AI In-brief 23 Sept 06:08

UN nuclear chief to meet Raisi during crucial Iran talks

UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi visited Iran for high-level talks with President Ebrahim Raisi, aiming to "relaunch dialogue" and enhance cooperation on the nation's atomic work.
The visit was prompted by the IAEA's discovery of uranium particles enriched to 83.7% purity, just below weapons-grade, at Iran's underground Fordow plant.
Iran denies intentionally enriching beyond 60%, attributing the higher purity to potential "unintended fluctuations" during the enrichment process.
Grossi's discussions sought to secure greater access and inspections at nuclear sites, occurring amidst stalled negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).

AI In-brief Yesterday 17:12

Japan launches new national agency to deal with disasters

Japan established a new National Disaster Management Agency to centralize preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts, addressing a critical gap in its historically reactive disaster management approach.
The agency aims to bolster readiness for potential megaquakes along the Pacific coast, in Tokyo, and Mount Fuji eruptions, drawing lessons from past disasters like the 2011 quake and tsunami.
Reconstruction Minister Goshi Hosono, managing the agency, issued urgent calls for citizens and municipalities to review home safety, evacuation procedures, and stock emergency supplies for at least three days.
A key objective is to significantly improve conditions at evacuation centers by providing better facilities like portable toilets, hot food, and proper bedding, addressing past criticisms linked to health problems and fatalities.