MAM
Publicis90 gets applications from 90 countries; including idea for travel portal in India
MUMBAI: Just two weeks after the launch of Publicis90, the Publicis Groupe’s initiative to celebrate its 90th anniversary has gained a positive momentum.
The applications come from more than 90 different countries, including primarily the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Brazil, Germany and Israel as well as France, where 29 per cent of entries have been made.
The range of projects is extremely diverse and reflects the creativity possibilities of the digital world. Mobile, content and ad-tech are the most represented sectors. Among many others, some of the projects submitted are: a travel portal in India, a collaborative art platform in France, an application for taxis in Germany, a new in-store payment solution in the UK and a crowdfunding platform dedicated to mothers in the United States.
Thanks to the mobilisation of all Publicis Groupe agencies, over 50,000 people have visited the Publicis90 website from all over the world. As of 1 February, close to 1,936 people have registered to enter their projects and 795 have completed their applications to be one of the 90 projects or start-ups that will be selected and funded by Publicis Groupe.
Two thirds of the entries are pre-existing start-ups. Publicis Groupe employees represent 18 per cent of participants and six per cent are students.
Entries are open until 29 February and anyone – Publicis Groupe employees, students, start-ups, or anybody with a good idea, can submit his or her application. The 90 projects or start-ups that will be selected will benefit from funding of between €10,000 and €500,000, one year of mentoring with a Publicis Groupe executive in marketing, communication and management, and finally an invitation to participate at Viva Technology Paris, the major digital event organized by Publicis Groupe and Groupe Les Echos from 30 June to 2 July, 2016 in Paris.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
