MAM
Riot Games celebrates one-year anniversary of Indian VALORANT Agent Harbor
Mumbai: Riot Games celebrated the one-year anniversary of VALORANT’s first ever Indian agent, Harbor by conducting a beach clean-up at Mahim beach in Mumbai on the 26 of October 2023. The event was organised in partnership with Global Esports, and saw the VALORANT community including players as well as popular influencers such as Binks, Pinkcess, CaspeR, SkRossi, Jimmy, Harsh, and others, come together for the initiative.
Hailing from India’s coast, Harbor storms the field wielding ancient technology with dominion over water. The beach clean-up drive was a tribute to Harbor’s water-themed abilities, as well as a means to promote awareness of the significance of maintaining clean beaches. It also served as a gesture of gratitude to the Indian gaming community, which has shown immense love and support for the VALORANT agent over the past year.
Riot Games country manager, India & South Asia, Arun Rajappa said, “We are grateful to the vibrant Indian gaming community, and believe that the success of Harbor is a testament to their unwavering support. The inclusion of an Indian agent not only highlights the significance of the thriving gaming community within the country but also underscores India’s rising influence in the global gaming arena. We are committed to delivering even more innovative and inclusive gaming experiences for our audience here, while also giving back to the community that has embraced our efforts wholeheartedly.”
Riot Games has been actively engaged in fostering community engagement and enhancing the player experience with multiple initiatives. Earlier this year, Riot Games unveiled eye-catching mural art and billboards to celebrate the successful launch of Agent Harbor with the Indian gaming community, and also commemorated the third anniversary of VALORANT in India with BHARAT VALORANT celebrations.
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.
