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Friday, August 28, 2026 12:27 AM

TATA Group

N Chandrasekaran to Step Down as Tata Sons Chairman After Term Ends

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, has announced that he will not seek another term when his current tenure ends in February 2027, bringing uncertainty over the future leadership of one of India’s largest business conglomerates. The 63-year-old executive said the decision followed the Tata Sons board’s failure to reach unanimous agreement on a proposed five-year extension. The proposal was first discussed in February, but no consensus was reached even after six months. The announcement triggered a sharp reaction in the stock market, with shares of several listed Tata Group companies falling, while investors assessed the potential implications for the conglomerate, which has interests ranging from Air India and Tata Steel to Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Consultancy Services. Chandrasekaran’s decision comes amid reported differences within the Tata Group’s governance structure. Tata Trusts, the charitable arm of the group, holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons and has three nominees on its board. Reports have pointed to disagreements over board appointments, funding decisions and the potential public listing of Tata Sons. The leadership uncertainty comes as the group navigates several major business priorities, including the ongoing turnaround of Air India, which Tata Group acquired from the Indian government in 2022, as well as other large strategic projects. Chandrasekaran said that with several critical initiatives underway, establishing clarity over leadership beyond February 2027 was important for employees, investors, business partners and other stakeholders. He became Tata Group chairman in 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry following Mistry’s controversial removal and the subsequent legal dispute. Prior to taking charge of the group, Chandrasekaran served as CEO and managing director of Tata Consultancy Services, where he had built a long career after joining the Tata Group in 1987. Market analyst Ambareesh Baliga said the departure of a leader of Chandrasekaran’s stature was bound to weigh on investor sentiment. However, he noted that the group has around six months to identify a successor and suggested that the next chairman could potentially emerge from within the Tata Group. Source: BBC

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Rajnath Singh Highlights Economic Strength as Key Driver of India’s Defence Growth at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the critical connection between economic strength and national security, stating that a strong economy is the backbone of a nation’s defence capabilities. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, he said India’s growing industrial capacity is paving the way for greater self-reliance in the defence sector. Highlighting Gujarat’s industrial potential, Singh expressed confidence that the state is well-positioned to become a global centre for defence manufacturing, driven by its expanding footprint in sectors such as chemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, and renewable energy. He pointed to India’s remarkable progress in indigenous defence production, noting that the country’s domestic defence manufacturing output has risen sharply from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.78 lakh crore today, reflecting the government’s continued push towards strengthening the country’s self-sufficiency in strategic sectors. Singh also highlighted Vadodara’s growing significance in India’s aerospace ecosystem, mentioning the establishment of the country’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility, where Tata Group and Airbus are jointly producing the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft — a milestone development for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that agreements worth ₹3.34 lakh crore were signed during the two-day summit. These investments are expected to create over 1.97 lakh employment opportunities, providing a major boost to the region’s economic growth and industrial development in the near future. Source: News on AIR

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BigBasket Appoints Ex-Amazon Executive Amit Nanda as New CEO to Drive Quick Commerce Expansion

Tata-backed online grocery platform BigBasket has named Amit Nanda, a former senior leader at Amazon India, as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership transition as the company sharpens its focus on the booming quick-commerce segment. He succeeds co-founder Hari Menon, who will continue contributing as a board member. Having spent over 11 years at Amazon India in various leadership positions, Nanda is set to spearhead BigBasket’s next phase of growth and strengthen its competitiveness in rapid delivery services. The appointment follows the recent elevation of Seshu Kumar Tirumala as Chief Operating Officer. The leadership reshuffle comes amid intense competition in India’s rapidly expanding $11.5 billion quick-commerce market, where players like Instamart, Blinkit, Amazon Now, Flipkart Minutes, JioMart, and Zepto are racing to capture market share. BigBasket had earlier announced plans to expand its 10-minute food delivery service across India by the end of FY2026. Source: Reuters  

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Tata Sons Chairman Urges Air India Staff to Tighten Costs and Elevate Service Standards

In a candid address to employees, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, called on the workforce of Air India to prioritise cost efficiency, enhance service quality, and remain grounded amid ongoing industry challenges. Speaking at a town hall held at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram, Chandrasekaran acknowledged that while Air India has built a strong foundation for future growth, the aviation sector is currently navigating a difficult phase. He emphasised that despite a promising outlook, the present situation demands disciplined execution and a sharp focus on controllable factors. Reaffirming the group’s unwavering support, he stated that the Air India Board remains fully committed to the airline and will continue to collaborate closely with its leadership team. He urged employees to concentrate on improving operational efficiency, managing costs with precision, and maintaining a realistic perspective on the challenges ahead. The address comes shortly after the resignation of Campbell Wilson, who stepped down on April 7, well before completing his five-year term that was scheduled to run until July next year. His exit has added to the transitional phase the airline is currently undergoing. Despite these developments, Chandrasekaran praised Air India employees for their resilience, noting that they have demonstrated remarkable tenacity in navigating a “perfect storm” of challenges. He encouraged the team to continue with the same determination as the airline works towards stabilisation and long-term growth. Source: PTI

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Air India Raises Retirement Age for Pilots to 65, Non-Flying Staff to 60

In a major policy shift, Air India has decided to increase the retirement age for its pilots from 58 to 65 years and for non-flying employees from 58 to 60 years, according to sources. The announcement was reportedly made during a townhall meeting addressed by CEO and MD Campbell Wilson. This move aligns Air India’s superannuation norms with those of its erstwhile subsidiary Vistara, which merged with the airline in November 2024. Currently, Air India employs around 24,000 people, including approximately 3,600 pilots and 9,500 cabin crew. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) already permits commercial pilots to fly until 65, most Air India pilots had their contracts extended beyond 58 on an individual basis. It remains unclear whether the retirement age for cabin crew — presently 58 years — will also be revised. The decision follows a period in which several pilots and cabin crew members resigned, and during the merger process, differences in retirement policies between Air India and Vistara had sparked dissatisfaction among a section of staff. Source: PTI

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TCS to Lay Off Over 12,000 Employees Amid AI Disruption and Economic Pressures

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In a landmark decision, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services provider and the crown jewel of the Tata Group, is set to let go of 12,261 employees — nearly 2% of its global workforce — making it the biggest layoff in the company’s history. The move comes as TCS navigates a rapidly evolving technology landscape marked by AI-driven disruption, weakening demand, and global economic headwinds. The company, which had a workforce of over 610,000 as of June, is restructuring to align with new business realities. Historically, workforce reduction at TCS has been modest — for instance, in FY15, the firm cut about 3,000 jobs, roughly 1% of its employee base. This latest wave of layoffs will largely impact mid- to senior-level professionals, particularly those who cannot be transitioned into new roles within the organization. The restructuring signals a major pivot for TCS, as it intensifies its focus on automation and AI to remain competitive in an increasingly margin-sensitive market. “This transformation is about preparing TCS for the future,” CEO K Krithivasan noted in an internal communication. “While such changes are essential for our continued growth, we recognize the challenges it brings to our colleagues. We deeply appreciate their contributions and will support them through this transition.” Analysts say the decision reflects a broader industry trend. Phil Fersht, CEO of HfS Research, highlighted that AI is significantly disrupting the traditional, manpower-heavy IT services model. Clients are also pushing for steep cost reductions — sometimes as much as 20-30% — compelling firms like TCS to reevaluate their cost structures. The trend isn’t isolated to TCS. Other Tata Group companies such as Tata Motors and Tata Steel have also undertaken job cuts in recent years to streamline operations and boost profitability. In 2019, Tata Steel cut 3,000 positions in its European business. This move by TCS underscores the shifting priorities within the IT industry, where future-readiness increasingly hinges on agility, automation, and leaner operations. Source: Economic Times

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Tata Steel Sets Ambitious Goal: 20% Diverse Workforce by 2028

Marking a decade since the inception of its flagship diversity and inclusion programme, MOSAIC, Tata Steel has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive workplace by announcing a target to achieve 20% workforce diversity across the group by 2028. This announcement aligns with the company’s broader vision of challenging gender norms and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Tata Steel emphasized that its approach to diversity is not just policy-driven but deeply ingrained in its organisational ethos, aiming to foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Through progressive human resource policies, the steel major has created a support system that includes gender-neutral parental leave, equal benefits for LGBTQIA+ partners, assistance during gender transition, and inclusive relocation and travel policies — reflecting its commitment to a truly equitable workplace. MOSAIC, which was launched in 2015, serves as the cornerstone of this vision. Built on five strategic pillars — recruitment, sensitisation, retention & development, infrastructure, and celebration — the initiative is designed to cater to the unique needs of underrepresented groups such as women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and communities benefiting from affirmative action. “Tata Steel’s people-first philosophy has been a defining force in our journey for more than 100 years,” said Atrayee Sanyal, Chief People Officer at Tata Steel. “We believe diversity fuels innovation, and we remain committed to building a workplace that not only accepts but celebrates individuality.” Over the years, MOSAIC has been instrumental in introducing several pioneering initiatives. From the launch of the Women of Mettle scholarship in 2017 and Women@Mines programme in 2019 to the integration of transgender HEMM operators in 2021, the company has continuously pushed the envelope on inclusion. More recent milestones include the Ananta Quest for students with disabilities in 2023 and the induction of the first female firefighter trainees. In a groundbreaking move in 2024, Tata Steel also launched India’s first all-women mining shift at its Noamundi facility. These efforts reflect Tata Steel’s sustained drive to dismantle stereotypes and embed inclusivity into the fabric of its day-to-day operations, ensuring that every employee, regardless of identity or background, has the opportunity to grow and thrive. Source: PTI  

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Air India-Vistara Merger Finalized; New Entity to Operate Over 5,600 Weekly Flights

Air India has announced the completion of its merger with Vistara, creating a unified full-service airline that will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights across more than 90 destinations. This merger is a significant milestone for India’s aviation industry, strengthening Air India’s domestic and international presence with services on 103 domestic and 71 international routes. The integration grants Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stake in the expanded Air India. This move comes on the heels of the October 1, 2024, merger of Air India’s low-cost carriers, Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), marking the completion of Air India Group’s restructuring post-privatization. “This merger represents the end of our restructuring and consolidation phase,” remarked Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, who acknowledged the extensive planning and teamwork that ensured a seamless transition for customers. As part of the integration, Vistara’s final flight departed from Delhi to Singapore, marking the end of its nearly decade-long journey as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. The new entity’s inaugural international flight, designated ‘AI2286,’ traveled from Doha to Mumbai, while the first domestic flight, ‘AI2984,’ linked Mumbai and Delhi. To streamline booking, former Vistara flights are now identified with the code ‘AI2XXX’ under Air India’s operations. Initially announced in November 2022, the merger follows Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022. With Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect, the conglomerate now controls a 29% share of India’s domestic market as of September, signifying Tata’s growing influence in reshaping Indian aviation. Source: Business Times Photo Credit: Business Times

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Air India Pilots Frustrated Ahead of Vistara Merger Over Retirement Age Discrepancy

As Tata Group prepares to merge Air India and Vistara, a growing number of Air India pilots are reportedly dissatisfied due to differences in retirement age policies between the two airlines. While Air India mandates a retirement age of 58 for its pilots and other staff, Vistara allows its pilots to work until 60. This disparity has raised concerns about equal treatment for employees within the merged entity, as the management has yet to address this issue. The merger, set for completion on November 11, is part of Tata Group’s strategic move to consolidate its aviation interests. Although efforts were made to align salary structures and working conditions for employees across both airlines, sources say the retirement age discrepancy remains unresolved, leaving Air India pilots feeling at a disadvantage. “Air India pilots are losing out on two years of service compared to their Vistara counterparts, and with no clear resolution in sight, frustration is mounting,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous. Under India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, pilots are eligible to work up to the age of 65, providing airlines flexibility in setting retirement ages. In response to growing concerns, Air India introduced a policy in August allowing retired pilots to be re-employed on contract for up to five years, with the option of extension until 65. However, employees argue that this solution does not address the underlying disparity between the airlines. The retirement age difference adds to an existing sense of inequity, as some Air India pilots have reportedly found themselves ranked lower in the seniority list compared to less-experienced Vistara pilots in the unified seniority structure. Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022 aimed to streamline operations, but these unresolved issues underscore the complexities of integrating two established airlines with differing policies and cultures. As the merger approaches, Air India pilots hope for a resolution that ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all employees within the combined entity. Source: thehindubusinessline Photo Credit: thehindubusinessline

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Ratan Tata, Visionary Leader and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 86

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Ratan Tata, the esteemed former chairman of the Tata Group and one of India’s most beloved business icons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. Tata had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for age-related health conditions, including blood pressure complications. Despite rumors about his deteriorating health over the past week, his passing has left the nation mourning a towering figure in Indian industry and philanthropy. Known for his leadership and integrity, Ratan Tata transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse after taking over as chairman in 1991. Under his guidance, the group made bold international acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus Steel, firmly establishing India’s presence in the global business landscape. His leadership not only expanded the Tata Group but also brought international attention to India’s economic potential. Beyond business, Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy, contributing to education, healthcare, and rural development through the Tata Trusts. His quiet demeanor and humility endeared him to millions. Despite his immense success, he led a modest life, avoiding the lavish lifestyle associated with billionaires. Tata received numerous honors throughout his life, including India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. His philanthropic efforts and contributions to society earned him further accolades, including the Assam Baibhav in 2021 for advancing cancer care in Assam. Prime Minister of India shared condolence over the loss saying “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.” Alongside, President of India has tweeted a message saying “In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.” As the nation mourns his passing, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, calling him a “Titan of the Indian industry” and a visionary who left an indelible mark on India’s economy and society. Ratan Tata’s legacy as a business leader and philanthropist will continue to inspire generations to come. The country unites in grief, with heartfelt tributes and condolences flooding in from across the spectrum – business tycoons, political dignitaries, and ordinary citizens alike – to celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of Shri Ratan Tata. India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mANuvwX8wV — Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 9, 2024 It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with… — Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) October 9, 2024 My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply… — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024 Ratan Tata: the man who made India proud. His legacy remains in posterity. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Sk414lTjKW — Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) October 9, 2024 I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.… pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTs — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024 Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment… pic.twitter.com/TJOp8skXCo — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 9, 2024 The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation. Was my privilege to have interacted with him on numerous occasions. And benefitted from his vision and insights.… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2024 I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Ratan Tata Ji, a proud son of the nation. Over three decades, I was privileged to have a deeply personal and close family relationship with him, where I witnessed his humility, simplicity, and genuine respect for everyone, regardless of… — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 9, 2024

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