RED SEA
News – Houthis claim third attack in 48 hours on U.S. ships in Red Sea
- Greek Name – “Erythra Thalassa”
- Location – The Red Sea is located between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Length: About 2,250 km; Width: ~355 km.
- Notable Islands: Hanish Islands and Dahlak Archipelago.
- It connects – Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean
- To North – Suez Canal
- To South – Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
- It is one of the – world’s warmest and saltiest seas
- Importance – Red Sea is a critical maritime route, for trade between Europe, Asia
- Environmental concern – Algal Bloom
RAISIANA DIALOGUE
News – ‘America First’ doesn’t mean ‘America alone’: Gabbard
- About – It is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics
- Obj – To address pressing global challenges in diplomacy, security, and economic policies.
- Location – held annually in New Delhi.
- Organizers: Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Participants: Includes heads of state, ministers, policymakers, academics across globe
- 2025 Theme: “Kalachakra – People, Peace, and Planet”
CANADA
News – In London, PM Mark Carney underscores Canada’s sovereignty and identity
- Canada is the – Second-largest country in the world
- Canada has – World’s Longest Coastline
- Location – bordered by the United States to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north.
- Capital – Ottawa
- Canada is home to the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls
- Govt Type – Federal parliamentary democracy
- Common Membership with India on – G20, Commonwealth, and United Nations.
- Education hub – 319,000 Indian students study there
- 4% of Canada’s population – is Indian
PERIYAR E.V. RAMASWAMY NAIKAR
News – HC dismisses Seeman’s plea to club FIRs over speech against Periyar
- Life – 1879–1973
- Title – “Periyar” and “Father of the Dravidian Movement.“
- Born in – Erode, Tamil Nadu
- He was a social reformer, politician, and rationalist.
- Key Contributions-
- Self-Respect Movement (1925):
- Vaikom Satyagraha (1924):
- Created Dravidar Kazhagam (1944):
- Opposed untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
- He championed women’s rights
- Legacy – Social Justice Day on his birth anniversary (September 17).
NATIONAL IMMUNISATION DAY
News – India observes National Immunisation Day
- Purpose: Observed to promote immunisation and ensure that every child receives vaccines to protect against life-threatening diseases.
- Primarily associated with – the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme
- Initiated in – 1995
- Date: Celebrated multiple times a year
- Polio-Free Status: India was declared polio-free by WHO in 2014
- Mission Indradhanush:
- Launched in 2014 to achieve full immunisation coverage for children and pregnant women.
SISTACHAR SQUADS
- It is a recent initiative by the Delhi Police
- Purpose: These are district-wise, dedicated anti-eve-teasing squads
- Obj – to prevent harassment and ensure the safety of women in public areas.
- Inspired from – Anti-Romeo Squads
- Composition-
- 1 Inspector
- 1 Sub-Inspector
- 5 Male Officers
- 4 Female Officers
MCQs
1. “Erythra Thalassa” is the Greek name for?
A. Sahara Desert
B. Northern Lights
C. Red Sea
D. Greek Army
2. “Raisiana Dialogue” is held at?
A. Karachi
B. New York
C. Shanghai
D. New Delhi
3. Capital of Canada is?
A. New Jersey
B. Ottawa
C. Montreal
D. Toronto
4. “National Immunization Day” focuses on?
A. Immunity from Childhood Trauma
B. Tuberculosis Eradication
C. Pulse Polio Programme
D. Malaria Eradication
5. “Sistachar Squad” is launched by?
A. Bhim Sena
B. Mumbai Police
C. RSS
D. Delhi Police