INTERNATIONAL     World’s first robot table tennis tutor sets Guinness record.   The world’s first robot table tennis tutor FORPHEUS in Japan has set a new Guinness World Record for its uncanny ability of being able to play the game better than most humans.   FORPHEUS (Future Omron Robotics Technology for Exploring Possibility … Read more

  INTERNATIONAL   89th Academy Awards   The 89th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honor the best films of 2016, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. During the ceremony, AMPAS presented Academy Awards (commonly referred to as Oscars) in 24 categories.     … Read more

  INTERNATIONAL     Venezuela, Libya suspended from voting in UNGA.   Venezuela and Libya were suspended from voting in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the 2016-17 session for not paying dues to the world body. This is for the second time in two years both countries have been suspended. Venezuela was to … Read more

  INTERNATIONAL   India, Israel to jointly develop missile for Army   India has approved a deal to jointly develop a medium range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) system for the Army in a Rs. 17,000-crore deal.   This is the latest in a series of other variants of SAM systems for the Navy and the Air … Read more

  INTERNATIONAL     Turkey lifts scarf ban on women soldiers.   Turkey’s Army is lifting a historic ban on women officers wearing the Islamic headscarf in the officially secular country The move, ordered by the Defence Ministry, applies to officers working in the general staff and command headquarters and branches Women may wear the … Read more

  INTERNAIONAL   The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed across the world on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. This year it is the 17th anniversary of IMLD. The observance of this day signifies importance of mother language as the greatest weapon to express one’s feeling. Mother Language … Read more

  NATIONAL     Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned in Kochi.   Post commissioning, the ship will be based at Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.           Indian Cost Guard (ICG)   The establishment of the Indian Coast Guard was first proposed by the Indian Navy to provide non-military maritime services to the nation.   … Read more

 INTERNAIONAL   Scientists claim discovery of Zealandia a submerged continent in Pacific Ocean Geologists have claimed discovery of new geological continent named Zealandia submerged beneath the south-west Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is around 4.5-million square km land mass and is 94% under water. Only its highest points — New Zealand and New Caledonia are visible.   … Read more

  INTERNATIONAL     UAE unveils 100 year plan to build first city on Mars by 2117.   The UAE has unveiled plans to build the first city on Mars by 2117. In this regard energy-rich country has announced the 100-year national project on which it will collaborate with specialised international organisations and scientific institutes. … Read more

  NATIONAL     Nagaland Gets New Chief Minister, Liezietsu Shurhozelie.   Ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) supremo Shurhozelie Liezietsu will take over from Chief Minister TR Zeliang.     Recent issue in Nagaland –   It is the Conflict in social groups of Nagaland for the 33 % reservation of women in elections.   Naga Mothers’ … Read more