MAM
PNB MetLife names cricket superstar Smriti Mandhana as brand ambassador
Mumbai: PNB MetLife, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, is partnering with cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana to bring its message of ‘Karo Bade Sapno Ki Tayyari’ to every Indian. Her association with the brand is aimed to inspire and encourage customers to continue to dream big, whilst securing their dreams through PNB MetLife.
PNB MetLife’s new brand ambassador is an iconic figure in Indian cricket, renowned for her explosive batting prowess. Smriti is a two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and Arjuna Award recipient. Her journey embodies the values of perseverance, trust, and discipline that drive PNB MetLife to become a trusted life insurance partner for every Indian.
PNB MetLife India Insurance Co Ltd managing director and CEO Ashish K Srivastava expressed his enthusiasm for this significant partnership. He stated, “We are pleased to welcome Smriti Mandhana to the PNB MetLife family. Her dedication to the sport and exceptional performance on the field is an inspiration to fans to work hard and dream big. Through this partnership, PNB MetLife hopes to inspire all Indians to dream big and enable them to do so by securing their future.”
Smriti Mandhana also shared her excitement about this collaboration. “I’m truly honoured to be joining hands with PNB MetLife as their brand ambassador. Just as cricket presents unexpected challenges and opportunities, and one needs to be prepared at all times, it’s best to be prepared for the ups and downs in life. I believe that life insurance can act as a valuable tool to navigate through life’s innings smoothly. And I’m excited to collaborate with PNB MetLife and spread awareness to others about the importance of planning and securing their financial future.”
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.
