Latest news with #owned
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
3 Japanese sentenced to prison over PFAS pollution in Italy
The presiding judge, center, delivers the ruling in a case concerning chemical pollution at a district court in Vicenza, Italy, on June 26. (Kosuke So) VICENZA, Italy—Eleven individuals, including three Japanese nationals, were sentenced to prison here over chemical pollution caused by a former Mitsubishi Corp. subsidiary that contaminated groundwater and rivers, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. The district court in Vicenza on June 26 handed down prison terms ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 17 years and 6 months. Four Japanese, including board members of the former subsidiary, Miteni, were indicted in the case. Two of them received 16-year prison sentences while one was handed an 11-year term. The other Japanese suspect was acquitted. The chemicals released by the Miteni factory in northeastern Italy's Veneto region were polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals' because they are nearly non-degradable in nature. The court ordered the convicted defendants to pay a total of about 57 million euros ($67 million or 9.6 billion yen) to the Italian environment ministry. In addition, the court recognized Mitsubishi's responsibility for the water contamination and ordered the corporation to provide compensation to victims, including individual citizens, the Veneto region and the municipal government where the factory was located. The trial stemmed from an investigation by Veneto regional authorities in 2013, which identified the Miteni plant as the source of PFAS pollutants in the area. The factory, previously owned by Mitsubishi, produced the chemicals for textile and other industrial purposes. Italian authorities estimated that 350,000 people in three provinces were affected by contaminated tap and groundwater. Subsequent investigations found PFAS concentrations in blood samples of local residents far exceeded acceptable levels, and the pollution issue became a serious public health concern. Prosecutors in 2021 accused Miteni of failing to properly treat PFAS waste generated during the manufacturing process and allowing the chemicals to enter the groundwater. They also said Miteni attempted to conceal the problem after the pollution was discovered. Italian authorities indicted 15 individuals, including three Japanese who served as business managers of Mitsubishi's fluorochemical business division and one Japanese who was general manager at the division. Two of these Japanese individuals were also board members at Miteni before the subsidiary was sold in 2009. The factory has been shut down and Miteni has gone bankrupt. According to Marco Casellato, a lawyer representing the victims, the ruling represents the first time in Europe for corporate managers to be held criminal responsibility for PFAS pollution. 'This was a groundbreaking ruling that almost entirely recognizes corporate responsibility,' he said. Mitsubishi declined to give its opinion on the ruling. 'We will refrain from answering questions because our views on this ruling are deeply related to ongoing legal proceedings,' the company said in a statement. 'However, we will continue to engage sincerely in discussions through the judicial process.' PFAS is a collective term for organic fluorine compounds that are resistant to water, oil and heat. They have been widely used since the 1950s in waterproofing and firefighting foams. In recent years, PFAS contamination has been linked to health problems, such as kidney and breast cancer. (This article was written by Kosuke So, correspondent, and Shiki Iwasawa.)
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, June 26: 2025 Indian Motorcycle range launched, JLR to begin local assembly and more
Chief Bobber Dark Horse is the most affordable motorcycle in the brand's portfolio. The prices start at ₹23.52 lakh ex-showroom. Notify me The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which makes it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Wednesday, June 25. 2025 Indian Motorcycle range launched Indian Motorcycle, celebrated as the first motorcycle manufacturer in America, has officially announced the pricing for its 2025 heavyweight lineup in India. The refreshed collection features some of the most legendary cruisers and touring bikes within the brand's offerings—specifically the Chief, Chieftain, Challenger, Pursuit, and Roadmaster. Every model in the 2025 collection showcases Indian Motorcycle's dedication to superior craftsmanship, exceptional engineering, and a commanding presence on the road. Ranging from minimalist cruisers to extensive touring vehicles, the brand persistently serves riders who desire power, prestige, and an authentic American riding experience. Also Read : Indian Motorcycle announces prices of MY25 bikes. Here's what's on offer JLR to begin local assembly Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which is owned by Tata Motors, is set to initiate the local assembly of its vehicles in Tamil Nadu, beginning in 2026. This information was confirmed by Tata Motors' Group CFO, PB Balaji, during a recent media engagement. The company intends to start completely knocked down (CKD) operations at the Ranipet facility in Tamil Nadu from the beginning of 2026. Currently, JLR assembles its luxury cars locally at Tata's Pune facility, and will gradually transition to the new Ranipet plant. Tata intends to allocate approximately ₹ 9,000 crore towards the forthcoming Ranipet plant, which is essential for JLR's future strategy. This facility will manufacture the next generation of vehicles for both Tata Motors and JLR, boasting an installed capacity of 250,000 units once it is fully operational. Nevertheless, production will commence in a phased approach, with the goal of reaching full capacity within five to seven years. Also Read : JLR to begin local assembly at Tamil Nadu plant from 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT XX Concept unveiled Mercedes-AMG has formally introduced the GT XX, signifying a significant milestone as its inaugural purpose-built electric concept. Unveiled on June 25, 2025, this four-door GT is not just a design study—it serves as a preview of the manufacturer's first production vehicle constructed entirely on the specialized skateboard architecture. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz AMG GT XX Concept unveiled with 360 kmph top speed Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 27 Jun 2025, 08:00 AM IST
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
US pending home sales rise more than expected in May
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes increased more than expected in May, but higher mortgage rates remain a constraint for buyers. The National Association of Realtors said on Thursday its Pending Home Sales Index, based on signed contracts, increased 1.8% to 72.6 last month. Sales rose in all four regions. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast contracts, which become sales after a month or two, would edge up 0.1%. Pending home sales advanced 1.1% from a year earlier. "Consistent job gains and rising wages are modestly helping the housing market, said Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist. "However, mortgage rate fluctuations are the primary driver of homebuying decisions and impact housing affordability more than wage gains." 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
GMA Network
25-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
QueerCon: QC gov't, advocates hold expo of LGBT-owned businesses
Various snaps from the first day of QueerCon: LGBTQIA+ Business Expo on June 20, 2025. Composite Image: Jaia Yap/GMA Integrated News. More than 40 businesses owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community were brought together last weekend in a mall in Quezon City for the debut run of QueerCon: LGBTQIA+ Business Expo 2025. Organized by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the Quezon City Government, QueerCon ran from June 20 to 21 in Trinoma's Activity Center and was billed as the biggest expo of its kind in the country. 'This is a pioneering initiative that puts the spotlight on queer-owned businesses,' said the Chamber's chair Ronn Astillas in an interview with GMA Integrated News. 'Ang gusto nating ipakita o mensahe sa ating kababayan ay kami mismo sa lipunan ay katulong n'yo o katuwang ninyo sa pag-unlad sa ekonomiya,' he said. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the opening of QueerCon, which featured food and drinks and a myriad of items like colognes, clothing, handcrafted bags, accessories, wooden trinkets, stickers, and artworks. '[There's] so many exciting products na hindi matatagpuan sa kahit saan pang bazaar,' Belmonte said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Service-oriented enterprises were also featured, such as a travel agency, a printing business, and an online tax filing and payment platform. 'Empowerment' through enterprise According to Astillas, every purchase at the expo was also 'a vote for equity and visibility.' ''Pag ikaw ay sumusuporta sa isang negosyo na pagmamay-ari ng LGBT, it will go a long, long way, sapagkat binibigyan mo kami ng oportunidad upang mas maging stable at sustainable ang aming livelihood. And at the same time, kami rin mismo nagbibigay ng employment sa aming mga empleyado, sa aming mga kapuwa,' he said. Astillas hopes that there will be more initiatives that support queer-owned enterprises in the future. 'Kaya mahalagang mahalaga na ang pagtulong sa negosyo, tulad ng ginagawa ng QueerCon, ay magawa natin sa buong bansa dahil ang epekto nito ay hindi lamang para sa komunidad, kundi para sa lahat ng tao na nakapiligid sa aming komunidad ng LGBT+ community,' he said. For other events this Pride Month, there's QCinema's Rainbow QC Pride Film Festival happening from June 25 to 27 in Cubao, Quezon City. Meanwhile, this year's Pride March and Festival, dubbed LOVELABAN 2025, will be held on June 28 in the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Evening Standard
23-06-2025
- Evening Standard
Five holistic London spas for the ultimate relaxation
While many today chase the latest and greatest technology, Aire is resolute in its duty to offer clients a disconnect from the world outside. Housed in the 17th-century brick-fronted building that was owned and lived in by JM Barry when he wrote Peter Pan, you'll descend the stairs to discover a maze of vaulted spaces under which lie candle-lit baths, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, hydrotherapy jets and bubbling plunge pools.
