1. Kerala Launches 'Project 0' to Eradicate Administrative Corruption

The Government of Kerala has officially rolled out a comprehensive anti-graft initiative named Project 0 (Project Zero), aimed at establishing a completely corruption-free governance ecosystem across the state.

• The Objective: The project targets "zero tolerance" toward bribery and red-tape. It primarily focuses on digitizing public service delivery systems to eliminate human intervention at vulnerable check-points and bureaucratic interfaces.
• Key Implementations:
• Sustained tracking of files via an advanced electronic file management network to prevent deliberate delays.
• Strict integration of local self-government institutions with institutional anti-corruption bodies.
• Introduction of anonymous, end-to-end encrypted public whistleblowing channels.
• Exam Significance: This serves as a vital case study for governance reform, administrative ethics, and institutional mechanisms to counter corruption in India (highly relevant for public administration and polity sections).

📌 High-Yield Static GK Notes

• Prevention of Corruption Act: Enacted in 1988. In India, state-level anti-corruption wings function alongside the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which was set up in 1964 based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee.
• Kerala State Details: The state is historically recognized for pioneering decentralized governance through its People's Plan Campaign under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.

2. Sikkim Declared 5th Fully Literate State Under ULLAS Initiative

Sikkim has achieved a historic milestone by being officially declared India’s fifth "fully literate" state under the Union Government's flagship ULLAS programme, achieving an adult literacy rate of 99.82%. The formal announcement was made during the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University.

• The Benchmark: According to the Ministry of Education guidelines, a State or Union Territory qualifies for the "Fully Literate" status once its adult literacy rate (among individuals aged 15 years and above) crosses the threshold of 95%.
• The Sikkim Model: The milestone was driven via the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) framework, heavily relying on Jan Bhagidari (mass participation). Over 4,000 student and community volunteers taught non-literate adults without taking any honorarium.
• National Rankings: Sikkim is the 5th state to cross this benchmark, following Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh. It stands as the 3rd state in Northeast India to clear the target.

📌 High-Yield Static GK Notes

• ULLAS Initiative: Expands to Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2022 to implement the core tenets of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Nodal Ministry & Tagline: Ministry of Education; the official tagline is "Jan-Jan Sakshar" (Education for All).
• Target Demography: It specifically targets non-literate citizens aged 15 years and above who completely missed the opportunity of formal schooling, aiming to cover 5 crore learners during the FY 2022–2027 period.

3.15-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Shatters All-Time IPL Sixes Record

Left-handed batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, playing for the Rajasthan Royals, has set a monumental record by hitting the most sixes in a single season in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

• The Record: The 15-year-old sensation smashed an incredible 72 sixes over the course of the season.
• Historical Precedent Broken: With this feat, Suryavanshi shattered the long-standing, 14-year-old absolute IPL record previously held by West Indian legend Chris Gayle, who had blasted 59 sixes during the 2012 season.
• Season Accolades: Beyond his six-hitting prowess, Suryavanshi capped off an extraordinary individual season campaign by accumulating 776 runs at a historic strike rate of 237.31. His absolute dominance earned him the coveted Orange Cap, the Emerging Player of the Season award, and the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.
• 📌 High-Yield Static GK Notes
• IPL Administration: The Indian Premier League is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The inaugural edition of the tournament took place in 2008 (won by Rajasthan Royals).
• BCCI Structure: Established in 1928, headquartered at the Cricket Centre in Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.