News

Japan gets UN approval to release water from Fukushima nuclear plant

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

The water had been used to cool the reactors in the defunct nuclear plant that was damaged in the 2011 tsunami

In spite of Beijing and some local residents’ fierce opposition, Japan’s plan to discharge treated radioactive water into the ocean from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima plant was approved by the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog on Tuesday.

After a two-year review, the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded that Japan’s plans had a “negligible radiological effect on people and the environment”.

The plan would see enough water to fill 500 Olympic swimming pools into the Pacific Ocean.

The Japanese government maintains that the process is safe since the water used to cool the fuel rods of the Fukushima plant was treated after the earthquake and tsunami damaged it in 2011.

Japanese fishing unions oppose the plan, saying it would further tarnish their reputation which had already taken a hit following the 2011 disaster, after which some countries banned their products.

Beijing has emerged as the most vocal critic of the plan, leading calls to scrap the proposal from several neighbouring countries on the grounds of threats to marine and public health.

A petition from the regions around the plant has garnered more than 250,000 signatures since the proposal was first made.

Japan says most radioactive elements have been removed from the water except tritium, which is difficult to separate from water, but the released water will be diluted well below internationally approved levels of tritium.

News

Airlines face disruptions that surpass previous Middle East conflicts

Published

23 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Ahron Young

What’s happening in the Middle East?

Trump says U.S. strikes could last four to five weeks and described the operation as the last best chance to act, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns the hardest hits are yet to come
Six U.S. service members have been killed, additional American forces are being deployed to the region, and the White House says nine Iranian naval ships have been destroyed
Iran says it sees no limit to its right to self defence and will not negotiate, as missile and drone attacks continue across Israel, Lebanon and Gulf states
More than 500 Iranians have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, with further deaths reported in Lebanon, Israel and the UAE
Shipping, aviation and energy markets have been severely disrupted, more than 11,000 flights have been cancelled, Gulf stock markets have closed temporarily, and oil and gas prices have surged amid Strait of Hormuz fears

News

Oil prices surge amid rising Middle East conflict risks

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Published

23 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil surges 7% amid fears of Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz disruptions may push Brent over $100.

Crude oil prices spiked dramatically as investors react to the growing risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East. U.S. crude surged 7.2 percent, trading near $71.84 a barrel, signalling heightened concern across energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint, has come under intense scrutiny. Rising war-risk insurance premiums and suspended tanker traffic are already slowing the movement of oil, creating ripple effects in global supply chains.

JPMorgan has warned that prolonged disruptions over three weeks could force Gulf producers to reduce output, potentially pushing Brent crude prices to between $100 and $120 a barrel. Markets are closely watching for developments that could reshape global energy pricing.

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News

Trump warns of last opportunity to hit Iran as conflict escalates

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

Published

23 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump declares final chance to strike Iran, aiming to dismantle missile systems and prevent nuclear weapons amid U.S. troop losses.

President Trump has declared this is the final opportunity to strike Iran as conflict intensifies across the Middle East, outlining four key military objectives including dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and targeting its navy.

The U.S. says its mission is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to halt its alleged support for terrorist groups abroad, signalling a potentially prolonged campaign in the region.

Four U.S. troops have already been killed, with officials warning further casualties are possible as operations continue.

#Trump #Iran #MiddleEast

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