MAM
Carat to handle media mandate for British Council in India
MUMBAI: The British Council – UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities has roped in Carat India, the flagship media agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, to handle its media duties in the country.
This win comes on the back of Carat’s new business wins such as Franchise India Holdings (FIHL) and Fossil group in the recent past.
British Council India director marketing Nirupa Fernandes says, “We are very pleased to associate with Carat in India following a close association with Carat in UK. 2018 marks 70 years of the British Council in India and we have been inspired by India every day of the last 70 years. This year, we want to share the stories of the great things we’ve done together, make new connections and new stories, and inspire millions of young people to develop relationship and connections for the next 70 years.”
Speaking about the win, Carat India CEO Rajni Menon adds, “It really feels great having British Council on board. British council has been a part of many Indians’ lives through some form of their services starting from improving English skills, courses for teachers, preparing for IELTS exams, helping students to study abroad, etc. With Dentsu Aegis Network’s integrated approach and capabilities of delivering end to end solutions, we are confident of enabling a strong connect with the young and dynamic audiences across platforms.”
British Council has offices in nine cities across India and continually work towards creating opportunities for young people to develop new skills, become better qualified, introduce an international dimension to their learning or profession and develop a better understanding of other cultures. Its work in India covers arts, sports, higher education, English language, training solution and library.
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.
