MAM
DirecTV expands intl prog to include India’s Aastha channel
MUMBAI: DirecTV, Inc. today announced that it had expanded its South Asian programming lineup with the launch of Aastha Broadcasting Network, which is India’s most prominent spiritual network. Aastha will now be available on DirecTV channel 2005 on an a la carte basis for $14.99 per month.
“We respect the fact that spirituality is integral to the very essence of the South Asian culture around the world and Aastha will now be able to fill those social and spiritual needs for the US audience,” said DirecTV Inc vice president, International Aaron McNally. “We are delighted to have concluded an affiliation agreement with Aastha, which is already a household name in India and throughout the South Asian diaspora. Aastha will provide a link to India’s cultural roots, customs and society to the more than two million South Asians living in the United States.”
Aastha CEO Kirit Mehta said, “We have joined the DirecTV platform to be offered alongside other leading South Asian programming that DirecTV is bringing to United States. With our programming and DirecTV’s South Asian offering that spans all genres and languages of interest to the South Asian viewers, DirecTV will now offer the most comprehensive South Asian multi-cultural programming platform available in America. We look forward to the relationship we will have with DirecTV as a partner, affiliate and friend. With this expansion we will strive to satisfy the deeply felt need of spirituality from the vast community of Indian residents in the United States.”
The multi-year agreement with Aastha brings to viewers in the United States the top-rated programs that have made Aastha India’s number one spiritual network and preferred network to Asian Indians in Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. The Aastha lineup features spiritual discourses, socio-spiritual-cultural ceremonies and events, meditation techniques and devotional music. It charts the holy places of pilgrimage, elucidates on traditional festivals and focuses on Indian vedic sciences like ayurveda, yoga, astrology, crystal therapy and aroma therapy.
Aastha broadcasts programming in Hindi, Gujarati and English. In 2005, the channel will air locally originated programming as well. DirecTV has developed two new base programming packages exclusively for customers who subscribe to the new international services — Basic – $9.99 per month and Preferred Choice – $29.99 per month. The Basic package offers up to 50 channels including local channels (where available), music and shopping channels. In addition to those channels offered in the Basic package, the Preferred Choice package includes a variety of relevant English-language channels such as ESPN, CNN, The History Channel, Food Network, TNT, MTV and the Fox Movie Channel.
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.
