Brands
BKT Named Official Tyre Partner of Six Nations Rugby
MUMBAI: There are companies which are better known globally because of their association with sports. Amongst them is: BKT or Balkrishna Tyres.
The Six Nations Rugby has announced a long-term partnership with BKT, a global leader in off-highway tyre manufacturing. The agreement designates BKT as the official tyre partner for both the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations Championships, commencing with the 2025 tournaments.
BKT, founded by Mahabir Prasad Poddar, makes a range of tyres and has been a sponsor of several sports events like Curling Canada (Title sponsor), Euroleague Basketball, United Rugby Championship, Monster Jam, Big Bash, Ligue2 BKT, Serie BKT, and LaLiga. It has been associated with some of these events for more than 10 years on a global basis.
The partnership with Six Nations Rugby kicked off with the Guinness Men’s Six Nations on 31 January 2025, and will be followed by the Women’s Six Nations on 22 March. BKT will also introduce a new award to recognise rising stars in international rugby, reflecting its commitment to fostering future talent in the sport.
The Six Nations Rugby CEO Tom Harrison expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “The Six Nations is rugby’s most loved annual competition. We are thrilled to welcome BKT as a partner and look forward to working closely with them to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.”
BKT Europe managing director Lucia Salmaso highlighted the alignment between rugby and BKT’s values: “Rugby embodies teamwork, physicality, fair play, and loyalty — values we hold dear. This partnership allows us to support both the prestigious Championships and the next generation of rugby talent.”
BKT, known for its extensive range of tyres for sectors including agriculture, construction, and mining, continues to strengthen its presence in the world of sports. The new partnership underscores its ambition to contribute to the growth of rugby on a global scale.
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.
