MAM
Dr Kasturirangan Appointed Academician of Pontifical Academy of Sciences
MUMBAI: Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Dr K Kasturirangan, Member of Rajya Sabha and Director, National Institute of Advanced Sciences and, former Chairman of ISRO, as an Academician of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
The Pontifical Academy was founded in Rome on August 17, 1603 to promote the progress of mathematical, physical and natural sciences and the study of epistemological problems relating thereto. The academicians are chosen on the basis of their eminent original scientific studies and of their acknowledged moral personality, without any ethnic or religious discrimination, and are nominated for life by sovereign act of the Holy Father.
This international and interdisciplinary scientific body is subject to the direct authority of the Supreme Pontiff. The academicians will contribute to the activities of the Academy and attend its Plenary Session during October-November every two years and participate in other scientific matters organised by the Academy.
Dr Kasturirangan has made immense contribution to the Indian space programme including the development of launch vehicles and satellite technology, application in the areas of remote sensing, communications and education that have greatly benefited the society.
The Pontifical Academy has about 90 Academicians of which 29 are Nobel Laureates. Dr Kasturirangan is only the fourth Indian to be appointed to the Academy after Dr C V Raman, Prof M G K Menon and Prof C N R Rao.
The Holy Father will present Dr Kasturirangan the insignia of his appointment at a solemn pontifical audience sometime in the near future.
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.
