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New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Paid Rs 200/month for a decade, road inspectors in Tamil Nadu want vehicle allowance hiked to Rs 100/day
TIRUCHY: Mentioning the vehicle allowance of Rs 200/month paid to them last revised over 15 years ago, road inspectors (RIs) in the state highways department urge the state government to hike it to a minimum of Rs 100 per day so as to cover the 'high' fuel expenses they incur during inspections. Road inspectors, who monitor and evaluate the quality of construction and maintenance activities carried out on state highways and associated projects, say each one of them is supposed to be entrusted responsibility over a 25-kilometre stretch. But in reality, we cover up to 100 kilometres daily, said a road inspector. "Gone are the days when RIs used bicycles for their duty. Everyone now uses a bike, scooter or moped. Unlike in the past, the length of state highways is also increasing, even as many RI posts remain vacant. The work burden forces us to cover more kilometres. Yet, we are provided with just Rs 200 every month as travel allowance, which is barely enough for a single day," the RI added. A Suresh, state president of the Tamil Nadu Road Inspectors Association, said the government initially disbursed Rs 50 per month in 'cycle allowance' when RIs used to undertake inspection on bicycles. This was later increased to Rs 100. During the Sixth Central Pay Commission, the amount was revised to Rs 200 per month, Suresh added, also pointing out that the allowance is now listed as 'other allowance' in the payslip. Despite several representations to the state government that the allowance be hiked to at least Rs 100 per day, they have not been heeded to, Suresh further said. 'We are awaiting the next pay commission revision. At the very least, the state government should consider our genuine demands and raise the allowance to Rs 100 per day, which would reflect the current cost of fuel and essential commodities," he added.
Business Wire
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Great Quest Gold Enters Into Arrangement Agreement With Lotus Gold
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Great Quest Gold Ltd. (' Great Quest ' or the ' Company ') (TSX-V: GQ) is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated May 14, 2025, it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement dated June 26, 2025 (the ' Arrangement Agreement ') with Lotus Gold Corporation (' Lotus '), pursuant to which Great Quest intends to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Lotus (the ' Lotus Shares ') in exchange for newly issued common shares in the capital of Great Quest (' GQ Shares ') as an arm's length transaction to be completed by way of a court-approved plan of arranged under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the ' BCBCA ') (the ' Arrangement '). Pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ' TSXV '), the Arrangement will be considered a reverse takeover (the ' RTO ') of the Company by Lotus, which will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the resulting issuer (the ' Resulting Issuer ') following completion of the Arrangement. Transaction Details Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, the shareholders of Lotus will receive such number of common shares of the Resulting Issuer (the ' RI Shares ') such that the former Lotus shareholders will own 63.3% of the issued and outstanding RI Shares and the number of RI Shares held by the former shareholders of Great Quest will equal 36.7%. The number of RI Shares issued as consideration shares to former holders of Lotus Shares will be determined following completion of the Bridge Financing (as defined below) and announced in a subsequent news release accordingly. In accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, all outstanding warrants of Lotus will be exercisable to acquire RI Shares, in amounts and at exercise prices adjusted in accordance with the Arrangement Agreement. A subsequent news release will describe the valuation of Lotus. Arrangement Agreement The Arrangement will be subject to the following approvals: approval by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, requisite regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV; and the approval of the directors and the shareholders of each of Great Quest and Lotus. Among other terms customary for a transaction of this nature, the Arrangement Agreement includes the following terms and conditions: A change of name of the Company to such name as is mutually agreed between Great Quest and Lotus and acceptable to the TSXV effective upon closing of the Arrangement (the ' Closing '); a share consolidation of Great Quest on the basis of one post-consolidation GQ Share for every 30 pre-consolidation GQ Shares; completion of a bridge financing (the ' Bridge Financing ') by Great Quest for gross aggregate proceeds of up to CAD$500,000, through the issuance of GQ Shares at a pre-Consolidation price of $0.025 per share, as further described in the Company's news release dated June 16, 2025; directors and officers of Lotus and shareholders of Lotus holding 5% or more entering into support and voting agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their Lotus Shares in favour of the Arrangement; each of Great Quest and Lotus will have a working capital deficit and long term debt (excluding non-cash liabilities) of no more than CAD$110,000 unless agreed otherwise by Lotus and Great Quest respectively in writing; Lotus will receive a title opinion regarding Great Quest's Namibian mineral project; and Great Quest will receive a technical report in compliance with National Instrument 43-103 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a title opinion regarding Lotus' Eastern Desert Gold Project in Eastern Egypt. Trading in the GQ Shares has been halted since May 8, 2025 in accordance with the policies of the TSXV and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Arrangement has been filed with and accepted by, and permission to resume trading has been obtained from, the TSXV. There can be no assurance that trading of GQ Shares will resume prior to the completion of the Arrangement. Shareholder Approvals At a special meeting of the shareholders of Great Quest the (the ' GQ Meeting ') to be held in accordance with the BCBCA, Great Quest will seek the approval of the RTO pursuant to the policies of the TSXV by an ordinary resolution passed by shareholders of Great Quest holding at least 51% of the issued and outstanding GQ Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the GQ Meeting. At a special meeting of the shareholders of Lotus (the ' Lotus Meeting ') to be held in accordance with the BCBCA, Lotus will seek the approval of the Arrangement by a special resolution passed by the shareholders of Lotus holding at least 66 2 / 3 % of the issued and outstanding Lotus Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Lotus Meeting. Lotus Advance In connection with the Arrangement, Lotus will enter into a secured loan agreement with Great Quest for the loan amount of $300,000 (the ' Loan ') bearing interest at 10% per annum, subject to conversion into GQ Shares at a pre-Consolidation price of $0.025 per share should the Arrangement not close by the November 30, 2025 deadline. Great Quest intends to use the funds from the Loan for its working capital requirements. Bridge Financing Further to Great Quest's news release dated June 16, 2025, the Company intends to complete the Bridge Financing prior to the Closing. The Bridge Financing is subject to approval by the TSXV. Resulting Issuer Board of Directors Upon completion of the Arrangement, it is anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer shall consist of the following persons: Jed Richardson, Director Jed Richardson brings a wealth of experience spanning a 25-year career in the mining and financial sectors. He has worked as a Research Associate at RBC Capital Markets and as a Research Analyst at Cormark/Sprott Securities, in addition to serving as a Mining Engineer for Alcan Aluminum. Jed has also served as Vice-President of Corporate Development for Verde Potash, Principal Consultant of Javelin Corporate Development Partners, and President and CEO of Trigon Metals. Joining Great Quest's Board in 2010, he was appointed President & CEO in 2013, transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman in 2024. Jed holds a in Mineral and Geological Engineering from the University of Toronto. Heye Daun, Director Heye Daun is the co-founder and former President & CEO of Osino Resources. He is also the co-founder of the former Auryx Gold Corp. which advanced the Otjikoto gold project in Namibia until sale to B2Gold Corp for US$160m in 2011. As the former President & CEO of Ecuador Gold & Copper Corp. (' EGX '), Heye was instrumental in the formation of Lumina Gold Corp. through the C$200m merger of EGX with Odin Mining, before founding Osino Resources in 2015 with Alan Friedman. Heye is a mining engineer and MBA and has extensive experience in mining operations, working for Rio Tinto, AngloGold-Ashanti and Gold Fields, and stints in mining finance with South Africa's Nedbank Capital and Old Mutual Investment Group. For the last 12 years Heye has been a successful public markets mining entrepreneur. Heye is a Director and also co-founder of Lotus. Alan Friedman, Director Alan Friedman is a South African-trained lawyer and public markets entrepreneur with significant success in a range of sectors such as mining, oil & gas, cannabis, e-gaming and others. As a result of being involved with North American public markets for over 20 years, his little black book is brimming with the Who-is-Who in Finance and Acquisitions and he has played an integral role in the financings and go-public transactions for many resource companies onto Toronto Stock Exchange and AIM. He is also a director of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business. Alan is a Co-founder and Director of TSXV-listed Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd., and co-founder of Auryx Gold Corp and Osino Resources. Alan is a Director and also co-founder of Lotus. Sponsorship The Arrangement may require sponsorship under the policies of the TSXV unless a waiver from sponsorship is granted. Great Quest intends to apply for a waiver from sponsorship requirements of the TSXV in connection with the Arrangement. There can be no assurance that such waiver will ultimately be granted. Eastern Gold Desert Project Descriptions In two competitive international bid rounds, Lotus secured ten exploration sectors (blocks or licenses) across the Egyptian Eastern Desert. Subsequent renewal and relinquishment of blocks, as well as the addition of 5.5 blocks acquired from B2Gold brings the total land position to ±1,930 km 2 (roughly the equivalent of 11 blocks), as summarised below: Qualified Person (QP) Statements Qualified Person David Underwood, BSc. (Hons) is Vice President Exploration of Lotus Gold Corporation and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release as it pertains to Lotus, and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No.400323/11) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101"). On behalf of the board of directors of Great Quest Gold Ltd.: "Jed Richardson" Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Further Information and Disclaimer All information contained in this news release with respect to Great Quest and Lotus was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. Completion of the Arrangement is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Arrangement cannot close until any required shareholder approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Arrangement, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Arrangement and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the proposal to complete the Arrangement and associated transactions. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as 'expects', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'projects', 'plans' and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the completion and expected terms of the Arrangement, the Loan, the number of securities of the Company that may be issued in connection with the Arrangement and Bridge Financing, obtaining the requisite shareholder approval, Lotus' strategic plans and the parties' ability to satisfy closing conditions and receive necessary approvals, are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Arrangement (including the name change and consolidation), the Loan, or the Financings will occur or that, if the Arrangement, and the Financings do occur, they will be completed on the terms described above. Great Quest and Lotus assume no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.
Irish Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
River Island's 'spacious' €54 bag looks identical to €250 Michael Kors tote
River Island customers are snapping up a generously sized shopper bag that bears an uncanny resemblance to a pricier version from a designer label. This budget-friendly find is not only ideal for toting laptops and other work necessities, but also serves as a stylish carry-on for overseas holidays. Priced at €54, the White Embossed Side Tie Shopper Bag is nearly €200 less than a tote from Michael Kors. Opting for the high-end Quinn Leather Tote Bag would set you back a hefty €250. The roomy River Island bag is crafted from vegan leather and adorned with an embossed RI monogram print throughout. It boasts convenient shoulder straps for easy and comfortable carrying, along with side ties to expand the bag when you need extra space. Adding a playful touch, the this €54 is finished off with trendy detachable bag charms. The Michael Kors bag also includes a gold-tone bag pendant. This luxe-looking bag measures L: 30cm x D: 18cm x W: 50cm and is designed to accommodate everyday essentials. Whether you're packing your laptop, Kindle, purse and headphones for the office, or stashing a beach towel, flip flops and bottle of SPF in your holdall, River Island tote has got you covered, reports the Manchester Evening News. While River Island doesn't provide the option for customers to leave product reviews, this bag is sure to be a chic and practical addition to any summer ensemble. It's worth noting, however, that vegan leather often requires more maintenance than traditional leather, so bear that in mind.
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
Raffles Institution's Kaska Watkins taking aim during the National School Games A Division netball final. She scored 20 out of 24 shots in the 45-40 win over Anglo-Chinese Junior College. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown SINGAPORE – Competing in the National School Games swimming finals in April, Raffles Institution's (RI) Kaska Watkins collected a total of four medals – including a relay gold. Transferring that athleticism from the pool to the court, she added another gold to her haul on May 28. The goal attack played a key role as RI defeated defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 45-40 at Our Tampines Hub to reclaim the A Division netball title that they last won in 2023. Kaska converted 20 out of the 24 shots she attempted, putting up an impressive 83.3 per cent shot conversion rate. The 17-year-old had claimed silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay on April 24, before adding a gold in the 4x50m free relay and a 100m free bronze a day later. But the water sport has given her more than just medals. 'Swimming has given me a strong core,' said Kaska, who is of English nationality. 'So whenever my teammates pass me the ball, I can grab it at different directions. Also, when I do weight training in swimming, I work on my legs and it helps me jump higher.' However, standing at 1.73m, she knew it would be difficult going up on the court against ACJC's goalkeeper Alyssa Tan, who is taller at 1.78m, prompting a different offensive approach. 'We knew we couldn't do any high balls because she (Alyssa) would intercept it, so I had to try holding her (back) so that I would block her off and get the ball,' said Kaska. RI coach Chng Li Li, 53, added: 'The AC (defence) is much taller than my shooters. We cannot play high, so we had to play the low balls (along the floor).' RI were without their first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi, who had to attend the International Biology Olympiad at Nanyang Technological University. Reserve centres Caitlin Ong and Emily Loi took turns to deputise in her place, and they both performed admirably. 'I played three quarters (in total) in the preliminary round, so this was definitely quite an overwhelming moment for me when I stepped on court,' said Emily, 17, who started the final as a substitute. Centre Emily Loi (in black, holding the ball) played well in place of their absent first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM 'Even though our main centre wasn't here, it doesn't mean that our team won't be able to play well. We are still a team overall so we'll all be working together,' she said. RI started the game on the front foot, leading 13-8 after the first quarter. A combination of turnovers high up the court and neat interplay saw them take a commanding 25-18 advantage into half-time. ACJC fought back in the third quarter as they sought to narrow a 32-28 deficit. But it was ultimately too little too late as RI closed the game out to avenge last season's defeat in the final, where they lost 44-43 to ACJC. RI captain Lim Ruici , 18, said: 'The team was really hungry this year. I think our team's focus was enjoying the game because that is when we are at our best.' RI celebrating with the trophy after winning the A Div netball final. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC captain Keira Baptista was on the sidelines after a full anterior cruciate ligament tear and a partial medial collateral ligament tear ruled her out for the season. 'At first, I felt very helpless that I wouldn't be there for my team physically on court, but regardless I made sure that they knew that I would have their back,' said the 18-year-old. On-court captain Alyssa said RI played a good game and deserved their win. 'We fought hard and no matter the outcome, I think we put in our best effort today,' added the 18-year-old. In the third-place play-off, Victoria Junior College beat Eunoia Junior College 48-35. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GoNetspeed Celebrates Growing Footprint and 10th State
Newport, Rhode Island Slated for GoNetspeed's Multigigabit Network NEWPORT, R.I., May 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, GoNetspeed, the Northeast's largest independent fiber optic network builder, today celebrated GoNetspeed's planned expansion into Newport, Rhode Island. Marking GoNetspeed's first Rhode Island community, Newport also signifies a significant milestone for the company, as Rhode Island is the tenth state in GoNetspeed's growing footprint. The combined $13 million investment was made possible through a $9 million award from Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's Capital Projects Fund (CPF) with a $3.9 million match from GoNetspeed. This expansion will bring more than 8,200 homes and businesses throughout Newport access to high-speed, 100% fiber internet with speeds scaling up to two gigabits per second. "Rhode Islanders deserve access to fast, reliable internet," said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. "This investment is not just about connectivity; it's about strengthening our economy, supporting local businesses, and ensuring everyone can participate in today's digital world—key goals of our RI 2030 plan." "With ConnectRI, we're delivering targeted broadband solutions that make a real difference in the lives of residents and businesses," said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. "These investments will help strengthen Rhode Island's infrastructure and keep us competitive." "GoNetspeed is continuing to elevate the quality of life in communities throughout the Northeast with access to 100% fiber internet, and we aren't slowing down. We are thrilled to celebrate Newport as the first Rhode Island community slated to gain access to our high-speed fiber-optic network," said Richard Clark, GoNetspeed President and CEO. "We are grateful for the support we have received from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, as they have made it possible for us to ensure that Rhode Island communities have the resources needed to thrive." Construction is expected to begin as early as fall of 2025, with the first customers expected to be connected by spring 2026. As construction begins this fall, homes and businesses will be connected neighborhood by neighborhood. The full construction process is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. Residents can visit to pre-order service and receive an exclusive pre-order offer, along with construction updates. GoNetspeed's expansion into Rhode Island underscores its commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing communities access to the latest technology. The company's 100% fiber-optic network is future-proof, capable of supporting the ever-increasing bandwidth demands of emerging technologies and applications. Recently, GoNetspeed unveiled a $250 million investment that will bring fiber-optic internet to 27 communities throughout Massachusetts. This significant investment follows continued network additions and expansions throughout New York and Connecticut, and most recently, full network upgrades in four Vermont communities. The privately funded company continues to scale, bringing access to 100% internet throughout the Northeast. About the Capital Projects Fund This initial investment from the state CPF is part of a larger effort by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's ConnectRI program to connect all remaining unserved and underserved locations – meaning locations without access to 100/20Mbps service – across Rhode Island to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0169 awarded to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. About GoNetspeed: GoNetspeed, a high-speed fiber internet provider serving residential and business customers in Maine, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia, formed a partnership with Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill") in January 2021, allowing GoNetspeed to accelerate the expansion of its fiber network throughout the Northeastern U.S. Adding thousands of new service areas every year, GoNetspeed is one of the largest independent internet providers in the Northeast. For more information about GoNetspeed, or to inquire about service in your residence, business or community, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Katie Bartholomai502.821.6784Katie@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
