Latest news with #SNPs
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Bangladesh Proposes to Ban Safer Nicotine Products Under Foreign Influence, Ignoring Public Health Evidence and Regional Precedents
MANILA, Philippines, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Bangladesh Ministry of Health is pushing a new tobacco control bill that proposes a sweeping ban on all safer nicotine products (SNPs), including vaping devices and oral alternatives. Alarmingly, this move is being pursued without public consultation and under an interim government—raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability. Citing WHO FCTC Article 5.3, the Ministry is attempting to justify excluding public health experts, consumers, and harm reduction advocates from the policymaking process. According to a report by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), this misuse of international guidance is designed to block dissent and suppress scientific debate. The proposal appears to be heavily influenced by foreign actors—most notably Bloomberg Philanthropies and its primary grantee, the U.S.-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK). Since 2008, Bloomberg Philanthropies has channelled over US$232 million to CTFK to promote anti-nicotine policies worldwide. These funds support NGOs, train bureaucrats, and embed advisors within government ministries, creating a network of influence that sidelines national sovereignty. In Bangladesh, Bloomberg partner Vital Strategies maintains a Dhaka office staffed by former government officials, while CTFK and its affiliates are listed as official partners of the Ministry's National Tobacco Control Cell. This arrangement allows foreign-funded groups to shape policy directly, with little regard for democratic process or public health realities on the ground. 'This is not tobacco control. This is policy outsourcing,' said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA. 'Bangladesh risks allowing foreign-funded NGOs to override its own democratic institutions and deny its citizens access to proven harm reduction tools.' The move contradicts regional trends. Similar foreign-backed proposals were recently rejected in Pakistan and the Philippines , where authorities prioritized evidence-based public health approaches over external influence. The dangers of banning SNPs are already visible elsewhere. Countries like India and Australia, which have implemented such bans, are now dealing with rampant black markets and unregulated products—problems that undermine rather than improve public health. With one of the highest rates of tobacco-related illness in the world, Bangladesh stands to benefit greatly from a regulated harm reduction strategy. The global evidence is clear: SNPs help smokers quit and significantly reduce harm. A blanket ban would be a step backward, not forward. Contact: N.E Loucas [email protected] WhatsApp: 64 0272348463
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Donald Trump 'not welcome in Scotland' as President branded 'convicted criminal and political extremist'
John Swinney's decision to meet with the US President during his Scottish visit has been called "tragic" by one MSP. Donald Trump is "not welcome in Scotland" as he is a "convicted criminal and political extremist", the co-leader of the Scottish Greens has said. Patrick Harvie also described John Swinney's decision to meet with the US President later this month as "tragic". Trump is set to fly to Aberdeen to open a second course at his Menie Estate golf resort as part of a whistle-stop visit to Scotland. It was confirmed today the Republican leader will meet with Keir Starmer in the Granite City, where a meeting with the SNP leader is also likely. Harvie, a long-standing critic of both Trump and his presidency, said: "Donald Trump is a convicted criminal and political extremist, there can be no excuses for trying to cosy up to his increasingly fascist political agenda. "We've all watched in recent months as the US President has sent troops to threaten their own citizens on the streets of Los Angeles, kidnapped innocent people under the guise of mass deportations and now they are constructing a concentration camp in Florida. "This is a man who has a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America, and whose climate denial threatens everyone around the world. The SNPs decision to meet with this convicted felon is a tragic one, and is out of step with Scotland's values. "Appeasing political extremists like Trump won't save us from his misinformation and toxic rhetoric.' Harvie added: "If the Scottish Government won't make it clear to Trump, then I'm sure the people of Scotland on the streets protesting his every move will make it loud and clear. Donald Trump is not welcome here.' Trump said he would meet with Starmer in Aberdeen, which he described as 'the oil capital of Europe'. He told the BBC: 'They have so much oil there. They should get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil. Cause the windmills are really detrimental to the beauty of Scotland and every other place they go up." Jackie Baillie said the First Minister must do more than simply talk up the country when he meets the US President this month. The Scottish Labour deputy leader said Scotland should welcome Trump but added that she supported people's rights to protest against his presence in the UK. She said: I would expect the First Minister to meet with the elected US President. At the end of the day, John Swinney, who I think is a very cautious politician, will undoubtedly sing the praises of Scotland. 'I want him not just to sing the praises of Scotland but actually to secure for very important sectors of our economy better trade deals in partnership with the United Kingdom, so that whisky, salmon, all these things that we know export well to the US are given a lift up."
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Univar Solutions Publishes 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
As the Company enters the final year of its current ESG goals highlights show significant progress on all fronts, including its Sustainable & Natural Products portfolio. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, announced today the release of its 2024 ESG report, which is available through the Univar Solutions website at The report tracks Univar Solutions' progress against its ESG targets over the past year and shares 2024 metric highlights including: Reduced Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 26 percent compared to the baseline, operating below the 20 percent deliverable for the end of 2025. Reduced total significant releases to 63, down 24 percent from the baseline. Reduced hazardous waste by 10 percent from the baseline. Increased non-hazardous waste diversion to 34 percent, an increase of 117 percent from the baseline. Reduced water waste by 36 percent from the baseline, surpassing the deliverable. Improving on its social goals Decreased its TCIR to 0.36, marking the second-best performance on record and below the 2025 deliverable of 0.38. Progressing on sustainable sourcing and Sustainable & Natural Products (SNPs) Achieved goal to issue all product suppliers with the supplier code of conduct by the end of 2023. By the end of 2024, 69.1 percent of the product supplier spend was covered by a sustainability assessment via the EcoVadis platform. "I continue to be amazed by the talented and innovative employees who drive our organization forward, said David Jukes, president, and chief executive officer. "Our ESG goal highlights are a prime example of their dedication, and the positive results reflect our values being upheld by our employees as we work to improve our infrastructure and operational efficiency, resulting in emission reductions." 2024 marked a significant milestone for Univar Solutions through the recognition of its 100-year anniversary as a company, which was founded on August 8, 1924. From the start, Univar Solutions has strived to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe through a host of products and services. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary was no different as employees embraced the challenge of taking part in 100 volunteering service projects in 100 days and exceeded expectations with each action focused on benefitting various communities around the world. "As we enter the final year of our current generation of ESG goals, I am excited to see how far we have come and how close we are to hitting such meaningful and ambitious objectives," said Alexa Colin chief legal officer and corporate secretary and executive ESG lead at Univar Solutions. "Through 2025 our teams will continue to review the material impacts of our divisions and the opportunities to better serve our customers and communities, sustainably and this work will drive the development of our next-generation ESG goals beyond 2025." "Our pledge to distribute products while lowering emissions and increasing our Sustainable & Natural Product s portfolio remains, as do our aligned ESG goals and strategic priorities," said Dr. Liam McCarroll, senior director of global sustainability. "I'm pleased with our progress as we remain focused on maintaining our commitment to safety and enhancing the customer experience." For a complete review of Univar Solutions' progress to a more sustainable future, please see the full sustainability report at and for more on the Univar Solutions' Sustainable and Natural Products Portfolio visit About Univar Solutions Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at Forward-Looking Statements and Information This communication contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company's business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Univar Solutions Publishes 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
As the Company enters the final year of its current ESG goals highlights show significant progress on all fronts, including its Sustainable & Natural Products portfolio. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, announced today the release of its 2024 ESG report, which is available through the Univar Solutions website at The report tracks Univar Solutions' progress against its ESG targets over the past year and shares 2024 metric highlights including: Continuing to make significant progress on its environmental goals Reduced Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 26 percent compared to the baseline, operating below the 20 percent deliverable for the end of 2025. Reduced total significant releases to 63, down 24 percent from the baseline. Reduced hazardous waste by 10 percent from the baseline. Increased non-hazardous waste diversion to 34 percent, an increase of 117 percent from the baseline. Reduced water waste by 36 percent from the baseline, surpassing the deliverable. Improving on its social goals Decreased its TCIR to 0.36, marking the second-best performance on record and below the 2025 deliverable of 0.38. Progressing on sustainable sourcing and Sustainable & Natural Products (SNPs) Achieved goal to issue all product suppliers with the supplier code of conduct by the end of 2023. By the end of 2024, 69.1 percent of the product supplier spend was covered by a sustainability assessment via the EcoVadis platform. "I continue to be amazed by the talented and innovative employees who drive our organization forward, said David Jukes, president, and chief executive officer. "Our ESG goal highlights are a prime example of their dedication, and the positive results reflect our values being upheld by our employees as we work to improve our infrastructure and operational efficiency, resulting in emission reductions." 2024 marked a significant milestone for Univar Solutions through the recognition of its 100-year anniversary as a company, which was founded on August 8, 1924. From the start, Univar Solutions has strived to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe through a host of products and services. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary was no different as employees embraced the challenge of taking part in 100 volunteering service projects in 100 days and exceeded expectations with each action focused on benefitting various communities around the world. "As we enter the final year of our current generation of ESG goals, I am excited to see how far we have come and how close we are to hitting such meaningful and ambitious objectives," said Alexa Colin chief legal officer and corporate secretary and executive ESG lead at Univar Solutions. "Through 2025 our teams will continue to review the material impacts of our divisions and the opportunities to better serve our customers and communities, sustainably and this work will drive the development of our next-generation ESG goals beyond 2025." "Our pledge to distribute products while lowering emissions and increasing our Sustainable & Natural Products portfolio remains, as do our aligned ESG goals and strategic priorities," said Dr. Liam McCarroll, senior director of global sustainability. "I'm pleased with our progress as we remain focused on maintaining our commitment to safety and enhancing the customer experience." For a complete review of Univar Solutions' progress to a more sustainable future, please see the full sustainability report at and for more on the Univar Solutions' Sustainable and Natural Products Portfolio visit About Univar SolutionsUnivar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at Forward-Looking Statements and Information This communication contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company's business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement. 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The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Trace DNA left by large carnivores at livestock kill sites can be used to reliably identify individual predators: NCBS study
National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) researchers in a recent study have stated that trace DNA left by large carnivores at livestock kill sites can be used to reliably identify individual predators. NCBS said that this approach offers a powerful tool to effectively manage human-wildlife conflict and understand predator behaviour and ecology. 'In communities that live in proximity to large carnivores, livestock depredation might cause conservation challenges. Systematic understanding of individuals involved in conflict is a critical first step towards a solution,' said Uma Ramakrishnan, senior author of the study which has been published in Biological Conservation. NCBS said that around the world, managing human-wildlife conflict often involves relocating or removing the suspected predator. 'Typically, forest departments rely on field signs like pugmarks, scat, or claw marks to identify the animal involved. However, these signs can be ambiguous, and removing the non-target individual may disturb carnivore populations and sometimes further intensify conflict situations. More reliable and robust genetic identification of predators could be an effective strategy for conflict resolution,' NCBS said. The researchers in collaboration with Panthera and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department investigated 198 kill sites across two of Central India's key tiger habitats - Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves. At each site, researchers collected non-invasive genetic samples - saliva, scat, and shed hair as a potential source of predator DNA. Using genetic tools based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), they identified individual tigers present at these kill sites. Shed hair samples were the most effective for individual identification, followed closely by saliva and scat. Overall, tigers were successfully identified at 85% of the kill sites, with species-level identification exceeding 95% across all sample types. To assess each tiger's likely involvement in a kill, the team developed a classification framework based on the type and location of genetic evidence. Each case was categorised as a true predator (high confidence),circumstantial predator (medium confidence), or predator uncertain (low confidence). Out of the 198 cases studied, 72 were classified with high confidence, 34 with medium confidence, and 49 with low confidence. 'Genetic samples are often the only true evidence of a predation event and are therefore vital. While identification is possible, there remains some possibility of misidentification especially when multiple individuals are present at the kill site. That's why it's important to assign confidence levels in identification. We hope that such a classification scheme will help better represent the level of confidence provided by the genetic tools and further evidence-based conflict management,' said Himanshu Chhattani, lead author of the study.
