MAM
Sidharth Malhotra named New Zealand’s tourism ambassador for India
MUMBAI: Actor Sidharth Malhotra has been named as New Zealand’s tourism ambassador for India.
The actor will get his first taste of New Zealand next week before beginning his new role. A keen nature lover, traveller and extreme explorer Malhotra says he wants to experience everything a destination has to offer and he has an action packed itinerary during his visit here.
Malhotra’s last movie Brothers released last month and he is currently working on two more films.
As part of his stay in New Zealand, Malhotra will film a video highlighting New Zealand’s scenery, adrenalin packed activities and cultural experiences that will be incorporated into Tourism New Zealand’s campaign work in India. He will also deliver messages about safe driving, encouraging Indian visitors to take care on New Zealand roads.
Tourism New Zealand director of trade, PR and major events René de Monchy said, “Being able to work with someone like Sidharth Malhotra is another fantastic opportunity for Tourism New Zealand. We know from past experience of working with celebrities like China’s Huang Lei and actress Yao Chen, their influence through popular culture, particularly through social media channels is enormous.”
Monchy added, “India is an important emerging market for New Zealand. We saw a surge of interest from Indian visitors as a result of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and I am sure the appointment of Sidharth as our ambassador will further add to that interest.”
From 11-19 October Malhotra will visit Northland, Wellington and Queenstown.
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.
