MAM
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING LAUNCHES #HEROESSHINEBRIGHT CAMPAIGN TO THANK FIRST RESPONDERS
The Empire State Building (ESB) today announced the launch of #HeroesShineBright, a weeklong campaign to thank every person putting their lives on the line to save others during the COVID-19 pandemic both in the United States and around the world. Every night from April 24 through May 2, ESB will dedicate its tower lights to a different First Responder organization, shining in their representative colors to acknowledge their bravery and service.
On May 2, the final night of #HeroesShineBright, ESB will partner with the World Federation of Great Towers in a coordinated lighting that will see the Burj Khalifa (UAE), CN Tower (Canada), Macau Tower (China), Busan Tower (South Korea), Willis Tower (US), Euromast (Netherlands), 360 Chicago (US), Calgary Tower (Canada), One Liberty Observation Deck (US), Ostankino TV Tower (Russia), Tallinn TV Tower (Estonia), UFO Tower (Slovakia), and others shine their lights in a red heartbeat from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. in their local time zone to bring global awareness to those helping fight the pandemic. The Eiffel Tower will also dedicate its signature sparkle to the campaign that evening.
The schedule of lightings is as follows: (Catch live in India at IST 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.)
· April 24 Yellow/White/Blue w/ Siren Effect in honor of
FDNY/EMS
· April 25 Blue/White/Blue in honor of Doctors, Nurses and the Medical
Community
· April 26 Blue/Orange/Blue in honor of Correction Officers
· April 27 Split lights:
· North & South: Orange/Blue/White in honor of the U.S. Coast Guard
· East & West: Blue/Gold/Blue in honor of the U.S. Navy
· April 28 Yellow/Black/White in honor of the U.S. Army
· April 29 Blue/Blue/Blue in honor of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
· April 30 Yellow/Yellow/Yellow in honor of Essential Workers
· May 1 Blue/Purple/Blue in honor of Police Memorial Day
· May 2 Dynamic heartbeat lighting in coordination with the World Federation of Great
Towers
“The Empire State Building is the beating heart of all of us, and the international icon of the skyline of New York City. She shines her lights to show First Responders and essential workers our appreciation, love, and support, which they deserve,” said Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “Our tribute to the heroes on the front lines of our great city, one group at a time, will culminate with a worldwide show of support as the World Federation of Great Towers showers universal light to spotlight the contributions of First Responders around the world.”
The Empire State Building encourages fans to participate in the #HeroesShineBright campaign, and leave comments on its posts and stories across its social media platforms thanking essential workers each night of the lightings. On May 2, the Building will share a celebratory compilation video incorporating videos of personal thank yous, fan comments, and inspiring videos of the lightings across the globe.
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.
