MAM
Affle in agreement with ESPNcricinfo for rich media advertising
MUMBAI: Affle, a leading international smart-media company, has signed an agreement with ESPNcricinfo for rich media advertising in India. As part of the agreement, Affle‘s recently launched rich media ad network – “Ripple” – will power some of the leading digital cricket destination‘s rich media advertising.
The two companies will also work together to create customised digital media solutions for leading brands and agencies that take advantage of ESPNcricinfo‘s best-in-market content, community and position as the leading digital destination for cricket.
Commenting on the agreement, Affle Co-founder & CEO Anuj Kumar said, “In a short span our rich media ad platform ‘Ripple‘ has received overwhelming acceptance from top publishers and advertisers due to the significant technology innovations we have built. This collaboration with ESPNcricinfo is very special for us as it helps us deliver engaging ad experiences to passionate cricket fans who throng to ESPNcricinfo daily to engage with its hugely popular and relevant content.”
ESPNcricinfo head Ramesh Kumar said, “Through our popular mobile site, as well as applications on phones and tablets, ESPN already connects more than any other digital brand with cricket fans on the move. Working with Affle, we‘ll add to that by creating new, meaningful and premium ways for brands to connect with those fans alongside ESPNcricinfo‘s industry-leading cricket content.”
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.
