MAM
BBC uses mobile phones to teach English in China
CHINA: BBC has joined forces with China’s media and internet services company, Sina, to launch a unique mobile phone service, which will teach English to upto 200 million Chinese mobile phone users.
The new service provided by the BBC and hosted by Sina.com launched on 1 September 2003. An official release informs that the Beeb is the first international educational content provider to use mobile technology in this way in China.
BBC Worldwide – the BBC’s commercial consumer arm – and BBC World Service will work with Sina to provide busy Chinese learners with a convenient way to learn spoken English whilst on the move. Users in the world’s largest single mobile telephone market will receive a daily text message on their mobile containing an English phrase together with the Chinese translation.
They can then log on to Sina.com to listen to and read the phrase as part of a longer dialogue, and to read explanations about the language. Users can choose from three strands to suit their needs: language and lifestyle, work and sport. The messages using authentic everyday English will range from “Who’s been on a spending spree?” to “Do you know how to get into this computer?” They are designed to extend the user’s English language repertoire and encourage them to log on to Sina.com to expand on the material contained within the text message.
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.
