MAM
Local lines, global stars as WPL faces pop up on Mumbai locals
MUMBAI: When the daily commute throws up a googly, even seasoned Mumbai travellers take note. In mid-January 2026, commuters aboard Mumbai’s local trains spotted a quiet but striking visual shift inside women’s compartments where a familiar emblem was reimagined to feature Indian cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur.
Both players appeared wearing Mumbai Indians jerseys, aligning with the ongoing Women’s Premier League, where they are currently representing the franchise. Notably, the placement carried no brand logos, slogans or remembered campaign lines leaning instead on recognition, timing and cultural context.
The choice of women’s compartments added an extra layer of relevance. Rather than algorithm-led targeting or screen-based segmentation, the message met its audience through shared physical space and routine travel, an everyday setting where visibility feels organic rather than imposed.
For media and marketing watchers, the sighting signals a subtle shift in how sports personalities and brands inhabit public spaces. The emphasis appears to be moving away from explicit promotion towards cultural placement allowing commuters to connect the dots themselves, without being told what to see or feel.
Mumbai’s suburban trains, among the city’s most habitual and unglamorous environments, are defined by repetition and predictability. That is precisely what made this appearance stand out. In a space where nothing usually changes, a quiet visual cue did and in doing so, turned a routine ride into a moment of cultural recognition.
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.
