Karnataka: Seer arrested for video statement demanding demolition of a mosque
Mandya, Jan 18: A seer was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged statement in a video demanding demolition of a historic mosque at Srirangapatna on the lines of Babri masjid and construction of a Hanuman temple there, police said.
According to police, the seer Rishi Kumar heading the Kali Math in Chikkamagaluru was arrested and brought to Srirangapatna on Tuesday.
Rishi Kumar had visited Srirangapatna in connection with the last rites of child artist, who had died in a road accident a couple of days ago, they added.
Standing in front of the mosque, which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, he said this structure should also be razed like the Babri mosque, police said.
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Karnataka introduces AIB-based excise system, revises liquor prices
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has implemented an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB)-based excise duty structure in the state and revised the rates of liquor.
In a press note issued on Sunday, the State Excise Department said the new taxation structure, which has been done for the first time in India in line with the 2026-27 Budget announcement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was aimed at rationalising liquor pricing, making alcoholic beverages available at cheaper rates for consumers in Karnataka and aligning prices with neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
"For the first time in India, the AIB-based excise duty structure has been implemented in Karnataka from May 11, 2026. It is globally recognised as the gold standard for alcohol taxation," the department said.
Under the new policy, the government-administered price fixation has been completely deregulated, it said, and added that product placement within slabs has been left to the producers based on market considerations.
According to the government notification dated May 8, 2026, Indian Made Liquor (IML) slabs have been rationalised and reduced from the earlier 16 slabs to eight slabs.
The Excise Department said the restructuring had been carried out keeping in mind the availability of liquor at cheaper rates to the consumers of the state and ensuring that it is lower and relatively equal to that of the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
The revised rates notified by the Excise Department include popular Indian Made Liquor (IML) brands and beer brands, with prices varying according to slab structures, pack sizes and alcohol content.
