Beer sales decline in Karnataka due to rains, cold weather: Minister Timmapura
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Excise Minister R B Timmapura on Monday said beer sales in the state have witnessed a significant decline. A total of 195.27 lakh boxes of beer have been sold in the state till September 2025, which is 47.46 lakh boxes less than the same period last year, marking a 19.55 per cent negative growth.
He attributed the slump in sales to heavy rainfall and cold weather in the state this year.
The Minister mentioned this in a written reply to the matter raised by opposition chief whip N Ravikumar and MLC K S Naveen under Rule 330 of the Legislative Council. They raised concerns about high number of alcohol consumers in the state suffering from liver cirrhosis/jaundice and proposed that at least 20 per cent of the Excise Department's revenue be allocated for their better treatment.
The revenue generated by the Excise Department is deposited in the state's consolidated fund and spent on the programmes approved in the budget, Timmapur said.
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There is no specific system in place to earmark the funds for any purpose.
According to Timmapura, the state government is already providing comprehensive health check-ups and treatment through central and state schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the National Health Mission, through Public Health centers and super speciality hospitals.
Necessary funds are being allocated in the budget based on the demand of the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Departments.
Several members called for action against the sale of substandard liquor and the prohibition of new liquor outlets in the state. Action should be taken to control it, and a gastroenterologist should be appointed in every district.
Leader of the House and Minister of Science and Technology Boseraju affirmed the government's stance, saying it is not encouraging the consumption of alcohol, and actively running awareness campaigns against the harms of alcohol, urging the public to voluntarily control alcohol consumption.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
