MAM
Taproot’s ‘hike’ to keep close friends closer
Mumbai: In today’s inundated instant messaging market, it is important for companies to plan a strategy that allows them to connect with a wider audience in a targeted fashion. With this in mind, hike, a free cross-platform messaging app funded by Bharti SoftBank (BSB), has rolled out the second leg of its digital marketing initiative for India.
The company carried out a research and found that the advent of technology and easy access has ensured that the country of a youth populace is connected round the clock. Today, the youth is accessing internet more than ever before using a slew of devices – be it the mobile, PC or a tablet.
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The campaign is created by Taproot and consists of four ad films.
Tag lined ‘Keep Close Friend Close’, the comprehensive digital campaign is aimed at showcasing hike’s unique product features that will enable today’s technology savvy youth to enjoy a better connect with their peers.‘
The new ads showcase the dynamics of an individual with their close friend versus friends, and how hike helps them stay connected with their close friends. Taproot India chief creative officer and co-founder Santosh Padhi, says “Though we are not one of the first ones in India to bring this service, but we are very positive that, with the youthful brand positioning ‘Keep Close Friends Close’ and the quirky communication will make sure hike messenger becomes the top instant messenger amongst the youth.”
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On the campaign, BSB head of product and strategy Kavin Bharti Mittal says, “Going the digital way was a well thought out move, as we believe the youth are online throughout the day, making it an ideal place for us to start. This is a far cry from the days, when people would use a single device to log in only when they needed to send an email or look for some information online. Keeping in mind the trend, digital becomes the best platform of communicating with them youth. Moreover, to create a niche for itself in the cluttered and the competitive instant messaging market, digital will be one of the most sought-after trends.”
He adds, “The youth today is very smart and liberal – our ads are made keeping that in mind. From a messaging perspective, our strategy is very distinct from what anyone in the competitive landscape has done.”
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.
