MAM
Nokia to sponsor Mark Knopfler India concert
MUMBAI: Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler will be performing in Mumbai and Bangalore on 5 March and 7 March respectively. Knopfler will be performing some of the greatest hits of Dire Straits and will also strum his trademark guitars.
While Nokia is the presenting sponsor of the concert, the associate sponsors are VH1, Hutch, Pepsi and McDowell’s No 1 Soda.
Knopfler will perform at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai and at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore. Knopfler’s India Tour is being produced by DNA Networks and tickets are priced at Rs 2500 and Rs 1000.
The concert will include all-time hits as Calling Elvis, Walk of Life, What It Is, Romeo & Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Money for Nothing, So Far Away, Brothers in Arms, Pyroman, Done with Bonaparte, Junkie Doll, Prairie Wedding, Speedway at Nazareth and Telegraph Road.
“To educate your ears, you should have enough reverence for music. You have to know old stuff – get right back into it, know it, feel it,” says Knopfler.
Always playing it cool on stage, Knopfler gives his best to everything he does and lets his fingers express his passion for music. Sachin Tendulkar, a die-hard fan, is expected to attend the concert as a special invitee.
DNA Networks MD T Venkat Vardhan says, “Indian audiences are truly responsive. Our road map includes bringing the best classic as well as contemporary performers to India.”
Knopfler was a journalist in his early days and covered the music beat until the urgings of his own guitar lead him to a career in music. Known as one of the most respected and skillful guitarists in the music scene, Knopfler together with brother David, John Ilsley (bass) and Pick Withers (drums), founded the band Dire Straits in August 1977. The band got its name due to its habitual financial state!
Ever since their first album, also called Dire Straits, hit the stores in 1978, the band churned out a succession of albums. The Dire Straits magic took hold of music fans across the world in 1985 with Brothers in Arms, one of the biggest selling albums of all time. The album became a must-have for those wanting to exploit new CD and video technology. Sultans of Swing not only made a name for the band but also marked a turning point in rock history in 1998.
Knopfler has collaborated with such fellow greats as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Randy Newman, Buddy Guy, Tina Turner, Phil Lynott, Willy DeVille, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Chet Atkins, Phil Everly, Vince Gill, Paul Franklin, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Paul Brady, Jeff Healey, Steely Dan, Sting, James Taylor and David Rawlings.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
