TATA Group

TATA Group is shifting towards green businesses and semiconductor manufacturing to secure its future, as stated by chairman N Chandrasekaran. This involves closing blast furnaces at Tata Steel's UK unit, resulting in 2,500 job cuts. Emphasizing financial fitness over growth, Chandrasekaran aims for Air India to become more competitive by 2026.

TATA Group and Analog Devices have partnered to explore semiconductor manufacturing opportunities in India. This collaboration aligns with the Indian government's efforts to boost electronics manufacturing.

Over the past 25 years, the Oval Maidan in South Mumbai has been revitalized from a neglected space to a well-maintained public ground. Spearheaded by local residents and organizations, the restoration included landscaping and infrastructure improvements. Today, it serves as an essential recreational area for thousands of people daily.

Air India's ongoing punctuality problems are causing significant inconvenience for passengers on international routes. Since rejoining the TATA Group in 2022, the airline has struggled with engineering and maintenance issues. Vistara, known for better punctuality, is set to merge with Air India on November 12. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has intervened following multiple long delays.

Since TATA Group's acquisition of Air India two years ago, the airline has made notable progress under its 'Vihaan' revival program. Losses have been cut significantly, new routes have been introduced, and a younger workforce has been hired. However, passengers are still concerned about outdated aircraft cabins and punctuality issues. CEO Campbell Wilson assures that improvements are on the way.

Air India issued a $6,300 refund to Anip Patel for his unsatisfactory first-class experience on a Chicago-Delhi flight. He highlighted dirty seats, malfunctioning inflight entertainment, and limited food choices in a viral video. The airline is undergoing a $400-million renovation of its fleet, aiming for completion by mid-2025.

Analog Devices has entered into an agreement with TATA Group for the production of semiconductor products in India. Tata Electronics plans to invest $14 billion to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat and a chip-assembly and testing facility in Assam. The collaboration includes using ADI's products in Tata Motors' electric vehicles and Tejas Networks' telecom infrastructure.

Bigbasket, owned by TATA Group, is entering the electronics market through a partnership with Croma. Starting September 20 at 8 AM, customers in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai can order the latest iPhone 16 models for delivery within just 10 minutes.

Anirudh Devgan, CEO of Cadence Design, emphasizes India's strides in the semiconductor sector. He recommends prioritizing incentives for product companies creating intellectual property within India over manufacturing investments alone. This approach is expected to generate greater wealth and employment opportunities by harnessing India's existing chip design talent for both local and global markets.

Air India has launched a $400-million refurbishment program for its fleet of 27 Airbus A320neos and 40 Boeing widebody aircraft. The initiative will introduce new seats, carpets, curtains, and modern cabins. The first upgraded A320 is anticipated to resume commercial service by December 2024 following necessary regulatory approvals.

TATA Group's Taj Hotels has achieved a market cap of Rs 1 lakh crore, marking it as the first Indian hospitality company to reach this milestone. The post-Covid travel surge is driving this growth, particularly through domestic tourism. IndiGo also reached a significant market cap last June, indicating strong recovery in the travel sector.

Quick commerce companies such as Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Big Basket are joining forces with FMCG giants like Parle, Mondelez, and ITC for the first time this festive season. They plan to offer special packs and promotions while boosting inventory by up to 60%. The collaboration aims to capture a larger share of the festive gifting market.

TATA Group's Air India Express will merge with AirAsia India on October 1, 2024, reshaping India's low-cost carrier market. The combined entity will start with 84 aircraft and expand to 100 by year-end. This strategic move aims to enhance service quality and competitiveness in the fast-growing aviation industry.

Air India has reduced its losses by 60 per cent to Rs 4,444.10 crore in FY24 compared to Rs 11,387.96 crore in FY23. The airline's turnover increased by 23.69 per cent to Rs 38,812 crore during the same period. TATA Group is merging AirAsia India with Air India Express and Vistara with Air India.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran's compensation rose by 20% to Rs 135 crore in FY24, making him India's highest-paid professional chief. CFO Saurabh Agrawal earned Rs 30 crore. TCS CEO K Krithivasan and IHCL head Puneet Chhatwal had remunerations of Rs 25 crore and Rs 19 crore, respectively. Several other TATA Group CEOs also saw significant earnings.

Tata Sons repaid over Rs 20,000 crore in debt and surrendered its RBI registration to remain unlisted. The market value of its listed investments increased by 35.7% in FY24. It sold shares in TCS, reducing its stake, and received significant dividends from several listed companies, including TCS, Tata Motors, and Tata Steel.

Vistara will merge into Air India on November 12, 2024, as TATA Group moves closer to its vision of a world-class airline with Singapore Airlines. Bookings with Vistara will be redirected to Air India's website, and frequent flyer miles will be merged. Reservations will convert to Air India flight numbers from September in phases.

Indian online grocer Zepto’s valuation has risen to $5 billion after a funding round led by General Catalyst Partners, with new investors Dragon Fund and Epiq Capital. Existing backers, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, also increased their stakes. Zepto plans to double its warehouses by March 2025 and is preparing to go public.