Brands
DeperAI plugs into India’s power surge with new CEO and Flipkart-Croma partnerships
MUMBAI: Charging ahead with purpose, DeperAI has powered up its India game with a new captain at the helm and a duo of heavyweight retail partnerships. On 22 April, the fast-growing charging tech brand named Prabhjot Singh Malik as CEO of its India operations and announced strategic alliances with Flipkart and Croma.
The brand, founded by former Oneplus executive Jim Zhang, is eyeing pole position in India’s fast-charging race. With its flagship Superpower 65W Adapter already moving 1,000 units a day across platforms, the stakes—and voltage—just got higher.
“India is one of the most dynamic and promising markets for tech innovation. With our foundations laid, it’s time to accelerate,” Zhang stated. “Prabhjot’s deep knowledge of the Indian market, his retail acumen, and passion for tech make him the perfect fit to lead DeperAI into its next phase of growth.”
Malik brings more than a decade of distribution muscle and retail finesse, having served as a PAN India distributor for Oppo and Oneplus across Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and Croma. He also operates exclusive Oneplus stores and was instrumental in introducing UK-based health brand MyProtein to India.
“I’m excited to join DeperAI at such a pivotal time,” said Malik. “My focus will be on expanding our footprint, listening closely to our users, and delivering future-ready charging solutions that combine AI, innovation, and everyday utility.”
With Amazon and Reliance Digital already in its arsenal, the addition of Flipkart and Croma cements DeperAI’s omnichannel charge. The Superpower 65W Adapter, built on UFCS Fusion Fast Charging Technology, is now retailing across 4,457 outlets and major e-commerce platforms.
The company is also looking ahead to AI-integrated chargers and wireless charging solutions, backed by its Noida-based Caria Factory, which supplies chargers for Oppo.
With a two-year warranty and compatibility with all major fast-charging protocols, DeperAI’s vision is clear: to become India’s go-to charging brand—one socket at a time.
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.
