Latest news with #Plans
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Nato allies Germany, Norway vow to step up North Atlantic surveillance
Find out what's new on ST website and app. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store addressing a joint press conference in Berlin on July 21. BERLIN - Nato allies Germany and Norway agreed on July 21 to step up surveillance against maritime and airborne 'threats' in the northern Atlantic region amid high tensions with Russia over the Ukraine war. 'Germany and Norway aim to ensure stability and security in maritime areas, including in the High North,' said a joint statement released as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Berlin. The two countries also reaffirmed their 'unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity against Russia's continued war of aggression.' Berlin and Oslo said that 'the North Atlantic, including the strategically crucial Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) and Bear gaps and adjacent waters, and the North and Baltic Seas, are crucial for both Norwegian and German security.' This, they said, was why their armed forces trained and patrolled the seas together and 'cooperate closely under Nato's Regional Plans', the statement added. During the Cold War, Nato kept close watch of the so-called GIUK gap, the key passageway for Soviet submarines and naval vessels from Arctic bases to enter the Atlantic Ocean. Germany and Norway said they would strengthen their 'surveillance and control over these strategic areas to counter potential threats, including maritime and airborne activities.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU to have compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US authorities probing passenger jet's close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety They also said that their cooperation in the North Atlantic and North Sea would include 'enhanced protection of critical underwater infrastructure'. AFP
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Top tips to help start taking control of your finances before summer ends
This simple checklist can help you get your finances in shape before the end of summer. This year has brought a sense of financial uncertainty for many with developments such as new trade tariffs under Donald Trump and the rise in National Insurance which have placed added pressure on businesses, with some facing difficult decisions including the possibility of redundancies. At the same time, ongoing global conflicts continue to contribute to wider concerns about the future. These factors combined with the high cost of living, can make it difficult for people to gain control over their finances. Research from WEALTH at work - a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist - found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%), not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%). Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, said; 'Many people are continuing to feel the financial squeeze on household income. However, it's important to not bury your head in the sand and access the support available to get on top of their finances. 'Most would benefit from having a better understanding of money but are confused where to start. Proactive employers are actively working to help employees improve their financial future by providing a range of financial wellbeing support. This includes financial education and guidance through financial coaches, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. 'This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. So, it is always worth speaking to your employer to find out what help is available.' However, there are steps people can take to improve their financial situation. To help, WEALTH at work has listed 10 tips to help people take control of their finances before the end of summer. Create a budget The first step is to create a budget. This means working out exactly what your income is, and what outgoings you have e.g. mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. If the amount of money needed each month is more than the amount coming in, you can then work out what action needs to be taken to cover the costs. MoneyHelper has a great budget planner here. Track finances After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Small changes such as ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,278 on food at takeaways and restaurants each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc. Make managing debt a priority There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. For example, credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% – 40%. It is often a good idea to make paying off expensive debts a priority. For instance, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off, if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. A good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off. This would allow it to be cleared over a shorter time period. Shop wisely By switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of a regular shop. In addition, by planning for the weekly shop in advance, it may help to search for deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and some people have access to discount vouchers through their employer. This could mean big savings for those who need to make a costly purchase, such as if the washing machine breaks. Check for savings on household bills When shopping around, it is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills such as car, home and pet insurance, and broadband and mobile suppliers. Price comparison websites can help to make it easier to compare the different deals available. Start an emergency fund Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. People should work out if they can afford to put some money aside each month, as even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from regular expenditure. MoneyHelper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal, here. Set up a savings standing order If people are able to save it is often a good idea to set up a standing order for saving into an ISA, often this means that they don't notice that the money is going into their savings. Start saving early Saving from a younger age means that money has more time to grow. ISAs are a great way to start saving and provide a tax efficient way to create an emergency fund, or for something you may want in the future. It is important to make sure that you're saving into a pension from early on and aren't tempted to opt out. Many are already paying 5% of their salary into their workplace pension through auto-enrolment, with an additional 3% employer contribution. However, we know that many employers will match any additional contributions (up to certain limits). In fact, if an employee is in their 20s, by saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, it is possible to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%. Beware of scams Scammers can often prey on people when they may be more vulnerable such as if they are struggling financially. Fraudsters can sound completely legitimate and it's easy to see why so many are fooled. Research from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam between 2023 and 2024. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults across the UK. If someone contacts an individual with an offer which seems too good to be true, it's vital they check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA's ScamSmart website is also a good site to visit as it includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams. Take action People shouldn't worry if they don't know where to start, as there is plenty of help available. It's always worth speaking to lenders too as they may be able to help those struggling with repayments and Citizens Advice can help with understanding on how to deal with any debts. Many leading employers are also a great source of support and offer financial education and guidance to help with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Top 10 tips to help start taking control of your finances before summer
Some employers also offer free financial advice on pensions, savings and cost of living. The beginning of 2025 has brought a sense of financial uncertainty for many. Developments such as new trade tariffs under Donald Trump and the rise in National Insurance have placed added pressure on businesses, with some facing difficult decisions including the possibility of redundancies. At the same time, ongoing global conflicts continue to contribute to wider concerns about the future. These factors combined with the high cost of living, can make it difficult for people to gain control over their finances. Research from WEALTH at work - a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist - found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%), not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%). Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, said; 'Many people are continuing to feel the financial squeeze on household income. However, it's important to not bury your head in the sand and access the support available to get on top of their finances. 'Most would benefit from having a better understanding of money but are confused where to start. Proactive employers are actively working to help employees improve their financial future by providing a range of financial wellbeing support. This includes financial education and guidance through financial coaches, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. 'This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. So, it is always worth speaking to your employer to find out what help is available.' However, there are steps people can take to improve their financial situation. To help, WEALTH at work has listed 10 tips to help people take control of their finances before summer truly starts. Create a budget The first step is to create a budget. This means working out exactly what your income is, and what outgoings you have e.g. mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. If the amount of money needed each month is more than the amount coming in, you can then work out what action needs to be taken to cover the costs. MoneyHelper has a great budget planner here. Track finances After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Small changes such as ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,278 on food at takeaways and restaurants each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc. Make managing debt a priority There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. For example, credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% – 40%. It is often a good idea to make paying off expensive debts a priority. For instance, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off, if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. A good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off. This would allow it to be cleared over a shorter time period. Shop wisely By switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of a regular shop. In addition, by planning for the weekly shop in advance, it may help to search for deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and some people have access to discount vouchers through their employer. This could mean big savings for those who need to make a costly purchase, such as if the washing machine breaks. Check for savings on household bills When shopping around, it is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills such as car, home and pet insurance, and broadband and mobile suppliers. Price comparison websites can help to make it easier to compare the different deals available. Start an emergency fund Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. People should work out if they can afford to put some money aside each month, as even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from regular expenditure. MoneyHelper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal, here. Set up a savings standing order If people are able to save it is often a good idea to set up a standing order for saving into an ISA, often this means that they don't notice that the money is going into their savings. Start saving early Saving from a younger age means that money has more time to grow. ISAs are a great way to start saving and provide a tax efficient way to create an emergency fund, or for something you may want in the future. It is important to make sure that you're saving into a pension from early on and aren't tempted to opt out. Many are already paying 5% of their salary into their workplace pension through auto-enrolment, with an additional 3% employer contribution. However, we know that many employers will match any additional contributions (up to certain limits). In fact, if an employee is in their 20s, by saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, it is possible to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%. Beware of scams Scammers can often prey on people when they may be more vulnerable such as if they are struggling financially. Fraudsters can sound completely legitimate and it's easy to see why so many are fooled. Research from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam between 2023 and 2024. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults across the UK. If someone contacts an individual with an offer which seems too good to be true, it's vital they check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA's ScamSmart website is also a good site to visit as it includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams. Take action People shouldn't worry if they don't know where to start, as there is plenty of help available. It's always worth speaking to lenders too as they may be able to help those struggling with repayments and Citizens Advice can help with understanding on how to deal with any debts. Many leading employers are also a great source of support and offer financial education and guidance to help with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Hyderabad to adopt ‘land pooling' and Local Area Development Planning to revolutionise HMDA functioning
Transformational shifts are on the cards in the urban development approach in Telangana, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority setting out to introduce Local Area Development Planning (LADP) coupled with a Comprehensive Land Pooling Policy for better urban planning. Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed in a lengthy interaction on Saturday, said both the policies are aimed at addressing chronic issues such as non-availability of land for organised open spaces, public utilities, social infrastructure and low-cost housing. LADP, which exists in several other States, was not adopted in Telangana due to availability of vast tracts of open land in Hyderabad and surroundings. It involves HMDA in micro-level planning, instead of confining to designing Master Plans. 'As part of Master Plan, the plan area is divided into one to 1.2 square kilometre grid, and roads and other facilities are planned around each of the grids. Planning each grid, consisting of 250 to 300 acres of land, is not taken care of so far, leaving several plots without access roads. LADP envisions intensive planning inside each grid, leading to more organised development,' Mr. Ahmed said. It will also help planners to earmark spaces for public utilities, parks, schools and hospitals, besides providing pedestrian infrastructure. Town planning legislations have provisions for the LADP, but it has so far been neglected in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana too. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has given in-principle approval for the proposal giving the urban development authority a nod for appointing a consultant for the same. Land pooling policy which is in the drafting stage, involves enforcement instead of the existing consent-based approach. It is being modelled after the policy adopted by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) of Andhra Pradesh, and requires certain amendments with regard to resumption of assigned lands in lieu of developed plots. Mr. Ahmed shared that three to four tenders are lined up in the month of June respectively for LADP, mapping of the Telangana Core Urban Region, reorganisation of HMDA based on the other similarly sized UDAs in terms of structures and processes, and restructuring of all processes to fit into the new system. Mr. Ahmed also dwelt upon the reasons for delay in launching of works for various projects including the elevated corridors on National Highway 44 and on the State Highway 1, citing bureaucratic delays in land survey under different Defence wings, permissions from Director General of Civil Aviation, and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, a simulation study to be done by IIT Hyderabad for one of the two under tunnels, and procedure to be followed in property acquisition. 'We are also applying the Relief & Rehabilitation provision of the Land Acquisition Act, in order to preclude future complications and court cases,' Mr. Ahmed said, adding that the works may be grounded in the first week of August. Speaking about the radial road connecting the Outer Ring Road with the Regional Ring Road he said the project ran into legal wrangles, and due to stay orders issued from the High Court, the price bid has not been opened, which has stalled the tendering process. Forest permissions too are still in the pipeline, he informed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Imperial Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation ('Imperial' or the 'Company') (TSX:III) announces the Toronto Stock Exchange (the 'TSX') has accepted the Company's Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the 'Bid') to be transacted through the facilities of the TSX or alternative Canadian trading systems. Pursuant to the Bid, the Company may purchase up to 814,089 common shares, which represents 0.5% of the total 162,817,841 common shares of the Company issued and outstanding as of May 22, 2025. Purchases will be made, at the discretion of the Company, at prevailing market prices, commencing May 28, 2025 and ending no later than May 27, 2026. Pursuant to TSX policies, daily purchases made by the Company will not exceed 12,792 common shares or 25% of the Company's average daily trading volume of 51,168 common shares on the TSX, subject to certain prescribed exceptions. The common shares acquired under the Bid will be used to satisfy the Company's obligations under its Non-Management Directors' Plan and Amended and Restated Share Purchase Plan (the 'Plans'). The funding for any purchase pursuant to the Bid will be financed out of the working capital of the Company. In the previous 12 months, the Company has repurchased 217,504 of its outstanding common shares at a volume weighted average price per share of $2.37 through the facilities of the TSX. The maximum number of common shares sought and approved by the TSX under the terms of the previous Bid was 809,357. The common shares have or will be allocated to satisfy the Company's obligations under the Plans. A copy of the Company's Notice filed with the TSX may be obtained by any shareholder, without charge, by contacting the Company's Chief Financial Officer. About Imperial Imperial is a Vancouver-based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia. Company Contacts Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959Darb Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604.669.8959 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are 'forward-looking' statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Company management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intentions with respect to the Bid; the price, volume and timing of purchases and funding of such purchases thereunder; the use of shares acquired under the Bid; and the allocation of shares to satisfy the Company's obligations under the Plans. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to the Company as well as the Company's current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include, among other things, that the Company will complete purchases of common shares pursuant to the Bid and the other assumptions and risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, and the risk factors detailed in the Company's Annual Information Form, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and all forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Such information is given only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.
