MAM
IAA to host panel discussion on gender sensitisation in media on 27 July
Mumbai: The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) is all set to host a high-powered virtual panel discussion with leaders of the Marcom industry on 27 July. The session on- ‘Gender in media and the impact on children and their future’ will begin at 3:30 pm.
Discovery Communications India MD-South Asia and IAA president, Megha Tata, said, “A few weeks ago we released the top lines of the results of a unique market research conducted on 1,000 Indian advertisements by UNICEF and the Geena Davis Foundation. The IAA had facilitated this important research on gender representation in Indian advertising. On 27 July, UNICEF will present the results in depth, and then there will be a discussion on the implication of these findings on gender in media and the impact on children and their future. This will truly represent the industry as the Voice of Change.”
The panelists include AAAI treasurer and Havas Group CEO, India, Rana Barua, ASCI chairman and BBH and Publicis Worldwide, India, chairman Subhash Kamath, BYJU’S head of marketing, Atit Mehta, filmmaker, artist and writer Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Ogilvy India chief creative officer, Kainaz Karmakar and Population First director Dr A L Sharada and Viacom18, head- Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, and UNICEF, senior advisor Shreyasi Jha.
Speaking about the initiative, Viacom18 head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network and IAA co-chair – Women Empowerment Committee, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, said, “Conversations and actions go hand in hand when tackling an issue as important and nuanced as gender representation in media and its impact. We are thus bringing together leaders across the ecosystem who can not only identify the change in discourse needed but also have the power to actually bring about that change.”
“Gender-related stereotypes are formed at a very young age and prevent adolescents and young people from reaching their full potential. Advertising and media, more broadly, play a key role in forming and perpetuating stereotypes. UNICEF is delighted to be the knowledge partner with IAA and its members for this important event that is the beginning of a very important journey to promote positive gender roles and practices through advertising so every young person can live a life free from stereotypes and achieve their full potential” says UNICEF, senior advisor, Shreyasi Jha.
The discussion has UNICEF as its knowledge partner, Colors as the industry partner, Havas Group as an Associate partner, and Clutter Cutters as the on-ground knowledge partner.
Registration link: https://bit.ly/IAAVoiceOf
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.
