Today's Current Affairs 17th June 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Japan Raises Age Of Consent From 13 To 16, Redefines Rape In Landmark Law Change

• Japan’s parliament has raised the age of consent from 13 to 16, a limit which had remained unchanged for more than a century and was among the world’s lowest consent age.
• Lawmakers also broadened the definition of rape from “forcible sexual intercourse” to “non-consensual sexual intercourse”.
• The expanded definition includes acts committed using drugging and intoxication. It also criminalized the grooming of minors.
• Sexual intercourse with someone below age 16 will be considered as rape.
• Japan’s sexual consent age had been unchanged since 1907.Consent age is defined as the age below which sexual activity is considered as rape.Current consent age is 16 in Britain, 15 in France, 14 in Germany and China & 18 in India.

 NATIONAL

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society renamed Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society

• Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society: At a special meeting presided over by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, who is Vice-President of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society, it was resolved to change the society’s name to Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society. The decision was influenced by the completion of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, a museum dedicated to all the Prime Ministers of India.
• The Executive Council of the NMML had approved the construction of the museum in 2016, based on an idea proposed by Prime Minister Shri Modi.
• However, they later felt that the name of the institution should reflect its new form, which now includes a Sangrahalaya showcasing the journey of democracy in Independent India and the contribution of each Prime Minister to nation-building.
• The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) was established in 1964 in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. It is located in the Teen Murti Bhavan in New Delhi, which was the official residence of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Yoga at Office Chair-Centre introduces for employee stress relief

• The central government of India has recently taken a proactive step towards improving the well-being of its employees by introducing the “Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair” protocol. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy), aims to help professionals relieve stress, rejuvenate their energy levels, and enhance concentration. The protocol includes a series of simple yoga practices, such as asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation), all of which can be easily incorporated into a short break from work.
• Recognizing the importance of employee well-being in fostering a productive and harmonious work environment, the personnel ministry has directed all central government ministries and departments to embrace and encourage this innovative yoga practice. The “Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair” protocol offers a convenient solution for busy officials who may find it challenging to dedicate time to yoga outside of their office spaces. By practicing this short-duration yoga routine while sitting in their office chairs, employees can experience the benefits of relaxation, stress reduction, and improved focus.
• The “Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair” protocol has been carefully developed by eminent experts in the field of yoga. The Ministry of AYUSH has collaborated with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga to create this tested and effective protocol. The positive feedback received thus far from participants underscores its efficacy in combating workplace stress and enhancing overall well-being.

 OBITURY

Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked 'Pentagon Papers,' dies at 92

• Daniel Ellsberg, a U.S. military analyst, passed away at the age of 92. He became known for leaking the “Pentagon Papers,” which exposed how the U.S. government deceived the public about the Vietnam War. This revelation sparked a significant fight for freedom of the press. Ellsberg’s actions, predating figures like Edward Snowden and Wikileaks, revealed that the government could mislead and lie to its citizens. Later in life, he became an advocate for whistleblowers and his story was depicted in the movie “The Post” released in 2017.
• Ellsberg took a secret action in 1971 to share important information with the media, hoping to help bring an end to the Vietnam War more quickly. However, this made him a target of attacks by the Nixon White House, which tried to harm his reputation. Henry Kissinger, who was an important advisor to the president at the time, even called him “the most dangerous man in America” and wanted to stop him at any cost.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day To Combat Desertification and Drought 2023:17th June

• The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is an annual observance held on June 17th. It is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the threats posed by desertification and drought and promoting efforts to combat these challenges.
• Desertification refers to the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, often caused by various factors such as climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and overexploitation of natural resources. Drought, on the other hand, is a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall, resulting in water scarcity, crop failure, and ecosystem disruption.
• This year, the theme of the International Day Against Desertification, and Drought “Her land. Her rights”, emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

SEACEN-FSI 25^th Conference of Asia-Pacific Supervision Directors in Mumbai(Maharashtra)

• SEACEN-FSI 25th Conference of Asia-Pacific Supervision Directors: Banking supervisors are being urged by the Reserve Bank to keep up to date with technological advances in order to regulate and monitor the fast-evolving world of financial technology.
• The Reserve Bank’s deputy governor, Mukesh Jain, stated that as banks continue to adopt new technologies, it is essential that supervisors have access to the knowledge and resources needed to effectively supervise them.
• Jain also warned that the recent failure of banks abroad has added to the challenges faced by supervisors, who must maintain stability and minimise risks.
• He commented that supervisors must find a balance that ensures financial stability and minimises moral hazard risks.
• Both banks and banking supervisors must develop their capabilities to handle technological advancements and navigate uncertain waters, as there are inherent risks associated with handling data, including data breaches and privacy concerns, said Jain. Investment in technology with a long-term vision and upgrading knowledge and skills will be necessary.

 BOOKS & AUTHOR

“A Life Well Spent — Four Decades in the Indian Foreign Service” by Satish Chandra

• Ambassador Satish Chandra, an Indian diplomat, has penned a book titled ‘A Life Well Spent – Four Decades in the Indian Foreign Service,’ chronicling his extensive career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) from 1965 to 2005. The book delves into his journey from being an IFS probationer to assuming the role of Deputy National Security Advisor, providing valuable perspectives on Indian diplomacy and tracing the development of the National Security Council (NSC) framework. Published in May 2023 by Rupa Publications, this insightful work offers readers a deeper understanding of Ambassador Satish Chandra’s experiences and the evolution of Indian foreign policy.
• Satish Chandra is currently being the Vice Chairman of the New Delhi-based think tank, influential brains trust, Vivekananda International Foundation. Satish Chandra who joined the IFS in 1965 was posted in Indian missions till 1989. He served as India’s ambassador to the Philippines, its permanent representative to the UN Offices in Geneva, (Switzerland) and its High Commissioner to Pakistan. He was the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and, was the deputy national security advisor.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Finance Minister Sitharaman Receives Dividend Cheque Of Rs 5,740 Crore From SBI

• State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, has presented a dividend cheque of Rs 5,740 crore to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the financial year 2022-23. The dividend payment was made by SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, in the presence of Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi. This dividend amount marks the highest-ever dividend given by SBI to the Government of India for a financial year.
• The finance minister’s office tweeted about the event, stating that Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman received the dividend cheque from SBI Chairman Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara. Also present at the ceremony was Secretary of Financial Services, Shri Vivek Joshi. The ceremony highlighted the significant contribution made by SBI to the government’s revenue and emphasized the bank’s strong financial performance.