Sunshield), automotive paint protection films (Cosmo PPF), and digital-first omni channel pet care (Zigly), supported by a legacy of innovation and industry leadership.

MIA By Tanishq Hosts An Exclusive Evening To Honour Its Valued Customers In Bengaluru


Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, hosted the Mia Runway Star event at Hotel Sterling Mac, Domlur, Bengaluru, reaffirming its commitment to the city’s vibrant customer base. The event, attended by valued customers and Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharjee, Head of Retail, Mia by Tanishq, celebrated the brand’s strong connection with its customers.

Bengaluru represents a strategic market for Mia by Tanishq, with its discerning Gen Z and millennial audience and a cosmopolitan culture that aligns seamlessly with the brand’s ethos. The city’s youthful energy, contemporary fashion sensibilities, and appreciation for innovative jewellery design mark it as a crucial market for Mia’s growth in South India. As the festivities and wedding season approach, the brand is poised to cater to the evolving tastes of Bengaluru’s consumers. The city’s preference for chic, lightweight jewellery that combines elegance with everyday practicality is reflected in the brand’s versatile offerings, crafted with an international design approach. The event showcased Mia’s readiness to meet these demands with collections that transition effortlessly from festive celebrations to daily wear, reinforcing its role as the preferred jeweller for modern urban lifestyles.

 

The event served as an all-in-one destination for the customers from Bengaluru to experience Mia’s latest signature collections alongside other members of the Mia community. Customers adorned themselves in Mia jewellery and walked the ramp, embodying the true spirit of Mia women – confident, fashionable, and proud of their individuality. This was complemented by a product showcase of statement pieces over the 2nd and 3rd of August. Over the years, the brand’s design language has evolved for young women who are independent and self-expressive. With consumers at the heart of its design philosophy, the brand exhibited a wide range of jewellery — from minimal to glamorous and geometric to fluid designs — underscoring its commitment to meet every style and occasion.

 

Speaking on the event, Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharjee, Head of Retail, Mia by Tanishq, said “We are thrilled to bring the Mia Runway Star event to Bengaluru, one of our most important markets. Our customers lie at the very heart of Mia by Tanishq, and this event exemplifies our unwavering commitment to creating not only exquisite jewellery, but also unforgettable experiences. Watching our customers take to the runway with such confidence and flair, while adorned in Mia’s signature designs, truly highlights the strong connection we share with them. As we continue to strengthen our presence here, our goal is to be the preferred fine jewellery brand in the city. Bengaluru’s discerning customers appreciate jewellery that beautifully marries versatility with modern style, and we are proud to be part of their evolving journey of self-expression.”

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