July 5, Wednesday, 2023

1. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi met residents of Fukushima Prefecture on Wednesday to alleviate concerns over Japan’s plan to release treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean. 2. Rice has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries, but domestic consumption is on the decline. A producers’ association has launched a promotion to combat this trend. It urges restaurants to offer more “donburi” items, or dishes served in bowls of rice. 3. Britain’s defense ministry says Russia has used a massive amount of antitank mines to slow the advance of Ukraine’s forces in the country’s south. The ministry said on Tuesday that in recent weeks, Russia has prioritized and refined tactics aimed at slowing Ukrainian armored counteroffensive operations in the south. It also said Russia attempted to strike Ukrainian armored vehicles with drones, attack helicopters and artillery.