Brands
Alpona by CaratLane: Tradition reimagined with modern aesthetics
Mumbai: CaratLane, India’s leading omni-channel jewellery brand, has marked the beginning of the festive season with the launch of its new collection, Alpona. The collection draws inspiration from the mesmerising traditional Bengali art style and its eight unique motifs, crafted with modern aesthetics. These intricate patterns carry profound meaning in each motif, symbolising prosperity, good health, and triumphs. Bringing to life these symbolic elements, the collection also taps into the nostalgia of creating these Alpona designs at home to signal the beginning of any celebration.
Crafted in 14kt gold, white ceramic, and diamonds, the gorgeous Alpona motifs can be seen in a variety of categories, including earrings, rings, bracelets, and pendants. The intricate detailing on each piece demonstrates the perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance.
Talking about the collection, CaratLane VP of marketing Jennifer Pandya said, “Design has always been at the core of everything we do at CaratLane, and the Alpona collection stays true to its inspiration. The handcrafted intricate motifs of this collection are reminiscent of the nostalgia of creating something beautiful with our hands and sharing the joy with our families during every occasion. We’ve translated this idea into gorgeous, affordable designs that can be worn every day to make this festive season even more joyous for our customers.”
The collection has been launched with a heartwarming film that gives Alpona the spotlight, showcasing how jewellery brings people together and enables them to express their emotions beautifully. The film stays true to the brand’s ethos of ‘Khul Ke Karo Express’. The film’s protagonist displays a balance of tradition and modernity, embodying the essence of the Alpona collection.
Alpona by CaratLane is the ideal choice this festive season, whether you’re going for the classic traditional or a trendy indo-western look. The collection is available online at www.caratlane.com and can be experienced in person at over 230 CaratLane stores 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.
