MAM
Havas Media bags integrated media duties of British Council
MUMBAI: Havas Media, India has bagged the integrated media duties of British Council Examinations and English Services India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of British Council, UK, specialising in international cultural and educational opportunities with presence in over 100 countries.
The mandate includes media strategy, planning and buying, digital and social duties. The account will be handled out of the agency’s Gurgaon office.
Established in 1948, the British Council is recognised across India for its network of eight libraries and cultural centres. It offers a range of specialised projects in arts, education, English language and society to several thousand people across India. It also provides access to English language training and learning for both students and teachers and enables opportunities to study abroad including in the UK. BC Examinations and English Services India Pvt Ltd manages the delivery of IELTS and Digital English language services.
Commenting on the partnership, British Council Examinations and English Services India Pvt Ltd CEO Michael King said, “Agility and a consumer-centric mindset from our partners is key to our deliveries, as is reliance on deeper customer insights and data-driven actions. We are confident that Havas Media with its integrated media approach and market expertise will deliver the desired results for the brand. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working with Havas Media.”
Havas Media Group, India managing director Mohit Joshi said, “We are delighted to be partnering with British Council, an international organisation that aims to celebrate the modern-day relationship between both countries and build meaningful connections via creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange. Digital is at the core of Havas and we are proud to be associated with a digital-first brand that has created world-leading digital cultural experiences, opening up the worlds of dance, music and theatre to millions of young Indians.”
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.
