NATIONAL DIARY OF EVENTS

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

• Context: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated regulatory actions against the unauthorized online sale and advertisement of hazardous chemicals, explosives, and their associated precursors on digital platforms.

• This action has been undertaken under the provisions of the ‘Consumer Protection Act, 2019,’ with the aim of strengthening consumer protection, public safety, and responsible e-commerce practices.

• In this regard, notices have been issued to major e-commerce platforms concerning the listing and sale of regulated substances including Ammonium Nitrate, Gunpowder, Picric Acid, and Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate.

About the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

• • The CCPA is a regulatory body established in 2020 under the provisions of the ‘Consumer Protection Act, 2019.’

• The CCPA functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Composition

• The Authority consists of a Chief Commissioner as its head, along with two other Commissioners as members.

Powers and Functions

• To investigate or inquire into matters related to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices—either *suo motu* (on its own initiative), based on a complaint received, or upon the direction of the Central Government.
• Imposition of a fine of up to ₹10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years on manufacturers or endorsers who publish false and misleading advertisements.
• This fine amount may be extended up to ₹50 lakh, and the imprisonment up to five years.
• Filing of complaints regarding violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

 

Ken-Betwa Link Project

• Context: Presiding over the 51st PRAGATI meeting held in New Delhi, the Prime Minister noted that the Ken-Betwa project should serve as a model for resolving inter-state water disputes through cooperation, timely clearances, technology-based monitoring, and planned implementation.

About the Ken-Betwa Link Project

• • The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is India’s first initiative being implemented by the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1980 for the interlinking of rivers.

• It aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, a tributary of the Yamuna.

Phases of the Project

• Phase I: Construction of the Daudhan Dam complex, lower and upper-level tunnels, the Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and powerhouses.
• Phase II: Development of the Lower Orr Dam (across a tributary of the Betwa), the Bina Complex Project, and the Kotha Barrage.

Benefits

• Irrigation for 6.3 lakh hectares of land annually.
• Drinking water supply for 62 lakh people.
• The project includes provisions for hydroelectric power generation (100 MW) and solar power generation (27 MW).

 

Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0

• Context: The Prime Minister has emphasized the necessity of effectively implementing Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. Furthermore, he underscored that this mission must move beyond mere infrastructure creation to ensure measurable outcomes through continuous monitoring, citizen participation, and coordination among various stakeholders.

About Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0

• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, being implemented from 2021 to 2026, aims to transform all Indian cities into ‘Garbage-Free Cities.’

• The program focuses on 100% source segregation of waste, bio-remediation of legacy dumpsites, and scientific waste management.

• Additionally, it emphasizes used water management and sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) sanitation standards across the country.

Key Objectives

• Garbage-Free Cities: A complete and sustainable transition towards total sanitation and 100% solid waste processing.
• Legacy Waste Management: The removal and bio-remediation of legacy dumpsites to reclaim urban land.
• Used Water Management: The treatment and reuse of greywater and sewage, particularly in cities with a population of less than one lakh that do not fall under the AMRUT scheme.
• Sanitation: Sustaining the existing Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Urban Local Bodies and upgrading them to ODF+ and ODF++ standards. 

Key Components

• Solid Waste Management (SWM): Door-to-door collection, source segregation of waste, and the establishment of centralized/decentralized waste processing and composting plants.
• Safaimitra Suraksha: Protecting sanitation workers by mechanizing sewage and septic tank cleaning operations.
• Plastic Waste Management: Phasing out single-use plastics and effectively managing Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste.

Target Beneficiaries and Financial Allocation

• • Coverage: All statutory towns in India.
  • Financial Allocation: Estimated at ₹1.41 lakh crore for the SBM-U 2.0 scheme.

• Funding Mechanism: This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), wherein funds are released to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) based on the achievement of specific targets, such as securing a minimum ‘1-Star Garbage Free City’ certification.

Key Initiatives

• Swachh Survekshan: The world’s largest annual cleanliness survey (implemented by QCI).
• LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ Campaign: Promotes ‘Mission LiFE’ and behavioral change among citizens.
• National BCC Framework for GFC: Strengthens public participation (Jan Andolan) to create ‘Garbage Free Cities’ (GFC).

 

Sikkim – Literate State

• Context : Sikkim has become a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Sakshardha Karyagram scheme on 27th May 2026.
• The literacy rate achieved is 99.82%.
• The Union Education Ministry’s target for “Full Literacy” is 95%.
• ULLAS scheme was launched in Sikkim on 14th November 2022.
• Areas covered:
•  All 6 districts
•  34 blocks
•  Gram Panchayats and wards.

About ULLAS – Nav Bharat Sakshardha Karyagram scheme

• • ULLAS stands for: Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society.

• This is a Centrally funded scheme to be implemented during the period 2022-2027.

• The scheme is designed in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).

• The main target of this scheme is the elderly/adults aged 15 years and above who have missed out on formal schooling.

• • Its primary objective is to educate illiterate adults and integrate them into the society and the economy of the country.
  • The vision of this scheme is “Jan Jan Sakshar” (Literacy for every person).

• The scheme is implemented through voluntary work based on the noble objective of “Kartavya Bodh” (Sense of Duty).

• • It has five main components:
    • Basic Literacy and Numeracy
    • Essential Life Skills
    • Basic Education
    •  Vocational Skills
    • Continuing Education
  • The ULLAS app is used to register learners and volunteers.
  • This registration can be done by users themselves or through enumerators.

• The app acts as a digital gateway to access learning resources through NCERT’s DIKSHA website.