Brands
JBL, VDO.AI and Havas Media tune into festive storytelling on CTV
MUMBAI: This Diwali, JBL is giving festive advertising a new sound. The premium audio brand has joined hands with advertising technology leader VDO.AI and Havas Media India to launch an interactive connected TV campaign for its latest wireless earbuds, JBL live beam 3.
Timed to the Diwali shopping rush, the campaign blends discovery with purchase in a single screen experience. At its heart is VDO.AI’s ad suite, featuring a scannable QR Code wrapper that let’s viewers shift seamlessly from watching to buying. A quick scan unlocks the JBL live beam 3 product page, turning the television into both showcase and store. The campaign will reach households in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Cochin and other fast-growing cities.VDO.AI
“At JBL, innovation has always been at the core of our brand. With the JBL live beam 3 earbuds, we’re turning sound into a truly immersive experience,” said Harman India consumer audio, head of digital marketing, Akhil Sethi. “This festive season we’re reimagining how product campaigns come alive on CTV. Partnering with Havas Media India and VDO.AI we are transforming awareness into interaction and curiosity into action.”
VDO.AI, ceo and co-founder, Amitt Sharma added, “With JBL, we saw an opportunity to take a premium brand and give it an equally premium advertising journey. Our CTV technology makes video interactive, ensuring viewers don’t just watch JBL’s product but engage with it. This is the future of advertising.”
Havas Media India, chief digital officer, Rohan Chincholi said, “CTV is fast emerging as the new prime time. With JBL and VDO.AI, we have created a festive campaign that brings creativity, technology and storytelling together for maximum impact.”
The campaign is now live across premium CTV environments, creating a festive push in the run-up to Diwali and setting a new benchmark for connected brand experiences.
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.
