Brands
Yu-Gi-Oh deals its hand to gen alpha readers
MUMBAI: Talk about a power play, Yu-Gi-Oh is turning the page. Konami Cross Media NY has struck two heavyweight publishing deals to draw in gen alpha readers, proving that the 25-year-old anime juggernaut isn’t ready to fold any time soon.
Announced at the Brand Licensing Europe show in London, the agreements bring Random House Children’s Books and Panini Group into the fold, giving Yu-Gi-Oh a shiny new shelf life in classrooms, kiosks and bookfairs worldwide.
“As the largest publisher in the world, Random House Children’s Books is leading the charge by expanding its anime portfolio with Yu-Gi-Oh,” said Konami’s SVP of marketing and licensing Jennifer Coleman. Expect child-friendly titles, activity formats, and collectables that will pop up across the US, Canada and even military bases overseas.
Panini, meanwhile, is rolling out Yu-Gi-Oh sticker and activity books in France and French-speaking Belgium, with ambitions stretching into Latin America and across Europe. Known for its sticker albums and unmatched distribution network, Panini sees Yu-Gi-Oh as a perfect fit for younger fans who want to “play, peel and collect” before diving into the trading card game or anime.
“Gen alpha is the first generation raised on tech from day one,” noted Panini’s senior licensing manager Licia Dallolio. “We’re excited to create experiences that feel natural to their world.”
It’s all part of Konami’s long game: hook the kids early, then let them graduate into the anime, trading card battles and digital titles that keep the franchise booming. With over 1,000 anime episodes, countless card sets, and fans spanning three decades, Yu-Gi-Oh isn’t just shuffling the deck, it’s stacking it for the future.
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.
