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On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, Bandhan Bank announced a reduction in the Monthly Average Balance (MAB) requirement for its Standard Savings Account, reaffirming its focus on inclusive and customer-friendly banking. The bank said the MAB has been lowered from ₹5,000 to ₹2,000, with effect from February 1, 2026, while all existing product features and benefits will remain unchanged. The move is aimed at making formal banking more affordable and accessible, particularly for customers in semi-urban and rural areas. By easing the balance requirement, the bank hopes to reduce financial pressure on account holders and allow more individuals…

As the Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has called for a long-term, reform-driven economic strategy to steer India through what he described as “extremely dangerous times.” Speaking ahead of the February 1 budget, Rajan said fiscal planning must go beyond annual targets and focus on building resilience, reducing vulnerabilities and sustaining growth.He stressed that the budget should be aligned with a broader vision that makes India more independent yet globally attractive, warning against excessive reliance on a few markets or entities. Rajan highlighted opportunities and risks from technologies such as artificial intelligence and underlined the need…

The US Dollar index recorded its sharpest one-day fall since April last year, when President Donald Trump’s tariff-related comments unsettled markets, slipping to levels last seen in February 2022. Trump remarked that he preferred the currency to find its own natural level, calling it a fair approach, but also suggested he had the ability to influence its direction. “I could make it rise or fall like a yo-yo,” he said, implying possible intervention. The decline in the Dollar on Tuesday occurred despite factors that typically support the currency, including rising government bond yields and strong expectations that the Federal Open…

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, a special smartphone designed exclusively for athletes competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Samsung will provide the device to nearly 3,800 Olympians and Paralympians from around 90 countries to support them throughout their Games journey, from life in the Olympic Village to medal celebrations. The Olympic Edition device will play a key role during official podium moments through the Victory Selfie, which will make its Winter Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. For the first time,…

Tata AIA Life Insurance has enhanced its long-term savings plan, Fortune Guarantee Supreme, to make disciplined saving easier and more affordable for customers facing rising household expenses and changing financial priorities. The enhanced plan introduces a ‘Premium Offset’ feature, under which policyholders need to pay premiums only for the first six years of a 12-year premium-paying term. The income benefit offered by the insurer can be used to offset the remaining six premiums, reducing the out-of-pocket burden and helping customers stay invested for the long term. The plan also offers a guaranteed income option known as the ‘Power of 6’,…

Axis Mutual Fund on Thursday announced the launch of the Axis BSE India Sector Leaders Index Fund, an open-ended index fund that will track the BSE India Sector Leaders Index. The new fund offer (NFO) will open for subscription on January 23, 2026, and close on February 6, 2026. The fund will be managed by Karthik Kumar and is available with a minimum investment of ₹100. It aims to provide a long-term wealth creation option by offering broad exposure to India’s leading companies across sectors. The scheme will invest in the top three companies from each of the 21 sectors…