Latest news with #TPO
The Star
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Bassie claims triple victory at the 2025 Metro FM Awards with Kwelanga 2. 0
Amapiano sensation Bassie lit up the 2025 Metro FM Awards with a triumphant sweep, claiming three of the night's top honours for her chart-topping anthem Kwelanga 2.0 . Her powerful vocals and genre-defining sound not only dominated the airwaves but also reaffirmed her place at the forefront of South Africa's music scene. Basetsana Maluleka, known to fans as Bassie, is a vocal sensation who rose from the streets of Windmill Park, Boksburg, to the national spotlight. A born performer, she began singing at just six years old, became a cheerleader by 12, and led as a school conductor at Sunward Park High by 18. Her early talent and determination propelled her onto competitive stages such as Ekurhuleni's Got Talent, paving the way for her meteoric rise in South Africa's Amapiano scene. Bassie first gained attention in 2018 with her feature on DJ Sjijo's Qaphela. In 2019, she built her name with the hit Abafana Besgcoko by TPO and Monotone, which received strong TV airplay. After performing on MTV Base Amapiano Movement, she recorded her breakthrough single Bathandwa with MFR Souls in 2020. This success led to her signing with the independent label Aurora Black. In December 2024, the songstress dropped her hit single Kwelanga 2.0 featuring TMan Xpress and Lee McKrazy, which quickly topped charts across all major platforms and racked up over 14 million YouTube views in just a month. This breakout track secured multiple nominations at the 2025 Metro FM Awards, with Bassie winning three major accolades. Bassie said that winning these awards felt incredible, especially since the song holds a special place in her heart. She added that she's grateful everyone involved feels acknowledged and appreciated for their hard work. Bassie also shared that her hit single, Kwelanga 2.0 , was inspired by her journey, created as a way to express her feelings and experiences. She explained, 'I wanted to tell my story, but it was challenging to bring all the artists together because everyone, including Yabo, had busy schedules. Despite that, we managed to feature everyone in the music video while staying true to my story.' She further stated that what distinguishes her as an artist is her smooth vocal flow and the relatable simplicity of her lyrics. She also revealed that fans can anticipate exciting collaborations as she continues to develop her sound and reach. 'I'm planning on doing more features and working with more artists to be on their projects more. I think that is what I want to do this year.' Bassie shared a heartfelt message for upcoming artists, encouraging them to "keep pushing, collaborate with those around you, and never stop praying." Reflecting on her hit single Kwelanga 2.0 , she expressed how deeply personal the track is, saying it's touching to see a song born from a place of struggle and doubt now offering hope and healing to others. 'It means a lot that a song I didn't think would make it, one about losing hope, is now helping people get through their challenges,' she said. Bassie's triumph with Kwelanga 2.0 is more than just a personal victory, it's a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and storytelling through music. The smash hit earned her three major accolades at the 2025 Metro FM Awards: Best Amapiano Song, Best Collaboration, and Best Music Video. With over 20 million streams and a message that resonates deeply with fans, Kwelanga 2.0 has become a national anthem of hope and empowerment. Bassie's rise is proof that even songs born from pain can light the way to greatness. Watch the video here: The Star [email protected]
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Discusses Issue That Women Have With Thyroid And Infertility
Thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), might occasionally be linked to infertility in women, health experts say. While thyroid problems can affect reproductive health, they aren't always the main cause of infertility. A healthy diet, staying hydrated, and being active can help improve fertility. Nutritionist Loveneet Batra points out that thyroid imbalance is often overlooked as a cause of unexplained infertility, even if there are no clear symptoms. In her latest Instagram post, Loveneet Batra has explained that many women are unaware that ovulation can be disrupted by even minor thyroid-related issues, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism. Despite eating a balanced diet and using the right health tracking techniques, she has addressed a common worry among women: irregular menstruation and difficulties in conceiving. Loveneet Batra has mentioned that the reproductive hormones may not be coordinating properly, even though your periods appear to be regular enough. 'It's like your body is prepared... but the signal to release the egg isn't firing properly,' she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovneet Batra (@lovneetb) Many women think that their reproductive health can be maintained with just a healthy diet and vitamins. Even with these efforts, some women still experience irregular menstrual cycles. This can occur without the typical signs of losing hair, weight increase, or exhaustion; thus, it often goes undetected because of no symptoms. Nutritionist Loveneet Batra explained that your thyroid is a key player in your hormonal orchestra, and 'even the slightest off note can impact fertility.' The thyroid gland controls energy levels, metabolism, and many other body processes, including reproductive health. Ovulation can be impeded and ovarian function adversely affected by even a mild thyroid imbalance. Loveneet Batra has, thus, suggested undergoing certain tests if you are experiencing difficulties in conceiving and menstrual irregularities persist. In addition to the standard Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test, one should consider Free T3 and Free T4, Vitamin D (essential for hormonal balance), TPO antibodies (to check for autoimmune thyroid disorders), and Prolactin (high levels can suppress ovulation). The nutritionist has advised that this information be shared with anyone who would find it useful to know how thyroid health and reproductive issues are related. People can work towards improving their reproductive health and resolving irregular menstruation cycles by being aware of these connections and taking the necessary actions. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black Atlantans Feel the Heat. New Tree Protection Rules Aim to Help
After almost 25 years, the city of Atlanta is set to make major changes to its long-standing tree protection rules as officials propose stricter legislation to preserve the city's canopy. These increased measures come as advocates sound the alarm over the city's tree canopy, which has been gradually decreasing in the face of development and rapid population growth. According to studies completed by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the city's tree canopy decreased from 48% to 46.5% from 2008 to 2018, which equated to an estimated loss of nearly half an acre of canopy per day between 2008 and 2018. And with Atlanta, like most of the country, predicted to face increasing temperatures over time due to climate change, trees can act as a natural coolant to communities by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air. For Atlanta's Black residents, who are disproportionately impacted by extreme urban heat compared to white residents, trees could be a lifeline. Earlier this month, Atlanta Department of City Planning officials unveiled their proposed changes to the Tree Protection Ordinance. The TPO establishes the permitting process for tree removal, fines for illegal tree cutting, and the tree planting and preservation requirements in the city. Some of the updated rules being suggested by city officials would include increasing tree removal fees, prohibiting developers from clearcutting, and more. The proposed draft of the TPO is currently under review by the city's Community Development and Human Services Committee. Of the changes being proposed, here are the top five rules residents should note: One of the changes to the TPO that is being recommended is adding in a program that would award $200,000 each year to a nonprofit organization to help low-income seniors with the removal of dead or fallen over trees and would work to plant new ones. At a Community Development and Human Services committee meeting on Tuesday, James Williams, who said he's a resident of Lakewood, said that although his community is overgrown with trees, he feels that the city hasn't done enough to create inclusive measures to support senior residents who may be struggling with an overgrown or fallen tree. 'I don't see organizations helping us to better coexist with the trees,' said Williams. At the same meeting, proponents of the changes to the TPO suggested the assistance program could help address Williams' concerns and recommended the city consider increasing the award budget to better meet the needs of the community. The city is looking to increase the tree removal, or recompense, fees from $100 per tree plus $30 per tree-trunk-inch to $260 per tree-trunk-inch. At a working meeting conducted by the Department of City Planning and the City Council on May 1, the department's commissioner, Jahnee Prince, said that the fees established in the 2001 ordinance don't match the increased prices for planting new trees in 2025. 'The increased recompense for planting trees is justified by the higher costs of planting in urban areas. We're planting trees on sites that are encumbered by utilities and roads and other infrastructure,' said Prince. City officials are also proposing to increase the fines for illegal tree removal from $60,000 per acre to $260,000 per acre. As part of the proposed changes to the TPO, any developer creating affordable housing units for low-income residents could qualify for reduced tree removal fees or not have to pay any fees altogether. The reduced fee will be based on the number of affordable housing units the project plans create. Developers that qualify for reduced fees will have to go through a verification process with the city to prove that their units are affordable. Black residents in the city face an increasing burden from high housing costs. According to the city's 2024 homeless census, Black people represented 86% of the Atlanta residents living on the streets, in shelters, or in temporary housing. The city is proposing to prohibit the practice of clearcutting, which is a logging method where swaths of trees are cut down all at once. It's a practice used by developers when clearing land for new projects. O. Money-Worthy, a resident of East Point and former longtime resident of Sylvan Hills, said part of his job as a regulatory specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers includes approving permits for developers who want to conduct projects near wetlands. He said that over the years he's seen an increase in clearcutting conducted in Atlanta. 'Mass grading, which is pretty much clearcutting and disturbing the first 12 inches of soil, I'm seeing that everywhere,' said Money-Worthy. 'We're seeing a rapid decline in our canopy.' Another new addition to the TPO that's being suggested is that arborists, foresters, landscape architects and tree companies that are planning to cut down trees or receive any tree-related permits must be registered with the city. The registration program will be free, and city officials say they are proposing this measure to create more accountability around illegal tree removals and incorrect site plans. Anyone who is registered with the city that is caught violating the new ordinance would face suspension from working in the city. The post Black Atlantans Feel the Heat. New Tree Protection Rules Aim to Help appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dymax Launches TPO-Free Light-Curable Adhesives Range to Address Regulatory and Marketplace Demands
SINGAPORE, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dymax, a leading manufacturer of rapid light-curing materials and equipment, responds to market interest in sustainable adhesive solutions and changing regulatory requirements by expanding its portfolio of TPO-free light-curable materials. Preemptive Compliance and Long-Term ReadinessIn anticipation of the European Union legislative changes on Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) and in response to growing consumer concerns around the world, Dymax is expanding our portfolio of TPO-free formulations designed to meet evolving safety standards and support long-term product design and planning. The available TPO-free products have been rigorously tested to deliver the performance and quality characteristics expected of all Dymax chemistries. For medical device applications, adhesives meet biocompatibility standards, including ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity and others as appropriate, helping support internal validation or documentation requirements. Additionally, manufacturers who want to integrate the formulations into existing production environments can seek assistance from Dymax technical service specialists who can help customers move confidently through validation processes with current applications or new product development efforts. "Our commitment to monitoring and assessing the needs of the marketplace and developing innovative and effective solutions drives us to stay ahead of the marketplace," said Michael Ford, Head of Business Development at Dymax. "By enabling access to our expanded portfolio of TPO-free products early and continuing to evolve our product lines where needed, we are giving our customers the confidence to continue using our materials while meeting evolving global standards and end-user needs." Supporting Product TransitionsRecognizing that any formulation change can raise questions, Dymax provides technical and regulatory support to help customers assess and adopt TPO-free options, including: Current application product review to determine potential TPO-containing product use Product Data Sheets for material property review prior to in-house validation Application engineering guidance to evaluate any required process adjustments Access to regulatory teams for questions about global compliance requirements While the regulatory push is strongest in the EU, Dymax's proactive approach will help enable a timely transition for the customer, giving them confidence in product reliability and future compliance directives while simultaneously addressing consumer needs. Customers are encouraged to contact Dymax technical advisors to answer questions on process and design changes and for support in evaluating solutions that meet immediate performance needs and longer-term planning goals. About DymaxDymax develops innovative rapid and light-curable materials, dispensing equipment, and UV/LED light-curing systems. The company's adhesives, coatings, and equipment are perfectly matched to work seamlessly with each other, providing design engineers with tools to dramatically improve manufacturing efficiencies. Major markets include aerospace and defense; medical device; and consumer and automotive electronics. For additional information on Dymax, visit or call us at +65 6752 2887. View original content: SOURCE Dymax 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
South Wales Guardian
11-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
What is the law on cutting trees down in your garden?
But overgrown trees can become an obstruction and pose a safety risk. This is why it is important to understand the law and what responsibilities come with owning a tree. Tree owners have a legal duty to ensure that trees growing on their property are reasonably safe and do not pose a foreseeable risk to others. Arboriculturists from Arbtech have shared their advice and guidance so that people are aware of their responsibilities and the laws around garden trees. Experts say that in almost all cases, the safety of a tree is the responsibility of the owner of the land on which the tree grows. But there can be exceptions to this. If a tree lies on boundary lines, then it is jointly owned by each neighbour, and there can be cases where a rental agreement requires the tenant of a property to manage trees. With tree owners having a legal duty to ensure the safety of their neighbours, it is important that trees are not left to be unsafe through damage or disease, as this may leave them liable if it causes any damage to a property or person. It is recommended that tree owners have regular tree surveys completed by qualified arboriculturists to ensure the ongoing safety of any trees on the property. However, it is imperative that checks are made to find out whether a tree has any legal restrictions applied to it prior to undertaking any work on it. There are a number of ways that trees can be protected in the UK, including Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), Conservation Areas, and the Felling Licence System. You should be able to check a tree's status with your local council. Depending on the protection that a tree has, a person could find themselves liable to prosecution should any work be undertaken on a tree without permission. Andrew Ward from Arbtech, said: 'It's really important that tree owners are well aware of the law and their responsibilities when it comes to the duty of care for trees. 'Not only for their own but for their neighbours' safety as well. 'Making sure that any trees on your property are healthy and free from disease should be a big priority. 'Having a tree survey done can give you peace of mind and ensure that you are following the duty of care for your neighbours. 'If you are looking to remove a tree or any of its branches, you do also need to take into consideration whether the tree has a protected status or not as well. 'Before undertaking any work like this, always check with your local council to see what the tree's status is, as you could find yourself liable to prosecution if you carry out any work without permission.' Calvin Woolman, regional manager at Gristwood & Toms, part of the Nurture Group, also explained how you are allowed to cut down a tree as long as it is not protected by a TPO or stands in a conservation area. 'However, if the tree is protected in either of these ways, carrying out work without the necessary permission is a criminal offence,' Mr Woolman added. Recommended reading: Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees Dog owners warned of fatal plants that could endanger pets Common garden tasks that could lead to hefty £26k fines 'This can result in fines of up to £20,000 per tree in a magistrates' court, as well as a duty to replant. 'Additional legal constraints may also apply. These include planning permission conditions, restrictive covenants, and wildlife protection laws, such as those safeguarding nesting birds and bats. 'You must also consider neighbours' property rights, which can affect your ability to carry out tree work near boundaries.' Anyone who is unsure is advised to consult their local council's tree officer or hire a qualified arboriculturist.
