Latest news with #British-owned
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Old Monk: India's Best Rum Came From A Man Who Didn't Drink And Never Ran An Ad
Last Updated: Old Monk, India's iconic rum, has built a loyal fanbase, thanks to its taste, mystery, and legacy. However, its maker never drank a single sip, choosing a teetotal life instead No bar in India feels complete without a bottle of Old Monk, the country's most iconic rum. Convincing a dedicated Old Monk fan to switch to another brand is no easy task. Its loyal following is largely due to the fact that Old Monk has remained virtually unchanged since it was first introduced over seven decades ago. This consistency in taste and presentation has helped it become a staple in Indian households and beyond. A Taste That Stands The Test Of Time Old Monk is celebrated for its distinctive, rich flavour. Around a decade ago, rumours spread on social media suggesting that Mohan Meakin Limited, the company behind Old Monk, would cease production. The speculation sparked concern among its devoted fans, prompting the company to publicly assure consumers that Old Monk was not being discontinued. In fact, it remains India's most beloved rum and continues to enjoy widespread popularity. Interestingly, some believed the rumour to be a clever marketing tactic. However, the truth lies in a shift in promotional strategy. In 2012, Kapil Mohan, the then-chairman of Mohan Meakin, decided to stop actively marketing Old Monk. In an interview, he explained that he preferred the product to speak for itself and be shared through word of mouth. Another popular belief is that the rum's deep, complex taste resembles the wisdom of an old man. The brand's name, much like its recipe, remains shrouded in mystery, adding to its enduring charm. A Teetotaler's Gift To The Rum World A surprising fact about Old Monk is that Kapil Mohan, the man who popularised the brand, never drank alcohol himself. A staunch teetotaller with a fondness for tea, he took over the family business after retiring from the army, following the death of his elder brother Ved Ratan Mohan, who originally created Old Monk. Though the brand was launched in the 1960s, it gained a distinct identity under Kapil Mohan's leadership from 1973 onwards. Under his guidance, Old Monk grew in both national and international popularity, becoming the world's best-selling dark rum by the year 2000. From Colonial Roots To Global Recognition Mohan Meakin Limited was formed shortly after Indian independence when MN Mohan, Kapil Mohan's father, acquired a British-owned distillery. The company had originally been established in 1885 in Chamoli, Himachal Pradesh, by the father of infamous British officer General Dyer. Over the decades, Old Monk's production soared, with sales at one point reaching 8 million bottles per day. However, the brand experienced a dip when Rakesh Mohan, Kapil Mohan's nephew, sold the company's Lucknow facility to businessman Ponty Chadha, which reportedly affected distribution and sales. A Classic That Never Changed Old Monk's enduring appeal lies in its consistency. Since 1954, its signature XXX rum has remained a best-seller. The brand also offers Supreme and Gold Reserve variants aged up to 12 years, yet the original seven-year-old chocolate-brown blend continues to be its most loved product. The shape of the bottle and its label design have also remained consistent, creating a sense of nostalgia and brand identity. Remarkably, Old Monk has never relied on advertising, instead building its enormous fanbase through reputation alone. Loved Across The Globe Old Monk isn't just cherished in India. The rum has a devoted following in over 50 countries, including the UK, USA, Russia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, and the UAE. Many fans describe it as the smoothest rum they've ever tasted, with the added bonus of rarely causing a hangover, making it a favourite for repeat enjoyment. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
China's first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai
The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world. It drew in early customers who flocked to attractions including a miniature train ride and a dragon-themed rollercoaster. "I personally love to play with Lego blocks and we have many sets at home... so I wanted to come to Legoland at the earliest opportunity," said Shi, a 35-year-old resident of nearby city Hangzhou, who was visiting the park with his wife and child. Despite the Chinese economy's sluggish growth in recent years, domestic tourist spending grew 18.6 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics. "Ever since the pandemic, I've made very few trips abroad," said Shi, adding his family now travels to theme parks around China "many times a year". Eager Lego fans rushed into the park as soon as it opened, wearing themed shirts and waving branded flags as they enjoyed the 318,000-square-metre (78.5-acre) compound in scorching temperatures. Beijing has announced subsidies intended to make travelling within the country more affordable for Chinese citizens, and is pushing local governments to heavily market their attractions on social media. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China. A new "Spider-Man" attraction at Shanghai Disneyland broke ground in May, while Warner Brothers is set to open a Harry Potter experience in Shanghai by 2027. Toy giant Hasbro said this week its giant Peppa Pig park in the city was now "in the phase of creative design". Chinese collectable toy maker Pop Mart has also opened an attraction in Beijing featuring life-sized versions of its popular Labubu toys. "The various provinces are putting a lot of effort into expanding their tourism industries, and all of them have special attractions," said Xu, a 34-year-old parent visiting Legoland on Saturday with his children. But profitability remains a problem, especially for local companies with less brand recognition. As of late 2024, around 40 percent of parks were still failing to turn a profit, according to state media reports. Yet analysts point to a growing population of retirees and job market changes as key factors pushing more locals to visit domestic attractions. "The labour market is turning more flexible," said Ernan Cui, China consumer analyst at Gavekal Research. "More people have leisure time to travel around."
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
News Corp Share Buyback: News Corp announces $1 billion share buyback plan, ETHRWorld
Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETHRWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETHRWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. News Corp said on Tuesday its board has authorized a $1 billion stock repurchase program, expanding on the Dow Jones owner's existing total authorization now stands at $1.3 billion as nearly $303 million is remaining under the buyback plan from September Corp plans to begin the share repurchase at an accelerated pace after its fourth-quarter financial results in early August, once trading black-out restrictions are lifted.A trading blackout period is a timeframe when company insiders are barred from buying or selling its new program has no time limit and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time, the company month, News Corp extended CEO Robert Thomson's contract through June 2030. He was appointed as CEO in 2013 and his contract was extended in 2023 until his leadership, the company sold its Australian cable-TV unit Foxtel to British-owned sports network DAZN for A$3.4 billion last year. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
India.com
08-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Russia hits JACKPOT amid Ukraine war, discovers oil reserves twice as large as Saudi Arabia in...; may start a new war due to...
(File) Russia oil reserves: In a major boost for Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russian scientists have reportedly discovered gigantic oil reserves beneath the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, which are purportedly twice the size of Saudi Arabia's known oil reserves. The significant discovery could potentially reshape the global energy industry as well as create a fresh stir in geopolitics as Russia's Western rivals led by the United States attempt to counter Moscow, as per experts. How much oil reserves were found? According to Russian geologists, there are massive untapped oil reserves beneath the frozen surface of Antarctica, especially under the Weddell Sea, estimated to be around 511 millions, larger than the world's largest known oil reserves, and more than twice the size of Saudi Arabia's known reserves. Russia's purported discovery is estimated to be about ten times larger than the entire amount of crude oil extracted from the North Sea in the last 50 years, and could drastically alter the global energy sector if Moscow manages to extract the reserves. Why is the discovery controversial? Meanwhile, the discovery, which came to light during Russian scientific expeditions in Antarctic in recent years, has triggered several questions and apprehensions about the Antarctic Treaty. The Weddell Sea, where the oil reserves were found, is claimed by the United Kingdom as part of its 'territorial interest' in Antarctica. The sea is located in within the 'British-owned' part of Antarctica, where Chile and Argentina also have territorial claims. But in recent years, Russia has increased its presence in the region, and now the discovery of huge oil reserves has further increased tensions. The discovery has also sparked a new debate on the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 which designates the uninhabited continent for peaceful scientific research and prohibits military activity or exploitation of resources. The treaty was drafted by Western powers, including the US and the UK, with an aim to 'protect' Antarctica from 'economic plunder', and Russia's recent intervention is being seen by experts as a violation of the agreement. Will the discovery impact Russia-Ukraine war? The discovery of massive oil reserves in Antarctica comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are highly strained due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Experts believe that the find would boost Russia's already significant energy reserves and will enhance Moscow's ability to fuel its war machine using surplus cash from its oil trade. Notably, China, Russia's close ally and strategic partner, has also established the fifth Antarctic research base, which has fueled Western fears that the two powers are laying the groundwork for a future war with the US-led West.
Kuwait Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
China's first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai
Thousands of local tourists poured into China's first-ever Legoland as it opened its gates in Shanghai on Saturday, the latest theme park hoping to capitalize on a domestic tourism boom. The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world. It drew in early customers who flocked to attractions including a miniature train ride and a dragon-themed rollercoaster. 'I personally love to play with Lego blocks and we have many sets at home... so I wanted to come to Legoland at the earliest opportunity,' said Shi, a 35-year-old resident of nearby city Hangzhou, who was visiting the park with his wife and child. Despite the Chinese economy's sluggish growth in recent years, domestic tourist spending grew 18.6 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics. 'Ever since the pandemic, I've made very few trips abroad,' said Shi, adding his family now travels to theme parks around China 'many times a year'. Eager Lego fans rushed into the park as soon as it opened, wearing themed shirts and waving branded flags as they enjoyed the 318,000-square-metre (78.5-acre) compound in scorching temperatures. People visit Legoland Shanghai Resort, the world's largest Legoland, during the theme park's grand opening in Shanghai.--AFP photos Children play with lego at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People visit Legoland Shanghai Resort. A Lego diorama of the Forbidden City is seen past other landmarks (background) at the Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. A woman and child pose on a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. Children visit Legoland Shanghai Resort. Performers dance during a show at Legoland Shanghai Resort. An entrance to the Legoland Shanghai Resort. Beijing has announced subsidies intended to make travelling within the country more affordable for Chinese citizens, and is pushing local governments to heavily market their attractions on social media. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China. A new 'Spider-Man' attraction at Shanghai Disneyland broke ground in May, while Warner Brothers is set to open a Harry Potter experience in Shanghai by 2027. Toy giant Hasbro said this week its giant Peppa Pig park in the city was now 'in the phase of creative design'. Chinese collectable toy maker Pop Mart has also opened an attraction in Beijing featuring life-sized versions of its popular Labubu toys. 'The various provinces are putting a lot of effort into expanding their tourism industries, and all of them have special attractions,' said Xu, a 34-year-old parent visiting Legoland on Saturday with his children. But profitability remains a problem, especially for local companies with less brand recognition. As of late 2024, around 40 percent of parks were still failing to turn a profit, according to state media reports. Yet analysts point to a growing population of retirees and job market changes as key factors pushing more locals to visit domestic attractions. 'The labor market is turning more flexible,' said Ernan Cui, China consumer analyst at Gavekal Research. 'More people have leisure time to travel around.' - AFP
