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1. The Union Government has issued citizenship certificates to over 300 individuals under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019, following the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024. These rules, implemented after a four-year delay since the Act's passage, enable citizenship for undocumented migrants from six non-Muslim communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. The Act reduces the residency requirement for citizenship from 11 to 5 years and exempts these minorities from certain provisions of immigration laws. Section 6B, added to the Citizenship Act of 1955, outlines the process for naturalization, facilitating citizenship for migrants from the specified neighboring countries.
2. Sunil Chhetri, the esteemed Indian football captain, has announced his retirement from international football after his final match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, Chhetri ranks third among active players globally, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He holds the impressive fourth position in the all-time list of international goal-scorers. Throughout his illustrious career, Chhetri amassed an impressive collection of trophies, including the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and multiple SAFF Championships, Nehru Cups, and Intercontinental Cups. He's been honored with numerous awards, including the AIFF Player of the Year and FPAI Indian Player of the Year multiple times, along with national accolades like the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), established in 1937 and affiliated with FIFA in 1948, oversees football in India.
3. Researchers conducting a study on Sea Anemones (Actiniaria) in the Lakshadweep islands have documented a significant bleaching event among the anemones off Agatti island. This marks the first observation of sea anemone bleaching in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Sea anemone bleaching occurs when these creatures lose their vibrant colors, turning white or pale due to the expulsion of symbiotic photosynthetic algae, often triggered by environmental stressors like rising water temperatures, pollution, or changes in ocean chemistry. This phenomenon deprives sea anemones of their primary energy source, making them more vulnerable to diseases and increasing mortality rates. Sea anemones, aquatic animals characterized by soft bodies and stinging capabilities, belong to the Cnidaria phylum and are commonly found in coastal tropical waters. They form symbiotic relationships with clownfish and contribute significantly to benthic ecosystems, playing crucial roles in biogeochemical processes. Agatti Island, located approximately 459 km (248 nautical miles) west of Kochi, Kerala, is situated near Kavaratti Island in the Lakshadweep group.
4. The Spices Board of India, established in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986, is a statutory body responsible for the production, development, and export promotion of spices. It merged the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council. As the flagship organization for Indian spices, it facilitates export promotion and development of 52 scheduled spices, including cardamom. Amid concerns over Ethylene Oxide (ETO) contamination in spices, the Board has engaged with CODEX, the international food standards body, to establish limits for ETO usage. ETO, a sterilizing agent, poses carcinogenic risks beyond certain limits. Although efforts are underway to prevent contamination, with a sample failure rate of less than 1% in major markets, standardized testing protocols and limits are lacking. The Board advises against ETO usage and recommends alternatives like steam sterilization. Other countries, including the US, New Zealand, and Australia, have also raised quality concerns regarding Indian spices. India, being the largest spice producer, consumer, and exporter, with exports reaching USD 4.25 billion in 2023-24, underscores the significance of addressing international food standards through collaborative efforts like CODEX.
5. Alice Munro, a celebrated Nobel laureate in Literature, recently passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy marked by over twelve collections of short stories and numerous prestigious awards. Her literary achievements include the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker International Prize in 2009, and twice winning the Giller Prize, Canada's prestigious literary award. Munro's mastery in the art of storytelling garnered global acclaim, as she delved into a diverse array of human experiences, including themes of love, desire, dissatisfaction, ageing, and ethical complexities. Through her compelling narratives, Munro captivated readers and left an indelible mark on the world of literature.
6. The 7th edition of the joint military exercise "Shakti" between India and France has commenced in Umroi, Meghalaya, underscoring a significant collaboration in bolstering tactical capabilities. This biennial training event, alternately hosted in India and France, focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Exercise Shakti will specifically target operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains, emphasizing responses to terrorist actions, establishment of joint command posts, and intelligence and surveillance centers. The exercise aligns with the broader objective of fostering readiness and coordination between the armed forces of both nations. Notably, other joint exercises between France and India include Exercise Varuna, Exercise Garuda, and Exercise Desert Knight.