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Analyses by Japanese laboratories of seawater, marine sediment and fish samples taken from near the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant produce reliable data, according to the International Atomic ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Agency. The agency compared the results obtained from seven Japanese labs with those from three labs outside Japan.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)Ìýhas formally decided to invest in Areva's reactor operations andÌýsigned investment agreements with both Areva Group and EDF to take a 19.5% stake in New NP.

A "scientific characteristic map" for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste has today been published by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The map does not identify potential repository sites, but indicates areas that have suitable geological conditions to host such a facility.

Toshiba Corp is now the sole owner of NuGeneration (NuGen) after completing the acquisition of French utility Engie's 40% share in the UK nuclear power plant developer yesterday. The Japanese electronics conglomerate received notice from Engie on 4 April that it had exercised its right to require Toshiba to purchase all shares held by Engie in NuGen.

Japan's cabinet last week approved the draft Basic Concept on Nuclear ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Use developed by the Japan Atomic ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Commission. The concept - which will guide the country's future nuclear energy policy - calls for the promotion of the benefits of nuclear energy while minimising the risks of its use.

The nuclear cooperation agreement signed between India and Japan last November entered into force yesterday with the exchange of diplomatic notes. The agreement opens the door for India to import Japanese nuclear technology.

UPDATED Tokyo Electric Power Company has confirmed the presence of what could be melted fuelÌýand fallen debris within the lower part of the flooded primary containment vesselÌýof unit 3 at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. Similar surveys using robots have already been carried out at units 1 and 2 of the plant.

Two ships carrying mixed oxide (MOX) fuel yesterday departed from the French port of Cherbourg en route to Japan. It is the sixth such shipment of MOX fuel from Europe to Japan.

Japan's Nuclear Regulation AuthorityÌýhas approved a plan to decommission unit 1 of Shikoku Electric Power Company's Ikata nuclear power plant inÌýEhime prefecture. The reactor was due to end its 40-year operating period in September this year and could have applied to the NRA to extend its licence for a further 20 years if it invested in upgrade work.

Japan's Toshiba Corporation has been granted an extension to the deadline for the submission of its audited earnings results for the 2016 financial year, which ended on 31 March. At the same time, the company has slightly revised its annual loss estimate.

The basic plan for decommissioning Japan's Monju prototype fast breeder reactor has been officially adopted by the government-appointed team to oversee the task. According to the plan, decommissioning of Monju is expected to take 30 years to complete.

An underwater robot has been developed to inspect the flooded primary containment vessel of unit 3 at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The robot is expected to be deployed in the coming months, following the training of operators.