MAM
Viacom18 to launch exclusive Jungle Book Merchandise in India
MUMBAI: Viacom18 Consumer Products division is all set to bring all the jungle fun associated with the iconic Mowgli, Bagheera, Balloo and Sher Khan. The company recently inked an exclusive deal with animation and gaming firm DQ Entertainment to get the rights as a master franchise to launch the merchandise in India.
This would be Viacom18’s second deal into representing brands outside the Viacom portfolio. The company plans to roll out the products by end of the year.
Viacom18 Consumer Products Head Saugato Bhowmik said, “The Jungle Book is a great franchise with characters that are familiar, iconic and loved by children across the world. DQ Entertainment’s Jungle Book presents the characters in a fun and livelier manner which make the products more endearing and attractive to the consumers.”
The Jungle Book merchandise will cover a whole range of products from apparel to accessories and from toys to books. To be promoted through Viacom18’s distribution network, the products will be available across all leading kids and toy stores, both across malls and standalone stores.
DQ Entertainment CEO Tapaas Chakravarti said, “Our partnership with Viacom18’s Consumer Products division adds to the list of best-in-class partners that The Jungle Book has attracted globally. The Jungle Book has successfully managed to increase its market for the fourth consecutive year with broadcast in more than 165 countries and over 300 product categories ranging from books, apparels, toys, plush, bags, stationary and many others. We are sure children will love the merchandise of their favorite Jungle characters, brought to them by Viacom18.”
The Jungle Book, penned by Rudyard Kipling is a children’s classic that has captured the imagination of millions of children across the world over the years. The show currently airs on Nickelodeon.
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.
