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West Australian
28-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Titanium Sands retains Sri Lankan tenements for mining licence push
Titanium Sands Limited (TSL) has locked in its Mannar Island heavy mineral sands project for a final push towards production, after the Sri Lankan government extended its four key exploration licences. The retention paves the way for the company to complete its ongoing environmental studies and brings it closer to securing the all-important industrial mining licence (IML) for its high-grade mineral sands deposit. The four approved licences encompass the project's high-grade zones, which TSL's 2023 scoping study projects will gross stage one revenue of nearly $2 billion and a net present value of $545 million. The licence retentions also come after the government issued terms of reference (ToR) earlier this year outlining the requirements for TSL's upcoming environmental impact assessment process. The company says the approvals will enable it to finalise its studies to address the terms of reference requirements, a critical final step before TSL obtains its mining licences. TSL says it is targeting a mid-year environmental impact assessment submission, which will position it to apply for the mining licence and unlock the project's potential to produce up to 150,000 tonnes of heavy minerals annually, with a pre-production capital expenditure of just $122M. The company is prioritising stakeholder engagement. Government departments and local community consultation were all factors in the project's retention. It says the project's rehab and sustainability initiatives are expected to create up to 600 direct in-country jobs and support a further 1200 jobs through community-owned agricultural projects, fostering long-term economic growth in the Mannar region. The Mannar Island project hosts a high-grade resource of 318Mt grading at 4.17 per cent total heavy minerals, including an 82Mt high-grade zone running at 6.03 per cent heavy minerals. With a low capital intensity and robust financial projections, the project is poised to become a globally significant ilmenite producer, contributing to Sri Lanka's economy and supporting the need for new titanium mineral supplies as global mineral sands projects deplete. TSL says it remains committed to a low-impact, environmentally responsible operation, with community engagement at its core. With the environmental impact assessment process underway and government backing strengthening, TSL looks poised to quickly lock in its mining licence application, which represents a pivotal milestone in its journey to join the global ranks of mineral sands producers. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Trend of Bengaluru's pubs & bars serving minors continues as booze business struggles
Bengaluru: Even as the city's bar and pub economy contracts — with over 40 establishments shuttered last year amid rising operational costs — an oft-ignored trend has held steady: Underage drinking. Now that the move to double licence fees and other charges threatens to add to the overhead costs of establishments, the already lax enforcement of the legal drinking age is expected to only continue as every customer counts. While Karnataka's legal age for drinking is 21, underage drinking remains rampant with students as young as 16-18 — many using forged ID cards — finding ways into loosely regulated venues, slipping through cracks widened by inconsistent enforcement and commercial pressure. Back in Jan 2023, the previous govt had proposed reducing the legal drinking age to 18 to "tap more customers". But the draft notification was withdrawn following public pressure. During a week-long reality check across establishments in Koramangala, Church Street, and Indiranagar, observers witnessed minors bypassing age restrictions with minimal resistance. While several venues follow regulations, others either avoid checking identification or deliberately overlook the requirements in exchange for increased patronage. Bars near college areas were found serving visibly minor customers without requesting identification. Students aged 18-20 acknowledged consuming alcohol in both casual dining establishments and dedicated pubs. "It was easy. I just edited my Aadhaar card on my phone and changed the date of birth. The thrill of getting in without being caught was also part of the fun," said a 19-year-old from Yelahanka. A 20-year-old student from Hulimavu confirmed that some places don't even ask for ID cards. "... If they know their customer base is mostly college students, they just turn a blind eye. It's like a 'don't ask, don't tell' scene." However, experiences vary. A 19-year-old from Arekere said, "Resto-bars rarely care, but clubs usually have bouncers checking IDs seriously. We weren't allowed in." Family attitudes contribute to the normalisation of underage drinking. "My family hosted parties often and they would let me taste their drinks to satisfy my curiosity. That made drinking feel normal," said one 19-year-old. Nagarajappa T, joint commissioner of excise (IML), Bengaluru, places partial responsibility on parents: "Parents must guide their children. Until 21, most students are still financially dependent and not earning. There needs to be more parental involvement and social concern." No digital verification The department claims to have conducted over 40,000 inspections between July 2024 and March 2025 across Bengaluru's eight excise districts. However, the joint commissioner admitted they lack digital or biometric systems to verify age. Penalties for serving minors range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, typically as part of compound cases involving multiple violations. The department hasn't suspended any licences solely for underage drinking offences. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Bengaluru chapter, claims a "zero tolerance" policy on legal compliance. "We constantly remind our members through our groups and events that ID checks aren't optional. When there is a group of youngsters, age proof must be a standard practice," said Meghna Vakada, co-chapter head. Chethan Hegde, Bengaluru chapter head of NRAI, added: "It's irresponsible, even beyond the legal issue. The only reason I can think of is revenue, but that is short-sighted. One bad apple can rot the whole basket." While NRAI doesn't conduct independent audits, it advises members when informed of violations. "We issue a fair warning first, but if it continues, we aren't afraid to report the matter. Why risk your licence and business for a quick buck? It's just not worth it," Hegde said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liquor sales hit doldrums over hike in excise duty
Mangaluru: The steep hike in liquor excise duty, decline in fisheries activity-related jobs, curb on liquor flow to neighbouring state, and restrictions in the city and other parts of the district during nights resulted in the sale of Indian Made Liquor (IML) being stagnant for four years. According to available statistics, sales consistently remained at 27 lakh cases or boxes from the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25, showing no significant growth. The substantial rise in excise duty is expected to cause a further decline in sales. The impact of Covid-19 was evident in 2020-21 when sales dropped to approximately 22 lakh cases due to the closure of liquor establishments. However, beer consumption showed a contrasting trend, with sales figures doubling since the pandemic period, reaching 24.3 lakh cases in 2024-25. As per the excise department statistics, IML sales were 22,81,967 in 2020-21, which increased to 27,07,466 cases in 2021-22. From here onwards, the sales remained stagnant with just a little improvement of boxes in thousands. In 2022-23, the sales of IML was 27,46,253, saw little improvement, and was 27,58,553, but it dropped to 27,21,033 in 2024-25. The primary factor is the reduction in fisheries and other blue-collar employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals travelling from foreign countries or different states are procuring their alcohol from alternative sources. The early closure requirements imposed on establishments serving alcohol in Mangaluru and neighbouring districts have adversely affected sales. According to TM Srinivas, deputy commissioner of the excise department in Dakshina Kannada, these combined elements have resulted in diminished IML sales. Another official from the excise department said that close to 30% of liquor sales from Dakshina Kannada were earlier due to the flow of liquor to neighbouring states. However, it has stopped as the prices in Kerala are lower than Karnataka. Officials from the excise department expect that the recent hike in the license fee for all types of liquor outlets will be detrimental to sales. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Jagan Mohan Reddy says Andhra liquor scam front to protect Chandrababu Naidu
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a sharp attack on the Andhra Pradesh government, dismissing the liquor scam allegations against his government. He claimed the alleged liquor scam during his tenure was a deliberate political ploy by the TDP to divert attention from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's ongoing legal to the media at a press conference on Thursday, Jagan accused Naidu of orchestrating a campaign to harass officials and weaken the cases against the latter, particularly the liquor scam, for which Jagan said Naidu was currently out on bail. 'It is a fact that, in an attempt to weaken the cases against him, to implement a similar kind of operation in this term, Chandrababu Naidu has targeted YSRCP,' he highlighted that of the 20 distilleries in the state, 14 received licences during different periods under Naidu's tenure as Chief Minister, while the remaining six were granted by previous governments, none under YSRCP rule. 'YSRCP didn't even employ one of the 20 distilleries,' he said, questioning, 'Who is the real scamster? Isn't Chandrababu Naidu the real scamster?' Jagan further alleged that during Naidu's 2014-19 government, liquor sales were rampant, driven by permit rooms and belt shops, with sales constituting 3.84 per cent of the market, compared to 3.32 per cent under YSRCP. He also pointed to revenue per case of Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer, which stood at Rs 2,623 in 2018-19 but rose to Rs 5,649 in 2023-24 under his administration, signalling more transparency and described the liquor market during the TDP's rule as controlled by a private mafia, dominated by five distilleries responsible for 69 per cent of liquor production and supply between 2015 and 2019. He asserted that the Competition Commission of India had cleared the YSRCP's liquor policy, confirming it did not violate competition laws or restrict market to new, unfamiliar liquor brands such as Sumo, Kerala Malt, Shot whisky, Bangalore whisky, Bangalore brandy, Old Club brandy, and Good Friends emerging under the current regime, Jagan questioned whether these were evidence of a private mafia thriving once also accused Naidu of rigging liquor tenders to favour a syndicate of five distilleries, increasing production capacity, and waiving privilege fees, resulting in a loss of Rs 5 crore to the state exchequer. 'His involvement is on paper, which makes the case strong,' he also criticised the current government's targeting of individuals like Dhanunjay Reddy, retired Revenue Divisional Officer Krishna Mohan, and businessman Balaji Govindappa, alleging these moves were politically motivated. 'Just because Govindappa is linked to Bharti Cements and Jagan, he has been targeted,' Jagan said, noting that Govindappa is a core-time director of Vicat, Europe's sixth-largest cement lamented the arrest of senior officials, including a Director General-level Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, describing it as unprecedented and vindictive. He accused the government of harassing low-level employees and unrelated persons to create an illusion of concluded by announcing June 4 would be observed as 'Betrayal Day' to expose the government's failures. 'There is an undeclared emergency going on in the state,' he said, promising to release detailed data on arrests, atrocities, and corruption Watch IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liquor prices set to rise at Karnataka army canteens
Canteen Stores Department Liquor at army canteens in Karnataka may soon become more expensive, with the state's Excise Department planning to increase the Additional Excise Duty (AED) on Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer supplied to military move comes as part of the department's efforts to mobilize resources and meet its annual revenue targets. Officials said a formal proposal is being drafted to revise the AED rates, which currently remain nominal for liquor sold through military Karnataka, two army canteens operated by the(CSD) under the Ministry of Defence supply liquor and essential goods to serving and retired defence personnel and their families at highly subsidised rates. The discounts are largely due to excise duty exemptions, which allow prices to be 30–40% lower than in regular retail liquor to official data, in 2023–24, around 153.87 lakh litres of IML and 10.84 lakh litres of beer were sold through these canteens. These figures are expected to rise slightly in the current financial year. However, excise officials believe the current AED structure does not reflect the growing scale of present, the AED levied on liquor supplied to military canteens ranges from ₹1 to ₹3.70 per litre for IML and up to ₹2 per litre for beer. In comparison, liquor sold to the general public attracts AED ranging from ₹297 to ₹3,000 per litre for IML, based on the brand and alcohol strength, while beer is taxed at nearly 200% of its production argue that Karnataka lags behind other states in taxing liquor sold through military canteens. Neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Goa levy AEDs ranging from 20% to 70% of the rates applicable in the open market. Karnataka now plans to adopt a similar model while keeping the tax rates lower than those imposed on civilian Minister RB Thimmapur has instructed the department to study tax structures in neighbouring states and prepare a comprehensive proposal. The department is also examining the potential revenue gains from such a from generating revenue, the proposed hike aims to address concerns about misuse. Authorities have reported instances of subsidised liquor being diverted and illegally sold to civilians, particularly from General Forces (GENF) canteens. With such high volumes being sold, the department believes a hike in AED could help plug leakages in the the proposal may lead to a hike in liquor prices at army canteens, affecting affordability for defence personnel and their families, the state government maintains that the step is necessary to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of tax exemptions.
