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Singapore Airlines will make an additional investment of Rs 3,194.5 crore in Tata Group-owned Air India post-merger of Vistara in November. The merger, announced on November 29, 2022, and set to be completed on November 11, 2024, will result in Singapore Airlines having a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India. Full-service carrier Vistara, which started flying on January 9, 2015, is a joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines, where the latter holds a 49% shareholding. Vistara's last flight will take off tomorrow i.e. November 11, 2024. Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group on Friday said its consideration for the merger comprises the 49% interest in Vistara and Rs 20,585 million (Rs 2,058.5 crore) in cash in exchange for a 25.1% equity interest in the enlarged Air India. Post-merger, SIA expects to recognize a non-cash accounting gain of around 1.1 billion Singapore dollars and also start equity accounting for its share of Air India's financial results. According to a release on Friday, the merger includes an agreement for SIA to contribute its share of any funding previously provided by Tata prior to the completion of the merger, together with relevant funding costs up to Rs 5,020 crore that would allow it to maintain a 25.1% stake in Air India. "SIA's additional capital injection is expected to be Rs 31,945 million (equivalent to SGD 498 million), based on Tata's funding to Air India to date. This will occur after the completion of the merger and within November 2024 through subscription to new Air India shares. "Future capital injections will be considered based on Air India's requirements and available funding options," according to the release issued while announcing the airline's financial performance for the six months ended September 2024. The merger of Vistara with Air India will mark a major consolidation in the fast-growing Indian aviation space. SIA said the merged entity will have a significant presence across all key Indian air travel segments, including domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost operations. "This will strengthen SIA's multi-hub strategy, allowing it to continue participating directly in India's large and fast-growing aviation market," it added. Recently, Air India and SIA agreed to significantly expand their codeshare agreement, adding 11 Indian cities and another 40 international destinations to their network.

Singapore Airlines to invest additional Rs 3,195 cr in Air India post-Vistara merger

<keyword id="19923231" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India Express" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Air India Express">Air India Express</keyword>, part of the <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword>, is set to reconfigure its aircraft starting in April 2025 and will be focusing solely on <keyword id="23932064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economy-class-seating" source="keywords">economy class seating</keyword>, a PTI report says. This follows the merger of AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) with Air India Express on October 1, marking a major step in Tata’s broader consolidation of its airline operations. Currently operating a fleet of 90 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and A320s, Air India Express has plans to expand its reach, particularly to smaller cities and towns. The airline aims to simplify its fleet by eliminating <keyword id="21350335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="business-class" source="keywords">business class</keyword> seats, opting instead for a uniform economy layout across its narrow-body planes. The decision comes as the airline faces supply chain challenges that have delayed the delivery of new aircraft. To bridge the gap, it has already inducted 35 white-tail Boeing 737-8 planes, with plans to add 15 more in the coming months. White-tail aircraft are planes originally manufactured for other carriers and later repurposed by Air India Express. These planes, often with varying business class configurations, will be reconfigured to fit the airline’s new model. The PTI report adds that by eliminating business class, the airline aims to better serve its core market—connecting <keyword id="20567886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tier-2-and-Tier-3-cities" source="keywords">Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities</keyword> with major metropolitan hubs, while expanding its international network. In addition to strengthening its domestic routes, Air India Express plans to focus on regional international flights, particularly to destinations in the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and eventually South Asia. Air India Express’ network strategy is closely aligned with that of the larger Tata Group’s airline portfolio, which includes Air India, Vistara, and the recently merged AIX Connect. As part of this consolidation, Air India Express aims to meet growing demand for affordable travel between smaller towns and metros, a market segment identified as a key growth area. The move towards an economy-only fleet reflects broader industry trends, with many <keyword id="20314404" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="low-cost-carriers" source="keywords">low-cost carriers</keyword> focusing on streamlining operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Air India Express plans to increase its fleet to over 110 aircraft by the end of the financial year, with further additions expected in the future. (with PTI inputs)

Air India Express to bid adieu to business class seats next year, will turn into economy only airlines

Singapore: <keyword id="20036942" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Singapore-Airlines" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Singapore Airlines" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Singapore Airlines">Singapore Airlines</keyword> on Friday said it has received approval from the Indian government for the foreign direct investment as part of the proposed merger of <keyword id="20018887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vistara" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vistara" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Vistara">Vistara</keyword> with <keyword id="19896871" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Air India">Air India</keyword>, a deal that will create one of the world's largest airline groups. With the clearance in place, the merger that will see Singapore Airlines acquiring a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The proposed merger was announced in November 2022. Air India is owned by <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> and Vistara is a 51:49 joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines. In a regulatory filing on Friday, Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it has received approval from the Government of India for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the enlarged Air India as part of the proposed merger. "The FDI approval, together with anti-trust and merger control clearances and approvals, as well as other governmental and <keyword id="19941849" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="regulatory-approvals" source="keywords">regulatory approvals</keyword> received to-date, represent a significant development towards the completion of the proposed merger," the airline said in the filing to the Singapore Stock Exchange. The airline also said the completion of the merger continues to be subject to compliance by the parties with applicable Indian laws, which is currently expected to be completed in the next few months. "At this juncture, completion of the proposed merger is anticipated to occur by the end of 2024," it added. According to Singapore Airlines, the parties are in discussions to extend the long stop date for the completion of the merger. Earlier, it was expected to be October 31, 2024. The merger, which will create one of the biggest airline groups, was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in June. In March, Singapore's competition regulator CCCS gave a conditional nod for the proposed deal. Prior to that in September 2023, the deal received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), subject to certain conditions. "SIA will make the necessary announcement(s) upon completion of the proposed merger or in the event that there are other significant developments," the filing said on Friday.

Singapore Airlines gets FDI nod from Indian govt for Vistara-Air India merger

<keyword id="20018887" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vistara" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vistara" meta.hostid="346" meta.entityid="Vistara">Vistara</keyword> will operate the last flight under its brand on November 11 and the full-service carrier's operations will be unified with <keyword id="19896871" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India" meta.hostid="346" meta.entityid="Air India">Air India</keyword> from November 12. The government has given its nod for the foreign direct investment by <keyword id="20036942" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore-Airlines" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Singapore Airlines" meta.hostid="346" meta.entityid="Singapore Airlines">Singapore Airlines</keyword> as part of the Air India-Vistara <keyword id="20035800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="merger" source="keywords">merger</keyword>. Vistara is a joint venture between <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="346" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> and Singapore Airlines. Air India is owned by Tata Group. "Starting 03 September 2024, customers will, progressively, no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after 12 November 2024," Vistara said in a release on Friday. Thereafter, Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India and bookings for the routes operated by these planes will be redirected to Air India's website. "Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights as usual till 11 November 2024," the release said. The merger of Vistara with Air India was announced in November 2022 and post-completion of the deal, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan said the merger is about offering passengers more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network while elevating the overall travel experience. "Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for many months to make the transition of aircraft, flying crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, into the new Air India as seamless as possible," Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said. In a separate release, Air India welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval for the foreign direct investment by Singapore Airlines in the airline. "This is an important milestone that facilitates the merger process between Vistara and Air India, and the broader transformation of the Air India Group," it said.

Vistara to operate last flight under its brand on November 11

<keyword id="6378232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="Orion">Air India Express</keyword> has cancelled "scores of flights" due to a shortage of cabin crew members as a section of them are reporting sick to protest against alleged mismanagement at the Tata Group-owned airline, according to sources. Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself. The sources on Wednesday said several cabin crew members started reporting sick since Monday evening and as there are not enough cabin crew members, "scores of flights" have been cancelled at various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Bangalore. Late last month, a union representing a section of the Air India Express cabin crew alleged that the airline is being mismanaged and there is a lack of equality in the treatment of the staff. Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), a registered union, which claims to represent around 300 cabin crew members, mostly seniors, had also alleged that mismanagement of the affairs has affected the morale of the employees. Many passengers took to social media on Wednesday complaining about the sudden cancellation of flights. In response to a passenger's post on X about flight cancellation, Air India Express apologised and said the flight was cancelled "due to operational reasons". "As part of our service recovery process, you can either opt to reschedule the flight within the next 7 days or request a full refund through our chat bot Tia...," the airline said in a post on X. The development at Air India Express comes a month after <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> full-service carrier Vistara witnessed pilot woes, forcing it to temporarily cut down capacity by 10 per cent or 25-30 flights daily. As part of consolidating its airline business, Tata Group is merging Air India Express and AIX Connect, as well as Vistara with Air India. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank">Aadhar Housing Finance IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank">Top-selling cars in India in April 2024 – Tata Punch continues to dominate</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank">Worldwide tablet shipments grow in Q1 2024 after two years of decline</a>

Air India Express cancels flights due to cabin crew shortage: Sources

If you woke up in <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword> recently, you might have noticed more than just the nip in the air – a thick, toxic smog has blanketed the city, turning the air almost unbreathable. On Monday, Delhi’s <keyword id="19920379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality-index" source="keywords">Air Quality Index</keyword> (<keyword id="19916482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aqi" source="keywords">AQI</keyword>) hit 481, placing it in the "severe plus" category. For context, the “severe” category begins at an AQI of 401, and anything above 450 poses serious health risks even for healthy individuals. According to Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings, Delhi is currently the most polluted city in the world, with an air quality score of 1,081 – a “hazardous” level that is 130.9 times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit for PM2.5. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Major contributors to Delhi’s smog</h3>The root causes of Delhi’s pollution are manifold: <ul><li>Stubble Burning: On Saturday, crop residue burning contributed 25% of Delhi’s air pollution. By Sunday, this figure had climbed to 40%, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research). Satellites recorded 1,334 stubble-burning incidents in six northern states on Sunday alone, the highest number in four days.</li><li>Vehicles: On Sunday, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8% of the city’s pollution, according to the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management.</li><li>Construction Dust and Industrial Emissions: PM2.5, a deadly pollutant, remains the most prominent factor, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and leading to severe respiratory and cardiac diseases.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;"><keyword id="24020184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GRAP-Stage-4" source="keywords">GRAP Stage 4</keyword></h3>To combat the rising pollution levels, authorities have enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Here’s a breakdown of the restrictions: <ul><li>Vehicle Restrictions:</li><ul><li>Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) registered in Delhi are banned unless carrying essential goods.</li><li>Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi can only enter if they use CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric.</li><li>Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred unless they use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. </li></ul><li>Workplace and School Adjustments:</li><ul><li>Classes for students in grades 6 to 9 and class 11 have moved online.</li><li>Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) are advised to work at 50% capacity, with the rest operating remotely. </li></ul><li>Construction Ban: </li><ul><li>Construction and demolition (C&amp;D) activities have been halted, including large projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines. </li></ul></ul>Out of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, 32 reported AQI levels above 400 on Monday. Visibility in parts of the city dropped to just 100 metres due to the thick smog. The health implications of these numbers are alarming. <keyword id="20118319" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5-levels" source="keywords">PM2.5 levels</keyword> in Delhi were recorded at 130.9 times the safe limit set by the WHO. According to experts, long-term exposure to such air quality could lead to an 11% increase in premature mortality rates due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that Delhi residents may lose an average of 10 years of life expectancy if pollution levels persist. Despite the restrictions, life in Delhi continues under a cloud of smog. Iconic landmarks like India Gate have become barely visible through the haze. While flights and trains are operational, some delays have been reported.

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions take effect as air quality in Delhi deteriorates; PM2.5 levels 130 times higher than WHO limits

Billionaire <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>'s Reliance Industries and <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> have made it to the prestigious TIME's list of 100 World's Most Influential Companies of 2024. TIME called Reliance 'India's Juggernaut'. This is the second time that Reliance has found its way into the TIME list. Jio Platforms, the firm that holds digital properties of the conglomerate, was included in the inaugural TIME 100 Most Influential Companies List of 2021. Serum Institute is the other Indian company on the list. TIME listed Reliance in the 'Titans' category (one of the five categories under which the companies were divided, other being Leaders, Disrupters, Innovators, and Pioneers). Tata was listed in 'Titan's' category while Serum under 'Pioneers'. "Reliance Industries was founded as a textile and polyester company 58 years ago by Dhirubhai Ambani. Today the sprawling conglomerate -- which has aligned its growth with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'self-reliant' India -- is the country's most valuable company, with a market capitalisation of more than USD 200 billion," TIME said. Now led by Dhirubhai's son Mukesh, the Mumbai-based company has ventures in energy, retail, and telecommunications, among others, and has made its chairman Asia's richest man, it said. The publication went on to stated that in February, Reliance came out on top in a fiercely competitive race to dominate India's burgeoning streaming market by striking a USD 8.5 billion merger deal with Disney's India business. "The deal will bring together more than 100 television channels and give the combined group around a 31 per cent share of India's streaming market compared to rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime with 8 per cent each," according to analytics firm Comscore. Reliance has revolutionised several economic sectors in the world's most populous country by making world-class products and services available at affordable prices with multiple innovations. Under Mukesh Ambani, the firm's telecom arm Jio revolutionised India's digital landscape and drove digital inclusion on an unprecedented scale with the most affordable mobile data tariffs in the world. It set up the world's largest single location refining complex. Reliance Retail is ranked among the top 100 retailers globally and in FY24 it registered 1.06 billion footfalls across its 18,800+ stores (67 per cent of which are in small towns and villages). Reliance is investing USD 10 billion in building the most comprehensive ecosystem for new energy and new materials in India and has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2035. TIME described Serum as the world's biggest vaccine maker, churning out billions of vaccines. The company makes 3.5 billion doses every year, including for measles, polio, and most recently, HPV. "Serum's CEO Adar Poonawalla says the company's success can largely be chalked up to its private ownership. Not being beholden to shareholders allows it to keep vaccine prices low (the R21 will cost USD 4 a shot)," the publication said. Tata Group, it said, was founded in 1868 and has a vast portfolio extending from steel, software, watches, subsea cables, and chemicals, to salt, grains, air-conditioners, fashion, and hotels. "But as rivals have aggressively courted new businesses, it struggled to keep up with stiff competition. In 2017, after over a century of family management, N Chandrasekaran took over as chairman despite having no personal ties to the family -- highly unusual when India's business landscape is ruled by family succession plans," TIME said. As chair, he has transformed the group by investing in tech manufacturing, AI, and semiconductor chips. In 2023, it became the first Indian company to assemble iPhones, and is building another plant, it said, adding that in September, Tata announced a partnership with Nvidia to develop an AI cloud in India. "And this year, it announced plans for the country's first major semiconductor manufacturing facility. The moves seem to be paying off: in February, Tata's combined market capitalisation reached a whopping USD 365 billion, more than the entire economy of India's neighbour and rival, Pakistan," it added. This is the fourth edition of annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, highlighting companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations across sectors, and polled its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. Then, TIME editors evaluated each on key factors, including impact, innovation, ambition, and success. The result is a diverse group of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-exit-poll-2024-what-are-they-when-will-they-be-announced-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/110565608.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-exit-poll-2024-what-are-they-when-will-they-be-announced-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/110565608.cms" target="_blank">Lok Sabha Exit Poll 2024 – what are they, when will they be announced and all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/truecaller-can-now-detect-if-the-caller-is-using-ai-how-to-use-it-to-prevent-ai-call-scams/articleshow/110556100.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/truecaller-can-now-detect-if-the-caller-is-using-ai-how-to-use-it-to-prevent-ai-call-scams/articleshow/110556100.cms" target="_blank">Truecaller can now detect if the caller is using AI – How to use it to prevent AI call scams</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/indias-t20-world-cup-team-matches-and-everything-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110551798.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/indias-t20-world-cup-team-matches-and-everything-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110551798.cms" target="_blank">India’s T20 World Cup team, matches and everything you need to know</a>

Reliance, Tata on TIME's list of world's most influential companies

Delhi continued to battle with air pollution for the 10th consecutive day post-Diwali as a dense layer of smog blanketed parts of the national capital on Sunday. Several parts of the national capital recorded very poor air quality levels on Sunday morning as per the data issued by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India). Today morning, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 351, Bawana 383, CRRI Mathura Road 323, Dwarka Sector 8 at 341, IGI Airport at 326, ITO 328, Lodhi Road 319, Mundka at 358, Najafgarh at 341, New Moti Bagh at 394, Okhla phase-2 at 339, RK Puram at 368, and Wazirpur at 366, as per SAFAR-India data. As of 5 pm on November 10, Delhi's AQI stood at 334, with Anand Vihar at 353, Dilshad Garden at 262, and Jahangirpuri at 377. For tomorrow, AQI in adjoining cities of Noida and Gurugram is forecasted to be at 208.92 and 77.51, respectively. Multiple visuals from Delhi's Kartavya Path showed the area surrounding India Gate engulfed by a layer of smog. The AQI in the area was recorded at 357 as of 7 am. High-rise buildings were also covered in smog in the Kalindi Kunj and surrounding locality, as the AQI was recorded as 323 in the area. An AQI is considered "poor" between '200 and 300', "very poor" at '301 and 400', "severe" at '401-450," and 450 and above is "severe plus." As the air pollution levels in the national capital reach "very poor," doctors say that even people with no history of respiratory diseases are suffering from breathing issues. Dr. Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant for Respiratory Critical Care at Apollo Hospital, told ANI that apart from the regular patients, those who haven't had any respiratory issues in the past are showing up with symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and having increasing difficulties breathing. As it is, respiratory illnesses in the national capital are estimated to have shot up by around 15-20%. The Apollo doctor further suggested that the government close the schools for children as they remain vulnerable. Whenever the pollution levels have gone beyond a certain limit, the government has opted to close the schools, Dr. Modi said. "For the last few years, we have been seeing that the government has taken action. Whenever this pollution level has gone beyond a certain limit, they have opted to close the schools. This is important because children are from a vulnerable group. As adults, we are masked and can protect ourselves better, but children usually are not that effectively taking these measures. Secondly, their lungs are still in developing stages, so they are bound to have more harm due to this pollution," the doctor told ANI. Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com, notes that while most standard health plans in India cover pollution-related ailments, it is always advised to also go for an OPD plan along with a health insurance plan to cover consultations, medications, and diagnostic tests that may be required frequently due to pollution. "Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and some other parts of India have shot up post Diwali. Effects of this are very evident in the form of sore throats and breathing problems, among others. This can also result in respiratory ailments and chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, and severe cases of respiratory or bronchial obstruction. Health insurance becomes critical to cover such expenses. Most policies typically cover emergency hospitalization for respiratory issues like asthma or COPD exacerbations requiring ICU or critical care," he adds.

Layer of smog covers Delhi as air quality remains 'very poor'. Here's why you need an insurance cover for this

<ul><li><keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> passengers can book on-ground train and bus connections to over 100 cities and towns with their air ticket.</li><li>Baggage allowance will remain the same even for other forms of transportation.</li><li>Travel to smaller cities will become much easier and cheaper with this agreement. </li></ul> The next time you want to visit quaint cities in Europe without airports, you may want to book a ticket on Air India to get a comprehensive itinerary. The airline, now controlled by the <keyword id="6355725" type="General" weightage="40" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="Orion">Tata group</keyword>, has entered an intermodal interline agreement with <keyword id="18493586" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="accesrail" source="Orion">AccesRail</keyword> to boost connectivity options for Air India passengers across Europe, including smaller cities without airports. Air India offers non-stop flights to major cities around the world, especially Europe, and this agreement will help passengers travel seamlessly across Europe on a single ticket. As per the agreement, Air India guests can travel on a single intermodal ticket and take seamless, on-ground train and bus connections to more than 100 cities and towns in Austria, Belgium, Germany, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and the United Kingdom via its European gateways of Amsterdam, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan, and Vienna. Passengers can enjoy the benefit of the same baggage allowance on these rail or bus operator services as offered by Air India on its own flights. Currently, intermodal tickets with Air India are available for booking through travel agents globally. The airline also plans to extend the facility to its own sales channels progressively. Explaining the benefit of this agreement, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial &amp; Transformation Officer at Air India, said: “The expansion of our global network is one of our key priorities in the ongoing, comprehensive transformation of Air India. This partnership with AccesRail not only helps us to provide our guests easy access to an extended network of destinations across Europe, but also to bridge the gaps in connectivity between India and Europe. Augmenting our network with an intermodal approach also underlines our commitment to environmental sustainability.” AccesRail is an IATA travel partner with its own designator code (9B), thus making intermodal journeys on a single ticket possible. AccesRail’s extensive network of rail and bus operators for Air India include Avanti West Coast (UK), Great Western Railways (UK), London North Eastern Railways (UK), National Express (UK), Trenitalia (Italy), ÖBB Austrian Railways (Austria), SNCB Belgian Railways, and Thalys (Netherlands/Belgium). Andrew Popescu, Vice President Business Development, AccesRail, said, “We are excited to be launching our Air India-AccesRail cooperation and look forward to continuing with Air India on a global scale with so many of our intermodal rail and coach partners. Through this enhanced AccesRail partnership, Air India will be able, now and in the future, to offer its customers more destinations and more possibilities in a more seamless fashion.” Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

Now Air India can help you fly to quaint European cities without an airport even

<ul><li><keyword id="19971142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ford" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ford" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ford">Ford</keyword> is all set to make a return to India, with eyes on the international market.</li><li>The company plans on repurposing its Chennai plant to manufacture vehicles for export.</li><li>The company has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government.</li></ul>After several reports about its return to India, popular American automaker Ford has expressed its intent to restart operations at its plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Ford is well known for its popular SUVs such as the Endeavour and EcoSport. Ford had exited the Indian market in 2021 due to declining sales. The company, which had two plants in the country had sold one to Indian automaker <keyword id="19906967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Motors" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Motors" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Motors">Tata Motors</keyword> and planned a shutdown of the second plant. However, it could not wind down its vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the targeted timeline of the second quarter of 2022. The company on Friday submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government, confirming its intention to utilise the Chennai plant for manufacturing for exports. "This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets," Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart said. “We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Tamil Nadu Government as we explored different options for the Chennai plant,” Hart added. The company said the strategic move will see the facility repurposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets, as part of the company's Ford+ growth plan. “Ford currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500 to 3,000 jobs within the next three years”, it added. "Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Ford's second-largest salaried workforce worldwide," the company said. The company said that further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed later. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/western-carriers-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/113312196.cms">Western Carriers IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/pn-gadgil-jewellers-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/113302533.cms">PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-16-pro-is-already-cheaper-than-the-iphone-15-pro-in-india-but-you-can-get-it-for-up-to-30000-cheaper/articleshow/113220789.cms">iPhone 16 Pro is already cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro in India, but you can get it for up to ₹30,000 cheaper</a>

Ford is returning to India, expresses intent to restart its Tamil Nadu plant for exports

<keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> plans to introduce sophisticated features to its generative artificial intelligence virtual agent that handles more than 6,000 customer queries daily. The Tata Group-owned airline is using ChatGPT to analyse even some complex questions it may not be able to immediately answer to improve customer experience in later interactions and is helping it to become more attuned to natural language. In a release on Friday, Air India said it has become the world's first airline to have successfully deployed a Generative AI virtual agent '<keyword id="6388899" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="maharaja" source="Orion">Maharaja</keyword>', powered by Microsoft's Azure OpenAI service. The agent has successfully answered over half a million customer queries since its pilot launch in March 2023, and today manages over 6,000 queries a day in four languages, the release said. According to the airline, 'Maharaja' manages an extensive spectrum of customer queries across 1,300 areas, including those related to flight status, baggage allowances, packing restrictions, check-in, frequent flyer awards, airport lounge access, flight changes and refunds. The agent speaks Hindi, English, French, and German. "Of the 6,000-plus questions received each day, over 80 per cent are successfully answered in seconds. About 15 per cent of customer queries today require additional assistance, and Maharaja recognises this automatically and orchestrates a seamless handoff to Air India's contact centre agents," the release said. In the coming months, the airline plans to launch a host of sophisticated features, driven by patent-pending technologies. "This includes a novel user experience that changes the way customers interact with AI agents with a combination of textual and graphical interactions that can potentially further speed up customer interactions... Air India also plans to enhance the current AI agent with data-driven deep-personalisation capabilities," the release said. Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, said that after the emergence of Large Language Model driven generative AI capabilities, it is increasingly seeing a definitive shift in guest preferences to use chat interactions to get the information and support they need quickly. Air India also said that generative AI solutions help automate repetitive and mundane tasks such as booking, cancellation and confirmation, and free up bandwidth for human agents to focus on more complex and value-adding interactions. The full service carrier has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ex-apple-employees-launch-ai-pin-a-wearable-which-wants-to-replace-your-smartphone/articleshow/105113255.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ex-apple-employees-launch-ai-pin-a-wearable-which-wants-to-replace-your-smartphone/articleshow/105113255.cms" target="_blank">Ex-Apple employees launch AI-Pin, a wearable which wants to replace your smartphone</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/protean-egov-technologies-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-and-gmp-value/articleshow/105093386.cms">Protean eGov Technologies IPO allotment – how to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/multilingual-global-office-calls-might-soon-become-easier-with-ai-live-translate-call/articleshow/105087029.cms">Multilingual global office calls might soon become easier with AI Live Translate Call</a>

Air India bets on generative AI, to introduce more AI features to address customer queries

The <keyword id="20161017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vedanta-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vedanta Group" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Vedanta Group">Vedanta Group</keyword> is aiming to invest USD 20 billion across all its businesses in India over the next four years, its Chairman <keyword id="19919725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anil-Agarwal" source="keywords">Anil Agarwal</keyword> said on Wednesday. The group will sell the steel business only at the right price, and is committed to continue running it if it does not get the right price, Agarwal told PTI on the sidelines of a company event. "At the moment, we have a plan to invest USD 20 billion across sectors in four years time," Agarwal said. The investments will be focused on technology, electronics, and glass businesses apart from the other activities that the group is engaged in, he said. Semi-conductors and glass -- used in making smartphones and laptops screens -- are very essential from a future perspective, he said, adding that the group is present in both the businesses already. It has land in Gujarat for a <keyword id="19920003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="semiconductor" source="keywords">semiconductor</keyword> plant and is scouting for a credible and strong partner, he said. On the glass front, it is already into manufacturing in other countries but not in India, Agarwal said, hinting that the plan would involve undertaking some capacity building locally. Meanwhile, when asked about the steel business sale, which was supposed to be sold by March, Agarwal said a transaction depends on getting the right price. "We are committed... if we get the right price to divest it," he said, adding that if the group doesn't get the right price, it will choose to continue running the business by itself. He said the steel business is profitable and has really committed people who can ensure that it continues going ahead. Amid concerns around the debt position of the company, Agarwal said the overall debt of the company stands at only USD 12 billion at present and seemed to suggest that the same is manageable. He said the group has never defaulted on any of its debt repayment commitments, and that each of the businesses will require heavy investments if it were to be started from scratch. The London-based billionaire said he "is in very critical areas" and added that every developed economy has made it big by focusing on minerals under the ground. He rued that there are concerns on the environmental impact of mining in India. Foreign investors are very keen to take bets on India, he said, hoping for "simplification and encouragement for entrepreneurs after the elections". The billionaire from Bihar said he wants to play the role of a catalyst in helping his home state grow, but "there is a need for strong support from the policy front for it". <keyword id="19919721" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vedanta" source="keywords">Vedanta</keyword> wants to take the total number of Nand Ghars -- under which it takes care of children's nutritional requirements in villages -- to 25,000 over the next two years from the present 6,000, Agarwal, who was speaking on the sidelines of an event to announce scaling up of the group's philanthropic activities, said. The ultimate plan is to increase the number of beneficiaries to over 7 crore children and 2 crore women, he said. Agarwal said the group may also look at investing in the entertainment business going forward but did not offer any timeline or investment details. All successful corporates in the world have interests in education, healthcare, sports and entertainment, he said, conceding that he "does not understand entertainment a lot". More than profits, entertainment has to be looked at a means to instil the right cultural values, he added. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/india-t20-world-cup-squad-kulcha-back-on-menu-kl-rahul-dropped/slidelist/109730805.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/india-t20-world-cup-squad-kulcha-back-on-menu-kl-rahul-dropped/slidelist/109730805.cms" target="_blank">India T20 World Cup squad: KulCha back on menu, KL Rahul dropped</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/april-auto-sales-hyundai-continues-to-hold-the-second-position-as-tata-motors-inches-closer/articleshow/109777834.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/april-auto-sales-hyundai-continues-to-hold-the-second-position-as-tata-motors-inches-closer/articleshow/109777834.cms" target="_blank">April auto sales – Hyundai continues to hold the second position as Tata Motors inches closer</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-and-two-wheelers-launching-in-india-in-may-2024/slidelist/109723620.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-and-two-wheelers-launching-in-india-in-may-2024/slidelist/109723620.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming cars and two-wheelers launching in India in May 2024</a>

You Searched For "Tata group Air india plan" and got 12 results

Singapore Airlines to invest additional Rs 3,195 cr in Air India post-Vistara merger

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Vistara to operate last flight under its brand on November 11

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Air India Express cancels flights due to cabin crew shortage: Sources

PTI

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions take effect as air quality in Delhi deteriorates; PM2.5 levels 130 times higher than WHO limits

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Reliance, Tata on TIME's list of world's most influential companies

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Layer of smog covers Delhi as air quality remains 'very poor'. Here's why you need an insurance cover for this

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Now Air India can help you fly to quaint European cities without an airport even

BI India Bureau

Ford is returning to India, expresses intent to restart its Tamil Nadu plant for exports

Sourabh Jain

Air India bets on generative AI, to introduce more AI features to address customer queries

PTI

Vedanta plans to invest $20 bn in India in 4 years; will sell steel biz only at right price: Agarwal

PTI

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