Front page. At its monetary policy meeting on the 26th, the Bank of Japan decided to leave the target rate for the overnight uncollateralized call rate unchanged at the current level of 0 to 0.1%. The government has just lifted its negative interest rate policy in March, marking the first interest rate hike in 17 years, and appears to have decided that it is necessary to assess the impact on the economy. The Bank of Japan also provided its outlook for consumer prices, raising the rate of increase for FY2024 and FY2025.
Second page. A revised law that incorporates measures to address the “Logistics Issues of 2024” associated with the application of overtime work regulations for truck drivers was passed at a plenary session of the House of Councilors on the 26th with a majority vote in favor, including from the ruling party. It was established. In order to make the work of drivers more efficient, the main objective is to require shipper companies to formulate plans to reduce the amount of time drivers spend waiting at delivery points. It is expected that more than 3,000 companies will be targeted. Fully implemented by FY2016. The standards for companies that will be subject to the requirement will be determined by government ordinance in the future, but the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced that in addition to approximately 3,000 shippers, approximately 400 trucking companies and others will be subject to the requirement.
Third page. On the 26th, the Children and Family Affairs Agency announced the results of a fact-finding survey targeting child guidance centers and religious second-generation children across the country regarding religious abuse that is based on the beliefs and education of parents. Of the consultations that the 229 responding children’s counselors responded to between April 2022 and September 2023, 16.2% (37 locations) said that there were cases that were suspected to be related to religious affiliation. A total of 47 cases were consulted, of which temporary protection was granted in 19 cases. This is the first time that a large-scale fact-finding survey has been conducted by the government. A representative from the agency said, “There is an urgent need to create an environment in which children can send an SOS.”
Fourth page. Yukio Kasaya was a member of the Hinomaru Squadron that dominated the podium in the 70-meter ski jumping class (now Normal Hill) at the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and became the first Japanese to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. passed away at a hospital in Sapporo due to ischemic heart disease at 7:35 a.m. on the 23rd. 80 years old. Born in Hokkaido. He participated in the Innsbruck Olympics in 1964, during the Meiji University era, when he graduated from Yoichi High School (currently Yoichi Benishi High School) in Hokkaido. After joining Nikka Whiskey, she achieved second place in the 70m class at the 1970 World Championships, using her strong take-offs and beautiful aerial stance as her strengths.
Kaiun-Suisan front page. During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, there were cases where ships were evacuated offshore to protect them from the tsunami. In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, many people were drowned in the tsunami, and it is dangerous. In principle, the Fisheries Agency asks people to flee to higher ground without getting on board, but it is calling for each region to create rules for going out to sea.
KS second page. On the 24th, the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Natural History (Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture) announced that the whale fossil that has been on permanent display since its opening in 1996 is a new species of Inca whale. Compared to individuals that have already been discovered, it is said to have a more primitive shape, with its nasal bones protruding from the front of its face.
Horse racing. Theo Royal is the favorite.
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