Brands
83 per cent of Indians crave AI-powered, emotionally driven music experiences
Mumbai: JBL announced the findings of its annual World Music Day survey conducted on the occasion of Make Music Day, celebrated each year on June 21st. The third edition of this survey was conducted with 1,269 respondents from Gen Z and millennials in India. The survey underscores the growing appetite for AI-powered music exploration and personalised experiences within this tech-savvy demographic.
An overwhelming 85 per cent of respondents believe that music transcends cultural boundaries and unites people globally. This desire for global connection is further fueled by the high interest (83 per cent) in AI-powered music exploration. Respondents are eager to leverage AI to discover music from different cultures and languages.
More than half (52 per cent) of the respondents attribute music’s allure to its ability to evoke strong emotions and its ability to take one back to another place or time. This emotional connection underscores the rising demand for AI tools that facilitate cross-cultural discovery and personalized listening experiences.
The survey highlights a notable leap in the adoption of AI-enabled audio devices, with 54 per cent of users embracing this technology. This trend underscores the growing popularity of AI in enhancing music consumption experiences. Nearly half (43 per cent) respondents appreciate features like intelligent playlist curation and automatic audio optimization. When asked which feature would most improve their experience with diverse music, respondents were clear.
Personalised recommendations based on preferences were the top choice (33 per cent), followed closely by cross-language song identification (30 per cent). These findings highlight the user desire for AI assistants that understand their tastes and can navigate the world of multilingual music.
While users are enthusiastic about AI-enabled audio devices, they also identify key areas for improvement. Almost 30 per cent of respondents seek better voice recognition accuracy, and 20 per cent desire more engaging and interactive experiences. These insights highlight opportunities for brands to refine AI’s audio skills, aiming to deliver unparalleled performance and user satisfaction. Additionally, almost 30 per cent of users have crowned AI-powered Bluetooth speakers as their favourite device for amplifying their listening experiences.
“On this World Music Day, we celebrate the universal language of music and reaffirm our dedication to developing innovative audio solutions that not only deliver exceptional sound quality but also contribute to the rich tapestry of musical diversity. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance the listening experience, making it more personalized, immersive, and culturally inclusive. JBL will continue to push the boundaries of audio technology, ensuring that our devices serve as a bridge that connects people through the power of music, regardless of their cultural background or language”. said HARMAN India vice president, lifestyle Vikram Kher.
JBL’s AI-driven audio devices are at the forefront of this technological evolution. By integrating advanced AI capabilities into their audio products, JBL offers users an unparalleled listening experience. JBL’s commitment to innovation ensures that their products not only provide exceptional sound quality but also foster a deeper connection between listeners and diverse musical cultures. This approach positions JBL as a leader in the audio technology space, continuously advancing the way people experience music through AI.
This year’s survey highlights a growing trend towards multilingual music experiences in India. Beyond the widely spoken Hindi and English, Punjabi (41 per cent) emerges as the most popular music language followed by Tamil (22 per cent), highlighting the linguistic diversity of India’s music scene; followed by K-pop (14 per cent). This showcases the potential for AI to help users navigate and celebrate global music diversity.
Survey Methodology-
JBL conducted a nationwide online survey of 1,269 individuals aged 18 and above across India.
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.
