Tata Motors' board greenlights the demerger plan, segregating the company into two distinct listed entities: commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Shareholders will maintain identical ownership in both entities. The move follows earlier subsidiarisation of PV and EV businesses in 2022, aimed at enhancing growth and agility. Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran highlights independent operations of the three automotive units, expecting the demerger to optimize opportunities. The process, facilitated by an NCLT scheme, anticipates completion in 12-15 months without adverse impact on stakeholders.

Reliance Industries, Walt Disney Co, and Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd have officially inked agreements to merge their Indian media operations, creating a colossal Rs 70,000 crore entity. In this joint venture, Viacom18's media assets will integrate into Star India Pvt Ltd, with Reliance holding a dominating 63.16% stake, while Disney will have the remaining 36.84%. Reliance's investment of Rs 11,500 crore will bolster the venture's OTT business. The collaboration aims to become a major force in TV and digital streaming, boasting over 750 million viewers, promising diverse content and an innovative digital entertainment experience at affordable prices.

Shveta Sharma alleges fraudulent activities by an ICICI Bank manager, claiming she was duped of ₹13.5 crore. Having transferred funds from her US account for fixed deposits, she expected returns to exceed ₹16 crore. Sharma asserts the manager provided fake statements and altered her contact details to prevent withdrawal notifications. ICICI Bank suspends the accused pending investigation, assuring Sharma of full restitution upon verification. However, the bank highlights discrepancies, suggesting Sharma should have noticed irregularities earlier. An ongoing complaint with the Economic Offences Wing aims to unravel the complex case, underscoring the need for vigilance in financial transactions.

Under the RBI's directive to wind down its banking operations by March 15, Paytm is in discussions with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Yes Bank for potential UPI partnerships. The RBI instructed NPCI to evaluate Paytm's request for multi-bank facilitation. Talks aim to commence collaborations with technologically adept major banks. As the third-largest UPI app in India, Paytm plans user migration to partner banks' UPI handles. NPCI's scrutiny of the banks' technology and infrastructure is anticipated over the next month.

The Indian government has approved up to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for select activities. Under the new policy, FDI in satellite manufacturing, operation, and related segments is set at 74% under the automatic route, with government approval required beyond this threshold. Launch vehicles and associated systems allow up to 49% FDI via the automatic route, while manufacturing components for satellites permits 100% FDI automatically. Consultations with stakeholders including ISRO and industry players preceded the decision, aiming to harness private investment for technological advancement and global competitiveness in India's space endeavors.

The combined market capitalization of Tata Group companies has surpassed the entire economy of Pakistan, standing at over $365 billion or Rs 30 lakh crore, according to The Economic Times. Despite India's positive economic outlook, Pakistan faces challenges with high debt and inflation. TCS alone, part of Tata Group, is half the size of Pakistan's economy. Tata Motors and Trent contributed significantly to the conglomerate's market surge. The professionally managed Tata Group, largely owned by philanthropic trusts, demonstrates robust market strength, highlighting the stark economic contrast between India and Pakistan.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted a 15-day extension, till March 15, 2024, for certain business restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), easing concerns amid the ongoing crisis. While services like top-ups and fund transfers will have extended deadlines, others will cease on February 29. RBI emphasized that no further deposits or credit transactions will be allowed after March 15, except for interest and refunds. Banking services like fund transfers and UPI facilities will cease after March 15. PPBL customers can withdraw or utilize balances without restrictions until February 29. Nodal accounts associated with PPBL are to be terminated by February 29.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a preliminary inquiry into Paytm Payments Bank following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) recent directive to halt new deposits. This development compounds troubles for the fintech giant, already under scrutiny for alleged FEMA violations. Paytm denies any wrongdoing, reiterating compliance with regulations. Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma's recent meetings with RBI and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman haven't yielded concessions. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das reaffirmed the regulator's stance, emphasizing the importance of compliance. With uncertainties looming, Paytm navigates turbulent waters, striving to uphold its commitment to digital payment expansion across India amidst regulatory challenges.

Mastercard has introduced MDES Token Connect in India, facilitating card-on-file and device tokenisation for debit and credit cards through issuer banks' mobile and internet banking platforms. The service enables cardholders to securely transmit payment details to online merchants, digital wallets, and e-commerce platforms. Gautam Aggarwal, South Asia Division President at Mastercard, emphasized the platform's role in reinforcing digital payment security, aligning with the Reserve Bank of India's commitment to CoFT (Card-on-File Tokenisation). The initiative aims to enhance transaction safety by allowing users to create and link tokens seamlessly across various digital applications through issuer channels, in compliance with RBI guidelines.

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma engaged in discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials following the RBI's ban on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). The RBI's directive, issued on January 31, prohibits PPBL from accepting deposits or top-ups after February 29, 2024, due to compliance issues. Sharma, also the part-time Chairman of PPBL, sought relaxations on the regulatory action during his meeting with RBI officials. The move comes amidst Paytm's stock decline and speculation regarding Jio Financial's interest in acquiring PPBL's wallet business, which Paytm denies. Paytm's parent company, One97 Communications Ltd, aims to transition its nodal accounts and QR codes to other banks.